Gone West: Three Narratives of After-Death Experiences

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Gone West: Three Narratives of After-Death Experiences

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

J. S. M Ward presents three firsthand accounts of life after death, detailing the astral plane's dangers and opportunities. Through visions and automatic writing, the author reveals how spirits face temptations, evolve spiritually, and navigate realms ranging from Hell to the highest spheres of belief and works.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Gone West: Three Narratives of After-Death Experiences,' J. S. M. Ward presents a detailed account of life beyond the grave, drawing upon his own mediumistic experiences and the communications of his brother, H. J. L. The book is structured around three distinct narratives that explore the hierarchy of the spirit world, moving from the chaotic astral plane to the enlightened spiritual realms. The first narrative, contributed by H. J. L., describes the transition from the physical world to the astral plane. Here, spirits encounter a dynamic environment populated by benevolent guides and malevolent entities known as 'vice personified' or 'elementals.' These entities, formed from the collective thoughts and actions of living humans, tempt spirits to indulge in earthly vices such as alcohol and lust. Ward clarifies that these forces are not static demons but manifestations of human vice. The second narrative, titled 'The Officer,' offers a first-person account of a spirit who died young. This section vividly depicts the lower regions of the astral plane, characterized by darkness and spirits who have lost their souls to vice. The Officer describes how these spirits, often former drunkards or criminals, inhabit the empty shells of the living, feeding on their vitality. He warns that obsessing others is a dangerous practice that can permanently cast a spirit into Hell. The third narrative, by W. A., details the journey from the astral to the spiritual plane. Upon arrival, the narrator undergoes a comprehensive review of his entire life, where every thought and action is replayed. Ward explains that a spirit's physical size in this realm reflects their spiritual development; those who neglected growth on earth appear as children. The book concludes by outlining the hierarchy of the spirit world, ranging from the 'Realm of Unbelief' (Hell) to the 'Realm of Belief shown forth in Works,' where saints dwell in a light so bright that less advanced spirits cannot endure it. Ward emphasizes that the afterlife is a place of continuous learning and moral progression, urging readers to live virtuous lives to avoid the pitfalls of the astral plane and achieve higher states of existence.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/j-s-m-ward_gone-west-three-narratives-of-after-death-experiences.epub

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Categories

• Paranormal
• Spiritualism
• Afterlife