The Astral Plane
Our
soul can simultaneously experience itself on many levels or
"dimensions":
on the material dimension through a physical
body..
and on the energetic dimension through
an astral or dream body.
Our
soul has the ability to project itself into the astral dimensions.
Some dreams recalled are events
that occurred on that transcendent plane of existence. Compared to
everyday life,
the astral dimension may seem to be a fantasy (or nightmare), but
everyone
has experienced the occasional dream that seemed too real.
From
the perspective of the astral, perhaps this world is the dream.
"Are we
humans dreaming of being a butterfly
or a butterfly dreaming of being a
human?"
A
person’s waking life can be deeply moved by their hidden or
revealed dreams: be it the residuals of a nightmare that haunts
throughout the day.. an illusive feeling of someone never met that
awakens a longing and searching.. an
artist who communes with their “muse” in the midnight
hours.. or a therapist who dredges their subconscious for hidden
meanings. A soul who denies their dreams is trapped in the
confines of a limited material reality, only seeing the world as it is
idealized, envisioned, and created by others.
We
spend a 1/3 of our life time sleeping, and in a good part of that we
are dreaming. It is a scientific fact that if we don’t get enough
sleep (and dream), we will go
mad. Perhaps it is the dream
state (where the physical veils of density are lifted), can we
replenish our sanity by experiencing the truth of who we are in the
images and stories that live on this other
side. In any event, we are all affected and
influenced by what happens in this other reality, whether we do or do
not know,
believe, or remember it.
Déjà
Vu and Prophesy
It is possible to experience an event in the
astral body on the astral plane (in a dream), and then experience that
same event in our physical body on the physical plane. When
this happens, the astral self is grounding or "manifesting"
its potential into
the physical density. It's like watching a movie on TV (astral) verse
seeing it as a
live play on stage. There is a difference, yet the story line is
basically the same. When this happens and you are conscious of it, this
is called “déjà vu”.
Souls
who are able to foretell or "prophesize" of events to come are called
“prophets”. There have been many such prophets and
prophecies: Jesus, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, even Jules
Verne and H.G. Wells. Of course, making sense of a prophesy (such as
"The Book of Revelations" or "The Hopi Prophesies", for ex.) is another
matter, but at least the ideas are out there.
The connection between prophesy
and déjà vu is found
in what I believe is the prophets ability to read what is now occurring
on
the astral.. before it is grounded, manifested, or "materialized" in
the physical dimension. I think
some prophets can also look at the future “Life
Lines” of an individual.. or the collective “Life
Lines” of a society... and from these trends, make an
informed guestimate of where they are heading (unless there is some
intervention and change). Then there are those prophets who are given
information directly from Spirit, without having to read it from the
astral or life lines.
The
Other Side
Throughout many differing cultures and times, a repetitive wealth of
symbols and story lines emerge from the collective unconscious, as for
example, the dream worlds of our fairy tales. Is they simply a figment
of our imagination – as interpreted by our limited material
ego-mind ... or could there be some basis of fact? Is there another
world beside (or behind) this one from which we could have drawn these
ancient (or recent) memories from?
Let us look
at the diverse imagery of such mythic creatures as the unicorns,
dragons, goblins, ogres, yetis... and such beings as fairy godmothers,
goddesses, witches, fairies, elves... and such strange alien races as
the reptoids, insectoids, the grays... and such technologically
advanced vehicles of transportation as interstellar space ships and
star gates.... None of these things have been found to exist on this
physical plane (as of yet) but stories and images of them are
encountered all around us. Is this a sort of mass hallucination or a
glimpse into another reality? Could this other reality be where we get
our fantastic ideas and creative endeavors? (I am thinking of all our
arts and sciences). For something to become real on this earth plane,
it must first be imagined... then we can harness our will and the
material forces to make it happen. But what comes to our imagination
must exists somewhere – if it’s not on the physical
then beyond on some spiritual realm.
Real or
imagined, all that exists within the intangible and invisible world of
our sub-conscious... all our fears and dark fantasies, our hopes and
bright dreams... all this still continues to run our everyday life
(whether we are consciously aware of it or not).
Astral
Planets & Schools
Our physical body is connected to, co-exists, overlaps and intermingles
with our astral body. So too are the physical planets connected to,
co-exist, overlap and intermingle with their astral counterparts
– their astral planets. And as our physical bodies reside on
a physical planet, so to may our astral bodies reside on and even
travel to any one of these astral planets... even now, some of those
astral bodies may be living simultaneous lives on these astral planets
(remembered by you during the dream state).
