The last three levels of spiritual maturation as described in Jim Marion's book, Putting On The Mind Of Christ

The next level after the Vision-Logic consciousness/spirituality level is the seventh level known as Psychic Consciousness. And this is the level where things really start to get interesting. At this level an individual becomes aware of what some call the Permanent Self, the part of the self that is beyond our understanding of space/time. Others call this self the Witness, that part of the self beyond body, mind and emotions. Some Christians call this the “small still voice within” (Ps 46:10) because at this level, one gradually becomes aware of information that comes from beyond the five physical senses. A person at this level may be open regularly to peak experiences often known as nature mysticism or cosmic consciousness. This is a similar experience as those referred to by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson wrote about being able to connect to the “oversoul” within and, through that connection, connect to all of humanity. The Psychic spirituality/consciousness level (also known as the astral level) exists in the fourth dimension. At this level, one begins to experience a knowingness that is not dependent on the five senses or in being near another person to “connect” with them. These other senses that one may experience at this level are similar to those mentioned in the New Testament (Mark 2:8, Luke 5:22, Matt. 12:25 – perceiving information through Spirit): clairsentience (psychic sensing), clairvoyance (psychic seeing), clairaudience (psychic hearing) and others. At the Psychic consciousness/spirituality level, one begins to become more interested with what happens “within” than “without”. The model of the Christian contemplative, one who spends time each day in meditation is a model to follow. One at this level becomes skilled at watching one’s self dispassionately from the “witness’s” point of view. While this level offers one incredible access to information from the “universe” and it is exciting to enjoy the access, one must not forget the rest of the world and stay within. Because of the access, one is actually able to be more effective in every day affairs because of the larger view of the universe now has. There are also dangers at this level that one must be aware of. There is extreme darkness and negativity that must be dealt with, so it is important, as mentioned by many mystics, to not work through this level without guidance. The eighth level of spirituality/consciousness is known as the Subtle. For those familiar with St. John of the Cross and his writings, he calls this level the Dark Night of the Senses. The transition to this level is also known by some as the “transfiguration” or third spiritual initiation similar to Jesus’ transfiguration. Once competent at the Psychic level, the spiritual seeker will begin to feel the subtle vibrations of the Subtle level. In the Christian tradition, these subtle vibrations are called “infused contemplation”. Those familiar with Yoga will recognize these vibrations as “kundalini. These subtle vibrations are very much moving toward the seeker, who is a passive participant. The energies felt are very warm, intelligent and dazzling. While this level is called Subtle, the energy that one can access can be anything but. Many stories abound about those at this level who are overwhelmed by the amount of energy flowing through them. Stories about permanent damage to the nervous system and to nervous breakdowns are not uncommon. Again, it is imperative to work in this level with a teacher. This level is called the Dark Night of the Senses because of the release of pains held onto throughout life. Part of what happens is a release of old psychic wounds from various painful event’s in one’s life as well as negativity that has been held onto. This negativity includes all of the associated ego-based neuroses as well as any fears that one may have. This dark time can be quite a challenge for the seeker because it is nearly non-stop and can last for months or even years. One must trust in “God” to survive, because survival will happen – eventually. The final level, known as Causal, is also called the Dark Night of the Soul after St. John of the Cross’ definition. It is the “Baptism of Fire and the Holy Spirit” referred to by Christians in the New Testament. The transition from Subtle to Causal consciousness/spirituality is when one’s understanding and identification of one’s self as a distinct personality gives way to the realization of one’s divinity. The death and rebirth of the Dark Night of the Soul is what separates those who think they are mere mortals from those who know they are divine and immortal. One enters the Dark Night thinking one is sinful, fallen and in need of salvation but exits understanding that one is, and always has been, sinless. The Baptism of Fire and the Holy Spirit is necessary for four reasons. 1. Intellectually, no matter how much prayer and reading and meditating, one still don’t have a clue as to who one really are. One still sees God and others as still separate from one’s self. 2. One has to have a purification of emotions – The Baptism and Fire – before truly understanding who one is. 3. Purification of all incarnate personalities must occur. 4. In order to conduct redemptive work as Jesus/Yeshua did – transforming negative energy into positive – one’s consciousness/spirit must move beyond the boundaries of personality. There are the nine levels of spirituality/consciousness as defined by Ken Wilbur’s map. Please understanding that these entries were very brief in comparison to the book, especially for the explanations of the Subtle and Causal levels.