The following article is part of materials being prepared for a book on the
subject of astral projection. It is a work-in-progress and may be periodically
updated. The author hosts the Astral Projection Home Page.
This article focuses on the "experience" part of out-of-body experiences
("OOBEs"). It describes the feelings, sights and sounds common to
the process by which the astral body separates either partially or completely
from the physical body. It also lists some of the attitudes held by successful
OOBErs. Many people new to the process are quite surprised and often relieved
to learn that their "strange" experiences are in fact perfectly natural
and fairly common.
Depending on your experience level, you might be able to relate to some, many
or perhaps even all of the items listed below. Your experiences may well exceed
those presented here. This article is cumulative -- it lists as many experiences
as I could bring to mind. A typical OOBE will probably not include everything
contained in the list. After 50 or 100 OOBEs, however, you will probably recognize
many of the items with a knowing smile.
A little bit about this approach -- there are literally dozens of techniques
which may be used to leave the body. For newcomers, it might seem that many
of them are confusing, inconsistent and complicated. Why is this so? Someone
trying to teach an OOBE technique must naturally do so based on his or her particular
understanding of the phenomenon -- his or her world view will "color"
the presentation. Consider for a moment the staggering number of religions,
philosophies, movements and beliefs in the world. Now imagine someone from each
trying to tell you about OOBEs. They may all be describing the same mountain
but they each advocate a different path to the top!
Have you ever been in trance (mind awake/body asleep)? Whether you entered
it by dancing around a fire, sitting zazen or progressive relaxation, the results
were probably remarkably similar. The same is true of OOBEs. The OOBE process
itself is fairly straightforward and refreshingly untainted by "background
belief".
There is an exceptionally important reason why you should thoroughly familiarize
yourself with the details of the OOBE process. Do you know what it is? When
you are "out", LACK OF FAMILIARITY OFTEN RESULTS IN FEAR AND AN IMMEDIATE
RETURN TO THE BODY. Fear is like a "proceed directly to jail" card
(where the jail is your physical body). And don't kid yourself, an intellectual
understanding alone won't do -- your body and especially your Unconscious Mind
must become comfortable with the process. Otherwise your fears will run rampant.
To summarize, this article should help to make you realize that your own experiences
are natural and fairly common. Relax, you are not alone. In addition, basing
the approach on the experience itself rather than technique helps to minimize
the taint of "world view." Finally, knowing the scenery so to speak
will help you to remain relaxed, focused and composed, which are all essential
to OOBE success.
The next time you have an OOBE, try to write down your experience (after your
return to your body, naturally) and identify what you felt, saw, heard and thought
at each stage. You might be surprised at the results. Remember -- the answer
is in there!
OOBEs Are Something You "Do" -- And Can
Get Better At
While OOBEs just seem to happen (spontaneously or miraculously) to some people,
most sucessful projectors have the attitude that OOBEs are something we "do."
Results are produced by the right knowledge and attitude, diligent practice,
and long term effort. Can everyone have a "conscious" OOBE? Probably
not. Can you? Perhaps. It may sound like a cliche but the mere fact that you're
reading this article means that you are interested in this subject and that
suggests that you have at some degree of astral ability. Let your interest
take root and grow. Are you willing to work at it with no guarantees? Good!
Projectors Are Drawn To It
Like moths to flame, many of us are drawn to OOBEs. We can't really help it.
It's not that OOBEs are cool, neat, fantastic, or the "in" thing
to do -- at a deep level something tugs at us. Remember that time, long ago
when you were a child and found yourself "out"? You can't forget
it, can you? The memory and feeling is always right there... tugging at you.
Successful Long-Term Projectors Are Physically Grounded
There is an unfortunate tendency for some people to become physically weak
and mentally disoriented as a result of OOBE training. Some say that it is
easier to project when the body is physically weak. This may be true but it
is at best, a short-term, narrow-sighted strategy. Successful projection requires
an abundance of internal energy, much of which can only be derived from a
healthy physical body (think of it as your generator). A relaxed, balanced,
healthy physical body is far superior to a weak, sickly one. In addition,
a weak body negatively affects the mind. You should engage in regular exercise
to ensure that you will remain properly grounded. Why do you think the yoga
masters and zen priests also practice a physical discipline -- not just meditation?
If you feel yourself becoming "flighty" or disoriented, take a break
from your OOBE training and go for a walk at the park or beach, play with
your children, participate in a sport, etc. Give yourself time to recharge
your battery.
