Parapsychology and The Astral Plane:

Parapsychology and The Astral Plane:
The astral plane is a concept found in various spiritual, metaphysical, and esoteric traditions. It’s often described as a non-physical realm of existence that coexists with the physical world, accessible through altered states of consciousness, such as during dreams, meditation, or out-of-body experiences (OBEs).
Here are key aspects of the astral plane:

  1. Definitions and Origins

Theosophy: Helena Blavatsky and later Theosophists described the astral plane as a realm where souls journey between lives.
Western Esotericism: In Hermeticism and Rosicrucian teachings, the astral plane is the intermediate world between the material and the spiritual.
Eastern Philosophy: Some interpretations of yogic and Buddhist teachings also include subtle realms similar to the astral plane, such as the sukshma sharira (subtle body).

  1. Common Features

Out-of-Body Travel: Individuals claim to leave their physical body and explore the astral plane during OBEs or astral projection.
Lucid Dreams: The astral plane is sometimes associated with lucid dreaming, where the dreamer becomes aware they’re dreaming and can control the experience.
Entities and Beings: Reports describe encounters with guides, spirits, ancestors, or non-human intelligences.
Symbolic Environments: The environment often reflects thoughts, emotions, and personal symbols - described as more “malleable” than the physical world.

  1. Layers or Levels

Many traditions describe the astral plane as having multiple sub-planes:
Lower Astral: Associated with base emotions and unresolved trauma.
Middle Astral: More neutral and often where dreamscapes and travel occur.
Higher Astral: Associated with spiritual insight, light beings, and elevated consciousness.

  1. Access and Practices

Meditation & Trance States
Lucid Dreaming
Binaural Beats or Sound Frequencies
Breathwork or Yogic Practices
Remote Viewing and Energy Work

  1. Scientific Skepticism

Mainstream Science Cannot explain it or does not want to explain it!

Mainstream science does not accept the astral plane as an objective reality. Experiences associated with it are often seen as:
Products of the subconscious mind
Neurological phenomena
Altered brain states, such as during sleep paralysis or hypnagogia

Shervan K Shahhian