The Inner or Astral planes:
The inner planes are also known as the astral planes, which are subtle dimensions of existence that are not accessible to our ordinary senses. They are said to be the realms of the mind, emotions, imagination, dreams, and psychic phenomena. They are often divided into different levels or realms, depending on the state of mind or consciousness of the beings who inhabit them. The inner planes are also where we go when we die, according to many spiritual traditions. They are called inner planes or realms because they are closely related to the Earth and the solar system.
They are often associated with spiritual, mystical, or paranormal phenomena. Some people believe that they can access these planes through meditation, lucid dreaming, or out-of-body experiences. There are different theories about how many astral planes there are, what they look like, and who or what inhabits them. Some common themes are:
– The lower astral planes are dark, chaotic, and full of negative entities and energies. They are sometimes called the astral hells or the lower subplanes. These planes are where people may encounter fears, nightmares, or evil beings.
– The middle astral planes are more neutral and balanced. They are sometimes called the astral earth or the etheric plane. These planes are where people may encounter deceased loved ones, spirit guides, or other friendly beings. They may also see scenes from the past, present, or future of the physical world.
– The higher astral planes are bright, harmonious, and full of positive entities and energies. They are sometimes called the astral heavens or the higher subplanes. These planes are where people may encounter angels, ascended masters, or higher aspects of themselves.
Astral entities are beings that exist in the astral plane. Some people believe that astral entities can be contacted through astral projection, a practice of consciously leaving one’s physical body and traveling in the astral plane. Astral entities can have various forms and natures, such as angels, demons, spirits, guides, or even aspects of oneself. Another type of astral entity is the elemental, which is a manifestation of the natural forces of the elements, such as fire, water, earth, and air. Elementals can be friendly or hostile, depending on how they are approached and treated by the human seeker. Some astral entities are benevolent and helpful, while others are malevolent and harmful. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and discernment when interacting with astral entities, as they may have different agendas and intentions than the human seeker.
The concept of astral planes has a long and diverse history, dating back to ancient times and spanning across different cultures and traditions. Some of the earliest references to the astral planes can be found in the Hindu scriptures, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, which describe various levels of existence and consciousness beyond the physical realm. Similar ideas can be found in Buddhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions and spiritual paths.
The term “astral plane” itself was coined by theosophists in the 19th century, who adopted and adapted the teachings of various esoteric traditions, such as Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism, and occultism. Theosophists believed that the astral plane was a subtle dimension of reality that interpenetrated the physical world, and that it could be explored by clairvoyants and adepts through astral travel. Theosophy influenced many other movements and schools of thought, such as Anthroposophy, New Age, Neopaganism, and Paranormal Science. Theosophists also relate the astral plane to the concept of lokas and talas in Hinduism, which are the spiritual and material aspects of a plane. The astral plane corresponds to the second loka (Svarga) and the second tala (Vitala), which are associated with desire, emotion, and passion.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the interest in the astral planes increased with the development of psychology, parapsychology, neuroscience, and quantum physics. Some scientists and researchers attempted to explain the astral planes in terms of psychological archetypes, collective unconscious, altered states of consciousness, quantum entanglement, holographic universe, or multiverse theory. However, these explanations are still controversial and speculative, and there is no definitive scientific proof or consensus on the nature and existence of the astral planes. Scientists who study the astral planes use various methods and tools to explore them, such as brain imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), psychometry, remote viewing, or astral projection. However, these methods are often criticized for being unreliable, subjective, or unscientific. There is no consensus among scientists on how to define, measure, or verify the existence of the astral planes, or on how to interpret the experiences and phenomena associated with them.
Some concepts throughout the ages:
Tibetan Bardos:
One way to understand the inner planes is to use the concept of Tibetan Bardos, which are intermediate states between death and rebirth. According to Tibetan Buddhism, there are six bardos: the bardo of this life, the bardo of dying, the bardo of dharmata (the clear light of reality), the bardo of becoming (the karmic formation of the next life), the bardo of existence (the cycle of samsara), and the bardo of meditation (the state of enlightenment).
The concept of bardos is often associated with the six realms of existence: gods (deva), demi-gods (asura), humans (manuṣa), animals (tiryak), hungry ghosts (preta), and hell denizens (naraka).
Each realm is associated with a particular psychological state or mode of experience. According to Mahāyāna teachings, rebirth in each of these modes of existence is brought about by a predominance of a particular spiritual defilement (kleśa): as a god through pride, a demi-god through jealousy, human through lust, animal through stupidity, hungry ghost through greed, and hell-denizen through hatred.