Physical Limitations Do Not Result In Astral Limitations
Having said that it is important to take the steps necessary to maintain a
healthy body, I should add that physical limitations do not necessarily affect
your ability to have OOBEs. I wear glasses and am pretty nearsighted. Nevertheless,
my OOBE vision is perfect. What about people with missing limbs? Many will
find that they are whole when they are "out." I believe that you
can learn to project despite disease, physical limitation, injury, etc. Also,
you can project despite the fact that you have metal pins or other foreign
objects in your body.
Keep in mind that shape is a very flexible thing in the astral. Sometimes
people project as a mere point of consciousness, a geometric form or as nothing
at all discernible. Therefore, you should not feel too attached to your physical
form -- that attachment will make it more difficult for your to project. I
believe that the pure astral form is always in its prime, so to speak. It
is neither young nor old, and at higher levels it is neither male nor female.
The astral body feels the same as the soul between lives.
Astral Diet
There is no magic diet which assures OOBE success. Rather, the proper diet
during OOBE training is one which makes you feel healthy, energetic and comfortable.
Heavy (especially meats), oily or spicy foods might make it difficult to train.
I was in a class learning to sit zazen many years ago and the teacher mentioned
that we should not eat pizza before training. There is nothing wrong with
pizza -- he simply did not want us to burp (because it would disrupt the sitting
and our composure)! In addition, eating or drinking too much will make you
have to use the restroom more often, which could disrupt your OOBE training
session. It is better to feel a little hungry while engaged in OOBE training
rather than feeling too full.
Several people have mentioned to me that being a little thirsty is useful.
Place a glass of water down the hall or in another room and will yourself
to leave your body and go get a drink.
I do not think it is necessary to be vegetarian but I can appreciate the
value of it. Also, I do not personally recommend fasting but recognize that
it is a part of many traditions. Use common sense and take good care of your
body.
Reading About OOBEs Only Helps So Much
I never met anyone who simply read books about guitars and magically developed
the ability to play! OOBEs are like playing a musical instrument, practicing
a martial art, meditating, etc. You should read books and articles to familiarize
yourself with the subject but success requires practice (and often years of
trial and error). Also keep in mind that as described below, you will need
to learn to function with non-verbal awareness and this is the antithesis
of conventional forms of study such as reading or attending lectures.
I went to a writer's conference once and talked to one of the speakers. He
mentioned that many of the same people turned out year after year but never
wrote anything at all! Don't become a "fan" of OOBEs. They are something
to do. I also know a Zen priest who likes to say that reading an entire library
of books on the subject of Zen adds up to less than a pimple on your butt!
The same could be said about OOBEs.
An Encompassing Belief System
Successful astral projectors have a belief system in which OOBEs are accepted.
Suppose you define life as spirit animating the flesh. Well, having the spirit
leave the body seems to violate this definition. Unless OOBEs fit within your
belief system, your conscious mind -- and more importantly your Unconscious
Mind -- will create all kinds of roadblocks to your success.
Keep It In Perspective
Take at look at the tip of the fingernail on the little finger of your right
hand. That's how important OOBEs are in the grand scheme of things. OOBEs
don't make you enlightened, give you a free pass to heaven, etc. Some people
read about saints or holy people who could leave their bodies and foolishly
think that developing the same ability will make them saintly or holy. Hey,
they did a lot more than that! You have to work on your life!
A Fearless, Daring Attitude
Who You? Yes you! You might have heard or read about all sorts of dangers
associated with OOBEs. I have written an article entitled Understanding Out-of-Body
Fears, which lists many of the fears people report based on the number of
times they have left their bodies. As you would expect, people who have had
many experiences tend to be less fearful. But fear is something which must
be managed, especially for beginners.
I believe that there is a "fear barrier" which is designed to keep
out curiosity seekers and the timid. OOBE success comes to those who fully
understand the risks but are willing to train despite it all. Hey, most of
us can't help it anyway -- we are drawn to it. In addition, many seemingly
irrational fears are created by the Unconscious Mind because it is uncomfortable
with the astral process. Have you asked for its permission and cooperation?
Many OOBE fears are based on the wrongful assumption that the astral world
is a direct (but less dense) counterpart of the physical world. If you went
on a journey to a strange place in "this" world, you might rightfully
worry about getting lost. Not suprisingly, the most commonly reported OOBE
fear is that of getting lost. Falling is another very common fear. Don't let
your 3D assumptions get in the way of your OOBE training.
