Something that has fascinated me for some time is the concept of the Astral Plane. We have all heard of it, but who among us has done research on this concept? I myself heard the words and just assumed it was some mystical word for the world the mind creates. But doing some poking around I now have a better idea about the concept. Keep in mind that this blog is research in progress so this is kind of the base level information as I dive deeper into concepts we will hit the real juicy stuff, I invite you to learn with me, and if you do know more, please feel free to share your thoughts and references in the comment section.
A diagram of one interpretation of the Astral Plane. {1}
For those of us who are less literate of the concepts, the Astral Plane refers to a plane of existence that consists of planetary spheres in which the soul crosses before life, and after death. Say what again?
The idea works like this. Between this life and the afterlife, there is a plane of existence that is separated into spheres that are made up of a material called aether. Before our souls can be born into this earth, and after our deaths, our souls must travel through this/these plane(s) of existence. Each sphere may contain its own beings (for example angels, gods, spirits, etc.). The purpose of the Astral Plane may differ from one religion/train of thought to the next.
Some believe they are just passage ways, like canals we must travel. Others believe they are higher planes of existence and we can progress from one level to the next. Some simply see it as a place where the creatures that are not of this world are from. Some claim they can visit the astral plane through astral projection, meditation, or other means.
An artistic interpretation of using meditation to connect to the astral plane. {2}
Regardless, the concept is so large that many people who specifically deny the astral plane’s existence are still influenced by it. The idea of Heaven and Hell are derived from the concept of the astral plane. Each location may even be its own planetary sphere in the astral plane! Almost all forms of life before life or after death are derived from the astral plane concept.
What are your thoughts? Share your ideas/knowledge in the comments below. Am I off on the concept in question? Don’t be afraid to email me at penguinprince@grimcrew.com. Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook, and Google +!
Till Fate brings our Future
Daniel Palmer
A.K.A. Penguin Prince
Image Sources
{1} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astral_plane
{2} http://ishtarsgate.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/the-war-on-the-astral-planes/
