The Astral World Part 1: Nature and Structure of the Astral Plane

The astral plane has captivated the imagination of spiritual seekers throughout history, yet few sources explain this mysterious realm with the clarity and precision found in Swami Panchadasi's remarkable work.

Beyond the sensationalized depictions in popular culture lies a structured, vibrant dimension of existence that follows orderly principles and natural laws—a realm that you can learn to perceive and navigate with proper understanding and practice.

I've spent years studying and applying Panchadasi's systematic teachings on astral phenomena, and I'm consistently impressed by how his century-old insights anticipate concepts that modern quantum physics and consciousness research are only beginning to validate.

For those ready to expand their understanding beyond the physical world, this comprehensive guide illuminates the fundamental nature of the astral plane—the intermediary realm between the material world and the higher spiritual dimensions.

What Are The Seven Planes of Existence in Occult Philosophy?

To truly understand the astral world, we must first grasp its place within the greater cosmic structure described in ancient occult teachings.

Panchadasi outlines a remarkably consistent cosmology that appears throughout esoteric traditions worldwide—a hierarchical arrangement of seven distinct planes or dimensions of being.

"The oldest occult teachings, as well as the latest, inform the student that there are Seven Planes of Being. The lowest of these planes is that which is known as the Material Plane. Second in order is that which is known as the Plane of Forces. The third is that which is known as the Astral Plane. The fourth is that which is known as the Mental Plane."

This sevenfold structure isn't arbitrary but reflects fundamental vibrational differences in the substance and consciousness that characterize each plane.

I've found this cosmological map invaluable for navigating the subtle dimensions of consciousness—it provides orientation points in territories that would otherwise seem chaotic and disorienting.

What I find most valuable about this cosmological framework is how it places the astral plane in proper context—neither elevating it as the pinnacle of spiritual attainment nor dismissing it as mere imagination.

The astral plane serves a vital function in cosmic ecology as the intermediary realm where thought begins to take form, where emotions manifest as visible energies, and where the gap between conception and manifestation narrows dramatically.

Understanding this context helps explain why experiences on the astral plane can sometimes seem jumbled or dream-like—we're encountering a dimension where thought and emotion directly shape reality, rather than working through the slower medium of physical matter.

Crucially, Panchadasi emphasizes that each plane has its own seven sub-planes, which themselves contain seven sub-divisions—creating a complex fractal-like structure of 7×7×7 potential states of consciousness.

This intricate arrangement explains the vast diversity of astral experiences reported throughout history—explorers may be perceiving different sub-planes or sub-divisions of the astral realm, each with its own distinct qualities and inhabitants.

Why Is The Astral Plane Not A "Place" But A "State of Being"?

The most common misconception about the astral plane—one I held myself when first exploring these concepts—is that it exists as a separate location somewhere "out there" in space.

Panchadasi offers a profound correction to this spatial metaphor that completely transforms our understanding:

"A plane of being is not a place, but a state of being."

This deceptively simple statement contains a revolutionary insight that aligns remarkably well with modern quantum physics.

The astral plane isn't located somewhere else in space—it occupies the same "location" as the physical world but exists at a different vibrational frequency or dimensional level.

"The planes do not lie one above the other in space. They have not spatial distinction or degree. They interpenetrate each other in the same point of space. A single point of space may have its manifestations of each and all of the seven planes of being."

This concept becomes less abstract when we consider modern scientific analogies:

I've found that once students grasp this interpenetration principle, their entire approach to astral work transforms.

Rather than thinking of "traveling to the astral plane" (as if boarding a bus to another city), they understand that they're shifting their perceptual abilities to sense a vibrational level that's already present all around them.

This shift in understanding explains why some people spontaneously perceive astral phenomena in ordinary settings—they've temporarily shifted their perception to encompass a broader vibrational range than usual.

It also clarifies why meditative practices often serve as gateways to astral perception—meditation calms the physical senses while raising vibrational frequency, creating ideal conditions for shifting awareness to the astral state.

What Is The Fundamental Difference Between Physical And Astral Matter?

