The methods of astral projection vary, but each requires that an individual quiet his or her mind before attempting any subsequent steps in the process. Proper, focused relaxation is necessary in reaching beyond the physical limitations and exploring the multifaceted universe around us, and although this may seem an effortless endeavor, it is anything but.

Getting into a relaxed state that is still focused is not an easy task. You have to relax all the muscles in your body while keeping your mind alert and conscious. Most attempts at astral projection do not work because the person is not able to stay focused while also being completely relaxed and the result is the person ends up asleep.

How to start with the astral projection methods. Begin the focused relaxation phase by first dressing in comfortable clothing, then sitting in a chair where it is unlikely one will be disturbed. Lying down is not recommended for beginners, as it is too easy to lose one’s grasp on his or her concentration and give in to the pulls of sleep.

When you are comfortably seated, start to imagine that your body has been completely wrapped in a bandage, like a mummy. Everything is tightly wrapped from head to toe. Now start to imagine that you are being unwrapped starting at your toes. The blood flow returns, feeling returns and your toes are free.

Move up your body unwrapping the balls of the feet to the arches to the ankles and on up. You will keep moving up the body and unwrapping until you are completely free.

Now with you body relaxed and your mind still alert you are ready. You can move on to trying one of the methods of astral projection.

The principle method for astral projection is the rope method. Before beginning the relaxation phase, and individual should tack a section of twine to the ceiling just beyond reach if in a sitting position. One should then sit beneath the “rope” and reach up while closing his or her eyes in order to get a mental impression of the rope’s proximity.

Hanging the rope will let you easily find it with your astral fingers. You will float to the rope and use it as a guide once you are relaxed. In the beginning it can be a little tricky to find the rope, but after a while you will have no trouble doing so. Just remember to be focused.

Find the rope and picture your astral body leaving your physical body and climbing the rope. Your astral body doesn’t weight anything so give no consideration to weight. Stay focused on climbing and moving up the rope. You may become a bit dizzy, but try not to focus on that as it could mess up the projection.

Keep on moving up the rope until your astral body is completely free of your physical body. Ignore everything you may feel like dizziness, heaviness or warmth. Things like that are normal. In fact, these sensations are just a natural part of astral projection.

Variations of the rope method include the lift method, in which one visualizes him or herself pulling upward from the physical body and hovering above it; the roll out method, in which an individual envisions him or herself rolling to either side of the physical body (works best when lying down), as well as the fixed and moving anchor method.

In the former, one visualizes a stationary object toward which one then tries to pull oneself, while with the latter, one visualizes feeling the magnetic pull of the object, and thus exits the physical body. Once separated in this way, an individual’s astral body is free to explore all of time and space.

Astral projection methods take time to master. You will need to practice and learn the process. It is important to keep a positive attitude as you work. Your first attempts may not be successful, but you should keep trying. Unsuccessful attempts can be due to many different things like distractions, not being relaxed enough or not being in control of your mind or body.

If you are really dedicated then your astral projection methods should come easier sooner. You should find it easy to figure out any issues you have and master the techniques. Eventually, you will find it easy to step out of your physical body and explore the universe.