THE ASTRAL BARRIER

Before dealing with the Astral Barrier, it is necessay to mention briefly the other bodies of man. In metaphysical literature one can find descriptions of the seven known bodies which man is said to possess, but it is probable that in actual fact he has 12 bodies or vehicles in which he may function. The five unknown bodies are at present dormant, but the permanent atom or seed is present within the Divine Spark ready to be awakened when conditions are right. It would appear that the now dormant bodies are for use at a level of superconsciousness in other dimensions which man on this world is not yet ready to access.

The Divine spark it seems is joined to eleven other Divine sparks to form a Composite Being which at a later date, when all the bodies of each of the Divine Sparks have perfected themselves, will become a Logos. As the theme of this book is initiations it is not intended to go into too much detail of the various bodies and the planes and sub-planes on which they function, but an explanation will be given wherever this is necessary so that the various barriers and initiations can be understood.

Extra Sensory Perceptions such as clairaudience, clairvoyance and telepathy begin on the Astral Plane and are abilities of the Astral Body. However, it should be understood that clairaudience, clairvoyance etc. extend into the mental realms and above, but what is known on Earth as E.S.P. is normally of the Astral type. The higher levels of spiritual perception are of a different order and cannot normally be tested by the accepted means of using cards on which there are a number of simple symbols.

The Lower Mental body has similar abilities to the Astral body, but in its own realm it has a wider perception, as another dimension has been added to that existing at the Astral level. This widened perception increases with each plane of existence you rise up into.

People who have the psychic gifts as mentioned above are either born with the particular faculty developed or gain it through one of the following methods:
(a) Specialised Psychic Development, and
(b) Spiritual Development.

Psychic development on its own is not to be encouraged for through this means certain abilities are gained but the deeper spiritual wisdom and awareness is often lacking. Spiritual development allows the development of an inner awarerness and a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. As the consciousness is raised by perfecting the lower self, the psychic abilities manifest naturally at the appropriate time. People on a truly spiritual path often develop the ability to become channels and become attuned telepathically to higher beings guiding them from the mental realms and above. At the appointed stage a link between the physical body and the Causal body (Higher Self) is made.

People on mainly a psychic path will normally progress no further than the Astral level (i.e. mediums - whose work is solely on the Astral Plane or those who are quite satisfied with just psychic phenomena).

As the soul progresses, and the link between the Astral body and the physical body becomes stronger, lower astral entities are attracted. These lower astral entities are normally of a  playful nature, but can also be malevolent and can sometimes cause great disturbances to the aspiring soul who is blithely unaware of what is happening. In a sensitive person this is a difficult and sometimes fearful time, however in fairly insensitive people little or no impression is made, except for minor physical disturbances, i.e. feelings of physical discomfort. Sensitive people may possibly be subject to mischievious activities by unknown entities, particularly at night.

The best way to overcome these annoying astral entities is to:-
(a) Laugh at them (metaphorica:lly speaking) and tell them to go away.
(b) Never on any occasion fear them or take them too seriously. (They feed on fear.)
(c) Create a shell of astral matter around you through which nothing can enter.
(d) Create an aura of blue or white light around you.
(e) Raise your vibrations and consciousness to a level beyond their reach. 
(g) Invoke the protection of a Higher Being. 

On passing the Astral barrier, which occurs when it is seen that you are not to be deterred from your spiritual path by the antics of these astral entities, a learning phase begins concerning the Astral plane and the pitfalls of communication with beings who inhabit its realms. However, this learning phase does not occur at exactly the same time for every soul, as experience of the Astral plane can occur anywhere between the barrier of Spiritual Awareness and the barrier of World Acceptance. However, during this time the aspiring soul is learning by the means already described under the chapter on Spiritual Awareness. At this time many hours may well be spent looking into and reading about the ideas and experiences of other people or groups (Religions). It is likely that investigation of this type will continue until the aspirant begins to search within himself. Up until now he has followed the teachings and beliefs of others, now he seeks his own experiences and it is here that he leaves behind the dogmas and creeds of others and approaches the barrier of Self Leadership.