Astral projection is a natural occurrence. If you have experienced a jolt, and been startled from a half asleep state, this is your Astral Body returning too rapidly to your physical form. It can also be consciously practiced to become aware of other levels of consciousness. There are an infinite number of realities, planes and realms in the astral dimension.
Since Astral Projection is a naturally occurring phenomenon while asleep, remember to work on losing your fear of the unknown. Never attempt Astral Projection while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Start the experience with positive and wholesome thoughts about yourself, your kith and kin and your imminent experience.
Before astral travel, always visualise a protective circle around yourself. Imagine a white light around you. Visualise two large white hands come down and gently clean your aura from head to toe, removing all negativity, embrace and enjoy the all over clean feeling this gives.
Then, adopt a comfortable position in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted, preferably upright in an armchair as you may fall asleep if lying down. Use meditation music without drum beats.
Clear your head of random thoughts. Focus on your breathing—in through your nose, out through your mouth. Visualise yourself breathing in tranquility and breathing out disharmony. Focus on each part of your body starting with your feet and finishing up at your head. As you breathe out, think ‘My body is relaxing’. When you feel very relaxed, choose a phrase or mantra to repeat over and over to yourself such as, ‘I fly, I float, I rise’; or count down from 10 to one. If your mind starts drifting, simply return to your mantra.
You will enter a heightened state of simultaneous awareness and relaxation: your inner self and senses become super aware but your body becomes extremely heavy and relaxed. Now, you are ready for astral projection. Continue to repeat the phrase or mantra that you have just used. Clear your head of everything and repeat it over and over again. Do not be impatient, sooner or later you will leave your physical form. Initially, the realisation that you have projected may force you back to your body. It gets easier as you practice.
As you begin to leave your body, you will get the sensation of movement, as if you are in a moving vehicle. This is the sign of your astral body beginning to separate from your physical. Myriad lights and colors appear in front of your eyes. Use your thoughts to move around on the astral plane.
When it is time to return to your physical environment, simply make the decision to come back to your body; visualise yourself back in your body. Count from one to 10, focus on each part of your body and begin to move them all slowly. Do not hurry, since you may have been physically static for hours. It is not advisable to try astral projection on your own initially. The presence of an experienced guide is always recommended.
(Ed Detori is a writer on New Age issues)