The AfterLife

I receive many messages from people who have recently lost a loved one, are practicing psychic or clairvoyant powers or Outof Body Experiences, or who are simply curious about life after death of the physical body, the "afterlife" or "life after death" as it is often known..

Many people are afraid of "death" simply because they are either afraid of the unknown or often have been affected by a religious doctrine such as the concept of "heaven" and "hell".

It often comes as a great surprise therefore to discover, having departed the mortal, physical body, they are as "alive" as ever; in fact much more so in the afterlife.

The full process of the change and transition known as "death" is discussed in Our Ultimate Reality. Understanding this process can have a profound effect life after death experiences.

Usually however, after spending some time close to the physical world, the person will make the transition to the Astral worlds; often known as "the afterlife".

There are numerous Energy levels of the Astral, often known as "planes", "realms" or "spheres". The precise sphere in which a person will find themselves will depend entirely upon their Vibration, which will in turn depend on their individual level of Spiritual evolution and beliefs.

This is one reason why it is so important to understand these realities while still in a physical body, and above all to live life accordingly. For example, those who are very religious might well find themselved transitioning to a lower aspect of the Astral worlds known as the "belief system territories".

Most decent people having completed their most recent life in the physical world will soon transition to the mid levels of the afterlife the Astral worlds or "planes" as they are often known. The Astral worlds at these levels are clean, pure, well organised, extremely harmonious and peaceful; the perfect place of rest in fact after the trials and tribulations of a physical life in the Earthly world of matter.

Lakes, rivers, forests, parks and numerous other delightful, peaceful and restful environments are all available for the enjoyment of mid-Astral residents.

The mid-Astral worlds are very similar indeed in many respects to the most pleasant aspects of the physical world having been created by people in accordance with their perceptions of what the ideal world should look like based upon experiences in the physical world. The people of the Astral worlds have therefore re-created the physical world within the Energy levels of the mid-Astral spheres of the afterlife by imagining and focussing what they believe it should look like. By learning Astral projection, the mystery of life after death can be investigated for yourself.

People at this stage of development are still very much focussed on materialism, and therefore see an ideal world consisting of the same material things they are comfortable with, desire and above all often never could experience in the physical world. In the mid-Astral everyone can have anything they desire, and hence this level of the Universe is often known as the "desire worlds".

This is a perfect situation because those arriving to the Astral worlds having passed on from the physical world will find an environment that matches their expectations perfectly. If this were not the case the shock of arriving in the true Spiritual worlds, even with all their glories would be far too great.

The Universe ensures that everyone arrives in the most appropriate level of the Universe in accordance with their vibration, which is in turn a perfect match with the vibration of the level of the Universe, in this case the mid-Astral worlds in which they will live until sooner or later making the transition to a inner level, or very often re-incarnating on Earth for another physical life.

Within the mid-levels of the Astral worlds are numerous realms consisting of all cultures from the past, present and future of Earth, therefore irrespective of which country, culture or tradition a person experienced on Earth, there will always be a corresponding environment awaiting in the Astral worlds. No person is left isolated after passing on to these Astral worlds with like always attracting like. There is a place for everyone without exception; so life after death is not something to be feared, but rather eagerly anticipated and embraced.

There are people who even erroneously believe the Astral worlds are "home" such is the similarity to the material world. In fact the Astral worlds, like the physical world, is only a temporary transitional home on the way to our true home, the Mental planes in all of their levels, the true worlds of Spirit. The true Spirit worlds are more glorious than anything the physical or Astral worlds can ever be, but can only be attained after the density of the material desires of the Earth and the Astral worlds have been completely satiated and seen for the illusions they truly are.

Although newly arrived residents in the afterlife usually find themselves in very familiar surroundings at first of the type they were used to on Earth, they are still free to explore the vast and limitless worlds and realms existing at these levels and sub-planes providing they are still broadly within the their own vibrational plane of existence, and density of the Astral body. These areas might consist of vast metropolitan like areas, towns, villages or simply very small communities, all separated by wider spaces but still containing areas of interest.

Initially the sheer vastness and limitless array of realms, environments and variety of beings living there can be absolutely overwhelming for new arrivals. There are creations, areas, and ranges of colours and sounds existing far beyond the comprehension of the earthly Mind. To the new arrival the mid-Astral worlds can indeed seem like "heaven" where everything desired can become an instant reality, and where total peace and harmony prevails in idyllic worlds of beauty far beyond the comprehension of those living on Earth; life after death truly is something to look forward to. Indeed one problem with the mid-Astral worlds is that the residents are often so happy with their "home", they accept it as reality rather than realising their greater destiny of ascent to the inner, non-materialistic realms, the worlds of Spirit where the great ascent back to God continues. This ascent cannot progress until all material desires have been fully satiated.

