Dimensional Planes and Subtle Bodies
There are different planes to our existence in the universe. They are different vibratory frequencies that are distinct, but intimately connected harmonics of each other. In our normal waking life we concern ourselves mostly with the physical plane of existence. We log our physical bodies around, take them to work, feed them and so forth. However, the physical is really just the visible manifestation of more subtle forces that are really much more the controlling factor.

The door between realities is one of a right angle. One dimensional reality is separated from another by ninety degrees. Begin to use this intentionally to change the course of your own life experience. In those instances when you find your reality not to your liking, stop and turn ninety degrees from where you are. Again you must discern which direction to turn. Trust yourselves to know these answers and if ever it does not feel correct, have the courage to change your direction. Do this at first as a use of symbolic gesture and soon you will understand the true use of this Universal truth.

Various numbers of planes are referred to in esoteric literature, often up to seven, but to keep things really simple we can say that there are three bands of reality:

• Physical
• Astral
• Spiritual

The Physical plane is the visible, solid manifestation, and the exerted effort and emotion connected with it. The Astral plane is non-physical. It can be thought of as the template for what is manifested in the physical. But it is also a realm in itself that one can operate in. The Spiritual plane is beyond a need for form and looks much less like the physical world than the astral does. Each of these major planes can again be divided up, as mentioned. Various traditions use different names for the different sub-divisions.

One's physical body has counterparts existing in different planes. The manifestations in the higher planes are often referred to as subtle bodies. In various traditions one would refer to an etheric, an emotional, and a mental body as part of the physical plane, and other subtle bodies as part of the higher planes. The ones closest to the physical are roughly in the shape of the physical body, and act as templates, governing the state of the physical body.

The physically oriented subtle bodies are intimately tied to the physical body. As to the astral bodies, they are usually also in the shape of the physical body and located in the same vicinity. However, they can also under certain circumstances move away from the physical body which partially accounts for astral travel, or out-of-body experiences.

Techniques like polarity integration or soul retrieval could well be said to take place mostly in an astral realm.