December is a month for introspection. So, I would like to look at visionary, Andrew Jackson Davis’ view of the universe. Jackson saw the physical universe as one body, a union of living beauty and divine essence. It includes “God the Soul of all living and unliving things.” He saw everything as being necessary for the whole, including nature, man, and heaven. He also saw the universe as being divided into seven spheres.
The First Sphere is the natural world. It includes habitable planets where life is manifested. It is within this sphere that spirits can unfold and manifest. Living creatures become a vehicle to introduce beauty and grandeur to the physical world.
The Second or Spiritual Sphere contains all the beauties of the first, combined and perfected. Davis described it as a place of fertile plains, groves, gardens, flowers, and placid rivers. “It is impossible to behold these and not be impressed with new and beautiful thoughts.” This sphere is divided into three distinct societies composed of families, groups and associations. “The first society is in love, the second is in will and the third is in wisdom.” Men and women are positioned according their degree of cultivation, sympathy, knowledge and achievement. The external appearance of the second sphere differs only in degrees of purity and development from the first.
The Third Sphere is the Celestial Sphere. In this sphere there are also three distinct societies that reflect those in the Second Sphere, differing only in purity. Those of the third sphere are so pure that “subordinate spirits are repelled with an innate consciousness of non-association.” These spirits are what we call guardian angels. They impart knowledge and express love. Davis said that the nature of this sphere is entirely above human comprehension.
The Fourth or Supernatural Sphere is home to those of the “most exquisite purity and loveliness, and with one united voice—not of speech but of action—they proclaim glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life.” Their influence penetrates all the lower levels. They call on others to ascend with them. Davis describes it as being like a treasury of perfect wisdom, will and love that lower angels can draw from.
The Fifth or Superspiritual Sphere is inhabited by spirits that have become so attractive that it is difficult to keep from being “absorbed into and becoming part of them.” As the spheres draw closer to the Divine Mind, their inhabitants become simpler, more unassuming and purer. There are few external or artificial trappings. Every thought and movement becomes an expression of will and love.
The Sixth Sphere or Supercelestial is a place of ultimate beauty and purity. Fields of Paradise hold the House of Many Mansions. It is a sanctuary where all are welcomed, loved, and “breathed upon and made perfect.”
The Seventh Sphere is the “Infinite Vortex of love and wisdom and the Great Spiritual Sun of the Divine Mind which illuminates the spiritual worlds.” The spiritual sun resembles the physical sun, in which the “Univercoelum (the known universe) was brought into being.”
The Seven Spheres are associated with a tree. Its foundation rests in the “depths of time” and its top extends to the “heights of eternity.” Its branches stretch throughout the universe. The root of this Tree is in the First Sphere.
Jackson said “the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” So many times, we focus on what is seen and do not comprehend the meaning and importance of what is invisible. So, as we meditate during this holiday season, let us step back from our daily lives and consider the meaning of the spheres.
Additional reading:
Davis, Andrew Jackson. (2015) The Harmonial Philosophy. Reprint Andecite Press.