Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Learning the Craft: Astral Projection

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So the latest skill that I am learning from my Feri teacher is astral projection (or traveling out of body). To prepare me, she had me read a book called Out of Body Adventures, which, while a tad dated, has some great practical how to information on overcoming fears and obstacles and the mechanics of making it happen. It's an easy read and makes a seemingly daunting subject accessible.

I have travelled out of body before, but the outings were never planned. Sometimes I would start while sleeping and realize that I was not actually dreaming. I've met people and been places this way that I could recount in full detail. Another time I was being led in a guided meditation in a high school class and just took off! I recouted my adventures to my teacher, who was stupefied but attentive as I recounted my journey. But traveling intentionally with a purpose is a new activity to me, and I hope to get good at it.

In Feri, we believe that your Fetch is the entity that travels out of body (and the very name we use for this part of the soul indicates one of its traditional witchcraft purposes), and so I am in essence learning to send one third of my soul out into the worlds to do my bidding. Fetch has its root in this word.


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Astral projection is something that most religions agree upon (although not all scientists!), from the ancient Egyptians to the present day. Even Christians acknowledge its existence, even if they do not work with the tool religiously: "before the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be shattered at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern" refers to this practice and is from the book of Ecclesiastes. Paul also talks of astral projection in his second letter to the Corinthians as well. Surprised? So was I!

Many traditional witches use a "flying ointment" or (shamans also use plant allies for this practice) to help with the journey. I am not against such a method, but am learning unassisted this time around- so that I can learn what it is like without aids before I add those into a repertoire. I personally think a witch should be able to do both.

Have any of y'all had out of body experiences? I'd love to hear about them! Feel free to post them in the comments, or email them to me!

4 comments:

  1. This sounds very exciting. When I was younger I used to feel like I was traveling and would always jump back into my body. I still have a hard time sleeping on my back because of the feeling it gives me. I'm ordering the book, it would be great to plan and learn from traveling.
    Great info.
    Blessings.
    Raquel

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  2. hello,i too have always known that i travel while i sleep. it wasn't till i was chosen as a helper and traveled during daylight hours that i began to have problems.working as someone's guardian angel without a guide from the mortal world was very debilitating. although i am healthy now it was an extreme learning experience. had it not been coupled with the demise of my family's business my thinking and actions would have been much clearer. now i only 'reach out' during daylight hours for my children. thankfully my partner is a very gifted man and we are able to 'recharge' together. for you to have found such a wonderful teacher to help you find your 'way' is special indeed. my original intention today, before i read your blog, was to ask if you or anyone you know had ever read a small book dealing with the celtic lunar horoscope. it gave such wonderful insights into my son who was born on the winter solstice on 21 december, 1989. he was also born at approximately the time of the solstice. he truly is my 'dark' child. i remember the readings of the character, but not how to help him move beyond into a well lit path. any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance for any insights that you can offer. sincerely, patricia

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  3. Hi! I think I have done some, but am not sure. The things is, is there any truth to what some writers have said that your body is in danger of possession during OBE? If true, how does one protect it? By using prayers before OBE? placing yourself in a sacred circle before an OBE? Thanks.

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  4. I wouldn't be overly worried about your physical body while you are out. Yes, casting circle is always a good idea, but you are tied to your body and if something happens to it while you are out, you will come right back. (Try and stop it, actually!)

    Lily

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