The thyroid gland consists of two maroon colored masses astride the upper
end of the windpipe, close to the larynx. These are connected just below the
Adam's apple by a narrow isthmus of the same tissue. This gland arises from
the same tissue and almost from the same spot as the anterior lobe of the
pituitary body. it weighs about an ounce. Each lobe of the thyroid is about
two inches in length, and from an inch to an inch and a quarter in thickness.
The thyroid is almost the first organ to become distinct in the human embryo.
It is first distinguished as a groove in the floor of the mouth as early as
the third week in the life of the fetus, and by the time the embryo is a
fourth of an inch long, the thyroid tissue becomes severed and the cavity
closed up.
The importance of the thyroid is plainly indicated by the richness of its
circulation. This gland receives about four times as much blood in proportion
to its size as do the kidneys, which are noted for their high degree of
functional activity. it is heavier in the female than in the male, and becomes
enlarged during sex excitement, menstruation, and pregnancy. According to one
noted authority, Gaskill, the thyroid was once a sex gland. Dr. Berman says:
"In the lowest vertebrates and in the homologous tissues of the higher
invertebrates the fractions of the thyroid are intimately connected with the
ducts of the sexual organs. They are indeed accessory sexual organs, uterine
glands, satellites of the sex process. From Petromyzon (lamprey) upward their
relationship is lost. The thyroid migrates more and more to the head region to
become the great link between sex and brain."
Max Heindel states: "During the early part of the Hyperborean Epoch, while
the Earth was still united with the Sun, the solar forces supplied man with
all the sustenance he needed and he unconsciously radiated the surplus for the
purpose of propagation.
"When the Ego entered into possession of its vehicles it became necessary
to use part of this force for the building of the brain and larynx, which was
originally a part of the creative organ. The larynx was built while the dense
body was yet bent together in the bag-like shape already described, which is
still the form of the human embryo. As the dense body straightened and became
upright, part of the creative organ remained with the upper part of the dense
body and later became the larynx.
"Thus the dual creative force which had hitherto worked in only one
direction, for the purpose of creating another being, became divided. One part
was directed upward to build the brain and larynx, by means of which the Ego
was to become capable of thinking and communicating thoughts to other beings.
"As a result of this change only one part of the force essential in the
creation of another being was available to one individual, hence it became
necessary for each individual to seek the cooperation of another, who
possessed that part of the procreative force which the seeker lacked.
"Thus did the evolving entity obtain brain consciousness of the outside
world at the cost of half its creative power. Previous to that time, it used
within itself both parts of that power to externalize another being. As a
result of that modification, however, it has evolved the power to create and
express thought. Before then, it was a creator in the physical world only;
since then it has become able to create in the three worlds."
A comparison of the discoveries made by the modern scientist and those of
the esoteric investigator given above reveal a startling corroboration relative
to the earlier formation of the generative organs of the human race. Max
Heindel stated in The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception that the esotericist hails
with joy the discoveries of modern science, as they invariably corroborate
that which esoteric science has long taught; and it is a remarkable fact that
almost daily the careful student reads somewhere of a scientific discovery
which proves particular statements made long ago in the recorded writing of
some of our foremost esoteric scientists.
It is believed by prominent biologists that the thyroid has played a
prominent part in the change of sea creatures into land animals.
Experimentally, thyroid has been used to transform one into the other. There
is a small salamander that lives in the water and breathes through gills.
Feeding this animal thyroid gland produces a change very quickly from a water
salamander to a land salamander.
Both the thyroid gland and its secretion are used as medicine. The
secretion of the gland is called thyroxin. It is a gelatinous substance
containing a large per cent of iodine, also arsenic and phosphorous. Thyroxin
depends on iodine for its activity. There are other substances in the thyroid
secretion with functions of their own, but their work is secondary and
obscure. Thyroxin produces results in doses amazingly minute compared with the
quantity of whole gland necessary to give to a patient. Moreover, a dose of
thyroxin appears to last an organism in need of it over a period of time,
while the whole gland has to be administered continuously.
The thyroid is an energy gland, and its secretion is the controller of the
speed of living. The less one has of this secretion the more slowly he lives;
that isto say, the rate at which the chemical reactions go on that constitute
the process of life, is dependent on the thyroid. When the reactions are
speeded up more oxygen and food materials are oxidized, thereby liberating
more energy, and the individual can think, feel, see, and act more readily.
The thyroid seems to mix more oxygen with the cell food and at the same time
frees energy to be used for heat and motion and other needs.
Dr. Plummer has shown that what would amount to a grain of thyroxin would
more than double the amount of energy produced in a unit of time. This gives
some idea of the power of this internal secretion and its importance to normal
life. To be exact, one milligram of thyroxin increases the metabolic action
two per cent. When thyroxin is administered in a single dose there is a
distinct slowing down in the absorption of it by the tissues. A single dose
does not reach its maximum effect until the tenth day. its effect continues
for about ten days; then there is a decrease in the intensity for another ten
days. Accordingly the length of time a single dose of thyroxin functions in
the body is approximately three weeks. Any disturbance in the thyroid
secretion in quantity, that is, too much or too little of it, or in quality,
that is, an abnormal change in its chemical composition, produces serious
results which cause the person such severe suffering that he becomes a burden
to himself and others.
Not only is the degree of pressure energy in the cells of the body
controlled by the thyroid, but the mobility of that energy is also controlled
by it. Without thyroid secretion the output of large and rapid fluctuations of
energy, and the elasticity and flexibility of energy mobilization for any
sudden muscular act, let alone an emergency, would be quite impossible.
The thyroid is the most important gland in the body for the reason that it
controls the growth of the dense vehicle, also mental development, and it is
very closely related to all of the other six glands under consideration. It is
the great link between the brain and the organs of generation, and
manufactures the secretion necessary to give the brain balance.
Two of the principal disease connected with the thyroid gland are cretinism
and myxedema. Both of these are caused by an imperfect connection between the
brain centers and the vital body, which prevents the thyroid gland from
secreting the thyroxin that would connect the thyroid with the brain and
generative organs. Cretinism is infant idiocy. The same disease in the adult
is called myxedema.
A child may be born a cretin as a result of thyroxin deficiency, or it may
develop it some time after birth. A baby may be born which appears to be
normal with the exception that the nose is a trifle more squat than the
average. There may also be abnormal sleepiness, greater than that of the
normal baby during the first month or two, and no spontaneous awakening for
food. After some months it becomes noticeable that the infant is failing to
grow at the normal rate both physically and mentally. An examination reveals a
curious thickening of the dental ridges. Then the tongue becomes unusually
thick and prominent, projecting beyond the mouth at all times, and interfering
with breathing when the baby is in a reclining position. The mouth is always
filled with saliva, the skin becomes yellowish or else takes on a waxy pallor,
becoming dry, rough, scaly, and bloated. The eyes become watery and the lids
thicken; the depressed pug nose is wide and the nostrils thick; the ears are
large and stand erect; the hair is thin, the eyebrows and eyelashes scant,
sometimes entirely absent; the nails are short, thin, and brittle; the teeth
are late in appearing, usually consisting of a few short points, which are
irregular and decay quickly. All growth, which is slow, is disproportionate.
The trunk, though small when compared with the head, appears massive when
compared with the diminutive extremities. The back is inclined to be humped,
arching at the waistline; the abdomen protrudes like a small balloon, and
often there is hernia at the navel. The hands and feet are floppy, broad, and
thick, the fingers stiff, short and spade-like, and the toes are spread apart
by solid skin.
