How does the spirit world work?

A gentleman present wishes to know, Steen, what your experience was on entering the spirit world.

Just as if someone had knocked the end out of one of my own beer-barrels, thrust me in, and then bunged me up. I found myself in utter darkness, with nothing perceptible but the smell of beer. So dreadfully loathsome was it that had I experienced anything like it on earth, I would never have taken a drop.

Were you ever in what is called the Third Sphere?

Yes—I was, and it is not a very nice condition to be in. They enjoy themselves, however, in a kind of way—much the same as they do on earth. Were I to go there now it would be to me what you call a hell upon earth. Many in that sphere are engaged in concocting plans of pure devilishness.

And how are you getting on now in spirit life?

Oh—just as on earth, sometimes up and sometimes down, but always getting forward, making a little progress.

Hafed, Prince of Persia—His Experiences in Earth Life and Spirit Life