I have astral travelled many times, and I have been fortunate enough to retain some of these experiences consciously. Am I special or something? NOT AT ALL! All of us in this world astral travel, though many do not remember, nor recognize the signs of astral travel when it occurs. I thought it best to help clarify a few things from my experiences, and from the many information sources I have read. My spirit guides have also helped me better understand the reasons, and the need to astral travel.  Let's explore this fascinating subject.
A Brief Definition of Astral Travel: This event is when the soul chooses, mostly at night during sleep, to leave the body for a short time to explore other dimensions, or to access The Other Side. Astral Travel is the term used to describe, the act of the soul slipping from the living body, to move unemcumbered, and to explore dimensions unavailable to us while in a physical realm.
How We Leave Our Bodies
Being outside our bodies, is as natural an experience as being inside our bodies. This reality (or what I accept as a reality) is easily facilitated by our bodies and our souls, that seemlessly act together and cooperate with one another. So, we were born with the ability to be in our bodies and also to leave it when we choose to, or have to. Accepting this as fact; how does it work? Unfortunately, I am not a scientist so I cannot give you too technical nor scientific an explanation. However,  I will say this... The bond between body and soul is loose and yielding. It is especially loosened by physical realities and conditions such as: stress, adrenalin, the sleep state, drugs/medications and the dying process.  The bonds are also loosened by the souls own specific realities such as: the wish to leave the body to travel and the understanding that the body is dying or experiencing extreme trauma. When one aspect yields to the other, we can often recall having an"outer body experience". The terms astral travel and outer body experience are virtually interchangeable in my opinion.
Why Do We Astral Travel? For What Purpose?
Have you ever felt the serious need to take a vacation far, far away? Haven't you just wanted some relief from the worries of your life? Don't you sometimes just need to find something out about some situation thats bothering you? Don't you miss your deceased family member(s) and friend(s), and want to see them again? Well, our astral trips are often meant to serve these essential wants or needs which the physical world often cannot provide resolution to. Below is a general list of the most common reasons we choose to leave our bodies. Remember, Astral Travel usually occurs during sleep but has been known to occur during deep meditation, praire and hypnosis.
--You need to escape the physical body as a form of relief or fun. Living in the physical body can be difficult and stressful. Let's face it, it's heavy and cumbersome and it's extraordinarily limited in it's abilities. When you astral travel for enjoyment, you may choose to visit friends on The Other Side. You may choose to fly over cities, or revisit a place you always loved. Your time-out from your body and your physical reality can be enjoyed in any way you choose, and is limited only by your imagination. Note: You know you've probably had such an astral trip when, you have extremely sequential and detailed recollections of a so called "dream" or when you wake up very happy and very refreshed.
--You need to access charts or talk to your guides more directly. There are times when you are experiencing changes in your life or you may have concerns about your life chart. You may travel to The Other Side to discuss these events and you may receive comfort from your guides and others who aid in such matters. Note: You know you've accessed your charts when you wake up simply understanding something you were once confounded by. You accessed the information, discussed it and decided on a course of action. Sometimes, "sleeping on it" works out really well :)
--You feel you must visit with a deceased loved one in order to resolve an emotional issue. You may have had a death in your life, which affected you very deeply, and you wish to see this family member again to express thoughts and feelings. This type of astral travelling is very common and can be incredibly life changing. Note: You may have had this experience when you recall a very vivid, clear, concise, and sequential meeting with your loved one during sleep. You may then, feel better about their passing or resolved in some issue.
How Much Do We Astral Travel or Have Outer Body Experiences?
This will vary per individual. But, astral travel and OBE's occur a lot more frequently during periods of change and stress in one's life, when it's especially needed. It's important to remember, that astral travel happens to everyone and it provides us all with important outlets for self expression, joy, freedom and information. A person's soul will travel whether they believe in it or not, or whether they can recall it or not. Our body has it's needs, and our soul also has it's own needs. Both body and soul give each other time and space to exist and thrive at the same time. It is the best example of a symbiotic relationship in all creation.
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