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The Universe is much more than the galaxies, the stars, the solar
systems, moons and planets. It is much more than we can see, hear,
touch, smell and taste. The physical senses do not allow us to
experience the Universe fully.
In order to understand the vastness of what lies �out-there�, we
must understand what lies within; in the realms of our own
consciousness. And in order to experience what lies within, we
must go so far within ourselves that we actually find ourselves
outside of the reality in which we have been trapped.
It is in these deeply personal experiences which take us so far
into the realms of our consciousness, that our consciousness
actually leaves the physical body and begins to explore unhindered
by the physical senses. This happens without thought and to all of
us though it is not always consciously remembered. The quest for
self-knowledge is an inherant part of our true nature, and the
out-of-body experience is nature's preprogrammed mechanism through
which we can gain insight.
It is during these experiences which take place both within and
out of the physical body that we actually begin to understand the
Universe. We learn that what we see in our physical everyday lives
is small and limited. We begin to experience the Universe Within.
�My body felt distant. I was being lifted higher and higher out
of my bed. It felt like I was both falling and moving upward at
the same time. I lost all sense of physical awareness, and was
overcome with an inner calm and peace that I never thought
possible. I was more relaxed than I had ever felt and I became
lost in this magnificent feeling of warmth.
I also began to feel strange vibrations. Like waves of energy,
they coursed through my body moving from my head to my feet and
then back again gaining in intensity. The feeling was like
floating upon the ocean on a calm day wrapped in the warmth of the
gentle sunlight above. I found I could almost control them and
move them throughout my body simply by thinking about them.
I also heard strange noises in my ears that sounded like loud,
intermittent and rushing static. They seemed to be somehow
connected to the vibrations and I can only describe them as being
emitted in the very low frequency (VLF) range. The sounds seemed
to come from within. They were actually very curious and unlike
any sounds I have ever heard. It was like listening to pure
energy, if you can imagine that.
I then recalled standing beside the bed. The room at first looked
distorted or blurry as if looking through water. If I moved my
head to look around the images took a second longer to catch up
with my eyes. I could almost see a motion trail and it seemed as
if time were somehow slowed. Though my surroundings were at first
distorted, they eventually cleared.
I thought to myself that I might be dreaming. I tried to change
the physical appearance of my surroundings to test this theory but
they did not change. It was definitely my room and I was not
dreaming. I felt more awake than I can describe in words.
I also tried to walk about my room but found that I was glued to
my position. I did push a few steps but the effort felt like
trying to walk through a pool of molasses and it was exhausting. I
tried until I became completely frozen in position mid step. The
only part of my body that I could move was my head.
I came to look back toward my bed, staring at a still shape laying
there. The motionless figure was me, but how could it be? I was
standing here beside the bed, not in it. In that instant, I felt
feelings that I can not comprehend even to this day. It was
completely overwhelming and confusing at the same time. It was
like a curious child being shown all of the secrets of the
universe at once.
The confusion caused panic and the panic flooded through me,
causing everything to become disorienting. My vision became blurry
once again. I felt an immediate spinning and felt like I was being
pulled by some unseen force. I tried to fight it so that I could
learn more, become more. It was without success.
My next memory would be the feeling of being slammed back into the
reality of my bed. I was laying in the same position that I had
just witnessed from some other perspective. I laid there awake the
rest of the night trying to make some sense of what had just
happened.
The whole event took maybe a matter of minutes but seemed like
much longer. It all seemed so vivid, too real to be a dream. It
was like I had just lived through some science-fiction story, but
I know it was real. I can�t describe how I know. I just do.
With the sinking feeling of utter �awe� in the pit of my stomach,
the realization hits me. �Could I have just had an out-of-body
experience?�
- Synergie (My first ever conscious OBE)
The Out-Of-Body Experience
The Out-Of-body Experience (OBE) can be described as the process
by which the human consciousness leaves the physical body and can
travel and function independently thereof, while the physical body
remains still and passive throughout. This happens almost every
night and to all of us though we tend to not remember the event.
