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This particular phrase "Death of the Personality" has two definite connotations:

1. It may mean the death of the physical body, which is inevitably followed by the two stages of the death of the emotional vehicle and the subsequent dissipation of the temporary and ever-changing form which the quota of mental energy has assumed during incarnation.

2. The subjective and mystical "death of the personality." This is a phrase indicating the transfer of the focus for the distribution of energy from the personality (a definite center of force) to the Soul (another definite center).

In connection with the sun sign, the rising sign and the effect of the thought-form relating to the moon, the position of esoteric astrology is as follows:

1. The Sun Sign indicates the present problem of the man; it sets the pace or the established tempo of his personality life; it is related to quality, temperament and the life tendencies which are seeking expression during this particular incarnation, and it is suggestive of the rajasic or the activity aspect of the innate man. Fundamentally, the forces here found are indicative of the line of least resistance.

2. The Ascendant or Rising Sign indicates the intended life or immediate Soul purpose for this incarnation. It holds the secret of the future and presents the force which, rightly used, will lead the man to success. It represents the sattvic or harmony aspect of life and can produce right relationship between Soul and personality in any one incarnation. It thus points the way to the recognition of the force of the Soul.

3. The Lunar Sign represents the type of force (coming from certain planets and not from the moon) which indicates that which is past. It, therefore, summarises limitation and the present handicaps. It governs the physical body and shows where the prison of the Soul is to be found.

The next statement which I would like to make, and which grows normally out of the above, is that the zodiacal, the systemic and the planetary energies act either as hindering or as stimulating forces, according to the type of vehicle or body upon which they play; the nature of these vehicles and their capacity to attract, to respond, to reject, to absorb and to transmute is entirely dependent upon the point in evolution attained and also upon the general planetary condition and psychology to be found in the human family at any given time.

It should be noted here, however, that all the energies—zodiacal, systemic, and planetary—have a definite effect upon all the lives in all forms in all kingdoms of nature. Nothing can escape these radiatory and magnetic influences. The goal of evolution for humanity is to become consciously and livingly aware of the nature of these energies and begin to know them and to use them. This is the field of occultism as the Hierarchy has always told men. It might be stated that the disciple has to become consciously aware of the planetary influences and begin to use them for the carrying out of Soul purpose. The initiate has to be aware of the zodiacal influences which emanate from outside of the solar system altogether.

These can be recognised as:

1. A vibration, registered in one or other of the seven centers.
2. A revelation of a particular type of light, conveying a specific colour to the initiate.
3. A peculiar note.
4. A directional sound.

The whole story of the zodiac can be picturesquely yet accurately summed up in the following statement: There are three books which the three types of human beings study and from which they learn:

1. The Book of Life—Initiates—the 12 constellations.

2. The Book of Wisdom—Disciples—the 12 planets.

3. The Book of Form or of Manifestation—Humanity—the 12 Creative Hierarchies.

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