Stage Two – Purification
This stage begins when we become aware of our subtle body and engrossed in what appears to be happening around us. At this point, we find that negative emotions such as hatred, fear and guilt, as well as our physical and psychological cravings, are now tangible features of our subtle body in the form of color, fragrance and vibration. After a lifetime of disowning this material and keeping it hidden, we’re suddenly exposed and turned inside out, in a literal sense.
Before we can move on to the next stage of evolution, these negative psychic impressions must be resolved and transformed. We do this by experiencing the effect that our thoughts and actions had on others during life. One way or another, we have to take responsibility for the life we’ve lived, without any filters, excuses or rationalizations. Through this process, the negative impressions are transformed and included into our subtle body. In short, they can no longer keep us bound to the past.
In some traditions, this stage is called purgatory or hell. But it’s important to understand that the process is not about judgment or punishment, although it may be experienced that way. Rather, it’s simply the natural laws of cosmic evolution, as they function on the inner planes. Before we can proceed to the more subtle planes of experience, the heaver psychic material must be processed and refined.
During this process, certain archetypal experiences come up…archetypal in the sense that they are structured in the fabric of the human psyche and not subject to our personal beliefs or control. These experiences involve our acceptance, repentance and forgiveness for past actions. To the degree we can readily accept and process our painful psychic material, this stage of purification will be brief and not very difficult. This certainly applies to those who would be attracted to this writing. But regardless, it may be helpful to know that this is a temporary and natural stage of spiritual evolution.
With the exception of those few who are liberated during life, or just after death, everyone must pass through this stage of purification, which is actually one of the great blessings of life beyond death. During this process, the psychic impressions which hinder our progress are refined. And at the same time, we are prepared for the next stage of evolution.