The reason we do not usually remember is that while out-of-body,
we function through a part of our consciousness called the
sub-conscious (which is governed by intuition and will instead of
rationality like the waking consciousness). Since the waking
conscious mind has trouble interpreting sub-conscious images from
an OBE, only dream images are remembered by us in the waking
world� if anything at all.
Sometimes however we are able to gain full waking consciousness
during the experience, and remember the event in every detail upon
returning to the physical body. Mostly this happens without any
forethought by complete surprise, and more often than you might
think. There is a good chance that if you yourself have never had
a conscious OBE, someone you know has. It is a very common
occurrence but one which is not widely spoken of.
The Signposts Of An OBE
Having a recollection of strange static-like or buzzing sounds,
vibrations, sleep paralysis, and feelings of floating or flying
upon waking, very well could have been signs that an out-of-body
experience took place.
The most commonly reported events occurring
before, during, and after OBEs:
Before Seperation:
Complete relaxtion, detached awareness from physical body, sleep
paralysis, feeling of vibrations (these can be mild to very
strong), feelings of falling or spinning, and rapid Eye Movements
At Separation:
Feeling as though being lifted up, loud static-like and
intermittent sounds - OBE imminent
After Separation:
Blurred visions of physical surroundings at first, ability to move
by thought and with fluid motion, seeing a silver shimmering cord
attached to your body, seeing other people go about their business
and apparently having no idea that you are there
Upon Return To Physical Body:
Feeling of being 'slammed' into bed and hearing a loud
static-like, intermittent sounds
Upon Full Waking:
Recollection of images that seem too vivid to be a dream, memories
of physical places that you've never been to and strong feelings
of being somewhere, or interacting with a person that you know you
had no interaction with.
Keeping Track Of Experiences
The best time to remember is in the few moments as you are waking
up and a good idea is to write the details down in a dream / OBE
journal as soon as you can because the memories fade rather
quickly. Over time you will learn to recognize when you have had
OBEs and learning to control them is just a natural progression.
�I woke up one night and found that I was floating above my
bed. I was looking down at my bed and I could see myself still
asleep laying there. I thought to myself �How could this be?�. I
felt a bit frightened and wanted to go back to my body, and I did
almost right away. I woke up thinking it was just a weird dream.�
- Amy M., 25
�I was flying above the streets and houses near my old
neighborhood and then I started to fly higher. I heard a voice
calling to me, wanting to know why I was there [where?]. The voice
told me to go back now. The next thing I remember was waking up in
my bed.� - James M., 52
�I was floating in my room and then upstairs. I saw my Mom and
Dad still watching t.v. I tried to talk to Mom but she acted like
she did not see me. I went right in front of her but she looked
through me and still watched her show. I tried to talk to my Dad
but he did not see me either. I started to go back downstairs and
then I woke up in my bed. I went upstairs again and asked Mom and
Dad if they had seen me just a few minutes ago. They told me that
it was a dream, but when I told them what they were watching on
the t.v. they thought I was spying on them from around the
corner.� - Todd N., 15
Learning To Gain Control Of Experiences
If you have ever had any spontaneous OBEs, learning to induce them
at will and control them is not difficult, but it takes patience
and practice. The same can be said for those who have never
experienced a conscious OBE at all. The goal is to attain a state
called 'Body Asleep / Mind Awake', and there are many methods that
you can use to help induce the experience.
�I learned that I was able to relax to the point where I could
just will myself to leave my body and I did! I let go of
everything physical and I found myself separating from my physical
body. Unfortunately, I would get excited a lot and if a single
muscle twinged with my excitement, I did not have an OBE.� -
Chris P., 28
There are many obvious advantages in learning such a skill as
inducing OBEs. The first and foremost is gaining the understanding
that we are much more than our physical shell. We can also explore
places we never imagined possible in even our wildest dreams as we
remain oblivious to that fact. We can affect positive change first
on a higher level and then as a result, the material level. For
most, it is proof of life beyond physical death.
