Astral Projection Technique
I compiled a short and simple procedure to induce an Astral Projection that does not imply sleeping. The problem with sleep-related methods is that it creates uncertainty about the nature of the experience. Acknowledgements go to The Master Therion and Azrael.
1. Assume Vajrasana (Diamond Pose, Seiza) postureA firm upright position that prevents you from falling asleep is preferred. Yet it must allow you to let go of the body without having it collapse. In Yoga, such a posture is called Asana. An Asana has to be "conquered" before the body ceases to send signals. This can be a long and painful process - often taking several months, but I see no real alternative. Read
this description to learn about Asana. Of course, other Asanas can be applied, too, for example Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose) or Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose). Those are also the most common Asanas being exercised in Raja Yoga. Sitting in a chair or lying down is not a recommended position, because you might easily fall asleep. Experience in the practice of Yoga definitely represents a big advantage.
2. Visualize a detailed double of your physical body face to face with youA close inspection of your appearance in the mirror beforehand aids with properly imagining the double. Take your time to examine your features and be honest about it. Often the perception you have of yourself greatly differs from your actual appearance. Try to look beyond those filters. If successful, the reflection in the mirror will appear to you like a different person - maybe even a stranger.
The visualization has to be performed until you can actually "see" it - not with your physical, but with your "inner eyes". Visualizations can become so vivid that they are at least as convincing as physical sight - especially when deeply relaxed. All concentration must be focused on the imaginary double. You must become completely absorbed by it. This sounds easier than it actually is, because the mind is quite erratic. When you notice that you are zoning out, gently steer attention back to the object of visualization. Ignore any intruding thoughts, better yet block them out. One can learn to discontinue thoughts earlier and earlier until they are cancelled before reaching the mind space at all.
I usually sit on a red blanket when meditating. The only difference of the double is that it has a blue blanket. This variation helps to distinguish the bodies later when transmitting awareness. You might consider a similar difference.
Basic exercises to build up your visualization skills may be given in a future article. As with all such skills, practice is key.
3. Visualize a line leading from the forehead (Brow Chakra, Third Eye) of the physical body to that of the doubleThis connection will act as a carrier for the transmission of awareness.
4. Let awareness travel along the line until it reaches the double and have it merge with itThe merging may rather feel like snapping into position. Awareness may also occur to quickly jump back and forth between the two bodies, but in the end you should face your physical body from the projected double.
5. Visualize a flow of energy being transmitted over the line from the physical body to the subtle doubleBy this procedure, one strengthens the double and stabilizes one's connection with it. You might assume that this step actually transforms the visualized double into an Astral Body, but like all visualizations, it can be considered a mental aid, a representation of intention. Do not confuse the visualization with the aspired effect.
6. ExploreThis procedure is limited to the induction process. A future article may cover further techniques. Since you used an exact double of your physical body as your astral vessel, you should be largely able to handle it like your physical body.
The above technique is kept very basic and straightforward. Additional relaxation exercises may increase your chances of success, but if step 2 is performed with determined concentration, you should completely lose perception of your physical body. There are two more important key factors: 1. regular practice and 2. sticking with a technique. Do not jump from technique to technique just because it does not work at once. Such things take time. It is a skill that has to be developed. There may be a time when you seem to be stuck, make no more progress and become frustrated. Do not give up, it will pass. Also do not become dogged. Stay committed, but keep up an attitude of ease. I highly recommend to keep a journal logging your progress.