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THE FUNCTION OF THE ETHERIC BODY

We will now continue with the discussion of the Etheric body, and take up the consideration of its function and its relation to the physical body.  The two may wisely be considered together, for the interrelation is so close that it is not possible to discuss them separately.  Primarily the functions of the Etheric body are three in number:

1. It is the receiver of prana.
2. It is the assimilator of prana.
3. It is the transmitter of prana.

1.  The Receiver of Prana

The Etheric body may therefore be described as negative or receptive in respect to the Rays of the sun, and as positive and expulsive in respect to the dense physical body.  The second function - that of assimilation - is strictly balanced or internal.  The main center for the reception of prana at present is a center between the shoulder blades.  

2.  The Assimilator of Prana

The process of assimilation is carried on in this triangle, and the prana which enters into either center, circulates three times around the triangle before being transmitted to all parts of the Etheric vehicle and from thence to the dense physical body.  The main organ of assimilation is the spleen - the Etheric center and the dense physical organ.  The vital essence from the sun is passed into the Etheric spleen, and is there subjected to a process of intensification or devitalization, according to the condition, healthy or not, of that organ.  If the man is in a healthy state the emanation received will be augmented by his own individual vibration, and its rate of vibration will be keyed up before it is passed on into the physical spleen; or it will be slowed down and lowered if the man is in a poor condition of health.

These three centers are in the form that all centers take, of saucer-like depressions, resembling somewhat the appearance of small whirlpools, and which draw within their sphere of influence the currents that come their way.  The centers should be pictured as whirling vortices with a closely woven threefold channel passing from each center to the other, and forming an almost separate circulatory system.  This finds its point of departure for the entire system at the further side of the spleen to that at which the prana entered.  

The vital fluid circulates through and between these three centers three times, before it finally passes out from them to the periphery of its little system.  This final circulation carries the prana, via the fine interlacing channels, to every part of the body, which becomes entirely impregnated by these emanations, if it might be so expressed.  These emanations find their way finally out of the Etheric system by means of surface radiation.  The pranic essence escapes from the circumference of its temporary ring-pass-not as emanative human prana, which is the same prana as earlier received, plus the peculiar quality that any single individual may convey to it during its transitory circulation.  The essence escapes, plus individual quality.

3.  The Transmitter of Prana

Certain facts need emphasis and consideration as we study this static ring and its circulating fires:

1. The System receives prana from cosmic sources via three centers, and redistributes it to all parts of its extended influence, or to the bounds of the solar Etheric web.  This cosmic prana becomes colored by solar quality and reaches the furthest confines of the system.  Its mission might be described as the vitalization of the vehicle which is the physical material expression of the Solar Logos.
2. The Planet receives prana from the solar center, and redistributes it via the three receiving centers to all parts of its sphere of influence.  This solar prana becomes colored by the planetary quality and is absorbed by all evolutions found within the planetary ring-pass-not.  Its mission might be described as the vitalization of the vehicle which is the physical material expression of one or other of the seven Heavenly Men.
3. The Microcosm receives prana from the sun after it has permeated the planetary Etheric vehicle, so that it is solar prana, plus planetary quality.  Each planet is the embodiment of some one Ray aspect, and its quality is predominantly marked upon all of its evolution.

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