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Between Death & Life

Between Death & Life

Conversations with a Spirit
by Dolores Cannon 1993 242 pages
4.45
3.7K ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Death is a familiar, fearless transition.

Death is the great denier, the great untruth.

A natural cycle. Death is not an end but a natural, often pleasant, transition that souls have experienced countless times. Subjects under deep hypnosis consistently report a feeling of liberation and exhilaration upon leaving the physical body, describing it as a "lifting of weight" or "blinking your eyes" into another plane of existence. This universal experience suggests that fear of death stems from the unknown, rather than the reality of the event.

Personality persists. The personality remains intact after death, often observing its own physical body with detachment, sometimes even disgust at its worn-out state. This continuity of self reassures that loved ones do not transform into unrecognizable or frightening entities, but retain their essence. The transition is typically painless, unless a soul believes it needs pain for a lesson, in which case it can separate from the body to avoid trauma.

Beyond the physical. The spirit world is just as real, if not more so, than the physical world. It is a familiar place, often referred to as "home," where souls go after shedding their mortal coil. This understanding aims to alleviate the pervasive fear of death, allowing individuals to live their lives more fully, knowing that death is merely an evolutionary cycle for soul growth.

2. The "between lives" state is a realm of profound learning.

To me the in-between life plane, the so-called “dead” state is the most exciting sphere of existence I have encountered, because I believe there is much information to be obtained there that can be of great benefit to humankind.

Schools of knowledge. After death, souls often enter a "school of knowledge" or similar learning environments on the spirit plane. These ethereal places, described as halls with tall pillars and classrooms, are characterized by pervasive light, peace, and calm. Here, souls study their past life experiences, evaluate their actions, and gain a truer perspective of what truly happened, free from earthly influences.

Self-reflection and growth. The primary focus in these schools is self-study, guided by "masters" who help souls understand their attitudes, handle defeats and victories, and overcome self-deception. Souls analyze their interactions and decisions to avoid repeating past errors, amassing knowledge about human nature and preparing for future challenges. This period is crucial for spiritual growth and expansion.

Resting places. For souls who have experienced traumatic lives or struggle to let go of a past personality, special "resting places" exist. These are areas of total silence and nothingness, designed for complete restoration and healing. Here, traumatic experiences can be nullified by healing energies, allowing the soul to forget persistent, damaging memories before reincarnating and functioning normally.

3. Life's purpose is continuous spiritual evolution and balancing karma.

I hope people can learn to see birth and dying as evolutional cycles that each person goes through many times and are thus a natural part of their soul’s growth.

Evolutionary cycles. Birth and death are integral parts of a soul's evolutionary journey, not isolated events. Each incarnation offers unique lessons and challenges necessary for spiritual development, leading towards perfection and oneness with God. This continuous cycle prevents stagnation, pushing souls to constantly learn and grow.

Beyond correction. The purpose of reincarnation is not merely to "correct" past wrongs, but to "add to" one's knowledge and understanding. Souls choose to return to physical life because it offers a more intense and complete learning experience than remaining solely in the spiritual realm. It's the "hands-on" experience that solidifies lessons, much like practical experiments complement theoretical knowledge.

Attitude is key. The value of a lifetime lies not in its ease or difficulty, but in the lessons learned and the attitude adopted while facing challenges. How one handles defeats, victories, and problems defines their spiritual progress. This perspective encourages a positive outlook on life's struggles, viewing them as opportunities for profound growth rather than mere punishment.

4. The spirit world is structured into diverse planes and learning centers.

The astral world is divided into three parts: the lower, middle and upper astral planes.

Multi-dimensional reality. The spirit world coexists with the physical world on different vibrational frequencies, much like radio waves occupy the same space but on different channels. These "planes" or "dimensions" range from lower astral realms to higher planes closer to God, each offering distinct experiences and learning opportunities. Souls progress through these levels based on their spiritual development.

