Amazing Astral Travel: Everything You Want To Know
Are you curious about astral travel and what it really means when the soul leaves the body during sleep?
You may feel disconnected, confused by vivid dreams, or unsure if these experiences are real or meaningful.
As a soul coach, I’ve been curious about soul travel for decades. I’ve researched the spiritual traditions and personal experiences people have had with it.
You’re curious about astral travel because maybe you’ve had an experience?
In this article, we’ll explore what astral travel is, how it differs from dreaming, and what people experience during it. Let’s go!
What is Astral Travel?
Astral travel refers to the experience of the soul leaving the physical body, typically during sleep, and exploring other layers of existence. When your soul astral travels, you may be aware of it or not; however, your consciousness is traveling as well, just outside your body.
Unlike imagination or daydreaming, think of astral travel as actual travel within the astral plane. You leave the physical realm and go to places the soul chooses to go. People often report floating, flying, or visiting places that feel both familiar and otherworldly.
I highly recommend listening to Rob Lowe’s podcast, Literally, where he describes his experience with astral travel to psychic medium, Rebecca Rosen. It’s fascinating.
What is the Astral Plane?
According to Rebecca Rosen, “This plane, a bridge between heaven and earth, exists in the fourth dimension and is free from the constraints of karma.”
From what I understand, the astral plane is largely where our deceased loved ones hang out while watching over. This realm is said to be where souls meet with other souls, guides, deceased loved ones, or explore different dimensions of awareness.
It exists beyond the material world and is believed to be layered, with some levels closer to earthly existence and others reaching higher realms of consciousness.
People who experience astral travel describe the astral plane as a place of energy, thought, and spiritual connection rather than physical matter.
Astral Travel vs. Dreams and Lucid Dreams
A common question is how astral travel differs from dreaming. While both take place during sleep or altered states, they are not the same.
Ordinary Dreams
Dreams are often symbolic stories created by the unconscious mind. They may feel vivid but usually lack the awareness and clarity of astral travel.
Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming occurs when you become aware you’re dreaming and can influence the direction of the dream. While similar in vividness, lucid dreams often stay within the mind’s symbolic world rather than venturing beyond it.
Astral Travel
Astral travel involves the sensation of leaving the body and moving into non-physical dimensions. People often describe floating above themselves, visiting distant locations, or encountering spirit guides. These experiences feel distinct from the symbolic imagery of dreams.
Common Experiences During Astral Travel
In the astral dreams I’ve had, I feel as though I’m hovering far above earth, in an open space, and easily coming into contact with other souls I know or don’t know.
Those who practice or spontaneously experience astral travel often describe similar sensations. Some of the most common include:
- A feeling of floating, hovering, or rising above the physical plane
- Seeing one’s own body from a distance
- Traveling through a tunnel or doorway
- Feelings of oneness, comfort, and love
- Visiting distant places or meeting guides
Why People Seek Astral Travel
The motivation to explore astral travel varies of course. Some see it as a path to spiritual awakening, while others are curious about the nature of consciousness and want to visit deceased loved ones or other living souls.
For myself, I love the idea of being closer to other souls and being able to feel the presence of deceased loved ones in place that feels light, loving and remarkably free.
Spiritual Growth and Awareness
Astral travel can feel like direct proof that the soul exists beyond the body. For many, this supports their belief in life after death and reinforces the soul connection.
Emotional Healing
Some people report meeting loved ones who have passed away during astral journeys. These encounters can bring comfort, closure, and healing in ways traditional grieving cannot.
Exploration of Higher Realms
Others seek astral travel for soul exploration. The astral plane is described as a dimension of higher consciousness where one can learn, grow, and connect with spiritual guides and/or deceased loved ones.
Can Anyone Experience Astral Travel?
While some people report ease with astral traveling, others practice for years before experiencing it.
While we’re all different in our spiritual abilities, astral travel is experienced by many people, whether you realize it or not!