If we accept that the astral plane occupies the same "space" as the physical world but at a different vibrational level, we naturally wonder about the substance of this realm—what exactly is "astral matter"?

Panchadasi addresses this directly, offering insights that anticipate modern physics by decades:

"To the traveller on the Astral the scenery, and everything connected therewith, seems as solid as the most solid material does to the physical eye. It really is just as solid as is the astral body in which you visit it, for that matter."

The key distinction lies not in degree of "reality" but in vibrational rate and how this substance responds to consciousness:

What makes this understanding revolutionary is how it eliminates the false dichotomy between "real" and "imaginary."

The astral plane isn't "merely imaginary"—it has genuine substance, though of a different order than physical matter. Yet neither is it completely separate from thought and consciousness.

In fact, one could describe astral substance as the intermediate point where thought begins to condense into form—the bridge between pure idea and physical manifestation.

"If the magnifying glass were to be raised to an infinite power, even the ions would melt into seething nothingness, and there would be nothing left but the ether which has no weight and which is imperceptible to the senses even when aided by the strongest instruments of the laboratory. So you see, the solidity of things is merely relative and comparative."

Modern quantum physics confirms this perspective, revealing that what we experience as "solid matter" is primarily empty space populated by probability waves that collapse into particles only when observed.

The difference between physical and astral matter may be more a matter of degree than kind—a spectrum of vibrational states rather than fundamentally different substances.

How Do We Perceive and Access The Astral Plane?

Understanding the astral plane's nature logically leads to the question of perception—if this dimension exists at vibrational levels beyond our physical senses, how can we possibly perceive or interact with it?

Panchadasi describes two primary methods of astral perception, both of which can be developed through proper training:

"There are two avenues of approach to the Astral Plane, as follows: (1) by the employment of the astral senses; and (2) by visiting in the so-called 'astral body.'"

Let's explore each of these methods in detail:

Both methods are valid approaches to astral perception, though Panchadasi emphasizes that using the astral senses should generally precede attempts at full projection.

This gradual approach builds competence and confidence before attempting the more advanced practice of conscious astral travel.

"By the term 'the astral senses,' occultists indicate that wonderful secondary set of senses, corresponding in office to the five physical senses, by means of which man is able to receive impressions on the Astral Plane."

What I find most significant about Panchadasi's description of astral perception is his insistence that these capacities are not supernatural gifts but natural human faculties that have simply remained undeveloped in most people.

Just as we develop our physical muscles through consistent exercise, we can strengthen our astral perception through regular, focused practice.

The techniques for developing both approaches will be explored in depth in Part 3 of this series, which focuses specifically on astral travel and projection techniques.

What Happens When We First Cross The Border to The Astral Plane?

For those who have never experienced astral consciousness, one of the most compelling questions is: "What does it actually feel like to perceive the astral plane?"

Panchadasi provides a vivid first-person account of the initial transition from physical to astral awareness, which serves as an invaluable roadmap for those beginning their own explorations.

"You realize, however, that you are indeed out of the physical body, when you turn your head and perceive your own physical form, as well as mine, seemingly sunk in sleep in the arm chairs in which we seated ourselves a few moments ago."

This transition sequence typically follows a predictable pattern of sensations and perceptions that helps validate the experience as more than mere imagination:

Panchadasi notes that the first experiences on the astral plane often take place in environments that closely resemble physical reality, which helps the beginner maintain orientation and avoid confusion.

The familiar surroundings gradually reveal subtle differences—energetic auras around objects, visible thought-forms, and the ability to pass through solid matter being among the most common initial discoveries.

"Let us walk through the wall of the room, and out into the street. Don't be afraid, step through the wall as if it were made of fog. There, you see how easy it is. Odd thing, really stepping through a brick and stone wall, isn't it?"

I've found that this initial recognition—that physical barriers no longer constrain movement—represents a profound psychological threshold for most beginners.

It triggers both excitement and, often, a momentary anxiety as the mind grapples with a new set of rules and possibilities.

