Dane Rudhyar, Occultism, Kumaras, Masters of the Wisdom, and the Future of Humanity

by Robert Wilkinson

Many years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the venerable Dane Rudhyar on several occasions. A European born in the 19th century, (bio here,) besides being a classical pianist of some note and a philosopher of the first degree, he was one of the most prolific astrological writers in history between 1935-1980. He was the first astrologer to formulate what is now known as "humanistic astrology," or "person-centered astrology," when he joined astrology, humanistic psychology, and holistic philosophy in his masterwork "The Astrology of Personality." His books are not standard astrology, where one can find the answer to the meaning of a Venus in Libra or Mars in the 10th house and other questions of chart interpretation, though occasionally his work addresses those questions. Instead, he was a true astrological philosopher with a vast scope of vision and interest.

One of his most remarkable works is not astrological, per se, but a work outlining how esoteric philosophy and history, aka "occultism," are crucial to our understanding of how we as 20th and 21st century beings fit in with human evolution as a whole. This work, titled "Occult Preparations for A New Age," takes us through such subjects as "Counterculture - Past and Present," "The One Planetary Tradition," "Time and the Cyclic Structure," "Planetary and Social Cycles," "The Greater Faith," and "Avatars and Seed Men," to name a few of the chapter titles. In one chapter of particular interest, he ties together the mysterious and remarkable woman Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, the "Masters of the Wisdom," and the true nature of occultism and occultists.

These are not the idle rants of a deluded charlatan or superficial thinker, nor someone who had anything to do with witchcraft, blood sacrifices, or paganism, these usually (and incorrectly) identified with the term "occult." True occultism has nothing to do with any of these things, nor with any practices associated with worshipping Gaia, Nature, Goddess energy or other worthy ritual forms. Rudhyar's take on occultism is vaster and more noble than anything usually associated with the term, so for an interesting glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest philosophers our world has ever produced, I'll give you a fragment of the chapter on "Blavatsky and the Occult Brotherhood."

The true Occultist lives, thinks, and essentially acts in a planetary (and at times superplanetary and "heliocosmic") world of forces, which constitute the true "astral" realm - a world of energies guided by the archetypal patterns of the so-called "causal" aspect of the cosmic and planetary Mind. He works for humanity rather than for individuals, save in exceptional cases and for more-than-personal purposes. His work is moved by a deep unfaltering love for mankind. Throughout The Mahatma Letters, and in countless statements made by H.P.B. and William Q. Judge... the basic keynote for entrance upon the path that leads to the true Occultism of the Elder Brothers is sounded forth: consecrated service for humanity in a total surrender of the ego and its lesser goals and narrow possessive loves. In The Mahatma Letters, in a letter from Morya, one reads: "It is he alone who has the love of humanity at heart, who is capable of grasping thoroughly the idea of a regenerated practical Brotherhood who is entitled to the possession of our secrets. He alone, such a man, will never misuse his powers and there will be no fear that he should turn them to selfish ends. A man who places not the good of mankind above his own good is not worthy of becoming even our chela - he is not worthy of becoming brighter in knowledge than his neighbor." This is the acid test of the kind of Occultism of which H.P.B. became the emissary. Any other kind will sooner or later lead to the dark path of the "Brothers of the Shadow."

Let me repeat here what has already been said concerning the Kumaras or Promethean Spirits. In their nature, Love and Knowledge are two poles from whose interaction power is released. If they are eager to break through the inertial Ring of Saturn and the all-too-spiritual glory of King Jupiter so that evolution can forever go along its essential spiral path, and if they are ready to suffer the nearly inevitable consequences of their compassionate involvement in the development of self-consciousness and responsibility in Man, it is because of their boundless compassion; this compassion encompasses all who are able to resonate to their everlasting Call. This ability to resonate and respond is inherent, though so often undeveloped, in all human beings since the most ancient coming of these exalted beings and the sacrificial grafting of their power of universal Love and occult Knowledge onto the wild animal-like nature of earthbound mankind.

This power is for us all consciously to use at this crucial period of human evolution. It is a time which, at the level of the strictly human consciousness, repeats the great transformation that was induced at an unconscious level in the Earth's biosphere millions of years ago under the impact of the Venusian Host. It is for Man now consciously to choose between the way of spiritual integration through Love and that of slow gradual decay through selfishness, fears, greed, and lust.

We are coming to the turning point. Everything depends on the clarity of our knowing and the purity and compassion of our loving. Knowledge and Love are both essential. Knowledge alone is dark; Love alone is possessively blind. All deep and radical spiritual transformations able to alter the total reality of Man require an illumined mind and an all-encompassing heart.

