Astral projection, also known as astral travel, is an intentional out-of-body experience (OBE) that assumes the existence of a subtle body, known as the astral body or body of light, through which consciousness can function separately from the physical body. The idea of astral travel is ancient and occurs in multiple cultures. It is sometimes reported in association with dreams and forms of meditation, and some individuals have reported perceptions similar to descriptions of astral projection that were induced through various hallucinogenic and hypnotic means.
Practitioners of astral travel insist that the experience must be real because it seems so vivid, and because some of the experiences are similar, even for people from different cultures. However, scientifically testing the validity of astral travel is difficult. According to researcher Susan Blackmore, author of "Beyond the Body," the real world provides countless opportunities for astral projection to be demonstrated beyond any doubt.
Astral projection usually involves an intentional effort to send your consciousness from your body. It usually refers to your consciousness traveling out of your body toward a spiritual plane or dimension. An OBE, on the other hand, is usually unplanned, and rather than traveling, your consciousness is said to simply float or hover above your physical body. The many books that cover astral projection have varying information on how you can reportedly spark the experience.
