The Astral World Part 3: Astral Travel and Projection

Astral projection represents one of the most profound spiritual capacities available to human consciousness—the ability to temporarily separate awareness from the physical body and explore the astral dimensions directly.

This practice, which appears across diverse spiritual traditions under different names, offers a firsthand experience of the metaphysical realities we've been exploring in this series.

In his groundbreaking work on the astral plane, Swami Panchadasi (William Walker Atkinson) demystified this seemingly supernatural ability, presenting it as a natural human faculty that can be developed through systematic practice rather than a mysterious gift reserved for the few.

Now that you've gained foundational knowledge about the nature of the astral plane and its inhabitants, you're ready to explore the practical techniques that can transform this theoretical understanding into direct experience.

What's The Difference Between Astral Perception and Full Projection?

Before delving into specific projection techniques, it's essential to understand that astral experiences exist on a spectrum rather than as a single phenomenon.

Panchadasi makes a crucial distinction between simply perceiving the astral plane while remaining in the physical body versus fully projecting consciousness into the astral dimension.

"There are two avenues of approach to the Astral Plane, as follows: (1) by the employment of the astral senses; and (2) by visiting in the so-called 'astral body.'"

This distinction provides important context for understanding the diverse experiences reported by practitioners.

Some may develop heightened perceptual abilities—seeing auras, sensing subtle energies, or receiving intuitive impressions—without ever experiencing full separation from the physical body.

Others may have powerful out-of-body experiences with minimal development of ongoing astral perception while in the physical state.

I've found that many students naturally gravitate toward one approach or the other based on their temperament and natural proclivities.

Those with strong visualization abilities and meditative temperaments often develop astral perception more easily, while those with vivid dreams and fluid boundaries between states of consciousness may experience spontaneous projection more readily.

Ideally, a balanced practice develops both capacities, as they complement each other in valuable ways:

"The various methods advocated for the attainment of the power of conscious functioning on the Astral Plane through astral projections, may be divided into the following sub-classes: (1) that of the adepts of the Hindu, Oriental and Western schools, which consists of the development of the mental powers of concentration, and which is the true Occult Method; (2) the Mental Method, which consists in the acquirement and practice of the power to consciously dwell upon the idea and concept of astral visitation; (3) the Crystal, or magic-mirror method of concentrating the attention."

Most importantly, both approaches provide valuable windows into the astral dimension, and developing either capacity enhances your understanding of non-physical reality.

For our purposes in this article, we'll focus primarily on techniques for full astral projection, while acknowledging that many of these same practices simultaneously develop greater astral perception.

What Is The Silver Cord and Why Is It Important?

One of the most consistently reported phenomena in astral projection experiences across diverse cultures and time periods is the perception of a connecting link between the physical and astral bodies.

This energetic connection, commonly called the "silver cord," plays a crucial role in astral projection and addresses one of the most common fears about the practice.

"The Astral Body is connected with the physical body by a slender thread, cord, or astral cable, which has been called the 'silver cord.' This cord is very elastic, and, in fact, is capable of almost infinite extension. It is not broken or severed until death takes place. The Astral Body under direction of the Astral Mind travels sometimes to great distances from the physical body, the elastic 'silver cord' keeping it connected and making return a matter of perfect ease."

This silver cord serves several essential functions in the astral projection experience:

Understanding the silver cord addresses one of the most common fears about astral projection—the concern about not being able to return to the physical body.

As Panchadasi emphasizes, this concern is unfounded because the cord remains intact until physical death, making return not only possible but automatic in cases of emergency.

"Death is the only thing that breaks the 'silver cord.' Nothing else will do it. When the death of the physical body comes, the 'silver cord' gradually stretches thinner and thinner, until it breaks. Until that moment, the Astral Body is connected with the physical body by the cord, no matter how far away from the physical body the Astral may be traveling."

Beginning astral travelers may not initially perceive the silver cord visually, though they may feel its pull as an instinctive sense of connection to the physical body.

With practice, many develop the ability to perceive it directly—typically as a luminous, elastic thread extending from the solar plexus, heart, or head region of the astral body back to the corresponding area of the physical form.

Rather than focusing too much attention on the cord itself, Panchadasi advises new projectors to simply trust in its presence and function.

This trust actually facilitates freer movement in the astral, as excessive concern about the connection can create tension that restricts the projection experience.

