Even in the 21st century, despite all the scientific advances, many continue to use the term “astral projection” to refer to the phase state (or lucid dreams). This is mainly due to the realism of first-hand phase state experiences, the unusual scenarios of lucid dreams, and gaps in people’s knowledge. Have you ever wondered where this concept – “astral plane” – came from and who popularized it? In February, we celebrate the birthdays of two pioneers of phase studies who have made the greatest contribution to this story.
On February 16, 1854, the writer Charles Webster Leadbeater was born in England. Charles’s uncle was a famous Anglican priest, thanks to whom he was ordained early and was very well-read in comparison to his peers. However, around the same time, he became seriously interested in the occult. Immersed in the study of mystical practices, Leadbeater began to meditate. It was meditation that revealed to him his first “astral vision.”
But who taught him this ability? Being in this “astral” state while retaining full consciousness, the writer was convinced to have access to information unavailable to his rational mind. It was this gift that prompted him to write books such as “The Astral Plane” in 1895 and “Dreams (What They Are and How They Are Caused)” in 1898. Both books are among the first to touch upon the phenomenon of phase states from a practical point of view.
Despite the fact that the essays are replete with esoteric terms and theories, these works are not without useful advice. Later, the writer also turned to Buddhism, studying the phenomenon of reincarnation, and became a member of the Masonic lodge. Leadbeater died in 1934, leaving behind a large legacy of varied works that combined pragmatic and mystical approaches.
So, who attracted Leadbeater to the “astral” and taught him this practice? Leadbeater did not reach the “astral plane” completely on his own. In 1883 he became a member of the famous Theosophical Society. The founders of this society, H.P. Blavatsky and H.S. Olcott, were well acquainted with the strange phenomena that occur on the verge of sleep, which they called “astral.” The problem is that they applied this same term both to superficial meditative states and full-fledged dissociation inherent in lucid dreams and out-of-body experiences.
Nevertheless, a whole century would go by before the phase state was recognized by the scientific community. Therefore, for their time these discoveries were revolutionary. However, is it still worth believing in the “astral plane” now, does it really exist? Share your opinion in the comments.
