10. Western Esotericism and Theosophy
Esoteric traditions describe multiple post-death stages.
Astral Plane
The soul may remain in the astral realm, closely connected to Earth, for varying lengths of time.
Emotional attachment
Sudden death
Spiritual awareness
Some souls remain for days; others for centuries.
11. Spiritualism and Mediumship
Spiritualist movements (19th century onward) teach that:
The soul remains near Earth shortly after death
Can communicate with the living
Gradually ascends to higher realms
12. Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)
Modern accounts of NDEs often describe:
Immediate separation from the body
Awareness of earthly events
Choice or instruction to return or move on
Many experiencers report a timeless state, where duration is irrelevant.
13. Ghost Beliefs and Folklore
Across cultures, ghosts are often described as souls that remain on Earth due to:
Unfinished business
Strong emotional attachment
Lack of burial rites
In folklore, these souls may remain indefinitely until resolution occurs.
14. New Age and Contemporary Spiritual Views
Modern spiritual teachings often combine ancient ideas with psychology.
Common beliefs include:
A short “integration phase” after death
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