Periodicity 51For example, the Sun appears to move rapidly near
the solstices and slowly near the equinoxes. This forms a
symbol to ascertain the actual variation in the rate of
precession of equinoxes. The vernal equinox sweeps
backwards in its precession, producing various effects
during each 30 degrees of its precession. As it goes round
360 degrees, the period is called the Great Year, which
forms the basis of all the calculations of the ancient
scriptures of the world. The various temples of the world’s
religions have their architecture arranged according to
this plan of the Great Year. The pyramid and the detail of
its construction are wonderfully in tune with this plan,
not only in shape and measurement, but also in location
on this earth globe. The effects that are produced by
this precession on this earth are marked as the twelve signs
and their symbols around the equator (and not on the
ecliptic).
The equator is not a man-made division for the
convenience of the study of the world map but it is a belt
which forms the centre of all the magnetic, electrical, vital,
mental, buddhic, etheric and astral currents, responsible
for the existence of the material earth floating in poise
upon the ocean of the unseen currents. The equator, the
poles, the vast oceans and the prominent ranges of
mountains on this earth do require a study which is more
than geographical, historical, commercial, biological and
physical. All the secrets of the higher planes concerning
this earth are concealed in the above items by greater
intelligences who live about those regions. This will be
explained in detail later in our volume on The Splendours
of Science. For the present let us confine ourselves to the
effects of the equinoxes and the zodiac. The effects of the
Great Year have their correspondences in the seasonal
effects of our solar year. The solar year reveals to a