From: PAUL RUDYK
Subj: THE ASTRAL WORLD

There is a little book I found a number of years ago at a local
meta-physical book store. It is called "The Astral World - Its Scenes,
Dwellers and Phenomena." - by Swami Panchadasi - When I went back to find
another copy for somebody who was interested I could not find it...and
have never seen it since.

It has no date saying when it was written, and it has no copyright notice.
I assumed then that it would be OK to "duplicate" it which I have done, so
now I can hand out little books at will. I am sure the author would not
mind at all that his words be transmitted across the BBS world. If someone
happens to know Swami, you can ask him for me...

It is possibly one of the best accounts I have found on the subject of
what to expect in the Astral World - even though I have read only about 4
books on the subject. So turn your capture mode on, or save each message
linked into a file and print it out with your favorite Word Processor:

                                CHAPTER I.
                            THE SEVEN PLANES.

   Every student of occultism, from the humblest beginner to the most
advanced pupil, has a full realization of the wonders of that strange
plane of being known as The Astral World.  The beginner, of course, has
not the privilege of actually viewing life on this plane, except, perhaps,
in exceptional cases, or under extraordinary circumstances.  But even he
finds constant reference to the subject in the treatise his studies, and
soon discovers that that particular plane is the scene and field of some
very strange phenomena.
   As he advances, and learns more of the occult laws and principles, he
develops still greater interest in the subject.  And, when he reaches the
stage in which he is able to actually sense (by astral vision) on this
plane, he finds that a new world of experience has opened out before
him.
   The oldest occult teachings, as well as the latest, inform the student
that there are Seven Planes of Being.  The lowest of these planes is that
which is known as the Material Plane.  Second in order is that which is
known as the Plane of Forces.  The third is that which is known as the
Astral Plane.  The fourth is that which is known as the Mental Plane.
   Above these four planes are three higher planes, known to occultists,
but which have no names that can be understood by those developing only on
the lower planes, and which are incapable of explanation to those on the
lower planes.  I shall refer to some of these higher planes, in this
little book, as we proceed, but shall make no attempt to describe them for
the reasons just given.  Our subject for the present consideration is
merely the Astral Plane, and we shall find sufficient interesting facts in
considering the phenomena of that plane without attempting to penetrate
the veils of those still higher.
   It should be mentioned at this point, that each of the Seven Planes has
seven sub-planes and that each of these sub-planes has its own seven
subdivisions; and so on to the seventh degree of subdivision.  So, you
see, there is a most minute classification in the occult teachings.
   The student of occultism, at the beginning, usually experiences
difficulty in forming a clear conception of the meaning of the word
"plane" as used in the occult teachings.  Consulting the dictionary, he is
apt to get the idea of a plane as one of a series of straight layers - one
part of a great strata - above and below which are other layers or strata.
 It usually is quite difficult for the occult teacher to eradicate this
erroneous idea from the mind of his pupils, and to substitute the correct
concept.
   This error arises from thinking of these planes of being as composed of
matter, or material substance, which, of course, is incorrect.  When it is
remembered that even the densest form of matter itself is composed of
vibrations of energy (as recognized by modern science), and that the
Forces of Nature are but manifestations of vibrations of energy, one
begins to find the key.  Instead of the planes rising one above the other
in the scale of the fineness, of matter, they are graded according to
their respective degrees of vibration of energy.  In short, they are
planes of vibrations of energy, and not planes of matter at all.  Matter
is simply the lowest degree of vibrations of energy, that is all.
   The second common source of error, on the part of the beginner in
occultism, is that of picturing the planes as lying one above the other in
space.  This conception, of course, naturally follows upon the error of
thinking of the planes as a series of layers or strata of fine matter; but
it also often persists even after the student has grasped the idea that
