Chapter XVII

THE CYCLES OF REINCARNATION
UST as each year of our lives begins a new cycle, and each one of these cycles is divided into periods of progression and development, with intermittent periods of action and reaction, and just as the general cycle of life is divided into periods of seven years through which we progress from a purely physical creature to a more or less perfected spiritual being, merely clothed in a physical body, so our whole existence in this universe is divided into larger periods of approximately one hun" dred and fortyfour years which constitute the periods in a long cycle of incarnation and rein' carnation.
Just as you who read this book today may be in the sixth period of your complex life cycle in this incarnation, and in the fourth period of your yearly cycle, so you may be in the eighth
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or the tenth or the fiftieth or one hundredth period of your long cycle of reincarnations.
Whether one believes in the doctrines of evolu' tion of the species of man or not, there is one thing quite sure, and that is that man as a definite and distinct species has been evolving since the time he became man as a distinct creature. In other words, man as MAN had some beginning, whether that beginning was spontaneous, as the orthodoxy of some reHgions claim, or whether man's beginning was the culmination of stages of evolution preceding his distinct nature. Therefore, from the time of the beginning of man as the highest creature in God's Kingdom, man has con' tinued tq evolve as a man, and this evolution will continue eternally and forever. We may liken the beginning of man's career to the making of a book. The critical materialist may say that a book with its beautiful binding, well printed pages, attractive illustrations, gold lettering, and gilded edges, was nothing more or less at one time than a mass of cotton pulp, silkworm strands, and mineral crystals. He may say truthfully that the book we now admire beautifully evolved out of
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lesser things, and, therefore, had a very primitive beginning in the elements of the earth, plant, and animal life. But the mystic or the philosopher might reply and say that the book never was a book until all of these elements had been gathered together by a master mind, their natures changed, their tendencies altered, and new combinations created, and in the twinkling of an eye brought together spontaneously into a new thing called a BOOK, and that preceding its creation as a book, it did not exist even in any primitive form. Thus the mystic is not concerned with what changes the evolution of earthly elements may have brought into the process of preparation for the physical composition of man's body, but is concerned primarily with the creation of man by the placing of the highest consciousness of God within a physical form and thereby spon' taneously creating and bringing into existence a new species, a new creature, a new manifestation of Godliness called man. From the time of man's creation onward, the physical evolution that occurs in his body is purely secondary to the greater evolution that is occurring in his spiritual nature
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and in his soul. It is unquestionably true that man's physical form today is a vast improvement over the form which primitive man possessed. Unquestionably the physical form of man has evolved from a lower type of man's body to a higher type of man's body, and such evolution has not reached its heights nor even sensed its ulti' mate goal. Man is as responsible for this physical evolution as is God, for as man recreates his environment it reacts upon his physical as well as his mental development, and perfects the up' ward tendency of his evolution on earth.
The soul or spiritual evolution of man proceeds through its contact with the experiences, trials, tribulations, and lessons of this earthly life as well as through its contact with the universal, Divine Consciousness of the Cosmic Mind of God.
The mystic of all lands and the devout student of rehgion of all lands, which means more than three'fourths of the earth's population, realize that the spiritual evolution and perfection of man's soul could not occur in the short period of one incar- nation. That would be equivalent to but one period of seven years in the earthly life cycle of
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each person here on earth. If we look upon the earthly life cycle and reali2;e that each seven years brings its progress and increasing evolution to the soul and mind, as well as to the body of each individual on this earth plane, we wiU realizie how different it would be if each of us lived but one period of that cycle, for instance, from our birthday to our seventh year. Certain wonderful changes and improvements in the body, mind, and soul would unquestionably take place in that short span of existence, but look at the remarkable changes that occur in the next period, from the seventh to the fourteenth birthday, and then again from the fourteenth to the twenty-first, and so on. If we think of the evolution and cycle of the soul, and of the existence here on earth in a physical body as being Hke the periods of a life cycle, we will see that each incarnation in a physical body is Hke a period of seven years in the earthly cycle. It is only through progressive experiences and the continuation of experiences that we can evolve. If there was but one period in which we lived on earth, and if that period were even three, four, or five hundred years long,
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it would not be sufficient for each soul to learn all that it must learn, to suffer all that it must suffer, to master all that it should master, and attain all that is attainable in order to reach that degree of perfection which would constitute a reason for our existence at all.
