Many people are intrigued by the concept of the afterlife, but unless we experience it ourselves, it remains an enigma. Chris Carter, an author who delves into the mysteries of life after death, has become captivated by the idea of transcending Earth after passing away. His focus has been on the work of Frederic Myers, a British poet and founder of the Society for Psychical Research, who claimed to have glimpsed life beyond death.

In his book The Case for the Afterlife, Carter explores the post-death communications of Myers, who passed away at the age of 57 in 1901. According to Carter, 23 years after Myers' death, psychics received messages from him that provided insights into the afterlife. These messages form the foundation of Carter's investigation.

Carter recounts that Myers described a "stupendous journey" of the soul through various planes or spheres of existence, beginning with Earth. According to Myers, there are six planes beyond Earth that a soul will travel through after death. Carter believes these descriptions offer 'proof' of the afterlife, though he suggests that it might not be exactly what we imagine.

Level One: Earth - The Starting Point

The journey begins on Earth, which is considered the first level. Earth serves as a kind of starting point for souls as they transition to higher planes. This phase is where souls are still deeply connected to the material world and undergo their initial transition.

Level Two: Hades - The Intermediate State

After Earth, Myers described the second plane as Hades, which corresponds to the astral plane. This is considered a temporary resting place that sits on the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realms. According to Carter, the time spent in Hades depends on individual needs. Myers himself described Hades as a place of rest, particularly for those who pass away feeling weary. He referred to it as "a place of half-lights and drowsy peace," where souls could recharge before continuing their journey.

Level Three: The Sphere of Terrene Imagination

The third plane, Myers explained, is similar to Earth, but with a beauty far beyond what we experience in the material world. Souls on this plane are said to form communities based on mutual interests, living in environments designed to fit their personal preferences. However, the conditions on this plane depend on the individual's moral and spiritual development during their earthly life. Those who led selfish or immoral lives are believed to experience darker, desolate parts of this plane, where they remain until they are ready to move on.

Level Four: Eido - The First Heaven World

The fourth plane, known as Eido, is described as a "true heaven-world," where colors and sights are far more vivid and beautiful than anything conceivable on Earth. This is where Myers himself reportedly ended up, describing it as a serene and awe-inspiring realm.

Level Five: The Plane of Flame

The fifth plane, called the Plane of Flame, is harder to describe. It lies further from our earthly experience, but it is still considered desirable. Myers mentioned that the higher planes grow more distant from our understanding, yet they hold an increasing level of purity and spiritual advancement.

Level Six: The Plane of Light

In the sixth plane, souls shed their physical bodies entirely and exist as "pure thought," described as white light. In this realm, souls have joined the immortals and are now part of a higher, spiritual existence. This plane represents a significant step towards enlightenment and connection with the divine.

Level Seven: Out-Yonder - Flight from the Physical Universe

The seventh and final plane, referred to as "Out-Yonder," is the furthest stage in the afterlife. Contrary to common religious teachings, Carter suggests that there is no Hell or Heaven in the traditional sense at this level. Instead, Hell is described as a "fire of the mind" rather than a place of torment. Souls do not immediately meet God after death, as they are too primitive to directly approach the divine. In this realm, souls are gradually elevated until they reach a point where they can begin to connect with God.

Carter's interpretation of Myers' post-death communications highlights that the journey of the soul is a process of spiritual development, beginning with Earth and moving through various planes until it reaches a state of divine proximity. According to Myers, the afterlife is not simply a place of eternal rest but an ongoing journey of growth and enlightenment, with each plane offering unique opportunities for transformation and healing.

The final plane, as described by Myers, provides a direct path to connect with God, but it is only accessible after the soul has evolved through the previous stages. This perspective offers a fascinating and complex view of the afterlife, one that is far different from traditional notions of Heaven and Hell.