Each nation, like each individual, is governed by two rays: a soul ray which is expressed by the initiates of the nation; and a personality ray which is the dominant mass expression. At present, most nations act in their own separative interests rather than in the interest of the world community as a whole and are, therefore, expressing their personality ray. From time to time, however, through the activity of the initiates of the country, the soul ray may be given expression and the true quality of the nation can be seen.

     A nation has cycles of change in its personality ray which can correspond to the successive incarnations of an individual. The soul ray in each case remains the same.

     To view history from an understanding of the rays governing the nations and races is to see it in a new light.

     Behind the discord of the present troubled times stand two great energies. The 7th ray of Ceremonial Order or Ritual is (since 1675) coming into manifestation. The 6th ray of Abstract Idealism or Devotion is (since 1625) gradually passing out. Our present problems are the result of the fact that these two highly potent energies are functioning simultaneously, and in roughly equal potency, so that their effects are balanced. Neither dominates.

     Two rays, above all, are at all times conditioning humanity: the 2nd ray of Love-Wisdom and the 4th ray of Harmony through Conflict. It follows, therefore, that those nations which have these two rays as dominant influences, whether on the soul or personality level, must influence humanity as a whole.

     Of the major nations, only Great Britain and the U.S. [as well as Canada] have the 2nd ray on the soul level, while Brazil has a 2nd-ray personality and a 4th-ray soul.

     At the moment, the 6th ray, with its fanatical separative tendencies, conditions the personality expression of both the U.S. and Russia, and prevents their correct response to world need. Each is so sure that its own way, capitalist or communist, is the only way for all mankind that it fails to grasp the world picture or to hear the cry for justice from the developing world. Russia’s soul ray is the 7th and is responsible for order imposed by its leaders. The fault lies not in the order but in its imposition from above. The world awaits the expression of the love aspect of the U.S. 2nd-ray soul. Then the idealism of both the American and Russian people will find a common ground and will open the way to a new world order and eventual brotherhood.

     In 'The Destiny of the Nations', the Master D.K. (through Alice A. Bailey) gave the rays of a number of countries but excluded some which were going through ray changes at the time. Benjamin Creme’s Master has now made good some of these omissions and added further countries with their rays. These are indicated by asterisks (*).