The Astral Plane: Its Scenery, Inhabitants & Phenomena (ISBN 1596054441)

Manual No.5:
_Among adepts this remarkable book is simply refered to as "Manual No.5" (that was it's old Theosophical Society designation.) When it was penned in 1894 this book was unique. This is because prior to that time all books on the subject were traditionlly written in an obscure and metaphorical manner. Bishop Leadbeater changed all that- he took 19th century scientific objectivism and applied it to the most mystical and subjective of studies. The result is a virtual Baedecker (travel book) of the astral realms. This was the first modern English language text to be included in the permanent collection of the Brotherhood. This book opened, and continues to open, doors. _Briefly, this little volume, covers: scenary, inhabitants, and phenomena of the astral realm. Since this is the realm most closely in contact with our own it can be a most useful and practical guide book. For instance, you will find summarised here more real facts on black magicians, elementals, shades, vampires, and werewolves than in many thicker, more "modern" volumes. _Not only does this subtle world actually exist, but we would be unable to function in the corporeal world if we could not access it. Think of it as the psychic atmosphere that surrounding the earth, pervades all corporeal bodies, and is the vehicle of life. It isn't anywhere near the highest of the planes, but it is a most interesting one. Think of it as your first, local, stop.