the planes are grades of vibration, rather than of matter.  But, finally,
the student is impressed with the idea that the planes are not "layers" or
"strata" at all.
   The planes do not lie one above the other, in space.  They have not
spatial distinction or degree.  They interpenetrate each other in the same
point of space.  A single point of space may have its manifestations of
each and all of the seven planes of being.
   Some of the old occultists sought to explain this condition of things
to their students in the words of a very celebrated ancient teacher, who
originated the aphorism: "A plane of being is not a place, but a
state of being."  No words can give a better explanation of, or aid, to,
the correct mental conception of the idea of a "plane" in the occult sense
of the term.
   To those students who may find it difficult to form the idea of a
number of manifestations, each having its own rate of vibration, occupying
the same point of space at the same time, I would say that a little
consideration of the phenomena of the physical world will perhaps serve as
an aid in the matter.  For instance, every student of physics knows that a
single point of space may contain vibrations of heat, light of many
shades, magnetism, electricity, X-rays, etc., etc., each manifesting its
own rate of vibration, and yet not interfering with the others.
   Every beam of sunlight Contains many different colors, each with its
own rate of vibration, and yet none crowding out the others.  By the
proper laboratory apparatus each kind of light may be separated from the
others, and the ray thus split up.  The difference in the colors arise
simply from the different rate of etheric vibrations.
   Again it is possible to send many telegrams along the same wire, at the
same time, by using senders and receivers of different vibratory
keynotes."  The same thing has its corresponding analogy in the case of
wireless telegraphy.  So, you see, even on the physical planes we find
many forms of vibratory manifestation occupying the same point of space at
the same time.
   The Material Plane, with which we are all familiar, has, of course, its
seven sub-planes, and likewise its seven-times-seven series of
subdivisions, as have all the seven planes.  At first we are apt to think
that we are perfectly familiar with every form of matter, but this is far
from being the case, for we are familiar with only a few forms.  The
occult teachings show us that on certain of the fixed stars, and some of
the planets of our own chain, there are forms and kinds of matter as much
lower in vibration than the densest form of matter known to us, as these
dense forms are lower than the highest ultra-gaseous forms of matter
recognized by us.  And, on the other hand, the same teachings inform us
that there are in existence, in other worlds, and even (to an extent) in
our own, forms and kinds of matter as much higher than these highest forms
of ultra-gaseous matter known to us, as the said known forms are higher
than the densest form of matter now known to us.  This is a startling
statement, but every advanced occultist knows it to be true.
   Physical science formerly classified matter as follows: (1) solids; (2)
liquids; (3) gaseous.  But modern science has found many forms of matter
far more tenuous and rarer than even the finest gas.  It now calls this
fourth class "ultra-gaseous matter." But occultists know that beyond this
fourth sub-plane of matter which science is just now discovering, there
lie three other, and still finer, sub-planes, of which science at present
has no conception.
   Next higher in the scale of manifested being, we find what is known as
the Plane of Forces, of which very little is known outside of occult
science, although, of later years, physical science has been breaking into
this field.  In the next twenty years physical science will proceed
further in this direction. The research into radioactivity is leading
toward further knowledge regarding this plane of manifestation.
   On the Plane of Forces, we find the seven sub-planes, and likewise the
seven-times-seven subdivision.  There are forces far below the scale of
the ordinary forces of Nature known to man.  And, likewise, there are
great series of Nature's Finer Forces at the other end of the scale, of
which the ordinary man - even the scientist - knows nothing.  It is these
finer forces which account for many of the wonders of occult science.  In
particular, the fine force called "prana" or "vital force," plays an
important part in all occult phenomena.
   Next above the scale of the Plane of Forces, we find the great Astral
Plane, the consideration of which is the purpose of this little book.



                               CHAPTER II.
                             ASTRAL REGIONS.