Before,
during and after our sojourn here on this planet, our different
dimensional bodies travel to and exist on these different dimensions
and planets, experiencing some very unique aspects of creation. Each
planet is very different in its orientation, in what it offers, in its
energy, the predominant colors, sounds, vibrations, types and
appearances of the beings that live on it. Most planets even have a
head ruler or counsel of beings who are designated as leaders
(different but similar in ways to what we have in this physical
dimension). Many beings who find themselves on these planets are there
for the special healings and teachings offered in many numerous
temples, so called "Mystery Schools".
Mystery
School
There
are a number of these schools on each of the planets, even
including the sun. Like schools in our world, there are particular
lessons that must be grasped before one can graduate on to the next
level. In order to completely imbibe what each planet and its schools
offer, sometimes this process may take a very long time. In between,
ones physical incarnations become a sort of practical homework
assignment - where lessons are applied. And when one has completed
training on all the planets in this solar system, then one is allowed
to journey to other schools in other solar systems, galaxies, and
dimensions. So the souls learning may go on indefinitely.
The
following "ten life stages
of consciousness development” generally describe some of the
things taught on these planets (in the astral dimension). This is why
some psychics and astrologers ("astro-logy"= the study of the astral)
can read your past and see into the future what your lessons and
strengths are > they read your astral school records. Like any
school, some subjects you will excel in, others you may fail or not
complete. The Mystery Schools are no different: what you excel at you
teach to others, what you fail at you repeat, what areas you have gaps
in you work on till you complete. Even with a lot of help, such
training takes a very long time to finish (if there is a finish). As
the universe is constantly evolving, there are always new things
(especially in the spirit worlds) that are being created for the first
time. Even the oldest, wisest, most powerful soul can learn a new trick
or two.
Astrology
Life Stages of
Consciousness Development
Moon - Mercury
- Venus - Earth - Mars - Jupiter - Saturn - Uranus - Neptune - Pluto -
Links
About
The Stars - Astrology
"Rather than
have the stars rule the life, the life should rule the stars. The work
of man is to combine mind and emotions, awareness and consciousness
with will and purpose in becoming again at one with the creator. Until
that time, we as individuals remain earthbound within the confines of
astrological influences. Ever present stumbling blocks to this
at-one-ment are the ego or self-interest, self-indulgence,
self-purpose-fullness...."
Edgar Cayce
b m h g a e ^ _
The following information was obtained many
years ago... its author - unknown.
Life Stages of Consciousness
Development
The ten planets, beginning with the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars,
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and ending with Pluto, represent the
ten "life stages of consciousness development". Each stage has its own
musical notes, colors, vibrations, attributes... some of which need to
be cultivated or weeded (can be done through the healing work).
The
Moon
(1 to 7 years)
The
Moon, the nearest body to the Earth, is treated as a planet. It has
always signified the mother, rhythms, water and all other life-giving
liquids. It reflects the dual nature of the evolving human spirit, part
conscious, part unconscious. It is itself the unconscious side of the
personality, bound by instincts, involuntary responses and momentary
urges. It is passively receptive to outside influences. So the child
begins its life in a psychologically fluid state, taking its early
egotistical shape from the maternal mold. Although an individual with
distinct characteristics that will later become conscious, the infant
experiences helplessness and vulnerability, and is unable to act for
itself except in blind or dim responses. Throughout these first seven
years, the child registers the effects of its environment and in so
doing displays the acutely impressionable nature of the moon.
The
Mercury Age
(7 to 14 years)
Mercury is the
intellectual force that governs speech, writing, communication and the
mental functions in general. It also rules common sense. It is
adaptable, versatile, quick, restless, irresponsible, logical,
inquisitive and fast moving. The early years are when the child learns
the mechanics of communication, how to write, to speak, to express him
or herself as a mental being and not just as a collection of clamorous
desires. He discovers he can contradict the voice of authority
sometimes and assert his ideas so that others will listen and pay
attention. He makes innumerable connections and contacts, developing a
casual attitude toward responsibility and a flexible sense of morality.
He moves around incessantly with inquisitive purpose, loses interest as
quickly as he gains it, and begins to control aspects of his
environment through the advancing power of his mental processes.
The
Venus Age
(14 to 21
years)
Venus is the
influence of love, art, culture, sympathy, social relationships, and
evaluation. All emotions that have a sexual basis begin here, including
the love of beauty. Creative activities - poetry, acting, music,
dancing - come under the Venusian force. It aims to unify. This is the
time when the mental enthusiasms of the Mercurial Age turn to love,
when intense emotions come and go with brief but remarkable impact. It
is the age of fads and crazes that develop in various ways into mature
and admirable tastes. The adolescent learns to discriminate, to assess
people and situations, to test values, to experiment with the feelings
of others, to observe the power of his or her physical presence. The
value of cooperation, the social advantages of popularity, the deeper
meaning of friendship and the conduct that society demands are also
learned. The adolescent prepares for adult life.
