This description comes from John Magnus in Astral Projection and the Nature of Reality as a way of explaining the co-existence of the astral realm with our physical world. Most scientists say that the astral realm cannot exist because it can't be proven; it's all in the mind. Magnus counters, Where else would it be? If our experience of the world around us is a mental interpretation, why wouldn't our experience in the astral also be an interpretation of what the mind actually experiences during certain states of consciousness? For example, when one enters dreamtime in full consciousness, it becomes possible to co-create the experience with the subconscious. The experiences in the astral world are directly responsive to the observer's state of mind. Astral matter - the things that populate the astral realm - are derived from your every thought, fear, and expectation. In this realm, imagination is the best vehicle for safely navigating through the unknown territory of your own mind. Your moods and beliefs will shape the experience, so check them at the door before entering.

Astral Projection is part personal journal and part guide. The author bases his advice on his experiences in the astral realm, as well as his readings and interpretations of some of the classic astral travelers, including Carlos Castaneda, Ruth Montgomery, Whitley Strieber, Robert Monroe, James Redfield, and Jane Roberts. In his day job, the author is a software designer, and sees the physical realm that we all experience together as a description of what's there, a kind of virtual reality. It's something we all co-created and hold together with our shared beliefs and expectations of how reality should be. In the astral realm, the individual isn't constrained by shared beliefs, so that the experiences all emerge from one's own mind.

To get the best possible adventure in the astral realm takes some preparation. Magnus prepares the astral traveler through four circles, which are basically four sections in his book. Beginning with Circle One, the reader discovers how the ego is necessary for survival, but its needs block the astral experience. Many exercises are included within each circle to help let go of personal beliefs and the other obstacles to getting the best out of your astral travels. Each chapter includes passages from the author's astral journal, so one can feel and experience what he experiences, and follow his learning curve. In Circle Two, you may make your first visit to the astral realm. Pop! You're out of your body and in full consciousness traveling wherever you want to go. To fully understand how this process works, Magnus describes the various stages of sleep and explains how to remain aware as sleep hormones begin to shut down the body. Affirmations and visualizations help trick the rationalizing ego so that intuition takes over. In this circle, the author shows the reader how to overcome certain fears that might block the astral experience, and how attitude and intention shape your experiences.

Circle Three discusses addictions, attractions, and other mental matters that you may experience while astral traveling. Now you may learn to create positive experiences by achieving mental clarity. Circle Four steps back to look at the larger reality, the nature of our universe. Here the reader explores the meaning of life, the existence of the soul, and how the physical existence that we all experience together is just another dream. Astral Projection is a lucid, mind-blowing guide to our multi-dimensional, sublimely flexible reality.

Chris Lorenz, Dell Horoscope, July 2006
Copyright © 2006, Dell Horoscope.
Reprinted with permission