Theosophy and Blavatsky’s Root Races

1. First Root Race (Polarian)

• Nature: The first Root Race was ethereal, a race of spiritual beings without physical bodies, composed of light or a “etheric” substance. They were not yet material in the way later human beings would be.
• Location: Lived on a now-vanished continent, often associated with the polar regions.
• Characteristics: They existed purely in spiritual form and did not need physical senses.

2. Second Root Race (Hyperborean)

• Nature: The second Root Race was still ethereal, but they began to take a more solid form. These beings were said to have “mental” bodies and their civilization was more advanced, though not entirely physical.
• Location: They lived on land around the North Pole, much more temperate than today.
• Characteristics: They were said to be hermaphroditic (possessing both male and female traits) and communicated telepathically.

3. Third Root Race (Lemurian)

• Nature: The third Root Race, the Lemurians, were the first to develop physical bodies. They were humanoid but quite different from modern humans’ appearance and capabilities.
• Location: Their civilization flourished on the lost continent of Lemuria, believed to have been located in the Pacific Ocean.
• Characteristics: The Lemurians had advanced spiritual abilities, such as telepathy and clairvoyance. Their physical bodies were described as androgynous but eventually developed gender distinctions. They are also said to have been highly connected to the natural world.

4. Fourth Root Race (Atlantean)

• Nature: The Atlanteans were the descendants of the Lemurians and had developed fully physical bodies. They were more advanced than their predecessors, with a rich civilization known for its spiritual knowledge and technological advancements.
• Location: They lived on the continent of Atlantis, which, according to Blavatsky, sank into the ocean due to their misuse of power.
• Characteristics: The Atlanteans were said to have great psychic abilities, but their downfall came from their increasing materialism and misuse of advanced technology.

5. Fifth Root Race (Aryan)

• Nature: According to Blavatsky, the current root race is the Aryan race, which has evolved into the modern human form we recognize today. The Aryans are said to have developed intellectual and spiritual qualities more fully.
• Location: The Aryans are believed to have originated in what is now central Asia or the Himalayas.
• Characteristics: The Aryans are distinguished by intellectual development and the beginnings of modern science and spirituality. This race is also seen as a transitional stage, preparing humanity for its future evolution.

6. Sixth Root Race (Coming Soon)

• Nature: The Sixth Root Race is said to be in its early stages and will emerge in the future, possibly within the next several thousand years.
• Characteristics: The members of this race will have refined spiritual abilities, greater mental capacities, and a deeper understanding of the universe. They will be more closely connected to divine wisdom and cosmic consciousness.

7. Seventh Root Race (Final Evolution)

• Nature: The Seventh Root Race is the final step in human evolution and is said to be a perfected form of humanity.
• Characteristics: This race will possess spiritual mastery, fully enlightened and divinely connected beings who will transcend the limitations of physical existence and achieve unity with higher spiritual realms.

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Further Reading

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1888), The Secret Doctrine, free resource