The
Earth Age
(21 to 28
years)
In geocentric
(earth-centered) Astrology, the Earth is not considered a planet, so
this period of development is one of self confrontation. Having come of
age, the individual must adjust to material living and all its
attendant responsibilities. As the Earth is in the center of the
planetary lineup between the extremes of pliability and rigidity, so is
the person during the Earth age. The lessons of the past, ideally, have
produced in him of her a sense of balance, proportion and moderation.
Other factors not so easy to define may now become influential.
Normally the young adult will endeavor to establish himself in a career
or particular occupation - put roots down and set about justifying his
existence. The end of the Earth cycle frequently produces a crisis.
This is the time when the individual realizes life is not what he
thought it was, when he must decide what he is going to make of it and
face the person that he really is. The talents he has uncovered (or
covered up) in himself will not easily be denied self-expression. The
young man or woman may have to make one or two painful decisions that
will mean considerable reorientation. The end of this phase marks the
return of the restrictive planet Saturn to the position it occupied in
the horoscope at the time of birth, which signifies a new beginning.
The
Mars Age
(28 to 35
years)
Mars is the
planet of energy, activity through enterprise, self assertion and
leadership. This is a strenuous period when the individual, now
stabilized in character, endeavors to make a personal imprint on his or
her community. He or she becomes a dynamic influence, responding with
vigor to challenges, competing for leadership and acclaim. Ambition is
usually the first consideration, money the second. The need to
accomplish at almost any cost is paramount. Physical strains are
ignored or overcome by aggressive determination to succeed. Those who
have laid sound foundations in the previous age now build their
edifices with relentless energy. On these, they must now stand or fall.
The
Jupiter Age
(35 to 42
years)
Jupiter
represents expansion - by growth, material acquisition and
understanding. It signifies law, banking, philosophy, religion,
moderation, reason. It also stands for foreign affairs, including
distant journeys. Now the individual begins to profit from earlier
efforts and experiences. He or she assumes some authority as a
counselor of others, and becomes established in his or her chosen
calling. This is the prime of life when the person expands financially,
becomes an established citizen, a respectable and reliable member of
the community. It is also a time associated with middle-age spread. The
growth process reflects itself in a psychological maturity; the person
develops an inner sense of law, order and morals. Religious convictions
become more certain, and the mature adult reflects the type of person
that has been formed through the earlier ages and anticipates future
development. Since the direction of life is now probably fairly well
fixed, the individual must look for ways of modifying his of her
underlying attitudes and illusions in order to experience the deeper
fulfillment of self-progression.
The
Saturn Age
(42 to 49
years)
Saturn is
sometimes symbolized as Father Time, the old man with the hourglass and
scythe. It represents the formative principle through restriction,
discipline and rigidity. It stands for gravity, profundity, prudence,
caution and organization. It is the symbol of the limitation of the
physical, through which the human spirit, evolving as mind, must
penetrate to go on. This is the period when the person learns the
lessons of self-discipline. The formative years, physically, are over.
He or she is now a fixed and determined entity. If mistakes have been
made in the creation of the self, this is the age when they are apt to
be revealed and demand rectification. Here is where the habitual person
finds himself heading off the abyss of decline and depression. But the
individual who has fulfilled the earlier stages, it marks the way up, a
different kind of path, a compensation for growing old. This Saturn Age
teaches the need for realistic, practical and responsible handling of
life's affairs, as distinct from expediency and the habit of
self-interest. By the end of the Saturn period, the person has almost
concluded his first 50 years. He knows the difference between right and
wrong. If he has had to pay, he understands the reasons why. By obeying
the community's laws, he upholds these laws and is capable of
performing as an authority within the social system. His own endeavors
to affect order within himself can now be used to create order in his
surroundings. As society once helped to shape him, so now he can help
to shape society. And having learned to serve, he may now himself be
served. But for the ordinary man or woman, it is difficult to withstand
the constrictive and ossifying influence of the Saturn Age. It usually
ends in hardening of the arteries, brittleness of the skeleton and a
fixation of views that can only be dissolved by the grave.
The
Uranus Age
(49 to 56 years)
Uranus stands
for independence, drastic change, revolt, anarchy, genius, intuition.
It also represents Astrology, metaphysics, telepathy and events of a
curious or wondrous nature. This is the age of the second flowering for
those who can allow the old self to die. It is the time that the young
man or woman at the end of the Earth Age is unconsciously striving
toward as the greatest good, but seldom attains. For here is the chance
to leap forward, not with enthusiasm, but with wisdom, into a new state
of consciousness. This is the age that offers the person the power to
break away from the rigidly controlled norm. Here is the realization
that uniqueness lies not only in being safe, sober and reliable. Within
each individual is the power to be exceptional, if only he can reach
it, and this is the stage where he discovers that instead of reaching
up, he must reach within to unlock the spontaneous force that will free
him from the cyclic rut of accepted limitations. From this renewing
impulse springs originality, creative inspiration, scientific thought
and inventiveness. Here men and women can produce their most valuable
and original work.
