Astral Projection

As we dive deeper into our spiritual journeys, we start to see ourselves as more than just our physical bodies. Astral projection really drives this point home, offering an experience that feels truly surreal — the sensation of leaving your body and feeling completely weightless.

An out-of-body experience (OBE) is a temporary phenomenon where people feel their consciousness detach, floating above their body and observing it from a new perspective. Jane Aspell, a cognitive researcher at Anglia Ruskin University in England, describes it as “a conscious experience where the self seems to become separated from the body and floats above it.” Astral projection (AP), on the other hand, is an intentional form of OBE, where you feel like your consciousness can travel great distances, even to different countries or planets.

In Western esoteric traditions, astral projection refers to the soul or "astral body" leaving the physical form. Once unbound, the astral body is said to be capable of remarkable things. As Robert Rubin, a tarot expert from Mysterium Philippines, explains, “Astral projection is when the consciousness is projected outside the body into the astral realm, which resembles the physical world but exists on another level.” So, in this space, you could find yourself exploring places like San Francisco or Manila — or at least their astral versions.

Think of astral projection as a sort of mental vacation without leaving your couch. Unlike the OBEs reported in near-death experiences, astral projection is something you can initiate intentionally. Just relax, let go of any rigid expectations, and don’t focus too hard on “making it happen.” Remember, it’s about enjoying the journey!