According to theosophy, evolution proceeds in cycles-within-cycles, “descending” from a predominantly spiritual state (Unity) to a predominantly material state (diversity) and “re-ascending” to predominance of spirit. Such cycles may fall into seven stages, the first three constituting the Descending Arc, culminating in the fourth and most material stage. The MONADIC LIFE-WAVE, before ensouling plant, animal and human forms, passes on its Descending Arc (in “Involution”) through three “ELEMENTAL KINGDOMS” to embody mineral forms in its fourth stage, our habitat, Earth and its six “sister-planets.” The Descending Arc comprises globes A, B, and C, leading to Globe D, our earth.

See GLOBES; CHAIN, PLANETARY.

M.A.

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