to enable him to pass his examination, and a talent to profit by the credulity of the people. When the ancients spoke of “seven planets,” they referred to seven spiritual but nevertheless substantial states, of which popular science knows nothing but their external manifestation in the realm of phenomena. It has truly been said that no one ever saw even the _earth_; that which we see is merely a manifestation or appearance of a spiritual principle called “earth” {symbol} The real essence of “matter” is beyond the conception of the terrestrial mind. Seen from this point of view, the “seven planets” in the constitution of man as well as in the constitution of nature as a whole, represent the following elements, powers, essences, or forms of existence:— I. {symbol} _Saturn_ (_Prakriti_). Matter; the substance and material element in all things in all the three kingdoms of nature (the physical, astral and spiritual plane). It is invisible and known only by means of its manifestation. It is that which gives fixity and solidity, it is substantiality itself. II. {symbol} _Luna_, “the Moon” (_Linga_). The “ethereal or astral” body of man; the kingdom of dreams, fancies, illusions, in which exists only the reflection of the true life and light of the sun; it also represents intellectual speculation without wisdom (recognition of truth), and the forms belonging to that kingdom are as changeable as are the opinions of men. III. {symbol} _Sol_, “the Sun” (_Prana_). Life on the physical and spiritual plane (_Jiva_). The centre of the planetary system.[3] It is that which produces the manifestations or activity of life upon every plane of existence. {symbol} _Mars_ (_Kama_). The passional, emotional, animal element in man and in nature; the seat of desire and self-will; that which becomes manifest as greed, envy, anger, lust and selfishness in all its forms; but which is also a source of strength. There are many diseases caused by the excessive or irregular action of powers belonging to this kingdom; when by combining with {symbol} they become of a terrestrial nature. {symbol} _Mercury_ (_Manas_). The Mind; the principle of intelligence manifesting itself as intellectual power in the kingdom of mind; giving in its combination with {symbol} rise to earthly thoughts, but in combination with {symbol} constituting spiritual knowledge. {symbol} _Jupiter_ (_Buddhi_). The principle which manifests itself as spiritual power, be it for good or for evil. Reason, intuition, faith, firmness, recognition of truth. {symbol} _Venus_ (_Atma_). The principle which in its purity manifests itself as universal divine love, it being identical with divine self-knowledge. If united with {symbol} (intelligence) it constitutes wisdom. Acting within the animal plane it produces animal instincts, and upon the physical plane it causes the attractions of opposite polarities, chemical affinities, &c., &c.