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 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 is said to have been embodied for many hundreds of years in the Himalayas according to "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda, himself an enlightened master. He pours out his blessing when connecting with us; his love is inconceivable. He is an Avatar.

Babaji

Briefly, an avatar is one who has so surpassed the tests of earth that they have no need to return. However they have come back 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 usually shows himself to me in his Atlantean body, as fair-haired and youthful. He is a practical master with a great sense of humour. He sees very quickly what needs to be done, and acts.

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.

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.

It is also said that God can come in whatever form he 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.