What Are The Most Reliable Methods For Inducing Astral Projection?

One of Panchadasi's most valuable contributions was his systematic presentation of various methods for inducing astral projection, drawing from diverse traditions while emphasizing their underlying principles.

While individual temperament and natural proclivities influence which approach works best for any given person, I've found that the following five methods consistently produce results for dedicated practitioners.

"The whole secret consists in the knack of setting up and maintaining the vibratory thought which tends to throw the consciousness into the Astral Plane. The various methods advocated all have this same principle at the bottom of them."

While these methods differ in their specific techniques, Panchadasi notes that they all share core elements that facilitate the shift from physical to astral consciousness:

For most beginners, I recommend starting with the Mind Awake/Body Asleep method, as it works with natural processes and can be practiced easily before sleep or during afternoon rest periods.

Let's explore this approach in detail as an example of how to implement a systematic astral projection practice:

The Mind Awake/Body Asleep Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Time

   The ideal times for this practice are either when going to bed (while still fresh enough to maintain awareness) or during a mid-afternoon rest when you're relaxed but not overly tired.

   Early morning hours (3-5 AM) after some sleep can be especially effective, as your body is already relaxed and your mind partially detached from physical awareness.

2. Prepare Your Environment

   Create a quiet, comfortable space where you won't be disturbed for at least an hour. Ensure the room temperature is comfortable—slightly warm is preferable as temperature drops can disturb the process.

   Wear loose, comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry or restrictive items. Many practitioners find that lying on their back works best, though some prefer lying on their right side.

3. Progressive Physical Relaxation

   Begin with a systematic relaxation process, starting from your feet and moving upward through each part of your body. Tense and then release each muscle group to create deeper relaxation.

   Pay special attention to chronically tense areas like the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Continue until your entire body feels heavy and deeply

   This page continues the content from the previous page on astral travel and projection. We left off at Step 3 of the Mind Awake/Body Asleep Method with progressive physical relaxation.

   The Mind Awake/Body Asleep Method: A Step-by-Step Guide (Continued)

   3. Progressive Physical Relaxation (Continued)

      Begin with a systematic relaxation process, starting from your feet and moving upward through each part of your body. Tense and then release each muscle group to create deeper relaxation.

      Pay special attention to chronically tense areas like the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Continue until your entire body feels heavy and deeply relaxed, almost as if it were sinking into the surface beneath you.

      The goal is to reach a state where you're barely aware of physical sensations, yet your mind remains clear and alert.

   4. Maintain Wakeful Awareness

      As your body relaxes more deeply, you'll naturally begin to drift toward sleep. This is the critical threshold where most beginners lose consciousness.

      Counter this tendency by maintaining gentle focus on your breath or by repeating a simple mental affirmation like "I remain aware as my body sleeps."

      If your mind begins to wander into dream-like imagery, gently bring it back to present awareness without disturbing your physical relaxation.

   5. Recognize and Enhance Preliminary Phenomena

      As you hover in the borderland state between waking and sleeping while maintaining awareness, various preliminary sensations often arise that signal approaching projection:

      • Tingling or vibrating sensations throughout the body
      • Buzzing, humming, or whooshing sounds
      • Sensations of heaviness, lightness, expansion, or electrical currents
      • Seeing lights, colors, or patterns behind closed eyelids

      When these phenomena appear, don't become excited or fearful—simply observe them with calm interest while maintaining your relaxed state. These are natural manifestations of the shifting of consciousness from physical to astral awareness.

   6. Initiate the Separation

      Once the vibrational state or other preliminary phenomena are well-established, gently initiate the separation of your astral body using any of these approaches:

      • Imagine floating upward, like a balloon gently rising
      • Visualize yourself already standing across the room looking back at your physical body
      • Feel yourself gently rolling to one side (without moving physically)

      Use whichever method feels most natural. The key is to maintain a relaxed intention rather than forcing the experience through excessive effort, which can create tension that inhibits projection.

   7. Stabilize the Projection

      Once separation begins, you may experience a momentary disorientation as your consciousness shifts from physical to astral perception.

      Stabilize the experience by focusing on something in your immediate environment, such as a detail of your room, rather than trying to travel far immediately.

      Moving away from your physical body too quickly can sometimes cause the projection to end prematurely, especially for beginners.

