Astral projection is the meaning given to any form of out-of-the-body (OBE) experience that supposes there is an existence separate from the physical. Projectors (or the perception of the human consciousness) are believed to be capable of traveling outside the physical body and in a plane other than their own.
During astral projection, what leaves—the spirit or the spiritual, is referred to as the astral body which is said to be a perfect replica of the physical body in appearance only but composed of life forces rather than physical elements. Because a person cannot be in two places at once it is believed the physical body remains in place while the astral body travels.
Projection is often associated with near death experiences and many people report it as a spontaneous occurrence associated with sleep and/or dreams, drug experiences, illness, surgery and some forms of meditation. Astral projections are sought after for spiritual reasons as it is believed the plane on which astral travel is possible is an intermediate body of light linking the soul of man (rational) to the physical. It is a world of light between earth and heaven. Many believe these astral spheres to be populated by not only angels but demons and spirits as well.
There are severalgood reasons to practice astral projection. First it is to experience something more than your physical body. People in today’s world are all about their physical bodies and/or appearance. People are fascinated by seeing their bodies’ lying in their bed, while floating above. You gain a new awareness with this experience that there is more to life than the physical.
Another reason is to learn more about not just what is all about you but the universe within you as well. Your potential for learning is unlimited helping you to understand many new things. As you travel inter-dimensionally you find you can communicate with other beings. Old Testament prophets (Ezekiel), mystics, yogis (Yogananda), saints (St. John and the apostle Paul) and astral travelers of this age alike have not only experienced this inner dimension but have written of them also.
The third reason is to raise conscious awareness. Once you have travelled to the astral plane you’ll find it easier to meditate, reaching higher planes of consciousness more readily—experiencing higher states of bliss. You can learn more about you— your true self in this higher state, or see past lives, or accomplish most anything you can imagine.
Lastly it helps dispel any fear of death. Though your consciousness leaves your physical body only temporarily as you astral project, the process is said to be similar to that of dying. There is little more reassurance than knowing your consciousness can exist apart from your body.
Unconscious astral projection which occurs during sleep without prompting—a relatively common occurrence, is often associated with psychic dreams about something happening miles from the dreamer and later discovered. The theory here is the dreamer travelled while projecting and actually witnessing something he later dreams.