Why Astral Projection Is A Popular Psychic Practice

Years ago, my best friend told me that she was having what she described as “floating experiences.” She said that, as she was winding down for the night in bed, she would suddenly feel as though her spirit were drifting above her body. She was really unsettled by this at the time, because she was not trying to make it happen, nor did she feel in control of it.

At the time, I was deeply involved in psychic development. I spent my evenings buried in books, engaged in discussions, and exploring various spiritual practices.

The moment she described her experiences, I knew exactly what she was talking about. I realized she was describing astral travel. It was nothing new to me, as I had been practicing it myself for quite some time.

Astral travel is the experience of your mental awareness, or your “conscious self,” separating from your physical body and exploring other realms of existence. It’s the experience of your inner being, your soul or spirit, moving beyond the limits of time and space and the restrictions of the material world.

Once you “leave” your physical body, earthly rules no longer apply. Gravity and distance as we know it no longer apply. Some travelers report visiting faraway places on Earth, while others explore entirely different realms or even other planets. For many, this experience proves that we are more than flesh and bone. We are souls with vast potential.

This practice is popular in psychic development circles because it offers a direct way to experience consciousness beyond the physical body. It is a gateway to an altered state of awareness that strengthens the connection to subtle energies and nonphysical perception.

Projections of consciousness are indeed movements by the self from one place to another, from one dimension to another, and even though the physical body may not seem to move, it is nevertheless deeply affected by these journeys ~ John Kreiter

Unlike more complex and challenging psychic practices, astral awareness is a relatively simple skill that can be developed through meditation, visualization, and other techniques. The concept of leaving one’s body to explore other realms has deep cultural roots, ranging from ancient Egyptian soul journeys to yogic siddhis in Hinduism.

Astral work can significantly speed up one’s psychic development compared to practices in ordinary waking consciousness. When we astral travel, we access a nonphysical realm known as the astral plane. This metaphysical space allows for profound spiritual communication and learning.

Astral Travel Vs. Astral Projection

You might be wondering why some people, like my friend, can effortlessly leave their bodies, while others never have such experiences or must intentionally pursue them to make it happen.

Well, emotional intensity can be a trigger. At the time, my friend was going through a tough divorce and juggling a stressful job. Apparently, her soul found a way to cope by detaching momentarily. This kind of spontaneous projection may be the psyche’s way of saying, “I need a break.”

Studies suggest that between 8 and 20 percent of people have a spontaneous out-of-body experience at some point in their lives. However, many people find their way to the astral realm intentionally as a spiritual practice.

Astral travel encompasses conscious and unconscious experiences such as vivid dreams, meditative journeys, and spontaneous out-of-body experiences (OBEs). The most powerful method of astral travel is astral projection, a specific technique within the broader category of astral travel. If astral travel is the journey, then astral projection is one of the vehicles.

While my friends’ experiences were spontaneous and unintentional out-of-body occurrences, astral projection is a deliberate practice in which you are fully aware of the separation and purposely navigate other realms or dimensions.

I am in awe with the experience and the possibility that there would be other roams than the one we know. The explorer in me finds it fascinating ~ Dorothee Marossero

Astral Projection For Psychic Development

Astral projection is ideal for anyone interested in psychic development, and it’s easy to see why. At its core, astral projection offers a profound sense of mind-body freedom. It allows you to consciously step beyond the limits of your physical body and explore realms beyond the material world.

Astral “journeys” are deeply personal and transformative nature. Practitioners often return from an astral journey with newfound insights about their purpose, spirit guides, and the hidden aspects of their subconscious. It’s a way of receiving wisdom directly from your soul and the universe, rather than from books or teachers.

Unlike many psychic practices, which require tools such as tarot cards or crystals, astral projection relies primarily on intention and awareness. This makes it incredibly accessible. Anyone with patience and an open mind can try it. Whether you seek healing, clarity, or connection, or are simply curious, the astral realm offers a uniquely expansive experience.

Furthermore, many people find that practicing astral projection deepens their intuition, reduces their fear of death, and strengthens their connection to the divine. This fascinating practice nurtures growth, peace, and a sense of cosmic belonging. In a world that often feels noisy and grounded in the five senses, astral projection reminds us that we are limitless beings. For those on a spiritual path, this reminder is powerful and empowering.

Personally, I found the following reasons to be the most compelling:

States Of Consciousness: We spend much of our lives rooted in everyday awareness. Beyond this ordinary state of awareness, however, lies a whole spectrum of consciousness. The astral realm is a doorway into these higher states. Tapping into it can transform your understanding of your thoughts, dreams, and even your waking reality.

Spiritual Self-Discovery: Astral projection is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Imagine lifting the veil and seeing the vastness of existence beyond your daily routine. Astral projection provides perspective on not only the universe, but also your own soul. You begin to understand that you are more than just a body. You are a spiritual being connected to spirit and the divine.

