Astral projection (or astral travel) is a paranormal interpretation of an
out-of-body experience achieved either awake or via lucid dreaming or deep meditation. The concept of astral projection
assumes the existence of another body, separate from the physical body and capable of
traveling to non-physical planes of existence. Commonly such planes are called astral,
etheric, or spiritual. Astral projection
is often experienced as the spirit or astral body leaving the
physical body to travel in the spirit world or
astral plane.[1]
Astral projection is controversial. Skeptics say that there is only the evidence of
personal testimonials that anything actually leaves the body.[2]
Schools of thought
There are three general schools of thought on the nature of astral projection. These can broadly be defined as the separation
model, the phasing model, and the skeptical model.
Separation model
The separation model includes a large variety of belief systems, which say that astral
projection takes place outside of the physical body. In this model, an astral or
etheric body carries the consciousness outside of the physical body.[3] Some, such as those who believe in Theosophy, say that the higher astral planes are reached through
the progressive projection of subtler energy bodies from previous projected bodies, much like a Russian doll, while others believe in less complicated systems.[4][5] The
subtle body is attached to the physical body by means of an energetic connection which usually takes the appearance of a silver
cord 'plugging' into the chakra system.[6][7]
Phasing model
According to the phasing model, defined mainly by Robert Monroe, no "movement" actually
occurs during astral projection. The astral planes and the physical world are points on the spectrum of consciousness. When a person projects, they actually "phase" into another area of consciousness and the
locales it contains. This can be likened to tuning a radio to another station. The phasing model does not say that the mind is
dependent on the brain, but only that our concepts of space do not necessarily apply to astral travel.[8][9]
Skeptical model
This model argues that astral projection is an experience which takes place in the mind/brain of the experiencer. The exact
mechanisms are unknown, but experiences somewhat similar to an Out-of-body
experience -though without any experience of astral planes- can be induced with drugs or brain stimulation.[2] [10][11]
Projection types or locations
The astral planes are usually conceived as either realms that overlap the physical in different layers, or as states of
consciousness that need to be traversed in order. Usually, the progression is from the physical to the etheric, then the astral,
then various other realms or spirit worlds beyond the astral. [12]
Astral projection
In astral projection the traveller finds him- or herself in an apparently real domain, which has no parallel to any physical
setting. This is termed by New Agers and occultists among others
as the astral plane or "the astral". Environments here may range from populated to
unpopulated, artificial to natural to completely abstract environments and from beautific to horrific. Here, normal physical laws
often do not apply. The quality of detail ranges from crude to vivid and fascinating. Projectors may gain access to visions of
the past or future of Earth, and to the Akashic records. It has been said that space and
time do not exist on the astral plane in the same way they do on earth, or that they can be transcended. Many travelers have
theorized that people having dreams travel to the astral realms. Travelers have reported seeing
dreamers enact dream scenarios on the astral plane, unaware of the more extensive and varied non-physical environment surrounding
them. Some also claim common movements in dreams, such as falling or feeling like you are walking through quicksand, is the
astral body in action.[13]
The astral environment is often divided into levels or planes. There are many different views concerning the
overall structure of the astral planes, and many different numbering schemes applied to them. These planes may include heavens
and hells, places where people go immediately after death, transcendent environments for those who are "more enlightened," and
other less-easily characterized states.[14][15][16]
Etheric projection
Though closely related to astral projection, in etheric projection a projector encounters mainly that which exists
physically, moving about in a (usually invisible) etheric body. The term was used as far
back as the 1940s, by Dion Fortune in her book Psychic
Self Defence.[17] In contrast to astral projection,
during this type of experience, there are no fantastical worlds, or self-absorbed encounters; the majority of the experience can
-hypothetically- be validated.
The world encountered during etheric projection may seem to be at variance with physical reality if strict mind control is not
maintained. Robert Monroe describes this type of projection as a projection to "Locale I"
or the "Here-Now", and describes it as containing people and places that actually exist in the material world.[18] Robert Bruce refers to
a similar area as the "Real Time Zone" (RTZ) and describes it as the nonphysical dimension level closest to the physical.[19]
In Western theosophy, each subtle body is functionally
distinct. Since the etheric body and astral body are not the same, they cannot represent the same kind of psychic activity.[20] [21]
According to Max Heindel, the etheric "double"
serves as a medium between the astral and physical realms. Ether, also called prana, is the "vital
force" that empowers the Physical forms in order for change to take place. This means that when one views the physical during an
OBE, they are not technically "in" the astral realm at all.[22]
Research
Dr. Robert Crookall published case studies of astral projection in 1960. He divided these into naturally-occurring
out-of-the-body experiences (people who nearly died, people who were very ill, people who were exhausted, etc, and people who
were quite well) and enforced OBEs, from anaesthesia, suffocation, accidents and hypnosis.[23]
Dr. Charles Tart tentatively concluded that etheric projection may have objective
validity. For example, in a 1967 study, a subject was unable to discover a five digit number written down and placed face up in
an adjoining room, but did provide some details of the activities of the technician monitoring the experiment. Tart summarizes,
"Thus, there is some indication that ESP may have been involved with respect to the technician's activities, but it is not at all
conclusive."[24][25]
Robert Monroe, founder of the Monroe
Institute, published several accounts of his experiences of astral projection, including Far Journeys. Monroe
developed a method called "Hemi-Sync" to induce mental states that are favorable for
projection. Hemisync is a method of altering brain waves using sounds, together
with meditative instruction, listened to on headphones. The process is based on a concept
called binaural beats.[26]
Bruce Moen began as a student of Robert Monroe, but
has developed the process of mentally exploring through 'projection' in such a manner as to frequently override the need for
sound wave support such as Hemi-Sync.[27]
See also
In Popular Culture
- Prue Halliwell from the WB hit series Charmed had
the power of astral projection. She projects onto the physical plane and can interact with physical objects.
