93 replies to this topic

[Loreali]

So I've had this idea for awhile, to astral project at will in order to speak to my higher self, and maybe a few spirits that passed on from this world that I knew . I think it would be a great divination tool in order to connect with my higher self. As of late, I've been trying to meditate more in order to "get out" of my body and using shields in case I manage to get out one day. But I was wondering if anyone else has been able to do this? And if so, what have been your results?

[Michele]

For me, personally, I don't hedge cross, but I do hedge-sit/ride. So I don't actually leave my body. For me to ask a question, I just ask it I don't need to actually pop off to do it (or I haven't needed to so far anyway, lol).

M

[Whiterose]

For me, personally, I don't hedge cross, but I do hedge-sit/ride. So I don't actually leave my body. For me to ask a question, I just ask it I don't need to actually pop off to do it (or I haven't needed to so far anyway, lol).

M

This is my experience as well. Anything I need to communicate with is near me or a thought away. When I actually have projected, I ended up in a place I shouldn't have been and a particular entity showed up, saved my ass and gave me a lecture. I haven't had the need repeat that experience, one warning was sufficient.

[Jevne]

I don't necessarily astral project; haven't been able to do so or felt the need to, since I was a small child. I see and interact with spirits of various types and intensities on a fairly regular basis, so not something I worry much about, personally. Plus, I do not meditate, at least not in the traditional sense, as it does not contribute to my Craft and frankly bores me to tears.

For the sake of conversation, I am curious as to how you are defining "higher self" in this scenario. I think that information might help me to better formulate a response, as it relates to your specific comments and questions.

[Roanna]

I have always disliked the idea of leaving my body (I think it stems from this novel I once read where a girl projected out and someone else hopped in...) and my natural antipathy prevents any attempts I am tempted to make. As I also dislike the idea of doing something that goes against my own personal intuition I tend to leave astral projection well alone.

Your post though did remind me of an article I read a while ago about the various different stages of the infamous Golden Dawn and how each stage supposedly gains you the ability to travel to a higher astral plane. I believe there are reputed to be seven planes with only the highest grades of Magus and Ipsissimus able to transcend to them all. Its not a tradition I follow in any way but its interesting in relation to your post as the "higher selves" are allegedly those on the top planes, knowable to only those experienced enough in astral projection to ascend to them. (Like I said, not my thing. Actually its always sounded a bit like nonsense to me...).

[Loreali]

Thank you for the replies everyone. I can talk out loud and get what I need to get across to spirits or my higher self as well, but I was just wondering if you could do so using astral projection as well. Some weird things have been happening to me lately with me seeing bits and pieces of what I can best describe as flickers of light dancing in and out of my current reality, and I sort of want to get to the bottom of what it is. And I think astral projection may be my best way to achieve that.

I don't necessarily astral project; haven't been able to do so or felt the need to, since I was a small child. I see and interact with spirits of various types and intensities on a fairly regular basis, so not something I worry much about, personally. Plus, I do not meditate, at least not in the traditional sense, as it does not contribute to my Craft and frankly bores me to tears.

For the sake of conversation, I am curious as to how you are defining "higher self" in this scenario. I think that information might help me to better formulate a response, as it relates to your specific comments and questions.

When I say higher self I mean the divine manifestation of my intution. That's the best way I can describe what one's higher self is to me at least.

[o_O]

When I say higher self I mean the divine manifestation of my intution. That's the best way I can describe what one's higher self is to me at least.

I was always taught that this lies inside you, as it's a part of you, so I don't know why you would need to astral project to come in contact with it. There is a type of meditation that mimics astral projection, but takes you deeper into the self. This meditation focuses on the idea that we are all connected to everything in all worlds and that there is a "place" inside us that allows us to make contact. I personally see astral projection as a very dangerous thing, as I know of what can happen to someone if something was to take advantage of the situation. The concept of something stealing your vessel/body is a very old one and something that in my experiences, I believe to be extremely possible.

[Michele]

...I personally see astral projection as a very dangerous thing, as I know of what can happen to someone if something was to take advantage of the situation. The concept of something stealing your vessel/body is a very old one and something that in my experiences, I believe to be extremely possible.

I would say the same thing. And I believe the danger is on two levels - both to the soul and to the body.

M

[Loreali]

I was always taught that this lies inside you, as it's a part of you, so I don't know why you would need to astral project to come in contact with it. There is a type of meditation that mimics astral projection, but takes you deeper into the self. This meditation focuses on the idea that we are all connected to everything in all worlds and that there is a "place" inside us that allows us to make contact. I personally see astral projection as a very dangerous thing, as I know of what can happen to someone if something was to take advantage of the situation. The concept of something stealing your vessel/body is a very old one and something that in my experiences, I believe to be extremely possible.

I know that it is possible to have your body be stolen or possessed as most call it. I use protections though when I do it, and I know those aren't full proof, but I am taking precautions. I'd love to know more about this meditation you are talking about though. Perhaps that would meet my needs without me having to leave my body.

[Wytchywoman]

I'd be interested in hearing about this type of meditation too.