Natural vs. Practiced Experiences
- Spontaneous: Many people recall sudden out-of-body experiences during sleep, illness, or near-death experiences.
- Practiced: Others develop techniques through meditation, breathwork, or visualization to encourage astral travel.
Practices That Support Astral Travel
Certain spiritual practices help create conditions for astral travel. I’ve found that the more regular I am with meditation and speaking with spirit guides, the more aware I am of my own astral travels.
Relaxation and Meditation
A deeply relaxed state is essential. Meditation helps calm the mind and prepare the body for separation. Guided visualizations can also assist by imagining floating or traveling.
Sleep Preparation
Many report astral travel happening during early morning hours, between sleep and waking. Keeping a regular sleep schedule and allowing enough rest increases the chances of spontaneous experiences.
Before going to sleep, I connect with God, Source, Universe, and the archangels. I say my gratitude prayers and mantras. Then, I set my intention to astral travel before going to sleep, telling my higher self and spirit guides that I’d like to astral travel during my sleep.
The intention is not anymore complicated or involved than that!
I suppose that if we astral travel early in our sleep, we’re less likely to remember it!
Journaling Experiences
Keeping a dream or astral journal strengthens awareness.
Recording even small sensations helps you notice patterns and build confidence in your ability to travel. Simply jot down any small memories you have. Don’t feel like you have to remember all of it.
I’ll jot down… feeling of hovering. White space. Warmth. Loving… Saw Blank…
Is Astral Travel Safe?
Safety is a common concern for those curious about astral projection. While experiences are generally described as peaceful, fear often surrounds the unknown.
Returning to the Body
Personally, this has always felt like a dream state and returning to the body is a non-issue! Your soul can leave the body and also remain with it… it’s more flexible than you think.
Astral Travel in History and Spiritual Traditions
Astral travel is not a new idea. It appears across cultures, religions, and spiritual practices.
Ancient Egypt and the Ka
In ancient Egyptian belief, the Ka was a spiritual double that could leave the body. Hieroglyphs and tomb art suggest the Ka was able to wander and return, much like descriptions of astral projection today.
Hinduism and the Subtle Body
Hindu philosophy describes the subtle body, or sukshma sharira, which carries the soul beyond the physical. Yogic texts detail states of meditation where consciousness separates from the body, resembling modern accounts of astral travel.
Indigenous Perspectives
Many Indigenous traditions describe soul journeys as part of shamanic practice. Shamans enter altered states to retrieve knowledge, heal, or connect with Spirit. These journeys mirror what today’s seekers describe as out-of-body experiences.
Science and Skepticism Around Astral Travel
While spiritual traditions embrace astral travel, science remains skeptical.
Researchers often attribute it to brain states, lucid dreaming, or imagination. However, the consistency of accounts across cultures and time suggests there may be more to explore.
What science has to say about this… who cares?
Neuroscience Perspective
Some scientists link out-of-body experiences to activity in the temporo-parietal junction of the brain, which processes body awareness. This might explain sensations of floating or detachment.
Beyond the Scientific Lens
Even if explained neurologically, astral travel still offers meaningful spiritual experiences. For many, the transformative impact matters more than scientific validation.
Integrating Astral Travel into Spiritual Life
Whether you see astral travel as literal soul journeys or powerful inner experiences, it can enrich your spiritual path.
Using Astral Travel for Guidance
Some use astral travel as a form of spiritual guidance. Encounters with teachers, guides, or loved ones can offer insight into life challenges.
Deepening Connection to the Soul
Astral travel reminds us that we are more than the physical body. This awareness encourages living with greater depth, authenticity, and alignment with the soul.
Final Thoughts
Astral travel continues to capture the imagination of spiritual seekers around the world.
Whether understood as the soul leaving the body during sleep, or as an altered state of consciousness, it offers a profound reminder of our connection to something greater.
By exploring astral travel with curiosity, openness, and respect, you allow yourself to experience a dimension of being that stretches far beyond daily life.
