There are many definitions of astral projection however I will explain it the way I see it.
First you need to understand there are different planes of existence, we live in the physical plane. The astral plane is the spiritual plane in which our higher selves exist. I believe that our physical bodies are directly rooted in the physical plane where as our spirit or soul etc. is tethered to the astral plane. So when we astral project we our projecting our consciousness from the physical plane into the astral/spiritual plane. Within the astral plane the confines of physicality no longer is take place, our perception is in a state of lucidity, which is not to be confused with lucid dreaming as that in another subject altogether.
The state of the astral plain itself or the experience of the individual is directly linked to the consciousness of the projector and his or her spiritual being. No one can accurately describe or tell you what you may experience as each experience is unique to everyone. There have been documented similarities but if I were to astral project and then describe my experience, what I saw, who i saw, what I did etc. it would not be the same for you.
Astral projection and the astral plane is not to be confused with or mistaken as the Etheric plane or Etheric Projection. as the Ethereal plane is a hyperplane of the physical plane that we live in now. As other physical planes constituting solid, liquid, and gas, where as the ethereal plane is described as a web or something else that acts as a threshold or barrier that holds the other three into place.
As far as methods of astral travel, many people first learn the basics of magic, they study, learn and practice them. Especially meditation and visualization as those seem to be the two most common methods of transport into the astral plane i.e. an astral vehicle of sorts. Other methods exist such as drug induced astral projection, and so on.
I hope this helps in your understanding of astral projection.
"Within the astral plane the confines of physicality no longer is take place, our perception is in a state of lucidity, which is not to be confused with lucid dreaming as that in another subject altogether."
I still don't understand. It really sounds like a dream if it is unique to everyone. Does this mean each person has a different astral plane to themselves? Please explain more ^^
ok, unfortunately you're spreading some misinformation. the etheric plane is where the gods exist. the astral plane is where the lesser gods exist. not everyone has a higher self. some are just human souls. still not a bad thing. everyone has potential to reach godhood. its just that those who have a hs have it a bit easier, something to motivate them. the rest do not and must find their own means.
now, when you project your conciousness, yes, you are astral projecting. when you project your entire being, this is etheric projection. however, many people are unable to project further than their own mindspace. thus, when you project, do not just take what comes to mind (mindspace) and go further. soon, you may start to feel things that are "solid" around you.
also, you are right. everything first formed in the etheric. etheric>astral>physical. understand though that there are other realms of existence such as the void and abyss. and since we live in a multiverse, there are other universes out there, which means there are many astral and etheric planes.
@DarkestLight, I am not spreading misinformation as I stated that I was explaining A) as I see it, and B) your explaination of the Etheric is the way you see it, as I am sure others may see it quite differenty.
I did mention that each experience is unique and therefore we cannot all experience the same thing. So how one person may view or see it just as well as experience it may differe greatly from one another.
I understand that the way I may view things may be different from yours but just the same, I wouldn't consider my post to be spreading misinformation rather than my own "a different" perspective.
yes, unfortunately it is. misinformation means incorrect information. you base this off of perspective and perception. thats the thing. when the experience stops becoming "unique" and the results start being replicable by others, thats when you have learned a bit of truth.
now, i personally don't care if you just continue basing information off of what you think. doesn't bother me in the least. just understand though, it will catch up to you :P
In my mind opinion is what theillyrium is giving, he did state the way he sees it and yes he may not have included everything but books have been written about this topic. If he was to put everything it would take hours to read :)
