The Rosicrucian Cosmo Conception is a book by Max Heindel, a Danish-American occultist and mystic, who claimed to have received esoteric teachings from a spiritual teacher of the Rosicrucian Order. The book was first published in 1909 and has been revised several times since then. It presents a comprehensive system of Christian occultism, based on the author’s interpretation of the Bible and other mystical sources.
The book is divided into three parts, each covering a different aspect of the Rosicrucian cosmology and philosophy. In this article, we will summarize the main points of Part 1, which deals with the visible and invisible worlds, man and the method of evolution, rebirth, and the law of cause and
The Visible and Invisible Worlds
According to Heindel, there are seven worlds or planes of existence in God’s creation, each with a different degree of density and vibration. These worlds are not separated by space or distance but interpenetrate each other. They are:
The World of God:
– The highest and most subtle world, where God dwells with the highest beings of His hierarchy. It is beyond human comprehension and description.
The World of Virgin Spirits:
– The world where the human spirits originated as sparks of God’s divine fire. It is also called the world of unity, as there is no separation or individuality in this world.
The World of Divine Spirit:
– The world where the human spirits first differentiated from God and became individualized. It is also called the world of duality, as there is a contrast between spirit and matter in this world.
The World of Life Spirit:
– The world where the human spirits acquired a third aspect, the life spirit, which gave them the ability to create and shape matter. It is also called the world of color, as there is a diversity of forms and hues in this world.
The World of Thought:
– The world where the human spirits developed a fourth aspect, the mind, which gave them the power of reason and imagination. It is also called the world of form, as there are definite shapes and outlines in this world.
The Desire World:
– The world where the human spirits manifested a fifth aspect, the desire body, which gave them emotions and passions. It is also called the world of feeling, as there are sensations and impulses in this world.
The Physical World:
– The lowest and most dense world, where the human spirits incarnated in physical bodies to gain experience and consciousness. It is also called the world of action, as there are movements and changes in this world.
Heindel gives some examples of how these worlds can be perceived by clairvoyants or occultists who have developed their inner senses. For instance, he says that in the physical world, one can see colors that correspond to different chemical elements or substances; in the desire world, one can see colors that correspond to different emotions or feelings; in the thought world, one can see colors that correspond to different ideas or concepts; and so on.
He also explains that each world has different regions or subdivisions that correspond to different degrees of vibration or consciousness within that world. For example, he says that in the physical world, there are seven regions: solid matter (such as minerals), liquid matter (such as water), gaseous matter (such as air), chemical ether (which gives cohesion to matter), life ether (which gives life to matter), light ether (which gives sensation to matter), and reflecting ether (which gives memory to matter).
Man and the Method of Evolution
Heindel explains that man is a complex being composed of seven principles or vehicles corresponding to the seven worlds. These are:
– The Divine Spirit: The highest aspect of man, which links him to God and His purpose. It is also called the Father within or Atma.
– The Life Spirit: The second aspect of man, which gives him life and creativity. It is also called Christ within or Buddhi.
– The Human Spirit: The third aspect of man, which gives him individuality and self-consciousness. It is also called Ego or Manas.
– The Mind: The fourth aspect of man, which gives him intellect and reason. It is also called Concrete Mind or Kama-Manas.
– The Desire Body: The fifth aspect of man, which gives him emotions and passions. It is also called Astral Body or Kama-Rupa.
– The Vital Body: The sixth aspect of man, which gives him vitality and health. It is also called Etheric Body or Prana.
– The Dense Body: The lowest aspect of man, which gives him form and action. It is also called Physical Body or Sthula-Sarira.
Heindel states that man’s evolution consists of two processes: involution and evolution. Involution is the descent of spirit into matter, where it loses its consciousness and power but gains experience and potentiality. Evolution is the ascent of spirit from matter, where it regains its consciousness and power but loses its experience and potentiality.
Heindel divides man’s evolution into four stages:
– Mineral Stage: Where man was unconscious and inert, but acquired the dense body and the germ of the vital body.
– Plant Stage: Where man was semi-conscious and passive, but acquired the desire body and the germ of the mind.
– Animal Stage: Where man was conscious and active, but acquired the human spirit and the germ of the life spirit.
– Human Stage: Where man is self-conscious and creative, but acquires the life spirit and the germ of the divine spirit.
Heindel also mentions that there are four kingdoms in nature: mineral, plant, animal and human. Each kingdom has a different relation to the four ethers of the vital body: chemical, life, light and reflecting. The mineral kingdom has only the chemical ether, which gives it cohesion and form. The plant kingdom has also the life ether, which gives it growth and reproduction. The animal kingdom has also the light ether, which gives it sensation and movement. The human kingdom has also the reflecting ether, which gives it memory and reason.
