While there may be a number of different astral projection techniques which people can use in order to help them achieve success, one should bear in mind that because everyone is different, what works for one may not necessarily work for another. Interestingly enough, many people encounter problems with certain methods although for the most part, this is not because of the method they choose to use, but rather because they are unable to relax.

The bottom line is; irrespective of which astral projection techniques you choose to use, absolute relaxation is crucial. Unfortunately, many people who are new to astral projection have difficulty relaxing mainly because of unfounded fears. For the most part, these fears are a result of false rumors, claiming that it’s possible for one to be harmed while astral projecting. Luckily, the Canterbury Institute conducted thorough research regarding this, in an attempt to put an end to such misconceptions.

With 2,000 participants, all of whom participated in astral projection, the Canterbury institute determined that not even one person suffered any harm. Furthermore, all participants were then monitored for a period of three years and during this time none of them came forward with any complaints or reports of problems.

Okay, now that we’ve managed to get rid of some of the fears and concerns, let’s go ahead and take a look at a few techniques. These techniques which are discussed are all relatively easy and have helped many people succeed. The first technique which consists of seven main steps, is known as the ‘Monroe Technique’.

* Relaxing mind and body. The simplest way to achieve this is by practicing deep breathing, in addition to relaxing all the muscles of the body one at a time. You can do this by tensing and then the releasing them, starting with your toes and then working your way up through the rest of your body.

* Reaching the hypnotic state of mind. Essentially, this is a state of mind where your mind and body are right on the brink of going to sleep. Of course, you should not actually fall to sleep and in order to avoid doing so, it is advisable that you use the gazing method. This involves focusing on any object in the room while you lie on your bed. Simply continue staring at the object until such time that your eyes close even though you can still see the object in front of you.

* Once you reach a stage where you can still see the object even though your eyes are closed, you then need to deepen the state you’re in. In order to do this, you should keep your eyes closed and start looking around, taking note of all the things you can see. During this stage it is not uncommon to see various light patterns and a purple glow. However, one shouldn’t pay too much attention to this but instead, one should stay focused until such time that the light disappears. Once you no longer see the light you will have moved into a deeper state of relaxation. By this stage you mind and body is so relaxed that you will more than likely no longer be aware of your physical body.

* Likewise, this next step is also to vital according to Monroe. Here you will need to enter into what is known as,’the state of vibration’. Interestingly enough, most people who practice astral projection claim to feel the vibrations at an early stage of the projection. In fact, most of these people believe that these vibrations occur just as your astral body begins to separate from your physical body. Once again, this is perfectly normal so there is no reason to be alarmed when it happens.

* Controlling your state of vibration. You can control the vibrations in such a way that they move through your body. By using your mind you can direct these vibrations so that you can feel them all over as if there were waves washing over you. However, it will require a certain amount of practice before you are able to bring on these waves at will. Once you can create these ways at will, you’re ready to leave your body.

* One of the most important factors with regards to astral projection, is having the ability to control your mind so that it’s your mind that is in power. Interestingly enough, Monroe suggests that you first practice partial separation in order to strengthen this control. Even though you should continue to focus on the idea of leaving your body, you should only allow a foot or hand of the astral body to go. Ideally, you should attempt to stretch them towards an object which is near you, and when you reach that object you should push your hand or foot straight through it. Once you manage to do this successfully, allow your hand or foot to return to your physical body and then begin to slow down the vibrations in order to end your session.

* This last step is where you actually get to leave your physical body. Once again, you can follow all the previous steps but now, rather than only allowing a hand or foot to leave from the physical body, you’re going to allow complete separation. In order to do this, you need to focus on just how weightless your body really is. In fact you can even try to imagine that your body is made up of feathers which are being blown around by the wind. At this point, your astral body should be starting to leave your physical body and this will become apparent as you begin to feel as though you are floating.

Other methods and techniques include the Anchor Technique, the Gazing Method, and the Rope Technique. Ultimately, one should be willing to try the various techniques in order to establish which one works best for you, because you can be rest assured that everyone can find a technique which works for them.

Irrespective of which technique or techniques you choose to use, you need to bear in mind that it’s not always possible to astral project instantly. As with so many other things in life, he does take practice.

Thanks to modern sound technology, those wishing to astral project can now make use of a shortcut. There is currently a new technique being used in order to induce a meditative state of mind which is necessary for actual projection. This technique aims to synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain by means of binaural beats. Basically, binaural beats consists of sound waves being played into each ear using different frequencies.

One can also enter into a suitable state of mind by a listing to hypnosis recordings which have been specifically designed for astral projection. In essence, these recordings simply reinforce the idea that it is acceptable for your astral body to separate from your physical body.

One thing you can be sure of; astral projection is a life change inexperience, and the beauty of it is, anyone can do it, especially if you use some of the techniques mentioned.