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OBE VS Astral Projection

Many authors on the subject of Out-Of-Body Experiences, seem to incorrectly lump all OBEs into the definition of Astral Projection. This leads beginners astray, as the experiences are very unique compared to each other and deserve to be treated as such. Most Out-Of-Body Experiences, especially those that are spontaneous, occur on the etheric plane. These experiences are also sometimes called Etheric Projection or Real-Time projections because the etheric plane resides so close to the physical plane that physical surroundings are perceived in real time. These experiences would be the typical descriptions of floating over and seeing the physical body. Self induced OBEs can also take place on the etheric plane.

The astral plane resides just above the etheric plane, and OBEs that occur on this plane may be more mistaken for dreams due to their obscure and mystical nature. It is believed that these OBEs called Astral Projection, can help us access multitudes of information about our existence and the underlying workings of our own physical world. Thought can also induce imagery here, adding to the mystical qualities of astral projections. Dreams are believed to be astral projections.

The third plane above the physical is the mental plane, and not much is known about it. This type of projection would be referred to as mental projection. I have only ever read a few accounts of OBEs traveling to this plane, and it is unsure whether the subjects were really there, or just on a higher sublevel of the astral plane. It is uncertain just where the limit is reached during an OBE, though the majority of experiences take place as either etheric or astral projections. Mental projection would encompass any projection above the realm of the astral plane.