Heindel gives some examples of how these kingdoms differ in their consciousness and abilities. For instance, he says that in the mineral kingdom, there is no consciousness or sensation; in the plant kingdom, there is a vague consciousness and a passive sensation; in the animal kingdom, there is a clear consciousness and an active sensation; in the human kingdom, there is a self-consciousness and a creative sensation.
Rebirth and the Law of Cause and Effect
Heindel asserts that man’s evolution is not linear, but cyclical. He says that man reincarnates in different physical bodies in different lifetimes, according to the law of rebirth. This law states that man returns to earth to reap what he has sown in previous lives, and to sow what he will reap in future lives.
Heindel also affirms that man’s destiny is not random, but determined by the law of cause and effect. This law states that every action has a consequence, and every consequence has a cause. He says that man creates his fate by his thoughts, words, and deeds, which generate causes that produce effects in his life.
Heindel distinguishes between two kinds of causes and effects: moral and physical. Moral causes are those that affect man’s soul or character, such as virtues and vices. Physical causes are those that affect man’s body or environment, such as health and wealth. He says that moral causes produce physical effects, and physical causes produce moral effects.
Heindel explains that man’s life is divided into two phases: life in the physical world and life in the invisible world. He says that after death, man leaves his dense body behind and enters the desire world with his desired body, mind, and spirit. There he undergoes a process of purification, where he experiences all the pain and pleasure he caused to others in his life. He then enters the world of thought with his mind and spirit, where he reviews his life from a higher perspective and learns from his mistakes. He then enters the heaven world with his spirit, where he enjoys all the good he did in his life and prepares for his next incarnation.
Heindel states that before birth, man descends from the heaven world to the world of thought with his spirit. There he chooses his parents, country, race and sex according to his karma or accumulated causes. He then descends to the desire world with his mind and spirit, where he forms his desire body according to his emotions and passions. He then descends to the physical world with his vital body, mind, and spirit, where he forms his dense body according to his vitality and health.
Heindel concludes that man’s evolution is a spiral of progress, where he ascends from unconsciousness to super-consciousness, from bondage to freedom, from ignorance to wisdom, and from sin to holiness.
The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception Part 2
In the second part of his book, Max Heindel presents the Rosicrucian teachings on the constitution of man and the world. He explains the seven principles or vehicles of consciousness that make up the human being, and how they relate to the seven planes of existence. He also describes the process of evolution and involution and the role of reincarnation and karma in human development. He gives examples from each part to illustrate his points. Here are some of the main topics covered in this part:
The Dense Body:
This is the physical body that we see and touch. It is composed of four elements: earth, water, air and fire. It is the instrument of action and experience in the material world. It is also the seat of the lower passions and desires. Heindel writes: “The dense body is not the real man; neither is it a single homogeneous body” (p. 41). For example, he explains how the dense body has different organs and systems that perform different functions, such as digestion, circulation, respiration, etc. The term “dense” means that this body is made of solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that can be perceived by our physical senses.
The Vital Body:
This is the etheric body that interpenetrates and sustains the dense body. It is composed of four ethers: chemical, life, light, and reflecting. It is the instrument of life and health in the physical body. It is also the seat of memory and habits. Heindel writes: “The vital body is built of points within each atom of the dense body” (p. 47). For example, he explains how the vital body regulates the growth and repair of the dense body, and how it stores impressions and experiences in its etheric matrix. The term “vital” means that this body is made of finer matter that can be perceived by clairvoyance or psychic vision.
The Desire Body:
This is the emotional or astral body that surrounds and interpenetrates the lower part of the vital body. It is composed of seven regions or grades of matter: chemical, etheric, airy, fiery, reflective, subliminal and spiritual. It is the instrument of feeling and desire in the human being. It is also the seat of imagination and emotion. Heindel writes: “The desire body is an exact counterpart of our dense body” (p. 53). For example, he explains how the desire body shapes our attractions and repulsions, and how it influences our moods and temperaments. The term “desire” means that this body is made of even finer matter that can be perceived by clairaudience or psychic hearing.
The Mind:
This is the mental or causal body that surrounds and interpenetrates the upper part of the desire body. It is composed of four regions or grades of matter: concrete mind, abstract mind, intuition, and spirit. It is the instrument of thought and reason in the human being. It is also the seat of will and individuality. Heindel writes: “The mind was given to man to enable him to emancipate himself from bondage to outside influences” (p. 61). For example, he explains how the mind enables us to analyze and synthesize information, and how it determines our goals and purposes. The term “mind” means that this body is made of still finer matter that can be perceived by claircognizance or psychic knowing.
