It gives the ego a chance to use its defenses against change. If one is going to bow out, this is the time to do it, before the transformation process becomes unstoppable. The aspirant is tested to see if he is ready for excellerated evolution. This is the first of the Elemental Grades corresponding to solid matter, the material world, and Earth. Home, money, vocation, health, and other physical issues are dealt within this grade.
Attention is directed to the physical body and material life.
This is normal. Attention is directed toward thoughts, beliefs, and automatic behaviors. There may come a sense elevation and a feeling that the material world is just one room in the cosmic house in which we live. Attention is drawn to skillful means of achieving results in ones life. By the time this grade passes, the student may gather some sense of the power of perseverance inherent in Water.