Have you ever wondered about astral projection? This phenomenon involves the belief that one can leave their body while asleep, but the question remains – is it genuine?
Defining astral projection: Remember the 2016 hit movie “Doctor Strange” and its sequel “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”? The main character, a superhero, possesses the unique ability to detach his physical self from his spiritual being to engage in battles. The concept of astral projection also plays a significant role in Netflix’s series “Behind Her Eyes,” where various characters have mastered this technique. However, astral projection isn’t limited to the realms of Marvel or Netflix; it holds a deep-rooted place in spiritual practices with a history spanning many years.
Statistics reveal that anywhere from 8 to 20 percent of individuals claim to have experienced something akin to an out-of-body encounter at some stage in their lives. This involves a sensation where consciousness, spirit, or the so-called “astral body” separates from the physical form. While most incidents occur during sleep or under hypnosis, some assert achieving it even through relaxation alone.
The intrigue and allure of astral projection are undeniable, but the question of its authenticity persists.
The notion of humans departing their bodies during dreams has ancient origins. Across the globe, diverse individuals – from those embracing New Age ideologies to traditional shamans – uphold the belief that connecting with cosmic intelligence is possible through visions and vivid dreamscapes experienced during astral projection or out-of-body experiences. However, its most recent resurgence can be traced back to the spiritual upsurge of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
HISTORY OF ASTRAL PROJECTION
Dr. Susan Blackmore, in an interview with HowStuffWorks, highlighted the origins of the idea of astral projection in the 19th-century mystical system known as theosophy. This system posits that humans possess seven bodies, ranging from the most tangible physical form to the loftiest spiritual and mental bodies.
John L Crow, in his paper “Taming the Astral Body: The Theosophical Society’s Ongoing Problem of Emotion and Control,” delves into the history of The Theosophical Society, founded in New York in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky. According to Susan Blackmore, as cited in Psychology Today, Blavatsky claimed diverse feats, including worldwide travels, study under Tibetan gurus, communication with the deceased, and the attainment of higher planes through interaction with Hindus and Buddhists.
Central to the theosophical teachings is the concept of ‘Seven Bodies of Man,’ wherein the astral body, identified as the third body, holds significance. Blackmore elaborates that the astral body can separate from the physical and etheric bodies, venturing into the astral planes. The influence of Theosophy reached beyond its spiritual core, profoundly impacting artists and scientists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, as noted by Engelberg Ideas.
As the notion of astral projection permeated popular fiction, its seeds can be discerned in works like ‘Doctor Strange,’ where the practice became a subject of exploration. In Dennis Wheatley’s 1941 novel “Strange Conflict,” the protagonist, Duc De Richleau, employs astral projection to traverse the world during his sleep.
Initially a private, quasi-religious meditative practice, astral projection, like numerous New Age beliefs, underwent commercialization. Astral travel evolved into a lucrative enterprise, with an array of resources including books, seminars, DVDs, and more, promising to instruct individuals on leaving their physical forms to access alternate dimensions. Yet, the lingering question remains – does astral projection truly yield results?
IS ASTRAL PROJECTION REAL?
Advocates of astral travel assert the authenticity of their encounters due to their vividness and the shared nature of experiences across diverse cultures. However, this may not be surprising, as experiences often align with what’s termed “guided imagery.” In this process, a figure of authority, such as a psychologist or an astral travel instructor, prescribes the expected encounter.
Yet, the challenge arises when attempting to scientifically validate whether one’s spirit truly departs or enters the body. The core issue is that there’s no empirical means to measure such occurrences. A plausible explanation for out-of-body experiences is that they stem from fantasy and dreams, as there’s insufficient scientific proof to support consciousness existing beyond the confines of the brain.
Why has astral projection eluded scientific substantiation? Some argue that mainstream scientists are close-minded, rejecting evidence that contradicts their established beliefs. However, in the realm of science, those who challenge dominant theories are often rewarded rather than penalized. Demonstrating the existence of psychic powers, astral projection, or alternative dimensions could potentially immortalize dissenting scientists in history or even earn them a Nobel Prize.
Testing the legitimacy of astral travel seems straightforward. For instance, one could hide ten undisclosed objects at different locations and ask a person projecting their consciousness to describe the items present. This either yields matching descriptions or exposes disparities.
Researcher Susan Blackmore, author of “Beyond the Body: An Investigation of Out-of-the-Body Experiences,” highlights that individuals undergoing astral travel tend to score higher in hypnotizability and absorption – indicators of deep engagement with an imagined experience, such as a movie or play. These individuals are more imaginative, suggestible, and prone to fantasies. Yet, they exhibit minimal substance use and lack overt signs of psychopathology.
In 2021, the Medical Science journal Cureus published a paper titled “Astral Projection: A Strange Out-of-Body Experience in Dissociative Disorder.” This document explored a purported case of astral projection in a 15-year-old boy. The paper examined multiple potential causes for out-of-body experiences, attributing them to neurological conditions, deficient sensory processing, near-death experiences, psychedelic drug usage, and psychopathological factors.
Furthermore, a study covered by The Atlantic in 2017 investigated vestibular disorder patients (affecting the inner ear’s balance functions). It found that 14% of those with vestibular issues reported out-of-body experiences, compared to 5% without such conditions.
While some advocate for elaborate tests, practical applications of astral projection could offer more conclusive demonstrations. Proven astral travelers might revolutionize disaster response, aiding search and rescue operations in dangerous environments. They could offer invaluable insights to law enforcement during crises, enhancing situational awareness.
Though astral projection enthusiasts assert its reality, their evidence remains anecdotal. Much like individuals who claim divine experiences through substances like peyote or LSD, these encounters might be genuine within the altered state. Astral projection serves as an engaging and benign pursuit, potentially transformative for some. However, without tangible evidence of experiences transcending the physical realm, the enigma continues, leaving room for the mystical and the fantastical.
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