Early Traditions

Out-of-body experiences form a core part of various mystic belief systems and shamanistic traditions across time. In fact, according to leading anthropologists, scattered references to astral projection can be found in up to 95% of world’s religions. 

In early manuscripts from Ancient Egypt, we find detailed descriptions of how to achieve a form of mind-body separation. According to these texts, the human soul can be segmented into 5 components: the Ren (name), the Ba (personality), the Ka (vital spark), the Sheut (shadow), and the Ib (heart). Of these elements, it was the Ka which was considered to be essential to the person’s continued existence in the physical and spiritual realm. If one could learn to detach this Ka from their physical body (Ba) then one could travel anywhere at their leisure, free from the constraints of their earthly form. 

Later on, these ideas were elaborated upon by Pythagorean scholars (whom you might remember from previous analyses). According to these mystics, the distance of heavenly bodies from the earth could be measured by the natural intervals that would occur when musical instruments were played. By ruminating upon these “empty” notes through the study of philosophy, scholars believed that they could ascend to the astral sphere and in essence become one with the divine. 

Certain schools of Buddhism (tantric Buddhism, pure land Buddhism) hold similar views about our innate ability to project into the astral world, only instead of philosophy, these schools believe that the key to this ascension is focused mediation.