Connecting With Spirit Beings: If you’ve ever wanted to communicate more clearly with your ancestors, spirit guides, or the angels, astral projection is a powerful tool to make this happen. On the astral plane, you can more easily connect with loving spirit entities who support your journey and offer insight, reassurance, and guidance.

Overcoming Fear: Death is a heavy subject for many, but astral projection can change your perspective on it. Experiencing yourself outside your physical body helps you realize that your essence doesn’t disappear when your heart stops beating. This knowledge is not just an idea; it’s something you know after experiencing it firsthand. This kind of insight can be deeply comforting.

Personal Healing: Some people use astral projection to heal physically and emotionally. Whether they’re letting go of trauma, finding peace after loss, or gaining insights into a health issue, people often experience real-world healing from the insights they gain in the astral realm. Of course, science still considers this a fringe topic, but many swear by its benefits.

You are on your quest. That is exciting. If you’re balanced, your boat floats on a low tide in the same way as it does on a high tide ~ Stuart Wilde

How To Astral Travel (For Beginners)

If you’re curious about trying astral projection, here’s a guide for beginners:

Prepare Your Sacred Space: Choose a quiet time when you’re least likely to be disturbed, preferably before sleep. Dim the lights, silence your phone, and create a calm atmosphere. Light incense or use essential oils like lavender or frankincense. Soft music or white noise can help tune out distractions. Create a space that feel calm and safe.

Ground & Center: Before beginning, sit or lie down and take a few moments to ground your energy. Visualize roots extending from your body deep into the earth. Breathe deeply and center yourself in the present moment. If you work with protective energy or a spirit guide, this is a good time to invite this presence.

Set Your Intention: Clearly establish your intention. Say it aloud or silently: “I intend to explore the astral plane with clarity, protection, and purpose.” Setting intentions before astral projection is like programming your inner compass. It gives your journey direction and meaning. Here are some powerful and popular intentions people set before projecting:

✵ I intend to connect with my spirit guide.
✵ I seek clarity about my life purpose.
✵ I want to release emotional blockages and past trauma.
✵ I intend to explore the astral plane and learn from it.
✵ I want to visit a specific location or person.
✵ I seek to understand the nature of reality beyond the physical.
✵ I want to explore the Akashic Records.
✵ I seek insight into a specific question or challenge.
✵ I intend to meet a spiritual teacher or mentor.
✵ I am seeking creative inspiration for my art or writing.
✵ I seek to unlock new ideas or perspectives.
✵ I intend to remain safe and return to my body easily.
✵ I call on my guides to protect and assist me.
✵ I will only encounter energies aligned with love and light.

The key is to keep your intention clear, positive, and emotionally resonant. Think of it as setting the GPS before a road trip: You’re more likely to arrive where you want to go.

Enter The Hypnagogic State: Now lie down comfortably on your back with arms at your sides. Let your breath become slow and natural. Allow your awareness to drift toward the threshold between wakefulness and sleep. This state often feels like a soft, floating awareness with dreamlike images or sounds beginning to emerge.

Full-Body Relaxation: Start doing progressive body relaxation. Move your attention slowly from your toes to the top of your head. At each point, gently command the area to relax. Release any tension and consciously let go of physical sensation as if your body were becoming weightless.

Visualization Of Separation: Once deeply relaxed, visualize your astral body gently detaching. You might imagine yourself floating upward, rolling out of your body, or rising like mist. Choose an image that feels natural. Don’t force it. Simply invite the sensation of gentle, energetic expansion.

Sense The Silver Cord: As you begin to separate, acknowledge the presence of the silver cord. It is a luminous thread connecting your astral body to your physical one. This cord ensures you can always return. Let this awareness give you confidence and safety.

Observe The Shift: Once you successfully “separate,” remain calm. You may see your sleeping body below you, or you might shift immediately into another space. Keep your energy neutral and curious. This phase is about observing rather than acting. Know that you are still protected and in control.

Explore With Integrity: If you feel drawn to explore, move gently and with clear intention. Always approach with spiritual respect. Avoid interfering with others or probing into spaces not meant for you. Remember: astral projection is sacred—its purpose is growth, not voyeurism.

Return Slowly & Gently: When you’re ready to return, begin to focus again on being in your body. You might feel a gentle pull, a shift, or even sense a subtle “click.” Re-enter your body slowly. Wiggle your fingers and toes, take a few grounding breaths, and allow yourself to fully reconnect.

Journal Your Experience: Keep a journal to note impressions, sensations, or messages you received. Even if nothing happened, writing down your practice helps strengthen the bridge between the conscious and astral mind.

