Reviewed by Barbara Peterson Lamb, M. A., M.F.C.C.
In JRT Issue 3, Spring 1987
This is the fascinating story of a man called Henry and his first four months after death, related in a conversational manner in his after-death diary. The narrative begins with Henry’s suddenly dying from a heart attack, then being met and guided to Post Mortemia in the astral realm by his departed wife. Here, as he adjusts to his new life, he continues to lean about the true nature of “reality” and gradually reevaluates his previous life on earth. This increase in understanding is the first step he must take in order to enter the next, more spiritual realm.
Henry discovers that there is life after death for everyone. Each person is greeted and helped by loved ones, guides, and teachers. The quality and character of that life is determined by what each person believed while still in physical life on earth. The limitations of his thought limit his experience in the afterlife, and, correspondingly, openness to life and spiritual realities enables him to move more rapidly in his adjustment. What we think is what we get!
The author disputes the idea that we instantly experience being different after leaving our physical bodies. Rather, we tend to experience ourselves in our astral bodies as much the same as we were on earth. What we were accustomed to on earth, what we expected, what our thought forms were, determine our astral reality. Thought forms are usually slow to change as a person adapts to new realms of being. Each person holds himself back with the limitations of his thought.
The first big challenge is the realization and acceptance of the reality of being dead. Then comes the gradual recognition that each person brings his problems and characteristics with him. Eventually he discovers, with guidance and encouragement, that he can experience new ways of being through the use of mind and imagination. As he lets go of his old idea of what he really is, he can enter the more spiritual “heaven” in which he is pure light and spirit, fully conscious and free of his former physical form.
The author weaves an endearing love story through his narrative. Henry is reunited with the long-time love of his life, his wife Gertrude, his twin soul. Their love presents the possibility of two close souls being reunited after death and suggests that love out-of-the-body may be even more fulfilling than love in the body. Two souls can share their spiritual journey together in mutual stimulation and support.
Although Henry thinks within the Christian frame work, it is clear that any conceptual approach is equally valid, and, also, equally limiting. Life after death is recognized as a fundamental truth of man’s nature. The soul lives and learns and grows in the astral realm. Familiar New Testament quotes are presented in a new, more meaningful light not generally espoused by the Christianity of our day, and Jesus and other spiritual guides are seen as approachable and personable and available to anyone at any time.
Diary After Death is an easily digested introduction for people who have not thought much about what happens after death or who doubt that we have any continuing existence. For those who guide others into past and future and interim lives, it contains surprising and profound insights.
ISBN-13: 978-0915151042