Have you ever watched a scary movie and heard the protagonist mention “astral projection?” While the astral plane may seem like a bunch of hocus pocus, astral projection is a fascinating concept. In fact, you may have left your physical body and visited the astral plane without even knowing it.
This journey (or trance, if you prefer) allows you to inhabit a second body and soul travel to places that were previously unknown to you. If you’ve ever wondered about astral projection and how it works, here’s what you need to know.
Astral Projection Essentials
In the simplest terms, astral projection is an out-of-body experience. Your astral body, sometimes referred to as your spirit, separates from your physical body. You may visit the astral plane during this time, which is another plane of existence. In fact, if you’ve ever had a lucid dream, you’ve likely experienced astral travel. Lucid dreaming is another distinct out-of-body experience that allows you to take control of your etheric body much in the same way that astral travel does. Sometimes, when you leave the material plane, you may see fantastical images. Other times, your second body will simply watch over your physical body.
If you’ve ever had that subtle body sensation that feels as though you’ve fallen into bed, this is another out-of-body experience. In fact, while most of science is concerned with the physical world, scientific evidence has difficulty explaining this particular phenomenon. The more spiritually inclined see this experience as your astral form hovering over your physical body. Scientists theorize that it could be linked to neurological dysfunction. What’s most important, however, is that soul travel isn’t abnormal. In fact, it can even have unique uses.
Benefits of Astral Projection
Astral projection and other out-of-body experiences have long been used to spiritually connect and facilitate healing. Many believe that when your astral form leaves the material plane, you start to master your fear of death. This is because, even though your etheric body is sometimes attached to your physical self by a silver cord, you aren’t your physical shell. Your astral body is your true self. Once you’ve confronted this fact, death’s spell ends and you are able to live your life more fully.
Even athletes are known to use lucid dreaming and visions to practice their skills. By giving in to the trance, you can take greater control of your lucid behaviors and learn to harness them to your own benefit. When you willingly project your astral body while sleeping or in a trance, you’re training yourself, in a sense.
How to Astral Project
If you or your companions want to know how to pursue astral projection, it’ll take some time and practice. In fact, one way to master your etheric body is through yoga. Many yogis allow their bodies to enter a sleep state and let their spirits simply roll out. While this happens, they envision a silver cord tethering the etheric body to the physical form.
Other ways to access your etheric body at will include maintaining your mental awareness while relaxing your body more deeply, attempting hypnosis, and using the “rope technique.” You can also use some nootropic products as these can commonly facilitate more lucid states of being. With practice and dedication, you may even be able to interact with the astral forms of other willing creatures and companions.
While it may seem like a bunch of hocus pocus, it’s actually quite real. Astral projection has the potential to take your body to a higher plane. Though you won’t be able to master it overnight, you may be able to access the astral plane with a little patience and effort.
