While the School for Esoteric Studies itself and most of its members are connected to the Hierarchy as Ray Two Souls, "in the interest of the coming new world order, the teaching Ashrams are being strengthened by the inflow of First Ray disciples" (DINA2:505). If you are not yet familiar with the seven main qualities or streams of energy or rays through which the One Life - the omnipresent, eternal, immutable Principle - manifests, then you may find our webpage on the Seven Rays helpful. Ray One, or Will and Power, is known for displaying leadership, courage, and fearlessness; while Ray Two, or Love-Wisdom, is known for displaying magnetic love, sensitivity, and faithfulness.

All esoteric schools throughout the world are predominantly expressions of these two rays. At a certain stage upon the Path all the rays governing the mental body shift their focus onto Rays One and Two.…The First Ray penetrates, pierces and produces the line along which Light comes; the Second Ray is the "light-carrier" and supplements the work of the First Ray. (EP2:359)

Our group work can be facilitated by being aware of and leveraging the differences between these ray types, such as the following:

  • "Disciples on the First Ray understand discipleship largely in terms of energy, or force, or activity, whilst disciples on the Second Ray understand it more in terms of consciousness or initiation." (IHS:80)

  • "The Second Ray type errs through fear of not being understood or not adequately loved…. The First Ray type errs in not giving enough thought to the reaction of others….One suffers from fear. The other from pride." (DINA1:626)

  • "Second Ray disciples have to learn detachment while at the same time remaining 'attached and inclusive' esoterically…First Ray disciples have to remain detached and at the same time to learn attachment and to admit entry into their aura of the entire world." (DINA2:575)

  • "Initiates upon the First Ray, and therefore working in the Department of the Manu, use and express the innate will aspect through the atmic nature or through the highest aspect of the Spiritual Triad…Initiates on the Second Ray, and therefore working in the Department of the Christ, use the will through the medium of buddhi, the second aspect of the Spiritual Triad." (R&I:310)