Exploring The Different Types Of OBEs
The term �Out-Of-Body Experience� is used as a more broad
description which includes all of the different types of conscious
experiences that fall under it. It simply describes the
perspective of being consciously outside of the physical body.
There are however different types of OBEs that can occur, but to
explain them we need to understand the concept of our existence on
multiple levels. The Universe is not solely the physical realm
that we can see, hear, touch, taste and smell. It is made up of
different levels of reality. These levels are known as the planes
of existence.
The body is also much more than the physical part, and it is these
other parts which enable us to interact with the higher planes of
existence during life and to continue to survive there after
physical death. These levels are connected to each other and to
the planes of existence through energy fields or conduits called
�chakras�. Just as the planes vibrate at different levels, so do
the chakra energy centers and they can be seen or sensed as
different color emenations.
The seven chakra centers when in balance are thought to provide a
free flow of the life energy in us all. They influence health,
well being, emotions, and help form a connection to the
nonphysical world as well. That is why chakra balancing exercises
are often performed before attempting to induce an Out-Of-Body
Experience.
The projection of the consciousness to different planes of
existence and interacting using the body�s corresponding
nonphysical parts called �subtle bodies� is what makes up the
different types of Out-Of-Body Experiences. Some of the planes are
accessible through an OBE, while others are very much above our
limit of reach. There is said to be seven steps back to God or
creation, and so there are seven planes of existence, and also
seven chakra energy centers; Seven really IS a magickal number!
The Physical & Etheric Planes
The Physical Plane is the lowest plane of the seven, and is where
we all consciously exist. It encompasses the world we see with our
physical eyes and interact with. It also includes the other
planets, the stars, and the galaxies. It is the physical universe
as we know it. It corresponds to a chakra energy point known as
the �base, or root center� and is found to be located near the
base of the spine. The energy vibration for this chakra and level
is represented by the color emanation of red.
Included within the Physical Plane and laying just above it, is
the Etheric Plane which is like an overlay on top of the Physical
Plane. Though it is so closely connected to the physical, it is
not visible using physical senses. It is what connects everything
in the Physical Plane and also everything which is beyond our
normal physical senses. The Etheric Plane can actually be
explained and understood through modern science, even though we
can not see it with the physical senses.
The Theory Of The Ether
We know that physical matter which appears to be solid is actually
the opposite. If you look at any physical object up close you will
see that it is made up of an immense number of electrons which are
in vibration and revolve round a central point which is known as a
neutron. Matter consists of atoms and these atoms are composed of
electrons and protons which are held together by electromagnetic
forces. Matter is built up of tiny electric charges, both positive
and negative which are not moving at random, but are connected
together in an orderly fashion by the invisible universal elements
called the Ether.
There are many varied vibrations of the Ether. One form of this
ethereal wave motion can be seen in the physical world as light.
There are other forms which give us heat, colour, electricity,
ectoplasm, etc. This unseen Ether gives us the ability to live and
to think and to interact.
The Ether is never at rest. It is a cosmic link which is always in
motion. It cannot be sensed using physical senses, yet if it did
not exist we would all be blind, deaf and cold as there would be
no medium to carry the sound and light and heat waves. Matter
itself is essentially etheric. Electrons in the atoms are
particles of negative electricity and the protons are considered
by scientists as being electric in nature. Both are etheric which
means that physical matter is simply Ether in a state of constant
and varying vibration.
This Ether is our connection between the physical senses and the
higher cosmic forces, or the nonphysical world. Our physical
senses only respond to a very limited range of these vibrations
however. Beyond this, the universe is teaming full of life and
energies which respond to higher ranges of vibrations, beyond what
we can normally hear or see or feel. Our ordinary senses (sight,
smell, touch, taste, and hearing) are greatly limited. We only
experience a small amount of what exists in the universe out
there. For example, we see only a limited range of light but we
know through the advances of science and an instrument known as a
spectroscope that beyond that limited range also exists
ultraviolet light and infrared light.
