Astral Projection vs. Lucid Dreaming – What’s the Difference?

Astral projection and lucid dreaming are not the same thing. However, both activities share some commonalities that make them difficult to differentiate for many people.

Although lucid dreaming skills are not required for astral projection, those who practice lucid dreaming may be more likely to succeed at intentional explorations of the so-called “astral plane”.

Lucid dreaming refers to the state of becoming aware during a dream and being able to exert control over the activities in your dream. Research shows that lucid dreaming can be practiced and improved on.

There are no reliable clinical trials exploring astral projection to date. However, the history of astral projection is believed to be very old.

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What is Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming occurs when the person dreaming is aware that he or she is dreaming. The skill set needed for intentional lucid dreaming requires practice and dedication.

Once a person develops the ability to recognize dreamstates, then it is possible to learn how to affect, or even completely control, the course of a given lucid dream.

There are certain techniques that can be used for inducing lucid dreaming. There are also electronic devices, like lucid dream masks and supplements, available commercially.

Research shows that there is no single technique, or device, that works to consistently and reliably induce lucid dreaming. However, several techniques and devices have been shown to work, sometimes.

What is Astral Projection?

Astral projection is commonly referred to as an “out of body experience” (OBE). The astral plane is not the same as the dream plane. These phenomena are very difficult to prove clinically.

In many cases, an astral traveler will report feeling like they are floating in the room their physical body is located in.

Astral travelers often report being able to see themselves from locations outside their bodies; a process called autoscopy.

OBEs can be induced chemically, mentally and mechanically. Some inducers of astral projection include psychedelic drugs, dehydration, brain trauma, sensory deprivation and brain stimulation by electricity.

Astral Projection vs Lucid Dreaming

Although there are similarities between astral projection and lucid dreaming, they are quite distinct from one another.

In lucid dreaming, the individual is sleeping. Some small element of consciousness recognizes that a dream is occurring.

Once the dreamer knows that she is dreaming, and has proper skills, then she can determine where the dream occurs, the actions of the dream’s characters – and other dream elements like weather, time of day and/or anything else the dreamer wishes.

When an individual is dreaming lucidly, his consciousness remains inside his body. When the lucid dream ends or is ended by the dreamer, then the experience is over and the dreamer may awaken.

Most astral travelers claim to be awake when they begin their journeys. The location of an astral journey begins where the physical body resides.

The consciousness leaves the physical body and moves outside of it. It is possible to control certain elements of astral travel, but not the actions of other characters met in the astral plane.

When astral projection ends, the consciousness returns to the physical body and the traveler returned to normal physicality.

Is Lucid Dreaming a Prerequisite for Astral Projection?

Lucid dreaming skills are not required for astral projection to occur. Some people who claim to be experts at astral projection say they can simply lay back for a minute or two and efficiently separate their consciousnesses from their bodies.

Being an avid lucid dreamer can help develop astral projection skills. In lucid dreaming, practice is necessary to learn how to not wake up when lucidity is witnessed.

It is imperative for success at lucid dreaming to be able to recognize a dreamstate, and then remain calm, focused and gently go about directing the dream’s course in desired ways.

Some people who claim to be able to travel astrally say that it was frightening to learn the skills. They state that the first times they saw themselves outside of their bodies, they were scared into wakefulness.

It is much the same with lucid dreaming: the person experiencing the phenomenon must be able to remain in control.

How can Lucid Dreaming Help with Astral Projection?

Astral projection practitioners often state that learning how to lucid dream with intention and effectiveness is an excellent way to increase the chances of astral projection.

They say you are more likely to project into the astral plane if you choose to end a lucid dream with the intent of astral projection.

Learning to stay asleep when you realize you are dreaming is difficult for many aspiring lucid dreamers and astral travelers. There are various techniques to experiment with for learning both skill sets.

For many people, learning astral projection and/or lucid dreaming requires years of diligent practice. Persistence and patience seem to be two of the most important success factors.

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