Astral divisions:

  • Lower Astral: Populated by low-vibrational souls tied to earthly vices (lust, greed, drugs). They vicariously experience physical sensations and are often trapped in a "personal Hell" until they seek transformation.
  • Mid-Astral: Souls seeking familiar comfort, often manifesting houses and family interactions similar to Earth life. They need time to adjust and are gently encouraged by guides to prepare for further spiritual growth.
  • Upper Astral: A beautiful, jewel-like realm with prototypes of Earth's natural wonders. Highly evolved souls reside here, often in villa-like homes, and engage in advanced learning and service.

Temples of Wisdom. Within the upper astral, complexes like the Temple of Wisdom exist, housing specialized areas:

  • Temple of Healing: A rotunda of swirling colored lights, rejuvenating etheric bodies of those who suffered physical illness or trauma.
  • Tapestry Room: Contains the Akashic Records, where every life is a thread interwoven into a vast, living tapestry, illustrating the oneness of humanity.
  • Library: A vast repository of all knowledge, accessible through intelligent thought or written word, where souls study and prepare for future incarnations.

5. God is universal energy; "evil" is a human construct of misguided energy.

God is not one, but God is all.

God as universal energy. The concept of God is far broader than human personification, encompassing all existence as an invisible, organizing force—the "rebarb of the universe." God is the sum of all, the collective and individual pieces of energy that constitute everything. This energy is inherently organized, leading to the natural development of universes and life forms.

Jesus as emissary. Jesus is understood not as a literal "Son of God" but as an emissary from a higher spiritual reality, closer to God than humanity. His life and death served to underscore human injustice and provide a foundation for spiritual evolution, embodying the "Christ Consciousness" that many can awaken to. This awakening, often perceived as being "born again," is a profound shift in consciousness towards unconditional love.

"Evil" as misguided energy. There is no singular entity like the Devil or Satan. "Evil" is a human rationalization, a term for misguided or unevolved energies, and a lack of personal responsibility. Concepts of Hell are often mental constructs created by individuals' own expectations and negative energies. By blaming an external "Devil," people give power to these disharmonious energies, hindering their own growth.

6. Spirits, guides, and "walk-ins" interact with the physical world.

The guides and helpers do not try to influence. Assist or enlighten would be more accurate.

Guardian spirits. Every individual has guardian spirits, often souls with whom they shared close bonds in past lives. These guides assist and protect from the spirit plane, offering advice through intuition, dreams, or direct mental communication. Their role is to enlighten and clarify, not to dictate, respecting human free will.

Earthbound spirits and poltergeists. "Ghosts" are often projections of an individual's own energy or earthbound entities trapped in a moment of time, unable to perceive their surroundings beyond their own focused energy. Poltergeists, on the other hand, are spirits capable of manipulating physical objects, sometimes for mischief or revenge, but often as a release of pent-up energy, particularly from adolescents experiencing puberty.

Walk-ins. A "walk-in" occurs when a soul voluntarily relinquishes a physical body, and another soul enters it. This mutual exchange is not possession but a consensual agreement, often happening when the original soul finds its karmic load too heavy. The incoming soul assumes the body's memories and obligations, allowing the body to continue its purpose without the trauma of birth, and often bringing heightened psychic abilities.

7. Karma is a complex, inescapable law of cause and effect, not punishment.

The law of cause and effect is one of the basic laws in effect everywhere, regardless of which universe you are in.

Universal principle. Karma is the universal law of balance, a complex tapestry of cause and effect that interlinks all life energies across universes. It is not a punitive system but a continuous process of learning and growth. Every action, thought, and intention creates karma, which is constantly being worked out and created, even through simple acts like breathing.

Beyond good and bad. While often associated with "paying back" for past wrongs, karma encompasses both positive and negative experiences. Difficult lives or violent deaths can be chosen by advanced souls to condense significant karmic lessons, accelerating their growth. Conversely, "resting lives" offer periods of minimal stress, allowing souls to integrate lessons without incurring new karma.

No escape. There is no escaping karma; it is an inherent part of the soul's journey towards its ultimate self. However, as souls reach higher levels of spiritual development, karma can be worked out on the spiritual plane, rather than requiring physical incarnation. This understanding shifts the perspective from a burden to an opportunity for profound self-improvement and evolution.

8. Our lives are meticulously planned, yet free will remains paramount.

You are the master of your own destiny, of your own house, of your own vessel or receptacle or any other way you wish to perceive the concept of a spirit being in physical body.