How often we notice a young man or young woman of brilliant mind and of unusual capabili' ties, and ask the question, how old is he? or, how old is she? We want to know whether these young persons are in the second or third period of their earthly life cycle. In other words, we want to know whether they are in the period between seven and fourteen, or fourteen and twenty-one. This is to enable us to comprehend the reason for the extraordinary mental develop' ment or spiritual progress that we notice in these children. Is it not just as appropriate, then, when we find a person highly evolved in spiritual things, well developed in the mastership over earthly conditions and greatly illumined in the mystical and natural laws of the universe, to ask, in what incarnation may this person be. We mean to ask whether this person is in the third, fourth, twen-
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tieth, fiftieth, or one hundredth period of incar' nation on this earth plane. We have no way of answering such questions, but still we ask them and wonder about it. We often notice in young people that look, that poise, that character, that something that warrants us in saying, "It is an old soul." Whence came this universal feeling that some have lived much longer than others?
This is not a plea in behalf of the doctrine of reincarnation, for the doctrine itself needs no plea at my hands, and this is not the place in which to present an outline of the doctrine, or submit any of a thousand or more arguments which substan' tiate the doctrine. My sole intention here is to arouse questions in your mind and start some very interesting thinking that may lead you to some worthwhile conclusions.
A few years ago the mere mention of any idea connected with the belief in reincarnation elicited smiles and facetious comments. Today clergymen of many denominations and leaders in their respec tive fields of work, eminent writers, philosophers, editors, physicians, and scientists, freely comment on their belief in the doctrine of reincarnation and
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point out the fact that it is the only merciful, just, logical, sane, and rational explanation of the differences we see in life, and of the inequalities, the tests, trials, and joys and blessings enjoyed so differently by all human beings. The doctrine was once a fundamental principle in the Christian re' ligion, but was arbitrarily rejected by those who could not comprehend it, and today the Christian religion is the only one in which the doctrine is completely set aside and misunderstood. Fortu' nately, the great leaders in the Christian church are reviving the doctrine again through a gradual comprehension of its real principles and of its truth.
The ijnportant point I wish to impress upon your mind is that the doctrine of reincarnation presents to us the one dominating and overtone cycle of Hfe by which all other cycles are stand" ardi2;ed, and from which all other undulating periods emanate. Without a comprehension of the cycle of incarnations, all other cycles are in- comprehensible, and one may say that without a comprehension of the true nature of our ontO' logical existence, all other details of our earthly
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life or of our spiritual existence in the universe, are likewise incomprehensible.
Let he who reads this book, therefore, find it within his heart or within the scope of his rational thinking to lay aside bias and prejudice and come out of the darkness of unbelief or wrong belief, and look into the greater truths that are offered by the mystic and the student of the true spiritual laws. Read such books as will give you a better understanding of your true relationship to the universe, to God, and to mankind. Discover your own place in the life you are living, and in the lives of all other beings. Learn the powers that you possess, and thereby break through the fie titious wall of limitations that has been placed about you by man-made creeds and modern doc trines. Expand your consciousness until you be' come attuned with the infinite, where all truths, all laws, and all principles will appeal to the rationalism of your soul and the wisdom of the Divine Mind within you. This will bring added degrees of mastership and of leadership. Within you and about your own existence are the greatest fields for exploration that man has ever known.
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And while you are delving into the mysteries of your business, the mysteries of your social, finan- cial, and other affairs, do not neglect to delve into the mysteries of your life, the mysteries of your own being. In other words, recall the ancient scriptural injunction: "With all thy getting, get understanding."
V V V
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THE CYCLES OF LIFE IMPORTANT NOTICE
The publishers of this book wish to call the reader's attention to the fact that neither the editors, pubhshers, nor the author of the book, can undertake to work out the personal cycles or the individual periods relating to any personal or business problems which may confront any reader of this book. The system set forth in this book has been tried and tested for many years before it was issued in this form, and the instruc tions contained in it are sujEcient to enable any man or woman to gradually apply the system successfully and to gain the utmost benefit through such application. The sale of this book does not carry with it, therefore, the privilege of personal correspondence and personal help in the matter of working out individual problems, and while the pubhshers will appreciate comments and sug' gestions for the improvement of this book in its future editions, they will not be able to answer personal letters asking for help in connection with the problems of business, health, social, or other affairs of any individual.
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WITH THE FLIP OF A COIN
V V V
The flip of a coin many times constitutes the decision for a course of action. This simple act has moved armies, precipitated wars, started great industrial ventures. It is, however, an act devoid of careful thought or reason, and an indication of lack of will. Such a method of deciding important problems is sub' ject to the unsound element of so'called chance. The book ^^Self Mastery and Fate with Cycles of Life," which thousands have read and used daily, proves what economists and scientists know — that there is a periodicity in human and natural events. In life there are fortunate and unfortunate hours for every act. We are pleased to introduce to the readers of this book a simple coin based on the charts of the book which at a single glance reveals the hourly periods — accurately, mathematically true. One glance at this coin informs the reader of the nature of the daily periods governing his life — no guesswork.
