A replica of the physical body (the soul) which exists on the astral plane. When a man or woman goes to sleep, his higher principles in their astral vehicle withdraw from the physical body, the dense body and the etheric body remaining on the bed with the astral body floating above it consisting of a central portion which is relatively dense surrounded by an aura (1).
A man or woman with an underdeveloped degree of consciousness has an astral body which is “a somewhat shapeless mass, a floating wreath of mist, roughly oviod in shape, but very irregular and indefinite in outline” his/her astral body cannot move away from the immediate vicinity of his/her sleeping body. A more evolved man or woman has an inner form that is much more distinct and definite; more closely resembling his/her physical appearance. Any fairly advanced and cultured man or woman already has a consciousness in the astral body which is fully developed and is capable of employing it as a vehicle (1).
Consciousness and activity in the astral body are the same thing. However, due to a break in conscious connection between the astral and physical bodies, it is not uncommon for someone to travel in his/her astral body during sleep and return to the physical body with no memory of the astral work he/she performed. To rectify this, there must be sufficient development of the astral body and an awakening of the etheric chakras (energy centers which bring the forces from the astral to the etheric) as well as active functioning of the pituitary body, which focuses the astral vibrations (1).
In highly developed and advanced people, the etheric bridge between the astral and physical worlds is eventually constructed, resulting in perfect continuity of consciousness between the astral and physical lives. The dream life may be considerably modified as a direct result of mental growth. Every impulse sent by the mind to the physical brain has to pass through the astral body and, as astral matter is far more responsive to thought vibrations than physical matter is, the effects on the astral body are greater. Thus, when a person has acquired mental control and can concentrate at will, a corresponding change will take place in his/her astral life and if he/she brings the memory of threat life through into the physical brain, then his/her dreams will become vivid, well-sustained, rational and even instructive (1).
- Powell, A.E. 1972. The Astral Body. London, England.