What are the characteristics of the soul?
The consciousness of the universe appears to be formed of at least seven rays of light. We see this when light is refracted forming a rainbow. For each of us, our soul is a unique blend of these seven rays. Each ray is endowed with specific characteristics which influence our every choice in life. If we can identify these influences and also how they get distorted as their energy flows through the personality, then we will understand much better why we make the choices we do, why they don't always work out and how best to follow the destined path of the soul....

Distortions impacting true impulses
At Openhand we observe the struggle within each person to overcome personality distortions causing us to make choices which are not at one with our soul. Until we are enlightened, we all have distortions. These are attachments to material phenomena or experiences, the attachment to relationships, to looking good, feeling good, being successful, being loved etc etc.

They arise from the influences of our parents, friends and society which can never match the absolute unconditional love we experienced in the womb. So for example, if a young child does not receive adequate loving attention from both its parents, there is a tendency to react to this either by retreating inwards or by being attention seeking. The growing child feels internally that somehow it is failing, it is inadequate and incomplete. This leads to conditioned behaviours and a program forms - the inner child - which if not dealt with, can impact the rest of our lives.

Each distortion conceals a hidden gift
Each of these distortions emanates from a hidden gift. So in the example above, perhaps the child was very willful and had a strong heartfelt impulse to experience the love of the absolute in a powerful way. This would be because that soul has a strong first ray influence (Ray 1 represents the will of the absolute).

If we can identify our distortions in this way, then with attentive application, we will also be able to unveil the gifts contained within them. How does this benefit us?

In every moment of life, we are invited to make choices. If we examine the patterns the choices fall into, we will notice each one invites us to express either our distortions or our gifts. The distortions cause us to express our separation from unity consciousness and on the other hand, our gifts cause us to reunite both ourselves and others with the absolute.

Since flowing from the absolute is our divine destiny, we achieve much greater internal harmony and sense of completeness if we express our gifts rather than distortions. If we apply ourselves to this dynamic with commitment, perseverance and core splitting honesty, then over time, the distortions - our conditioned behaviours - dissolve and the soul is liberated within us to express the absolute completeness it is. In other words we become enlightened.

So what are the characteristics of the seven rays and what are their likely distortions?

• Ray 1: focussing divine purpose
  This is the driving inner sense of purpose to create (the warrior energy). It is the manifestation of the divine masculine principle throughout the universe. From the place of separation, it is that undeniable inner resolve to find a higher level of unity and oneness both within ourselves and between all sentient beings. It causes us to challenge and break apart the status quo which may be holding us in a lower level of understanding and clarity.
• Ray 2: surrendering divine openness
  This is the powerful, self sacrificing influence of unconditional love for all life (the divine feminine). It represents the divinely feminine principle of surrendered openness throughout the universe; the harmonising impetus willingly embracing and not judging the inherent imperfection of all creations and situations. Ray 2 holds the infinite wisdom and knowledge of life.
• Ray 3: interpreting absolute authentic reality
  Ray 3 harnesses and processes higher abstract wisdom delivering it in a form that can provide a clear interpretation of our current, absolute authentic reality. In other words, it’s how we know what’s really real. People with strong Ray 3 influence are the scientists and translators of life able to dissect and deliver abstract wisdom bringing the formless into form in such a way that can be understood and utilised by many.
• Ray 4: harmonising through right resolution
  Ray 4 is the divine rationalising energy which helps us find right resolution with our environment and other sentient life. It is the ray impulse which blends passion with compassion. It provides the discernment to confront unjust situations in a non judgmental way. Its purpose is to break apart the lower harmony to find a more equitable higher one. People with highly active Ray 4 tend to be life’s diplomats, politicians and teachers. To me, Ray 4 is the “Christ Consciousness.”
• Ray 5: manifesting unique possibility
  All souls are connected and when expressing authentically are completely aligned with the divine flow. And yet each is divinely configured to deliver a unique pathway in the river of life. The complete story of the One Life is generated by the collation of many individual chapters. So the Ray 5 writes for each of us our unique destiny, that which allows the fullest expression of our individuality. The Ray 5 animates life’s entrepreneurs.
• Ray 6: realising authentic self expression
  Ray 6 inspires us stay continually focussed on our life’s purpose - to realise, unfold and express who we really are. It generates commitment and devotion to our cause; to glorify our soul in all its brilliant colour. It is that unquenchable driving force to express our innate qualities and inspire others to shine their inner light too. Humanity’s philosophers, spiritual leaders and artists are all greatly driven by the Ray 6 influence.
• Ray 7: shaping co-creative magic
  Ray 7 provides the magical impact of the soul in our life’s journey. If we are able to master our inner distortions and pause just long enough in the drama of life, then we will allow in spontaneous, synchronistic and co-creative magic to change the surrounding field for the maximum benefit and upliftment of all. In this way, Ray 7 inspires life’s true magicians.

Conclusion
If we can stay in the place of the observer of ourselves through each moment in life, then we will taste the influence of all 7 rays and their corresponding distortions. Ultimately by means of profound self honesty, we unveil our unique harmonic - the jewel within the lotus - which constitutes our soul. In shining these qualities through all events, we burn away the dross of conditioned behaviours lighting a fire of transformation both for ourselves and others. This is the inimitable, inviolable taste of fulfilment we have been unknowingly seeking all our lives.