Astral plane, spiritual plane, different dimensions.

[Milamber]

I started thinking about the astral realm after I posted a reply to a topic about the white light trap. It seems that people believe the astral is where spirits reside. Well I believe you have more than one type of body, of course physical, astral, and perhaps pure-spirit (Your higher self). Probably many more than that, if you can call them bodies at all, maybe just part of mind? I don't really know.
I have a hard time believing that your higher self resides ONLY in the astral. Perhaps a part of your higher self's consciousness can be there, but not totally. I think the astral realm is just a junction point for other existences, where you go to transition into other realms. Perhaps these planes/dimensions are not defined well for people. This junction place might not be what others normally call the 'astral' realm at all. In fact, there are many realms, levels upon levels. What you may call astral projection could be you going out into 15 different types of realms, and not 1 single realm called the astral, depending on what your trip is at that time.
There is probably something that for lack of better terms I call the Mental realm, although it isnt just mental. It is made of 'astral' type stuff, but effected by thoughts and ideas, and these thoughts and ideas actually form things on this plane, that can in turn effect normal matter. This is a spiritual type place, but it isnt the astral as I know it, it also isnt the place where ghosts reside, however ghosts/spirits may be able to interact with it. I do understand that all realms overlap in some areas.
Does anyone know how many types of planes there are 'out there', what their function is, what kind of beings reside or have function there? Give me your thoughts and experiences on the planes you have experienced and/or heard of, and their attributes.