Different Forms of Astral Travel
This list covers the progression towards true astral travel; “astral" being that of the stars. Dream and mental travel are good beginning points for strengthening the soul and the conscious mind. Astral travel is the end goal for all mental states.
Dream
What is Dream Travel?
Dream travel is a form of lucid dreaming. It is merging the consciousness and subconsciousness together as one, which allows the dreamer to access the power and enjoyment of the dream state.
Dream travel is a form of lucid dreaming. It is merging the consciousness and subconsciousness together as one, which allows the dreamer to access the power and enjoyment of the dream state.
How does it work?
There are several recommendations for tapping into dream travel. Meditation is a good start to building up the strength of the conscious mind as well as promoting more restful sleep. Dream journaling allows you to strengthen the part of the brain used for memory, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain usually remains inactive during sleep but can be strengthened by doing your best to recall your dreams after waking.
There are several recommendations for tapping into dream travel. Meditation is a good start to building up the strength of the conscious mind as well as promoting more restful sleep. Dream journaling allows you to strengthen the part of the brain used for memory, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain usually remains inactive during sleep but can be strengthened by doing your best to recall your dreams after waking.
Mental
What is Mental Travel?
Mental travel is much like creating a mind palace. It is a blueprint of your own consciousness, one which you can create, build and enjoy anytime. Mental travel is an excellent mental strengthening practice. It involves visualization techniques, relaxation techniques and recollection. Alternative versions of mental travel include physically leaving the body into the immediate vicinity around you. Mental travel is a limited form of astral travel and could be considered the beginner route.
Mental travel is much like creating a mind palace. It is a blueprint of your own consciousness, one which you can create, build and enjoy anytime. Mental travel is an excellent mental strengthening practice. It involves visualization techniques, relaxation techniques and recollection. Alternative versions of mental travel include physically leaving the body into the immediate vicinity around you. Mental travel is a limited form of astral travel and could be considered the beginner route.
How does it work?
During a meditation, envision a location or place that you feel comfortable in. Picture a warm, empty beach, an extravagant library or a creek in the woods. Create this place each time you meditate. Add to it, embrace it, find comfort in it. When you are able to recall your mind palaces quickly and easily then you are ready to protect yourself outside of your body.
During a meditation, envision a location or place that you feel comfortable in. Picture a warm, empty beach, an extravagant library or a creek in the woods. Create this place each time you meditate. Add to it, embrace it, find comfort in it. When you are able to recall your mind palaces quickly and easily then you are ready to protect yourself outside of your body.
Etheric
What is Etheric Travel?
During etheric states of astral travel, you are still tied to your physical body. This is common when first practicing astral travel because we have an innate fear of leaving our bodies. It signifies death in many ways and this fear forms a link to our body that prevents us from traveling to the astral planes. The etheric body will often still be aware of the physical body’s breathing, sensations or noises. With practice and acceptance, you will find that you can release your tie to your physical body and move to the astral planes.
During etheric states of astral travel, you are still tied to your physical body. This is common when first practicing astral travel because we have an innate fear of leaving our bodies. It signifies death in many ways and this fear forms a link to our body that prevents us from traveling to the astral planes. The etheric body will often still be aware of the physical body’s breathing, sensations or noises. With practice and acceptance, you will find that you can release your tie to your physical body and move to the astral planes.
How does it work?
Practice your usual meditation and relax with a warm body that is not tired. Envision your spirit leaving your body through your third eye or crown chakra. It is okay if you still feel your body as you leave it. Accept this and move past it. Don’t put expectations on what this should feel like. Just relax and allow yourself to move outside of your body. Practice this until you find that you can observe yourself fully outside of yourself.
Practice your usual meditation and relax with a warm body that is not tired. Envision your spirit leaving your body through your third eye or crown chakra. It is okay if you still feel your body as you leave it. Accept this and move past it. Don’t put expectations on what this should feel like. Just relax and allow yourself to move outside of your body. Practice this until you find that you can observe yourself fully outside of yourself.
Astral
What is astral travel?
Astral travel is a revelation of spiritual openness. Astral travel is the complete release, acceptance, and understanding of the spirit and ephemeral world. It is an elimination of the tie to the physical and an opening to the guidance and knowledge of the ancient.
Astral travel is a revelation of spiritual openness. Astral travel is the complete release, acceptance, and understanding of the spirit and ephemeral world. It is an elimination of the tie to the physical and an opening to the guidance and knowledge of the ancient.
How does it work?
The traveller must have excellent control of the subconscious and conscious mind and be in tune with their spiritual self. Some people are naturally able to astral travel. For most it requires regular meditation and a willingness to learn and move forward. Astral travel is obtained by accessing your vibration and raising it. This sensation is different for everyone and is something that is learned gradually. The traveler must be able to relax the body, release the mind, vibrate the soul and ascend. It involves a great deal of both concentration and relaxation, but can be obtained through regular practice.
The traveller must have excellent control of the subconscious and conscious mind and be in tune with their spiritual self. Some people are naturally able to astral travel. For most it requires regular meditation and a willingness to learn and move forward. Astral travel is obtained by accessing your vibration and raising it. This sensation is different for everyone and is something that is learned gradually. The traveler must be able to relax the body, release the mind, vibrate the soul and ascend. It involves a great deal of both concentration and relaxation, but can be obtained through regular practice.
Sources:
http://blog.brainfacts.org/2013/05/how-can-we-enhance-working-memory/#.VrGNGTaoOlI
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-memories-of-vivid-dreams/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24021850
http://blog.brainfacts.org/2013/05/how-can-we-enhance-working-memory/#.VrGNGTaoOlI
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-memories-of-vivid-dreams/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24021850