The ethereal forces influence and control the Physical Plane in
many ways. They create form and hold together. They have the
ability to give matter life, vitality, and power. The Ether is the
conduit of essential life forces in the universe.
The Etheric Body & Etheric Projection
Living organisms (both animal and plant) are surrounded by and
influenced by the Ether just as inanimate objects like rocks and
metals are. The ethereal forces are gathered and concentrated in
living organisms and form what is called the Etheric Body, which
exists within and beyond the Physical Body and is an exact
duplicate of it, even down to the tiniest cell.
The Etheric Body which is also known as the vital body, extends
beyond the dense Physical Body just as the ethereal region of
earth extends beyond the dense physical part of the planet. The
distance of this extension is about an inch and a half past the
Physical Body and is visible to some people as an energy emanation
which is called the Aura. It corresponds to the chakra point known
as the �sacral center� also referred to as the spleen center. It
is found midway between the root center and the mid chest, and the
energy vibration found in the Etheric Plane and the sacral center
chakra emanates as a subtle orange.
The Physical and Etheric bodies are both made up of physical
energy, and are both left behind when physical death occurs. The
essentially function together as one, but the Etheric Body can
also function independently.
The Etheric Body plays a very important role in physical life as
well as developing nonphysical and psychic abilities. Nearly all
those who find themselves in a spontaneous out-of-body experience
will be in Etheric Projection (projection to the Etheric Plane and
consciously working through the Etheric Body) which is why they
can identify physical objects, people and places. Most of my own
excursions out-of-body were ethereal in nature. Most descriptions
of Out-Of-Body Experiences are actually describing Etheric
Projections.
During an Etheric Projection, you may encounter others who are
also out-of-body and communicate with them. I have also read that
earth-bound entities reside on the Etheric Plane unable to ascend
to the Astral, and you may also encounter them. (I must add though
that in all of my own experiences I have never encountered one.)
�I was floating around my room, and I could see all of it from
up there by the ceiling. Everything looked the same as it did when
I went to sleep. I could also see myself sleeping on my bed below
me�� - Clay D., 29
�I was able to recognize the houses on my block, and I could
see a car driving down the street. I also heard a group of teens
talking as they passed by me, apparently not even noticing my
presence.� - Sherri Q., 34
People who have experienced Etheric Projection and looked into a
mirror have reported that they could see through themselves, as if
they were a ghost. This likely due to the ethereal nature of the
Etheric Body which is normally beyond the physical senses. Since
these people have become conscious in their Etheric Body, they are
able to see beyond the limits of the physical senses and they
describe it as looking transparent and 'not-quite' physical.
I remember during one of my own Etheric Projections I had raised
my arm to look at it. I had thought to myself that if I was in
fact outside my physical body, I should be able to see some sort
of difference in the appearance of my arm, or have no visible arm
at all. My arm which I assure you was still there, looked pale and
translucent, and I could see an object on the other side of the
room through it. It was the major validating point in that
experience, which was also the first one I had ever successfully
induced on my own.
Since the Etheric Plane resides so near the physical and basically
the Physical Plane is part of it, the Etheric Body tends to retain
some of the properties of the physical. It is made up of ethereal
substance (the Ether) which is somewhat dense in nature as
compared to the energy of the higher planes. During Etheric
Projection, at first the Etheric Body may also seem heavy and it
may be difficult to move about. Vision may be somewhat hindered
and sounds may be distorted.
From my own personal experiences, I found that each time you are
out-of-body it becomes easier to move around freely and fully
observe your surroundings. I believe this is because the more you
project, the more you are willing to let go of your stronghold to
the physical as you begin to lose your fears associated with being
in this state.