These unfortunates manifest hunger and thirst by grunts, inarticulate
sounds, or by screaming. They neither smile, laugh, nor cough. Their
circulation is poor, the body cold, and the blood pressure low. All cretins do
not have exactly the same peculiarities. There are many grades and varieties
according to the severity of the disease.
Be it noted that in the case of the cretin or myxedemist the gate is closed
that furnishes the creative force to the brain and the generative organs and
both begin to atrophy. In both cases the victim is apathetic, indifferent,
dirty, and awkward — a pitiful idiot.
In an adult one might be able to surmise some cause for such a loathsome
disease, but why should it attack an innocent baby?
To find the cause of the affliction one must look to the organs affected —
the brain and generative organs. The creative, growth-producing force is
practically shut off from them.
The abuse of the creative force for the gratification of the senses is the
sin against the Holy Spirit that is not forgiven, but must be expiated by
living in vehicles the efficiency of which is impaired — a terrible lesson, and
one that is never given to a Spirit to learn unless it has been found that it
can get it in no other way.
Scientists all unknowingly are trying to outwit the working out of this
great Law of Cause and Effect through rebirth by robbing the helpless animal
kingdom of its thyroxin and feeding it to diseased man. But God is not mocked:
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap — and the feeding of animal
thyroxin to a cretin or myxedemist will never effect a real cure. it only puts
off the payment of the karmic debt until another time. The case is analoguous
to that of hypnotizing a drunkard to cure him of indulgence in strong drink.
That which the hypnotist does is to superimpose his own will on that of the
drunkard, and as long as the two are alive the cure seems to be complete; but
should the hypnotist die before the drunkard, his will power no longer
controls the other man's appetite and the latter immediately returns to his
former unfortunate habit. it is only when we overcome a bad habit through our
own will power that we have mastered it. The same is true of cretinism and
myxedema. The victims may take thyroxin all their lives, but they are never
cured. They have only put off the payment of a karmic debt until another life,
and when they return the debt will again come up for settlement.
The first apparent success in curing myxedema was the case of an English
woman forty-two years of age. The disease had produced a thickening of the
face and hands, and had caused her to become slow of speech and gait,
sensitive to cold, and languid and depressed in spirit to the point of
inability to go about alone. The extract of the thyroid gland of a sheep
hypodermically injected, twenty-four drops twice a week, gave almost immediate
and marvelous improvement which continued steadily. It was found that this
improvement could be maintained by feeding the gland by mouth. The features
and skin returned to normal, and the woman became able to walk once more
alone. She lived to the age of seventy-four years. during the time intervening
between forty-two and seventy-four it was always necessary to administer
thyroxin in some form regularly. The woman consumed nine pints of it,
comprising the glands of eight hundred and seventy sheep.
When the cretin baby is given thyroxin its circulation improves and the
body gets warmer. In a week or so the usual stupor disappears, and the little
creature begins to resent disturbances; soon it begins to recognize its
parents and smiles and plays. The heavy blank face becomes normal in
appearance, and the entire body begins to grow. All kinds of marvelous growth
effects occur. For instance, as many as twenty teeth may be cut inside of six
months. Coarse, rough, dry, shaggy hair becomes fine, soft, silky, long, and
often curly. The skin becomes moist, soft, and rosy. Inches in height may be
added every month, and the child becomes bright, active, and begins to talk. A
complete remaking is apparently effected. But should the administration of the
thyroid secretion cease, almost immediately reversion to the original
condition is inevitable. After a short time reactiveness slows down, the child
will speak only when spoken to, will sit quietly in a chair all day long and
act as if it were semi-anesthetized. Gradually the skin and hair return to the
previous state, and the whole picture of the cretin is in full bloom.
Supplying the secretion again promptly repeats the transformation.
Doctors are wondering what is to be the ultimate fate of these reformed
cretins. Since the administration of thyroxin to these unfortunates has been
going on scarcely a generation, there are no data yet as to the character of
their children or their grandchildren. Those of whom the doctors have kept
record appear to be normal healthy school children or adult workers, alive to
the usual interests of childhood or adult occupations and social circles.
Intellectually their only difficulty is with mathematics. Usually no one
outside their family knows that they are cretins, and the most accurate
observer in nine cases out of ten would never suspect it.
Not only may there be an insufficiency of thyroid secretion in the blood
and tissues but there are instances where individuals suffer from an excess of
it. When the over-activity of the thyroid reaches a pathological state the
condition manifesting as disease is called exophthalmic goitre. This disease
is usually accompanied by enlargement of the gland and may be acute in its
onset or it may assume a chronic form.
Acute cases are usually caused by a severe shock or a great fright, and
ofttimes disappear within a few days without any treatment. In the chronic
form the disease is serious and should be given the best of care. Among its
chief symptoms are excessively rapid heart action, pulse ranging from 90 to as
high as 160, over-excitability of the nerves, increased blood pressure,
shallow, rapid breathing; in fact, an over reactivity of the whole organism.
The eyes, which are bright and prominent, are pushed forward in the sockets,
and the lids are held wide apart resulting in a startled expression.
A person afflicted with this disease has a high warm color, is restless,
does not sleep well, becomes thin and remains so no matter how much he may
eat. In some cases there is extreme emaciation. The goitre may be very large,
but at times it is only moderately so. There are twenty-one known different
kinds of goitre. Exophthalmic goitre is curable in most cases without an
operation, but the others usually require the use of a knife.
The cause of goitre is lack of iodine in the thyroid secretion. Iodine is
rather abundantly present in sea water and in smaller quantities in the spring
and soil water of most regions; but is some mountainous districts and in some
other regions far removed from the sea, there is practically no iodine
presesnt for the thyroid to use. It may then enlarge in an effort to do its
utmost to function properly under the existing circumstances; but still it
cannot supply the secretion in the absence of iodine.
Iodine in the form of sodium iodide is small doses will act as a goitre
preventive. prolonged physical, mental, and emotional rest free from all
excitement and worry is often most effective in curing this disease. A
surgical operation should always be the last resort, and in no case should all
of the thyroid be removed as the result would be certain death.
This mysterious gland which gives balance to the brain, aids in digestion,
and mixes iron with the food cells, secretes the iodine which combats the
poisons of the body, helps to control the amount of fat stored there, and in
some mysterious way both prevents and cures goitre. The more thyroid, the more
energetic one will be — the less thyroid, the less energetic and the lazier.
It has been quite conclusively proved that the prisoners in San Quentin
convicted of murder all have abnormal thyroid glands, Dr. Ralph Arthur
Reynolds, San Francisco physician, stated following a two months' firsthand
study of the prison's inmates in cooperation with Dr. Leo Stanley, resident
prison physician.
Dr. Reynolds said his study convinced him of three facts: That every
murderer, potential and actual, exhibits over-secretion of the thyroid gland;
that a murderer exhibits under-secretion of the pituitary gland, and that
every social misfit displays mal-secretion of some gland. The doctor told of
one youthful slayer who for no apparent reason attacked other prisoners with
anything he could lay his hands on and as a consequence had spent one hundred
and eighty days in the dungeon. The youth had an abnormal thyroid gland, said
Dr. Reynolds, upon which "we operated and reduced to what we thought
normality. Today that prisoner is entirely tractable." The results, he said,
were surprising in sixty other cases personally treated.
The following interesting statement is made by Dr. Louis Berman who
displays remarkably keen insight in relation to the ductless (endocrine) glands and their
function in the human body:
"If crime is an abnormality scientifically studiable and controllable like
measles, court procedure and prison management will have to be transformed
radically. There is scattered throughout the world now a group of people who
are applying medical methods to the diagnosis and treatment of crime. They are
the pioneers who will be remembered in history as the compeers of those who
transformed the attitude of the world toward insanity and its therapy. The
insane were once condemned and handled as are criminals in most civilized
countries yet. The criminological laboratory as an adjunct to the court of
justice, so called, like that associated with several courts punishing crime
now, remains to be universalized.