Pre-incarnation planning. Before returning to Earth, spirits engage in meticulous planning sessions with masters and other karmically linked souls. They discuss and plan the karmic problems to be addressed, how their lives will interweave, and the specific circumstances of their birth, including the family they will be born into. This ensures that each life serves a specific purpose for growth.

Free will in action. Despite this detailed planning, free will remains absolute. Souls choose their paths, and while guides offer advice, they never force decisions. The "predestiny" is self-chosen, reflecting the soul's own desires for learning and growth. Humans are encouraged to think for themselves and follow their inner feelings, as these are attuned to the universe's core truths.

Consequences of choice. While free will allows deviation from the planned path, actions have consequences. If a soul makes decisions that negatively impact many others, higher councils intervene to minimize widespread negative effects, ensuring the overall pattern of positive karma is maintained. This delicate balance allows individual freedom while safeguarding collective well-being.

9. Physical challenges and handicaps serve as powerful learning tools.

Pain is a teaching tool.

Humble lessons. Physical challenges and handicaps are chosen by souls for profound learning experiences. They serve as humbling opportunities to confront one's inner self, develop persistence, appreciation, and trust, rather than focusing on external perceptions. Such lives are not punishments but catalysts for immense spiritual growth.

Growth through adversity. A handicapped life, for instance, forces a soul to overcome ridicule and not take things for granted, fostering understanding and compassion. Even mental retardation can be a karmic tool, allowing a soul to work off past karma without incurring new negative energies, as innocence is maintained. The lessons gained from these experiences are often more lasting and deeply integrated.

Impact on others. Handicaps also serve as teaching tools for those around the individual. The interactions, emotions, and lessons learned by family, friends, and even strangers contribute to their own karmic development. This interconnectedness highlights that every life, regardless of its apparent difficulties, plays a vital role in the collective spiritual evolution.

10. The concept of "imprinting" allows souls to gain vast experience.

This is the ability to live thousands, hundreds of thousands of years on a planet and actually never have been there before.

Borrowed experiences. "Imprinting" is a radical concept where a soul can absorb the experiences, memories, and emotions of past lives from the Akashic Records, making them feel as real as if they had lived them. This allows souls to gain vast knowledge and a frame of reference for earthly life without undergoing countless physical incarnations. It's like "borrowing books from a library" of life experiences.

Purpose of imprints. Imprints are crucial for souls incarnating on Earth for the first time or after a long absence. They provide a necessary "point of reference" to understand human customs, emotions, and social dynamics, preventing overwhelming confusion and disharmony. Without imprints, an "innocent" soul would be incapacitated by anger, fear, or complex societal interactions.

Christ Consciousness. The life of Jesus, embodying ideals of unconditional love and healing, is an exceptional imprint available to humanity. Awakening to this "Christ Consciousness" is perceived as being "born again," a profound shift that changes one's life by activating an inner flame of love. Similar imprints from other enlightened beings like Buddha and Mohammed exist, demonstrating that truth transcends specific religious labels.

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Review Summary

4.45 out of 5
Average of 3.7K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Between Death & Life receives mostly positive reviews, with readers finding it enlightening and comforting. Many praise Cannon's approach to exploring the afterlife through hypnotic regression. Some readers appreciate the book's insights into reincarnation, karma, and spiritual realms. However, a few critics find the content far-fetched or poorly structured. Controversial topics like Hitler and suicide spark debate. Overall, the book is seen as thought-provoking, though opinions on its credibility vary widely.

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About the Author

Dolores Cannon was a renowned hypnotherapist and past-life regressionist who specialized in recovering "Lost Knowledge." Her career in hypnosis began in the 1960s, and she focused on past-life therapy from 1979. Cannon gained fame for her work on Nostradamus' prophecies and UFO investigations. She authored 17 books, translated into over 20 languages, and founded Ozark Mountain Publishing. Cannon lectured worldwide, appeared on numerous TV and radio shows, and received the "Orpheus Award" in Bulgaria for her psychic research. She developed a unique hypnosis technique taught globally through the Quantum Healing Hypnosis Academy.

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