�I was thirsty so I got out of bed and started to walk
downstairs to get myself a drink of water. When I got a few feet
away from the bed, my feet became stuck to their position. I tried
to move but the rest of my body was quickly becoming frozen as
well. I looked back towards the bed and saw myself there. Then I
remember waking up [physically] and went to get myself the drink.�
- Rick M., 26
�I tried to walk to the door but I felt really heavy. It took
quite awhile to get there like I was working in slow motion and I
felt exhausted. When I tried to open the door handle, I could not
grip it. It was like my hand went right through it. I tried again
and could barely lift my arm. Then I woke up in my bed.� -
Michael L., 23
�I could see my that I was in my room but my vision was
blurred. I saw my bed, my dresser, my bookshelf and tried to move
around but it was hard [to move] at first. As it became easier, I
seemed to float where I wanted to just by thinking about it and I
tried to go out of my room. I only made it to the door when I felt
like I was pulled back to my bed.� - Avery B., 29
The Astral Plane & Astral Projection
The third plane, the Astral Plane exists above the physical and
Etheric Planes and thus has a higher vibrational frequency. It is
not made up of matter in a physical sense and time and space are
distorted as compared to the physical. As a result, time can pass
differently than in the physical. Thought also plays an integral
part to function in the Astral Plane, and simply imagining
something while there can cause it to form.
Since this is where all of our hopes, desires, and dreams can
essentially become reality, it is also known as the emotional
plane. Residing here are many beings including people who are
out-of-body both consciously and sub-consciously, people who are
dreaming, the deceased, and even beings who never existed on the
Physical Plane at all. Communication with all of the above is
possible while Astrally Projecting.
An Out-Of-Body Experience in which the traveler finds their way
to The Astral Plane, is referred to as Astral Projection. People
who have successfully consciously projected to the Astral Plane
have described vivid colors and sounds, breathtaking landscapes
and scenery, and even some things beyond our comprehension.
In my own few excursions to the Astral Plane, I saw exquisite
beauty. Everything including inanimate objects had obvious auras
of energy emanating from them in vivid and bright colors;
something I had never witnessed on the Physical Plane or even
during Etheric Projection.
�I knew I was not in the normal world anymore. I also knew this
was not a dream. I saw beautiful fields and mountains and many
people. The scenery reminded me of an old farm house from where I
grew up. As soon as I thought about the farmhouse something
amazing happened� It started to appear in front of me!� -
Tracey D., 44
�I saw my 6 year old son who passed on recently of an illness.
He waved to me and told me he was very surprised to see me there
completely aware of what was going on. He told me that I was not
in the physical world anymore and that I often visit him there,
but I do not remember it as more than a dream.� - Evelyn F.,
29
The Astral Body
In our physical world our mind works with our Physical Body, using
the physical senses. Therefore, our Physical Body is a vehicle
that we use to interact with the physical world. The same
principle applies for when we are experiencing Astral Projection.
When we are out-of-body, we project our consciousness into a
duplicate of ourselves, that exists outside of the physical world.
The Astral body (also known as the emotional body or astrosome) is
the vehicle we use to interact with the non-physical world called
the Astral Plane. Its� chakra connection is found as the base of
the sternum and is so called the �solar plexus� center. The color
of the energy vibrations from this chakra center emanates as a
bright yellow.
People who have experienced Astral Projection have reported being
able to see their Astral Body just as they would see their
Physical Body. So it seems that the Astral Body is made up of a
substance that can interact with the Astral Plane just as the
Physical Body interacts with the Physical Plane. The reason for
this is that the frequency of the astral body is higher than that
of the etheric or physical bodies and is in vibratory sync with
the Astral Plane. This substance which is lighter than the ether,
is sometimes referred to simply as �astral substance�. The
appearance of the Astral Body can be changed by will, however most
of the time it appears to be the same as the Physical Body. This
is called residual self image, however it should be the opposite.
After all, that is where we came from.
�My body felt lighter and freer than I can describe. I felt as
if I were flying and I could see the landscape as I could never
have imagined. I came to a river, and put my hand in it and felt
the water. It felt so good. I could see my reflection in the river
because it was so calm. When I pulled my hand out, it was dry. I
thought this was strange�� - Gregory P., 32
The Mental Plane & Mental Projection
The next plane above the Astral Plane, is called the Mental Plane.
