Astral Cords

 Now, I wouldn't call myself an expert, by far, but I am fairly good at observation. Energy workers will be familiar with the concept of astral cords. I think that we have these cords attached to our solar plexus area that connect us to the people we care about -- the real ties that bind us together. I imagine the old telephone lines -- you just plug in to the right connection on the board and talk away. Like a Spirit World rope from the belly button, cords connect from person to person. These cords allow you to check in with close friends and family. If contact needs to be made the message can be sent and recieved by the cords.
 Our energy cords are often described like a spiders silken thread, and they are what keeps the astral and physical bodies joined during astral projection. Often while in astral travel you may feel a jolt as you come back into your body. This can happen unexpectedly if there's something near your physical body, such as a ringing phone or barking dog, that requires your conscious mind to be present -- to come back. Like an emergency rip cord the astral body can smack back into place at the first sign of disturbance.
 Theoretically, astral projection could leave you in danger. A general thought is that if you leave the body a spirit or entity might be able to occupy that empty space unless your physical body is protected by various means. The Sacred Circle or dropping mirrors, metaphorically, are most common protection methods. In my opinion checking on loved ones and sending messeges on the astral plane is quite safe. You're not fully leaving your body, and perhaps those cords are like safety lines -- fire wall protected because of the direct connection. This is a natural ability. Metaphysics isn't supernatural. It's fully natural but simply not fully understood.
 Like an umbilical filled with soul enriching blood vessels, the main cord that comes from the center of the body is actually like a cable. Inside this main cable are the individual cords that connect to individual people -- they sort of spider web outward the further they are from the physical body. There may also be another cord that leaves the top of the head and connects to the Akashic Record -- the cosmos -- and could possibly be the source of the white light seen in near death experience. The cords allow us to remain plugged in to the Source -- whatever that may be -- in addition to individual people.
(continued below...)

 There are different levels of connections one can achieve. In addition to a grand, full visual manifestation, one may get the feeling to make a phone call, or sense the phone's about to ring. My own mother would call me without the telephone often. I'd get a powerful nagging, butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling. I could get this feeling when others were wanting me to contact them physically too, but never as strong as Ma. She was aware she was sending, and actually had some fun with it. You may also be able to send actual words in thought form to your parents. If encouraged, this communication form can be very beneficial. I will often times feel compelled to check my email to find a timely message awaiting a quick response. I think this is an example of the use of the Akashic cord that extends from the human crown. That level of connection would be considered universal, rather than a personal connection, or cord.
 Sometimes it may be needed to cut a cord, or connection to a certain person. Someone who is repeatedly an extreme negative influence in this life -- an abusive spouse or parent, a pal who's always getting you into serious trouble, or that person who just can't be faithful and always breaks your heart -- is someone you might be ready to cut loose. Letting go of bad connections -- unhealthy connections -- may just be a part of the evolution of the soul and your individual growth. It's serious business cutting cords though. I would recommend seeking the advise of a good Reki Master and/or spiritual counselor, at least, if you feel such a person is in your life. There are many methods for cutting the ties that bind us. If you're Christian, find a Christian method. If you're Pagan seek counsel and create a proper ritual. The key is to find a technique you can believe in and that offers confidence. It might not be possible to cut parental ties within this life, but of this I'm unsure. When deciding wether or not to cut a cord I would always suggest a close examination of emotional and psychological issues dealing with the person you're cutting off. If your problems with this person aren't cleared up you'll not be rid of your attachment to them.
(more below, see discussion forum too)

 In addition to connecting you with other people, your main cord surrounds the physical body. The outermost layer of the blue-white cord extends backwards and wraps around you like a shield. According to Mark Smith's book, Auras, the color blue in the auric field represents strong mental powers, intelligence, and logical thinking. Clear blue, such as I describe the astral cord, shows intuitive capabilities; "out of the blue." You may, if fact, be shifting the color of your aura when sending and receiving messages. Using creative visualization to mentally picture a clear blue cord might help you enter the correct state for communication. This shield may give off warning signals when possible danger is near -- physical or emotional. Ever hear of butterflies in the stomach? That sensation could be part of the warning system. The effect can actually be seen in animals when they raise, or bristle, the fur at danger or apprehension. This creates a physical response to a non-physical action as the animal smells or sense something. A dog might bristle it's fur at a feeling of danger or the excitement of meeting another dog. Based upon other sensory input a dog must decide if it is to fight or befriend the other dog. Not to say that we are dogs, but our responses to a given situation react in much the same manner.

 Overall, I suspect the etheric human cord system ties into String Theory and modern suspicions in physics as a whole. The additional dimensions brought to light by modern science, in theory, could be the dimensions in which the spirit dwells. Our cords seem very much to me like the theoretical membranes separating one dimension from another.