Astral Locale

[Tom]

It is a very good idea. I like it very much and want to help. Can it be based on an actual physical location which can be photographed? Maybe a combination of scenes, so that even though photoediting tools are used it will look very real already.

[themadness]

What types of things would you be looking for in this locale? You mentioned having portals and doorways to other realms. Also, having realms of the elements and meeting grounds. Anything else?

Tom has a nice idea of photographing scenes. That would make it easier to do if you wanted an open-air or outdoor setting.

[Adrian]

Greetings everyone,

Photographing an existing scene is an idea, but I am not sure how much that would "confuse" matters when it comes to the meditation and phasing process. An existing physical location will also exist in the "etheric" plane, which in fact is the same as the so called "real-time zone" which we are trying to avoid. The RTZ is neither the physical or Astral proper, although an extension of the Astral.  

I believe that a custom designed locale would be better, because the participants can give the locale energy and presence, as well as designing it for our purposes. The only problem might arise if some "vistors" took it upon themselves to "alter" the locale, and in which case we would have to create a gateway accessible only by a Sigil, and which only members here would have access to.

As to what we are looking for - this is really what we need to discuss. It needs to be an interesting locale in my opinion with such peaceful features as nice pathways and flower beds, and possible with a fountain and other nice features, but also with specific simple meeting areas such as a circle of stones on the ground. Beyond that, we might have meeting places for communing with the deceased, and of course the portals to the realms of the elements, and other realms.

These are only my own initial ideas however - if this is to be a community project, which it is, then we need as much input as possible. The finished result needs to be attractive but not overly complex however - we must always keep in mind the primary objectives of creating a common Astral meeting place, while providing people of all abilities the opportunity of participating from day one, and to increase their presence through practice. An important aspect of this is that people who are in the early stages of phasing can participate with totally motivation of having an objective, and while being supported ny the advice and experiences of the other participants.

Learning phasing alone can be a lonely experience which requires considerable discipline and dedication - here people have the opportunity for real applying real motivation and which can produce tangible and measurable results as well as developing very valuable long term abilities.

With best regards,

Adrian.

[Gandalf]

Adrian-
Your idea is a stroke of genius, I don't see any reason why it wouldnt work, especially if we get a lot of people focused on it.

I think any picture shouldnt be too cluttered however, to make it easier to focus on.
BTW both phasers and traditional obers can use this technique. Phasers can study the picture and keep the locale in mind as they phase, while traditional obers can use the Robert Bruce technique of projecting into the picture, as described in Astral Dynamics. Put the picture on the wall. Once you have projected, move towards the picure, you will begin to move *into* it, hopefuly ending up in the correct locale.

Regards,
Douglas

[Links Shadow]

I agree that this is a great idea, as when I finally perform a real time AP I will be able to directly thank all of the people in this forum that have helped me along the way.  Also, I do think it should not be overly complex for those with weak visualization abilities.  Having to many details may make it difficult for them to focus on while attempting to project.  I agree some form of portals would be nice as well a specific meeting place within this locale for any one who just wants to chat.  I think that the image would be better made by hand and not being a picture as pictures may confuse the mind on which location it is aiming for, atleast that is my opinion.  A hand drawn image could not be mistaken as easily for some other place.  Like I said above I like this idea and will try to provide all the feedback that I can in order to make this idea a reality.

[Fyrenze]

I agree that it shouldn't be too complex.  However, if we really want portals to all these realms and a fountain and such (all of which I agree on), perhaps there could be a simple central area which could be pictured by all. Those with more developed skills would be enough to make the more complex areas stable, and beginners would easily be able to picture this simple central chamber or what-have-you. Just a thought.

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[Links Shadow]

Here is a link to my website where I will post some images that may give us some ideas on what we want to see, also if anyone finds an image they think is good please e-mail me and I will post it.  The website can act as our visual aid to help use create a perfect scene.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/linksshadow/ap/locale.html

[Fyrenze]

Links,

Just so you know, the black background is covering the black text, making it impossible to read.

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[Gandalf]

Hi folks,
I have a link here to a part of my website with artwork detailing Tolkien's Middle-earth (ie the setting of 'The Lord of the Rings', the books - not the recent movies).I have the work of two of the most renowned Tolkien artists, John Howe and Alan Lee. The link is: http://www.douglas.eckhart.btinternet.co.uk/artwork.html

I'm not saying we should have a Middle-earth inspired locale, its just that these pictures are infused with a certain atmosphere and enchantment that may give some inspiration and further ideas!

Regards,
Douglas

[Noxerus]

Hi all,

I dabble in 3D computer graphics, so if you want to integrate some 3D imagery into the project, maybe I'll be able to help []

In any case, I believe that your idea, Adrian, is an excellent one, and will definetly help out a lot of folks. I support it 100% []

Daniel

[Links Shadow]

Thanks, Fyrenze I got the text color fixed. Also, I have found some more images and will hopefully have them up later today.

[Greytraveller]

Actually the whole concept is an excellant idea. []
Amazing how many people picked up on the idea of portals or gates. That's what caught my attention as well. One suggestion is to either have large raised classic arches as gates or make them high-tech (like those found in 'Stargate'). [8D]
Perhaps some sort of large garden or Maze might work (for part of the location anyway). The idea of lush and exotic vegetation does sound quite appealing.
BTW several people at Astral Society tried this concept a while back. They created an Astral Temple though I don't know how well their experiment worked.

[Tom]

The reason I suggested using photographs as a basis is that it would be easier to see such a place as actually existing. My concern is that it will look like it is from a cartoon because that is the best I could do on my own. The idea of having a place to conveniently meet other people from here mind to mind is very good. I want to see it done well.

[lucid dancer]

I'm an artist and would love to help with this project. You can check on my website star-portraits.com
I have a lot of portraits there, but it shows the reality of the work. I've been leaning towards doing more inspiring peices, so this should be great. I'm pondering different landscape ideas as I type. I'll get back to you guys later!

[goingslow]

Great idea..

I think the simpler the better for now.  Even if its just a pond or something, but works will be great inspiration.  Maybe as time goes on you can add more features.  I dont know about the rest of the people here but even visualizing a detailed chair is very hard for me.