Within the Astral worlds travel is accomplished in an instant merely by thinking about where to be, whether it is travelling to a particular place or to meet a particular person, simply by imagining to be already there. There are numerous people in the Astral worlds, both humans and other beings, who are only too happy to act as guides.

The Astral planes are absolutely vast, far more so than the physical Universe of matter, infinite, and wondrous, and include realms far beyond earthly comprehension until actually witnessed at first hand. The content and constitution of the Astral worlds have not only been created by beings and intelligences who have originated on Earth, but also from every other planet in the physical Universe containing high level life.

Everything imaginable is available to the residents of the Astral worlds and more; theatres, music halls, restaurants, huge libraries, technology, gardens, in fact everything that exists, has ever existed or ever will exist on Earth, as well as much more that has never existed on Earth exists within the Astral worlds, so life after death should not be feared, but should be regarded as something to look forward to.

Everything a person could possibly need is available, no Soul ever being alone unless they desire to be. These are reasons why to many people the Astral worlds are indeed "Heaven", until of course they progress to the still greater wonders of the inner Spiritual realms of life which will in turn seem like Heaven by comparison to the Astral worlds. The outer cannot usually comprehend the glories of the inner states of life and reality.

Everything available and possible in the physical world is also possible in the Astral worlds and much, much more, but of course without earthly physical limitations. Although clothing isn't necessary due to the lack of physical weather and environmental conditions such as wind, rain and physical temperature, most people still adorn themselves with clothing simply for appearance and perceived comfort, and of course as a matter of habit. Needless to say, like everything in the Astral worlds clothing can be changed in an instant. Although temperature does not exist, being an attribute of the physical Universe, the "climate" is nevertheless always optimum for complete comfort.

As mentioned previously, the Astral worlds are the "desire worlds" where residents still think and express themselves in physical, material terms. It is not until all material possessions are seen as the illusions they really are can true progress be made to the inner spheres of life and reality. Some people are so materialistic in their thinking that this process can take hundreds or even thousands of years as measured in Earth time including many physical incarnations. Some people, in particular those more Spiritually advanced, already recognise the illusory nature of the Astral worlds for what they really are, and might simply take a short, welcome rest in the Astral worlds before moving straight on to the inner Spiritual realms of the afterlife.

The book, Our Ultimate Reality contains in depth information on all of these important matters, including how to develop while on Earth in order to ensure the best possible state of evolution, peace and harmony upon transition, and the best methods for learning Out of Body Experiences and Astral Projection through which you can discover for yourself the truth about life after death.

(I am not promoting this book - nor do I know the author - just presenting his view of the afterlife - rob)

A bouyant and positive disposition in life derives from having an attitude of GRATITUDE

"Really I guess I have been fearful all my life. You ask in your email what my greatest fear is and I guess it is that I will be rejected, ulimately.

Earlier this year I suffered a debilitating episode of 'scrupulosity' - where I almost couldn't think for fear of offending some venegeful angry God. I was scared all the time, scared that I was an offence in God's eyes; scared almost to think, talk, act.

Eveything came under the microscope and even to recall it now is difficult. I thought I had to become some nice neat little fundamentalist who lived out a boring (and damaging) life so that the big nasty angry male God in the sky wouldn't be angry. Then, just maybe, I would be OK. An old story - one of fear that has worked so well in certain religious circles I know for a long, long time - but new to me and altogether paralysing. Some days I woud lie in bed and had almost lost the will to live. And yet, deep within me, I guess I just knew that it was a crock...

Well, for the last three months I have been much better, although not a day goes by when I don't battle at least something in my altogether too busy head. Don't know why I've improved, just guess I needed to get on and live. But I am still fearful - every time I start to feel happy again; start to feel that wonderful life force surge and start to feel excited about life, I respond with some level of anxiety; some level of fear that God will eventually 'get' me. You see, I am what I am; I'm not my daily Bible reading father-in-law; I'm not the local Minister who had such an effect on me when I was 19 and 20; I'm not anybody else. I'm me....and I'm hoping that's enough.

