Death and the Afterlife
A Journey Through the Astral Planes
Death is often shrouded in fear and uncertainty, but through her profound work in hypnosis and past-life regression, Dolores Cannon offered a perspective that reframes death as a beautiful transition—one filled with purpose, love, and learning.
Her teachings, based on thousands of client sessions, reveal that death is not an end but a shift in existence—a doorway into a new realm of experience.
Like many in my field, I am deeply fascinated by this topic and am continually amazed by what I experience with Spirit and the profound insights they share. My curiosity about the afterlife began in early childhood, and as an adult, I still can’t get enough information. I love to learn, and the ongoing education and wisdom I receive from experts and leaders in this field fuel my search for deeper understanding.
Today, I’d love to explore Dolores Cannon’s insights into the journey of the soul after death—covering each step and the different astral planes we may encounter.
The Process of Dying: A Gentle Transition
Cannon’s findings show that the process of dying is far more peaceful than many imagine. It begins with a few key steps:
Feeling Cold: Many individuals report feeling cold as their life force begins to separate from their physical body.
Separation From the Body: Leaving the body happens instantly. It’s often compared to moving from one seat to another in the blink of an eye. One moment you’re inside your physical body, and the next you’re standing outside it, observing with clarity and detachment.
Realisation of Freedom: As the soul recognises it has left the physical body, there’s often a deep sense of relief and freedom. People describe thinking, “I’m out now. I’m free. I can go anywhere I want. I can go home.”
This transition is not random or chaotic. Each soul has an exit plan written into its soul contract, determining when and how it will leave the physical world. Death occurs when the soul’s mission or lessons for that lifetime are complete.
The Greeters: No One Crosses Alone
Cannon emphasised that no soul ever transitions alone. Upon leaving the body, the soul is met by greeters, (as Cannon calls them) loving guides who escort them to the next stage of their journey. These greeters may be deceased loved ones, spirit guides, or angelic beings, and their purpose is to provide comfort and guidance.
For some, however, the journey may take a detour through the lower astral plane before continuing.
The Lower Astral Plane: Earth-Bound Spirits
The lower astral plane is often occupied by souls who lived negative or troubled lives—such as those consumed by addiction, violence, or selfishness. These spirits vibrate at a lower frequency and remain tethered close to the earthly plane.
In the paranormal field, these are what some refer to as ghosts. Even though they are not “stuck” here, they are remain tethered to this earthly plane through their ego, their human beliefs.
Characteristics of the Lower Astral:
Confusion: Souls in this realm may not realise they have died. They are often stuck in a loop, seeking the sensations they craved while alive, such as the highs of drugs or alcohol.
No Possession: Contrary to myths, Cannon explained that there is no such thing as possession or demons. However, lower astral spirits can influence those under the influence of substances because their vibrations align more closely.
Patient Greeters: Even in this plane, greeters remain close, waiting for the moment when the soul becomes tired or bored of its state. They gently approach and say, “Are you ready yet?” Once the soul agrees, the greeter guides them to the light and onward to higher realms.
The Middle Astral Plane: A Vibrant Reflection of Heaven
The middle astral plane is what many describe as heaven—a place of incredible beauty and peace. It is filled with lush gardens, radiant flowers that never fade, and music that seems to fill the air itself.
In the paranormal field, these are what some refer to as spirits. They have crossed over but come back to visit loved ones, or places they’ve enjoyed or had some significant importance to them in their most recent life.
Key Experiences in the Middle Astral:
The Review Board: After some time in this realm, souls are brought before the review board. Here, they view every interaction they’ve had during their life, but from the perspective of others. This is not a moment of judgement but one of understanding and self-awareness, allowing the soul to acknowledge its karma and what it needs to address in future incarnations.
Life as a Play: Cannon emphasised that life is like a grand play. Our physical bodies are merely costumes worn for a specific role, and Earth is the stage where we act out the lessons and experiences we chose before incarnating.
A Reflection of Earth: Cannon described the middle astral as the "real" version of Earth, where colours are more vibrant, flowers never wilt, and the energy feels alive. Earth, by comparison, is like a dim shadow of this vibrant realm.
The Upper Astral Plane: Schools, Healing, and Infinite Knowledge
The upper astral plane is a place of advanced learning and healing. It is here that souls delve deeper into their purpose, reflect on their growth, and prepare for future journeys.
Key Areas of the Upper Astral Plane:
The Healing Temple: The first stop for many souls is the healing temple, where they release any residual energy from their earthly life. This place removes emotional or energetic "baggage," allowing the soul to fully align with its true essence.
The Tapestry Room: Here, souls can view the tapestry of their life, an intricate, living fabric woven with threads representing every event, choice, and connection. Each thread is interwoven with others, showing the interconnectedness of all souls and experiences.
The Library and Akashic Records: This vast repository contains all the knowledge of the universe—past, present, and future. The Akashic Records store the complete history of every soul’s journey, offering profound insights and guidance.
Holodeck Rooms: These rooms provide immersive experiences, allowing souls to relive events from their life or explore new possibilities in a fully interactive way.
Spiritual Schools: The upper astral is home to advanced schools where souls continue their learning. Every subject imaginable is available here, tailored to each soul’s vibrational frequency. Cannon explained that this is where souls study "the theory," while Earth serves as the practical application of these lessons.
The Silver Cord and the Light: The Final Transition
One of the most fascinating aspects of Cannon’s teachings is the role of the silver cord, which connects the body and spirit. This cord allows the soul to travel during sleep or spiritual experiences while remaining tethered to the body. However, once the soul passes through the light, the silver cord is severed, and the body and spirit are permanently separated.
The light itself is described as a powerful, loving energy source, and souls passing through it feel an overwhelming sense of unconditional love. For those who experience Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), they often approach the light but are given a choice to return to their body.
Life as a Journey of the Soul
Dolores Cannon’s teachings about death offer a profound reminder that life and death are part of a greater journey. The afterlife is not a place of judgement or punishment but one of love, growth, and learning. Whether a soul begins in the lower astral or ascends to the spiritual schools of the upper astral, each stage serves a purpose in the soul’s evolution.
By understanding this process, we can approach death not with fear but with peace, knowing that we are always guided, supported, and deeply loved. And as Cannon beautifully illustrated, life itself is our greatest teacher—a grand play where every experience is a step toward our ultimate purpose.
Key Takeaways: Life and Death as Part of the Soul’s Journey
Death is not an end: Death is a transition, not a termination. Souls continue to learn, grow, and heal on the other side.
No one dies alone: Whether in the lower or upper astral, there is always a greeter or guide ready to assist the soul in its journey.
Life as a classroom: Earth is a place for practical learning, where souls put their spiritual lessons into action. The afterlife, in contrast, offers reflection, healing, and preparation for the next steps in their evolution.
The vibrational match: Where a soul goes after death depends on its frequency, which is shaped by its thoughts, actions, and energy during life. The higher the vibration, the more advanced the realms they can access.
Although this was just a brief overview of the topic, my goal was to present it in a way that is easy to understand and digest. I hope I’ve achieved that for you. I’ll be diving deeper into each aspect in upcoming blogs, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey.