OOBE Affirmations
Some people find it useful to write and repeat OOBE affirmations -- positive
statements about what you will do (can already do). Merely repeating things
does nothing but stating meaningful words and phrases with 100% conviction
should produce some results. To some extent, you are giving instructions to
your Unconscious Mind. Be very careful about what you ask for -- you just
might get it!
Training Place
It should be clean, quiet, secure, uncluttered and to the extent possible,
reserved for OOBE training. You will pick up on the vibrations of the area
when you get "out" -- you might even see them -- so plan ahead.
Also, clutter tends to make novices disoriented. I would avoid heavy duty
electrical appliances in the immediate area. Turn off the television and radio,
switch off the alarm, unplug the telephone -- prevent disruptions. Also, make
sure the door is locked so that you won't have to worry about "phantom"
intruders later.
When you have a "special" place for OOBE training, your Unconscious
Mind will learn that it is time to go "out" when you are there.
Simply entering the space with the objective of leaving your body will trigger
your Unconscious Mind's OOBE autoexec file. If you practice a martial art,
think of your training place as your OOBE dojo. You could also think of it
as your OOBE temple. It is a special, holy place where you come face to face
with your True Self. You should treat it with reverence.
Spouse
If you share a bed with a spouse or lover, you might consider moving to another
room for a few hours for OOBE training. Restless movements or noises can be
very disturbing. In addition, a sleeping person might tend to make you sleepy
as well -- sleep is infectious. Naturally, if your spouse or lover also projects,
OOBE training in the same bed/location might be ideal.
Position
You are lying flat on your back. Perhaps you are seated in a comfortable chair
or in a lotus/half-lotus position on the floor. In any case, you are resting
comfortably in a stable position. Plan ahead so that the jerking motion of
"nodding off" will not terminate your OOBE. For the most part, OOBEs
while walking or otherwise in movement are an exception.
Magnetic Orientation
Don't worry about it. Some swear by aligning the head towards magnetic North.
I think it is just a mental crutch. You are about to step out of conventional
time/space so you might as well start thinking in an unlimited way. Don't
create unnecessary barriers to projecting.
Some Form Of Invocation Of Protection
Most skilled projectors protect their physical space and various bodies (physical
and astral) by prayer, energy formations, etc. One of my teachers warned me
to ensure that I always, always do this (and I do!).
Clear Purpose -- Definite Target
Have a very clear idea about what you are going to do. Don't just think, "I
am going to leave my body." That's too general for now. Plan a specific
course -- where you will go, who you will visit (with permission), what you
will discuss, when you will return, etc. Have a DEFINITE TARGET! Go there
in the physical ahead of time and set an energy marker (a homing beacon so
to speak). Then desire to go to it with all your being. Half-hearted efforts
get no results. Most people fail at OOBEs because they lack the discipline
and patience to train correctly. It's not something to do because it's cool
or to be able to say, "been there, done that." It is a very serious
undertaking. Astral keys can open a Pandora's Box or the Hall of Records!
Noble Aim Or Goal
There is a saying in Japanese: "bachi ga ataru." In English we say,
"What goes around comes around." Bad deeds come back multiplied
and in the astral, the return is very quick. Act at all times in a noble manner
and with a good intent.
Some Form Of Progressive Relaxation
You will probably find that a systematic method of progressively relaxing
the body produces far better results than just lying there. It will also help
you to avoid falling asleep involuntarily. Many people visualize the various
parts of their body switching off from toes to head. Feel your body (the inside
as well as the outside) and watch it as it slows down and goes to sleep (into
trance).
Some Form Of Deep Or Rhythmic Breathing
Breathing exercises are an important part of progressive relaxation. The breaths
are gradually lengthened so that the number of inhales and exhales per minute
is reduced. Sometimes it might even feel like you are not breathing at all
or that the air is coming in through your skin. Your internal energy is largely
generated by your breath so proper breathing is extremely important. By the
time you've finished your routine of progressive relaxation combined with
deep or rhythmic breathing, you will likely find yourself in the next stage.
Catalepsy Or Sleep Paralysis
Your physical body will "go to sleep." It will be heavy and you
will not be able to move it, except with great effort. Attempting to move
at this point will likely terminate the experience and result in discomfort.