This handy coin can be carried about in the pocket. It is ever ready to reveal the tendencies of the cycles affecting you. Accompanying the coin is a little pamphlet fully explaining the things to avoid during certain periods, or the profitable periods that await you. Every reader of the above book should possess this practical coin. If you have not the book, write for free descriptive folder. If you have, SECURE THE COIN AND PAMPHLET TODAY. 50c, postpaid.
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Explanatory
THE ROSICRUCIAN ORDER
V
A NTICIPATING questions which may be asked by the readers of this book, the publishers wish to announce that there is but one universal Rosicrucian Order existing in the world today, united in its various juris- dictions, and having one Supreme Council in accordance with the original plan of the ancient Rosicrucian mani' festoes.
This international organization retains the ancient tra' ditions, teachings, principles, and practical helpfulness of the Brotherhood as founded centuries ago. It is known as the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, which name is abbreviated for popular use into AMORC. The North and South American jurisdiction of this Order maintains National Headquarters at San Jose, California, with branches distributed throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Those interested in knowing more of the history and present day offerings of the Rosicrudans may have a free copy of the book entitled, "The Secret Herit' age," by sending a definite request to Scribe F. M. B., AMORC Temple, Rosicrucian Park, San Jose, CaUfomia.
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V V V
The Rosicrudan Library
Consists of a number of unique books which are described
in the following pages, and which may be
purchased from the
ROSICRUCIAN SUPPLY BUREAU
San Jose, California.
V V V
[250 1
Volume I.
Rosicrucian Questions and Answers
With Complete History
of the Order
By Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, F. R. C. V
THIS volume contains the first complete, authentic history of the Rosicrucian Order from ancient times to the present day. The history is divided into two sections, dealing with the traditional facts and the established historical facts, and is replete with interesting stories of romance, mystery, and fascinating incidents.
This book is a valuable one since it is a constant reference and guide book. Questions that arise in your mind regarding many mystical and occult subjects are answered in this volume.
For many centuries the strange, mysterious records of the Rosicrucians were closed against any eyes but the high initiates. Even editors of great encyclopedias were unable to secure the weird, fascinating facts of the Rosicrucian activities in all parts of the world. Now the whole story is outUned and it reads like a story from the land of the "Arabian Nights."
The book also outlines answers to hundreds of questions dealing with the history, work, teachings, benefits, and purposes of the Rosicrucian fraternity. It is printed on fine paper, bound in silk cloth, and stamped in gold. Price, postage prepaid, $2.00.
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Volume II.
Rosicrucian Frinciples for the Home and Business
By Dr. H. Spencer Lewis. F. R. C. V
THIS volume contains such principles of practical Rosicrucian teachings as are applicable to the solution of the everyday problems of life in business and in the affairs of the home. It deals exhaustively with the prevention of ill health, the curing of many of the common ailments, and the attainment of peace and happiness as well as the building up of the affairs of Ufe that deal with financial conditions. The book is filled with hundreds of practical points deaHng especially with the problems of the average business man or person in business employ. It points out the wrong and right way for the use of metaphysical and mystical principles in attracting business, increasing one's income, promoting business propositions, starting and bringing into realization new plans and ideas, and the attainment of the highest ambitions in life.
"Rosicrucian Principles for the Home and Business" is not theoretical but strictly practical, and is in its fourth edition, having had a wide circulation and universal endorsement not only among members of the organi2;ation, who have voluntarily stated that they have greatly improved their lives through the application of its suggestions, but among thousands of persons outside of the organization. It has also been endorsed by busi' ness organizations and business authorities.
The book is of standard size, well printed, bound in silk cloth, and stamped in gold. Price, postage prepaid, $2.00.
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Volume III. The Mystical Life of Jesus
By Dr. H. Spencer Lewis, F. R. C. V
THIS is the book that thousands have waited for — the real Jesus revealed at last! It was in preparation for a number of years and required a visit to Palestine and Egypt to secure a verification of the strange facts contained in the ancient Rosicru' cian and Essene Records.
It is a full account of the birth, youth, early manhood, and later periods of Jesus' life, containing the story of His activities in the times not mentioned in the Gospel accounts. The facts relating to the immaculate conception, the birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension will astound and inspire you. The