- For information about the music group see Astral Projection (group)
Astral projection is an out of body experience (OBE) technique, sometimes associated with the occult and the New Age movement, where it is said that the "astral body", or "double", which some believe to be one of several co-incident "bodies" in each person, is able to move free of the physical body. During astral projections, sometimes the traveler reports being attached to his/her physical body by a silver umbilical cord. Neither this technique, nor OBEs in general, are accepted by the overwhelming majority of scientists.
There is discussion as to whether astral projection actually does occur--this behavior could be some form of lucid dreaming, however some astral projectors are said to have described details of the outside world whilst in projection which they could not have known beforehand. For example, Edgar Cayce claimed to have projected his consciousness to remote locations in order to conduct medical diagnoses.
To someone who has experienced astral projection, there can be little doubt that the phenomenon occurs, however there is significant debate about the true nature of the experience. It is not known whether astral projection is purely a physiological occurrence within the human body, or a temporary method of physically removing one's soul to another location. Regardless of the cause, further understanding of this phenomenon will surely increase human knowledge in several areas of science, including physics, human physiology and medicine.
Pets have been reported to react in a frightened manner during the astral projector's experience. There have been reported instances in which the behavior of the animals coincides with the time the projector claims to have entered the room in astral form. Some people claim to see a visual representation of an astrally projecting person's spirit describing it as a colored beam or shot or light darting around the room.
Believers in Remote viewing, as studied in the Stargate Project and described by practitioners such as Joseph McMoneagle, claim a possible similarity to astral projection insofar as it might involve the projection of consciousness to remote locations.
Robert Monroe who founded the Monroe Institute published several accounts of his experiences of astral projection including "Far Journeys". Robert developed a method he calls Hemisync to induce mental states that are favorable for projection. Hemisync is a synchronization of the brainwaves of both of the brain's hemispheres or lobes. This is achieved by altering brain waves using sounds, together with meditative instruction, listened to on headphones. The process based on a concept referred to as "binaural beats".
One source of astral projection theory and practice - from an occult perspective - is Robert Bruce's Treatise on Astral Projection posted at http://www.astralpulse.com/guides/oobe/oobe.htm . Bruce has written two books on the subject.
The Bible may contain a reference to astral projection in Ecclesiastes 12:6:
- "Remember [your Creator] — before the silver cord is severed,
- or the golden bowl is broken;
- before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
- or the wheel broken at the well,
- and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
- and the spirit returns to God who gave it." (NIV)
Also, there are many passages within the Bible alleging that prophets were "in the spirit" while receiving prophecy. Biblical scholars generally attribute this to being in a dream-like state or trance. Believers claim that this may be further evidence of astral projection.
See Also
External link - Articles on Astral Travel (http://www.spiritual.com.au/astral.html)
- Dictionary of the History of Ideas: (http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-65) Cosmic Voyages
- Frequently Asked Questions About Astral Travel (http://www.iacworld.org/English/Resources/FAQs/OutOfBodyExperienceFAQ.asp)
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