Some people panic the first few times they experience this paralysis. Relax,
soon you will learn to enjoy it. And it is an excellent sign of your progress.
Mind Awake
You might get the distinct feeling that while your body is completely asleep
(paralyzed), your mind is fully awake -- in fact, it feels incredibly clear.
The initial novelty of this experience should help you to focus on what's
going on and minimize any stray thoughts. Gradually let your thoughts settle.
Do not initiate new lines of thought. Simply relax mentally until you are
pure awareness.
The Buzzing Sound
Energy takes many forms. You will likely hear a sound that may be as gentle
as leaves rustling, could be more like the buzzing of insects, or might even
be as loud as a roaring train or howling hurricane. You might even hear music.
But you will probably hear something -- and it might be quite pronounced.
Relax, it's normal. If the sound is annoying, try to raise the pitch an octave
or two.
The Light
Although described less often, the energy could result in flashing lights,
waves of pulsating colors, etc. I find that at a certain pitch and intensity
of sound, the light kicks in. I tend to think that light is a higher form
of energy. Your eyes might flicker (rapid eye movements). Rather than trying
to look around (with your eyes shut because you can't move) focus your attention
on your third eye (the spot between your eyebrows).
The "Itchy Skin" Feeling
Depending on the form(s) your energy has taken, you might feel electric, itchy,
like insects are crawling all over your skin, hot, etc. Again, relax. If it
is uncomfortable, try to raise your pitch (energy frequency). The physical
sensations follow the pitch. With practice the process becomes pleasant. I
sometimes get the feeling of being sunburned on the "inside."
A Hard Tongue
This does not happen very often but if the light and sound become very strong
and your gaze is set on your third eye, you might find your tongue pressing
against the roof of your mouth and becoming rigid. Your breathing will probably
have become very rapid as well. This is described in the Kundalini literature.
At such a time, remain calm and watch -- this is a pretty rare and fantastic
show! You can leave your body later.
Sudden Stillness
The sound is roaring, the light is flashing, your skin is electric... then
suddenly it all stops. The silence is deafening. For a split second you can't
even think. You are still inside your body but you feel like you a tiny point
of awareness in a huge expanse. It's almost like being in a dark cavern. Just
wait. Don't let your mind run off in a million directions. Something wonderful
is about to happen.
A Switch-Over To Non-Verbal Awareness
You won't be able to think in the way to which you are accustomed. One of
my teachers described this by saying: "You can't think 1, 2 3."
To some extent, you become a witness to what is happening to you. But your
awareness is not passive. You are still in control, it is just that there
is no internal verbalization or dialogue. There is no separation between thought
and action. Later, after you return to your body, you will have to translate
the experience into words. This will feel somewhat like remembering a dream.
In fact, the Watcher of the dream and the Watcher of OOBEs is the same.
This phase is of critical importance. Practicing "non-verbal awareness"
during normal consciousness is an important part of OOBE training. Reading
without verbalizing (the words just stream in without being spoken or translated...
like an ultra-highspeed modem connection), typing without verbalizing, performing
dance or martial arts without thought... these are all helpful. You will find
that "wordless awareness" is not the same as "not thinking."
Without formulating the question you will find that the answer is right there
-- there is no gap.
The Watcher
I am not using this term with reference to a particular belief system. Some
religions or groups might also use the term. I am using it in an experiential
sense. When I project, I feel the presence of my own "Watcher" which
is a part of "me" but not part of my ordinary thinking mind. It
is there when I project, dream, sleep, think, daydream, work... always. This
may have been my own "Higher Self"... I don't know. After this article
was first posted, someone suggested that the term "Monitor" was
more appropriate. I think that in truth that no term is sufficient. You could
call it "the part of you that can't be named but you know its there at
all times and is incredibly wise and powerful and ageless...."
Your Self-Concept Is Limiting -- Pack Light For
Your Trip
Who you think you are will limit the perceptions which will be acceptable
to you. Inconsistent perceptions will either seem dreamlike or will be ignored
or deleted. Imagine yourself purified to the bare essence -- to the part of
you that truly makes you, you. Imagine a large mass of coal which over the
ages becomes a tiny diamond. Much of what you consider to be "you"
(height, weight, skin color, gender, age, race, religion, economic status,
education level, etc.) does not pass from life to life. They are just variables.