   "The actual process of passing from the physical body into the astral is more in the nature of a 'feeling' than anything else; and the nearest approach to it in ordinary terms is the sensation of slipping through the earth, or sinking through water, with which most persons are familiar. There is a 'letting go' feeling about it."

   The transition from physical to astral perception typically follows a predictable sequence of sensations, though the intensity and duration of each phase varies widely among individuals:

   1

   Vibrational Phase

   A distinctive tingling, buzzing, or vibrating sensation that often begins in specific areas (commonly the head, feet, or solar plexus) before spreading throughout the body. These vibrations may begin subtly and build in intensity, sometimes becoming quite strong before projection occurs.

   2

   Cataleptic Phase

   A temporary sensation of complete immobility, often described as feeling "locked in place" or experiencing sleep paralysis. This represents the natural disconnection between physical and astral motor systems and is a positive sign that projection is imminent.

   3

   Separation Sensations

   The actual separation may be experienced in various ways: as a sensation of rising, floating, or sliding out of the physical body; as a sudden shift in spatial orientation; or as a momentary blackout followed by awareness from a new perspective. Some experience a distinctive "pop" or "click" as the astral body disengages.

   4

   Perception Transition

   Initial astral perception is often unstable, with visual perception particularly fluid or dreamlike. Sounds may be unusually clear or distorted. As the projection stabilizes, perception tends to become clearer and more consistent, though it retains a distinctly different quality from physical sensory perception.

   5

   Full Projection Consciousness

   Once fully established in the astral body, consciousness often experiences a remarkable clarity and expansiveness. Many report heightened lucidity, intensified colors, enhanced intuitive understanding, and a profound sense of freedom from physical limitations.

   How Do You Navigate Consciously in the Astral Dimension?

   Once you've successfully projected into your astral body, you'll discover that movement and navigation follow different principles than in physical reality.

   Understanding these principles helps you move beyond the initial phase of projection into more intentional exploration of the astral plane.

   "Movement on the astral plane is not accomplished by the use of the legs, or wings, but by means of WILL or DESIRE. One wishes to be at a certain place, or with a certain person, and the Astral Body is propelled by the force of the desire or will, and the journey is accomplished."

   For beginners, this thought-responsive mode of movement can be both liberating and challenging. Here are the key principles for effective astral navigation:

   Principles of Astral Navigation

   • Thought-Directed Movement - In the astral plane, thought literally creates motion. To travel to a location, hold the clear intention or image of that destination in mind.
   • Emotional Calibration - Your emotional state influences which levels or regions of the astral plane you can access. Calm, positive emotions facilitate access to higher astral regions.
   • Stability Through Focus - Maintain clear focus to prevent unintended shifts in location or sudden returns to the physical body, which can occur with scattered attention.
   • Progressive Distance - For beginners, it's best to start with short-distance exploration near your physical body before attempting longer journeys.
   • Reference Anchoring - Establish reference points during longer journeys to help maintain orientation and provide stability in unfamiliar environments.

   While intention is the primary driver of movement in the astral plane, beginners often find it helpful to use transitional movement methods that bridge physical and astral modes of locomotion:

   1

   Physical Mimicry

   Initially, many new projectors instinctively attempt to move by "walking" or other physical movements. This is perfectly fine as a starting point, though it's less efficient than pure thought-directed movement.

   2

   Floating/Flying

   As you become more comfortable, transitioning to floating or flying movements provides greater freedom. Simply intend to rise and move in a particular direction, without mimicking physical walking motions.

   3

   Instant Translation

   The most advanced form of astral movement is instantaneous translation from one location to another through pure intention, without the intermediate experience of traveling through space.

   A common challenge for beginners is maintaining directional control and avoiding unintended shifts in location. Panchadasi recommends several techniques for improving navigation control:

   Techniques for Control and Stability

   • The Clarity Pause - Before moving to a new location, pause to clarify your intention and visualize your destination as precisely as possible.
   • The Hand Focus - Looking at your astral hands periodically helps stabilize your projection and gives you a consistent reference point.
   • The Spinning Recovery - If your perception begins to fade or you feel yourself being pulled back to your body, spin around in your astral form to regain stability.
   • Verbal Commands - Clearly stated commands like "Clarity now!" or "Stable and clear!" can significantly enhance perception and stability.
   • The Return Point - Establish a mental "base camp" that you can easily return to if you become disoriented during exploration.

   What Protection Techniques Ensure Safe Astral Exploration?

