Astral Plane Meditation: A Beginner's Guide

Astral projection, also known as astral travel, is an ancient esoteric practice that involves an intentional out-of-body experience. The concept is based on the belief that humans have an astral body or body of light in addition to their physical body, and that there is an astral realm or astral plane beyond the physical realm. Astral projection is said to occur when an individual connects with their astral body, allowing them to transcend their physical body and explore different realms in space and time. This exploration can be facilitated through practices such as meditation, self-hypnosis, lucid dreaming, and deep sleep. While there is no scientific evidence to support astral projection, it remains a fascinating aspect of spiritual exploration for many individuals.

Meditation and hypnosis

Meditation is often the first step in astral projection. It is important to incorporate a few minutes of mental quiet into your routine each day. If you find it difficult to calm your mind, you can try meditating with crystals, using guided meditation videos, or downloading a meditation app. Meditation can help you get into a deep, trance-like state, which is necessary for astral projection. During meditation, you can try to visualise your astral body and see yourself lifting up and out of your physical body.

Hypnosis, or self-hypnosis, is another powerful tool for astral projection. It involves going even deeper into a trance-like state than meditation. Through self-hypnosis, you can connect with others in the astral plane and focus on a specific intention or goal, such as astral travel. It is similar to meditation but with a stronger focus on your astral body and a specific goal.

Both meditation and hypnosis are essential tools for astral projection, helping you to reach the necessary trance-like state and connect with your astral body. By combining these practices with intention and astral-body awareness, you can begin to move through astral space and connect with new energies, ideas, places, and spaces in time.

Lucid dreaming

Basic Breathing Technique

• Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
• Focus on your breath.
• Start by counting your breaths up to 10 and then start again at 0.
• Continue this pattern for about 10-20 minutes.

Guided Meditation Technique

• Sit or lie down comfortably and close your eyes.
• Relax all your muscles and imagine yourself walking on an island.
• Visualise the island in as much detail as possible. Walk through the shallow water and feel the sun on your back.
• Keep one thought at the front of your mind: "I'm dreaming, and I know I'm dreaming."
• Explore the island for about 10 minutes, then write down your experience in a dream diary.

Reality Checks

Throughout your day, perform simple activities that test whether or not you are dreaming, such as trying to push your hand through a wall.

Aromatherapy

Use scents like rose oil to increase the chances of lucid dreaming.

Daydreaming

Alter your conscious awareness by daydreaming and experiencing different realities.

Sleep in Different Places

Try sleeping in different locations to open up the possibilities of lucid dreams.

Take Naps

Daytime sleep lends itself to lucid dreaming as you are more immersed in the world around you.

Get Enough Sleep

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to increase the likelihood of reaching deep REM sleep, which is conducive to lucid dreaming.

Visualise Your Surroundings

Lie in bed with your eyes closed and try to visualise every detail of the room around you.

Plan Your Dreams

Before bed, write down specific lucid dreams you hope to have.

Hypnagogia

The phenomenon is characterised by a slideshow of condensed, discontinuous, and bizarre imagery of faces, figures, animals, print, and writing. It is often accompanied by auditory stimuli, such as hearing one's name whispered or music, and physical stimuli such as temporary paralysis. These hallucinations are relatively more disconnected and short-lived when compared to dreams experienced during REM sleep.

Studies have shown that the temporal lobes are the part of the brain that mediates various states of consciousness. EEG readouts from the temporal lobes are markedly different when a person is asleep, undergoing a hallucinogenic seizure, or under the influence of LSD.

Many people have applied different strategies to channel the power of hypnagogia, including meditation, hypnosis, spiritualism, and hallucinogenic drug use. Hypnagogia can lead to states of instantaneous intuition, exhilaration, mystical insights, and peaceful joy. It is also believed to be a gateway to other realms of cognition and a bridge to other realities.

Self-hypnosis

Step 1: Create a Comfortable Environment

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. Make sure the room is dark or dimly lit and free from distractions. You may want to create a relaxing atmosphere by playing soft music or using essential oils.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mind and Body

Ensure you are in a calm and relaxed state before beginning. It is recommended to be well-rested and free from stress or anxiety. You can also perform deep breathing exercises or light stretching to relax your body and quiet your mind.

Step 3: Set Your Intention

Clearly define your intention for astral projection. This may be exploring other realms, gaining spiritual insights, or simply experiencing the phenomenon. Having a clear intention will help guide your hypnosis session.

Step 4: Begin the Hypnosis

You can use a hypnosis recording or work with a hypnotherapist. During the hypnosis session, you will be guided into a deep state of relaxation, where your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions.

Step 5: Visualize and Imagine

As you listen to the hypnosis recording or follow the hypnotherapist's instructions, visualize yourself leaving your physical body and entering the astral plane. Imagine yourself floating above your body, free from physical limitations.

Step 6: Explore the Astral Plane

Once you have successfully entered the astral plane, you can begin to explore. You may visit different places, connect with your spiritual self, or gain new insights. Remember that astral projection is safe, and you can always return to your physical body.

Step 7: Returning to Your Body

When you are ready to end your astral projection experience, simply intend to return to your physical body. You will find yourself back in your body, feeling refreshed and energized.

It is important to note that astral projection is a safe and natural phenomenon. However, it is recommended to approach it with respect and a sense of responsibility. Always ensure that you are in a relaxed and positive state of mind before attempting astral projection through self-hypnosis.

Astral projection risks

While there is no scientific evidence that astral projection is possible, there are some risks associated with the practice that believers in the phenomenon have identified.

Fear, Anxiety, and Discomfort

During an astral projection, you may experience fear, anxiety, and discomfort, especially if it is your first time. This is because the experience is something new and unfamiliar, and also because the projector may wonder: "if I left my body, does that mean that I have died?".

Overwhelming Sensations and Emotions

Most people who experience astral projection for the first time have not received any prior education on the phenomenon. As such, they may experience sensations and emotions that can be overwhelming.

Lingering Emotional Distress

Even after the astral projection has ended, you may feel lingering emotional distress. You might feel confused about what happened or worry about it happening again. You might also not like the sensation of an OBE and be concerned about it reoccurring.

Physical Symptoms

You might feel dizzy or disoriented after an OBE. In extreme cases, you may experience tachycardia, or a very fast heart rate.

Misinterpreting the Experience

Some people believe that if astral projection is possible, it is evidence that humans continue to exist after death. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Trapped Outside the Body

Some people claim that it is possible for your consciousness to become trapped outside your body following an OBE, but there is no evidence to support this.

Unwanted Vibes

You may pick up weird, unwanted vibes during astral projection, so it is important to use energetic cleansing techniques afterward to ensure that you don't bring anything negative back with you.

Frequently asked questions