It is the core you, the essence, which is the real you and which is active
during OOBEs. Leave the unnecessary "trapping" of your personality
behind. Get ready... there's a bigger YOU waiting. You are going on a divine
trip. Pack lightly.
Movement
You are moving. Direction is irrelevant... up, sideways, down. There is no
"good" or "bad" direction. Go with the flow. Rise, float,
spin, sink, climb, soar.... Go with it -- don't fight it. You might feel air
rushing over your body, your hair flowing back, all this indicates movement.
You might hear the rushing of wind. Good.
If you do not experience a sense of movement, you may be able to initiate
it by visualization. Don't limit yourself to images of rising up. Also try
using the image and feeling of being pulled out. Be creative.
Expanding Boundaries -- Physical Triggers
You might feel like your body is growing in all directions -- like the boundaries
are expanding. You may feel it localized around your head, feet or even near
your stomach. Relax and go with it. Extend the feeling. Bring it back and
extend it again, this time farther. This might be a good time to imagine floating
like a cloud.
Dual Awareness
You might feel like you are simultaneously inside your body and outside of
it. Sometimes your awareness will bounce back and forth! This is usually a
transition stage which will pass fairly quickly. Remain aware at such times.
Leaving the body is really about learning to shift your attention from one
place (the physical body) to another (the astral body). The astral body does
not merely sleep within the body during your waking hours -- it is very active.
Right now it might be outside of your physical body and you don't even know
it! Can you shift your attention to it?
The Tunnel
Some people (especially in near-death-experiences) find themselves moving
down a dark tunnel with a point of light at the end. Some do not. It doesn't
matter. You're not out of your body yet... but you're almost there.
Click -- That's it
You might hear a click, a switching sound, a crack. It's not your skull breaking...
it's just a sound. Maybe it's the sound of an astral form of static electricity
as you pass through the physical barrier. Congratulations... you're out!
Black Out
Maybe you've lost consciousness. Remember, you've already lost your normal
thinking mind and switched to the nonverbal. But for a few minutes you might
be completely "blacked out." That's alright. Just be diligent about
seizing your awareness at the earliest opportunity.
Awakening In A Dream
You might have to regain awareness by awakening in a dream. A lucid dream
can be an entry point to OOBEs. Identify any anomalies in the dream. Seize
control by doing something tactile -- touch something. Skilled astral projectors
are usually also skilled dreamers.
Sheer Terror
Some people, after weeks, months or even years of training, finally achieve
an OOBE only to find themselves frightened to the bone, gripped by absolute
terror, scared almost to death, etc. Panic sets in and the immediate result
is a quick and sometimes unpleasant return to the body. Why the fright? Imagine
standing near the edge of a cliff. Intellectually you might feel perfectly
safe but your "gut" makes you feel scared. Your body reacts to situations
that it perceives as dangerous. During your first OOBE, you will still be
very close to your physical body -- barely separated from it -- and it will
still exert a strong influence on you. Trust me, with experience the fear
disappears.
Oh, another reason for the fear is that you think you are dead... really dead.
If you are reading this, that obviously was not true.
If the fear persists, go back and reassess your belief system. Also, respectfully
ask your Unconscious Mind what's troubling it.
You're Home
You feel that you have returned to a familiar place, somewhere you've been
many times before. You have! You're home, safe. Cherish the feeling. You'll
probably not want to leave.
Your Normal State
Are you a physical being which can project into the astral, or an astral being
which descends into the flesh? Think about it for a moment. Right now you
are physical (I assume) and later today you might have an OOBE. When that
happens, are you going "out" or waking up? It is a journey or a
return? You can see that it all depends on your perspective. For some people
(probably a very small group), OOBEs are the natural state. Can you imagine
how slow and limiting the physical world must be for an astral being? They
might naturally feel disinterested in it and even in some of the people who
inhabit it.
You Can't See
It takes a while for your astral senses to switch on. You're probably not
used to using them except when completely unaware. What I mean by this is
your nonverbal Watcher has to get the knack of using the astral sight, hearing
and sense of touch. Sorry Bud but you're working at a preschool level right
now and your Watcher has a Ph.D. It doesn't really like diddling around in
the near physical level and it has to relearn the ropes!
Many novices report seeing a black or gray mist. Just give your astral eyes
some time. Don't "blindly" interpret the vision (or lack thereof)
to mean that you're in a dark, evil realm. If you are uncomfortable where
you are, raise your pitch/vibration.
