Book excerpt: Today two rays of great potency are functioning simultaneously. The Sixth Ray of Idealism and Devotion is slowly passing out and the Seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order or Ritual is coming into manifestation. This is bringing about a situation which is described in ancient archives in the following terms: “A time of rending, when the mountains which have sheltered, fall from their high places and the voices of men are lost in the crash and thunder of the fall.” Such periods come only rarely, and each time they come a peculiarly significant period of divine activity is ushered in: old things pass away, yet the ancient landmarks are restored.