The How To
A Step-by-Step Guide to Astral Projection
The Night Before: Preparation
Nightly Alarm: Set an alarm for 5-6 hours after your usual bedtime (e.g., if you go to bed at midnight, set your alarm for 6 AM). This timing will help you enter the hypnagogic state, which is ideal for astral projection.
Restful Sleep: Ensure you get a good night's sleep. You’ll need the energy to enter this heightened state.
Wake Up and Review: When your alarm goes off, wake up and engage in a short self-care routine for 10-30 minutes. Experiment to find the optimal wakeful period for you (see ‘Troubleshooting’ for more details).
Mental Rehearsal: Use this wakeful time to mentally rehearse your astral projection plan, including the techniques you’ll employ. Practices like meditation, visualizing your desired destination, or setting a clear intention for your astral journey are beneficial. Think of this as setting a GPS with a destination.
Sound Choice: Choose a sleep environment that supports relaxation. Experiment with silence or calming music to find what works best for you.
Entering the Hypnagogic State
Lie Down with Intention: Lie down comfortably, focusing on your desire to project. Remind yourself of past experiences where you might have naturally left your body, even if they were just dreamlike. Trust that you can achieve this safely again. You can also practice some deep breathing techniques in order to soothe your nervous system. Deep breathing works well, and if you’re experienced with breath work, you might also want to consider Breath of Fire. The Breath of Fire breathing technique, also known as "Kapalabhati" in yoga, is a powerful pranayama practice that involves rhythmic, rapid breathing through the nose. It is characterized by a quick, forceful exhalation followed by a passive inhalation. When practicing the Breath of Fire, the intense focus on breath control and the rhythmic nature of the exercise can create a meditative state, heightening awareness and altering perception. The increased oxygenation and stimulation of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles can lead to a sense of euphoria, enhanced mental clarity, and a feeling of expanded consciousness. Also, the Breath of Fire can help clear blockages, promoting a deeper connection to one's inner self and the surrounding environment.
Start Techniques
Alternate between three Visualization and Sensation Techniques (VST) and combine them with two or three visual or separation techniques. Perform four rounds of each, lasting 20-30 seconds, to build momentum in your energy body. Remember, VST Techniques focus on the sensation of leaving your body, like rolling out, crawling, or feeling yourself floating upwards. Additional Separation Techniques deepen the experience with methods like visualizing your dresser as you attempt to roll out of bed or hearing a loved one’s voice calling you from downstairs, prompting you to walk downstairs. These are paired with the VST. So while you are resting in bed, you are multi-tasking mentally with a VST and an additional technique.
Example Sequence
In this example, we’ll use three VST techniques: Rolling out, Crawling, and Running down the Stairs. Pair each with a complementary technique to enhance the sensation:
1. Rolling out (VST) + Visualizing Your Nightstand (Other Technique)
2. Crawling on Bedroom Floor (VST) + Feeling and Seeing the Carpet Texture (Other Technique)
3. Running down the Stairs (VST) + Hearing a Loved One’s Voice (Other Technique)
Continue this cycle:
1. Rolling out (VST) + Visualizing Your Nightstand (Other Technique)
2. Crawling on Bedroom Floor (VST) + Feeling and Seeing the Carpet Texture (Other Technique)
3. Running down the Stairs (VST) + Hearing a Loved One’s Voice (Other Technique)
Repeat this sequence four times. If you start to feel yourself separating from your body, stay with the current technique and build up its vividness. Don’t switch to other techniques. Work on increasing the range of motion within your astral body.
Unsuccessful Attempts
If you don’t achieve projection, affirm to yourself that you’ll sleep briefly, wake up refreshed, and try again. This positive mindset can be crucial for maintaining motivation and focus. When you wake up, try to remain as still as possible to avoid breaking the hypnagogic state. If you do move, don’t get discouraged—take a deep breath and try again. Reaffirm your intention to project and go through the visualization and sensation techniques once more.
This intention and practice can lead to multiple awakenings throughout the night, each providing another opportunity to attempt astral projection. It’s important to be patient and persistent. Each attempt, successful or not, builds familiarity with the process and increases your chances of success. Consistency is key; even if you don’t succeed immediately, the repeated practice helps in training your mind and body to enter the right state more easily. Remember, the journey towards mastering astral projection is as significant as achieving it. Enjoy the process and learn from each experience.