"It has been shown that the greater number of convicts are mentally and
morally subnormal (deficiency of thyroid secretion). To explain the
subnormality, the criminologist has conducted and will continue to conduct
investigations into the heredity and early environment of the criminal, his
education and occupation, the social and religious influences to which he was
subjected, and the intelligence test quotient. The conditioning of the
vegetative system (involuntary or sympathetic) and the endocrine status of the
prisoner, however, will without a doubt come to occupy the leading positions in any interpretation of crime in the future.
"Introspective observation of pre-criminal states of mind by so-called
normal persons reveals that in many of them there is an impairment of reason
and will power, in others an exaltation amounting almost to hysteria. What are
these but endocrine states of the cells, experimentally reproducible by
increasing or decreasing the influence of the thyroid, the adrenals, and the
pituitary? Crimes of passion can be traced in no small part to disturbances of
the thyroid. A psychologic examiner of a Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) court,
interested in this subject, has found enlarged thyroid in over ninety per cent
of delinquent girls."
Before man became upright he was double-sexed and his entire creative force
was centered in the organs of reproduction; at that time the thyroid was a sex
gland pure and simple. Max Heindel says that when the sexes were divided one-
half of the creative force of each individual was turned upward to build a
brain and larynx. The brain was built to give the Ego an instrument with which
to gather knowledge and create in the physical world, and the same force is
feeding and building it today. The larynx was made in order that man might
have an organ with which to express his thoughts in words.
The sex pervert or sex-maniac is proof of the correctness of the contention
of the correctness of the contention of the esotericist that one part of the sex
force built and sustains the brain and larynx and that there is a connection
between these organs and the force expressed through the lower creative organ.
The unfortunate pervert becomes an idiot, unable to think because of drawing
and sending out, not only the negative or positive part of the sex force
(according to whether male or female) which is normally to be used through the
organs of reproduction for propagation, but in addition to that he draws down
and uses part of the force that should be turned upward and used in building
the brain, enabling it to produce thought; hence his mental deficiency. On the
other hand it the individual is given to spiritual thought the tendency to use
the generative force for propagation is slight, and whatever part of it that
is not used in that way may be transmuted into spiritual power.
Again it is interesting to note that this same thyroid gland which was once
a sex gland arises in the embryo from the same tissue and almost the same spot
as does the anterior lobe of the pituitary body, the thyroid being an
outgrowth in front, the anterior pituitary an outgrowth behind the same
tissue. The anterior lobe of the pituitary body has been called the gland of
intellectuality, meaning the capacity of the mind to control its environment
by means of concepts and abstract ideas. All of which bears out Max Heindel's
statement that the nature of the generative force is creative whether
manifesting through the brain or the organs of reproduction.
The thyroid bears more directly upon the inner and outer coverings of the
body, the skin, the skin glands, the hair, the mucous membranes and the
irritability and the preparedness for response of the nerves. The pituitary
acts more on the framework of the body, the skeleton, and the mechanical
supports and movers. The thyroid raises the energy level of the brain and the
whole nervous system. The pituitary stimulates the brain cells more directly.
The thyroid facilitates energy production, the pituitary its consumption. The
thyroid is concerned especially with the regulation of the shape, form, and
finish of organs in accordance with their archetypes.
The life force necessary to create both thought and physical forms comes
from the sun and the yearly liberated Christ force in the earth. This force is
attracted to the individual by the thyroid gland. It is the spiritual solar
life essence contained in thyroxin that gives balance to the brain and the
life to the organs of reproduction. The secretion of this gland is as
necessary to the proper mental activity and reproduction of species as ether
is to the transmission of electricity. Without this spirit essence there can
be no complexity of thought, no learning, no education, no habit formation, no
responsive energy to meet situations, as well as no development of faculty and
physical function; also no reproduction of any kind, with no sign of
adolescence at the proper age, and no exhibition of sex tendencies thereafter.
During childhood the normal thyroid type of individual is healthy, slender,
yet strikingly robust, energetic, active, fair complexioned, eyes large,
brilliant with an inclination to protrude, nose straight and high-bridged,
teeth firm, regular, and white with a pearly translucent enamel.
The thyroid-centered children are always active, never appear to get tired,
and require little sleep. They are singularly immune to disease, contracting
measles possibly, but seldom any other of the typical children's diseases.
Adolescence is apt to be stormy and episodic for them and they find adjustment
to the changes going on within them considerably disturbing which often
results in acute wanderlust. The high-keyed cells of their bodies are so
charged with vital energy that it must express itself in some normal activity
or else explode.
The thyroid youth is a live wire, bubbling with vitality, vividly magnetic,
and the life of any group. He is, however, easily shocked by some unusual or —
— sudden event like the unexpected death of a beloved parent, or the ruin of a
cherished ambition. In such cases a break in the balance of the other glands
may follow quickly, resulting in disablement or possible invalidism, which may
be cured after a time, or remain stationary, or in some instances descend to
the worst form of thyroid deficiency. These attractive, lovable, thyroid-
centered children need most careful rearing.
During maturity the thyroid type is characterized usually by a slender
body. The features are clean-cut, complexion clear and slightly flushed, the
hair abundant, often wavy or curled, eyebrows thick and long; large, frank,
brilliant, keen eyes, a well-shaped mouth with regular, well-developed teeth.
Shelley's face is a good example of the masculine thyroid-centered person. The
oval shape of it, the excellent molding of its features, the wide, high brow,
the large, vivacious, prominent eyes, vitally alive, and the sensitive mouth
all belong to this type. of him Matthew Arnold said: "A beautiful and
ineffectual angel, beating in the void his luminous wings in vain." Queen
Elizabeth of England is an excellent feminine example of a thyroid-centered
woman.
Sexually this type is well differentiated and susceptible. Noticeable
emotivity, rapidity of perception and volition, impulsiveness, and a tendency
to explosive crises of expression are among their distinctive traits. Their
restless, apparently inexhaustible energy makes them perpetual doers. They get
up early in the morning, work all day, retire late at night, and plan the work
for themselves and others for the next day, and then complain of insomnia.
Shelley was only thirty years old when he was drowned yet the number of his
literary compositions was greater than those of many who have spent a lifetime
engaged in the same kind of work. Queen Elizabeth's reign was noted for its
commercial enterprise and intellectual activity. Mankind owes much to these
restless, energetic people, for in a certain sense they are the leaven that
energizes the world.
The pituitary body or hypophysis is a lump of tissue about the size of a
pea, situated almost exactly in the center of the head at the base of the
brain and just behind the root of the nose. It hangs suspended from the under
side of the brain like a cherry from the limb of a tree. It is a grayish-
yellow color. It increases in size until about the thirtieth year, and in the
adult weighs about five grains, or 1/1400 of a pound. During pregnancy the
gland increases somewhat in size. It lies in a saddle-like depression in the
sphenoid bone called the sella turcica and is enclosed in a strong membraneous
tissue called dura mater. The pituitary body can be traced from the most
primitive form of life to man. Humanity has brought this gland and the salt of
the blood in its development all the way from the sea to its present state.
The pituitary body is a veteran in the ducless gland system. Its name is
derived from a Latin word, pituita. This name was given to the gland because
it was supposed to secrete a fluid which lubricated the throat. it was
believed that the secretion filtered through the porous ethnoid bone that
intervenes between the pituitary body and the nasal cavity.
