-A discussion of astral projection-
Astral travel is an ancient practice in which the soul intentionally leaves the corporeal confines of the body and is dispensed to observe the natural physical world. The term “astral projection” was coined by Theosophists in the 1800s.
Astral projection is linked to the phenomenon known as out-of-body experiences or OBEs (a term coined by Robert Monroe). In the practice of astral projection, the individual is able to separate the mind from the body and travel to any destination in the universe, “heaven” or “hell” in any time they choose through hypnosis or deep meditation.
The ability to project one’s consciousness into the ether is considered pseudo-science, although it has been lumped into the same category as extra sensory perception and telekinesis, two subjects which have been studied endlessly by the public and private sectors.
There have been three schools of thought proposed by theosophists in regard to astral projection. First is that the consciousness can be sent out into the physical world to observe events taking place in any location in either the past, the present or the future. The second is that the separation of the consciousness from the corporeal body results in a mini-death allowing the astral body to explore either a “heaven” astral plain or a “hell” astral plain. It is this second theory which leads to the possibility of using astal projection to access the Akashic Record. The third school of thought is that projection of any form of consciousness is total bull crap. The theory here is that humans are able to tap into different plains of existence and send out power and intentions (manifestation), but the willful splitting of the consciousness and body for a joyride across dimensions is not feasible due to the difficulty inherent in finding ones way back when needed.
Which theory is the truth? Quite frankly, I don’t know. I have tried and tried to achieve astral travel, but never have I gotten a positive result. That is not to say that it cannot be done, but I myself have not been able to do it. I am fine with that. I am not a psychic either and I do not get mad when I cannot visualize the cards you are holding, so why be upset at myself for not astrally projecting! I will say, however that on the instances where I have tried astral projection, I did come away from the experience seeing that it even felt good and relaxing to try.
In her book, My Religion, Helen Keller tells of her beliefs in Swedenborgianism and how she once “traveled” to Athens:
“I have been far away all this time, and I haven’t left the room…It was clear to me that it was because I was a spirit that I had so vividly ‘seen’ and felt a place a thousand miles away. Space was nothing to spirit!”
It is also widely considered in metaphysical circles that dreams may be a form of astral projection. What more relaxed state is the body and mind in than when fully asleep. We have all had vivid dreams, whether they be pleasant or nightmarish. Is it possible that these dreams were not the cleaning out of the mind at the end of a day, but were actually interactions between our consciousness and other plains of existence.
In conclusion, I honestly hope that astral projection is a true possibility. How amazing would it be to have the opportunity to visit and see wonderfully exotic locations across the universe! Or visit the after-death possibilities for joy! However, whether the phenomenon of astral pojection is real in a physical sense or is actually the result of an overactive imagination during times of extreme stress, does it really matter? Even if it is just your brain that experiences the hope that comes with successfuly meditating to this extreme state, perhaps the key is to enjoy it and to learn what either the universe or your own subconscious is trying to tell you.
Musings From The Universe 