[Kera]

I too would love to know about this meditation. Things I have been reading about astral projections sounds a little far fetched to me too. I've read that some people actually do some low dosage of hallucenagens from certain poisonous plants in order to, "project astrally." Doesn't seem natural to me if that's what you have to do to get there. but I'm sure there are safer ways. If you are interested in doing that, there is this video you can purchase for 1.99 on amazon, his name is Nick Ridge, a British Fellow, and he shows in his video how to make the concoctions as well as bread poppets. Have a Nice Flight .

[Lilikate]

I've never thought that one had to project to speak to something that is part of them. I'd think you need to turn deeply inward, not outward, for such an experience. I'm not against the idea of projection if I felt well protected, but I'd probably do it just to observe myself and my close surroundings but I have no interest in traveling anywhere but around in my mind. I don't think I'd recommend this type of venture without an experienced teacher. How would you know it was your higher self amd not some entity toying with your mind? It might be better to use meditation on this plane first. You may find you don't need projection.

[Jevne]

I too would love to know about this meditation. Things I have been reading about astral projections sounds a little far fetched to me too. I've read that some people actually do some low dosage of hallucenagens from certain poisonous plants in order to, "project astrally." Doesn't seem natural to me if that's what you have to do to get there. but I'm sure there are safer ways. If you are interested in doing that, there is this video you can purchase for 1.99 on amazon, his name is Nick Ridge, a British Fellow, and he shows in his video how to make the concoctions as well as bread poppets. Have a Nice Flight .

Well, actually . . . astral projection is a legitimate practice, utlized by many individuals, not just Witches. Astral projection is basically willful and deliberate out-of-body experience. Some people are very good at this, slipping out of body awareness easily, while others never master it. Some here, like myself, are adept at remote viewing, seeing and hearing things from a distance without actually projecting.

As for the use of hallucinagens, that is also a legitimate aspect of the practices of many magical workings, especially those of Shamans and Hedgeriders. In fact, anyone who claims to be either of those, but doesn't utilize some kind of mind-altering substance or activity, at least on occasion, is a liar or a fake. Real practitioners are experienced in the proper use and dosage of the poisonous plants, you spoke of, and other methods that they employ to achieve altered states. Such activities are not for the beginner or the faint of heart and, yes, are likely illegal in some areas. That is why the majority of threads on the subject are in the private forum, away from the prying eyes of people who have no idea what the hell they are doing. That said, I certainly wouldn't use any concoction that a guy sold on the Internet for $1.99.

[Sylvan]

I think of the higher self as the fetch. Sometimes I will communicate with that aspect of myself via writing. I'm pretty crappy at most kinds of meditation except for really creative visualizations.

Possible dumb question: is astral projection while awake considered different than the "traveling" one may do in a sleep state?

[Michele]

I am curious as to how most people define astral projection/out of body experience. I used to define it as a very deep trance experience. But I have since come to the definition that it is actually "out of body" as in the body no longer houses the spirit. The body is unresponsive and can't be "woken up" or responsive until the "spirit" goes back into it. It is actually an "empty shell" body, rather like someone in a coma or unconscious. How do others define "out of body/astral projection"?

M

[Kera]

Well, actually . . . astral projection is a legitimate practice, utlized by many individuals, not just Witches. Astral projection is basically willful and deliberate out-of-body experience. Some people are very good at this, slipping out of body awareness easily, while others never master it. Some here, like myself, are adept at remote viewing, seeing and hearing things from a distance without actually projecting.

As for the use of hallucinagens, that is also a legitimate aspect of the practices of many magical workings, especially those of Shamans and Hedgeriders. In fact, anyone who claims to be either of those, but doesn't utilize some kind of mind-altering substance or activity, at least on occasion, is a liar or a fake. Real practitioners are experienced in the proper use and dosage of the poisonous plants, you spoke of, and other methods that they employ to achieve altered states. Such activities are not for the beginner or the faint of heart and, yes, are likely illegal in some areas. That is why the majority of threads on the subject are in the private forum, away from the prying eyes of people who have no idea what the hell they are doing. That said, I certainly wouldn't use any concoction that a guy sold on the Internet for $1.99.

I see, I can totally understand how one would have to be very experienced to dabble with those types of substances. Mr. Ridge does have disclaimers regarding this as well. I hope I didn't give off the impression that I was trying to promote his video lol, it was an interesting video for me however. Thank you for the info Jevne, you and Michelle always teach me something.

[Lilikate]

... it is actually "out of body" as in the body no longer houses the spirit. The body is unresponsive and can't be "woken up" or responsive until the "spirit" goes back into it. It is actually an "empty shell" body, rather like someone in a coma or unconscious.

M

that's how I define it.

Edited by Lilikate, 26 February 2013 - 01:47 PM.

[Belwenda]

"Possible dumb question: is astral projection while awake considered different than the "traveling" one may do in a sleep state?



My question too- stole my thoughts again:)

[Loreali]

But I have since come to the definition that it is actually "out of body" as in the body no longer houses the spirit. The body is unresponsive and can't be "woken up" or responsive until the "spirit" goes back into it. It is actually an "empty shell" body, rather like someone in a coma or unconscious.
M

I define it as just this. It's when your spirit leaves your body, so you literally are out of your body. That show Saving Hope pretty much sums up what an out of body experience would be like in my opinion. Being very aware and present in your surroundings, but no longer being on the relegated to just the physical plane and experiencing things through your spirit.