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.

The thing which tends to be most difficult for people trying astral projecting is learning how to become fully relaxed. If you want to astral project, you have to be able to totally relax both body and mind. There are several ways which you can use to reach a state of relaxation; these include muscle relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.

One of the most important things when learning astral projecting is to create an environment which is conducive to relaxation. By following the tips listed below, you?ll have a much easier time practicing your astral projecting.

*Remove your jewelry as well as any clothing which is restrictive or otherwise difficult to relax in. Some choose to remove their clothes when astral projecting; but whatever works best for you is fine.

*You?ll have an easier time astral projecting if you do it in a dark or dimly lit room. While you don?t want it to be so dark that you can?t see your hand in front of your face, neither should it be bright enough that you can see light even with your eyes closed.

*Make sure that your body is positioned along a north-south axis. Keep your head pointed to the north. You can use the sun as a guide (it rises in the east and sets in the west) if you are unsure how to make sure you are pointed in the right direction.

*As you practice astral projecting, make sure that the clothes you have on are comfortable and loose, but still keep you warm.

*Choose a place for your astral projecting which is quiet, peaceful and free of distractions.

*Practice relaxation techniques; this is very important, since you cannot astral project if you are not relaxed completely.

*In order to remember what happens during your astral projecting, use suggestions ? try telling yourself ?I will remember? at least five times before you get started. You may also want to keep paper and a pen or pencil nearby so that you can write down everything you saw once you return to your physical body.

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

*While inhaling and exhaling, keep your mind fixed on total darkness.

*Fix your mind on a shadow in the room just ahead of you, perhaps your feet. Change your point to another point a bit further from you.

*Following this, imagine a line running at a ninety degree angle from your body to your six foot focal point.

Using these tips will make you well prepared for astral projecting. To make the most of astral projecting, you?ll have to be able to have mental control over everything. Since you can do anything you want and go places you could only imagine otherwise, you?ll want to develop this ability to control your astral projecting.

The experts in astral projecting can speak with loved ones who have departed and perform feats which they could not do with their physical bodies. You also have this ability; it is simply a question of developing it and reaching your true potential. You have astral projected already - you certainly recall dreams which you remembered every single detail of upon awakening. These were astral travels which you had. If you practice astral projecting, you?ll be able to reap the benefits of this ability and astral project anytime you want.