Astral Travel
Astral travel is the process whereby the 'soul' willingly leaves the physical body and travels in the astral plane, these experiences are called Out of Body Experiences or OBEs/OOBEs.
This type of experience has been reported in similar form amongst peoples of virtually every culture in the world, showing no boundary between people of differing religious beliefs or even non-beliefs.
These types of experience usually fall into two distinct categories, voluntary and spontaneous. Voluntary experiences are self explanatory, whereas spontaneous experiences are caused by something such as a car accident or some other form of physical trigger.
Another type of 'astral travel' that has been experienced and documented is 'near death experience' or NDE, and can be classified as a natural OOBE.
This is no doubt a form of astral travel that we would not wish to experience first hand, and is not what voluntary OOBEs are about.
There has however been a great deal of interest in NDEs from small sections of the medical world, and many organisations such as The International Association for Near Death Studies in London carry out research today.
Whichever type of OOBE you experience, you will know when it happens. People invariably describe their OOBEs as 'more real than reality', and it is an experience they will never forget.
There is no inherent danger in astral travel, however absolutely nothing is ever 'safe'.
As long as you are of 'normal' healthy mind and body, then there is no reason why these experiences should not prove to be spiritually enlightening, and potentially offer psychic development; although they may have their frightening moments.
If you have any form of psychological disorder, it is important get it sorted out before attempting astral travel.
The Astral Body
The astral body can take on many forms. Some people say they see a duplicate of their physical body, some see no form at all, and others perceive themselves as being points of pure light. It is possible to take on the form and qualities of animals, however this is not recommended in early stages.
Astral Realms
Many beliefs systems perceive the astral plane as consisting of two "layers" or states, higher astral and lower astral. The higher state is where you will find positive energies and complex beings. The lower state contains negative energies and lowlifes.
Astral Vision
This is not the sort of vision that is achieved with the eyes, but rather the perception and interpretation of surroundings. This perception can sometimes give all round "vision", and may be disturbing at first.
The Silver Cord
This thin thread links the astral body with our physical body. Some people will see it during astral projection, and others will not. The cord is usually seen as coming from the navel, similar to an umbilical cord. Many believe that if the cord is severed it will cause physical death, although there is little evidence to substantiate this belief.
Moving in the Astral Plane
It is thoughts that control movement on the astral plane rather than the physical movement of limbs. The most treasured form of movement is 'flight', this technique can be very difficult to control at first, so start with simple stuff like 'walking'.
Physical Environment
Successful voluntary astral projection requires an altered state of consciousness. You will need to be relaxed enough that your physical body is asleep, but that your mind is conscious. This is best achieved by meditation, focusing on your breathing, or repeating a short positive mantra in your head. Some people are able to project in noisy physical surroundings, but for the rest of us, a quiet place where you will not be disturbed is best.
Possession and Physical Harm
A common fear is that your physical body can be possessed or harmed while your astral body is running around on another plane. When you leave your physical body it is not being left unguarded, you are still linked to it as projection is a thought form. Much of this fear stems from ancient superstitions, although I wouldn't want to dismiss it out of hand. If by some misfortune you do find your body inhabited by a spirit when you return, forcefully tell it to leave!
The chances of this happening are extremely slim, and this eventuality can usually be counter-measured with payers to the Goddess and positive visualisation beforehand.
If your physical body is disturbed whilst projecting, you will find yourself jolted straight back into your body - a good reason to find somewhere that you will not be interrupted whilst travelling the astral. When you snap back into your body, your heart will be beating fast for a few minutes, but you will be OK (provided you don't have a heart condition).
Negative Entities
Unfortunately, negative entities do exist, but then they do so on the physical plane also. Unless you are looking for these rather unpleasant beings, entry into the astral with a positive attitude should mean that they would not be problematic.
If however you should find yourself on the lower plane, where these beings reside, or end up somewhere inhospitable, try to get away as soon as possible by thinking positively. If you should be unfortunate enough to come across a being with a dark aura, or one that makes you feel uncomfortable, try travelling away from it or mentally create a weapon to fight it with.
If you are really unlucky and see any dark cords, strings, or spots connecting you to a negative being on the astral, sever the connection as quickly as possible by willing yourself back into your body. If you do collect any astral debris, it can usually be removed by cleansing your chakras afterwards.
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