(If you know who wrote this, let me know so I can give credit.)
In modern occult theory we think of the universe as having several planes of existence. Each plane has a different "vibration" than the others. It is easier to think of the planes having lower or higher vibrations to our own, since this concept is easier for the human mind to grasp.
The Ethereal plane exists about a step above our own level of existence. It is closely linked to our own existence and it is sometimes possible to see into and out of the ethereal plane. Ghosts and apparitions are said to inhabit this level of existence, and people who undergo "out of body" experiences are often pojecting themselves onto the ethereal level of existence.
The astral plane can therefore be thought of as the next step above the ethereal. This is normally quite different to our own level of reality and is where psychic energy is molded and directed during spell casting. People who have near death experiences may be projecting themselves either onto the astral plane, or onto a plane "above" the astral.
When the magickian visualizes a spell, his psychic energy takes on the form of what he is visualizing on the astral. When the magickian summons the elementals he is actually creating living entities on the astral plane out of his own psychic energy. Such an entity could be termed a thought form.
It therefore follows that if enough people believe in something then that creates a very powerful entity on the astral plane. Thus God and Satan could be considered the ultimate thought forms, created out of the minds of every individual on the planet. The Wiccan God and Goddess, for example, may not exist on our own level of reality, but on the astral plane they are very real indeed.
When a spell is cast it takes form on the astral plane. The spell is then released toward its desired goal where it will ground itself onto the physical realm and produce the desired effect.
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