In simple terms, Astral Projection is the ability to leave one's physical body. The idea of it is not new. In fact, it has been practiced by mankind for more than a hundred centuries. Although considered anecdotal, many people have documented accounts of Astral Projection; and some, if not many, scientists have already conducted research on Astral Projection. To have knowledge about this thing is interesting, but experiencing it is much more fascinating. However, where did this global phenomenon originate? Does anyone even know where this came from? Or did it just pop into existence out of nowhere?
As I don't want to leave any questions hanging over my head unanswered, I looked for answers and stumbled upon an article entitled "History of the Out-of-Body Experience" by Wagner Alegretti, president of International Academy of Consciousness. Based on his article, Astral projection has its accounts of history on different cultures and beliefs. It dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, continuing through the Middle Ages to the Modern Era.
- Ancient Egypt (between 5,000 & 3,000 yrs. ago) - The Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics as a record/depiction of how the Astral Body (Kha) leaves the physical body.
- Ancient Greece - There are depictions at the Temple of Eleusis, where the practice of OBE was highly considered. The works of Plato, Hermotimus of Clazomene, Herodotus, and the historian Plutarch of Queronia.
- Modern Era - Scholars emerged in the 18th & 19th century. Books were even published.
It was also mentioned that Astral Projection has its many accounts in the Bible. The prophets seem to have visions when they're out of their physical bodies. Listed below are the all of the few mentioned by Wagner Alegretti with little explanations I learned from John Magnus in his book entitled "Astral Projection and the Nature of Reality: Exploring the Out-of-Body State":
- The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. (New International Version, Eze 3:14)
The revelation by John took place in a different dimension, somewhere outside the physical world.
- On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." (Rev 1:10-11)
- On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." (Rev 1:10-11)
Prophet Paul relayed a message to the Corinthians in his second sermon:
- I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--God knows. (2 Cor 12:2)
John Magnus explained, "it is believed that Paul was referring to himself. This example hints at the difficulty in formulating astral experiences into words. Telepathy is widely used outside the physical, and the emotions and understandings that are transmitted between minds are not easily translated into words."
Throughout the history, skeptics have questioned the legitimacy of Astral Projection. People who manifested their astral encounters were ridiculed. They say it is just pure hallucination. The Catholic Church is even claiming that Astral Projection is evil; they consider it a sin. How could a natural ability considered as a sin? It's like saying we, humans, are evil in nature.
It's interesting to trace the history of this phenomenon. Its origin is still debatable because of the different cultures' claims. Notwithstanding, it's safe to say that it's now a universal idea. People of different beliefs, cultures, and races have their own accounts of Astral encounters. Scientists are still interested with this notion because mainstream science can't explain nor prove it. Thus, they deny its existence.
- I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--God knows. (2 Cor 12:2)
John Magnus explained, "it is believed that Paul was referring to himself. This example hints at the difficulty in formulating astral experiences into words. Telepathy is widely used outside the physical, and the emotions and understandings that are transmitted between minds are not easily translated into words."
Throughout the history, skeptics have questioned the legitimacy of Astral Projection. People who manifested their astral encounters were ridiculed. They say it is just pure hallucination. The Catholic Church is even claiming that Astral Projection is evil; they consider it a sin. How could a natural ability considered as a sin? It's like saying we, humans, are evil in nature.
It's interesting to trace the history of this phenomenon. Its origin is still debatable because of the different cultures' claims. Notwithstanding, it's safe to say that it's now a universal idea. People of different beliefs, cultures, and races have their own accounts of Astral encounters. Scientists are still interested with this notion because mainstream science can't explain nor prove it. Thus, they deny its existence.
Checked!
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