The process of astral projection is a natural ability with which everyone is born. In fact, many people actually do it without even being aware of it. Our aim however should be to astral project while we?re physically conscious, thus allowing ourselves to control what your astral body is doing.

It should be mentioned that this article will attempt to present different techniques for those wanting to learn astral projection, based on the assumption that you already know what astral projection is. Also, as every person is different and astral projection is a personal experience, you?ll need to opt for a technique which you find works best for yourself.

Firstly, we?ll look at a simple 5 point method which is a technique people can use when they go to bed.

*As you are lying down to go to bed, instead of just letting yourself try to drift off to sleep, use muscle tensing and releasing to enter a deep but conscious state of relaxation. Starting with your feet and toes, tense and then untense every muscle one at a time in your body, working all the way up through your facial muscles. If you feel this is uncomfortable or you feel heavy, that's normal–you aren't used to deep relaxation.

*Now that you?ve managed to achieve a state of deep relaxation, you need to bring your breathing under control and the best way to do this, is by following a technique often taught in meditation. Take deep breath and allow yourself to actually feel the movement of air as it makes its way into your lungs. Now exhale slowly, once again paying attention to the feeling of the air leaving your body. Many people find this difficult as they become so relaxed, they simply fall asleep which of course, is something you need to avoid. Mentally trying to focus on the centre of your forehead will however help you remain conscious.

*This is the stage where you?ll need to be aware of two things in particular, the first being the way your physical body feels and the second being your astral body. Your physical body should feel heavy and difficult to move, almost as one would imagine a large boulder to be. As one pays attention their astral body, try focusing on how you would imagine the weightlessness of bubbles to be, gently drifting on the air currents. Focus on the absolute weightlessness of your astral body, feeling it starting to float away. Keep reminding yourself that your physical body is heavy, while your astral body is completely weightless.

*It?s now in this fourth stage that many people tend to see the room they?re in filled with a soft purple light. Likewise, they tens to see the entire room even though their physical body is lying on the bed with eyes closed. It?s hardly surprising then that so many people report that this is where the thrill of astral projection starts.

*As a beginner, it?s this fifth phase that?s been your number one goal. You need to continue now because after all, you have made it this far. Whatever you do, don?t allow yourself to drift off to sleep. Now, focus all your attention on the ceiling light fitting and mentally try to pull it towards yourself the bed. As you do this, you?ll start to experience a feeling as though you are floating. Remain conscious and continue pulling the light closer until you actually feel yourself starting to float. Now, it is time for you to experience the rewards of your efforts so turn around and look down. You?ll be able to see your physical body lying peacefully on the bed below.

If you?ve experienced this unique phenomenon, well done. You?ve successfully managed to astral project and are now in a position to start exploring with your astral travels. As I?ve mentioned before, different techniques work for different people so if this technique hasn?t worked for you, go ahead and attempt using this next technique.

You can do this one, known as the Gazing Method, when you're hitting the hay for night as well. You'll need an object to focus on: the moon through your window or skylight, a lava lamp, even just a nightlight; whatever can hold your attention.

So, having chosen it, just lie in bed and begin gazing fixedly at this object. After a little while your eyelids will grow heavy, but you must keep staring. Next you'll reach a point where your eyes do close but you can still see the object as if they were open. Keep gazing at the object through your closed eyes. You'll come to a point where you want to stand or sit up. Do so, and then don't be surprised when you turn to see your own body lying on the bed!

One thing that?s extremely important is that you realize these techniques don?t always work on your first attempt. In fact, they may not even work on the second or third time you try them but if after that they still don?t work, don?t despair because there are still other techniques.

Astral projection is often hindered or even prevented simply because your subconscious mind refuses to allow it and until such time that your subconscious accepts the fact that its okay for your astral body to leave your physical body you may not be successful. An effective tool for getting past this obstacle is through affirmations which will enable your subconscious to come to terms with the aspect of astral projection.

For some, conditioning one?s mind to an extent where astral projection becomes easy can take considerable time but the good news is, there are some powerful short cuts which can make it possible even after one attempt.

One of the shortcuts is hypnosis. A good hypnotist can tell you what you are experiencing as you enter into the right state of mind, so you don't have to worry about what you 'should ' be experiencing.

In recent times it has come to light that a form of sound technology known as ?binaural beats? is also highly effective at inducing a state of relaxation which is suitable for astral projection.

Once again, astral projection is actually not difficult–it's a natural capability born into you. You just need to use the right tools to get it done, and then you can astraly travel the cosmos!