The
Neptune Age
(56 to 63 years)
Neptune symbolizes the evolving human spirit as mind transcending the
physical condition. It stands for refinement - through dissolution,
subtlety and immateriality. The Neptune function, like the sea with
which it is traditionally identified, has no material roots. It is a
dissolver of form. The fully developed person now begins to withdraw
from inordinate attachments to the world. His values have a deepening
spiritual content that goes beyond the dogma and ceremony of orthodox
religions. He meditates without concepts, places less and less
dependence on memories of the past and yearns to empty himself of his
egotistical cravings. By rising above the Saturnian need for
psychological security and continuity, the ripe man or woman finds
both, either in enlightenment or death.
The
Pluto Age
(63 to 70 years)
Pluto is the
last known planet in the solar system. As the Sun represents the
beginning of the person, so Pluto symbolizes the cyclic return through
experience to the beginning. It is said to be the deliverer. As the Sun
is the unexpressed potential at the center, so Pluto, as the final
state of mans' progression, represents the seed - a new crystallized
beginning. The fully developed person at this stage knows himself, and
in knowing that, comprehends the last mystery.
Cosmic
Astrology - The Yugas
Throughout
the entire history of human
habitation on this planet, there have been numerous cyclic ages of
darkness and
light called "Yugas".
These cycles are influenced by forces way beyond those of this
provincial solar system....
Yuga
in Hindu philosophy is the
name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages. These are the Satya
Yuga, the Treta Yuga, the Dvapara
Yuga, and finally the Kali
Yuga.../ The cycles are
said to repeat like the seasons, waxing and waning within a greater
time-cycle of the creation and destruction of the universe. Like
Summer, Spring, Winter and Autumn, each yuga involves stages or gradual
changes which the earth and the consciousness of mankind goes through
as a whole. A complete yuga cycle from a high Golden
Age
of enlightenment to a Dark Age and back again is said to be caused by
the solar system's motion around another star. (Wikipedia)
In
his book, The Holy Science,
Sri Yukteswar (guru of Paramahansa Yogananda)
explained that the descending phase of Satya Yuga lasts 4800 years, the
Treta Yuga 3600 years, Dwapara Yuga 2400 years, and the Kali Yuga 1200
years. The ascending phase of the Kali Yuga then begins, also lasting
1200 years. The ascending phase of the Kali Yuga began in September of
499 AD. Since September 1699, we have been in the ascending phase of
the Dwapara Yuga, according to Sri Yukteswar.
Sri
Yukteswar explained that just as the cycle of day and night is caused
by a celestial motion (the earth spinning on its axis in relation to
the sun), and just as the cycle of the seasons are caused by a
celestial motion (the earth with tilted axis orbiting the sun) so too
is the yuga cycle (seen as the precession
of the equinox), caused by a celestial motion. He explained
this celestial motion as the movement of the whole solar system around
another star. As our sun moves through this orbit, it takes the solar
system (and earth) closer to and then further from a point in space
known as the "grand centre" also called 'Vishnunabhi', which is the
seat of the creative power, 'Brahma', [which]...regulates...the mental
virtue of the internal world." He implied that it is the proximity of
the earth and sun to this grand centre that determines which season of
man or yuga it is.
Quoting
from The Holy Science,
Sri Yukteswar states that our
sun revolves round a grand center called Vishnunabhi, which is the seat
of the creative power, Brahma, the universal magnetism. Brahma
regulates dharma, the mental virtue of the internal world. Sri
Yukteswar states: ...the sun, with its planets and their moons, takes
some star for its dual and revolves round it in about 24,000 years of
our earth.... Essentially, When the sun in its revolution round its
dual comes to the place nearest to this grand center, the seat of
Brahma...the mental virtue, becomes so much developed that man can
easily comprehend all, even the mysteries of Spirit." Further, ...when
the sun goes to the place in its orbit which is farthest from Brahma,
the grand center...the mental virtue, comes to such a reduced state
that man cannot grasp anything beyond the gross material creation.
Paramahansa Yogananda, devotee of Sri Yukteswar, dates his forward in
the book as 249 Dwapara (1949 AD). The period of 2400 years during
which the sun passes through the 2/20th portion of its orbit is called
Dwapara Yuga. Dharma, the mental virtue, is then in the second stage of
development and is but half complete; the human intellect can then
comprehend the fine matters of electricities and their attributes which
are the creating principles of the external world.
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