My belief is that there are 7 astral realms , number 1 being the lowest.Each level is allocated to individual souls , lowest realm being that for those who hold onto more materialistic and earthly things.We climb each level throughout each existence depending on whether the soul has evolved during that time.
Whilst we are in these realms after physical death we learn and still grow.
Those who are in the higher realms may travel down to visit loved ones in the lower realms.Those in the lower realms are forbidden to travel to the higher realms ( my opinion ).
Would also like to add (personal opinion) That whilst we are in these realms we are allocated a group of souls or an individual soul.(souls that have evolved more )
The job of these souls/soul is to help the others heal and evolve , whilst we are in the spirit realm our journey still continues and never ceases.
Dante inferno lolz, we have 7 main chakras each relating to specific feelings etc.
7 subtle bodies although most believe it to be 5 , thus each chakra and body relates to a specific astral layer.
My personal opinion is once we have worked through each chakra fully confronting all issues held within them(yes we hold many many past hurts and emotions within the chakras) we then and only then move past the 7 astral layers reaching super consciousness.
Ephedrine I have viewed the progression of the astral realms similar to the way you just spoke of. personally from my experience it is as if each chakra ground's to the relative realm allowing one to learn and find understanding in each realm in relation to themselves and the universe around them and in which our spirit is in
That is the way I view it also, each chakra relating to a specific realm our spirit resides in , do you also have the same understanding or view on the realms after the 7 chakras being our final resting place ?