If the sella turcica, or cradle of the gland, is too small, there is an
under development of the moral and intellectual sense. People so affected may
be called pathological liars. Such unfortunates have no sense of truth,
therefore they are absolutely unconscious of the fact that they are telling
lies. Such an affliction may often be found among mentally disabled.
The pituitary body is composed of two seemingly independent organs,
distinct in their origin, history, function, and secretion. In the study of
the human embryo we find the beginning of the pituitary manifesting as an
outgrowth of the mouth cavity in the taste and smell sense area. This
outgrowth takes the form of a pouch which gradually extends toward the brain.
by the end of the fourth week this protruding pouch contacts a downgrowth from
the brain called the infundibulum. The two parts then develop into the adult
pituitary gland. The outgrowth of the mouth cavity forms the anterior lobe of
the pituitary, and the infundibulum part represents an outgrowth of the oldest
part of the nervous system, the involuntary or sympathetic system, and
develops into the posterior or post-pituitary lobe of the gland. There is a
space between walls of the anterior parts of the gland which persists
throughout life as the cleft of the gland.
At a certain stage in the life of the embryo the pineal gland protrudes
through the brain, and the pituitary body forms an aperture to the mouth; the
spinal canal cavity is also connected therewith. Through this media the spirit
that is about to take birth in the physical world is still in close contact
with the spirit world outside while the prison-house of flesh is being built
around it. When other apertures of the body, notably the foramen ovale, close,
the fetal blood stream is diverted from its former unimpeded way through the
auricles of the heart directly to the spiritual centers in the head just
mentioned, and the blood is forced through the ventricles of the heart into
the lungs where it contacts the ether in the air. This ether contains an
accurate and detailed picture of all the Ego's surroundings, not only of
material things but all of the conditions existing each moment within the
individual's aura, and all of these pictures are injected into the blood. This
causes a clogging of the spiritual centers, spiritual sight wanes, and the
consciousness of the Ego gradually becomes focused in the physical world.
At the beginning of serious gland study it was believed that the pituitary
was s single gland producing only one hormone or substance. After a time it
was found that it had two distinct parts and that each produced hormones
distinctly different from the other. It was further discovered that what at
first was considered to be one hormone was found to consist of two or more
separate ones, until at present it is believed that the pituitary produces at
present it is believed that the pituitary produces no less than eight
distinctly different hormones.
The anterior lobe of the pituitary, called the prepituitary, is composed
of a collection of solid columns of cells surrounded by blood spaces into
which the cell secretion is undoubtedly directly poured. The posterior lobe
consists of secretory cells producing a glossy substance which finds its way
into the spinal fluid that bathes the nervous system.
There is one chemical in the secretion of the prepituitary that stimulates
the growth of tissue, particularly the bony tissue, and another which
influences the sex organs and sexual activity. One of the extracts of the
prepituitary has a definite effect on the reddish-yellow mass which fills the
egg sacs in the ovaries, stimulating them to excessive growth. One scientist
who grafted small pieces of the prepituitary into very young immature animals
found that it produced puberty and brought about active mature sexuality
including all the mating and reproductive instincts.
In the light of the foregoing it is evident that the prepituitary is not
only one of the chief controllers of grwoth but is the controller of the
mysterious process in human development called puberty.
It has been proved by experimentation that the normal functioning of the
pre-pituitary is necessary during the period of growth and development and
probably also during the period of maturity for the proper evolution and
functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands. When the prepituitary is
injured in young or growing animals there occurs a retardation of the growth
and activity of the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the sex glands. When
the internal secretion of the prepituitary is supplied artificially by
injection there is an activation of the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as
the sex glands.
The internal secretions of the pituitary undoubtedly have an effect on the
energy production, especially the energy of the central nervous system, the
gray matter of the brain, and the spinal cord. An overproduction of energy in
the body may be due to an excessive amount of the internal secretion of the
pituitary circulating in the blood and tissues.
To summarize: The anterior or prepituitary produces a secretion that
promotes the growth of the skeleton and connective tissues, causes the normal
development of the creative organs and sex activity, and stimulates the well-
being and action of the thyroid and adrenal glands. The secretion of the
anterior pituitary, called prolactin, is essential to the production of milk
in female animals.
The posterior lobe of the pituitary body secretes several important
hormones, two of which are in frequent use. One of them, called pitocin, has
apowerful stimulating effect on the pregnant uterus and is frequently used in
cases where labor is slow and ineffective. The other hormone is called
pituitrin. In general this secretion controls the tone of the tissues of the
involuntary or smooth muscle fibers of the blood vessels, and the contractile
organs of the body like the intestines, the bladder, and uterus. When injected
it will slowly raise the blood pressure and keep it raised for some time, and
will increase the flow of urine from the kidneys and milk from the breast. it
will also cause an intense continued contraction of the bladder and uterus. it
is believed to control the salt content of the blood on which its electrical
conductivity and other properties depend. Normally, there is a certain fixed
ratio of salts in the blood which keeps them (the salts) like the ratio of sea
water. it has recently been proved that the blood pressure rising effect is
due to one internal secretion of the postpituitary, and the contracting
propensity is due to another constituent in the secretion.
Between the anterior pituitary and the posterior, there is an intermediate
structure which secretes a hormone called intermedin. This secretion has
proved very effective in the treatment of diabetes insipidus. It is generally
administered by injection.
The extraordinary well protected position of the pituitary, its persistence
throughout life, and its abundant blood supply emphasizes its vital
importance. No other gland of internal secretion can adequately substitute it.
Its complete removal means death in two or three days, with a peculiar
lethargy, unsteadiness of gate, loss of appetite, emaciation, and fall of
temperature so that the animal becomes cold blooded, its temperature the same
as the atmosphere around it. If only a part of the anterior lobe is taken away
there occurs a remarkable degeneration of the individual — a fatty degeneration
with a tendency to inversion of sex. A singular drowsiness, dry skin, loss of
hair, dull mentality, sometimes epilepsy, and a noticeable craving for sweets
appears.
If a part of the anterior lobe is removed from a puppy in infancy there is
a marked hindrance or slowing of growth — dwarfs are artificially created.
Pathologists have shown that in several true human dwarfs the pituitary is
rudimentary or inadequate. All this is evidence that the skeleton is directly
under the domination of the pituitary.
There are singular by-effects of the pituitary in relation to the periodic
phenomena of the physical organism, like hibernating, sleep, and wakefulness.
An active pituitary produces sleepiness and general dullness. In hibernation
or winter sleep, the animal in cold weather passes into a cataleptic state in
which it continues to breathe, more deeply but more slowly than when awake,
but shows no other signs of conscious life. A lowered blood pressure and a
marked insensibility to painful and emotional stimuli go with it. There is a
preliminary storage of starch in the liver and fat throughout the starch
depots of the body. These are so like what happens when a part of the
pituitary is removed that a comparison of the two becomes inevitable. Common
to both conditions is a drop in the rate of metabolism, which can be relieved
by injection of an extract of the pituitary causing a rise of temperature to
occur at once.
The internal secretions of the glands of the hibernating animals show
changes in all of them during the period of hibernating but most marked change
is in the pituitary whose cells shrink as if they too were asleep or resting.
These animals come to at the vernal equinox (spring) and the pituitary gland
cells again become normally active. Some scientists claim that hibernation may
be attributed to a seasonal wave of pituitary inactivity. In certain parts of
Russia where there is a scarcity of food during winter months, the peasants
pass weeks at a time in a sleepy, drowsy state, arousing once a day for a
scant meal.
There are plenty of people in the world today who are partial hibernators,
and many of them are really in a state of what might be called — sub-
pituitarism, for something is wrong with their pituitaries. They are slow,
dull, sexually inactive, often sterile. They are sometimes tall but much more
often they are dwarfish and are likely to be subject to epilepsy.
