The Astral Plane: Its Scenery, Inhabitants and Phenomena

This manual by renowned occultist Charles W. Leadbeater describes the conditions, inhabitants and occurrences native to the astral plane of existence.

The titular astral plane is a realm occultists believe constitutes much of the unseen and supernatural world beyond our own. It is considered to be populated by many of the creatures described in the mythical lore of civilizations, such as those of classical antiquity. It is theorized by occultists to be situated among the celestial spheres, at the center of which is a manifestation of God himself.

Initially we are given a description of the plane in other texts of theosophy; a discipline whose practitioners attempt to unlock perceived secrets of life. As such, throughout the book the beings and objects described are assumed real, albeit situated in a plane starkly different from our own world.

The first part discusses the seven distinct parts of the astral plane, each of which corresponds to the degree of 'materiality' present, and the nature of its constituent matter. Leadbeater describes a world which at first is quite resemblant of our own, but which gradually becomes markedly different.

The next portion of the book describes the various beings which inhabit the astral plane. Some are human, or derived from the human organism as with vampires or werewolves, others are non-human such as elemental essences or nature spirits, while others are artificial.

Finally, Leadbeater describes the unusual phenomena which are of and originate from the astral plane. He describes the common examples of ghosts seen in churchyards or old houses, or the odd, unnerving and sudden occurrences of noise in our Earthly realm.

In all, this book offers a fine summary of the astral plane, thereby being an ideal primer for those desirous of insight into the history of theosophy and the occult.