Evolution proceeds in cycles-within-cycles, descending from the more spiritual, or unity condition, to the more material or diversity, and re-ascending to spirit. Such cycles may fall into seven stages, the last three constituting the Ascending Arc, rising from the fourth which is the most material. On its Ascending Arc the Monadic LIFE-WAVE passes through the plant, animal and human kingdoms, after embodying mineral forms in its fourth stage. For our habitat, Earth and the six “sister-planets,” the Ascending Arc comprises GLOBES E, F, and G following on from Globe D, our Earth, which is the most material of these planets. According to theosophy, we are now in the Ascending Arc within the cycle of our present stay on Earth.

See also DESCENDING ARC; CHAIN, PLANETARY.

M.A.

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