Struggling with the temptation to practice Astral Projection, please help

[Cider]

I have read all your posts, thank you everyone. I am taking the advice in your various posts. As of now, I’ve decided to give up astral projection and any new age practices. I’ve decided to stay with Catholicism and I plan on calling a church about RCIA on monday.

I’m glad you have been able to make peace with the temptation. Good luck in RCIA.

 

[Stylites]

There is no such thing as astral projection, it is entirely bogus.

Here’s some “entirely bogus” verses . . .

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” (2 Cor. 12:2-5)

“And he took me up in spirit to a great and high mountain: and he shewed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,” (Rev. 21:10)

 

[Monica4316]

I have read all your posts, thank you everyone. I am taking the advice in your various posts. As of now, I’ve decided to give up astral projection and any new age practices. I’ve decided to stay with Catholicism and I plan on calling a church about RCIA on monday.

I’m really glad to hear that! I hope RCIA goes well. Try to learn about Catholic devotions and types of prayers. The Rosary, Adoration, Divine Mercy chaplet, Sacred Heart devotion, Lectio Divina, - there are many great devotions out there that could help deepen your prayer life.

Its been terribly difficult to get over this issue but I have realized the great importance and meaning that Jesus and his church have to me, as well as the truth that I have come to realized contained therein. I can’t say that this issue is over forever but I have managed to get rid of the rest of my new age books today. (I had gotten rid of most of them a few days ago and sort of broke down in the middle of it).

I suggest maybe not thinking about those topics for now at all, - just focus on Christ. Because it’s easy to get confused and start being tempted to reading about the new age again.

I don’t quite understand what role AP has in God’s plan, assuming it is real, but now I can live without knowing.

We don’t have to know everything we can leave certain things to God, and learn to trust Him. If it’s possible to leave one’s body, it would be something else, I think. It would be a miracle, only achieved by God, for a reason. It would not be a meditation technique to seek and master. I don’t think that we can make ourselves leave our bodies? I’m not entirely sure what happens when people try to achieve it. I don’t think there’s any reason to try it though. I think if it could ever happen legimately, it would happen through a miracle. Normally of course everyone is in their bodies, and that’s just as it should be: otherwise, we woudln’t have bodies! God still speaks to us, guides us, gives us truth, etc God joined the body and soul together so only He can separate the two, I think.

I won’t dwell on the feelings of temptation because I know why the New Age is the wrong road to go down. I will also definitely be praying more and reading more Catholic material. I find that constant reminder really helps. I think over time I’ll forget about it because I know intellectually how pointless the New Age is. I do think most of it is just nonsense and the rest doesn’t lead to truth, only relativism. I don’t want to lose Jesus for nonsense.

Thank you all again for your advice and prayers.

Sounds great I think that as you get stronger, it would be easier to reject these temptations. If you ever get them again, turn to prayer right away and ask Jesus to help you.

Here’s some “entirely bogus” verses . . .

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” (2 Cor. 12:2-5)

“And he took me up in spirit to a great and high mountain: and he shewed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,” (Rev. 21:10)

Interesting verse… I wonder if the Church has any commentary on this. I think that - this is talking about a miracle, obviously. And it even says, that it’s not clear if this man was in the body or not. But - there are some points to consider…

• this man went to Heaven, which is different than travelling around the earth meeting other spirits.
• this man didn’t achieve it through his own power, but God brought him to Heaven.

There are Saints who saw Heaven too, though I can’t say that I understand exactly how this happened, except that it did, and I can’t say if they were in their body or not. But - again, they didn’t seek to leave their body through any techniques, and they didn’t do this through thier own power, and they went to Heaven, not just travelling around.

There are Saints who appeared in different places on earth, - bilocation, - but again we don’t understand how this happens very much, and it was a miracle, and God did it, not them on their own power…

God bless!

 

[Marie5890]

I have never sought the ability to dream lucidly, but I do possess it…

It’s not evil. It’s a gift

 

[stanczyk]

Here’s some “entirely bogus” verses . . .

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.” (2 Cor. 12:2-5)

“And he took me up in spirit to a great and high mountain: and he shewed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,” (Rev. 21:10)

What do God’s miracles of the Bible have to do with made-up occult nonsense like astral projection?

Answer: nothing. God’s miracles are real, whereas astral projection and other occult nonsense is fraudulent.

 

[stanczyk]

This is a complete non answer of the type that is often given when someone has no better reply. Her question is understandable. If you want someone to take your opinion seriously it helps if you can actually articulate it better than, I’m not wasting my time answering it.

What a ridiculous notion. It is not only nonsensical and false to believe in superstitious foolishness like astral projection, it is dangerous and sinful. It should not be humored.

To the OP: please do not listen to those who would humor the idea that occult magic is possible. Occult magic is not possible. There is no comparison between the miracles of Christ and the fraudulent occult magic of man. The miracles of God are real, the magic of the occult is nothing but lies and cheap parlor tricks. For Jesus’ sake, ignore this foolishness and focus on God.

 

[stanczyk]

particularly since the RCC itself would seem to teach that astral projection is possible –

This is false. Please do not continue to spread this false piece of information.

 

[Mary_Jessica]

Hi

I think your last quote sums it up…we have free will and I don’t think curiosity is going to destroy a good heart…I think that God is more powerful then that. Astral projection is not a religious practice. Just like meditation can be done by many faiths including our own. New age…is not a religion and most of it is a bunch of people on their own ego trip. Fear however is very dangerous…fear creates anxiety…just because something sounds different doesn’t mean it is bad. If you are interested in astral projection first I would think about why, do you want a closer and more tangible relationship with God in order to be a better peron? If so then try some simple meditation and cultivate uncinditional love for others. That will lead you down a good path free of the fears and paranioa of someone who just jumps in without humility. Astral projection is just a tool some people use, didn’t work for me personally, just make sure your spiritual explorations are grounded and seated in a sincere desire to do what is holy and helpful to others… Just my opinion, hope it helps

Satan and his demons are behind this temptation. He is using your natural curiousity as bait. If you go down this road I suspect you will have a measure of “apparent” success so as to confirm to you that there is some “truth” to this and that you are on the right track. Then what will you do? Use the ouija board, tarot cards, seances etc? Once you go down this road, how will you turn back? When will enough so called “hidden knowledge” be enough? It is a trap.

Satan used the same trick with Eve, promising that if she ate of the tree that she would gain “hidden knowledge” of good and evil. And look what happened there. That way ;ies only ruin and destruction.

I have experienced this personally. Satan was using my falling into sin to get me to turn away from Christ, to doubt his mercy and then to despair and give up the good fight. Thankfully by the grace of God, this did not happen. What did he do then? I have an interest in spiritual warfare that is entirely healthy and legitimate. While reading up on this area I was struck by a very powerful temptation to try the ouija board. I am convinced that Satan used my curiousity to again try to lead me to deviate from the narrow path. Only through prayer, the Eucharist and confession was I able to overcome this temptation. I called on St Michael the Archangel and the Blessed Virgin for their help to not submit to this temptation.

Once I had avoided this evil Satan tried to use my interest in listening to sermons online to lead me astray. I listened to some sermons given by Protestant pastors. All good, sound biblical stuff. But what was the result? I found myself questioning the Real Presence, our reverence of the Blessed Virgin etc.

The point is this. Rarely will Satan and his demons lauch a full frontal assault. They can do by the way as St Pio, St Vianney and countlest others will attest to.

What they do is they exploit a legitimate activity or curiousity and try to pervert it and use it against us to lead us astray and to ruin.

I suspect this is what is going on with you. I would strongly caution you against any dabbling in the occult no matter how seemingly innocuous. If you do bite the bate you will have been snared and have given Satan and his demons a victory. There will be much malign rejoicing in Hell. I do not want to appear melodramatic but it is a fact that we battle not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities and the prince of this world, Satan. It is for this reason that the Word of God warns us against the occult.

Satan appears alluring, as an angel of light. He is seductive and tantalizes us with promises of knowledge, power, fame, success, wealth etc. What lurks behind such promises is always a lie for he is a liar and a murderer and the father of lies.

Do not be fooled. Call on the Holy Name of Jesus. Call oh His Blessed Mother and St Michael the Archangel to protect you. Use Holy Water, the St Benedict Medal, Miraculous Medal etc. as your armour. Put on the full armour of God and stock up your spiritual armoury with blessed sacramentals. Go to Mass, confession and Adoration as soon as possible.

Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”.

Reject Satan’s false promises of “hidden knowledge”. Focus on Christ who is infinetly more powerful and who posseses and offers the only true wisdom and knowledge.

“Oh Holy Michael the Archange defend is in the day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil…”.

We are in a War, a spiritual war. We must know our enemy and his tactics and strategies. Be as wise as serpents yet as innocent as doves as cautioned Our Lord.

God Bless you. Keep the Faith.

 

[Mary_Jessica]

Spiritus I really messed that up I used your entire post I am sorry

 

[Mary_Jessica]

Also “hidden knowledge” how many times have we heard “for those with eyes to see and ears to hear”. Any time speant reading up on the classic mystics of the church would show that a strong desire to do good and be one with Christ can lead to knowledge and beauty that is not accessible to the average person. It was also a tremdous sacrifice. It is a possibility…it happens.

 

[Mary_Jessica]

This is false. Please do not continue to spread this false piece Of information

Why do you feel this is sinful?

 

[mlz]

Hi Satan and his demons are behind this temptation. He is using your natural curiousity as bait. If you go down this road I suspect you will have a measure of “apparent” success so as to confirm to you that there is some “truth” to this and that you are on the right track. Then what will you do? Use the ouija board, tarot cards, seances etc? Once you go down this road, how will you turn back? When will enough so called “hidden knowledge” be enough? It is a trap. Satan used the same trick with Eve, promising that if she ate of the tree that she would gain “hidden knowledge” of good and evil. And look what happened there. That way ;ies only ruin and destruction. I have experienced this personally. Satan was using my falling into sin to get me to turn away from Christ, to doubt his mercy and then to despair and give up the good fight. Thankfully by the grace of God, this did not happen. What did he do then? I have an interest in spiritual warfare that is entirely healthy and legitimate. While reading up on this area I was struck by a very powerful temptation to try the ouija board. I am convinced that Satan used my curiousity to again try to lead me to deviate from the narrow path. Only through prayer, the Eucharist and confession was I able to overcome this temptation. I called on St Michael the Archangel and the Blessed Virgin for their help to not submit to this temptation. Once I had avoided this evil Satan tried to use my interest in listening to sermons online to lead me astray. I listened to some sermons given by Protestant pastors. All good, sound biblical stuff. But what was the result? I found myself questioning the Real Presence, our reverence of the Blessed Virgin etc. The point is this. Rarely will Satan and his demons lauch a full frontal assault. They can do by the way as St Pio, St Vianney and countlest others will attest to. What they do is they exploit a legitimate activity or curiousity and try to pervert it and use it against us to lead us astray and to ruin. I suspect this is what is going on with you. I would strongly caution you against any dabbling in the occult no matter how seemingly innocuous. If you do bite the bate you will have been snared and have given Satan and his demons a victory. There will be much malign rejoicing in Hell. I do not want to appear melodramatic but it is a fact that we battle not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities and the prince of this world, Satan. It is for this reason that the Word of God warns us against the occult. Satan appears alluring, as an angel of light. He is seductive and tantalizes us with promises of knowledge, power, fame, success, wealth etc. What lurks behind such promises is always a lie for he is a liar and a murderer and the father of lies. Do not be fooled. Call on the Holy Name of Jesus. Call oh His Blessed Mother and St Michael the Archangel to protect you. Use Holy Water, the St Benedict Medal, Miraculous Medal etc. as your armour. Put on the full armour of God and stock up your spiritual armoury with blessed sacramentals. Go to Mass, confession and Adoration as soon as possible. Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”. Reject Satan’s false promises of “hidden knowledge”. Focus on Christ who is infinetly more powerful and who posseses and offers the only true wisdom and knowledge. “Oh Holy Michael the Archange defend is in the day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil…”. We are in a War, a spiritual war. We must know our enemy and his tactics and strategies. Be as wise as serpents yet as innocent as doves as cautioned Our Lord. God Bless you. Keep the Faith.

