Strictly speaking, Ascended Master is a term for those who have completed their round of earthly lives and have continued to help humanity after leaving the third-dimensional body. Nowadays we often include beings who have never had earthly lives, but whose desire to help humanity draws them to us.

All these beings are what we would called enlightened. That is, they carry a high level of spiritual vibration that helps us to ascend. They help to alleviate our sufferings and support us through our growth.

One of the greatest of these is Babaji. He has been embodied in the Himalayas many times, for hundreds of years according to "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda. Yogananda himself was an enlightened master.

Babaji pours out his blessing when connecting with us; his love is inconceivable. He is an Avatar.

Babaji

Briefly, an avatar is one who is very advanced, and has so surpassed the tests of earth that they only come here with a mission of spiritual importance.

Another of these great ascended masters is Serapis Bey. He works closely with the angelic realms. He is most often depicted in his ancient Egyptian incarnation. He used to show himself to me looking like an ancient Greek, as he was reckoned to be the sculptor and artist Phydias, whose sculptures adorned the Parthenon.He has often come to me looking fair-haired and youthful, reminding me also of our connection during Atlantean times. These beings can show themselves in any way that is appropriate to us.

He is a practical, highly intelligent master with a great sense of humour. He sees very quickly what needs to be done, and acts. He loves working with artists and architects.

Master Kuthumi was introduced to the West by the founders of the Theosophical Society, as was the Master Djwhal Khul. There are many others: Lord Lanto, Lady Nada. Some of these great ones are household names: Jesus, Buddha.

Some have never been on this earth. Vywamus is a wonderful example. His consciousness is vast. If you have a problem understanding what is causing a set of circumstances, he is an excellent source to ask. He is the teacher, some say the Higher Self, of Sanat Kumara who has been our Planetary Logos for aeons.

Even higher than Vywamus is the great being called Lenduce. He is the Higher Self of Vywamus. He is available now to help thiose who have opened out beyond the universe. He is a teacher and guide for those who have attained the second or third levels of enlightenment.

Kwan Yin is another female source of help and inspiration. She is labelled both Bodhisattva and goddess. A bodhisattva is one who has reached enlightenment and made a vow that they will assist the earth until every being is enlightened. Kwan Yin brings immense love and support. She is said to be in charge of the new 12th Ray: one of the ascension rays that have recently come in.

It is said that, during the last few thousand years, when the spiritual energy has been low on the planet, it has been very difficult to achieve enlightenment, and even harder for women. Now that the energy is rising again, women are taking the lead. Many people have already achieved enlightenment.

Our Creator can come in whatever form he/she chooses to help humanity: a great prophet, Krishna, a goddess such as Isis, angels and archangels. It matters not.

Each great spiritual path, Christianity, Buddhism, Yoga, Islam, and so on, has a wealth of great souls to that dearly wish to support us.