The Planes of Existence

Current physics theorize that there are eleven planes of existence. The dimensions with which we are familiar consist of spatial dimension of left-right (length); back-forth (width) and up-down (depth). The fourth dimension is considered to be Time, which has two directions as well. However we have no words for forward and backward in time like we do for the spatial dimensions.

Superstring theories need to posit the existence of additional dimensions to make their sums work, bringing the total number of spatial dimensions up to eleven. In order to explain why we do not notice the extra dimensions, it has been proposed that they are coiled up incredibly tightly, so only tiny objects can experience them.

Many of these higher dimension are all around us, but curled up so small that we have no freedom of movement though them. More accurately, we are moving through them all the time, but they are so short that they don't slow us down in our passage through the four dimension with which we are familiar.  In order to consider what the fourth (or more) dimension would look like, we need to step everything down a dimension for an analogy. Imagine a sheet of paper rolled into a long, thin cylinder. From a distance, it looks like a line, it has only one dimension. As you get closer, you can see it has another dimension (thickness) so you might perceive it as a rectangle. Closer still, you can see that it curves in a third dimension (circumference). Image that process continuing and you might have some idea what extra dimensions might be like.

The nature of these dimensions have occupied the thoughts of scientists and magicians alike. Of these dimensions, the Ancient Masters have identified only a few they are:

• Inner-Space
• The Phantom Zone
• The Fifth Dimension
• The Astral Plane

Inner-Space

Inner-Space is another dimension of reality which exists within its own pocket dimension. While some believe that the dimension itself exists on a subatomic level, this is a misnomer. It is only the Nexus, or doorway, to innerspace that exists on a subatomic level.  Therefore the only way to enter or leave inner-space is via a process of vibrational attunement, or shrinking. It is thus theoretically possible to enter the same microverse from different points on Earth.

Supergirl was said to have appeared on Earth from inner-space emerging from a lake. She was also seen entering the same lake with the omegahedron after having defeated the evil witch Selena. Therefore it has been theorized that the nexus to her specific pocket-dimension is water.

The Phantom-Zone

The ancient grimoires speak of "The Wasteland" a dimension of darkness and desolation where evil-doers are banished for all eternity. In this place they are gradually stripped of their corporeal form and their spirits drift for eternity in the shifting winds.

Virtually all cultures the world over have some concept of the Wasteland. In Greek mythology it was known as Hades and was the gloomy abode of the dead. In Christianity it  is known as Hell and is a place of fire and brimstone. In modern Paganism is it called The Winterland, a place where food and warmth are virtually non-existent.

Thirty years ago,  three criminals from the planet Krypton appeared on Earth.  It was revealed that they were freed from a dimension called the Phantom Zone in which they were imprisoned by the father of Superman. After an epic battle with Superman, the three criminals where once again banished to the Phantom Zone.  According to descriptions The Phantom Zone is similar to the Wasteland. In 1984, the evil witch Selena banished Supergirl to the Phantom Zone through sorcery and with the aid of a Kryptonian artifact that amplified her magical powers. However, Supergirl was somehow able to escape through an exit called the Quantum Vortex. Although she has refused to give any specific details about her journey out of the Phantom Zone she has admitted that it is extremely dangerous.

It is not known how the ancient masters became aware of the existence of the Phantom Zone, however it has been theorized that Superman is not the first Kryptonian to visit Earth and that his antecedent(s) shared information about his planet and culture with our ancestors.

The Fifth-Dimension

Popular thought has it that the Fifth-Dimension refers to the unknown aspects of the Universe. It has been theorized that the fifth dimension is probability, however this has yet to be proven or dis-proven.

According to Superman, and several witnesses, our dimensional reality has on several occasions been visited by an entity (described as an 'imp') from the Fifth-Dimension. This imp, who called himself Mister Mxyzptlk, claimed to not be bound by our physical laws and exhibited almost God-like powers which he used to shape reality on Earth. While Mxyzptlk outwardly appears to be a small imp-like humanoid, this may not be his true form. Lois Lane, once had the opportunity to see his true form and noted in her Daily Planet Column that he had "height, width, depth, and a few other things." However, being a trickster, this form may have been another of his illusions.

Mister Mxyzptk claims to have been visiting our dimension for several centuries and has been called by many named including Loki, Coyote, and Anansi. Due to these claims some believe that fifth-dimensional beings are the origin for the genies of myth and legend.

The Astral Plane

The Astral Plane is the dimension of thought and the mind.  According to occult teachings the astral plane can be visited consciously through astral projection, a process in which one's consciousness can separate from the physical body and project itself onto the astral plane. Individuals that are trained in meditation and lucid dreaming may also enter the astral plane, or by other means such as through magical spells  and telepathy.

This is by no means a comprehensive study of the planes of existence, but rather an overview. As we have seen there many planes of existence which go beyond that which we can experience through our own five senses and comprehend with our minds. It is the wise witch who will continue to explore the nature of the universe and herself.

~Nigel Lovecraft~

Sources:

• Advanced Algebra for Ancient Alchemist, Phineaus Crabb © 1822
• Mystic Math for Magicians, Malcris the Sorcerer © 1546
• The Daily Planet