Out-of-body experiences
Astral travel
What an out-of-body experience is, what it feels like, and five techniques to get closer, step by step.
Astral travel, astral projection, out-of-body experience: different names for the same experience. People who have it describe perceiving themselves outside their body, floating above the bed or in a corner of the room, with a clarity quite unlike a dream.
It happens most often on the border between waking and sleep, when the body falls asleep and the mind stays awake. That is why every technique works on that border: relax the body completely, keep attention awake, and use an image or a sensation to «move» your sense of self.
Spiritual traditions read it as a journey of consciousness; research studies it as a way the brain represents the body. You don't need to choose: the techniques work the same way whichever view you hold.
What it usually feels like
Practitioners often describe the same stages. They don't always all come, nor always in this order: it's the same ladder you'll find in the diary.
- Nothing No particular sensation.
- Deep relaxation Relaxed body, slow breathing, calm mind.
- Images and sounds Visions, colours, sounds, shapes.
- Vibrations Electric sensations, waves, tingling.
- Partial separation A feeling of detaching from the body.
- Exit An out-of-body experience.
Before you start
The moment
For many the best time is after 4–6 hours of sleep: wake up, stay awake 15–30 minutes, then go back to bed and practise. The evening works too, but it's easier to fall asleep. Don't cut your sleep short for it.
The position
On your back, arms by your sides, is the classic one. If you fall asleep straight away like that, choose a position where you stay a little more awake.
Relaxation
Relax your body one part at a time, from feet to head, with slow breathing. The aim is body asleep, mind awake: still but present.
Attitude
Curiosity, not effort. Wanting it too much keeps the body awake. If buzzing, vibrations or a feeling of heaviness come, it's a good sign: stay calm and observe.
The techniques
Five different ways of taking the same step. Try one for a few nights before switching: the diary will tell you which brings you closest.
Floating
You imagine your body light, as if floating on water, until the feeling of rising becomes real.
Rope
You imagine a rope hanging above you and climb it with imagined hands, one grip after another.
Roll-out
As soon as you wake, without moving, you imagine rolling sideways out of your body, as if getting off the bed.
Vibrational state
Buzzing and vibrations on the edge of sleep: how to recognise them, not fear them and use them to exit.
Visualisation
You imagine in detail being in a place you know, until your point of view really moves there.
Log how it went
In the Dream diary every session has its own card: technique, duration, how far you got, vibrations, lucidity. After a few nights you'll see which technique, time and Moon bring you closest.
The techniques are free for everyone. The diary, with your session statistics, is included in the subscription.
With care
Spontaneous out-of-body experiences are common and there is no evidence that they are dangerous. The real risks are different: sleeping less to chase them, or living sleep paralysis with distress. If you have sleep disorders, epilepsy, dissociative disorders, or are going through a period of strong anxiety, talk to a doctor first. These pages describe practices; they are not medical advice.