Seeing Your Physical Body
There's no rule that says you have to examine your physical body. But if you
do you'll probably find that it seems very foreign and practically lifeless...
inanimate. You might even feel indifferent to it -- as if it is merely a convenient
vehicle, like a car. Can you see the energy you set up around your body for
protection? If not, do it now.
Everything Shines
More correctly, everything is illuminated by its own light. There is no sense
of dark once your astral eyes being to function. There is ambient light even
in an absolute vacuum.
Are Your Feet Touching The Ground
Probably not! Do you even have feet? Hmmmm. The physical body is a vehicle
--like a car. Whether you call it a temple of enlightenment or a prison, it
is a vehicle. You are not limited by your physical characteristics. At the
highest level you are pure light.
The Silver Cord
You might see it. You might not. Your attachment to your physical body is
normally invisible (sort of like gravity) -- no need to clutter up the astralscape.
Don't be too iteral about it. Even if you don't see a cord, you will probably
have occasion to feel it. The cord (visible or invisible) may be attached
to your astral body in various places. Don't worry about it.
Eight Corners -- Spherical View
You can see in all directions at the same time. Some describe this as seeing
the 8 corners of the room. Try it. It is difficult to see 6 while physical.
Some also describe this as having an eye in the back of the head. Your astral
vision is not limited by direction. It takes a while to get used to this.
Directional Confusion
Right, left, up, down? It gets confusing. We are accustomed to moving in only
two directions. Now you are moving in three... actually more. Some people
begin to get confused between left and right even while physical! OOBE vision
is often reversed, inverted or inside-out -- but not always.
No Time Or An Altered Sense Of It
Sometimes an OOBE seems very brief, and yet it last many minutes or even hours.
The opposite is also true -- what seems like an extremely long OOBE may only
take seconds. You are in a different time/space.
Time Travel
Some OOBErs report that they can travel backward and forward in time. I can't
offer any personal guidance on this. For some reason, when I project I have
no interest in the subject.
Limitations Are Mental
The walls cannot hold you, the ceilings cannot keep you in, gravity cannot
weigh you down...unless you let them. The more you act like you are physical,
the more limited you will be.
Astral Motion
Novices tend to act like they are swimming or flying. You create your own
limitations. Some people go from Point A to Point B by traveling through space.
Others just jump straight to Point B. Tunnels, vortexes, mists... there are
many modes of travel.
Light Is Intelligent
Oh my, the light is alive. Yes it is. The higher you go, the more alive --
and intelligent -- it gets. This may sound mystic. Quite the opposite is true.
Imagine a giant hologram containing scans of every page of every book of the
Library of Congress. If that hologram were shattered, every little piece would
continue to contain the entire contents (only smaller and perhaps at a different
angle). I think that light is very like that -- small pieces of the Whole.
At the higher astral levels, light can be read, so to speak. But by that time,
you are normally acting beyond the capability of words. Sounds mystic again,
I know.
Joy, Joy, Joy! Unbridled ecstacy, joy, bliss, rapture, clarity, happiness
beyond words, indescribable freedom.... Hey, being out-of-the-body is not
so bad!
Enhanced Understanding
You will just "know" certain things. This is not the first time
you have been "out," perhaps just the first time your were consciously
"out." Your Watcher knows infinitely more than your ordinary consciousness.
As you gain more experience, insights will begin to stream in. The answer
is in there! Be respectful enough to pay attention to the whispers.
Telepathic Communication
You can "hear" what someone is thinking. Actually, since neither
of you are thinking (you are functioning non-verbally) you know each other's
thoughts directly. In any event, you will probably not be speaking in the
usual sense.
Astral Etiquette
You are not a visitor here (this is where you belong in a sense), but for
the time being you are a novice. Act with courtesy and respect toward the
beings (that sounds better than people to me) you meet. This is not like the
internet where "flaming" has relatively no consequence. Negative
emotions or outbursts here can have serious repercussions. Initially, treat
everyone you meet as a potential teacher.
Like Attracts Like
You attract and are attracted to like energy. If you don't like your surroundings
ask yourself why you have been drawn to them. Rise out of areas that make
you fill ill at ease. By rising out I am referring to frequency rather than
direction.
