The Theosophical Initiations

The series of initiations envisioned by Blavatsky and Leadbeater and expounded upon by Alice Bailey present a different concept of spiritual progress from the Rosicrucian Grades. Once again, the Tree of Life is equal to the task as an organizing structure.

In the following table the theosophical initiations are given along with a number of associated correspondences. One feature is a comparison with incidents from the career of Jesus as presented in sacred writings. Comparison with the Rosicrucian grades is inevitable, but should not be carried too far.

Initiation

Title

Life of Jesus

Sephiroth

Associated Plane

Associated Ray

First

Seeker or Aspirant

Birth at Bethlehem

Malkuth

Physical

7

Second

Server or Disciple

Baptism in Jordan

Yesod

Astral

6

Third

Initiate

Transfiguration

Hod
Netzach

Mental

5

Fourth

Arhat

Renunciation (Crucifixion)

Tiphareth

Buddhic

4

Fifth

Adept

Revelation (Resurrection)

Geburah

Atmic

1

Sixth

Master or Chohan

Decision

Chesed

Monadic

3

Seventh

Mahachohan

Ascension

Binah

Logoic

2

Eighth

Buddha

Transition

Chokmah

Higher Cosmic Plane

4,5,6,7

Ninth

Planetary Logos

Refusal

Kether

Higher Cosmic Plane

1,2,3

 

Prepared by Emmanuel Rose
Ó Emmanuel Rose 2000