This is a simple guide that provides the most basic information and techniques required to learn astral projection and to start experiencing the freedom of astral travel. Astral projection is the ability to disconnect your consciousness from your physical body and project it anywhere you desire. Astral projection is different from lucid dreaming because lucid dreaming involves controlling your experiences within a made up, dream environment. When you project astrally you are actually moving your astral form through the real physical environment. It's not uncommon for people to be able to report what's going on in other rooms of their house while they project astrally -- something that is not possible in a lucid dream.

In your research into astral projection and the tools available to help you learn astral projection, you will find that there are those who claim that astral projection is not safe. When you are able to astrally project successfully, you will find a thin silver cord that connects your astral form to your physical form. People claim that if this cord is severed it will cause death to the physical form. However, thousands of people all over the world have documented their astral journeys and there has never been a single instance of death during a projection. Most people use this as a fear tactic because they do not fully understand what happens during an astral projection.

The first thing you must learn to master when you start to learn astral projection is the ability to master the hypnagogic state. This is the dreamlike state between being awake and asleep. In order to project, you have to be able to enter a state where your body is asleep but your mind is awake. One technique that is common for people to use when just starting out is to lie flat and hold one arm directly up towards the ceiling. As you start to drift off to sleep, your arm will fall. As your arm falls, it will wake you up. Over time, you will begin to become aware of your "mind awake body asleep" state without dropping your arm.

The next step in your journey to learn astral projection is the ability to visualize. Visualization is a key skill in astral projection. When you are in the hypnagogic state, visualize yourself floating above your body and looking back at yourself. This is usually most easily accomplished by visualizing yourself flipping over onto your stomach. A lot of people have reported that by visualizing this, they experience a "click out" where they feel their astral form disconnect from their physical body. Once you have disconnected from your physical body, start by exploring the immediate area around you and then return safely to your physical form.

If you try to learn astral projection using these techniques, you may find it difficult to do. Recently, science has discovered a "shortcut" to learn astral projection and improve many other aspects of your life. Science has discovered that when the two hemispheres of the brain work together, humans are able to induce altered states of consciousness. The easiest way to accomplish this is through a technique called binaural beats. By using a set of headphones, you are able to listen to two discreet frequencies, one in each ear. Your brain hemispheres work together to create a single distinct sound from the two separate frequencies. Most people hear a warble in the tone which indicates the brain hemispheres are working together. By using these frequencies, people have reported an increased ability to project astrally.

Trying to learn astral projection takes a lot of practice and patience. Many people who don't succeed the first time usually give up and dismiss the entire process as bogus. The best advice I can give you is to be persistent and document any experiences you have. Only once you overcome your disbelief and fear will you be able to experience the astral plane.