Anyway, that is enough...sorry for droning on but my journey has been long and painful and yet I am slowly starting to regain my footing. I have two boys aged 6 and 3 and a beautiful little girl who is three weeks old. I love my wife and I love life. I just want to be free from fear and live that life feely and boldly and wonderfully again and bless others in the process, as I know I have up unitl these recent episodes.

Any Rob, whatever you can provide as insight in general terms or specifically I will count as a privelege. My thanks to you again for taking time out to respond to my initial email and pls only respond to this rather long missive if you feel comfortable."

Too much self analysis! Too much baggage. Too much exploring old mindsets for new answers - Let go and trust the process- I'm reminded of a saying I have used often - "Let Go and Let God!"

Our future in life depends having a positive outlook leading to compassionate action - beliefs are like having huge millstones around our neck - we spend our life trying to justify our beliefs - instead of being opening ourselves to the process and being available to those we love in life.

We raise our vibrationary level by 'letting go' of all the intellectual baggage - learning to be far gentler on ourselves - and simply 'trusting the process'

Beliefs are only 'soul-enhancing' when supported by loving/compassionate action i.e; faith without works is dead!

In the end it doesn't matter what faith or belief we profess that determines our future - its the practical actions borne out of being an open-minded, loving and caring person that will make the ultimate difference.

John Holland is an internationally renowned psychic medium who has spent more than 20 years investigating and developing his abilities as a psychic medium. Born and raised in Dorchester, MA, John regularly lectures on both the East and West coasts.

The following selection of questions and answers is reprinted from his first book Born Knowing, published by Hay House.

A. It isn’t above us or below us — it’s all around us. You see, everything is made up of energy and vibrations. The vibrations of this world are slow and dense, whereas the spirit world vibrates at a much higher rate. That’s why it’s invisible to the human eye. There’s a thin layer between this world and the next, and the only thing that separates us is the frequency of the vibrations.

A. Many times I’ve heard the line “mediums are born and not made.” That said, let me add that everyone is born with a degree of psychic ability, and each and every one of us has the capability to improve and develop our awareness. And we can all connect with our loved ones who have passed, through the power of thought and through our dreams. I’ve said many times that they’re “only a thought away.” We can assist them in contacting us by learning to increase and raise our energy — by doing so, we’ll help in the communication by meeting them halfway.

If you have the gift of mediumship, it will present itself in its own way and in its own time. To actually practice as a working medium takes dedication, patience, and time; and it can be a physically demanding job. This undertaking is not to be taken lightly. Mediumship has to develop and grow; you’ll find that most mediums spend their entire lives developing their abilities. You must also be ready to live a life of service.

Q. When it’s my turn to cross over, will it matter what religion or faith I practiced?

A. Most religions have some belief in the afterlife — some more than others. I do believe that it helps to follow some kind of faith, for with its teachings, it can assist us when it’s our time to cross over. I like to use the analogy of the spokes of a wheel. Each spoke represents a different religion or faith, and although each is independent of the other, they’re all moving in the same direction. We’re all born with the spark from the divine (our spirit), so when our spirit crosses over, that spark will leave the “jacket” it’s encased in and move back into the spirit world where we all originated from. We all survive death, no matter what (if any) religion we choose to believe.

A. In all the years that I’ve done this work, I’ve yet to have a malevolent spirit or energy link with me. I strongly believe in the saying “like attracts like.” I work for the highest good, consider myself a child of God, and believe in a Higher Power; therefore, I wouldn’t attract this type of energy. Instead of calling them “bad spirits,” I’d rather refer to them as spirits that exist at a lower vibration and dwell in the lower spheres of the spirit world. They’re just farther away from the Divine Source, so it will take a longer time for them to reach a higher level.

A. Most definitely. Every lesson and deed here determines what level you’ll go to when you leave this physical world. You’re incarnated into a physical body to assist you in your soul’s growth, which is why it’s so important to try to be the best you can be while you’re here. You should continually strive to be compassionate and kind, and give assistance and love to others. This will always increase your rate of vibration. And when it’s your time to pass, your spirit will gravitate to its rightful level.

A. Your family and friends who are in the physical world aren’t around you 24/7, but they can be with you if you need them. It’s the same way with your family and friends on the Other Side. People don’t realize how much energy it takes for those who have passed to lower their vibration and make a connection to this physical plane, so it’s not something they want to be doing all the time. In addition, I believe that they have their own learning to do over there and need time to grow and progress, which is why those who have recently passed often need time before they’ll connect to the living.

