Serie D brev EL-8

Magazine Overview

Title: BREVCIRKELN
Issue: D - EL-8
Section: Lektion 8 A) Astralvärlden
Date: Not specified

This issue of BREVCIRKELN, titled 'Lektion 8 A) Astralvärlden' (Lesson 8 A) The Astral World), explores the nature and experiences within the astral plane, a spiritual realm described as a continuation of earthly existence but on a different vibrational level.

Luciferkraftens Återverkan (Lucifer Force's Repercussions)

The text begins by referencing a previous lesson (Lekt.4 sid.4) concerning Lucifer's influence, stating that while his direct impact on the first planet is limited, his repercussions are felt at higher levels. The astral world is described as being influenced by negative forces ('det onda'), but Lucifer's power is considered to end in its direct effect. The unique characteristic of the first planet is its material form, which permeates all planes as a principle. Lucifer's force is presented not as a planetary principle but as a temporarily intervening force, its effect being on the lowest plane.

Lucifer's force and heavy matter serve the same purpose: to balance the universe. However, they are not equivalent concepts, as matter is a principle of the planet, while Lucifer's force is a necessary condition for this balance, originating from higher powers' will.

Astralvärlden (The Astral World)

The astral world is characterized as relatively dark, dominated by emotions and passions. Souls arriving there retain the same characteristics and emotional states they had during their earthly lives. Those burdened by significant flaws may experience intense suffering due to the lack of a physical body to satisfy their desires. Such souls, driven by low inclinations, can descend below the level of the first planet, entering what is referred to as 'hell'. They may temporarily borrow weak physical bodies on Earth, whose etheric bodies have been weakened by intoxication or similar influences, leading to what is known as possession.

Utvecklingsmöjligheter (Development Opportunities)

The strength and value of emotions in the astral world depend on the plane and sphere a soul reaches. Development is not linear; progression is based on vibrational frequencies. The text explains that there is a harmonious relationship between the vibrational numbers of different spheres, allowing for easier passage between corresponding spheres in different planes.

Souls freed from the Luciferic force, having left the earthly plane and being ready to ascend to higher astral spheres, are not entirely free from their past flaws. The negative karma accumulated during earthly life is carried as a memory and a burden. Bitterness, envy, and earthly faults can still be experienced, even though Lucifer's direct influence is eliminated; these are experienced as reflections.

The instruction in the astral world involves learning to utilize its unique means of expression, which differ from those in the physical world. This learning process is likened to a child on Earth learning to use its physical means of expression.

Situationen för den i andliga ting okunnige (The Situation for the Spiritually Ignorant)

For individuals who never considered the possibility of life after death during their earthly lives, their initial time in the astral world is confusing. Nothing is as they expected, and they struggle to find their way. They may have refused to believe in an afterlife or an immediate continuation, and their resistance to learning hinders their progress. They retain the knowledge acquired in their physical bodies. Simply passing through the gate of death does not transform a person into an angel; shedding the physical body does not automatically elevate the soul.

However, they are not abandoned. Helpful forces approach them, and if they willingly follow guidance, they can soon find a way to move forward.

Situationen för den medelmåttigt utvecklade (The Situation for the Moderately Developed)

Souls who bring with them the memory of a good life, characterized by honesty and love for humanity, even without regular religious practices, can reach a higher sphere in the astral world. They may remain on the first planet until they understand the laws of the spiritual world, knowledge not acquired during earthly life. They might perceive this as 'summerland' and believe they have reached heaven, as no one sees their inferior position until their own striving for advancement begins.

They encounter friendly and loving beings willing to help. They can participate in services in churches similar to those they belonged to on Earth. While this offers joy to those seeking rest from earthly conditions, knowledge of the spiritual worlds is limited. What the soul did not engage with during earthly life is not encountered here. They may return to Earth for further learning and progression to higher planes.

Souls who held high positions in the church on Earth but had limited spiritual development due to adherence to dogma and regulations may remain in lower astral spheres. They will stay there until they gain the strength to defy the laws of their religious affiliations. True liberation and a free spiritual mindset require a physical body and can only occur through a new incarnation on Earth. The foundation for progress in spiritual worlds is laid during earthly life.