Secondary Black Out
You might have "blacked out" (lost consciousness) when you first
left your body. It might happen again when you're out but for a different
reason. You will black out whenever you exceed your ability to perceive or
remember. You (the Watcher) can perceive a great deal. You (consciousness)
can only remember a little. The more you become accustomed to non-verbal awareness,
the more you will be able to remember. Also, you will not be able to remember
correctly if you become confused or overwhelmed by too many sensations.
Let's pretend that you are a television set with 36 channels. Your Watcher
is an expert at all of them. In fact, it has a remote control with its favorite
channels preprogrammed. It likes to jump around. Your conscious mind is only
good at Channels 1 and 2 (maybe). Everything else comes in as static or scrambled
images. So your OOBE might be going along fine while you are on Channels 1
and 2 but black out -- or become dreamlike -- when your Watcher hits the remote
and jumps to its favorite channel. This is overly simplistic but you get the
idea.
Hey Bud... you're not just that little conscious mind! Your conscious mind
will have to learn to cooperate (non-verbally) with the Watcher. Remember,
the conscious mind translates your OOBE -- after the fact usually -- into
words, sentences and "normal" daily thoughts. It will only be able
to do so if it remains focused non-verbally during the OOBE.
Let's return to the television example. Imagine that each channel is twice
as strong as the one below it. Channel 2 is twice as strong as Channel 1,
Channel 36 is twice as strong as Channel 35.... The "strength" of
the channel strikes against "verbal thinking." The force will be
minimal at the first couple of levels but pretty soon, even the slightest
verbal thought will result in a blackout (sensory overload). But if the mind
is kept perfectly nonverbal, there will be no resistance no matter how strong
the force (even 1,000,00 times 0 = 0).
There was on old Star Trek episode (I only like the old ones). Captain Kirk,
Spock and Bones were trapped in a force field. Finally, Spock realized that
the way to get out was to clear the mind of thoughts. The force field was
powered by thoughts and resistance! How profound!
Back to the television... there are really an infinite number of channels.
And the Watcher can actually function on many at the same time. Just wanted
to make that clear.
Snap Back
If the body is disturbed, you become afraid, if any number of things
happen, you might feel yourself snapping back to your body. You might sense
movement at great speed or you might just feel a jerk as you enter your body.
This is typical in early experiences and rare with more experience (unless
someone touches your body -- which you should have planned for/against). With
a snap back, you might suddenly find your heart and respiration racing. Calm
down and don't move. In fact, don't move for a few minutes. Let your astral
body properly realign itself to the physical.
Catalepsy Or Waking-Up Paralysis
Well, it often happens again! This is the reverse of what happens when you
leave your body. When you return, there is a transition time when you cannot
move. Don't try to move for few minutes. Just rest comfortably. Your recollection
is greatest right now! This is the time to translate what happened during
your OOBE into words and thoughts. This may sound hard but with practice it
is sort of like clicking on a file and unzipping it! Really.
Going "Out" Again -- And Again
The attachment between your physical and astral bodies is very weak when you
first return. It is often easier to leave the body again during the return
paralysis. Sometimes you might be able to go back and forth several times.
It feels a little like bouncing or being in two places at the same time. This
is a good time to practice your exit and entry techniques. The more times
you do it the more you will be able to do it! I hear from many people who
have left their bodies more than 100 times -- sometimes many times in a single
session.
The Intruders
Hey, who are those three guys (or women) behind me, watching me, inching closer.
I want to stand up and run away! Don't get excited. This is normal. Maybe
they are your guides, maybe they are your Watcher. Maybe it's just that you
feel very vulnerable because you can't move yet. If you have taken the proper
precautions before you left your body (secured the room, among other things),
you should feel perfectly safe. If the entities persist, non-verbally thank
them for their help and ask them to identify themselves.
Record Your Experiences
After you regain complete physical control, promptly write down or tape record
the highlights of your OOBE. At least in the beginning, this will help you
with the remembering and translation process. It is a process. People project
without knowing it! Leaving the body is really not about separation mechanics
as much as it is about training yourself to function non-verbally and remember
what happens.
The Failure Of Words
Try to write down the highlights of your experience. But don't be surprised
if words fail you. Who says that words can express EVERYTHING? Sometimes when
I try to describe my experiences I reach a point where I get tongue tied --
so overwhelmed by the enormity of it all that I become nonsensical. Sometimes,
to define is to defile. Also, one of my teachers often advised that I not
dilute the experience by talking about it. He was a very wise man.
