While there may be a number of different astral projection techniques which people can use in order to help them achieve success, one should bear in mind that because everyone is different, what works for one may not necessarily work for another. Interestingly enough, many people encounter problems with certain methods although for the most part, this is not because of the method they choose to use, but rather because they are unable to relax.

It simply cannot be stressed enough that total relaxation is vital if you are to achieve any measure of success with astral projection. The inability to relax seems to be more prevalent between those just starting out, largely because of fear. For the most part, this fear stems from the misconception that one can be harmed, or even die, because of the actual projection. Interestingly enough, the Canterbury institute which is renowned for their occult studies, conducted specific research in order to eliminate these fears.

In fact, the Canterbury Institute used 2,000 volunteers, all of whom participated in astral projection, and of course not one of those people were harmed in any way after following the various astral projection techniques. More importantly though, the Canterbury Institute followed all the volunteers for the next three years and during that time, none of them reported any problems and neither did any of them have any complaints.

Okay, now that we’ve managed to get rid of some of the fears and concerns, let’s go ahead and take a look at a few techniques. These techniques which are discussed are all relatively easy and have helped many people succeed. The first technique which consists of seven main steps, is known as the ‘Monroe Technique’.

* Mind and body must be relaxed. Of course there are a number of relaxation techniques which people can use, although the easiest one is simply deep inhaling and exhaling. This is then followed by relaxing all the muscles of the body one at a time. Starting at the toes, tense each muscle and then release it again.

* The hypnotic state of mind. This is simply a state of mind when your mind and body are right at the very edge of consciousness. In other words, you are right at the verge of going to sleep but it’s imperative that you do not allow yourself to actually fall asleep. This can be achieved by using what is known as the ‘gazing method’, where one focuses on an object in the room as you lie on your bed. Your aim should be to be able to see the object even when your eyes are closed.

* When you reach a point where you can still see the object even though your eyes are closed, then you need to deepen your current state of mind even more. This can be done by looking around the room while your eyes remain closed. Amongst other things, you may very well begin to see some light patterns and even a sort of purplish haze inside the room. This is perfectly normal and there is no need for you to pay much attention to it. Instead, once the light is no longer visible you can take that as a sign that you’ve entered a deeper state. In all probability you will be so relaxed by this stage that you’ll hardly be aware of your physical body at all. It should be mentioned that according to the Monroe technique, this is extremely important.

* The next step, which according to Monroe is vital, requires that you enter a state of vibration. According to the vast majority of people who actively pursue astral projection techniques, these vibrations can usually be felt during the early stages of projection. It is widely accepted that these vibrations are felt at the stage when the astral body starts separating from the physical body. While it is important for you to feel the vibrations, one should under no circumstances be alarmed.

* Controlling your state of vibration. You can control the vibrations in such a way that they move through your body. By using your mind you can direct these vibrations so that you can feel them all over as if there were waves washing over you. However, it will require a certain amount of practice before you are able to bring on these waves at will. Once you can create these ways at will, you’re ready to leave your body.

* It is undeniable that the key to successful astral projection and astral travel lies in having control, in that it’s your mind which has the power. In fact, Monroe actually recommends that you practice partial separation in order to strengthen your level control. While maintaining focus on the concept of leaving your physical body, one should first only allow a hand or foot to separate. When you can do this you should go ahead and attempt to stretch them towards an object nearby, whether you choose the wall, the ceiling, or even a random item in the room. If you manage to do this successfully then you should allow your hand or foot to return to your physical body. Now go ahead and begin slowing down the vibrations in order to bring your session to an end.

* In this last step you will get to separate from your physical body. You can simply follow all the steps already mentioned but this time, instead of only allowing your hand or foot to leave the physical body, you will allow total separation. Apart from a minor adjustment, this is virtually identical to step six. In this case you need to imagine that your body is weightless or that it is made up of feathers and that they are being blown around in the wind. As your astral body starts leaving your physical body you should begin to feel as though you are flying or perhaps floating.

Other popular methods include techniques such as the gazing method, the anchor method, and the rope technique. Ideally, one should spend some time experimenting with the different techniques in order to establish which technique suits you the most.

One should bear in mind that it may not be possible to astral project instantly, irrespective of which technique you use.

Fortunately for those who are impatient, rapid advancements in sound technology have resulted in various audio tools becoming available. One such tool makes use of sound waves of different frequencies, known as ‘binaural beats’, in order to synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain. This in turn allows one to enter into a meditative state almost instantaneously, and of course this is the ideal state of mind for astral projection.

Those looking for further assistance with regards to relaxation can also make use of hypnosis recordings which have been created specifically for the purpose of astral projection. These recordings work by targeting the subconscious mind in order to reinforce the idea that it’s perfectly acceptable for you to leave your physical body.

It simply cannot be denied that astral protection is a life changing experience, and this is something which anyone will attest to once they have experienced it. Fortunately, it is something anyone can do, particularly if you use one of the many techniques available.

Carl J Wilkins is a writer for the http://www.astralprojectiontravel.com website. You can enjoy the incredible experience of astral projection for yourself and get twenty nine Free astral projection techniques Audios when you visit here.