With the knowledge of the forces of nature which the resources of the
astral plane place at the command of its inhabitants the production of
what are called "spirit lights" is a very easy matter... -from The
Astral Plane An engrossing document of the public fascination with the
paranormal at the turn of the 20th century, this 1895 volume explains
one aspect of theosophy, the metaphysical doctrine that seeks to find
the unified truth buried in all of humanity's religions. On this guided
tour of one of the "various planes of the universe," you'll meet black
magicians, vampires, werewolves, elemental essences, fairies, and
angels. You'll encounter phenomena including churchyard ghosts,
mysterious bell ringing, clairvoyance, second sight, spirit photographs,
slate writing, and levitation. And you'll learn why darkness is
absolutely required at a seance. Don't leave this plane of existence
without it. CHARLES WEBSTER LEADBEATER (1847-1934) was one of the
foremost writings on theosophical topics of the early 20th century. He
is also the author of The Aura: An Enquiry into the Nature and Functions
of the Luminous Mist Seen about Human and Other Bodies (1895) and
Dreams: What They Are and How They Are Caused (1896).