All grades of overaction of the pituitary exist. This overaction has the
peculiar power to act as a stimulant to the growth of the bones and the soft
supporting, connecting tissues, like tendons and ligaments.
If the excess of the pituitary secretions begins before puberty, it causes
great elongation of the bones, resulting in giantism. Normal giants, persons
exceptional in size and free from physical or mental deformities, are rare.
There are, however, people with hyper-prepituitarism, who are possessed of the
highest mental powers. In such individuals there is an increased activity of
the posterior lobe in association with enlargement and hyperfunction of the
anterior lobe. Their overgrowth is not so marked, and they are lean and
mentally acute. The ordinary giant is one in whom there is degeneration of the
pituitary after too much action of the anterior lobe and too little of the
posterior. A tumor or diseased process in the gland is often responsible for
this.
If the overaction of the pituitary happens after puberty when the long
bones have set and cannot grow longer, a peculiar, widely spread enlargement
of the individual's face and body occurs, especially of his hands, feet, and
head. The nose, ears, lips, and eyes get larger and coarser. As these people
are rather big and tall to begin with, the effect produced is that of a heavy-
jawed, burly, bulky person, with bushy overhanging eyebrows and an aggressive
appearance. Such people often suffer from torturing, boring headaches,a
consequent despondency, and a feeling of hopelessness which colors their
attitude toward life. Up to a certain point they have a remarkable alertness
and are very capable. When conscious of the malady it is characteristic of
them to meet it with a courageous optimism, although women so afflicted do
occasionally commit suicide. In the semi-hibernators, who remind on of cattle,
and the giant type, who remind one of anthropoids, there develops a distinct
diminution of sexual life.
Oversecretion or undersecretion of the anterior gland may interfere with
the proper functioning of the posterior gland, the secretion of which is a
tonic to both the brain and the sex cells. In cases where the bony container
is, or becomes, too small for the pituitary, along with undersize, obesity, et
cetera, there develops conspicuous moral and intellectual inferiority. The
person suffers from lack of self-restraint and an impelling desire to act
according to whatever idea enters his mind, be it good or bad. Such people
have little or no initiative and are instinctively immoral. They should have
proper care.
The secretions of the pituitary act on the framework of the body-bones,
ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Its secretions diffuse directly into the
fluid bathing the nervous system, supplying beneficent stimulants, and aiding
in the abstraction of harmful wastes. The pituitary secretion stimulates the
brain cells directly, naturally, and normally in something like the way
caffeine or cocaine stimulates them artificially.
The pituitary assists in energy transformation expenditure and conversion,
particlarly of the brain and sexual system. It works directly with the
creative force both in the brain and reproductive organs, making it easy for
them to consume energy. it is the gland of continued effort, and an inability
to maintain effort is one of the prominent complaints when there is a
destruction of this gland or insufficiency of its extract to enable it to
perform its normal work. Overgrowth, undergrowth, and normal growth all depend
on the normal functioning of the pituitary in relation to the brain and
reproductive organs.
The prepituitary: (1) stimulates growth of skeleton and supporting tissues;
(2) influences reproductive organs and their activity; (3) stimulates
excessive growth of contents of egg sacs in ovaries; (4) produces puberty; (5)
injury to it causes retardation of growth in young.
The postpituitary: (1) secretes pituitrin, which controls tone (vigor) of
flat smooth muscles fibers of bladder and uterus; (2) raises blood pressure;
(3) increases flow of urine, and milk in breast; (4) tonic to both brain cells
and sex cells; (5) increases heart contractions but decreases force of
systole.
The pituitary body is a feminine-masculine gland. The feminine pituitary
type is dominated by the post-pituitary lobe of the gland. The masculine type
is dominated by the anterior lobe of the pituitary. The feminine pituitary
type expresses tender emotions and refined sentiments. The skin is soft,
moist, roseate, or creamy, hairless, and flushes easily; the brow are high,
the eyes are large and prominent. These people are fond of children, and are
in every way most womanly. They are of medium height, well-formed, medium-
sized hands and feet, well modulated voice, fond of good poetry and music, and
have a sensitive face; are much interested in the welfare of mankind. They are
womanly with a suggestion of masculine force. mary, the mother of Jesus, is a
good example of well-balanced feminine pituitary type. Florence Nightingale
also belongs to this class.
An over predominant postpituitary in a woman produces one who craves
excitement, constant change, and has a desire for some kind of new pleasure
every minute. These women are excitement-mad and thrill-crazy.
The masculine pituitary type has superlative brain tone and action, a good
all-around mental growth, and the ability to govern. Generally this type is
tall, about sex feet, the ideal virile type, with a well-developed strong
frame, firm muscles, and hands and feet proportionately sized. The head is
long from front to back, the face sharp and clear-cut, the eyebrows thick, the
eyes prominent and wide apart, and nose broadish and long, the lower jaw
prominent and firm, cheek bones prominent. These people have a high brain
power, great ability to learn, and the power to control. They are masters of
their lower instincts, ruling themselves and their environment. To this group
belong the brain men, practical and theoretical, the philosophers and creators
of new thought. Men like Abraham Lincoln, Julius Caesar, and George Bernard
Shaw belong to this class.
When a predominance of the post-pituitary occurs in men it produces a type
that is short, rounded, and stout, the head appearing too large for the body,
with the general distribution of the hair on the extremities and trunk poor,
but that of the scalp and face plentiful, and early in life they acquire an
abdominal pouch. They exhibit feminine tendencies, and often poetry and music
have an almost morbid appeal to them. In fact a large number of poets and
musicians are classified as feminine pituitary types. They are ofttimes
beautiful characters, but usually lack self-assertion. They are often the
henpecked husbands who should be understood — not bullied.
The anterior pituitary dominating in woman produces a masculine type and
counteracts her natural feminine trend. It inclines her to be large, spare,
and bony; gives her a protruding jaw, broad teeth, thick skin, a hairy body,
and large hands and feet. However, it does give her a brilliant intellect
which ofttimes creates despair in the minds of her masculine associates. Such
women become the aggressive type, and fill men's places in the business world.
These women also need understanding and not ridicule and sarcasm which is
usually directed toward them.
Thrice blessed are the men and women who have normal, balanced pituitary
glands.
The pineal gland is most astonishing in its nature. As its name implies, it
is a cone-shaped body (Conarium pinealis, pine cone). It is reddish in color,
about a half inch in length, and not much larger than a grain of wheat. It is
attached to the roof of the third ventricle of the brain. It weighs about two
grains. It is hidden away at the base of the brain (to which it is attached by
the hollow pineal stalk) in a tiny cave behind and above the pituitary body.
it is composed, in part, of nerve cells containing a pigment similar to that
present in the cells of the retina which is an expression of the optic nerve —
this strengthening the argument for its ancient function as an eye. The lower
part of the gland points backward.
The secretion of the pineal gland, called pinealin, acts as a restrictor
for all the glands of internal secretion. By its checking activity on the
other endocrine glands, it gives the baby time to grow in bulk, which is its
chief business during the first two years of its existence. during these two
years the baby should quadruple its birth weight. The pineal acts as a sort of
general supervisor over all of the other glands.