As with anything spiritual, astral travel requires patience and respect. With consistent practice, however, it can open up new dimensions, both literally and figuratively.

Many people find practical benefits in astral projection. It can offer fresh perspectives on problems, enhance creativity and deepen meditation practice. It’s also just quite remarkable to experience firsthand ~ Eva May Baker

Other methods people use to experience astral travel or similar altered states of consciousness include:

Lucid Dreaming: This is when you become aware that you’re dreaming while still in the dream. Some practitioners use lucid dreams as a launchpad into the astral realm by shifting their awareness or intention mid-dream.

Deep Meditation or Trance States: Certain meditative practices, especially those involving breathwork, mantras, or sensory deprivation, can lead to experiences that feel like astral travel, where consciousness expands beyond the body.

The Rope Technique: Popularized by Robert Bruce, this involves visualizing yourself climbing an invisible rope above your body. It’s a tactile method that can trigger the sensation of separation.

Target Technique: You focus intensely on a specific location or person and use that as a “magnet” to pull your awareness out of your body and toward that target.

Sleep Paralysis Method: Some people use the natural state of sleep paralysis (when your body is asleep but your mind is awake) as a springboard for astral projection. It can be intense, but with practice, it becomes a powerful tool.

Shamanic Journeying: Rooted in indigenous traditions, this involves rhythmic drumming or chanting to enter a trance and travel to non-ordinary realms. It’s often guided by spirit animals or ancestral energies.

Each of these methods taps into different aspects of consciousness, and what works best can vary from person to person.

When not practised responsibly, you can lose a sense of authority and seniority over your own body, it can be really disempowering ~ Letara Buckley

Safety Precautions & Potential Risks

If you are new to astral projection, it is important to take basic precautions and be aware of common risks. Although astral projection is accessible, it’s still important to recognize that it’s a powerful practice that should not be approached casually.

Having a firm spiritual foundation is essential before transcending your physical body to explore the astral realms. Why? Because the experience opens you up to unfamiliar and potentially overwhelming subtle energies and spiritual dimensions if you’re not energetically grounded and spiritually anchored.

A consistent daily spiritual practice, such as meditation, prayer, grounding exercises, chakra balancing, and energy shielding, strengthens your energetic field, keeping you centered and protected. It also ensures that your intentions remain pure and aligned with your highest good.

When you’re spiritually aligned, emotionally balanced and energetically aware, you’re far more likely to have safe, meaningful, and empowering astral experiences than chaotic, confusing or even scary ones. In short, your spiritual health and hygiene matters as much as your astral technique.

Here are some practical tips to help safeguard your astral projection practice:

Protective visualization: Before and during your journey, visualize a shield of light or energy around you. This can help ward off negative energies.

Call on guides. Many practitioners invoke spiritual guides or angelic guardians for protection and guidance during their travels.

Say a prayer. Pray to your higher power – God, Great Spirit, The Divine – for protection and guidance during your travels.

Ensure you are grounded. Practice grounding techniques before and after your session, such as focusing on your breath or visualizing roots connecting you to the earth.

Mental health: Astral travel can amplify thoughts and emotions. It’s best to practice when you’re feeling peaceful, balanced and calm. Avoid practicing when you’re feeling distraught, anxious, or depressed.

Loss of control: Some beginners may feel disoriented or anxious if they cannot quickly return. Setting a strong intention to return can help prevent this.

Negative encounters: While rare, some people report encountering unsettling energies or entities while traveling. Protective techniques, a positive mindset and a firm spiritual foundation are your best defense.

Difficulty reintegrating: You might feel “floaty” or disoriented afterward. Grounding exercises and hydration can help you feel fully back in your body.

Astral travel is a deeply personal and highly spiritual experience. It takes patience and practice, so don’t worry if you don’t succeed right away.

Whether you’re curious about out-of-body astral experiences or are already exploring them, remember: you are so much more than flesh and bone. There’s a whole universe waiting just beyond your eyelids. All you have to do is breathe, trust, and let go.

About The Author: Lucinda Lucinda is a highly trained Intuitive and Empath, living in a beautiful village in North Yorkshire, England. She possesses the rare gift of understanding a client's personal pain and has been through many challenges, herself, which has only made her stronger! It is both her calling and her happiness to help those in need. And whenever she needs a little help herself, her Guides are always there to assist in her development and provide clear interpretations for her clients. Prediction has always been a great tool she could count on to accurately foretell events, but Lucinda also draws on her expertise with Dream Interpretation, Numerology, Angel Cards, Law of Attraction and Life Coaching to provide full and detailed solutions to any problem. A member of AMORC and Beyond Freedom Evolution, she provides inspiration, education and personal support for spiritual development. If you'd like answers or want to attract your desires, you can find Lucinda at PsychicAccess.com.