   While astral projection is a natural capacity of human consciousness and inherently safe when approached with proper understanding, it does open perception to a broader range of experiences than usual physical awareness.

   Panchadasi emphasizes that fear itself is the primary hazard in astral work, as it constricts perception and can attract challenging experiences that reflect and reinforce the fear.

   "Fear is the great enemy of astral exploration—not because there exists much which is inherently harmful, but because fear creates a disharmony in the astral vibrations which renders clear perception impossible, and which tends to attract undesirable conditions by the law of vibrational affinity."

   The following protection practices help ensure positive experiences during astral exploration:

   Essential Protection Practices

   • Preparation Through Knowledge - Thorough understanding of astral dynamics significantly reduces fear-based reactions to unfamiliar experiences.
   • The Light Protection - Before projection, visualize yourself surrounded by a sphere of brilliant white or golden light that moves with you and functions as both protection and a beacon attracting positive influences.
   • Clear Intention Setting - Begin each projection session by clearly stating your intention to encounter only those experiences and entities that serve your highest spiritual development.
   • The Authority Declaration - If confronted with any challenging presence, calmly but firmly assert your spiritual authority over your own field of awareness.
   • Return Mechanism - Maintain awareness that you can instantly return to your physical body by thinking of it or intending to return—a natural safety valve in any uncomfortable situation.

   Panchadasi particularly emphasizes the importance of emotional equanimity during astral experiences:

   "The calm, poised, balanced mental attitude is the ideal one for the astral investigator. Neither fear, doubt, nor extremely emotional conditions of any kind are conducive to the best results. The mental state of the earnest scientific investigator is the one to be sought for and cultivated."

   With consistent practice of these protection techniques, astral exploration becomes an increasingly natural and comfortable extension of consciousness, with the initial concerns about safety giving way to confident navigation of these expanded states of awareness.

   Frequently Asked Questions About Astral Projection

   Is astral projection dangerous?

   No, astral projection is a natural human capacity and is not inherently dangerous. The primary challenges are psychological rather than external. Fear, misunderstanding, or approaching the practice with harmful intentions can create subjectively difficult experiences, but these reflect the practitioner's own state rather than external dangers.

   Panchadasi explains: "The astral traveler is protected by the silver cord connection to the physical body, which ensures the ability to return, and by the natural law that like attracts like—meaning that one's own vibration and intention largely determine the nature of experiences encountered."

   The appropriate approach is thorough education, calm emotional preparation, and positive intention setting, rather than elaborate protection rituals based in fear.

   Can anyone learn to astral project?

   Yes, the capacity for astral projection is inherent in human consciousness, though the ease of development varies widely among individuals based on several factors.

   Panchadasi states: "All persons possess the power of functioning on the Astral Plane, and of sensing the phenomena of that plane, but in the majority of persons this power is latent and is not actively manifested. In some persons, however, by reason of extraordinary development—or, rather, unfoldment—this power is manifested actively from childhood."

   Those who have vivid dreams, creative imagination, or meditative experience often develop projection abilities more quickly, but with appropriate techniques and consistent practice, virtually anyone can learn to project consciously.

   How long can one safely remain in astral projection?

   The duration of safe projection varies widely with experience level. Beginners typically maintain projection for only minutes before either losing conscious awareness (slipping into dream state) or returning to the physical body.

   According to Panchadasi: "There is no inherent limit to how long consciousness may function in the astral vehicle, provided that the physical body is properly cared for. Advanced practitioners report extended periods of astral consciousness spanning hours of physical time, while still more advanced souls may remain in extended astral projection for days or even longer under special conditions."

   The limiting factor is not danger to consciousness but rather the needs of the physical body for attendance and care. As long as your physical body is in a safe environment, you can safely explore for extended periods.

   What's the difference between astral projection and lucid dreaming?

   While both experiences involve conscious awareness outside normal physical perception, they represent different states of consciousness.

   Panchadasi distinguishes them thus: "The lucid dream occurs within the personal dreamspace created by the individual's subconscious mind, while astral projection involves conscious perception of the objective astral plane that exists independent of the individual. However, the boundary between these states is fluid, and the lucid dream may serve as a gateway to genuine astral perception when the dreamer shifts awareness from the subjective dreamscape to the objective astral environment."