Another key early perception involves seeing the auras and energetic emanations around people, which Panchadasi describes in detail:

"You notice that each one is surrounded by an egg-shaped aura extending on all sides of him to the distance of about two or three feet. Do you notice the kaleidoscopic play of blending colors in the aura?"

This capacity to perceive the emotional and mental states of others through their auric emanations represents one of the most valuable aspects of astral perception.

It allows for a level of empathic understanding far beyond what's possible through physical observation alone—a skill that carries significant ethical responsibilities.

Why Is The Astral World As "Real" As The Physical World?

Perhaps the most persistent misconception about the astral plane is that it's somehow less "real" than the physical world—a fantasy realm of imaginary constructs rather than a genuine dimension of existence.

Panchadasi addresses this directly, offering a perspective that challenges our materialistic assumptions:

"One of the hardest things for the elementary student to realize is that the Astral is just as real, abiding, and fixed as is the material world. Just as steam is actually as real as water, or even as ice, so is the Astral just as real as the world of the physical senses."

This comparison to different states of water (ice, liquid, steam) provides a perfect analogy for understanding the relationship between physical and astral reality.

Both are genuine manifestations of the same underlying substance—just as steam isn't "less real" than ice, the astral plane isn't less real than the physical; it simply exists in a different vibrational state.

Modern physics increasingly supports this perspective through concepts like the quantum field, which suggests that what we experience as "solid matter" is actually a specific vibrational pattern within an underlying energy field.

From this standpoint, the astral plane may simply represent a different configuration or frequency band within the same fundamental field.

Panchadasi emphasizes that the astral plane has its own consistent laws and patterns, just as the physical world does.

The difference isn't one of reality versus unreality, but rather of different rulesets governing different vibrational states.

Understanding and respecting these laws is essential for safe and effective navigation of the astral realm:

"The Astral has its laws just as has the material world. These laws must be learned and observed, otherwise the inhabitants of the Astral, as well as the visitor thereto, will reap the result which always comes from broken natural laws."

I've found that approaching the astral plane with this attitude—as a real dimension with its own valid physics rather than a fantasy realm where anything goes—leads to much more consistent and meaningful experiences.

It transforms astral exploration from random dreaming into methodical investigation of a genuine aspect of cosmic reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Astral Plane

Exploring Beyond The Threshold: Preparing for Deeper Astral Knowledge

As we conclude this foundational exploration of the astral plane's nature and structure, we've established several key principles that will serve as our framework for the more specific investigations to follow in this series.

Understanding the astral plane as a vibrational state rather than a physical location transforms how we approach its exploration—shifting from a mindset of "traveling somewhere else" to one of "expanding perception to include what's already present."

This perspective aligns with both ancient wisdom traditions and emerging scientific models that recognize consciousness as potentially extending beyond the limitations of the physical brain and sensory apparatus.

Panchadasi's descriptions of the astral plane reveal a realm that follows natural laws and principles just as consistent as those of the physical world, though different in their expression and application.

This structured, lawful understanding stands in stark contrast to popular misconceptions of the astral as a chaotic dreamworld where anything is possible—a perspective that ultimately limits meaningful exploration.

"The law of constant change operates on the Astral just as on the material plane. There, things come and go, just as they do here on the material plane. Stop a moment and concentrate on the gist of the matter, and you will see that the difference between the things of the two planes is simply like the difference between red and blue—simply a difference in the rate of vibration of substance."

In our next article in this series, we'll build on this foundation by exploring the inhabitants and entities of the astral world—from disembodied human souls to thought-forms, nature spirits, and other fascinating denizens of this intermediate realm.

We'll examine how various religious and cultural traditions have interpreted these encounters, and provide practical guidance for safely and respectfully interacting with different types of astral consciousness.

For those eager to begin their own exploration, I recommend starting with the simple practice of astral sense development through meditation—focusing particularly on the visualization exercises that strengthen the capacity to perceive subtle energy.

This foundation in perception will prove invaluable as we progress toward the more advanced practices of conscious astral projection in later articles.