These realms can be understood on a psychological level, or as aspects of Buddhist cosmology. The teachings on the realms and bardos are a way of understanding madness and sanity and learning to work directly and skillfully with extreme states of mind.
The six realms of existence in Buddhism are a description of conditioned existence, or samsara, into which beings are reborn. They are often illustrated by the Bhava Chakra, or Wheel of Life. Here’s a brief overview of each realm:
Deva Realm (Gods): This is the highest realm, populated by godlike beings who enjoy great power, wealth, and long life. However, their privilege and exalted status blind them to the suffering of others, so in spite of their long lives, they have neither wisdom nor compassion.
Asura Realm (Demigods or Titans): The Asura are strong and powerful beings who are sometimes depicted as enemies of the Deva. They are marked by their fierce envy. The karma of hate and jealousy causes rebirth in the Asura Realm.
Manuṣa Realm (Humans): This is the realm of human beings. The human realm is unique in that beings within it have the opportunity to attain enlightenment as they are not completely consumed by pleasure (like the gods) or torment (like the beings in hell).
Tiryak Realm (Animals): Inhabitants of this realm are driven by basic needs. This realm is characterized by ignorance and servitude.
Preta Realm (Hungry Ghosts): Hungry ghosts are beings with huge, empty stomachs, but they have pinhole mouths, and their necks are so thin they cannot swallow. They are characterized by great need and constant unfulfilled desires.
Naraka Realm (Hell): This is a realm of torment, populated by beings who are suffering for their negative karma. It is the lowest of the six realms.
The goal of Tibetan Buddhism is to recognize the true nature of one’s mind in every bardo, and to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Various texts and rituals, such as the Bardo Thodol (the Tibetan Book of the Dead), provide instructions on how to recognize and transform the appearances of the bardos into opportunities for enlightenment.
Dante’s Divine Comedy:
Another way to understand the inner planes is to use the concept of Dante’s levels of heaven and hell, which are based on the Divine Comedy, an epic poem by Dante Alighieri. The Divine Comedy, narrates his journey through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio) and Paradise (Paradiso).
According to Dante, the astral planes are the realms where the souls of the dead are punished or rewarded according to their deeds on earth. They are also populated by angels, demons and other beings who serve as guardians or tormentors. Each plane has its own structure, order and symbolism. For example, Dante said that:
– Hell is divided into nine circles that correspond to different types of sins: limbo (for virtuous pagans), lust, gluttony, greed, wrath, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. The circles are arranged from least to most severe punishment. The centre of Hell is occupied by Satan (who represents evil), who is frozen in ice up to his waist.
– Purgatory is divided into seven terraces that correspond to different types of virtues: humility (opposite pride), generosity (opposite envy), love (opposite wrath), zeal (opposite sloth), justice (opposite greed), temperance (opposite gluttony) and chastity (opposite lust). The terraces are arranged from lowest to highest purification. The top of Purgatory is occupied by the Garden of Eden (where Adam and Eve lived before the Fall).
– Paradise is divided into nine spheres that correspond to different types of blessedness: the Moon (for those who were faithful but inconstant), Mercury (for those who were virtuous but ambitious), Venus (for those who were loving but sensual), the Sun (for those who were wise and learned), Mars (for those who were courageous and righteous), Jupiter (for those who were just and benevolent), Saturn (for those who were contemplative and devout), the Fixed Stars (for those who were saints and apostles) and the Primum Mobile (the source of all motion and order). The centre of Paradise is occupied by the Empyrean (the realm of God and the angels).
These are some examples of how Dante described the astral planes associated with each sphere. He also said that there are other planes beyond the physical universe, where he encountered the mystical vision of God as a triune circle of light.
Edgar Cayce:
Edgar Cayce was a famous psychic who claimed to have access to the astral planes, where he could explore the mysteries of life after death. According to Cayce, the astral planes were levels of consciousness that corresponded to different dimensions of reality. He identified seven major planes, each with seven sub-planes, ranging from the lowest, which was the physical world, to the highest, which was the divine source. He said that the soul could travel through these planes after death, and that each plane had its own challenges and opportunities for spiritual growth. Cayce also said that the astral planes were connected to the physical world, and that some people could perceive them through dreams, visions, or out-of-body experiences. He gave many readings on the astral planes, describing their characteristics and inhabitants, as well as offering guidance for those who wanted to reach them.
Cayce said that each planet has its own astral plane:
– The Sun is the source of life and light, and its astral plane is where we can experience the highest spiritual illumination and enlightenment. The inhabitants of this plane are the most advanced souls who have overcome all earthly attachments and limitations.