It is a plane full of rainbows of vivid colors. It would be an
impossible task to try and rationalize this place. This plane as
can be described from its name and is full of thoughts, dreams,
and ideas, which are manifested as real objects. Those who find
themselves here could be traveling through and witnessing their
own thoughts, or the thoughts of others. It is a place of peace
and utter bliss.
The Mental plane is divided into two parts, the Lower Mental Plane
and the Higher Mental Plane. Since the Lower Mental Plane overlaps
the Astral Plane, they can often be confused for one another. The
boundary between the Lower and Upper Mental planes is also the
boundary of what is referred to as the Lower Self and the Higher
Self.
Time here is distorted even more than it is in the Astral Plane
and it is possible to see future or past events. The Mental Plane
is harder to reach than the previous two, but nonetheless it is
achievable during an Out-Of-Body Experience. Traveling to and
above the Mental Plane, is referred to as Mental Projection, the
third and last type of Out-Of-Body Experience.
�I knew I was traveling higher. I felt so light , and like I
was being pulled upward. I was in a place similar to the one where
I had just been, but more like being in a living dream. I saw
snippets of people�s thoughts all around me so real I could touch
them. And there were sights and sounds which I can not describe in
words.� - Kevin G., 42
The Lower Mental Body & Upper Mental Body
There are two subtle bodies that correspond to the Lower and
Higher Mental Planes. They are known as the Lower Mental Body and
the Higher Mental Body, and these are the vehicles one would use
to interact with these sub-planes.
The upper limit of the Higher Mental Plane is also the limit of
the awareness of the Personal Self and individuality as we know
it, and so is also the limit of the subtle bodies. The
corresponding chakra point for the limit of the Upper Mental Plane
is known as the �heart center� and is represented as the color
green. It is located in the middle of the chest.
The Buddhic Plane
The Buddhic plane which is also known as the intuitive plane,
resides just above the Upper Mental Plane. It is the last
attainable plane to humans while still living in a physical sense.
There is no subtle body as such that corresponds with this plane
and the reason for this is that it is above the highest limit of
individuality, and exists as part of the Higher Self. It is a
place where everything exists in unity. It is a place of
universality and oneness; love and peace.
If you were to reach this place, you would likely not wish to
return. It is a place where you would feel like you were one with
everything; an understanding of your true nature with the universe
and individuality would have no meaning to you anymore. You would
still retain the awareness of the �Self�, though you would feel as
if you were one with your own creation and being.
There are two chakra points which intersect the Buddhic Plane. The
one which corresponds to the middle of the Buddhic Plane, can be
found in the mid throat and is known as the �throat center�. It is
represented by the color emanation of blue. The upper boundary of
the Buddhic Plane is represented by the chakra point in the middle
of the forehead called the �brow or third-eye center� and is
emanated as the color purple.
The At(o)mic Plane
Above the Buddhic Plane lies the At(o)mic Plane, which is the
highest limit of Material Being and where there exists no
individuality. This is a very spiritual place, which is filled
with radiant silver light that would be impossible for us to look
at physically without being blinded. In reaching this plane
however, it would seem very bright yet soft and filled with love.
Some people have claimed to have had visions of this plane but I
have found no reference to any live person reaching this place
through conscious projection.
It is believed that only when we are finished with our life cycles
on the Physical Plane and ready to ascend spiritually, can we
actually reach this plane of existence.
The At(o)mic Limit & The Great Planes
The upper boundary of the At(o)mic Plane is also known as the
At(o)mic Limit and the planes above this limit are referred to as
the Great Planes. The upper limit of the At(o)mic Plane
corresponds to the chakra center known as the �crown center� which
is located just above the head and represented by a brilliant
white color.
The Anupadaka Plane
The Anupadaka plane is part of the Great Planes, and the first
plane of Non-Material Being. Therefore, if one could experience
this realm, they would be only a point of consciousness in a place
where everything is a part of everything else. It is said that
this place is where all paradoxes are tied together and would be
beyond our limited comprehension. It is the upper boundary of
Essential Form. There are no chakra points that correspond to this
realm.
