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. See table (EA 423, 489-90) and controlling signs (illustrated with connecting lines to signs) on the site map.
Specific to this Fifth Ray triangle:
through Ray V, we develop the means to understand the nature of that synthesis and will (634) (also see 599 for a detailed description of Ray V as an aspect of Will)
Ray V governs the evolution of consciousness through the revolution of its triangle: Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius. This is 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: Lemurian in date. Proceeding steadily always.
The PAST: impetus then given still persists. Mental unfoldment: Instinct. Intellect. Intuition. The work of the Master Mason: to 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: the growth of the response apparatus and the synthesis of the inner awareness. The work of the Entered Apprentice: to learn and acquire knowledge.- Aquarius
- The Achievement of the Hierarchy: the self-consciousness of Leo gives place to the group consciousness of Aquarius.
The FUTURE: the merging of the human centre and the Hierarchy.
Soul Expansion: recognition of relation.
The work of the Fellow Craft: the building and serving of the temple of humanity. (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. (492)
Individual and mass effect
Alice Bailey explains that those triangles which are at this time producing effects in the 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 Leo 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. (485)
References from Esoteric Astrology: 492, 485 (general information); 634 (from the Will aspect)