A. Because they can. People on the Other Side want to share our lives with us. I’ve done many sittings where spirits acknowledge that they were around their loved ones during difficult times to lend their support and strength. However, they don’t just visit when the going gets tough. I often receive evidence of spirits who were there to see their child get married or witness the birth of a baby. Holidays and special occasions are also big for them — they want to see us happy and like to take part in that joy. After all, if they were here physically, they’d be at such events. Being in spirit doesn’t change the fact that they’re still our family and still care about us.

A. Like those dwelling here, they can assist you, send you love and support, and even inspire you; however, it isn’t their job to tell you what to do, or to do it for you. You have to make your own decisions and take responsibility for your choices and actions. They can’t interfere with the lessons you need to learn while you’re here.

I remember a woman who was thrilled that her mother came through during our session. She wanted her mom to tell her if she should divorce her husband. Of course, the mother couldn’t make that decision for her because it wasn’t her job. The woman needed to take responsibility for her own life.

A. There’s no running from your problems. Since there’s no real death, there’s no escape from your dilemmas or issues. I’ve linked with many people who have taken their own lives, and I get a very different feeling when I’m communicating with them.

They’re usually full of regret because they can see how those left behind are affected. On the Other Side, they may be shown the difference they could have made in their own lives as well as the lives of others if they’d chosen to stay. When these spirits communicate with me, they rarely want to talk about how they passed, and they never link with me for very long. Usually someone who’s passed before them, such as a family member or friend, will come forward to help with the communication. I believe that these spirits need all their energy to work on themselves and are going through a process of healing.

I always tell people that prayer can help those on the Other Side who have taken their own lives, and in this way, they can be assisted in the healing process.

A. Absolutely. We’re all a part of God’s creation — each and every living being has a spirit, and that also goes for the four-legged kind. Often someone who has passed will come through with their beloved pet or acknowledge that your furry friend is by their side and being taken care of by them. All animals survive on the Other Side.

A. In my experience, a spirit guide has lived at some time or another on Earth in a physical body, while an angel has never had a physical incarnation. Every medium has one or more guides who work with them — some are constant and some change during the medium’s life, but each has their own unique influence over the development of the medium’s gifts. But many people have these guides, not just mediums. They may show themselves in many forms, such as Franciscan monk, an indigenous person, an ancient Egyptian, or even a child. I believe that they choose to show themselves in these familiar forms for our benefit. I feel that too many people place responsibility on these guides and expect them to do the person’s work.

Angels are in a totally different category than guides — they’re “Messengers of God.” There are thousands of people from many different cultures who have had experiences with these beings. According to ancient Jewish tradition, angels were the first intelligent beings, created by God to help sustain life and assist us in all areas of our lives. Have you ever said to yourself,

Well, luck may have come into it, but more than likely, you had a little angelic assistance.

I remember being in a parking garage in Los Angeles, and I was driving up a steep incline. Another car came flying over that hill in the opposite direction, coming right at me with lightening speed. All of the sudden, my car stalled right in its tracks. Had I continued to drive, I would have hit the approaching car head on, but because my car stopped so suddenly, the other car had room to avoid me. Was it just luck that my car chose to stop at that exact time…or did I have a little help?

A. Being spiritual is more than just taking a workshop or reading a book — it’s a state of mind.

How we live, what and how we think, and helping others in need is all part of being spiritual. We’re always given the opportunity to raise our vibration to a higher level simply by our actions. So many people are trying to have spiritual experiences when the truth is simple: We’re spiritual beings trying to have human experiences. Acts of unconditional love and compassion are the highest forms of “being spiritual.” Each and every one of us is capable of such wonderful and beautiful things. We can achieve so much with our time here, so let’s embrace it!

John Holland is one of the top psychic mediums and spiritual teachers in the USA. He’s been lecturing, demonstrating, and giving psychic readings for private clients for over 16 years. Born knowing, as a natural gifted intuitive, he studied metaphysics all his life, spending over two intensive years in England, training and working with some of the top psychic mediums. He received confirmation of his special psychic abilities after a near-fatal accident when he was 30 years old, when his unique skills were amplified and brought to the surface.

Spectacular results have been achieved, with clients throughout North America, Canada, Europe, and Australia. He is a regular guest on TV and radio shows across the USA where he can often be seen to offer ‘spot’ psychic readings. His story was originally profiled on CBS "Unsolved Mysteries', and the success of his books Born Knowing, Psychic Navigator and 101 Ways

To Jump-Start Your Intuition has enabled him to captivate audiences throughout the world, while he’s contacting the spirit world.