   The primary differences include: lucid dreams typically begin from the sleep state, while astral projection often (though not always) begins from the waking state; dream environments are more subject to personal thought influence, while the astral plane has more stable, objective qualities; and lucid dreams tend to follow dream logic, while astral experiences more closely resemble wakeful consciousness in clarity and continuity.

   Why do I keep falling asleep when trying to project?

   This is the most common challenge for beginners, as the mind naturally slides into sleep when the body reaches deep relaxation.

   Panchadasi advises: "The key to success lies in cultivating the mental discipline to maintain wakeful awareness even as the body enters the sleep state. This paradoxical 'mind awake/body asleep' condition can be developed through gradual training of attention."

   Practical solutions include: practicing at times when you're mentally alert but physically tired (early morning hours are often ideal); using mental activities like counting or visualization to maintain awareness during the relaxation process; setting clear pre-sleep intentions to remain conscious; and gradually extending your time in the threshold state between waking and sleeping through regular practice.

   How Astral Projection Enhances Both Spiritual Growth and Practical Living

   Beyond its fascinating phenomenal aspects, the practice of astral projection offers profound benefits for both spiritual development and everyday practical living.

   Panchadasi emphasizes that these benefits represent the true purpose and value of developing this natural human capacity:

   "The development of astral perception is not intended merely to provide the student with an interesting plaything or a means of entertaining himself or others with psychic exhibitions, but rather to enable him to function efficiently upon the astral plane, and to thus be of greater service to himself and to his fellow men through the use of his higher powers and improved capacities and faculties."

   The practice of astral projection contributes to spiritual development in several significant ways:

   Spiritual Development Benefits

   • Direct Experience of Subtle Reality - Moving beyond theoretical understanding to firsthand experience of non-physical dimensions
   • Transcendence of Physical Identification - Experiential knowledge that consciousness exists independent of the physical body
   • Expansion of Perceptual Capacity - Development of subtle sense faculties that perceive beyond physical limitations
   • Refined Energy Awareness - Increased sensitivity to and control of subtle energetic processes within and around the body
   • Enhanced Intuitive Faculty - Strengthening of direct knowing that bypasses linear intellectual processes
   • Access to Spiritual Teachings - Direct access to inner plane schools, libraries, and teachers
   • Liberation from Fear of Death - Experiential knowledge that consciousness continues beyond physical dissolution

   Equally important, yet often overlooked, are the practical benefits that astral projection brings to everyday physical life:

   Practical Living Benefits

   • Accelerated Problem Solving - Access to broader perspectives and creative solutions through expanded awareness
   • Enhanced Creativity - Direct access to archetypal sources of inspiration and novel combinations of ideas
   • Improved Relationships - Greater empathy and understanding through perception of subtle emotional and mental patterns
   • Stress Reduction - The profound relaxation required for projection creates valuable patterns for managing everyday stress
   • Increased Mental Discipline - The focus and attention control developed through projection practice transfers to all activities
   • Greater Self-Knowledge - Direct perception of unconscious patterns and deeper aspects of self
   • Practical Psychic Skills - Development of intuitive faculties that provide practical guidance in daily decisions

   Through consistent practice, these benefits naturally unfold as your astral experiences deepen and mature, creating an increasingly integrated relationship between physical and non-physical aspects of consciousness.

   "The persistent and earnest practice of astral projection, approached with proper understanding and positive intention, inevitably creates a more conscious, integrated relationship between the various aspects of one's being. This greater wholeness expresses not as an escape from physical life, but as a more complete and conscious embodiment of one's full potential within it."

   As you continue to explore and develop your own astral projection abilities, remember that the journey itself—the progressive expansion and refinement of consciousness—is more significant than any particular phenomenal experience or psychic ability that may be developed along the way.

   Moving Forward: The Next Steps

   As you work with the astral projection techniques presented in this article, be patient and persistent in your practice. Most students require consistent effort over weeks or months to achieve their first fully conscious projection experience.

   The preliminary phenomena—vibrations, sounds, floating sensations—often appear before full projection is achieved, and represent important milestones that confirm you're making progress.

   Once you've experienced your first conscious projection, each subsequent attempt becomes easier as the pathways between physical and astral consciousness are strengthened through repeated use.

   In our next article, we'll explore more advanced aspects of astral work, including accessing the Akashic Records, astral healing techniques, establishing connections with spiritual guides, and the relationship between astral development and overall spiritual evolution.

   ← Part 2: Inhabitants Part 4-I: Akashic Records →