It is also said that millions of beings inhabit this place, but to
try and understand their nature would be futile. It could be
compared to a bacterium trying to understand the nature of a
human; an impossible task.
The Adi Plane & The 'God' Source
The Adi Plane is the highest plane of the seven planes of
existence and encompasses the sub-planes of Essential Light and
Sound, and Universal Intelligence. It is a place (like the
Anupadaka Plane) which we could never comprehend. It is the plane
of Non-Essential Form, and Completion. This plane is above the
limit of �Self� or �I AM� and is infinite, timeless, formless,
changeless, and indescribable.
This is the last of the seven planes of existence, and is also the
last step back to the �God� source or the source of all creation.
Entities And Interactions
While out-of-body you may encounter and interact with any number
of beings including:
1. Other people who are consciously out-of-body as you are;
2. People who are unconsciousloy projecting or dreaming;
3. People who are deceased;
4. Beings who inhabit the higher planes and who were never human.
As discussed before, you can communicate with others who are
out-of-body quite easily, and also with deceased loved ones. You
can also interact with someone who is dreaming but they will
usually only incorporate you into their dreams, not knowing that
the interaction 'really' took place. (In this same manner, a
deceased loved one may even contact you while you are dreaming).
You can also communicate with some of the higher beings, but not
all of them. Some of them we can only marvel at due to their
complexity. These higher beings have been referred to as angels,
elementals and spirits.
Astral Sex & Relationships
If two people can project at the same time, they can meet out of
body, and interact on an energy level, and enjoy much greater
pleasure than is possible with purely physical sex. They can merge
completely together, and become one with each other. This enables
them to make fantasies become real shared experiences. They can
experience a union that is more complete than what is limited by
the physical. It is completely on a pure energy level.
I have also read that a woman who can project, can also interact
with a man in physical form, and who is not projecting. She can
take astral substance from him, and enjoy sexual pleasure. A man
however is more limited. He can visit someone who is not out of
body, and still gain a great deal of emotional pleasure, but he
can't experience the sexual pleasure. He can of course still meet
with a woman who is also out of body as explained above, and in
that case he will benefit from both the physical and emotional
aspects.
Astral sex can calrify a physical relationship, opening areas of
communication unavailable to us when in physical form, and
strengthen the bond between two lovers.
It is highly recomended that this union not take place without the
consent of both people involved whether in the astral plane or
physical. As discussed above, a woman can interact with a
non-projecting partner, but to do so without their consent can be
damaging to them emotionally even though on a subconscious level.
Fears And Overcoming Them
Probably the largest obstacle to overcome while learning conscious
projection is fear. There are several reasons for this and the
root of the problem goes back to what we were taught as a society,
beginning straight on from childhood.
Some of the common fears:
*Not being able to get back,
*Encountering negative entities,
*Demonic or Spirit Possesions,
*Fears of Death,
*Fears of the unknown.
The Facts:
Many people have experienced conscious OBEs all of their lives
with no negative effects,
It is believed that we OBE every night anyway, but just do not
remember it consciously,
The vast majority of experiencers try to do it again,
For some it is proof of life past physical death!
Some ways to combat irrational fears:
Through nightly positive affirmations that you will overcome your
fears,
Through knowledge of the facts presented above,
And Through Faith!
Here is an affirmation that you can recite every night before you
go to sleep:
"I am a spiritual being and so I exist beyond my physical
shell. I will not fear that which is a part of me."
The Silver Cord
Imagine millions of tiny strands wound together, infinately
stretchable, carrying the precious cargo of your energy scource,
nurturing you while in this physical existence. Some describe it
as being silver and shimmering, and maybe even translucent. This
is what connects you to you physical body while you are
projecting.
This cord can not be severed while out-of-body and only loses its
connection to the physical when death occurs.
You may or may not see it during a projection and whether or not
you do is normal, however know that it is always there! If you
want to look for it while out-of-body, look behind you. It will be
connected to the base of your skull.
