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):
The Cosmic Physical Plane
The Seven Planes Explorer
Nature
The Adi Plane is the highest of the seven systemic planes and the most subtle expression of divine life within the cosmic physical plane. It is associated with primordial purpose, archetypal being, and spiritual synthesis.
Consciousness
Individual terminology gives way to logoic Being and the highest systemic expression of divine purpose.
Human Correspondence
This level lies far beyond ordinary human awareness and points toward logoic or divine dimensions of life.
Cosmic Correspondence
First cosmic ether.
Nature
The Monadic Plane is the realm of the Monad, the essential spark of divine life. It conveys purpose, unity, and spiritual identity beyond the personality and beyond the soul as commonly understood.
Consciousness
Life and identity approach synthesis; the many are increasingly known within the One.
Human Correspondence
The Monad is the enduring source of life and purpose within the human constitution.
Cosmic Correspondence
Second cosmic ether.
Nature
The Atmic Plane is the field of spiritual will, where divine intention registers as purposeful direction. It reflects alignment with higher purpose and the power to act in harmony with the greater good.
Consciousness
Purpose begins to govern consciousness and direct spiritual action.
Human Correspondence
Atma is the will aspect of the Spiritual Triad.
Cosmic Correspondence
Third cosmic ether.
Nature
The Buddhic Plane is the realm of intuition, inclusive awareness, and direct knowing. It is the field of unity-consciousness where separative awareness recedes and group consciousness emerges.
Consciousness
Relationship and unity are recognized directly, without dependence upon analytical thought.
Human Correspondence
Buddhi is the intuitive love-wisdom aspect of the Spiritual Triad.
Cosmic Correspondence
Fourth cosmic ether.
Nature
The Mental Plane bridges higher and lower consciousness. Its higher levels concern abstract thought, archetypal ideas, and the causal or soul field; its lower levels govern reason, language, and structured thinking.
Consciousness
Thought may become either a barrier of separation or an illumined bridge between personality and soul.
Human Correspondence
Higher mental levels relate to abstract mind and causal consciousness; lower mental levels support the intelligent personality.
Cosmic Correspondence
Cosmic gaseous level.
Nature
The Astral Plane is the field of emotion, desire, and reactive feeling. It is the realm of attraction and repulsion, aspiration and glamour, and it conditions much of ordinary human experience.
Consciousness
Desire and feeling are gradually clarified, steadied, and rendered responsive to the soul.
Human Correspondence
This plane corresponds to emotional life and the desire nature.
Cosmic Correspondence
Cosmic liquid level.
Nature
The Physical Plane is the densest of the seven and includes both the subtle etheric levels and the dense physical world. It is the field of embodiment, activity, and practical expression.
Consciousness
Purpose, thought, and feeling meet the tests of expression through form and daily action.
Human Correspondence
The physical-etheric vehicle enables consciousness to express through form and service.
Cosmic Correspondence
Cosmic dense level; its four etheric and three dense subplanes compose the systemic physical plane.
The seven systemic planes are presented here as subdivisions of the cosmic physical plane.