Glossary

Astral Projection

Astral projection is the reported experience of a person's consciousness or awareness leaving the physical body and travelling in a non-physical form.

Overview

People who report astral projection often describe floating above their body or moving through other locations while their physical body remains still.

Key Insight

Astral projection is frequently discussed in spiritual traditions and modern consciousness exploration practices.

Scientific Status

Researchers generally interpret these experiences as a type of out-of-body experience. They are studied in psychology and consciousness research, not as evidence of a separable soul or spirit.

How Researchers Study It

Studies use self-reports, sleep labs, and comparisons with out-of-body experiences. Neurological and psychological explanations are investigated.

Quick Facts

Field
consciousness research, psychology
Related Concepts
out-of-body experience, lucid dreaming
Typical Context
sleep, meditation, altered states

Related Terms

FAQ

  • Is astral projection the same as out-of-body experience?

    Researchers often treat them as related. Astral projection is the traditional term; OBE is the term more commonly used in scientific literature.