   In the occult teachings we find frequent references to what are called
"the astral regions," and the inhabitants and phenomena of said regions.
Like the term "plane," this term "region" has caused much
misunderstanding.  The old occultists used it in a loose sense, knowing
that their pupils clearly understood the real significance.  They did not
care whether or not other persons understood.  But the modern
investigator, without the benefit of a teacher, often finds himself
confused by this mention of "regions" of the Astral Plane, and frequently
finds himself thinking of them in the sense of the "heavens and hells" of
the old theology - as definite places in space.  But these astral regions
are nothing more than vibrational manifestations on the Astral Plane,
which have no special reference to any set-aside portion of space, and
which manifestations may, and do, occur at almost any point of space.  The
astral regions occupy the same space as the material regions, neither
interfering with the other.
   The term "astral" is derived from the Greek word meaning "related to a
star," and was originally used in describing the heavens of the Greeks -
the abodes of their gods.  From this sense and usage the term widened in
application, until it was employed to indicate what might be called the
"ghostland" of the ancient people.  This ghostland was believed to be
inhabited by beings of an etheral nature, not only disembodied spirits,
but also angelic beings of a higher order.
   The ancient occultists of Greece, and other Western lands, thus
naturally fell into the custom of using the familiar term to indicate that
which we know as the Astral Plane in modern occultism.  Of course, the
Oriental occultists had their own terms for this plane of manifestation,
which terms were derived from old Sanskrit roots, and which were much
older than the Greek terms. But, as the use of Sanskrit terms has a
tendency to confuse Western students, the best Oriental teachers, today,
in teaching Western students, almost always use the old Greek occult
terms.
   At this point, I must answer a question which usually presents itself
to the mind of the intelligent student at about this particular stage of
the teaching. It is probably in the mind of the student who is reading
these words, at this particular moment.  The Question may be stated as
follows: "How is it possible for anyone to speak intelligently of the
phenomena of the Astral Plane, if that plane is on a higher vibratory
scale than the physical senses. How can one visit, and perceive things on,
the Astral Plane, without his body being dematerialized?"
   This question is a natural and perfectly fair one, and evidences the
inquiring mind which the true occultist always possesses.  And no true
occult teacher will hesitate for a moment in frankly answering it.  For,
remember this always, my students, the occult teaching is not based merely
on the principles laid down as "gospel" by the old occultists.  Respect,
yes!  Great respect is paid to these old teachings, of course, but every
advanced occultist knows that he must actually experience the
manifestation of occult phenomena before he can positively pronounce the
same to be an occult truth.  Such experience comes to every advanced
occultist, when he reaches the necessary stage of development which alone
renders such experience safe for him.  Like the scientist, the true
occultist learns by his own experience, built upon the recorded previous
experience of others.  To the advanced occultist the phenomena of the
Astral Plane is just as real - just as readily sensed - as is the
phenomena of the material plane to those functioning upon it.
   But, to answer the question: One does not have to disintegrate or
dematerialize his physical body in order to visit or sense the Astral
Plane and its phenomena.  There are two avenues of approach to the Astral
Plane, as follows: (1) by the employment of the astral senses; and (2) by
visiting in the so-called "astral body."  Let us consider each of these
avenues in turn.
   By the term "the astral senses," occultists indicate that wonderful
secondary set of senses, corresponding in office to the five physical
senses, by means of which man is able to receive impressions on the Astral
Plane.
   Each of the physical senses of man has its astral counterpart, which
functions on the astral plane just as the physical senses do upon the
