Triangles: Leo Sagittarius Aquarius

Fifth ray triangle

The controlling sign was Leo, but is shifting to Aquarius.

This triangle is the medium of expression for Ray five. It affects humanity as a whole. (See the section on rays for more information on the effects of ray five.)

The following applies to all seven ray triangles:

The seven stars of the Great Bear are the originating sources of the seven rays in our solar system [which] express themselves through the medium of the seven planetary logoi [which in turn] manifest through the medium of the seven sacred planets. Each [ray] is transmitted into our solar system through [a triangle of] three constellations and their ruling planets (EA 422-3)

This relation is the basis of the entire science of triangles and, therefore, of astrology itself; it is also related to the rays, the constellations, their ruling planets and our Earth in a great synthesis of energies; it relates our solar system to the larger whole and our tiny non-sacred planet to the solar system.
… These seven triangles of energy … pour their force through one of the constellations in each triangle (EA 489-90)

This inter-relation is effective in this world cycle and will remain so until the end of the Aquarian Age. Table (EA 423, 489-90). Site map shows lines to controlling signs

Specific to this Fifth Ray triangle:

through Ray V, we develop the means to understand the nature of that synthesis and will (EA 634. Also see EA 599 for a details of Ray V as an aspect of Will)

Ray V governs the evolution of consciousness through the revolution of [this] triangle […] from the angle of hierarchical effort, as I earlier pointed out [check this]. Throughout human evolution, this major triangle governs the relation of humanity, through the mind, to the Hierarchy and the approach of that Hierarchy to the human centre of energy. […]

Sagittarius

The Approach of the Hierarchy: Lemurian¹ in date. Proceeding steadily always.

The PAST: impetus then given still persists.

Mental unfoldment: Instinct. Intellect. Intuition.

Work of the Master Mason²: raise humanity to the mountain top of initiation.

Leo

The Work of the Hierarchy: to raise mass consciousness.

The PRESENT: to capitalise on the original impetus of this sign.

Psychic development: growth of the response apparatus and the synthesis of inner awareness.

Work of the Entered Apprentice: learn and acquire knowledge.

Aquarius

The Achievement of the Hierarchy: Leo self-consciousness gives way to Aquarian group consciousness.

The FUTURE: the merging of the human centre and the Hierarchy.

Soul Expansion: recognition of relation.

Work of the Fellow Craft: building and serving the temple of humanity. (edited from EA 492-3)

Aquarius is not today the active point for the transmission of the energy of Ray V. However, shortly, as the Sun passes more fully into the sign of Aquarius, the triangle will again revolve and bring the Aquarian point into a controlling position. (EA 492)

We can presume that this is currently taking place, although the spring equinox does not pass into the constellation Aquarius until around

Individual and mass effect

Alice Bailey explains that those triangles that are currently producing effects in human consciousness are doing so at two levels: on one hand a general affect on the mass of humanity, which is not so easy to isolate from other changes; and on the other hand, effects that are more specific and tangible in their results, conditioning the consciousness of aspirants, disciples and initiates who are undergoing conscious development. Between the two, the overall result is to produce a:

slow and steady awakening of the mass consciousness so that individual self-consciousness on a large scale will be the result and the more rapid stimulation of the already awakened consciousness of advanced humanity so that initiation will be achieved.

The effectiveness of this dual process can be seen if it is realised that three great signs—Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius—are today exceedingly active and working in close relation with each other. They are the three signs whose energies are affecting humanity as a whole—as a kingdom in nature.

Leo

“detaches the individual from the mass of Cancer. The sign of the self-conscious individual is potent in its mass effect and today, through the stress of circumstance and the dire results of certain events, thousands of men and women are stepping out of the ranks of the mass-conscious herd and out of the deep sleep of irresponsibility and becoming aware of themselves as detached, functioning entities.”

Sagittarius

“is powerfully affecting the world aspirants and leading them towards those attitudes of mind which will produce an unswerving allegiance to the spiritual values and an unalterable adherence to the good of humanity.”

Aquarius

“is—with equal potency—affecting world disciples and initiates, leading them to world service on a large scale, producing group activity and that living usefulness which is the hall-mark of the pledged disciple.”

The influence of these three constellations is felt through their esoteric planets, and the mass movement in consciousness (for which Leo is responsible) can be noted as possible even by the novice [on realising that] the ruling planets in Leo³ are, from all three angles—exoteric, esoteric and Hierarchical—the Sun. The mass movement towards individual self-consciousness is today enormously intensified as is the paralleling individual movement towards initiation. (EA 485 emphasis added)

The above is also summarised in table form:

Evolution through Incarnation

These three signs are more closely connected with humanity than the other signs. In one peculiar… manner, they are related to the three aspects of body, soul and spirit. Or the personality, inner self (soul) and core being (spirit).

The above table demonstrates the connection between these three, and their progressive effect upon the subject passing under their influence periodically and cyclically. They are said to reveal humanity’s divine intent and to mark the points of crisis while progressing through succesive incarnations. When the the influences they express have done their work they carry us from “door to door” (the two doors in and out of the wheel of rebirth): incarnation in Cancer (after Leo); initiation in Capricorn (after Sagittarius).

(paraphrased and condensed from EA 174-5)

Esoteric Astrology: 492, 485 (general information); 634 (from the Will aspect)