Sleep Paralysis & OBEs
There has been much discussion about a naturally occurring state
called sleep paralysis and how it pertains to OBEs.
Each night when we go to sleep and enter the REM sleep state, a
natural phenomenon supresses our ability to act out our dreams.
This is the bodies own defense against dangerous actions that
would be beyond our waking control.
Normally, it wears before we awaken, so we are never aware of the
side effects. Sometimes though, a person can wake up before this
happens and they become aware of the paralysis. This is called
sleep paralysis.
"I was laying awake in my bed, but I could not move a muscle
except for my eyes! It was terribly frightening, and there was a
feeling of pure evil looming over me. I felt completely helpless."
Troy T., 32
Sleep Paralysis can be very frightening even to those who know
what it is. This is because the paralysis occurs usually in the
state between sleep and waking known as hypnopompia. During this
state, your mind may add hallucinatory images such as evil
creatures (known in some folklore as the 'Old Hag'). Know though
that no harm will come to you!
If you can overcome your fears, chances are you can use it quite
successfully to induce an OBE just by 'willing' yourself to have
one! The trouble is that nobody ever knows when sleep paralysis
will occur and it can not in itself be induced. So if you are ever
lucky enough to experience sleep paralysis (and please don't think
I am crazy), don't waste a good chance to induce an OBE quite
easily!
Still, if you find that you are too frightened to attempt an OBE,
the easiest way out of the paralysis is to focus on your pinky
finger and try to move just your finger, then your hand, then your
wrist, and by then usually you've come out of it.
Methods & Techniques
There are many techniques for inducing fully conscious OBEs. Most
focus on progressive relaxation of the physical body,
visualization and recognition of the different states of
awareness. Here I will attempt to describe the most common
methods:
1. Progressive Muscular Relaxation - In order to achieve a
fully conscious OBE, one must first attain the body asleep / mind
awake state. The best way to do this is to start from the feet,
working upward, flexing and relaxing muscle groups along the way.
Flex, hold for 10 seconds, then release. Work your way to your
head, paying particular attention to the neck muscles and the
forehead (as alot of tension is usually stored in those two
places). You can use this as a preliminary to other methods, or as
a method by itself. Many people have achieved OBEs simply by this
method alone.
2. Sleep Onset Suggestion - This method relys on the power
of suggestion, at the time when it's most powerful; the exact
moment that sleep takes over. You must become aware right until
the exact moment that you fall asleep. The way to do this is to
use visualization: Envivion a basic object in your mind and try to
hold it. When you can no longer hold it, or other images start
popping in, you are shifting to an altered state, and sleep will
soon overtake you. This takes practice, but eventually you will
recognize that exact moment where you fall asleep. Now, here is
where the suggestion comes in: At that moment, you must give
yourself the suggestion in your mind that you WILL project. This
method is one of the most successful but takes practice to
recognize the correct time to give the suggestion.
3. Chakra Alignment - This method involves visualization of
the chakra centers, to help align the flow of energy throughout
the spiritual body. As discussed earlier in this guidebook, the
chakra centers are alo links or gateways to the different levels
or planes of existence. Start at the crown chakra and work toward
the root or base chakra, visioning each one as a sphere or ball of
light hovering inside and emenating about 2cm outside of your
physical body.
If you do this prior to progressive muscular relaxation and willed
methods, you will have more success. Also, upon completion of the
meditation of the chakra centers and while you are performing the
relaxation technique of your choice, for astral projection- focus
specifically on the solar plexus center, and for etheric
projection- focus on the sacral center.
Name - Color - Location
- Corresponds to
Crown Center Violet Just above the head
At(O)mic Limit (Great Planes)
Brow Center Purple Forehead (third-eye)
Buddhic Plane
Throat Center Blue Center Throat
Higher Self
Heart Center Green Middle Chest
Mental Plane
Solar Plexus Yellow Base of sternum
Astral Plane
Sacral Center Orange Spleen
Etheric Plane
Root Center Red Base Of Spine
Physical Plane |
