Astral Projection has received quite a bit of attention in the past few years. This ability and skill has been around for centuries and has been commonly accepted and used within the Craft for countless centuries.

The old wives tale and superstition of Witches Flying on a Broom is actually a reference to a practitioner of the Craft using Astral Projection instead of actually flying. In the past, it was quite common for a Witch to use a Flying Ointment to assist them in achieving this state of altered consciousness and awareness.

Most of these preparations used herbs or plants which are quite dangerous to the untrained and can be fatal.  If you find any supposed flying ointment which lists ingredients such as Hemlock, Belladonna, Aconite, or Cowbane posted somewhere on the net I strongly suggest that you do not use them.

These plants are extremely toxic and you stand a very good chance of killing yourself. I will list a couple of alternate nontoxic ointments later in this text for those of you who wish to use them.       

While working on developing your Astral skills, it is important to choose a place and time where you will not be disturbed. Normally if you are interrupted during a flight, your spirit self will automatically and immediately return to your physical body.

It is somewhat of a shock to the system to get snapped back to consciousness in the middle of a journey, so pick a place and time where you can be undisturbed. If you choose to Project while others are in the house, it is a good idea to let them know what you are doing, so if they encounter you in this state, they will not become too concerned.

In answer to the many questions I receive on the topic of returning to your body, the answer is quite simple. All you must do is will yourself to return and it happens. While it is not necessary to use an ointment to achieve an OBE (Out of Body Experience) they can be helpful.
Realizing that some of you will now embark on finding these ointments, I will provide a couple of recipes which pose few if any health risks but will still aid in your experiences.
The first uses herbs and the second utilizes essential oils. 

Dangers of Astral Projection;      

Astral Projection in my view should not be done by "beginners".  An explanation of this is a novice practicing Astral Projection is dangerous. What if you get lost?

Projection is very real and when you do not know what you are doing this could get you into trouble. The Astral Plane is another level of existence so when you experience it you experience other forms of astral life, this is where it gets kind of dangerous. Not all things are friendly, if you do not know how to get out of a situation you could be harmed by these forces.

I believe strongly that you should crawl before you can walk. Learn Meditation first. Astral can happen without you even realizing, this is dream state.  Dreams are very real they are a doorway. Dreaming would be the first step in astral projection. Recall your dreams keep a journal of the events that take place. Be aware in your sleep state, once you can do this you may be ready for Astral Projection in your awakened state. Remember, their are many planes in astral projection. Lower planes seem to carry the "undesirables".

You much teach yourself to rise above this plane or learn to deal with these forces. When you learn to deal with them in your sleep state you may be ready to deal with them in an OBE (Out of Body Experience).

Please be aware of some web sites giving you step by step instructions as if "it's no big deal" I do not agree with handing people a "loaded gun". Please just be aware of the issues.
You and only you will know when you are truly ready. If you're not sure Don't Do It!!!

I hope that this information has been of assistance to you. It is not intended to scare you off from astral projection but yet teach you the correct way of learning. 

The Gazing Technique;

This is to be done when going to bed. You need something to focus on; if it is in view the moon, the stars, a crystal, a favorite doll will work well. Use whatever you like. Just not a Candle or anything that burns!  This method involves the body falling asleep, and you should never leave anything that burns unattended.

I usually use my crystal ball for this. Place the object within your view and lie down in your bed. Just stare at the object as you doze off. The first few times may be frustrating.
You may just fall asleep and that's it. But after a few tries, this worked for me.

Keep staring at the object. As your eyelids become heavy, keep staring. Eventually your eyes will close, but you will still be able to see the object. You will still be staring at the object. Sit up or stand up, and don't be surprised to see your physical body sleeping peacefully in your bed!

This works fairly well for me. When you are out of your body, enjoy yourself but remember to please read about the dangers prior to attempting astral projection. 

Astral Projection takes practice so do not be surprised if in the beginning you sense the "falling" feeling. This is normal. Your conscious spirit normally stays within your body so naturally it will attempt to jump back in as soon as you begin to lift out; this causes the sensation of falling. This time is yours.   Just tell people that you are attempting this and don't wish to be disturbed.

~Astral Projection Oil~

10 Drops essential oil of Orange

10 Drops essential oil of Anise

 5 Drops essential oil of Jasmine

 5 Drops essential oil of Eucalyptus

 5 Drops essential oil of Wintergreen

1/8 Cup Sweet Almond Oil

Mix the oils as directed below and to the master bottle add a few whole anise seeds and any of the following:

Quartz Crystal, Toiurmalated Crystal, and/or Opal;

Spread all over your body and begin to enter an altered state.

Use a clean, dark glass bottle, add essential oils first, swirling to blend; then the carrier oils.

*Cover the bottle and roll between your palms to blend.

*Then uncap the bottles and add the herbs and crystals.

*Lable the bottle with, the Name of the Oil- the Date- Moon Phase- and the Sign, with water-proof acid-free ink.

*The bottles may be decorated with ribbons.

*To represent the Sabbat, or use the oil is intended for.

* Be sure to clean, clear and charge all crystals and herbs before adding them to the finished oil.

You can use one of the following methods to do this:

*Saltwater bath, and then place in the Moonlight or Sunlight for the crystals.

*For the Herbs, charge them in the Moonlight or the Sunlight, and be sure to harvest them in the correct Moon Phase.

**Here is a tip for the Crystals, If you wish to try this method, it works quite well, and gives you more use of your Crystals;

With a metal nail file, file the Crystals into a powder. Add the powder to your Oils, instead of the whole crystal. The chips are usually small enough to fit in the oil bottles.