In order to grasp the infinite, higher, subtle space in our minds, we need to train our thinking in several stages. Even if we are only dealing with the space of the solar system, which is a very marginal part of infinite subtle space, the thought process requires us to set aside our physical-sensory fixation.
The planets Uranus, Jupiter and Venus can serve as an example. The three planets are more highly developed than the Earth. By comparison, their subtle form is more advanced for spiritual life.
When we think of one of these planets, we automatically use the image of its earthly-physical form as we know it from astronomy. From a theosophical point of view, this idea is the prison of our physical senses, because the visible form of Venus, for example, is only a remnant of its earlier period of development and thus not the living planet of which we are now speaking theosophically.
By making it clear that space, as we view it in physical terms, contains only objects corresponding to the level of development of current earthly evolution, we can see how pointless it is to look for life on these bodies when countless higher universes with advanced life forms exist at the same time. The science of earthly physics, for all its great achievements for human consciousness, is not a universal science and is limited to its physical senses and measuring instruments.
A more vibrant thinking that overcomes this limitation requires a longer process of transformation. The texts we give contain many references to this. When this slow rethinking happens, the spiritual light in the soul also grows.
Another example of the differences between outer form and subtle form can be seen in the fact that the asteroid Chiron, despite its physical size of only about 200 km, can be seen as larger in the subtle realm than the subtle planet Mercury. Thus, the purely physical size does not always correspond to that of the higher planes. This explains why in the diaries of H. Roerich, the planet Venus is mentioned as the largest planet in the solar system.
At this point, it should be noted that, in parallel to the process of practising thinking in the direction of the subtle space, the practical tasks and duties of everyday life must also be mastered. Otherwise, there is a danger of quickly drowning in a whirlpool of deceptions and illusions. It is not without reason that we are talking here about a thought process and not about uncontrolled feelings, which can easily lead to deception. Those who embark on the higher path in incarnation must balance the physical life with all its demands and the inner striving for the higher, more subtle. This task is often associated with a feeling of loneliness. There are few (often no) dialogue partners in the outer life to exchange ideas with, especially since idle chatter on the subject is counterproductive for the process.
Three higher planets have been named, and it is logical that there are also planetary forms in the solar system that are below the earthly level of development. Their expression in space is also ‘below’ the everyday human senses. Unfortunately, it is easier for a person to establish an emotional connection (the emphasis is on emotional) to these planets than to establish a spiritual connection to the higher planets. The incoming feelings (astralities) from the lower planetary forms create harmful aberrations if one surrenders to them uncontrollably.
Solar-cosmic forces of different qualities meet in earthly planetary events. In the crucible of the earthly plan, progress for the spiritual cores (monads) of the human units in the sense of an ethic for life arises, or attachments to outdated forms of the past remain, which seemingly bring forth what has been overcome anew. The current planetary situation is characterised by a regression in which lower astralities are again beginning to predominate.
If we describe computers as robot-like machines and call the algorithm with which they have been programmed for certain tasks, their language, then we have to examine the language for its content. The ‘slave traders’ as owners of the so-called social media have programmed the algorithm there for lower feelings such as hatred and lies, because the enslavement of the users is easier to achieve through lower sensual processes. Their motive is the material profit associated with it. The unimaginably large profits are becoming a factor of power and influence in all areas of life and are helping to advance enslavement.
Nevertheless, the crucible of planetary evolution described above has produced appropriate yields in the sense of the higher worlds over the past 150 years. The higher hierarchies intend to transfer this spiritual yield into another, higher planetary life form. The only question is when this will happen. The paths that the various groups of people will then take have already been written about here.
