Like the coverings or layers that we find in an onion, every human being has similar cloaks, of which the visible physical body is the outermost covering. During sleep when the physical body is taking a rest, activities which we refer to as dreams are functions of the astral body, which is lighter but not physically visible. During sleep, magnetic radiations which hold the component cloaks of the living human being together, are less binding than when humans are awake. Sleep experiences take place via the astral body and also in a realm of existence also known as the astral world or place.
There is much than we can learn from the mechanism of telephony and television broadcasts whereby messages and images can be transmitted from far distances, and received by those who tune in to particular wave lengths of communications. The more any curious person delves into the world of electronic waves and magnetism, the more anyone would find that there are no mysteries in creation. Rather, human ignorance, coupled with indolence, complacence and fears, make a number of phenomena to appear as mysteries and wonders.
As there are innumerable channels and wavelengths of electronic radiations and communications, so also are there numerous channels and waves of human thoughts, consciousness and scope of vision. With merely human sensory perception whose scope and span of outreach are grossly limited, there is very little that humans would know about the wide and huge expanse of what existence entails.
Therefore,  the unending and persistent urge for humans to expand and extend the limit and scope of current level of perception and awareness of the realities of life, is a compelling necessity. To be able to achieve such extended and expansive scope of vision or awareness, calls for more than academic learning and patronage of prayer houses. Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, would tell us that “Words without thoughts never to heaven go”. Indeed, mere words and casual thoughts are too weak to translate into electro-magnetic radiations which can pierce high-velocity waves.
What it takes to fashion transmissible radiations able to connect with remote outreach is picture, not words or thoughts. This is why the interpretations of the language of dreams relate to the interpretation of symbols and images. Surely, through dreams and other subtle media of high-velocity radiations, humans can receive messages, ideas and warnings which can be very helpful. Human sensory organs of awareness rely on words, while words and thoughts rarely reach out beyond the physical realm.
Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo reminded us that “only the deep can call to the deep”. What that statement means is that no serious prizes are won without serious exertions and sacrifices. Some of the exertions and sacrifices which an individual would make include discarding much of the prevailing dogmas and popular ignorance which are not helpful. The issue about astral substance is one of such areas of ignorance which any serious person can explore.
The realm of physical matter can be classified in two categories, namely: gross matter and then ethereal matter. Even gross matter has three steps, of which astral substance is a linking step or door-way to finer outreach of the vast realm of the world of matter. Those who have observed bore-hole drillers would notice how the structure of the earth’s deeper layers get finer and finer, the deeper the drilling goes. Even after the level of underground water, further drilling reveals much than many people know little about.
As it is with the world of physical matter, so also it is with the physical body of human beings. Before the physical body is formed after procreation, some models are moulded and bridges built, to serve as connecting links, which are held together by some unique electro-magnetic radiations which are meant to last during the life-span of the body. Chinese art of acupuncture goes beyond healing of physical ailment by tracing the astral root of origin, but it also recognises the existence of a model and various cloaks which the body houses. This means that a human being is more than mere body.
To say that the astral body is a door-way is a reminder that man is not only wonderfully made, but also that a door-way is provided as a bridge to link with more subline reaches of life. Psychologists devise what is known as “somnolent method” of using the entrance and exit roles of the astral body, to alter human status through auto-suggestive therapy. Without going into the merits and demerits of auto-suggestive therapy, it is enough to say that science recognises the role of the astral body.
What is necessary for the reader of this material to know is that the idea, picture of image held in the mind prior to going to sleep, as a regular habit, is a message exploring fulfilment. Dispensing process in creation stipulates that “you find what you seek”, especially if one is persistent and serious about it. The process goes along with pictureration of the idea, coupled with concentration of attention and a purity of motive. No matter the content of what is being communicated to the astral body as one goes to sleep every night, the result would manifest in the life and affairs of each one according to nature of the message, sooner or later.
The unspoken language of human volition, attitude and regular state of mind are messages passed on to the astral body for transmission to higher reaches. Astral is defined in the dictionary as connected with stars. Therefore, the astral body in humans, coupled with the solar plexus, constitute the door-way for the entrance and exit of messages in the form of radiations. Organs of sensory perception are not strong enough to generate radiations capable of reaching the stars. Severe emotional trauma can open the door-way of the astral body.
Desires, yearnings and supplications, as strong appeals from individuals, can achieve intended goals only if certain conditions are fulfilled. One of such conditions is the use of the astral body as a launching platform. Since the astral body comes into activity during the period of sleep, ideal moment to post an appeal is at the verge of falling asleep. But only such desires, yearnings and supplications which fulfil certain conditions can move the astral body into action. Nature does not allow mis-use of resources.

By: Bright Amirize

Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.