If you’re into mystical arts, you have probably seen the term “astral projection” and maybe even dabbled in it.
But is it actually real?
Is it safe?
We’re going to answer all these questions and more today.
Let’s start with the definition of astral projection.
What Is Astral Projection?
Astral projection is an intentional out-of-body experience where you go into a lucid state and visit other realms through your mind.
Bear in mind that this is very different from standard out-of-body experiences. Usually, this is unintentional.
To practice astral projection, it must be planned and wanted.
The state of consciousness needed for astral projection can be achieved through self-hypnosis and meditation.
People claim that it is a useful tool to travel to other dimensions, see space, and traverse the past or future.
The concept works with the ideology that humans have astral bodies. You may have heard other terms before, like energetic, subtle, or etheric bodies, but they all refer to the same thing.
Our etheric bodies are not tied to the physical world. Instead, they can travel to different realms and allow us to experience otherworldly things.
Astral projection itself is not associated with a religion. However, the astral realm can be found in Kabbalah, Hindusim, and many other cultures and traditions.
Put simply, when you achieve astral projection, your soul will leave your body to visit other realms. But is it real?
That’s a tricky one to answer.
READ MORE: What Is The Astral Plane Like? – Detailed Guide
Is Astral Projection Real?
Lucid dreaming is a medical condition that allows you to take control of your dreams and edit the storyline.
It’s an incredibly well-known therapeutic tool offered by therapists for those with nervous system damage and post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, astral projection is less medically rated. While there have been reports of out-of-body experiences from those who have had near-death situations, used drugs, or have neurological trauma, intentionally sending your soul to the astral realm isn’t scientific but spiritual.
With that being said, hypnosis, deep meditation, and shamanic journeys are types of astral projections that have been proven.
During countless studies on monks who achieve incredibly meditative states, a balance of delta and theta waves was achieved in the brain.
Currently, scientists haven’t been able to prove astral travel. But, they have researched the effects on people’s neurological states during claimed states of realm hopping.
They found that the brain’s areas associated with movement and imagery were activated even though the physical body was still.
READ MORE: 15 Best Lucid Dreaming Movies
It Might Be Visceral
Studies can’t prove that our consciousness travels through the astral realm. But, scientists do know that our brains can indeed make us think the experience was real.
No one will be able to stay for certain, however, until such abstract concepts are made tangible.
It might not seem like an important distinction at face value, but it can help those who experience astral projection feel validated.
Often, when astral travelers tell their friends of such happenings, they are laughed at or mocked.
This is for no good reason, as they have likely experienced something incredibly real, whether you believe in it or not.
Is Astral Projection Safe?
In a word, yes. Astral project is safe to practice.
While there have been reports of people feeling scared, dizzy, or disoriented when they arrive back in their bodies, that’s as far as it goes.
Remember that if you have had an out-of-body experience that you did not intentionally cause, it could be caused by something potentially more serious like:
- Dehydration
- Extreme physical activity
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)\
- Sensory deprivation
- Electric shock
- Excessive drug use
READ MORE: Astral Projection Dangers
Can You Learn to Astral Project?
You can learn how to astral project, but it’s incredibly difficult.
Since no one has the same experience, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method to learning how to do it. Instead, it’s more about trial and error.
Having said that, there are some basic ground rules to think about before you start flying through the astral plane.
To get off on the right foot, try the following activities:
- Meditation — Either do this by yourself or follow a guided meditation soundtrack. This will help center your mind and find your zen.
- Self-hypnosis — This will allow you to pull yourself deeper into a trance. Sometimes, you can go straight from here to the astral realm and connect to others. You’ll start to focus on your specific goal of astral travel here.
- Lucid dream — If you haven’t experienced another state of consciousness before, practice lucid dreaming. Consider it a warm-up to astral projection.
Once you have achieved a wonderfully deep trance, you can start to tap into your etheric body.
A good way to do this is to start meditating and imagine yourself lifting away from your physical body. With practice, this will become easier. If it doesn’t happen on your first try, just keep going! You’ll get there.
As you grow increasingly comfortable in your etheric body, you can start to travel. Whether you’re visualizing letting go of your consciousness or you’re controlling your breath, you can relinquish the material world. At this point, you can start connecting with different energies and traverse the astral plane.
Astral Projection: The Bottom Line
There is a lot to discover in the astral realm, and as long as you do it sensibly, you’ll receive an enchantingly deep connection with yourself, the world, and those gone before you.
Images credit – @Getty Images & Shutterstock
READ THIS NEXT: 11 Best Herbs For Astral Projection
References https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn2248 https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.