Physical Disorientation
You might feel physically disoriented after your first few experiences. You
might feel dizzy or just not "right." Once in a while I had difficulty
walking correctly -- and I probably could not walk and chew gum at the same
time! The best remedy for me was a quick nap. Your astral body naturally realigns
itself after a nap.
The best way to avoid disorientation all together is to take the time to properly
align yourself when you return to your body. Don't just jump up!
Close The Chakras
If you've opened them, close them now. I don't think about this much but people
are always warning me to do it so I've included it here.
Automation -- Autoexec File
After a while most of the steps described here become automated, so to speak.
Instead of going through each step consciously, you might just set the mood
and go. A similar thing happens when you switch on your computer. Your autoexec
file saves you time and trouble by loading the required files, running diagnostics
and getting to the correct initial directory. But remember -- if you cannot
consciously OOBE (or remember it afterwards), one of the main problems may
be that you've already unconsciously automated the process and your consciousness
was left "out of the loop." Learning to have OOBEs is more a matter
of learning to consciously tag along and to do this you might have to edit
your autoexec codes.
Heightened Awareness in "Ordinary" Consciousness
You have opened the door. Don't be surprised when you just "know"
things. Your view of Channel 0 (the physical plane) may begin to be accented
by scenes from the higher channels. Don't be surprised, either, if the Watcher
starts to be more active... after all, you've begun to enter his/her realm.
Take care that your OOBE activities do not make you lose your common sense
or neglect your family, work and other responsibilities.
Intuition Of Impending OOBEs
Once you get the knack of it, you will generally know when you're primed and
ready to go astral. Sometimes you will just know that it will not happen or
should not happen. Go with your intuition. At other times, you will feel the
need to go "out" without knowing why. The reason will usually present
itself at the right time.
Hey, I Sense That You Can Do It Too
When you get that feeling you might stop and say, "Hmmmm." People
who do this tend to recognize each other pretty quickly. They seem like old
friends (sometimes lovers). This is hard to explain but perhaps you know what
I mean. But you certainly should be discreet about it. Don't run up to people
and say, "Hey, can you leave your body?" They will probably think
you are nuts. And maybe they are not consciously aware of their own abilities.
Perhaps you met before on Channel 36. Can they remember that? Can you?
A Reluctance To Talk About It
You might consider your gift to be a secret to be carefully guarded. Depending
on your social and personal environment, you might be right. I think 99% of
the people who do this are reluctant to speak about it -- unless they get
involved with an understanding circle of friends who share the gift. Those
of us who write about the experience tend to have a weird split personality
-- mega-nonverbal and mega-verbal at the same time (or able to switch back
and forth easily).
A Changed Attitude About Death
You've been out of your physical body. It wasn't so bad, was it? In fact,
it felt like returning home. Your views about death might need to be revised.
It's not that you are looking forward to death -- but you are not running
away from it either.
What Is Your Astral Body Doing Right Now
Now this question can be asked. If I asked it earlier it might not have made
as much sense. Your astral body does not simply lie dormant in your physical
body waiting for you to activate it. No way! It is always active. Sometimes
you can shift your focus to it and we call that an OOBE. But at other times
it is fully active while you are awake. Back to the Watcher. It can "watch"
or network the various aspects of your "self" quite nicely.
You can use your astral while you are physical. Try giving it a task and then
be sensitive to the signals it will give you when the mission is completed.
Listen for the "tiny" voice. If you ignore it, it won't be as cooperative
the next time you ask.
Highest And Best Use -- Your "Calling"
Why do you think you can do this? For amusement? Certainly not! Find the reason...
seek it during OOBEs if you like. Find what it is you are to do and try your
best to do it. I think we all have the duty to try to raise the consciousness
of the planet (maybe more than that) just a little. And remember, you are
physical for a reason. That reason is not to always leave your body! You wanted
to be here. Astral projection is just a small part of the plate you have set
for yourself.
I Can't Do It Again No Matter How Hard I Try --
That Free Pass
I've added this category because so many people complain to me about it. If
your first OOBE was spontaneous -- I think of such OOBEs as a "free pass"
-- you might have difficulty repeating it unless you engage in a disciplined,
long-term course of OOBE training. What I mean by this is a free pass gets
you "out" despite your hectic work schedule, poor health, unfocused
mind, lack of effort, etc. But to do it again you're going to have to work
at it. You don't get many free passes in life! The above also applies if you
began to experience OOBEs during your childhood or teenage years and then
lost the ability.
