CYBERSPACE AND
THE ASTRAL PLANE
By Marguerite Elsbeth
Cyberspace and the Internet, also known as the world wide web, are technological doorways to an otherworldly dimension reminiscent of the astral plane. Think of it this way, when we go online we bridge the gap between earth time and virtual reality.
VIRTUAL REALITY
In general, we experience earth time on the physical plane. Here, we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell a variety of animate and inanimate forms in the world around us.
This linear way of thinking allows us to grasp the totality of the cosmos with our minds. The mind, or our consciousness, is what holds earth-forms in place even though everything vibrated on a molecular level. Consciousness causes this vibratory motion to appear static to the naked eye, granting us the ability to perceive thoughts, feelings, and impressions.
The universe exists as a result of oscillating sound and light waves, which manifest as electromagnetic energy. Electromagnetism, or spiritual light, is the indefinable energy that underlies the physical forces of electricity, magnetism, heat, and visible light. The physical world is the visible manifestation of electromagnetic energy, and is the real controlling factor of our vitality and life force. This subtle energy radiates to all dimensions of space and beyond. Therefore, we are able to link up with the entire world when we connect to the Internet.
When we enter the virtual reality of cyberspace, we journey into a state of being that exists in essence or effect, yet is not truly actual or real. It is much like certain people we encounter throughout the day - we have met them and may recall inherent essence or power, yet still they are virtual strangers. Likewise, cyberspace provides a point of virtual focus waiting for resolution according to our innate perceptions and outward inclinations.
LOST IN CYBERSPACE
The world wide web is the great unknown - a foreign land of mysteries without conscious limitations. Similarly, the astral plane is a dimension of mind, with many interesting inhabitants and a variety of gateways into other worlds. Just as the elemental planes provide substance for the natural world, so the astral plane is a place of potential ideas, offering the substance through which our thoughts take physical form. Cyberspace and the astral plane are templates for what is manifested in the physical world; yet, they are realms wherein we may freely function without the body.
Subtle experiences come through cyberspace and the astral plane, because both places are amphitheaters for our emotions, desires, and imaginations. Cyberspace and the astral plane are nonphysical places; whatever we choose to imagine or reinvent about ourselves can be true here. Hence they are also worlds of illusion wherein invisible forces abound. Therefore, the kind of person we really are makes all the difference, because in cyberspace, like attracts like.
When we journey to the astral plane in dreams or through astral projection, we do so in our subtle bodies, which envelop our physical bodies as radiant energy fields of multicolored light. Although we are awake in the physical body while traveling through cyberspace, the experience is much the same as journeying in the astral double. The astral double contains a matrix of the physical body that normally is tied to the solar plexus (located above the naval) by a silvery cord. Just as when the cord to your computer is cut or damaged, causing your system will shut down, so can your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies may be harmed if the cord connecting your astral body, or in this case, your cyberbody, to your physical body is severed or damaged by an unknown force.
CYBER SAFETY
One we are logged on to the Internet, we project a mindful, bodiless form-wave across the galactic universe. Everyone exists everywhere in cyberspace, shape-shifting to suit his or her need. Together or alone, we surf the web, journeying to educational, informative, or magical realms. Exchanging ideas and opinions on message boards or in chat rooms, we make friends, find lovers, and may even discover a marriage partner or life-mate.
However, like the possible dangers inherent in astral projection, there are times when we may bring the attention of the more challenging elements of the virtual world. This occurs when our penchant for adventure leads us out of our depth, or when we inadvertently reveal our emotional vulnerabilities to someone who has no conscience, personal ethics, moral scruples, or civility. These days, you may even become the victim of cyberterrorism, stalking, sex-offense, crime, e-mail abuse, or an Internet flame war. If this happens, you may find yourself under cyber attack, with symptoms such as heart palpitations, cold sweats, hot flashes, numbness, shock, anger, sadness, fear, panic, dissociation, and even feelings of impending doom or death.
These cyber safety tips can help you keep your cyber body out of harm's way: