astral projection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. 'Out-of-body experience' (OBE) is a broader, more neutral term used in psychology and neuroscience to describe the sensation of being outside one's body, which can occur spontaneously or due to various factors. 'Astral projection' specifically implies a controlled, willful act often tied to esoteric belief systems involving an 'astral body'.

Mainstream science does not accept astral projection as a literal phenomenon of consciousness leaving the body. It is studied as a subjective experience, often explained through theories involving brain function, such as disruptions in multisensory integration or vestibular processing.

Many esoteric and New Age resources claim it is a learnable skill through techniques like deep relaxation, meditation, visualization, and sleep state manipulation (e.g., waking up from a dream consciously). There is no scientific consensus on the efficacy of these methods for producing the claimed phenomenon.

In Theosophy and similar spiritual doctrines, the astral body is conceived as a subtle, non-physical vehicle of consciousness, intermediate between the soul and the physical body, which is said to be capable of traveling independently during astral projection.

The experience, often described in esoteric traditions, of the consciousness or soul separating from the physical body and traveling outside it.

Astral projection is usually informal, spiritual/esoteric in register.

Astral projection: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæs.trəl prəˈdʒek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæs.trəl prəˈdʒek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.