Editing Higher Tiers Explanation (section)

=== Traces (Emanationism) ===
The concept of "traces" refers to the external act of the hypostases, which leaves a reflection of the higher reality (the One) in lower realms. For example, Intellect contains a "trace" of the One's power, reflecting its essence but without diminishing or affecting the One itself. The trace is the external aspect of the hypostases, and it indicates the generative power of the One, which emanates without undergoing any change.

Plotinus illustrates this process of emanation through the analogy of sunlight radiating from the sun:

''"It must be a radiation from it while it remains unchanged, like the bright light from the sun which, so to speak, runs round it, springing from it continually while it remains unchanged."'' (V.1.6, 28–33)

The trace signifies the continuous flow from the One, where lower beings receive their form and essence without the One itself undergoing any alteration. As with fire producing heat, the external act (emanation) is a necessary consequence of the internal substance.

In summary, any consistent version of emanationism should involve:

# '''Self-contained internal action''': The One does not intend the external but emanates naturally.
# '''Simultaneous and atemporal external/internal acts''': Both exist at once, beyond time.
# '''Traces''': The external act is a reflection or trace of the internal, as lower hypostases reflect the higher.