Rodney Collin

Rodney Collin (1909-1956) was a British author focused on spiritual development, deeply influenced by the teachings of P.D. Ouspensky and, by extension, G.I. Gurdjieff. His most recognized work, "The Theory of Celestial Influence," attempted a grand synthesis, linking astronomy, physics, chemistry, human physiology, and world history with his unique understanding of planetary forces. Born in Brighton, Collin received a commerce degree from the London School of Economics and worked as a journalist before encountering Ouspensky's ideas in 1930. This encounter profoundly impacted him, leading him to dedicate his life to spiritual study and writing.

Collin's writings explored the concept of the "Fourth Way," a hidden tradition adapting its methods across different eras and civilizations. He saw these schools as instrumental in shaping historical developments, from Gothic cathedrals to scientific research. He developed a "Typological Enneagram," an early system categorizing individuals based on planetary influences, preceding later iterations. His later years were spent in Mexico, where he established a community and continued his work, culminating in his death in Peru in 1956.

Rodney Collin's primary contribution lies in his exploration of spiritual development, heavily shaped by P.D. Ouspensky's system. He was particularly interested in the concept of the "Fourth Way," which he described as a clandestine tradition that adapts its practices and methods to suit different historical periods and conditions. Unlike more easily identifiable spiritual paths, Fourth Way schools, according to Collin, are difficult to detect because they continuously evolve, changing their methods, names, and appearances as they achieve their objectives. He posited that these hidden schools were behind significant cultural and scientific advancements throughout history, influencing everything from the construction of great cathedrals to the progress of scientific research.

A central theme in Collin's work is the idea of "Celestial Influence," aiming to integrate various scientific and historical disciplines with his understanding of planetary forces. He proposed that civilizations follow cyclical patterns on a planetary scale, drawing parallels with historical sequences. Collin also developed a "Typological Enneagram," a system that categorizes human beings into seven types based on the dominant planetary influences they receive. This system, presented in his book "The Development of Light" (published in Spanish as "El Desarrollo de La Luz" in 1952), predates other well-known Enneagram models and sought to map individual human differences onto a cosmic framework, linking planetary motion to human typology.

In 1948, Collin relocated to Tlalpan, a suburb of Mexico City, with his wife and students of Ouspensky. During his time in Mexico, he continued to work on "The Theory of Celestial Influence," which was published in 1953 and 1954. He also played a role in establishing the Tetecala planetarium, a significant center for his groups and esoteric activities. In his later years, Collin became a Roman Catholic, viewing it as a means to connect more people with the esoteric aspects of Christianity, particularly in South America where his work gained traction, leading to the formation of groups in several countries. His life ended tragically in Peru in 1956 following a series of heart attacks.

“Schools of the fourth way have existed and exist, just as schools of the three traditional ways existed and exist. But they are much more difficult to detect, because - unlike the others - they cannot be recognized by any one practice, one method, one task, or one name. They are always inventing new methods, new practices, suitable to the time and conditions in which they exist, and when they have achieved one task which was set them they pass on to another, often changing their name and whole appearance in the process.”

“Thus schools of the fourth way were undoubtedly behind the designing and construction of the great Gothic cathedrals, though they had no special name and adapted themselves to the religious organization of the time. For a time the Cluniacs sheltered them, for a time the Freemasons. In the seventeenth century, similar schools were responsible for much of the new scientific and medical research, sometimes under one name and sometimes under another. In the eighteenth century again, fourth way schools borrowed many of the discoveries of Greek and Egyptian archeology to clothe their ideas and their organization, while some of their leaders – in order to penetrate the luxury-loving and sophisticated circles where they had work to do – might even appear in the guise of fashionable magicians or mesmerists.”

“I was in the presence of God,He sent me to earth,I lost my wings,My body entered matter,My soul was fascinated,Earth drew me down,I reached the depth.I am inert,Longing arises,I gather my strength,Will is created,I receive and meditate,I adore the Trinity,I am in the presence of God.”