Mystery of Sex Polarity - 3. THE EVOLUTION OF SEX - William Walker Atkinson

The Mystery of Sex, or Sex Polarity - 3. THE EVOLUTION OF SEX - William Walker AtkinsonIn William Walker Atkinson's 1909 work *The Mystery of Sex, or Sex Polarity*, Chapter 3, titled **"The Evolution of Sex"**, serves as a pivotal exploration within his broader metaphysical framework. Atkinson, a prolific New Thought and occult author, reframes sex not merely as a biological or reproductive function but as a fundamental cosmic principle of polarity—masculine and feminine forces in dynamic interplay—that drives creation, manifestation, and spiritual ascent. This chapter traces the progressive unfolding of this principle across life's hierarchy, from the simplest organisms to more complex forms, arguing that sex evolves in tandem with consciousness itself. Far from being a crude instinct confined to physicality, sex ascends through stages, becoming increasingly refined, mental, and ultimately spiritual in its expression.Atkinson opens by challenging outdated scientific views of his era, particularly the notion of spontaneous generation in lower life forms. He asserts that reproduction is universal among living beings and always presupposes at least an elementary manifestation of sex. Even in the most primitive organisms—such as single-celled entities or early protoplasmic life—reproduction occurs not through mere division but via processes implying polarity. While contemporary science (in 1909) had not yet fully identified sex in asexual reproduction like simple cell fission, Atkinson reasons by analogy from occult teachings that fertilization or a union of complementary forces must occur periodically. This hidden interaction sustains the lineage across generations of cells, ensuring continuity rather than random splitting.He emphasizes that life begins with basic functions: nutrition, assimilation, elimination, and reproduction. Science would eventually uncover sex's role even in these rudimentary processes, aligning with ancient occult wisdom that polarity underlies all manifestation. In these lowest forms, sex appears in its most elementary guise—perhaps as subtle attractions or repulsions between cellular elements—but it is present nonetheless, forming the foundation for all higher developments.As life ascends the evolutionary ladder, sex differentiates more clearly. Atkinson draws on emerging biological insights (influenced by thinkers like Patrick Geddes and J. Arthur Thomson in their work *The Evolution of Sex*) to describe how primitive "hunger" (egoistic, self-preserving drives) and "love" (altruistic, connective impulses) diverge as starting points for emotional and behavioral lines. The differentiation of separate sexes marks a key milestone. This bifurcation allows for greater complexity: offspring remain associated with parents, genuine pairing extends beyond brief sexual periods, and distinct family units emerge with evident affection between parents, offspring, and kin.These steps foster the evolution of both egoism (self-focused survival) and altruism (other-regarding care). Sexual attraction sheds pure selfishness; hunger yields to love; mate-bonding deepens through parental devotion; and kinship love expands outward. Atkinson portrays this as a natural progression where raw instinct refines into broader emotional capacities. In animal societies beyond the family, wider cooperative structures arise, all rooted in the evolving sex principle.Throughout, Atkinson ties this biological ascent to metaphysical truths. Sex polarity is the engine of creation across planes—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. In lower stages, it manifests crudely through instinctual drives for reproduction. Yet as consciousness expands, sexual energy transmutes: from mere physical gratification to creative expression in art, intellect, leadership, and higher aspiration. Desire evolves from immediate, ego-driven impulses to refined yearnings for beauty, meaning, growth, and union with the divine.This evolutionary arc mirrors the Law of Attraction, a core New Thought idea Atkinson championed elsewhere. Primitive desire seeks quick satisfaction, often chaotically. Higher desire aligns with universal harmony, drawing corresponding manifestations effortlessly. Just as plants respond instinctively to polarity without struggle, and animals amplify attraction through emotion (though prone to imbalance), humans introduce self-awareness, choice, imagination, and intention. This elevates sex to a tool for regeneration—transmuting base energies into spiritual power.Atkinson warns against misinterpreting sex's lower expressions as its totality. The chapter counters gross or materialistic views, insisting that understanding sex's evolution reveals its sacred role in cosmic creativity. By conserving and directing this force wisely, individuals harness polarity for personal and spiritual advancement, regenerating body, mind, and soul.In essence, Chapter 3 positions sex as an eternal, ascending principle. From shadowy beginnings in primordial life to potential heights of enlightened union, its evolution reflects life's journey toward greater harmony, awareness, and creative potency. Atkinson invites readers to view their own sexual nature not as a burden or mere appetite but as a divine spark, evolving toward mastery and transcendence.#SexPolarity #MysteryOfSex #WilliamWalkerAtkinson #NewThought #Occult #Esoteric #SacredSexuality #Tantra #SpiritualSex #SexualEnergy #LawOfAttraction #Polarity #EvolutionOfSex #Metaphysics #Hermetic #OccultWisdom #DivineFeminine #DivineMasculine #Consciousness #Manifestation