Astral projection is a spiritual practice, and it talks about an out-of-body experience that people have. The soul leaves the body, and then people go on a soul journey or also known as spiritual travel.
This happens when a subtle body, which is called the astral body, allows your mind or consciousness to leave and be independent from the physical body. This allows the soul to go on the astral plane and to travel. This isn’t something that science has proven to be true.
There are many beliefs when it comes to astral projection and even ideas on how to make it happen. If you believe in it and you think it can be done, then you might be one who gets a chance to try it out. It is thought to bring spiritual insight and to expand the conscious mind of those who actually experience it.
Scientists do believe that out-of-body experiences come from a mental state where people are dreaming or are in an altered state of consciousness. Many psychologists and neuroscientists believe that out-of-body experiences are related to pathological activity patterns.
The idea of astral projection goes to the roots of the birth of theosophy, which happened in the late 19th century. This was a movement with Henry Steel Olcott and Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, and their basis on Tibetan and other cultures. This practice is something that is different based on the cultures, though, and the idea of astral projection goes further than the 19th century.
Historical literature such as “The Secret of the Golden Flower” mentions meditation and astral projection, and it has been seen in different religions such as Taoist, Wiccan, Hindu, and more.
How to Astral Project Safely and Naturally
Astral projection might sound like something reserved for mystics or monks, but the truth is, it’s a practice that anyone can explore with the right mindset and a little preparation. Dr. Deganit Nuur, a respected spiritual teacher and healer, compares the connection between the body and spirit during astral projection to an energetic umbilical cord. This cord, filled with light, links the solar plexus (your third chakra, just above your belly button) to your light body or soul. That’s what keeps you tethered while you travel.
If you’re curious and ready to try it, here’s a gentle way to begin:
Start by lying down somewhere quiet where you feel completely at ease. Let your muscles soften, and release the tension from your shoulders, jaw, and hips. Once your body is still, begin to let your thoughts slow down. Let go of your to-do list. Just breathe and start inviting in peaceful energy.
Now, picture that glowing cord extending out from your solar plexus. Visualize it gently reaching outward into the astral realm, an expansive, calm space where consciousness exists beyond the body. This space may feel dreamy or infinite, but don’t overthink it. Just imagine you’re stretching your awareness into it.
Before you go any further, say clearly, either out loud or in your mind, that you intend to astral project. Affirm that this experience is for your growth, clarity, or healing. Keep your heart open and your body soft. As you feel yourself begin to shift, maybe there’s a floating sensation, a tingling, or a hum, don’t fight it. Just allow yourself to observe and stay relaxed.
If everything aligns and the projection happens, you may find yourself gently hovering above your physical form or moving into an entirely new space. The feeling is often described as lightness, relief, and a deep sense of freedom. If you’re carrying any tension or unresolved emotions, this moment can feel incredibly healing.
Let your exploration be calm and curious. You’re still connected to your physical self because there’s no danger of being “stuck” or lost. When you feel ready to return, simply think of your body. Your awareness will begin to pull back, like a thread gently reeling you in. Before you open your eyes, take a moment to ground yourself and give thanks for the experience.
If this is all new to you, it’s helpful to study the practice and connect with trusted mentors who can guide you as you learn. It’s okay to take it slow.
What Does Astral Projection Actually Feel Like?
People often describe astral projection as similar to an out-of-body experience, but there’s one big difference: intent. Astral projection is done on purpose, while OBEs often just happen, especially during trauma or intense emotion. Still, both can feel incredibly real.
When it happens, it may feel like your awareness is floating above your body, as if you’re gently unhooked from your usual sense of gravity. Some people say it’s like flying without effort. Others describe it as feeling like you’re watching your sleeping body from the ceiling, or suddenly exploring a totally different environment, one that feels vivid but somehow familiar.
The world around you might seem altered in subtle ways. Light might look different. Emotions may feel clearer or more heightened. It’s not a dream in the usual sense, but it can still be fluid and symbolic.
Now, it’s worth noting that some skeptics, like psychologist Donovan Rawcliffe, believe that astral projection could be explained as a type of hallucination or dream. While it’s always good to explore these ideas critically, many people who’ve projected intentionally will tell you: it doesn’t feel like a dream. It feels conscious. It feels real.
Is Astral Projection Safe?
Astral projection isn’t new. Cultures all over the world have been practicing it for centuries, from shamanic journeys to modern spiritual self-care routines. When done mindfully, it can be a deeply healing tool that helps you let go of stress, reconnect to yourself, and even process unresolved experiences.
But here’s where you need to be careful, especially if you’ve been through trauma or emotional distress. Dr. Nuur explains that sometimes people leave their bodies without realizing it when they feel unsafe. It’s a natural defense mechanism. But if we don’t learn how to stay grounded or re-enter gently, we can start to feel disconnected—not just from our bodies, but from our sense of control.
That’s why it’s important to always set intentions before projecting and make sure you’re in a safe, comfortable space emotionally and physically. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, it might help to work with a healer, therapist, or guide who understands energy work. Having someone you trust in your corner makes a big difference.