material plane.  Thus every man has, in latency, the power of seeing,
hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting, on the astral plane, by means of
these five astral senses.  Nay more, as all advanced occultists know, man
really has seven physical senses instead of five, though these additional
two senses are not sufficiently developed for use in the average person
(though the occultist of fair attainment generally unfolds them into use).
 And even these two extra physical senses also have their astral
counterparts.
   In the cases of persons who, accidentally or through cartful training,
have developed the power of astral vision - perception through astral
sight - the scenes of the Astral Plane are perceived just as clearly as
are those of the material plane perceived by the physical sense of sight.
 The ordinary clairvoyant has flashes of this astral vision, as a rule,
and is not able to sense astrally by an act of will.  The trained
occultist, on the other hand, is able to shift from one set of senses to
another, by an act of will, whenever he wishes to do so. In fact, such
occultists may function on both planes at the same time, in this way, if
they so desire.
   In cases of clairvoyance, or astral visioning, the occultist remains in
his physical body, and senses the phenomena of the Astral Plane quite
naturally or easily.  It is not necessary for him even to enter into a
trance condition, or any abnormal mental state or condition.  And still
less is it necessary for him to leave his physical body in such cases.  In
the instance of the higher form of clairvoyance, he may even sense events
both on the physical plane, as well as the astral planes, at a distance -
though, strictly speaking, this belongs to a somewhat different order of
occult phenomena.  To vision astrally, the occultist has merely to shift
his sensory mechanism, just as the operator of the typewriter shifts from
the small letter type to the capitals by a shift-key. This, then, is the
simplest and most common way of occult sensing on the Astral Plane.  It is
possible to many to whom the second method is impossible.
   The second avenue of approach to the Astral Plane is that in which the
individual leaves his physical body, and actually travels on the Astral
Plane in his astral body.  The astral body is composed of an etheral
substance of a very high degree of vibration.  It is not mere matter, and
yet is not mere force - it is composed of astral substance which resembles
very fine matter, but which is far more tenuous than anything that is
known as matter. Ordinarily the astral body can be sensed only by means of
the astral vision, but under certain other conditions it takes on the
semblance of a vapory form of matter, and is perceptible to the ordinary
physical senses as a "ghost" or "apparition," even when the person is in
physical life.  The astral body is an exact counterpart of the physical
body, but survives the latter by a number of years.  It is not immortal,
however, and finally disintegrates and is resolved into its original
elements just as is the physical body.
   The advanced occultist, in his astral body, is able to leave his
physical body (which remains in a state of sleep trance) and to visit at
will on the Astral Plane, even at points in space far removed from his
physical body.
   He, however, is always connected with the physical body by a thin,
cobweb-like, filament of etheral substance, which extends or contracts as
he travels away from, or toward, the sleeping physical body.  l[f this
filament is broken by an accident on the Astral Plane, his physical body
"dies" and he is never able to return to it. Such accidents are rare, but
occult history has records showing their occasional occurrence.
   Many persons are able to travel in the astral body, during ordinary
sleep, but usually have no recollection of the same upon reawakening.  The
occultist, on the other hand, travels consciously, and with a purpose, and
always is wide-awake on such journeys.  He is as much at home on the
Astral Plane as on the physical one.
   And so, student, you see how the occult teaching regarding the Astral
Plane has been obtained; and how such teaching has as firm a basis in
actual experience as have those based upon physical observation,
experiment, and experience. Moreover, every occultist may verify the
teaching for himself - in fact actually does so.


