Astral Projection — The Science and Spirit of Leaving Your Body
⚠️ Quick Disclaimer:
The practices discussed below involve altered states of awareness. They are meant for educational and spiritual exploration only, not as medical or psychological treatment.
If you experience discomfort, anxiety, or sleep issues, stop immediately and seek professional guidance.
Let's travel a little back in time. One night at home, I am watching the end scene of an episode of a series. The scene opens like this. A well dressed gracefully made up happy and smiling woman glides to attend a call on her landline after it rang 3 times.
She picks up the receiver and answers. The other end is held by her husband who confesses that he would be late or perhaps worse come worse he might not make it to their anniversary dinner party that they had planned for the first time without inviting any guests as the special day came after 25 glorious years of their togetherness.
Instead of she giving a sad look, she is shown as alarmed and shocked. The visibly shaken lady mumbles something under her lips and gradually the repeated shivering mumble becomes audible yet sounds gibberish.
Her neck and contorted face slowly turn to a different direction and the camera pans out from her face following the direction of her eyes and the next we see is a handsome man standing at the end of the decorated hall wearing a ceremonious party suit nibbling on a bunch of grapes he had held above his mouth.
The scene gets murkier towards the end with a zoom out showing both the visibly shaken wife slipping the receiver through her hand which dangles in mid air a few inches above floor at one end and the grape bunch holding gentleman at the other while the audio of wife is played loud. It says "if you are there at your office then who is this here with me right now at our home. Then the screen goes dark displaying a white text in large capitals 'Astral Projection". And underneath a small text, Do not forget to watch the next episode...
After a couple of decades I learnt that Astral Projection is not the physical projection as they showed. Let me elaborate on what I have learnt.
What is Astral Projection?
Astral Projection is often described as the conscious act of separating one’s astral body (or subtle energy body) from the physical body, allowing the individual to travel across realms, locations, or dimensions.
In simpler terms — it’s the sensation of leaving your body while remaining fully aware. Unlike dreams or hallucinations, practitioners claim to observe real-world events or distant places while their physical body remains still, often during deep meditation or near-sleep states.
The term “astral” comes from the Latin astralis, meaning of the stars — hinting that the phenomenon connects the human consciousness to a cosmic or star-like realm beyond the material.
Who Coined the Term “Astral Projection”?
The term Astral Projection gained popularity through Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington in their 1929 book The Projection of the Astral Body.
Muldoon, an American author and mystic, documented his own vivid out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and used the term to differentiate spiritual travel from mere lucid dreaming.
Before Muldoon, the idea existed in ancient esoteric traditions — from Egyptian “Ka” (the soul double) to Hindu “sukshma sharira” (the subtle body), and even in Greek philosophy, where Plato spoke of the soul’s ability to rise above the material plane.
A Brief History of Astral Projection
The concept of leaving one’s body is older than recorded civilization.
Let’s travel through history:
Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians believed each person had a Ba, a spiritual essence capable of leaving the body and traveling through both earthly and celestial realms.
Hindu Scriptures: The Upanishads and Yoga Sutras discuss the subtle body (Sukshma Sharira) and astral travel through deep meditation (dhyana).
Tibetan Buddhism: The Bardo Thödol (Tibetan Book of the Dead) describes how consciousness detaches from the body at death and during advanced meditative states.
Greek and Roman Philosophy: Plato and Plotinus spoke about the soul’s ascent and its vision beyond the physical senses.
Medieval & Renaissance Europe: Alchemists and mystics connected astral travel with the celestial spheres and the divine mind.
Modern Western Thought (19th–20th century): With the rise of Theosophy, occult studies, and later parapsychology, Astral Projection became a structured practice — not just mystical theory.
The First Modern Claims and Experiments
The earliest modern claims of conscious out-of-body travel were recorded in the early 20th century.
Sylvan Muldoon reported repeated OBEs (Out of the Body Experience) since childhood and collaborated with Carrington to document them in detail — describing sensations like vibrations, floating, silver cords, and the return to the body.
Later, Robert Monroe, founder of the Monroe Institute, popularized the scientific exploration of Astral Projection in the 1950s–1970s. His book Journeys Out of the Body (1971) introduced Hemi-Sync technology, which used sound frequencies to synchronize brain hemispheres and induce out-of-body states.
The U.S. military’s Project Stargate in the 1970s–1990s also investigated remote viewing and non-local consciousness as potential psychic tools — indirectly linked to astral projection experiments.
What do Studies Say about Astral Projection?
Science remains divided — but curious.
Researchers classify Astral Projection under Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs), which can occur naturally, during near-death experiences (NDEs), or be induced through meditation, hypnosis, or sensory deprivation.
