Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

Today I’d like to delve into a practice that is not necessarily only a part of Wicca. Astral projection is a popular area of general occult studies, including the New Age movement. Astral projection is sometimes also referred to as an out of body experience or OBE. It describes the process of traveling to other worlds and placed while the physical body is asleep. Astral project is by no means dangerous, it is as safe as taking a nap. Many of us already practice OBE without realizing it and just chalk them up to dreams.The reason astral projection isn’t explored more is because it can be difficult for many people. The main obstacle to overcome is forgetting your dream before waking up. Practicing OBE successfully requires work and dedication. But the results are well worth it.

The idea of astral projection is very ancient. For example, Tibetan monks have a system of yoga that is based on astral projection. In fact, the ancients believed that every form of dream was actually an OBE to some extent. The main difference between regular dreaming and complete astral projection is that with the latter you have better control over the circumstances and more complete memory of the events.

Your dreams function as the door to your subconscious. Astral projection allows you to use this doorway to effect your subconscious for psychological and spiritual insight. Have you ever noticed that your dreams are influenced by the sounds and sensations that you experience while you sleep? I’ve had dreams that I was in a snowy Artic terrain on very cold nights. Or my husband’s snoring has entered my dreams as an unearthly growl from some unknown beast. Dreams are also influences by the day’s events, your psychological state and pre-sleep suggestions.

To practice OBE, you first need to understand how we dream. Everyone dreams 4 to 5 times per night, and your dreams occur every 2 hours. Your longest and most detailed dreams occur in the morning hours and you are more likely to remember these dreams than the ones from earlier in your sleep period. Your memory of your dreams is best when you first wake up.

You can improve your dream memory and prepare yourself for practicing astral projection by keeping a dream diary. When you wake up, write down as much as you can remember about the details of your dream. Concentrate on people, places and feelings involved. Make sure to keep paper and a pen or a recorder near your bed. You’ll also want a bedside light that is not too bright.

Before you go to sleep, suggest to yourself that you will remember the dreams you will have. Upon waking up, don’t hop right out of bed. Move quietly and smoothly to obtain your recording devices and recall then record your dream. Add as many details as possible. The more you begin to wake up and move, the more you will lose of your dream.

The next day, read over your memory of the dream and see if you can expand upon your notes. Ask yourself, what happened before that? and try to retrace the “plot” of your dream. Once you start remembering your dreams and practicing this method, your memory will become better. Its important to take as many notes as you can during this process. It may seem tedious, but it will have a lasting impact on your ability to control your dreams in the future.

You may start to notice themes develop as you record your dreams. Take note of any symbols that reappear frequently in your dreams, as they may be important in future sessions.

In my next message, I’ll delve further into this important spiritual practice. For now, take these beginning steps toward improving your dream memory.
Love And Light,

Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”