                               CHAPTER III.
                          REALITY OF THE ASTRAL.

   It is customary among occultists to speak of the Astral Plane, simply
as "the Astral" as for instance "out in the Astral;" "visiting the
Astral;" "phenomena of the Astral;" "inhabitants of the Astral," etc.,
etc.  The student may as well familiarize himself with this use of the
term "the Astral," in order to understand, and be understood by, others
interested in occult study. Accordingly, I shall from now on use this
term, "the Astral," as indicating the Astral Regions, - the Astral Plane -
without further explanation.
   One of the hardest things for the elementary student to realize is that
the Astral is just as real, abiding, and fixed as is the material world.
Just as steam is actually as real as water, or even as ice, so is the
Astral just as real as the world of the physical senses.  For that matter,
if we could see our world of matter placed under a sufficiently strong
magnifying glass, we should perceive it not as a great body of solid fixed
matter, but rather as an aggregation of an infinite number of the tiniest
particles themselves built into atoms; these built into molecules; and
these built into solid masses.
   The space between the ions of the material atom is as comparatively
great as the space between the planets of our solar system.  And every
ion, atom and molecule is in constant and intense motion.  Under a glass
of sufficient power, there would seem to be nothing solid in the material
world.  If the magnifying glass were to be raised to an infinite power,
even the ions would melt into seething nothingness, and there would be
nothing left but the ether which has no weight and which is imperceptible
to the senses even when aided by the strongest instruments of the
laboratory.  So you see, the solidity of things is merely relative and
comparative.  The vibration of substance on the Astral is higher than
those of the material plane; but even the Astral vibrations are far slower
than those of the next higher plane, and so on.
   To the traveller on the Astral the scenery, and everything connected
therewith, seems as solid as the most solid material does to the physical
eye.  It really is just as solid as is the astral body in which you visit
it, for that matter.  As for reality, the Astral is just as real as is the
material, in every respect.
   The Forces of Nature are not perceptible to the physical eye, except as
manifesting through matter - but they are very real as all of us know by
experience.  you cannot see electricity, but when you receive its shock
you realize its reality.  You cannot see the force of gravity, but you
become painfully aware of its reality when it drops an apple on your head
; or causes you to fall suddenly when you make a misstep on the curb of
the street. In fact, it is realized by all advanced occultists, that if
there really can be said to be any degrees in reality between things, the
balance is in favor of the finer forms of substance and forces, and
against the less fine.
   So, student, never permit yourself to think of the Astral as something
comparatively unreal, or as only relatively existent.  I, of course, am
not speaking of Reality in the metaphysical sense of the term, for in such
sense the entire manifested universe, including all of its planes, is
unreal as compared to the One Reality.  And, again, do not permit yourself
to think of the astral senses as being one whit less real, reliable and
important than those of the physical body.  Each class of sense perception
has its own proper field in which it is king.  Each is master in its own
realm.  And there should be no attempt to draw distinctions of reality
between them At the last, they are all but the mechanism of consciousness,
or "awareness" each adapted to the peculiar requirements of its
environment.
   The Astral has its scenery, geography (!), and "things," just as has
the material world.  These things are just as real as are England, the
Vatican, St.  Paul's, the Capitol at Washington, Broadway, Picadilly, or
the Rue de la Paix; the Great Redwood Trees of California, the Grand
Canyon, the Alps, or the Black Forest.  Its inhabitants are just as real
as any of the great men of the country in which you live, or those of any
other country, whose names I hesitate to call, lest they pass from this
material plane and thus become "unreal" even before these printed words
pass before your eye, so impermanent are the inhabitants and things of
even this real (!) material world.
   The law of constant change operates on the Astral just as on the
material plane.  There, things come and go, just as they do here on the
material plane.  Stop a moment and concentrate on the gist - the matter,
and you will see that the difference between the things of the two planes
is simply like the difference between red and blue - simply a difference
in the rate of vibration of substance.  And, this again, is the cause of
the difference between steel and hydrogen gas, between electricity and
light, between magnetism and heat - simply a difference of vibrations of
substance.
   Moreover, and this is quite important to the student, the Astral has
its laws just as has the material world.  These laws must be learned and
observed, otherwise the inhabitants of the Astral, as well as the visitor
thereto, will reap the result which always comes from broken natural laws.
   Again, there exists what may be called the "geography" of the Astral,
if this material- plane word is permitted in this connection.  There are
regions, points of space, places, kingdoms; countries, etc., on the
Astral, just as on the material plane.  Sometimes these Astral regions
have no connection with any on the material plane, while in other cases
they have a very direct connection with and relation to, material places
and the inhabitants thereof.
   One may travel from one region of the Astral to another, by simply an
act of will which raises the vibration of the astral body, without it
moving a point in space.  Again, one may travel in space from one point to
another on the Astral, in cases where these points have some relation to
points on the material plane.
    As an instance of this latter form of travel, I would say that one may
travel in the Astral from Berlin to Bombay - in but the twinkle of an eye,
as regards time, - by merely wishing or willing to do so.  Yes!  Time and
space have their manifestation on the Astral.  But, nevertheless, certain
Astral manifestations, on its seven-times-seven sub-planes, may be, and
likely are, present THERE in, at, and on, the exact point of space which
you are occupying at this moment on the material plane - and this very
moment of time, NOW!