References
- ^ http://parapsych.org/historical_terms.html entry on Astral body in the Historical Terms Glossary from
the website of the Parapsychological Association, retrieved August 26, 2007
- ^ a b http://www.skepdic.com/astralpr.html Skeptic's Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll, article on Astral
Projection, retrieved August 24, 2007. "There is scant evidence to support the claim that anyone can project their mind, soul,
psyche, spirit, astral body, etheric body, or any other entity to somewhere else on this or any other planet. The main evidence
is in the form of testimonials."
- ^ http://parapsych.org/historical_terms.html entry on Astral body in the Historical Terms Glossary from
the website of the Parapsychological Association, retrieved August 26, 2007
- ^ Monroe, Robert. Far Journeys. ISBN 0-385-23182-2
- ^ Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. Hampton Roads Publishing Company,
Inc, 1999 ISBN 1-57174-143-7 p. 31-33, 404-410, 538
- ^ Projection of the Astral Body by Carrington and Muldoon
- ^ Out of Body Experiences: How to have them and what to expect by
Robert Peterson (chapters 5, 17, 22)
- ^ Monroe, Robert. Far Journeys. ISBN 0-385-23182-2
- ^ Journeys Out of the Body by Robert A. Monroe, p 60. Anchor Press,
1977.
- ^ http://www.skepdic.com/obe.html Skeptic's Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll, article on out-of-body experience (OBE),
retrieved August 24, 2007
- ^ Blanke, O., Ortigue, S., Landis, T., & Seeck, M. (2002). Stimulating
illusory own-body perceptions. Nature, 419(6904), 269-270.
- ^ Wilde, Stuart: Sixth Sense, p 129. Hay House, Inc, 2000.
- ^ Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. Hampton Roads Publishing Company,
Inc, 1999 ISBN 1-57174-143-7
- ^ Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. Hampton Roads Publishing Company,
Inc, 1999 ISBN 1-57174-143-7
- ^ Monroe, Robert. Far Journeys. ISBN 0-385-23182-2
- ^ Journeys Out of the Body by Robert A. Monroe, p 60. Anchor Press,
1977.
- ^ Charles and Collins, Carr; "The Story of Dion Fortune", Thoth Books,
1998, ISBN 1-870450-33-7, p150,
- ^ Journeys Out of the Body by Robert A. Monroe, p 60. Anchor Press,
1977.
- ^ Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce Hampton Roads Publishing Company,
Inc, 1999. p 25-27, 30-31
- ^ http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/etgloss/ass-atm.htm ENCYCLOPEDIC THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY:
A Resource on Theosophy Retrieved August 23, 2007 "Astral Body Generally equivalent to the Sanskrit linga-sarira, the
ethereal model-body, usually invisible to our physical eyes, upon which the physical body (sthula-sarira) is modeled. There are
three ethereal forms or bodies which might properly be called astral bodies: 1) mayavi-rupa -- the illusory form-body of thought
and substance projected by high initiates; 2) linga-sarira -- the model- or pattern-body, the second principle of the human
constitution; and 3) kama-rupa -- the phantom or spook which is seen occasionally in the vicinity of graves or which occasionally
materializes at seances."
- ^ http://www.skepdic.com/astralpr.html Skeptic's Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll, article on Astral
Projection, retrieved August 24, 2007.
- ^ Heindel, Max, The Rosicrucian Mysteries (Chapter IV, The Constitution of Man: Vital Body
- Desire Body - Mind), 1911, ISBN 0-911274-86-3
- ^ Crookall, Robert. The Study and Practice of Astral Projection,
copyright 1960 (before ISBN)
- ^ http://www.paradigm-sys.com/ctt_articles2.cfm?id=31 Psychophysiological Study of
Out-of-the-Body Experiences in a Selected Subject, by Charles Tart Journal of the American Society for Psychical
Research, 1968, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 3-27
- ^ http://www.paradigm-sys.com/ctt_articles2.cfm?id=32 Second Psychophysiological Study of
Out-of-the-Body Experiences in a Selected Subject by Charles T. Tart Published in the International Journal of
Parapsychology, 1967, vol. 9, 251-258
- ^ Monroe, Robert. Far Journeys. ISBN 0-385-23182-2
- ^ Vol.1 Voyages into the Unknown 1997 By Bruce Moen ISBN
1-57174-068-6
Notes
- Buhlman, William. Adventures Beyond the Body: Astral Projection. ISBN 0062513710
- Carrington, Hereward. Muldoon, Sylvan J. Projection of the Astral Body. ISBN 0766146049
- Monroe, Robert. Journeys Out of the Body, ISBN 0-385-00861-9
- Peterson, Robert. Out of Body Experiences. ISBN 1571740570
- Pritchard, Mark H (2004). A Course in Astral Travel and Dreams. ISBN 0-9740560-1-4
- Vieira, Dr. Waldo. Projectiology. ISBN 85-86019-58-5
- Wilde, Stuart. Sixth Sense, ISBN 1-56170-501-2
External links
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