Ghosts Among Us - James Van Praagh [29]
THE HIGHER ASTRAL DIMENSIONS
Just as there is a natural progression in life on earth, there is also a natural progression in the afterlife. As a ghost expands its awareness and develops its spiritual muscle, so to speak, it passes from one spiritual plane of existence to another. As it does, it becomes less attracted and less connected to earthly trappings.
Many spirits pass into the light of the higher astral dimensions and arrive in a place I refer to as Summerland. This dimension is almost as real as earth. It is a world of amazing buildings and homes, the colors of which are incomprehensible by earthly minds. Many spirits in these realms communicate that the houses in which they live look exactly like their houses on earth, except that they are perfect in every way. There are no plumbing or electrical problems, no water leaks or creaky staircases. They often describe each house sitting on a piece of property that is in perfect proportion to the size of the house. In other words, there is no such thing as urban sprawl. When we think of our perfect home here on earth, we are unconsciously creating its counterpart on the higher astral level. Spiritual assistants on the higher planes of the astral dimension help shape our homes by using our thoughts combined with their own mental power. By the time we arrive in heaven, our new home is waiting for us, perfectly attuned to our individuality and makeup.
In addition to homes, the higher dimensions include great buildings like music halls, museums, and libraries. Our thoughts are concrete on this level, so what we have been planning and thinking about actually materializes. All our dreams and desires can come true in the higher astral level. The greatest works of humankind are created first on the upper astral level. Many ghostly scientists work together in this realm focusing their energies so that new ideas filter down into human minds.
The higher astral dimension is also a place of divine inspiration; it is free of earthly needs and conflict. The spirits in these dimensions come together in love to expand their mental and spiritual horizons. It is a state of being where fine minds conceive incredible artistic creations. Anything that can make a heart sing is located here.
One last thing: spirits in the higher dimensions can visit others in the lower dimensions, but those in the lower dimensions cannot move to the higher dimensions until their souls are ready. Highly evolved spirits are very much aware of what happens on the physical levels and often visit family and friends on earth to aid and protect them.
THE PIANO MAN
I did a reading for a young lady named Pam whose father, Gus, had passed over. When Gus came through, he mentioned the name of Otto.
I asked Pam, “Does ‘Otto’ mean anything to you?”
“No, I don’t remember hearing the name.”
I continued, “I see a piano associated with Otto.”
Pam could not think of any Otto in her father’s life.
“When you go home, ask your mother if she knows anyone named Otto.”
Pam’s father kept on talking about the piano and taking lessons.
“I vaguely remember my father taking piano lessons maybe. I think he said he wasn’t any good, so he stopped.”
Pam paused. “I think there were many things in my father’s life that he regretted not doing.”
Gus sent me a thought. “Is there a tune you have in your head that you can’t stop humming?”
Pam’s eyes opened wide. “Yes! It is the most ridiculous thing. The last three weeks, whenever I’m in my car, the same tune pops into my head.”
“He’s saying, It’s me! I sang it to her when she was a baby.”
Several weeks later, I received a letter from Pam. She had shared her reading with her mother. Her mother had heard about Otto from Pam’s father. Otto was a Jewish piano teacher who was sent to Auschwitz when the Nazis invaded Poland. Gus was one of the first American troops to free the Jews from concentration camps in World War II, and that was where he met Otto. When Gus helped Otto out of