Situationen för den mera avancerade samt för barnet (The Situation for the More Advanced and for Children)

Highly developed individuals and children transition directly to higher spheres of the astral world upon death. The more advanced, after preparation, can quickly move to the mental world. Children are well cared for, continue to grow, and are guided by loving beings until they are ready to progress further or reincarnate.

Highly developed yogis and other spiritually advanced individuals bypass the astral world entirely, moving directly to the mental world upon transition.

Den mänskliga själens erfarenheter i astralvärlden (The Human Soul's Experiences in the Astral World)

Upon entering the astral world, the deceased experiences a new dimension. How they utilize this new dimension depends on their level of development. The earthly concepts of time and space no longer apply. They feel transported to a different state. Objects around them have stability, but their duration in space is not the same; they disappear when the force sustaining them ceases to act. The material world's persistence was due to sustaining forces emanating from worlds that willed its existence for universal balance.

Souls are offered all imaginable forms of life to satisfy their interests. An old woman who loved her cottage can remain there, with the cottage being built around her through the power of her love, indistinguishable from earthly material. Similarly, a professor can continue to read the same books. However, some voices may urge them to seek nourishment for their souls elsewhere.

Intervaller mellan inkarnationerna (Intervals Between Incarnations)

There are significant variations in the time spent between incarnations. Just as a person can live 100 years or die at birth, a soul can remain in the spiritual worlds for many centuries or return very soon. The perception of time differs for the deceased, making earthly time measurements irrelevant. For those remaining on Earth, the duration can be of interest.

The rule is that those who have much to atone for will seek to return sooner. However, other factors can accelerate a return, such as the difficulty in finding suitable parents, the required living conditions, and the location, all of which are necessary for the expiation of bad karma.

Drömlivets likhet med den avlidnes tillvaro (The Similarity of Dream Life with the Deceased's Existence)

Human dreams, which occur in the astral world, share similarities with the deceased's existence, with the key difference being the clarity of consciousness in the latter. The astral brain functions continuously, unlike the sleeping human brain, which is partially disconnected. What we remember upon waking are dim and unclear reminiscences. Our perception of this world is that it is a product of our fantasy, but it is not. It has the same reality as anything in the universe, though it is constructed differently and appears unreal.

We can learn much from our dreams about the laws governing the astral world, such as the independence from time and space. Souls can move timelessly to any desired location and create their surroundings. Objects remain as long as desired.

As long as the deceased is unfamiliar with these possibilities, they continue their accustomed way of life from the physical world. Gradually, they may realize that new laws are in effect and that they can utilize new skills to enhance their happiness and joy. Therefore, it is beneficial for us, while still living on Earth, to draw from the experiences of the dream life to understand the astral world.

De avlidnas möte med oss vid seanser (The Deceased's Meetings with Us at Séances)

At séances intended to contact the deceased, many people gather with diverse motivations, from curiosity to a need for conviction. Many have deep faith in the truth of death's mystery and its potential for revelation. The vibrations at these meetings are lowered by those who do not attend with sufficiently high ideals. All participants sense this.

Rumsbegreppet (The Concept of Space)

Many cosmological descriptions suggest that the worlds for the soul's development after death are the planets of our solar system, including the Sun and the Zodiac. However, this should not be interpreted as a physical concept of space. The soul does not travel to a place. The higher one ascends in the planes, the less the concept of 'placement' relates to physical space. Instead, it refers to placement within categories of specific qualities, indicating different degrees of advancement towards higher goals. The planets are connected to these worlds, just as our spiritual bodies are connected to our physical ones.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the spiritual nature of existence beyond physical death, focusing on the astral plane as a transitional realm. Key themes include the influence of past actions (karma), the process of spiritual development and learning, the nature of consciousness, and the concept of reincarnation. The text suggests a structured spiritual hierarchy and progression based on vibrational levels. The editorial stance appears to be educational and guiding, aiming to inform readers about spiritual laws and the afterlife, encouraging personal spiritual growth and understanding. The recurring mention of 'Luciferkraften' suggests an engagement with dualistic concepts of good and evil within a spiritual framework, though it is presented as a force to be overcome or transcended rather than an inherent evil.