Astral projection, at its core, is about conscious expansion, not escape. It’s not about running away from life but moving deeper into your own energy and truth.
You don’t need fancy rituals or hours of meditation to explore the astral. All you really need is presence, patience, and trust in your own inner guidance. The more you tune into yourself, the clearer and more natural these journeys become.
Whether it’s your first projection or your hundredth, each one will feel a little different, and that’s part of the beauty. Just stay grounded, stay curious, and always come back to your body with love. You’re never really “leaving.” You’re just remembering how big your spirit truly is.
Science Behind Astral Projection
There are people who call astral projection a philosophical experience, but there is no scientific evidence to measure if a person’s spirit can leave the body when meditating or sleeping. An out-of-body experience is one that is considered to be a dream or a fantasy.
People who have had their own experiences insist that astral projection is real, and they are convinced that it has happened to them. This is something that can be considered a pastime, but with some people, it is life-changing. Of course, there is no evidence that this can happen and that the body and the soul are separate at any given time.
Some people feel that dissociative identity disorders are formulated, and that after a patient gets hypnosis or relaxation training along with psychotherapy, the person might not experience these things anymore. Dissociative disorders can happen due to the conflict between the ego and the self, and when a person isn’t able to hide away traumatic experiences or repressed memories, they experience something that breaks down the barriers, like an altered state of perception or an out-of-body experience.
It is impossible to prove that astral projection is real with science, but this is often looked at as a cultural practice without any real evidence of it being true.
Astral Projection vs. Out-of-Body Experience: What’s the Real Difference?
These two terms, astral projection and out-of-body experience, get tossed around together a lot. Most people think they’re the same thing, and in some ways, they are similar. But if you’ve ever dug into the experience or had one yourself, you’ll know there are subtle but meaningful differences between the two.
Astral projection is usually something you intend to do. It’s a conscious choice to shift your awareness beyond your body and travel into what’s often called the astral realm, a kind of spiritual dimension that feels much different than just floating around. People who practice astral projection often describe it as purposeful, like they’re following a thread of energy to explore or heal something deeper.
An out-of-body experience (OBE), on the other hand, tends to happen when you’re not trying. You might suddenly feel like you’re hovering above your body, watching yourself from a distance, or even caught between the dream world and waking life. It might happen during trauma, intense illness, sleep paralysis, or even deep meditation, or any moment when your consciousness slips away from the usual bounds of your physical form.
The medical world recognizes OBEs more than astral projection. Scientists have been studying them for years, often linking them to neurological conditions like epilepsy or dissociative states that cause people to detach from their physical selves temporarily. OBEs are usually seen as something that happens to you. Astral projection is something you do on purpose.
Astral Travel in TV, Movies, and Games
If you’ve been paying attention to pop culture over the last few years, you’ve probably noticed astral projection popping up more and more. It’s not just a fringe topic anymore, it’s showing up in everything from TV dramas to blockbuster superhero movies.
The Netflix series Behind Her Eyes introduced a whole new wave of interest in astral projection when it aired in 2021. The show follows a single mother who ends up in the middle of a complicated love triangle. What starts as a psychological thriller slowly unfolds into something deeper and more supernatural when she learns about astral projection from her lover’s wife. Without giving away the twists, the show explores how astral projection might be used to access someone else’s life, even their body. It’s eerie, and while not exactly how projection works in spiritual circles, it gets people asking questions.
Then there’s Doctor Strange, the Marvel film that showed a more stylized version of spiritual travel. In one of the movie’s most memorable scenes, the main character is literally pushed out of his body by a mystic. It’s dramatic and flashy, but underneath all the special effects is a core idea: that our consciousness can move beyond our physical form and interact with the world on a totally different level.
Astral themes also show up in gaming. Alan Wake 2 lets players shift between realities in a way that mimics the feel of astral travel, like seeing through different layers of consciousness to make sense of what’s really happening. And in the classic game Dungeons & Dragons, astral projection is a spell players use to explore other planes of existence or gain insight they couldn’t get in the physical realm. It’s a reminder that this concept has been with us for a long time, but it just looks different depending on where and how it’s told.
‘Astral projection vs OBEs’—let’s clarify this! While both involve altered states of consciousness, they shouldn’t be conflated. Astral projection is intentional, whereas OBEs often happen unexpectedly, revealing much about our psychological states.
‘Intentional vs accidental’—that’s a key distinction! Understanding this difference can change how we interpret experiences that feel out of body.
The discussion on astral projection touches on various cultural beliefs and historical contexts, which is vital for understanding its significance across different societies. It’s intriguing how practices evolve over time, reflecting humanity’s quest for spiritual connection.
Exactly! Many ancient cultures have rituals that resemble modern interpretations of astral projection, and it’s important to study these roots to appreciate the depth of this practice.
While cultural significance is important, we should also focus on empirical evidence when discussing such phenomena. The brain’s role in perception should not be overlooked!