The accepted belief of the nineteenth century anatomists was that the
pineal gland was a useless, wasteful, space-consuming vestige of a once
important structure. For a long time, in fact, up to a few decades ago, the
pineal was believed to have no present function at all, or at least no
ascertainable one. That it might be a gland of internal secretion was a
popularly despised theory. Late observations, however, have related the pineal
to muscle function. There is a singular muscle shrinking and deforming
disease, known as "progressive dystrophy," the cause of which has been an
unsolved mystery to the medical profession. By means of the X-rays, late
studies of the pineal in relation to this disease have shown it calcified,
that is, buried in lime salts, which signifies that where it is weak, or no
longer functioning, the muscles do not receive the proper amount of
nourishment.
It has further been discovered that the pineal regulates the coloring of
the skin by varying the degree of light ray reaction. That is, it controls the
action of light on the pigment of the skin. It is the light within that
reflects the light without.
The pineal also produces the normal physical and mental development of the
brain cells and the normal development of the cells of the organs of
reproduction. The rich blood supply of the pineal is suggestive of its active
functioning raqther than that it is only the persistence of a vestigial organ
which during the course of evolution has outgrown its original use.
To summarize: The pineal gland secretion (1) prevents a too early sex
development in the child, and thereby promotes normal puberty; (2) it favors
activity of the creative force, which tends to develop both the brain and the
organs of reproduction normally; (3) it gives the vigor which tones up the
muscles; (4) it influences the body by varying the degree of light ray
reaction; that is, it controls the susceptibility of the body to light; (5) it
influences the skin pigment by causing a marked transparency of it due to a
contraction of the pigment cells.
Generally speaking, the pineal gland is masculine but there are some women
who come under its domination, as we shall see when we take up the study of
the spiritual activities of this organ.
The typical spiritual pineal type is tall and has a well-built figure. The
shoulders are square, and the body gradually tapers to the feet. The forehead
is high and broad. The eyebrows are inclined to be straight, not too heavy,
and are well shaped. The large, expressive, wide-open eyes are usually a deep
blue, which, regardless of color, emit a glint of divine fire. The nose is
quite Grecian in shape. The lips are medium full with a slight curve. The chin
is well formed and prominent enough to show real strength of character, yet it
is in excellent alignment with the other features. The neck is medium-sized,
set on broad, shapely shoulders. The hair, usually light brown, is abundant
and has a glossy sheen. As a whole, the figure is manly with a suggestion of
feminine charm.
The artist Raphael was a perfect example of the spiritually developed
pineal type. It is said that his manly beauty, touched with an almost
imperceptible feminine allure, was so perfect that when he passed
unobtrusively along the street all who saw him stopped and gazed after him in
astonished admiration. In person he was as beautiful as an angel. His
disposition was sweet, kind, and gentle; in manner and conversation he was
most charming, and he was celebrated for the nobility and generosity of his
nature.
The name of this unusual man still remains the greatest in the art of
painting. In his Transfiguration the discerning eyes discover the mystery of
his greatness, for here is plainly revealed his knowledge of and direct touch
with supernatural realms. This marvelous picture, the beauty of which must be
felt as well as seen, was Raphael's swan-song on canvas. He painted it while
he was dying. When looking at this marvelous production, one wonders if he did
not paint that beautiful, holy, compassionate face of the Christ just as he
saw Him in the ethers, waiting to carry into paradise the spirit of the noble
man who had done so much for the glory of Christianity both by the unsurpassed
holy pictures that he painted on canvas and the noble unselfish life he led.
We will now consider the spiritual connection which the ductless (endocrine) glands
have with the development of the latent potentialities of the Ego. Let us not
forget that the principal ductless (endocrine) glands are seven in number, namely: the
two adrenals, the spleen, the thymus, the thyroid, the pituitary, and the
pineal. Max Heindel tells us that these glands have a great and particular
interest for the esoteric student and that they may be termed the seven roses
on the cross of the vital body, for they are intimately connected with the
esoteric development of humanity.
All that we see about us in our entire solar system had been created by the
Word which is sound-music, the Voice of God. It was this great primordial Word
which brought or spoke into being, in finest matter, all the different worlds
with all their myriads of forms and these forms have since been copied and
worked out in detail by innumerable creative Hierarchies chief among which, so
far as our won particular solar system is concerned, are the Seven Planetary
Spirits before the throne, namely: Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, Earth, Mars,
Venus, and Mercury.
The Word of God sounds forth through the medium of these seven Planetary
Spirits and forms all the various types which later crystallize into the
manifold things which we behold in the Physical World. Thus we see that the —
— Word manifests in seven great tones sounded by the seven Planetary Spirits.
Each planet has its own keynote and emits a sound varying from that of every
other planet. These are all building tones. All the music in the world is
based on these seven tones emitted by the seven Planetary Spirits, and all
form is created by them, and after the form is created they assist the
indwelling Ego in developing its latent potentialities, all of which are embryonic God-powers. This assistance is given to humanity largely through the medium of the ductless (endocrine) glands.
Each ductless (endocrine) gland has a dominant keynote within itself, which when
awakened, will develop certain latent potentialities in the Ego. Each of these
keynotes is attuned to that of one of the Planetary Spirits and the sounding
forth of the keynote of that particular Planetary Spirit is gradually
awakening the keynote of the gland which is attuned to it. When the keynote of
the gland is awakened it will develop in the Ego the specific energies which
this particular Planetary Spirit expresses. These energies are forces which
the Ego must learn to control and direct, for according to their use do they manifest as god or evil. Remember that all evil is misdirected good.
The adrenal glands are ruled by Jupiter. The energies expressed by Jupiter
manifest principally as benevolence, vision, expansion, optimism, honor,
philanthropy, courtesy, generosity, cheerfulness, ability to comprehend the
working out of cosmic law, ideation (the power to form and relate ideas), and religious understanding.
When one contacts the keynote of Jupiter it is found to be clear, full,
round, and expansive. Its all encompassing power seems to enwrap and enfold
the individual, awakening in him a sense of confidence, security, and the
ability and desire to go out into the world and transform the hideous works of
stumbling, half-awakened humanity into creations of beauty and intrinsic
worth. His clarified vision beholds with joy the heights to be scaled, the
greater spiritual powers to be developed; and his expanded consciousness,
which recognizes in each of his fellow men just another part of himself
groping and striving for a true understanding of the riddle of life, becomes
fired with an urgent desire to render unto these hapless children of the one
great Father, the loving, selfless service which will reveal to them, from the
highest to the lowest, that the real purpose of life for each individual is
the development of his latent potentialities into dynamic, godlike powers.
Once having attained these powers it is possible for the individual to
misuse them.This is one of the greatest crimes that it is possible to commit.
The wrong use of spiritual power is black magic which can be indulged in to
the extent that finally the bridge of mind which connects the Spirit with its
personality is broken and after a time the Spirit automatically gravitates to
the planet Saturn where it leaves a record of its past lives and is then by
dissolution of its vehicles propelled outward toward chaos by way of Saturn's
moons, there to remain until the dawn of a new creative day when it will have
to begin its work all over again in an appropriate day of manifestation.
The wrong use of these energies expresses itself principally in over-
confidence, extravagance, self-indulgence, prodigality, showiness, bombastry,
sportiness, conceit, lawlessness, dissipation, improvidence, and
procrastination. All of which plunges the Ego into so much deep sorrow,
suffering, and distress that in time it usually learns the lesson that only by
the right use of these spiritual powers can it free itself from its self-made, distressful predicament. When this lesson is mastered, through pain and travail, the Ego is indeed ready for another forward step on the path of evolution. for, corresponding to the two adrenals, the first two roses on the cross of his vital body have burst into full bloom!
No longer does the emergency energy of the adrenal glands express itself in
belligerence, aggression, and combat, but rather it is directed by the power
born in a chastened, contrite spirit into energies which manifest as
benevolence, vision, expansion, and philanthropy.