To which I'll add only that not all who claim to speak for the Masters of the Wisdom do so, and many of their more evolved disciples go about the business of helping humanity without notice or publicity, so please take all claims of those who "channel" a Master or Archangel with a grain of salt. The point is not to know glamorous things about the Masters, or even to pretend to speak to or for them. The point of the whole thing, if we are to accept the source material, is that we are all here to become enlightened in our own way so that we may serve the evolutionary need of our times, freed from the traps of glamor, illusion, maya, and fear. Selfless service is ever the mark of the true disciple of Truth. And to quote the founders of this noble endeavor, "There Is No Religion Higher Than Truth." Namaste.

Comments

[Colleen]

I am pleased you have posted this article. It gives me much pleasure to realize others are actually participating in the whole versus the singular.
During my lifetime, I have strived to reflect and consider every aspect and not to drive at personal gain or thoughts that are linear.Rather I have realized that if one focuses on everyone's needs and everything which is connected to the event, circumstance or person,it will produce positive results for everything and everyone. But alas, it is very difficult to explain to others.
Personally, I don't understand why others focus so much on the
"Me aspect" instead of focusing on the "We as a whole aspect". To include every thing within our universe. The energies that could be created by tapping into our connection with everything, could create a wonderful world to live in. It would seem we have such little faith.
In any event, it is very refreshing to hear these positive views. I will have to purchase one of his books
Somewhere somehow, sombody has to wake up, and this is not meant' to imply that others are not awake, as there are many who have there eyes wide open. It's a big world. Unfortunately I have only met a few..There is much to learn and so very little time.. and we need to be inspired by such articles as yours.. Thanks.

I enjoy your web-site... CJ

[Robert]

Hi Colleen - Thanx for your kind and thoughtful words. In my 35 years on the quest, I've talked with many interesting people, and Rudhyar was one of the best. I believe there are more who are dedicated to the greatest good for the greatest number than we are led to believe by our shallow western "culture." I've known many who hunger for that sense of connectedness with others of like heart and mind, and have found that we are everywhere.

The problem is how to recognize others who serve, and what to do with the synergy. Too often because of the seductions of our society we strive to attain a sense of something too quickly, and wind up frustrated. Many operate out of fear, which creates clutching and divisive energy. And many also operate with a sense of the One Life we all are together, and are willing to set aside ego, to whatever degree they are able, to further the ideal of fellowship, community, and true friendship. To me these are synonymous in meaning, our true sanga which is one of the only refuges against the pandemic sense of isolation.

I-consciousness, or ahamkara, is why we focus on "me." At the highest level it's "enlightened Self-interest." That's when we strive to further the functional aspects of our Higher Self in our daily lives. It's the shadow of this Divine Self-interest that shows in the BS that plagues humanity. Rudhyar said in The Astrological Mandala words to the effect that humanity is haunted by a lack of faith, and so seeks to enslave manifestations. Maybe that's why it's the combination of love and wisdom coupled with intelligence in action that creates the proper proportion of magnetics that attracts us to the right idea, feeling, or person that opens doors to potential interactions that will benefit a greater good.

(And of course, if you've been reading this site for any time at all, you know I'll probably do an article addressing some of the things you've brought up!

Thanks for stopping by. See you on the front page.

[Carson]

Robert (and Colleen) - thank you for the energy, heart and wisdom of this exchange. We are waking up to so much - I believe Spirit and the realms of vast insight of one of my favourite authors and cosmic philosophers is on our side...that must have been a fascinating exchange to see him in person, Robert.
Blessings for the Truth and Love within that is eternal.
Carson

[Robert]

Hi Carson - Good to hear from you. We truly are waking up across centuries, and authors like Rudhyar help us to a vaster perspective as we move through the white noise of modern existence. Speaking with him and Marc Jones was truly a blessing.

[giverny]

Hi Robert,Colleen and Carson....this space is where i come to when i feel let down and that my efforts are futile and i am ALWAYS reinspired to get back on the horse that threw me...so THANK YOU all for the valuable comments and inspiring messages...we are everywhere....we who are not afraid of the light....much love and light to all.

[dcu]

Thank you Robert for the link to this post that you just put up recently. With Mercury speeding up, but still retrograde, what better time than this to go back and revisit some of these past insightful posts on this site. I just printed this article and the other ones you linked on H.P.B. and will be sharing them with my friends soon. All My Relations.