Ever feel like there’s more to life than what we experience in the physical world? Imagine traveling beyond your body—soaring through different realms of existence. This isn’t just the stuff of fantasy; welcome to the fascinating world of astral travel.

If you have watched the highly acclaimed movie ‘Doctor Strange’, then astral projection should be familiar to you. Astral travel, in layman terms an intentional out-of-body experience, is a spiritual practice. You may also refer to it as soul journey, soul wandering, spiritual journey or spiritual travel. We even checked Merriam-Webster and it defines this as “the ability of a person’s spirit to travel to distant places”. Imagine what it would feel like? Believe it or not, many people have claimed to experience this phenomenon for centuries.

It is the idea that your consciousness (often called the “astral body”) can leave your physical form and journey through the non-physical realms. Think of it like taking a vacation from your physical body while your mind is still awake and exploring. The feeling of floating outside your body, an altered perception of the world or looking down at your body while you are out of it. You’re not dreaming—you’re fully aware, just…elsewhere. Some even reported visits to distant places, meeting other beings, or traveling through dimensions that seem beyond our ordinary reality.

Dimensions of body

In the yogic world, our body is made up of five dimensions. The first is Annamaya Kosha or the food body. Our body is essentially nourished by food and made up of food. The second is the Manomaya Kosha or the mental body. It is the part of us that is related to thoughts, feelings and emotions. Then the third is Pranamaya Kosha, our life force energy that is nourished by breath. The fourth and fifth aren’t part of our physical bodies but rather are part of our energy body. Vignanamaya Kosha, the wisdom body or the etheric body is the fourth dimension which essentially contains our knowledge, will, intuition and conscience. And the fifth is the Anandamaya Kosha or the bliss body. Astral travel involves floating with your etheric body while leaving the other dimensions intact on the physical plane. Now, this definitely requires a certain level of mastery and, hence, cannot be done by every person immediately. 

Astral travel can be a voluntary or even involuntary, unplanned experience. It can be triggered by near-death experiences that happen during terminal illness, accidents or trauma. Scientists have been conducting research on this fascinating topic for years. And what is mind-blowing is that astral travel has been referenced in Hinduism, Taoist practices, Amazonian and Inuit culture and Japanese mythology. Theophilosophy was popular in the 19th century and also referenced astral travel. 

Science Meets Spirituality: Is There Proof?

While astral travel has long been part of spiritual traditions, there’s growing scientific curiosity about it, too. The idea that consciousness can exist independently of the body intrigues neuroscientists, psychologists, and even quantum physicists.

For instance, studies on near-death experiences (NDEs)—where people describe hovering outside their body—overlap with the astral travel concept. Some researchers even explore the possibility that our brains might act like a receiver for consciousness, suggesting that it can exist beyond our physical self.

No, science hasn’t fully “proven” astral travel, but it’s sparking serious debate, blending mystical experiences with cutting-edge quantum theories about consciousness and the universe. Could the secrets of the universe lie in our ability to explore beyond the limits of our physical bodies? Now, that’s intriguing.

The Process

Astral travel should be initiated by an expert if you are an absolute beginner. But, typically deep breathing or meditation can help to relax the body and clear the mind. Intention setting is equally important to desire astral projection. Feeling vibrations are integral as it can be a sign that you’re close. Visualization also helps but one needs to remain calm and connected to the body.

Astral travel benefits

We have heard it time and again that we are all connected with each other in this Universe. So, Astral travel helps us to deepen our spiritual connection by tapping into Universal energy. And not just this, there is a range of benefits that Astral travel helps in:-

Expanding consciousness –

It helps us to go beyond the known, to transcend the physical and environmental constraints and, thus, expand our consciousness and connect us to our true essence.

Easing fear and anxiety –

People who have a fear of death and anxiety of being disconnected from the body could benefit from such an experience.

Enhancing intuition –

It may help you to enhance your intuitive abilities and help you to explore your psychic abilities and other gifts.

Connection with our spirit guides –

It is easier to connect to your guides while having such an experience and the connection only gets deeper with practice.

Answers to pressing questions or doubts –

Sometimes we feel stuck or are desperately in need of answers. Astral travel may reveal the answers indirectly, but in a way that you understand.

Healing and inner peace –

Such experiences have been reported to have profound effects like healing, rejuvenation and inner peace for people who have experienced it

Precautions 

While astral travel might be intriguing, it is important to note that it should only be attempted under supervision. The process is not easy and cannot be achieved with a single try, it takes months or sometimes years to master. Only a trained professional can guide you on this journey, should you choose to undertake it. It is definitely not for entertainment but rather a profound spiritual practice that needs an intention to begin with. You must want to learn something from the experience rather than just doing it for fun. It is a high level of spiritual practice and needs an experienced guide. Take your time familiarizing yourself with it and understanding as much as you can. That being said, the benefits of such an experience are just immense.

Imagine coming back from an astral journey with answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. Pretty cool, right?