A knowing that the good of all is the good of each has developed in the
consciousness of the Ego. This individualized spark of God now recognizes the
unity which exists between all created beings and their oneness with the great
Creator of our solar system; accordingly, to him the brotherhood of man has
become an established fact.
The work of Jupiter in relation to our humanity at present is connected
with the physical plane. Through the medium of the spiritual power generated
by the adrenal glands, he furnishes the Ego with the strength necessary to
perfect its dense body and conquer the physical world, all of which completes
its evolution on this mundane sphere. The spiritual center in the adrenals
vibrates to blue.
The spleen is the entrance gate of the solar forces specialized by each
individual and circulated through the physical body as the vital fluid without
which no being can live. This gland is therefore ruled by the sun which is the
source of all vitality. The energies of this great planet manifest chiefly as
will, vitality, individuality, authority, courage, generosity, dignity,
loyalty, faithfulness, parental instinct, leadership, and responsibility.
When the great keynote of the Planetary Spirit of the sun, which contains
within itself all of the other planetary tones, arouses into action the
corresponding keynote in the spleen, the third rose on the cross of the vital
body bursts into bloom.
The development of this rose raises the consciousness of the individual to
such an extent that he is able to contact the Etheric Region which is a
vibrating, flowing stream of life. Here he actually sees the activity that is
carried on by a class of invisible hosts who work through the media of the
chemical, life, light, and reflecting ethers. He sees the vital forces which
give life to the mineral forms of plant, animal, and man actually flowing into
these forms.
He sees the work of the forces that cause assimilation in the body and the
process whereby they extract the different nutritive elements from the food
and incorporate them into the bodies of plant, animal, and man, and he watches
these same forces expel from the body the materials which are unfit for use.
He learns that these processes like all others which are independent of man's
volition, are wise and selective.
He learns of the activities of the nature forces which work in the life
ether making it possible for parents to bring children into the world. He
contacts the great angelic life wave and watches how they work with this same
life force and the way in which they place the dense seed atom of
reincarnating Egos, which are to grow new physical bodies, into the creative
force of the prospective fathers.
He learns how the nature forces in the light ether produce heat in the
blood, and how they operate the sense organs, making them capable of
distinguishable sight, hearing, feeling, tasting, and smelling.
This same development enables the individual to contact the reflecting
ether and see the pictures contained therein. In contacting this ether he
discovers that it is through the activities of a certain class of nature
spirits that the Ego is able to make thought impression on the human brain.
while examining this ether he contacts those subtle powers of the Spirit known
as the conscious and subconscious minds, and in time he learns how to
strengthen the first and read the records contained in the second.
While exploring the Etheric Region the individual contacts Egos who are
reviewing their after-death panorama and learns definitely just what the
process is.
The new powers developed by the individual enable him to see the gnomes
made of ether that work with the soil, and the fairies which work with the
flowers; and he is able to watch these little creatures extract coloring
matter from the light ether and build it into the various blossoms just before
they are ready to burst into bloom. He is also able to see the sylphs in the
air and follow the process they use in bringing about wind storms or zephyr
breezes. He is able to see the salamanders who start all fires, and he can
study their activities which produce the lightning and send it flashing in
zigzag tongues of flame across the blackness of an inky sky.
To summarize: the powers developed through the influence of the sun upon
the spleen open up to the individual the entire Etheric Region and make it
possible for him to contact consciously all the denizens which inhabit that
plane, and see the kind of work they are doing there as well as that which
they are doing on the earth.
When these powers have been developed it is possible for the individual to
put them to wrong use. He may get so enamored with himself that he becomes
arrogant, overbearing, ostentatious, proud, pompous, domineering — a veritable
despot. But if he does, again he reaps a harvest of sorrow and suffering until
at last, humble and contrite, he becomes a most valuable server ready and
eager to apply his knowledge to the betterment of the world. The spiritual
center in the spleen vibrates to golden yellow.
Venus controls the thymus gland. The emotions are developed by the Venus
love ray. The seat of the emotions is the desire body, and the desire body
connects the individual with the Desire World. When the keynote of Venus
arouses into activity the keynote of the thymus gland, the individual develops
the highest form of love, artistic ability, beauty, harmony, cheerfulness,
charm, attraction, cohesion, and coalition.
The wrong use of these powers expresses itself as sensuality,
dissoluteness, vulgarity, slothfulness, sentimentality, vanity, and
inconstancy.
Again we sound the warning, that spiritual powers when once developed can
be used for evil, and that the unfailing result is always disaster for the
wrong doer. The temptation to use spiritual powers for personal benefit is
ofttimes so subtle as to be almost indiscernible.
The keynote of the Venus planetary Spirit is sweet and clear. It brings to
one who is able to contact it a feeling of unexpected happiness like unto that
of an unanticipated family reunion where all past discords are forgotten and
only the joy of renewed association prevails. When one begins to respond to
this keynote, years seem to drop away from him and he feels young, joyous, and
happy.
The keynote of Venus impinging upon that of the thymus gland begins to
gradually awaken a response, and after a time this fourth rose on the cross of
the vital body bursts into bloom. This accelerated vibration puts the
individual in touch with the higher realms of the Desire World, where soul-
life expresses in the beauty of living colors, in perfected form, in the
poetry of motion, and the exquisite harmony of sound; where soul-light reveals
to love its higher octave — altruism, and where soul-power manifests itself in
philanthropic activities.
Here, also, the individual consciously contacts the Archangelic life wave,
of which Christ is the highest Initiate, and learns of its various activities,
particularly of those which pertain to the work of the various group and race
spirits who although unseen here are nevertheless very closely associated with
the activities of animal and man. he watches the two great forces of
attraction and repulsion in action, and sees the drawing power of interest and
the withering effect of indifference. Here he learns a truth whose value is
beyond all estimation — that nothing but good ultimately survives, and all
energy expended for any other purpose is not only wasted, so far as actual
accomplishment is concerned, but that it reacts disastrously upon him who
tries to divert its use for evil. The spiritual center in the thymus gland
vibrates to yellow.
The thyroid gland is ruled by Mercury's planetary Spirit. The powers of
this great Being when developed in man, manifest principally as reason,
intellect, thoughtfulness, good memory, studiousness, quick wit, eloquence,
dexterity, self-expression through speech and writing, the acquirement of
knowledge by means of reason, and self-mastery. the wrong use of these powers
expresses itself chiefly as conceit, cunning, shiftlessness, carelessness,
lack of principle, gossiping, profanity, dishonesty, gambling, indecision, and
nervousness.
Mercury's keynote stands out clear and strong, and awakens in the
individual a desire to know the reason for it all — why are we here? whence
did we come? where are we going? who is God? and, what are the secrets
concealed in His mighty creations? The thyroid is the fifth rose on the cross
of the vital body. When its keynote is awakened, the individual, assisted by
the music of the spheres, contacts the World of Thought where he consciously
sees the archetypes of all that exists in the physical world, learns of their
use, and how his own future lives are mapped out by the great recording
angels. He contacts definite information relative to the Lords of Mind of
which life wave the Father is the highest Initiate. He learns the nature of
the germinal idea which produces form in the mineral, plant, animal, and human
kingdoms. He discovers the germinal idea of life which manifests in plant,
animal, and man; also the germinal idea which results in desire and emotion in
animal and man. He sees how all these germinal ideas become archetypes or
patterns in the Region of concrete Thought for all that exists in the Physical
World, and that nothing manifests here until its archetype is created in the
World of thought by the rhythmic power of the music of the spheres. Here he
learns the value of thought and actually sees its power for good or evil
demonstrated, and he now realizes how necessary it is for the Spirit to gain
control of the mind and direct its activities in accordance to the divine plan
governing evolution.
