Astral projecting is something which often proves to be difficult for people when they are trying it for the first time. There are several stumbling blocks along the way; but once you have done it successfully, it?s like riding a bike. You never forget how to do it, though you might need some occasional practice. All of us already have the ability to astral project ? it is simply a matter of unlocking this great potential.

Perhaps the most difficult thing to do when learning to astral project is being able to relax your body and mind totally ? both are necessary in order to learn astral projecting. There are several different techniques which can help you to relax, including muscle and breathing relaxation methods.

You will need to be in a place where you have total comfort before you even think of astral projecting yourself. If you do not, you will not be able to astral project and you will just get frustrated and may give up. If you keep these following items in mind as you are getting ready to astral project, you will have better chances at success.

*Take off any jewelry and change out of any clothing which is restrictive or uncomfortable. Many choose to remove their clothes before astral projecting, but the important thing here is to make yourself comfortable so that you can relax fully.

*You will want to practice your astral projecting in a dim or dark room. It should be dark enough that you cannot see light through your closed eyes, but not so dark as to be pitch black.

*Position your body pointing from north to south, with your head at the northern end. Use the sun as your guide if you are unsure which way is north. Remember, the sun sets in the west and rises in the east.

*Do not wear tight or heavy clothes, you want to be as unfettered as possible. A light blanket would be good, but nothing that will over heat you.

*Your astral projecting should be practiced in a quiet room where you will not have any distractions.

*Practice your relaxation techniques ? you need to be completely relaxed in order to astral project.

*You need to keep in mind that you should be aware of what is happening while you are relaxing so that you will be able have a clear picture of your experience. You will want to have a journal close by to record what you have experienced. You may use a mantra to help in your relaxation in order help you have a clearer idea of has taken place.

*Use breathing techniques to help yourself reach a relaxed state.

*Direct your gaze to a point of darkness directly a head of your eyes.

*Start to focus on a point which is about one foot away from your forehead. Once you have done this, move your focus to a point about six feet away.

*Imagine a line which runs at a ninety degree angle from this point six feet away to your body.

If you follow the pattern that has been laid out for you, you will have no problems astral projecting your self. One other tip you will need is to be able to guide your self where you want to travel. You will have a better experience if you are focused and not just flying blindly.

Many people who astral project do it as a means of connecting with those that have passed away. Some may use this as a tool to get to a place where normal things that could not happen would happen easily in another plane. Many have astral projected unconsciously. This is just to give you direction when you are aware that you are doing it. Many astral project themselves with out knowing it when they are asleep. With these tips, you can do this consciously as well.