This is a Cosmic Diagram of Existence. Inside this golden egg is a stacked, funnel-like set of layers with the smallest layer at the bottom. Each layer is labeled as a different plane of existence. The layers expand downward as they sink lower, suggesting decreasing subtlety, consciousness, or dimensional complexity with the lowest level of consciousness in the third dimension, the densest dimension, that of material substance. The words ‘The Absolute’ appear at the top, bottom, and both sides, indicating that the Absolute surrounds and contains the entire structure.
The Absolute is the main source of all life and existence and returning to it one day to deliver something special is the ultimate goal of every sentient being.
According to the numbering of this particular diagram, number one, the Prakritic Plane, is the third dimension. The third dimension is known as the material realm. It is the lowest and most condensed level of reality. It is associated with physical matter, space, and time. It corresponds to the three-dimensional world of human experience. You are using a human physical body as a vehicle to navigate this realm at this very moment.
Number two, the Astral Plane or Realm, is in the fourth dimension. This is the formative or subtle emotional realm. It is often described in esoteric traditions as the realm of dreams, emotions, and psychic forms. The blueprint or matrix for your material body is located on the Astral Plane and it is also the vehicle you use to navigate it just like you use your physical body to navigate the material realm. This plane acts as a bridge between physical and higher mental realities. It is made up of an endless permeating substance that some occultists have referenced as the Astral Light which is mirror-like in nature and both records and reflects. Some have considered it to be fluidy, stretchy, gooey, and almost plastic like. Others have described it as misty, smoky, or foggy like. It receives all impressions from not just every material thing and event, but also from higher spiritual realities. Only when someone tries to investigate those impressions they discover that, like all impressions, when you try to view it or read it, it will be reversed from what you would expect or want to see. Sometimes its even treacherous and illusory.
If someone’s emotions are disturbed, chaotic and out of control then they will have a much harder time navigating it and having a clear perception of the environment. Emotions immediately manifest into tangible forms, landscapes, and experiences in the Astral Plane. So it is best that beings who lack grounding, discipline, and self mastery should not attempt to navigate it.
Number three, the Jivic Plane, is also in the fourth dimension and one level above the Astral Plane. Some describe it as the creative life force realm. Its associated with the life force, some people label this as Prana, Chi, Qi, Ki, vitality, and creative energy. It is a higher dimensional field of living intelligence.
Number four, the Fohatic Plane, is in the fifth dimension and one level above the Jivic Plane. Some describe it as the archetypal energy realm. Archetypal meaning the metaphysical abstract forms or formative ideas used in the creation of the universe, and the individual individuality or spiritual and intellectual principle in humans as their Archetype, which is reflected in their mortal earthly personality. Fohat represents the primordial light, cosmic electrical energy or divine dynamism. This plane represents archetypal patterns and energetic forces shaping reality.
Number five, the Mahatic Plane, is also in the fifth dimension and one level above the Fohatic Plane. Some describe it as the universal cosmic mind. Mahat refers to cosmic intelligence or universal consciousness. Some suggest it is a higher dimensional plane of pure mind which is made out of a mirror-like substance referred to as Akasha, which is similar to the Astral Light but far more pure, divine, and much higher up to the main source. Akasha is a supersensuous spiritual essence or primordial light that acts as the container of knowledge and the medium for Divine Ideation, often functioning as the soul of the world, anima mundi, on a high plane. The Mahatic Plane is the realm where spiritual intelligence operates. Frequently, the unskilled mistake the Astral Light for Akasha.
Number six, the Alayic Plane, is completely above and outside of all the other dimensions. Some describe it as the universal soul. In certain Buddhist philosophies, Alaya refers to the storehouse of all consciousness. This level represents collective or universal soul awareness.
The label Saṃsāra which is applied directly to the entire golden shell of the egg indicates the relentlessly endless cycle of existence and rebirth. This means that although each subtle level of life and existence gets more and more spiritual and farther away from gross matter, time, and space, they are all still within the jurisdiction of Saṃsāra, the endless cycle of birth, living, death, and re-incarnation back into birth again.
Finally we reach, the Absolute, which is beyond all planes. It is surrounding the entire structure. This represents the ultimate reality and the source of all existence. It is the transcendent unity beyond all planes. It appears outside and beyond the cosmic egg which is Saṃsāra, implying that every level of existence emerges from and returns to it.
This image depicts a hierarchical metaphysical model of reality inside a golden cosmic egg, where increasingly subtle planes of existence ascend toward the Absolute, the ultimate source of all consciousness and matter.
In this diagram, Absolute Reality trickles down by differentiating into a Universal Soul that trickles down and differentiates into a Universal Mind that trickles down and differentiates into Archetypes that trickle down and differentiates into Life Force that trickles down and differentiates into Energy that trickles down and differentiates into Material Substance.
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