Some notable studies:
Dr. Olaf Blanke (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland) demonstrated in 2002 that electrical stimulation of the brain’s temporoparietal junction could trigger sensations of leaving one’s body — suggesting a neural mechanism.
Charles Tart (University of California, Davis) conducted experiments in the 1960s with a subject named “Miss Z,” who claimed she could leave her body at will. During her projection, she correctly identified random numbers placed out of sight — although critics debated the results.
The Monroe Institute continues to study consciousness and out-of-body states using neuroacoustic patterns and EEG monitoring.
Modern neuroscience proposes that Astral Projection may be a real experience of consciousness, though not necessarily involving physical detachment — rather, a shift of perception and awareness beyond the normal sensory map.
The Spiritual Dimensions of Astral Projection
From a spiritual viewpoint, Astral Projection is not a curiosity — it’s a journey of awakening.
Every culture teaches that we are more than our physical form. The astral body is said to be the vehicle of consciousness that survives death, connects to higher planes, and allows communion with spiritual beings, ancestors, or guides.
In the astral plane, time and distance dissolve. Thoughts create landscapes. Emotions shape movement. It’s believed that souls meet, learn, and heal in these planes before returning to the body.
Practitioners describe:
Vibrational states before separation
Silver cord connecting the astral and physical body
Bright or shadowy beings guiding or observing
Heightened colors, sounds, and emotions
Many experience a deep sense of oneness or universal love upon return — leading to spiritual growth, fearlessness about death, and enhanced intuition.
Astral Projection in Medical and Therapeutic Contexts
Idea of separating consciousness is being explored in neuroscience and trauma therapy.
Pain management: Patients using guided visualization or astral projection techniques report reduction in chronic pain and anxiety.
PTSD and trauma: By visualizing themselves from an outside perspective, patients can reframe traumatic memories without reliving physical distress — similar to “observer mode” therapy.
End-of-life care: Near-death experiences resembling astral projection often comfort patients, giving them peace about death and spiritual continuity.
While mainstream medicine doesn’t officially recognize astral travel as treatment, mind-body medicine increasingly validates that altered states of consciousness can trigger healing responses, improved mood, and self-regulation.
Astral Projection for Self-Healing and Growth
Beyond clinical use, astral projection is a tool for deep self-healing.
When the conscious mind leaves the body, it transcends ego filters — allowing subconscious blocks, fears, and repressed emotions to surface and dissolve. Practitioners claim:
They confront inner wounds or past life residues in symbolic form.
They receive intuitive insight into physical or emotional ailments.
They strengthen energy centers (chakras), leading to emotional balance.
They awaken creativity and mental clarity after returning.
Some even use astral projection for manifestation — by visualizing desired realities vividly in the astral plane, then aligning thought and emotion to anchor them in physical life.
Is Astral Projection Dangerous?
While the experience can feel strange, it’s generally considered safe if approached calmly and with clear intent.
The main risks are psychological — fear, disorientation, or confusion upon returning.
Experts recommend:
Avoiding forced projection under stress or drug influence.
Grounding yourself after each session (breathing, stretching, journaling).
Setting a positive intention before the experience — such as healing, clarity, or love.
Remember: the goal is exploration, not escape.
Conclusion: The Bridge Between Science and Spirit
Astral Projection sits beautifully at the edge of the known and the mystical — where neuroscience meets soul science.
Whether it’s a shift in brain perception or a journey through higher planes, the phenomenon reminds us that consciousness is vast, multi-dimensional, and still largely unexplored.
In a world obsessed with physical proof, Astral Projection whispers a deeper truth:
“We are not in the universe. The universe is in us.”
Maybe that’s the ultimate projection — realizing that the boundaries between here and there, dream and waking, body and spirit, were never real to begin with.
Now coming to the most exciting part. I had experienced only once without much forcing. Somehow it broke in between. I had written about it long back as micro story with a twist.
How to Do Astral Projection: A Practical, Safe, and Spiritual Guide
Astral Projection (also called Out-of-Body Experience) is the conscious separation of your awareness from your physical body, allowing you to explore non-physical realms or even distant locations.
It usually happens in the border state between wakefulness and sleep — when your body sleeps but your mind remains aware.
Prepare the Mind and Body
Astral Projection requires deep relaxation and mental clarity.
You can’t “force” it — you allow it.
Do this daily:
Meditate for 10–15 minutes. Focus on slow breathing.
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime.
Sleep well. Most APs occur during early-morning REM cycles, after 4–6 hours of rest.
Those who practice mindfulness, yoga nidra, or lucid dreaming find AP easier — because they’re already skilled at maintaining awareness during altered states.
Choose the Right Time and Environment
Early morning (around 4–6 a.m.) is ideal — your body is relaxed, mind alert.
