The next evening, Clair returned to Mrs. Elona’s house, her anticipation building. This time, the room seemed even more magical. At its center stood a large circular mirror, its frame adorned with intricate carvings of symbols. The mirror didn’t just reflect light it seemed to breathe, and Clair could feel that something extraordinary was about to happen.
– This is the Mirror of the Soul, – Mrs. Elona said. "It is one of the most important tools in astral travel. Through it, you can enter another layer, one that few dare to explore: the In-Between World.
Clair’s breath caught.
– What is the In-Between World?
Mrs. Elona’s expression grew solemn, though her voice remained calm.
– It’s a place where souls linger. The dead who haven’t moved on, and entities seeking something. Not all spirits have good intentions, but many need help. In the In-Between World, you can learn to become a guide and help others. But be prepared: the energies there will be more intense than anything you’ve experienced so far.
Clair felt a mixture of fear and excitement stirring within her.
– I’m ready, – she said, though her voice trembled slightly.
Mrs. Elona nodded and began the ritual. The mirror’s light slowly dimmed, transforming into something else—no longer glass, but a liquid surface that rippled and flowed. Clair took a deep breath and gazed into the mirror.
A new world began to take shape, filled with hazy shadows and floating lights. She felt drawn to the sight, and as she stepped forward, the room around her disappeared. Clair had crossed the threshold into the In-Between World.
Thick, hazy mist enveloped Clair, the In-Between World both oppressive and inviting. Dim lights floated around her, and strange sounds, whispers, distant sighs—filled the space. Clair took a deep breath, trying to recall Mrs. Elona’s advice: "Stay calm and do not let fear take control."
She stepped forward, and soon a towering structure emerged from the fog, resembling a great spire. Shadowy figures moved around the tower, as if searching for something. Clair approached cautiously, sensing the weight of their presence. The shadows didn’t seem threatening, but their heavy aura spoke of sorrow and memories too painful to release.
– Help us, – whispered one of the shadowy souls as it floated toward her. Its voice was filled with desperation.
– How can I help? – Clair asked, though she had no idea what she could do.
The shadow hesitated, its form trembling slightly.
– We are lost, trapped between worlds, – it said. “We can’t move forward because we are bound to what we left behind. You… you are alive. You carry the light of the living. You can free us.
Clair felt a surge of emotion—a mixture of empathy and uncertainty.
– What do I need to do? – she asked, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
The shadow’s form shifted, almost becoming clearer, as if her willingness to help gave it strength.
– Listen to us,” it said. “Hear our stories, our pain. To be freed, we must be understood. Only then can we let go.
Clair nodded, sensing the truth in the words. She reached out, allowing her energy to merge with the shadow’s. In that instant, she was flooded with images—a life long past, a tragedy, a loss that had kept the soul bound. Clair felt the pain, the longing, and the regret as if it were her own.
– It wasn’t your fault, – she whispered softly, tears forming in her eyes. – You don’t need to hold onto this anymore.
The shadow began to dissolve, its edges softening as light overtook its form.
– Thank you, – it whispered, its voice now calm and full of relief. The light consumed it entirely, leaving the air around Clair lighter and clearer.
As Clair looked around, she noticed that the other shadows had paused, watching her. One by one, they began to drift closer, their silent pleas reaching out to her. Clair realized that her journey in the In-Between World had just begun, and her purpose here was greater than she had imagined.
The faint echo of Mrs. Elona’s voice resonated in her mind:
– You are stronger than you know, Clair. The In-Between World is not just a place of waiting, it is a place of healing, for both the lost and the living.
Clair took another deep breath, ready to continue.
The shadow answered:
– Remind me who I was. Remember me, so I can move on.
Clair’s heart tightened. She knew they were asking for something profound and significant, yet she had no idea how to respond. Then, Mrs. Elona’s voice spoke from afar, though it seemed to resonate within Clair’s mind:
– Listen to your heart. The answers are within you.
Clair closed her eyes and let her intuition guide her. Images of memories began to flash before her, not her own, but those of others. The soul before her had once been a mother who had lost her child. Clair took a deep breath and spoke:
– You were a mother, and you loved your child. The love you gave still lives on, and that light can guide you forward.
The shadow’s form began to brighten and then dissolved, as if it had melted into the space around them. Clair felt a weight lift from her heart but sensed that many more souls awaited her help.
As she encountered more shadows, she felt their stories deeply. A man who never confessed his love. A child who left life in fear. Clair helped each of them remember, allowing them to move on. Gradually, the world around her grew brighter, the fog receded, and the space opened up.
Then, a magnificent figure of light appeared before her. It radiated peace and love, and Clair knew this was no ordinary soul but something greater—a guide or guardian.
– You have done well, Clair,” the being said. “By helping others, you have also helped yourself. Now you understand the true purpose of the In-Between World. It is not about defeating shadows but about understanding and acceptance.
The figure of light opened a gate before Clair, leading her back to reality. She took a step forward and felt her astral body merge once more with her physical self.
When she opened her eyes, Mrs. Elona was smiling at her.
– You are ready, Clair,” she said softly. – Your journey is just beginning, but today, you have taken a tremendous step.
Clair nodded, feeling the weight and exhilaration of the transformative experience.
– Thank you, – she whispered.
The night passed quietly, but Clair knew that inside, nothing would ever be the same. The mysteries of the astral world had opened new paths for her, and she was ready to explore them.
Excerpt from the book by Frank M. Wanderer "THE ASTRAL PATH TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH"