These are very interesting references Bill, thanks.
Ones that I was previously unaware of, but tie in perfectly with previous experience.
My reasoning for the physical spirit is based on the natural law of proportionate physical/metaphysical symmetry - As Above, so Below.
Given that there is a physical body and mind, a physical spirit would naturally complement our trio of elements that comprise our working whole. Likewise there can co-exist within our system a metaphysical mind, body and spirit.
Thus, when the physical body and mind dies, we might also want our physical spirit to pass on with us instead of hanging around here for longer than necessary. One way to symbolise that was to break or cast away what was the ultimate symbol of our personal spirit on Earth (the sword).
The physical spirit takes on the very form of our own physical bodies and are often recognised as ghosts.
Interestingly enough, I found myself posting on another blades forum tonight about ghosts
Sleep tight!