I agree with the above and will pray that you get the spiritual help you need SOON, the sooner the better.

In the precious Blood of Jesus Christ I pray for you to be delivered from this temptation, Amen!
mlz

 

[Mary_Jessica]

I have never sought the ability to dream lucidly, but I do possess it…

It’s not evil. It’s a gift

Sure having a more conscious prescence in you dreams doesn’t sound sinful, I don’t really think it is a religious issue.

 

[Loving_disciple]

God has made it very clear that those who practice witchcraft will go to hell for not repenting. Think of it like this WARNING GRAPIC LOOK AWAY NOW OR BE SCARRED FOR LIFE. When you practice witchcraft it is letting demons into you which in turn is like give Satan a blow job. When he tempts you it’s like your beginning to suck his dick slowly then as you closer and closer to doing it Satan get really aroused then when you finally do it he cums into your mother and makes you swallow all of it. He does this every time you get disobey God in anything. If you get tempted say in the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you Satan and the tempt temptation should leave.

 

[Erin_m87]

Astra projections is very real, and I’m not sure if it is an occult thing. But I would be very worried about leaving my body empty as it opens it up for bad things to come in… Which may be why satan is tempting you. Don’t do it.

I know people that have astral projected by accident. Under the influence of drugs. It is very real… And scary. Don’t leave your temple unguarded. Of course God always watches over you but I would be scared to willingly leave my body as I would fear that by making that choice I open myself up for bad things to come in.

 

[alexmcrow]

I just read about astral projection. I think even if it’s possible for us to leave our body if God were to do this, - it would NOT happen like this. It would not involve meditation and then trying to “leave” parts of your body first. Again, if this were real, - God would do it in an instant, without us needing to have any of these special techniques! For example, in the Catholic Church, there are no techniques to get to spiritual ecstasy, or to have visions, etc, do you know why? Because we believe God is the one who initiates and does them. It’s not something “we do”. But in the new age, - and here’s the lie: they think we can do such things. This is a form of denial of God… it’s giving us God-like powers. We don’t have the ability to do such things at all.

Maybe it’s irrelevant here if a person can really leave their body, validly. The main issue I see here, is that in the new age, they try to achieve this. And that makes what they are doing wrong. Because it’s a denial that God is in charge. And once a person does this… would not the enemy step in and tempt them?

Leave your soul in God’s hands. Give yourself to Him… I recommend just giving all this control you are trying to achieve, to Him. He knows what is best for you. Don’t try to seek any of this or achieve it, you can’t. Even if it’s possible, you can’t. And God put you in your body.

I know that St Padre Pio could bilocate. This was a gift of God to help other souls. It was done by God and had a purpose. St Padre Pio did not “try” to bilocate. God did it for him. He said of souls who bilocate: “They cannot know if the body or the soul moves, but they are very conscious of what happens and they know where they are going.” Bilocation is not AP because it’s not travelling in the so called “spiritual realm” but the person appears to others, to help them, while being in another place too.

The real “spiritual realm” is not as the new age people say. It’s Heaven, hell, and Purgatory. Then there are good and bad spirits on earth, trying to help or tempt us. We get enough temptation as it is. Why expose yourself to any more.

Finally someone who makes sense!!! It is ignorant to try and brand anything strange or paranormal as demonic. It’s an easy way out. An easy way to escape the inevitable truth that there are strange things that happen to people all the time that “Western Science” can’t explain. Do you people have any idea how many people have OBE’s that can’t control them, or how many people are born with psychic abilities? How is this automatically the devil? It all depends on your intention. Monica, you are right. I think if God wants you to astraslly project, he will give you that gift. The same way he gives people any spiritual gifts whether it be talking in tongues, prophecy, or walking on water… You just need to ask yourself if these things are bringing you closer to God or are mere distractions. Don’t get caught up in sensations or colorful lights. They are merely side effects of traveling the spiritual path. Gem02, if I were you I would pray about it. Discern God’s will for your life and your desires. If you’re doing it for the fun of it, it’s probably not a good idea and would probably be misleading… I’ve struggled with the same temptations and I have a close friend who used to practice various Tantras and Wicca. He says they only lead him astray because God is not at the source. Be careful.