He now fully realizes that his own creative force is a God power implanted
in him by his divine Creator; and that all this spirit essence that is not
used for the building of bodies for incoming Egos, should be consciously
directed to the brain, and there expended in forming those germinal ideas
which, when developed into concrete realities are of such eternal value to his
fellow men in developing their own divine potentialities into that dynamic
spiritual energy which is so necessary for the overcoming of evil and the
promotion of good.
The individual has now gained control of his mind and holds the balance of
power between the organs of generation and the brain. The Spirit is now the
ruler of his lower self and is able to direct all of its activities into
fields of endeavor that will produce true spiritual growth. The spiritual
center in the thyroid gland vibrate to violet.
The pituitary body is under the rulership of Uranus. The keynote of this
great planetary Spirit expresses itself on the physical plane as originality,
universality, love of liberty for all, compassion, ingenuity, independence,
reformation, progression, inventiveness, sudden action, intuition,
clairvoyance, mysticism, and altruism.
Debased, we find these lofty expressions manifesting as eccentricity,
Bohemianism, fanaticism, licentiousness, irresponsibility, spasmodic action,
riotousness, perversion, impatience, and anarchy.
The clear, celestial keynote of the planetary Spirit of Uranus lilts high
above that of Venus and in time awakens its corresponding keynote in the
pituitary body. Then the sixth rose on the cross of the vital body unfolds its
golden petals and comes into bloom. This heightened vibration of the pituitary
lifts the consciousness of the individual into the realm of Life Spirit where
all of God's children eventually become united in oneness with Him, and he
sees the life force of God which permeates the whole of creation uniting each
with all. This is the region of pure altruism.
In the realm of Life Spirit is a record of all that has taken place since
the dawn of creation, and to this great storehouse of knowledge the individual
now has ready access. From it he may glean definite information relative to
the evolution of our own world and also to that of all the other planets of
our solar system. Here, too, he consciously contacts his own superconscious
mind which reveals to him the story of all his past lives from the time when
he was conceived in the great body of the Father-Mother-God down to the
present day.
In this realm the individual contacts the great Lords of From who have
special charge of evolution during our Earth Period and from them he learns
the true meaning of dynamic spiritual energy and how it is used to create
form.
The pituitary body is one of the links in the spiritual chain that connects
man with the great Christ Spirit who ordinarily functions in His life spirit
vehicle: heart, pituitary body, light ether, Uranus, intellectual soul, life
spirit. And all of these are used by the individual in developing the Christ
within which is his own life spirit. The pituitary is the primary seat of the
life spirit, and the heart is the secondary seat. By seat is meant the medium
through which the individual works in developing the latent potentialities of
his own life spirit which is the feminine pole of his being — the imaginative,
nurturing, protecting mother energy of his Spirit. The color of the life
spirit is yellow; the color of Uranus is yellow; the color of light ether is
yellow; and when the pituitary body is awakened, it shines with a yellow
light.
The pituitary body is closely connected with the mystic path leading to
Initiation.
Thus it is clearly to be seen that the arousing of the pituitary body into
action is one of the most important accomplishments to be attained in the
development of the feminine, love-wisdom powers of the Spirit.
The pineal gland is ruled by Neptune, the light bearer for the spiritual
sun which is the Father. By nature this planet is esoteric, prophetic, and
spiritual.
Intellectuality, ruled by Mercury, lifted humanity above the animal and
made man man. Spirituality, ruled by Neptune, will in time raise him above the
human state and make him divine.
Neptune manifesting on the physical plane results in knowledge above reason
yet explainable by it, contact with superphysical entities of all degrees,
spirituality, inspiration, clairvoyance, prophecy, devotion, ability to
contact celestial music, ideation, will, occultism, philosophy, divinity, the
initiator.
Debased, we find its abnormal expression appearing as delusion, chaotic
mental conditions, morbidity, incoherence, unreliability, vagueness, scheming,
spirit-obsession, intrigue, and black magic.
When the dominant, spiritual keynote of Neptune's planetary Spirit is
sensed by the individual its indescribable beauty and power awaken a true
knowledge of God and His purpose for creating our solar system; for at last he
sees His divine will in action and knows Him as He is.
The pineal gland is the seventh rose on the cross of the vital body. When
its keynote is aroused into action by the vibration of the planetary Spirit of
Neptune it lifts the consciousness of the individual to the World of Divine
Spirit. Here he contacts those mighty Beings known as the Lords of
Individuality who assisted with our involuntary work during the Moon Period,
and are now working with the life spirit of man. Knowledge of other solar
systems than our own is contacted by him in this high region, and something is
learned of other Gods and the worlds and beings that have been created by
them.
The World of Divine Spirit is the region of pure will. There the positive
energy of God expresses itself as the motive power which keeps all creation in
action.
The esoteric path of development is closely connected with the intellectual
activity developed by the Moon, Mercury, the pineal gland, and Neptune. The ray
of Neptune carries what the esotericists know as the Father Fire, the light and
life of the divine spirit, which expresses itself as will. the color of the
Father Fire is blue; Neptune's light is blue; the reflecting ether correlated
to the Father is translucent blue; and when the pineal gland is aroused into
action its color vibrates to a beautiful dazzling blue.
The awakening of the pineal gland is of the utmost importance in developing
the masculine, positive will power of the Spirit.
The awakening of the keynotes of the ductless (endocrine) glands is very closely
associated with Initiation, and is one of the spirit's most valuable aids in
its preparation to receive initiatory work.
Three great lessons have been given to man to assist him in his
development. The first one was presented in the form of pictures and images
which represented the physical powers to be developed by humanity in order
that they might conquer the material world. The second was given by Jehovah
God and delivered to the people by Moses. This lesson was embodied in laws in
the form of the Ten Commandments. These laws work directly on the Desire Body
and assist the individual in gaining control of it. The third lesson is Initiation brought to us by the Christ Spirit, the Lord of Love. The work
leading up to Initiation is done on the Vital Body, which is the vehicle of love. The ductless (endocrine) glands belong to the vital body and their spiritual
activity is a tremendous help in assisting the individual in his preparation
for the various initiatory degrees.
To progress spiritually it is imperative that the individual get control of his mind and this can be accomplished only through eternal vigilance. We all
know that with most people the mind and the desires work in the closest
relationship. But the mind should be under the control of the Spirit and
assist it in directing the desires, which then become a mighty force for good.
Persistent concentration is the power used by the individual in getting
control of the mind. When concentrating the Spirit, has its will power
focused on the mind and is directing it toward a certain ideal. The longer
the Spirit can hold the mind centered, the more control the individual is
getting over it, and the more readily it will follow his dictates.
When the mind is not occupied with the work of the day it should be
constantly watched and directed toward things that are of spiritual value —
like the analysis of what constitutes beauty, what is real charity, what is
kindness, gentleness, justice and truth? The Spirit cannot get control of the mind by expending just a little effort. It is engaged in a battle royal with the desire body for its possession, but it is the stronger and wiser of the two, and if it will use its will power it can win.
The mind is the link between the Spirit and its vehicles by means of which the Spirit gets the spiritual food necessary for the development of its divine potentialities; and until the Spirit gets control of its mind it can make no real spiritual progress.
In the future the ductless (endocrine) glands are destined to play an important role;
their development will accelerate evolution greatly, for their effect while
most important physically is of far greater importance mentally and
spiritually.
This web page has been edited and/or excerpted from reference material, has been modified from it's original version, and is in conformance with the web host's Members Terms & Conditions. This website is offered to the public by students of The Rosicrucian Teachings, and has no official affiliation with any organization.
