The Cosmic Physical Planes

In the Ageless Wisdom tradition, particularly as presented by Theosophy and Alice A. Bailey, the seven planes of our solar system are all considered part of the cosmic physical plane. This is a profound concept that places our entire solar system within only the lowest plane of a still greater cosmic scheme—implying that what we consider spiritual is still, in cosmic terms, a form of refined matter. Each of the seven planes of the solar system is a subplane of the cosmic physical plane, and each corresponds to a specific type of consciousness and vibrational frequency, facilitating the evolution of both matter and spirit.

Here is a breakdown of the seven planes (subplanes of the cosmic physical plane):

1. Divine or Adi Plane – The highest subplane of the cosmic physical plane, where the divine Will and archetypal patterns of creation reside. It is associated with pure existence and spiritual synthesis. Only advanced beings, such as planetary Logoi, can function consciously here.
2. Monadic Plane – The realm of the Monad or divine spark in every individual. It is the source of spiritual life and purpose and represents unity with the greater whole. Few human beings contact this plane consciously, except at the final stages of evolution.
3. Spiritual or Atmic Plane – The level of spiritual will and active purpose. It is here that the divine plan begins to express itself through the purified individual will. Contact with this plane brings unwavering direction and purposeful action aligned with the greater Good.
4. Intuitional or Buddhic Plane – The realm of pure love-wisdom, where unity, inclusiveness, and direct knowing (intuition) dominate. It is the plane of group consciousness and the soul’s true home, beyond duality and separative thought.
5. Mental Plane – Divided into two main sections:
   • Higher Mental (Abstract) – The seat of soul illumination, idealism, and archetypal thinking. It serves as a bridge between lower mind and intuition.
   • Lower Mental (Concrete) – Governs analytical reasoning, language, and structured thought. It forms the foundation of personality intelligence.
6. Astral Plane – The plane of emotion, desire, and sensation. It is shaped by personal and collective feelings and is often chaotic unless governed by higher principles. Much of humanity’s consciousness is centered here.
7. Physical Plane – The densest of the seven, further divided into:
   • Four Etheric Subplanes – Energetic fields that vitalize the dense physical body and serve as a bridge to the inner planes.
   • Three Dense Subplanes – Solid, liquid, and gaseous states of physical matter. The waking consciousness of the average human being is most active on this plane.

Together, these seven planes form the entire field of evolution within the solar system, and all beings evolve through them over countless cycles. Advanced spiritual work involves shifting identification from the lower planes (physical, astral, and lower mental) to the higher ones (abstract mental, Buddhic, and beyond), ultimately allowing the soul to function consciously on all subplanes of the cosmic physical plane, thereby preparing for even higher cosmic evolution beyond the solar system itself.