There are three versions of an individual, each “body” connected to our individuated identity in a different way. First there is the physical body, the one we are most familiar with, and which anchors us in the manifested world. The second is the energy or subtle body, which is often described as the body of light. The third is the astral body, which is a self-generated creation of thought and feelings, interacting with other dimensions of existence.
1. The physical body is experienced through reflection: light from an outer source (the sun or other photon-emitter) is bounced off the material world, and our brains then construct a model of solid reality in a way reminiscent of bats and their sonar. But rather than using sonic reflection, humans use photonic reflection, and then their brains fill in the details in order to create “reality”.
2. The body of light can experienced whenever we come into the awareness of who we are as consciousness rather than as mechanical beings. The light body has an anatomy of nadis (energy channels) and chakras (specialized centers of consciousness), and operates through etheric reality: an underlying and fundamental interconnection all sentient beings have with the living world around them. Etheric light is not reflected (photonic) light; it is a structured reality unrestricted by physical distance. While my physical eyes cannot see beyond the horizon my etheric “eyes” are limited only by my consciousness and my focus. If I can create a fix (including an emotional connection) on another person via my etheric energy system I can then interact with that person in some way. The body of light can be more accurately labeled as the etheric light body.
3. The astral body uses neither reflected nor etheric light to function. Astral realities are self-generated forms: they are lit from within. If you remember an astral or a lucid dream, you may recall how what you see is fully lit from any angle, and in every situation. Many lucid dreams are experiences of our traversing the Astral worlds during sleep, when we are no longer fixated on the physical or etheric (relational) worlds. Astral dreams give us a glimpse into worlds where sentient life of many varieties co-exist and interact. The Shaman learns to navigate these realms for the good of the people, forming allies with some spirit beings, and defending us from the predatory ones.
These three bodies – the body of physical matter, the body of light, and the astral body – make up a full human experience. Science, of course, tells us that only the physical body is real. But thousands of years of spiritual development and Shamanic experience demonstrate otherwise. How to know which is right? Only by personally exploring the three bodies for ourselves. We should not accept any self-appointed authority when it comes to discovering our true spiritual nature. We can set out on the quest to re-claim our body of light, and to expand upon our Astral body. These three bodies together make up our full birthright. These three bodies functioning in harmony empower our lives. These three bodies, when awakened, hold our destiny.
Thanks Dean…. I like your new design…. It is very precise…
Chuck
Dear Dean, coming from BBSH where do you put the Hara and Core Essence Dimensions, are they part of the “body of light” in this model? And what would be the difference between astral level and the astral body then. Or maybe it is just all together a different model. I am just curious.
and happy holidays.
Thank you for you wonderful presence
Hi Wibke, and thanks for your question. No, I don’t have a model for the BBSH concept of the Hara Line. I do, however, work with something that performs a similar function: a root cord from the first chakra that anchors us, energetically, into the heart of our living planet. I admit to having some problems with the BBSH usage of “hara” as, originally, it reflected a Japanese idea for being grounded in a particular way; BBSH uses it to align personal intention along with being grounded. As for Core Essence, this is a Theosophical concept () of the Monad, and I don’t use it in my work. Every healer puts together a system that works well for them (I am no exception), and despite having taught Barbara Brennan’s system at her school for ten years I have eliminated much of her theoretical model in favor of a practical, three-tiered system: the physical body, the Etheric (Light) body, and the Astral body. You can read more about it here, on my website . As a working healer I find I get gratifying results in energetically accessing the relationship between these three bodies. But even so, I do think you as a BBSH student can learn something from this system, as a variation on your BBSH training, similar to learning the French language as an English speaker. Both English and French languages have their uses, and both draw from similar words and root meanings. But they are clearly distinct as languages, and a Relational Energy Healing approach is distinct from the BBSH approach in a similar fashion. I hope this helps!
And, Happy Holidays to you and your family, also.
Thank you Dean for the clarification. I guess that systems and explanations of energy can only reflect the healers/persons unique experience, background, focus and conditioning. I guess everyone has there own ways of trying to “make sense” of something that is always in flow, expanding, deepening and actually not possible to “make sense” as it is in the unknown. Anyways… And here I thought now I finally know how it all works… hahahhaa! What fun would that be, right? I will keep exploring your and my own deep view of things. Thank you.