The Ego:
This is the immortal spark or spirit that dwells in and animates all the lower vehicles. It is composed of three aspects or rays: divine spirit, life spirit, and human spirit. It is the source of consciousness and identity in the human being. It is also the seat of morality and spirituality. Heindel writes: “The Ego has its home in none of these vehicles; it merely uses them as instruments” (p. 67). For example, he explains how the Ego reflects itself in each vehicle according to its degree of development, and how it strives for self-realization. The term “Ego” means that this entity is not made of matter at all but of pure spirit or essence.
The Seven Worlds: These are the seven planes or dimensions of existence that correspond to the seven vehicles or principles of man. They are the physical world, etheric region, desire world, mental world, soul world, the world of life spirit, and the world of divine spirit. They are interrelated and interpenetrating, but each has its laws and characteristics. Heindel writes: “The seven Worlds are not separated by space or distance; they are states or conditions within one another” (p. 73). For example, he explains how each world has different types of beings and phenomena that are invisible to our physical senses. The term “world” means that each plane is a distinct realm or domain of existence.
Evolution and Involution: These are the two phases or cycles of manifestation that govern all life forms in creation. Evolution is the process of unfolding or developing latent capacities from within outward; involution is the process of involving or embedding acquired qualities from without inward. They are complementary and necessary for each other’s completion. Heindel writes: “Evolution begins when involution ends” (p. 79). For example, he explains how evolution involves a series of stages or kingdoms, such as mineral, plant, animal, and human, and how involution involves a series of epochs or races, such as Polarian, Hyperborean, Lemurian, Atlantean, and Aryan. The term “evolution” means that this process is progressive and upward; the term “involution” means that this process is regressive and downward.
Reincarnation and Karma: These are the two laws or principles that regulate human evolution and destiny. Reincarnation is the repeated embodiment or rebirth of an individual soul in different physical forms; karma is the law of cause and effect or action and reaction that determines one’s experiences and lessons in each life. They are based on justice and love, it aim at perfection and liberation for all beings. Heindel writes: “Reincarnation provides for our continued existence under conditions where we reap what we have sown” (p. 85). For example, he explains how reincarnation allows us to learn from our mistakes and improve our character, and how karma balances our debts and credits and shapes our circumstances. The term “reincarnation” means that this phenomenon is cyclical and recurrent; the term “karma” means that this phenomenon is causal and consequential.
The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception Part 3
In Part 3, Heindel explains how the human being evolves through seven stages or periods of development, each corresponding to a different planet and a different aspect of consciousness. He also describes the role of the various spiritual hierarchies and initiates in guiding and assisting the evolution of humanity. He also outlines the future stages of evolution and the ultimate goal of attaining self-conscious godhood.
The main points of Part 3 are:
– The seven periods of evolution are the Saturn Period, the Sun Period, the Moon Period, the Earth Period, the Jupiter Period, the Venus Period, and the Vulcan Period. Each period consists of seven revolutions or cycles, each cycle consisting of seven epochs or sub-cycles. Each epoch has a characteristic race or root-race that expresses the dominant quality of that epoch.
– The Saturn Period was the first stage of evolution, where the human being was a mineral-like being with only a dense body and a germinal divine spark. The Lords of Flame or Fire Spirits were the highest spiritual hierarchy that worked on this period, imparting to humanity the first aspect of consciousness: unconsciousness or trance. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this first Revolution of the Saturn Period there was no such thing as Form; therefore it would be impossible to describe conditions as they were then in terms which would convey an adequate idea. The densest substance was even finer than our rarest gas; hence it could not be said that man-in-the-making possessed a vehicle corresponding to our present dense body. He had only a “warmth-globe,” which was his first body.”
– The Sun Period was the second stage of evolution, where the human being developed a vital body and became a plant-like being. The Lords of Wisdom or Cherubim were the highest spiritual hierarchy that worked on this period, imparting to humanity the second aspect of consciousness: subconsciousness or dreamless sleep. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this Revolution man-in-the-making developed a vital body composed of ether. This vehicle gave him added power; he was able to move about from place to place in his environment. He also gained in consciousness; he had something like dreamless sleep.”
– The Moon Period was the third stage of evolution, where the human being developed a desire body and became an animal-like being. The Lords of Individuality or Seraphim were the highest spiritual hierarchy that worked in this period, imparting to humanity the third aspect of consciousness: consciousness or dream state. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this Revolution man-in-the-making developed a desire body composed of desire stuff. This vehicle gave him an incentive to action; he was able to feel desires and emotions. He also gained in consciousness; he had something like dream state.”
