Astral projection

What it is

Astral projection is an intentional out-of-body experience within esoteric traditions. Practitioners believe a subtle body, often called the astral body or body of light, separates from the physical form. This subtle self then travels through the astral plane, a realm of intermediate light between Earth and Heaven. The practice is sometimes linked to dreams, meditation, or specific spiritual disciplines. It is viewed as a way to access inner worlds or gain spiritual knowledge.

Where it comes from

The concept of soul travel appears in many ancient cultures. Ancient Egyptian texts describe the soul (ba) hovering outside the body via the ka. In India, Hindu scriptures mention the Liṅga Śarīra. Japanese mythology describes the ikiryō, a living soul that can leave the body. The specific term 'astral projection' was coined and popularized by nineteenth-century Theosophists, who built upon earlier Hermetic and Neoplatonic ideas about subtle bodies and planetary spheres.

How it is done

Practitioners attempt to separate their consciousness from their physical body while sleeping or awake. Some use self-hypnosis or hallucinogenic substances to induce similar states. In yoga, it is considered a siddhi, or magical power, achieved through disciplined practice. Taoist alchemy uses breathing meditations to create an energy body. Inuit angakkuq are said to have innate abilities to travel to remote places for healing or consultation without formal training.

Tools and materials

The primary tool is the subtle body itself, which acts as a vehicle for consciousness. Western esotericism often describes a psychic silver cord connecting the astral body to the physical form during separation. Taoist practices may use breath control to circulate energy into a 'pearl'. Some accounts mention falling dreams as a trigger for the experience. The silver cord is sometimes interpreted metaphorically as the spine in religious texts.

What it is for

The practice serves various goals depending on the culture. Waiwai shamans use soul flight to heal, consult cosmological beings, or seek abundance. Inuit angakkuq travel to stop bad luck or cure illness. Hindu yogis view it as a step toward spiritual advancement and fuller control of the gross body. In Japanese belief, an ikiryō may leave to curse an enemy or appear when the body is critically ill.

Who does it

Practitioners vary widely. Inuit angakkuq are individuals with special, innate capabilities unavailable to others. Hindu yogis achieve it through rigorous self-discipline and meditation. Western esotericists, such as Theosophists, study it as part of occult philosophy. Notable figures include Emanuel Swedenborg, who wrote extensively about his experiences, and Indian teachers like Meher Baba, who described the conscious use of the astral body.

Peoples and places

The belief spans multiple regions. Ancient Egyptians viewed the ba and ka as distinct soul components. Hindus see it as a siddhi achievable through yoga. Japanese folklore describes the ikiryō, a soul manifestation often linked to strong emotions like grudge. Taoists cultivate an energy body through alchemical breathing. Theosophists and Rosicrucians developed complex systems of astral planes and subtle bodies based on Hermetic thought.

What people believe

The worldview assumes a multi-layered reality. The astral plane is an intermediate world populated by angels, demons, and spirits. Neoplatonism views the individual as a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm. A silver cord is believed to link the separated bodies. Some traditions divide the astral environment into levels, including heavens, hells, and abstract states.

When it is done

The practice is not tied to specific festivals or calendar days. It is generally performed during daily life, often during sleep or moments of deep meditation. Inuit angakkuq may travel at any time to address community needs. Japanese ikiryō appear when the body is sick or when intense hatred is felt. There are no fixed seasonal or lunar requirements for the experience.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Scientific consensus characterizes astral projection as pseudoscience. Researchers note no evidence that consciousness can function separately from neural activity. Psychologists explain the experiences as delusions, hallucinations, or vivid dreams. Parapsychological experiments attempting to verify distant viewing have yielded unclear results. Scholars attribute reports to neuroanatomy, prior knowledge, and human imagination rather than objective travel.

Compare and confuse

Astral projection is related to the out-of-body experience and near-death experiences. It differs from the Japanese ikiryō, which is often involuntary and linked to emotion. The term 'etheric travel' is sometimes used to distinguish physical-world observation from astral plane exploration. It shares similarities with shamanic soul flight found among the Waiwai and Inuit peoples.

Questions people ask about Astral projection

Good reading and sources

• Astral projection on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data