Lie on your back in a quiet, dimly lit room.
Remove distractions — phone, noise, bright lights.
Set your intention clearly:
“I will consciously leave my body with calm, love, and clarity.”
Intention matters more than effort.
The Relaxation and Energy Phase
You must reach the vibrational state — a sign your physical body is asleep but consciousness is awake.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Progressive Relaxation
Starting from your toes, mentally relax each part of your body up to your head.
Feel your muscles melting, heartbeat slowing, breath softening.
Step 2: Focus on Your Breathing
Count slow inhales and exhales (1 to 20).
Your goal is to keep your mind anchored yet calm.
Step 3: Visualize Energy Flow
Imagine waves of white or golden light flowing through your body — or a gentle vibration filling you head to toe.
Soon you may feel tingling, humming, or pulsing — the vibrational stage many describe before separation.
Don’t panic — it’s harmless and natural.
The Separation Technique
Once the vibrations peak (you feel slightly weightless or buzzing):
Choose one of these classic methods:
The Rope Technique (Robert Bruce)
Visualize an invisible rope hanging above you.
Without moving your body, imagine your astral self reaching up and climbing the rope.
Feel yourself pulling upward until you sense a pop or floating sensation — you’ve separated.
The Roll-Out Method
Imagine gently rolling out of your physical body to the side, like getting out of bed — but without physical movement.
This can create an immediate shift in perspective.
The Floating Method
Visualize yourself becoming lighter — floating an inch above your body, then higher.
Feel the upward pull until you sense full detachment.
Tip: Don’t think of your physical body once separation starts — that thought can snap you back.
Navigating the Astral Plane
Once out, you may see:
Your physical body lying still.
A glowing silver cord connecting you.
A room that looks slightly different — colors brighter, sounds muted.
Stay calm.
Use thought to move — not physical effort. Wherever your mind focuses, you go.
Start simple:
Move around your room.
Look at details (like objects or texts) to verify later.
Explore higher realms only when you feel stable.
Returning Safely
Most people naturally return when:
They feel strong emotion (fear, excitement).
The body needs movement.
They intend to come back.
Simply think:
“I am returning to my body now.”
You’ll feel a gentle pull, a merging sensation, and awareness back in your physical self.
Rest for a few minutes before moving — it helps integrate the experience.
Journaling and Integration
Keep a projection journal beside your bed.
Write down sensations, visuals, emotions, and time.
Over weeks, you’ll notice:
Increased recall.
Clearer separations.
More control.
Patterns emerge — that’s how your subconscious trains itself.
Safety, Myths, and Realism
Let’s address common fears and facts.
Myth Reality
M: You can get “stuck” outside your body.
R: Impossible. Consciousness always returns once the body wakes or the mind decides.
M: Astral projection is dangerous.
R: Not inherently. Fear or obsession can cause anxiety, but AP itself is natural.
M: It’s the same as lucid dreaming.
R: Related but different — lucid dreaming occurs inside the dream world; AP feels like awareness beyond it.
M: It’s a sign of enlightenment.
R: Not necessarily. It’s a tool for growth, not a badge of superiority.
Techniques to Strengthen Astral Ability
To make AP more frequent and stable:
Practice lucid dreaming — it’s a powerful gateway.
Work with energy centers (chakras) — especially the crown and third eye.
Listen to binaural beats or Hemi-Sync audio — proven to induce altered consciousness.
Keep your vibration high — through gratitude, meditation, and emotional healing.
Remember: clarity, not curiosity, sustains projection.
The Deeper Purpose
The real goal of Astral Projection isn’t to “fly” or spy — it’s to expand consciousness.
When you experience life beyond the body, fear of death dissolves.
You begin to realize:
“I am not the body. I am awareness using the body.”
That insight alone can shift your emotional, spiritual, and even physical health.
Astral Projection, when approached with humility and love, becomes not an escape from life — but a return to your truest self.
In Short
Relax body, awaken mind
Reach vibrational state
Separate gently using imagination
Explore calmly, return consciously
Journal and repeat
With patience and daily practice, even skeptics have reported their first out-of-body experiences in 2–3 weeks.
A follow up blog including case studies are available at one click below.
https://www.kvshan.com/2025/11/real-astral-projection-experiences.html
I did not include case studies in this blog because the blog length then would increase significantly.
⚠️ Quick Disclaimer:
The practices discussed below involve altered states of awareness. They are meant for educational and spiritual exploration only, not as medical or psychological treatment.
If you experience discomfort, anxiety, or sleep issues, stop immediately and seek professional guidance.
Thank you for reading.
– KV Shan
Any case study?
ReplyDeleteyes included in follow up blog otherwise the existing one will stretch considerably
ReplyDelete