– The Earth Period is the fourth and present stage of evolution, where the human being develops a mind and becomes a human being. The Lords of Form or Thrones are the highest spiritual hierarchy that work on this period, imparting to humanity the fourth aspect of consciousness: self-consciousness or waking state. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this Revolution man-in-the-making develops a mind composed of mind stuff. This vehicle gives him rationality and individuality; he is able to think and reason. He also gains in consciousness; he has something like waking state.”
– The Jupiter Period will be the fifth stage of evolution, where the human being will transform his dense body into an etheric body and become a creative being. The Lords of Mind or Exusiai will be the highest spiritual hierarchy that will work on this period, imparting to humanity the fifth aspect of consciousness: super-consciousness or intuition. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this Revolution man-in-the-making will transform his dense body into an etheric body composed of ether. This vehicle will give him creative power; he will be able to shape his environment according to his ideals. He will also gain in consciousness; he will have something like intuition.”
– The Venus Period will be the sixth stage of evolution, where the human being will transform his vital body into a desire body and become a loving being. The Lords of Love or Dynamis will be the highest spiritual hierarchy that will work on this period, imparting to humanity the sixth aspect of consciousness: supra-consciousness or inspiration. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this Revolution man-in-the-making will transform his vital body into a desire body composed of desire stuff. This vehicle will give him love and compassion; he will be able to feel the unity of all life. He will also gain in consciousness; he will have something like inspiration.”
– The Vulcan Period will be the seventh and final stage of evolution, where the human being will transform his desire body into a mind and become a divine being. The Lords of Will or Kyriotetes will be the highest spiritual hierarchy that will work on this period, imparting to humanity the seventh aspect of consciousness: subliminal consciousness or illumination. For example, Heindel writes:
“During this Revolution man-in-the-making will transform his desire body into a mind composed of mind stuff. This vehicle will give him will and wisdom; he will be able to act in harmony with the divine plan. He will also gain in consciousness; he will have something like illumination.”
Heindel summarizes these stages as follows:
“Thus we see that man is to become a Creator; that he is an evolving being who in time will attain to a stage as much higher than his present status as that is above his past mineral condition; that he has not ascended from an animal but is evolving toward something infinitely higher than an animal; that he has behind him an evolution through mineral-like, plant-like and animal-like stages; but these were not physical mineral plant and animal stages; they were conditions wherein he possessed vehicles similar to those which now form part of minerals plants and animals.”
– In each period, various initiates have advanced beyond their fellow beings and have attained higher levels of wisdom and power. These initiates form different degrees or orders within a secret brotherhood called the Rosicrucian Order. They are also known as Elder Brothers or Invisible Helpers. They work behind the scenes to guide and assist humanity in its evolution. They also teach some selected students who are ready for initiation into their mysteries.
– Heindel describes some of these initiates and their roles as follows:
“Among such Initiates there are always some who have progressed further than others, and the pioneers who have attained the highest Initiation possible during any Period are called the “Sun-Initiates,” because they have lifted themselves above the stage where they need to be confined to a planet in order to evolve, and can function in the solar system as their field of evolution. They are called the “Sons of the Sun” in contradistinction to the ordinary humanity, which is termed “Sons of the Moon,” because their evolution is confined to a lunar or planetary condition.”
“The highest Initiate of the Saturn Period was the great Being known to us as Jehovah, who is Regent of the Moon, and his Angels are the humanity of the Saturn Period. The highest Initiate of the Sun Period is the Christ, who is Regent of the Sun, and his Archangels are the humanity of that Period. The highest Initiate of the Moon Period is the Lord of Mercury, whose humanity are the Archai.”
– The ultimate goal of evolution is to attain self-conscious godhood, where the human being will be able to create and govern his own universe. Heindel writes:
“When we have become creators, we shall have transcended conditions which now prevail and shall no longer need such a slow and laborious method of expression as physical speech, nor such an indirect way of conveying our thoughts as writing. We shall speak as God spoke in the beginning when He said: “Let there be light.” We shall think our thoughts into existence.”
Endnotes
1. Max Heindel, The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception or Mystic Christianity (Oceanside: The Rosicrucian Fellowship, 1909), p. 3.
2. Ibid., p. 17.
3. Ibid., p. 263.
4. Ibid., p. 269.
5. Ibid., p. 270.
6. Ibid., p. 272.
7. Ibid., p. 273.
8. Ibid., p. 274.
9. Ibid., p. 275.
