Do you ever feel like fantastical places must exist somewhere out there, in the vastness of space and consciousness? Do you instinctively know you have a soul or perhaps fear that you don’t have a soul? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to different planes of existence, without the limitations of time? Well, even those who are incredulous at the idea are likely astral projecting most of the nights they sleep and so do we.
While it was once dismissed as mere mysticism or imagination, Astral Projection has lately been an interest in science. Recent scientific discoveries have finally begun to shed some light on this intriguing phenomenon. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of astral projection, explore the latest scientific findings, and examine how it relates to the laws of physics.
What is Astral Projection?
Astral projection, simply put, is a type of out-of-body experience or OBE. More specifically, it is the ability to move the astral body from the physical body while maintaining conscious awareness. Once that has been achieved, the point of perception shifts from the physical body to the astral body, and the astral body is then free to move astrally rather than physically. As this body is not limited to the physical world, it is able to travel through space and time.
Many people are disbelieving of Astral Projection upon discovery. As human beings on planet Earth, we commonly have this idea that proposes that we are a body and nothing more. Intuitively, others are certain we also possess a soul. Some believe we, likewise, have a spirit that differs from the soul. It’s common for people to deny it until they experience it themselves or after they’re challenged by other strange and unexplainable events that occur in their lives.
Before moving on in this post, I highly recommened checking out another post here in the Labyrinth, which explains the difference between the brain and the mind. This will help readers to better understand the distinction between the physical body and the astral body. To read it, click here.
It’s important to note that astral projection has been practiced for centuries by various cultural and spiritual traditions. Countless people alive today can confirm that astral projection is both possible and real. It is considered a powerful tool for releasing the fear of death, accelerating spiritual growth, and expanding one’s overall self-awareness. No matter one’s individual needs, it is a handy tool in our individual journeys.
Meanwhile, whether or not we realize it, it is highly likely that we astral project while we sleep. The difference between this type of astral projection and purposeful astral projection is that without conscious awareness of astral projecting while we sleep, we won’t remember it. If we do, it may be wildly vague and brushed off as a mere dream. To remember astral travel fully, we must make a conscious attempt to remain aware.
The Astral Body
The astral body, according to Yogis, is one of the seven layers within the subtle body. These layers are connected to each other energetically, while the majority of people only perceive the physical body. The seven chakras are thought to link to these seven bodies and the astral body is said to be connected to the fourth chakra, aka the heart chakra.
Among several spiritual communities, the astral body is believed to be connected to the physical body through an energy cord, commonly referred to as the silver cord. According to various astral travelers, the silver cord always shows them the way to their body when they’re ready to find it. Many people, however, do not ever see this silver cord. Regardless, each individual’s experiences differ and whether you see this cord or not is perfectly fine either way.
How to Astral Project
While astral projection may seem like it’s completely bogus without experiencing it, it is a natural ability that can be developed over time and with practice. For many, certain practices can help to induce astral projecting such as meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation, and intense focus are some of the key ingredients for success. Releasing the body’s tension is a highly effective tool in astral projection attempts that nearly all projectors agree upon, while some have luck using visualization techniques or saying mantras.
The hypnagogic state is the transitional state between wakefulness and sleep. It is during this state that astral projection becomes more easily accessible. To enter the hypnagogic state, you can utilize a plethora of other techniques like counting down from a certain number or listening to binaural beats. If these don’t work for you, there are others listed above. No matter which one you choose, remember that the key is to remain physically relaxed yet mentally alert.
Although not impossible, don’t worry if you don’t astral project on your first try. It takes most people some time, (days, months, or years depending on each individual), to fully get the hang of completely relaxing the physical body. Likewise, it takes practice to acquire the ability to stay focused instead of allowing the mind to wander. It is normal and natural to become distracted by thoughts, but once you’ve mastered the technique of re-centering your focus, you’re one step closer!
Astral Projection in Science
To better understand the connection between astral projection and physics, let’s delve into some basic principles of physics. According to the conservation of energy principle, energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another. In other words, energy moves and changes, but it isn’t born and it doesn’t die.
Quantum Theory
An intriguing discovery that may link to astral projection comes from the field of quantum physics. Quantum theory, which describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels, has recently questioned their understanding of the nature of reality. Some physicists have proposed that consciousness itself may play a fundamental role in shaping the universe. This idea aligns with the concept of astral projection, suggesting that consciousness can actually exist independently of the physical body. Therefore, we can interact with other dimensions within the astral body.
Spacetime
Another principle that relates to astral projection is the concept of spacetime. In physics, spacetime is the four-dimensional framework that combines three dimensions of space with one dimension of time. Astral projection suggests that consciousness can transcend the limitations of spacetime, allowing individuals to travel beyond the boundaries of our physical reality because they aren’t moving through these spacetime limitations with a physical body.
Near-Death Experiences
Dr. Kenneth Ring and Sharon Cooper conducted a study in 1997 to find out whether or not the soul left the body. Their research focused on near-death experiences and their potential impact on physical bodies. Ring and Cooper interviewed individuals who had experienced NDEs and documented their accounts.
Interestingly, many participants reported a sensation of weightlessness during these episodes. They claimed that they were able to view the room they were in, see their own lifeless bodies, and witness doctors and family members from outside of their physical bodies. Incredibly, the doctors, staff members, and family were able to confirm these events as true to what the victims had described as taking place while they were physically unconscious.
From Within the Labyrinth,
-Lakin
References:
- Blackmore, S. (2013). Out-of-Body Experiences. In The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Cognitive Science.
- Blanke, O., & Mohr, C. (2005). Out-of-body experience, heautoscopy, and autoscopic hallucination of neurological origin: Implications for neurocognitive mechanisms of corporeal awareness and self-consciousness. Brain research reviews, 50(1), 184-199.
- Radin, D. (2006). Entangled minds: Extrasensory experiences in a quantum reality. Simon and Schuster.
- Tegmark, M. (2003). Parallel universes. Scientific American, 288(5), 40-51.
- Tononi, G., & Koch, C. (2008). The neural correlates of consciousness: an update. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1124(1), 239-261.
- University of Ottawa. (2007). Brain activity during out-of-body experiences: New study examines what happens in the brain during near-death experiences. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070814175801.htm
- Ring, K., & Cooper, S. (1997). “Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Blind: A Study of Apparent Eyeless Vision.” Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1), 29–41.
You’re on it with the hypnogogic state.
You’re on it with the hypnogogic state. In my own experience
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