Each and every human being is born with the ability to astral project. The only difference between those who can astral project at will and those who cannot is practice. Astral projection is a technique which has a very long history, just as do yoga and meditation. Astral projection goes by a lot of different names; and there are a lot of different ways you can astral project.

Lucid dreaming is one type of astral projecting. Lucid dreaming is of course when we are conscious of our dreaming ? this is actually astral projecting. In order to lucid dream, all you need to do is to tell yourself 'I am dreaming' while in the dream.

Lucid dreaming is a method of astral projecting which can take a while to become an expert in. This means that while this is one of the ways that you can astral project, it?s probably not the best way to begin astral projecting if you are not already skilled in the practice.

Astral projection is very real and you have already done it before, whether you realize it or not. When you awake from a dream remembering every single detail, this was not a dream; you were astral projecting.

The first step to astral projection is having the knowledge that you can do it. Affirm to yourself that you can do this; this will clear away all of the doubt which prevents you from being able to astral project.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation can help you prepare to astral project. Meditation is one of the best ways to prepare for astral projection ? the key is to find a regular meditation routine which can get you the relaxation you need.

One good way to start your meditation (and astral projecting) is to sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet room where you will not be interrupted or distracted. You need to clear all thoughts from your mind and focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly and deeply. Feel your tension and worry leaving your body with each exhalation. Before long, you?ll be nearing the deeply relaxed state necessary to astral project.

Breathe slowly, taking deep breaths in through your mouth and exhaling through your mouth. Your breathing should become deeper and slower as you become more and more relaxed.

Start with your toes and relax your body bit y bit, working your way up to your head. You can do this by either tensing and then releasing each part of your body as you go along. Alternately, visualize all of the stress and tension leaving from each part of your body as you do your deep breathing.

As the tension and negative energies leave your body, you?ll start to feel heavy and deeply relaxed. Once you have finished relaxing your body, you?re ready to move on to the next step.

By now, you?ll be so relaxed that you might be ready to doze off. However, you must not do this. Stay focused by repeating a phrase to yourself. You can repeat anything you want as your mantra. You could even use 'Dubuque, Iowa'. All that matters is that it works for you.

When our minds have nothing else to do, they tend to wander ? and this can spoil the concentration you need to astral project. Keep repeating your phrase to stay focused.

Repeating this phrase can help you to attain the altered state of consciousness which you need to astral project. Another way to reach this state is to use the 'body of light' technique, which involves visualizing yourself transforming into a body of light.

There are three signs to watch for that will indicate that you are beginning to astral project. One is having a sensation of motion, followed by 'seeing' light and color (even though your eyes will be closed). You will then hear voices telling you to stop or to continue ? this is a sure sign that you are astral projecting.