 

[CopticChristian]

Recently I’ve had an intense temptation to practice astral projection. I realize that, though it might be real it can only lead you to new age beliefs which is a bunch of baloney I cannot believe in. Though the powers might be real the beliefs they seem to inspire lead to nonsense, evil and/or delusion. Although I don’t believe in the variety of stuff New Agers might, I’m attracted by some of their practices. There are times when I think that some how I’m going to find some special truth all the others haven’t realized yet.

But why do I think I’m going to find some inspiration? I’ve read through forums, watched Youtube videos and read books of New Agers/occultists. I know what New Agers believe, most of which is silly, much of it is delusional and as a belief system, its incredibly shallow and weak. I just can’t believe in that stuff.

But astral projection (AP), lucid dreaming, and to some limited extent psychic powers intrigue me because they can happen to people unprovoked. Sometimes I hear about a person waking up floating over their body, being able to control their dreams, or getting accurate premonitions. The person doesn’t know what’s happening to them, try to find out and come upon info on the new age/occult and then thinking they’ve come upon something amazing they end up in the new age movement. Why are people being led away like this?

And even though I don’t believe in new age beliefs astral projection sometimes feels like a challenge to Christianity. And sometimes I think it is. Maybe satan is trying to setup all of this to lead people away. But how do we stop this and convince people they are being deceived when these experiences seem so more convincing to them?

The temptation to try out AP is so strong. Satan is trying to get me to doubt God and leave Christianity. “If AP is real, how can Christianity be?” “What if the New Agers are right to explore these powers?” “What if there is something I am missing out on, some truth, some clarity by not exploring AP?” These are the questions that plague me. I wrestle with whether it is me asking these questions or simply satan suggesting these to me. It feels like a constant mind game.

Please help. I need something to really convince me to stay away from AP and the occult in general. Every time I make a resolve to avoid AP, doubts just keep coming up into my mind. I am not Catholic yet. I want to be but over the years I feel like satan has been dogging me with doubts about just about everything to keep me away and its been working. But then I keep being called back to God and the Church.

Has anyone ever experienced temptation like this? I’m not sure what to do or to think anymore.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks.

P.S. Sorry for the length and I hope no one takes my criticisms of the new age movement as a personal attack because they are not.

Gem,

I know nothing. I try to learn. I rarely give advice. Here, I suggest you read the following considering the New Age…

vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR CULTURE
PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

JESUS CHRIST
THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE

A Christian reflection
on the “New Age”

So, take your time, read through this and consider that when you have questions, the Church usually has answers…I am sure that all the answers you have recieved so far are helpful.

After you read this, and I suggest all posting here as well read it, you may find some semblance of congruety to your question with an aid in understanding that may help you make a proper decision.

Hope this helps…

 

[Offdoodykcrn]

There are many different responses here, so I’m just going to throw in my 2 cents…
Without attempting to pass harsh judgement - or incur the wrath of those with different beliefs… It is my opinion, based on study and personal experience and/or observation of people who report ‘out of body experiences’:

There is nothing wrong with lucid dreaming. My dad taught me how as a child in order to combat nightmares and I love it. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when I realize I’m dreaming, I ‘take control’ and have fun - I usually fly around or float in water, swim in the deep ocean or jump around the Grand Canyon.

I don’t believe almost all new age/psychic/witchcraft type of stuff. I think most of it is wishful or delusional thinking, or a con - an attempt to sell something or influence people. That being said, as a registered nurse - I have talked to people about out of body experiences when they were near death. Almost all of them describe the same thing, they talk about seeing people in their immediate (or very nearby) surroundings and describe activities - some of them with surprisingly accurate details. A few have talked about visiting family members that were no where nearby, but I’m more skeptical about these reports, as they most often embellish and change after actually talking to family they report to have visited.

Some people in this thread have noted they believe almost anything ‘paranormal’ is work of the devil, and to spend any time investigating it risks your immortal soul. I disagree, as with almost any study of something unknown, I use critical thinking to evaluate the source of the material and motives of the source.