Evolution is the movement of energy toward a higher expression or manifestation of a higher complex structure. Energy is always kinetic, though it may appear at times to be static or potential; it is constantly in movement, ceaselessly forming and transforming its structure into something that it was not before. Thus, whatever appears as form, as an energy-structure, is always in a state of flux or becoming. This may not be apparent outwardly to the senses, but it is inherently so in the atomic and subatomic levels. This becoming may result in an improvement or degradation of what it was before. Nature always work along the lines of evolution, even if degradation or involution seems to be evident. This is the mystery of the principle of Shiva, the destroyer, working to break things down so that a new cycle of growth may be implemented by Brahma, or the creative principle. Vishnu is the stabilizer principle. This principle maintains the creative expression until its purpose or mission has been attained or fulfilled, it then devolves its work to the Shivaic principle of destruction. The Shivaic principle is catabolic while the Brahmic principle is anabolic. The process may be illustrated thus: Brahma (Creation Being (The Absolute) –>Motion –>Change or Becoming–>Vishnu (Preservation)–>Evolution Shiva (Destruction)Evolution may be considered from the physical or metaphysical aspect. In occult circles, it is often customary to consider man’s growth from the metaphysical or spiritual standpoint. Man as a microcosm possesses various components in his holistic being, and each component or aspect is constantly being transmuted to a higher or lower expression–to a more refined or coarse state, to a higher or a lower vibration, to a more sublime or degraded condition. Above we said that Nature always work along the lines of evolution even if degradation seems apparent. This also applies to human beings. We may sometimes cause ourselves to temporarily retrograde by being periodically despondent, depressed and negative; however, this should be a period of introspection in order to build a new condition of value, to reinforce our spiritual connection with our Source; still, the problem is that some would sustain this state of retrogression, the status quo, and not bounce back to a balanced condition, or to be centered in one’s spiritual nature. This is opposing the natural evolutionary current. Those that cooperate with Nature will evolve much more quickly than those who oppose her. It is like swimming against the current. How do we cooperate with Nature? By first knowing and understanding her laws and how they may be implemented; by being aware of her forces and how they may be harnessed and applied creatively; by knowing how to align oneself with the higher purpose of being.