– The Moon is the reflection of the Sun, and its astral plane is where we can experience the subconscious aspects of ourselves, such as dreams, emotions and intuition. The inhabitants of this plane are the souls who are still attached to their earthly desires and memories, and who need to learn to balance their emotions and instincts.
– Mercury is the messenger of the gods, and its astral plane is where we can experience the mental aspects of ourselves, such as communication, intelligence and learning. The inhabitants of this plane are the souls who are interested in acquiring knowledge and skills, and who need to learn to use them wisely and creatively.
– Venus is the goddess of love and beauty, and its astral plane is where we can experience the emotional aspects of ourselves, such as love, harmony and art. The inhabitants of this plane are the souls who are attracted to beauty and pleasure, and who need to learn to express their love in a pure and unselfish way.
– Mars is the god of war and action, and its astral plane is where we can experience the physical aspects of ourselves, such as energy, courage and will. The inhabitants of this plane are the souls who are driven by ambition and passion, and who need to learn to control their impulses and aggression.
– Jupiter is the king of the gods, and its astral plane is where we can experience the social aspects of ourselves, such as leadership, justice and generosity. The inhabitants of this plane are the souls who are endowed with authority and power, and who need to learn to use them for the good of all.
– Saturn is the father of time and karma, and its astral plane is where we can experience the spiritual aspects of ourselves, such as discipline, responsibility and wisdom. The inhabitants of this plane are the souls who are faced with challenges and limitations, and who need to learn to overcome them with patience and perseverance.
These are some examples of how Cayce described the astral planes associated with each planet. He also said that there are other planes beyond our solar system, where we can encounter higher dimensions of reality. He emphasized that our goal is to evolve through these planes until we reach our ultimate destination: the oneness with God.
Near-death experiences (NDEs):
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound psychological events that typically occur in people close to death or in situations of intense physical or emotional danger. According to researchers, there are common elements in these experiences:
Out-of-body experience: The person feels as if they are outside their physical body.
Peace and painlessness: The person experiences a deep sense of peace and is free from pain.
Altered perception of time and space: Time may seem to slow down or speed up, and space may appear larger or smaller.
Encounter with entities: The person may meet spiritual beings, deceased persons, or entities.
Life review: The person may see events from their past in a panoramic view.
Tunnel experience: The person may feel as if they are moving through a tunnel.
Bright light: The person may encounter a bright light or a “being of light”.
Choice: A choice to return or stay
These elements do not occur in a particular order, and not everyone experiences all of them. The experiences can vary greatly among individuals.
The Outer or Dimensional Planes:
Outer planes are a fascinating topic for anyone interested in the mysteries of the cosmos. They are not just physical locations, but also states of being, dimensions of consciousness, and realms of possibility.
One way to understand outer planes is to think of them as different levels of vibration or frequency. Everything in the universe is made of energy, and energy can vibrate at different rates. The higher the vibration, the more subtle and refined the energy is, and the lower the vibration, the more dense and coarse the energy is. Our physical reality is a manifestation of the lowest vibration, where matter is solid and tangible. But beyond our physical plane, there are other planes of existence where matter is more fluid, ethereal, or even non-existent.
Another way to understand the outer planes is to use the concept of entities in the 7 densities or higher dimensional beings, which are based on metaphysical and esoteric teachings. According to these teachings, there are seven levels or densities of consciousness that correspond to different dimensions or realities. The first density is the level of minerals and elements. The second density is the level of plants and animals. The third density is the level of humans and other intelligent beings. The fourth density is the level of love and compassion. The fifth density is the level of wisdom and knowledge. The sixth density is the level of unity and harmony. The seventh density is the level of completion and transcendence. Some people claim to have contact or communication with entities from higher densities through channelling or other means.
A third way to understand the outer planes is to use the concept of UFOs and aliens, which are mostly based anecdotal evidence. According to UFO researchers, there are various types and categories of unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial beings that have been observed or encountered by humans. Some examples are the Greys, Reptilians, Nordics, Pleiadeans, Syrians, Arcturians, etc.
A fourth way to understand the outer planes is to use the concept of multiverse and parallel universes, which are based on theoretical physics and quantum mechanics. According to these theories, there are multiple universes or realities that exist simultaneously or independently from ours. Some examples are parallel worlds, alternate histories, parallel dimensions, parallel timelines, etc.
As you can see, there are many ways to explore and understand the inner and outer planes of existence. These planes are not isolated or contradictory, but rather they are complementary and interconnected, reflecting different facets of our being and reality.