The Art and Practice of Astral Projection

by Ophiel

Gives all the necessary theory and directions to enter the astral plane, function there, and return with memory available.

Genres: Occult, Spirituality, Magick, Magic, New Age, Witchcraft, Psychology

116 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 1974

Reviews

[Ania · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book was probably revelational in the 70s, today it is quite dated.

For one, especially at the beginning, the writer assumes for some unfathomable reason that the reader is male. Why?? Were women in the 70s illiterate or something? I kid you not, he writes a few jarring sentences that use words like "you, as a man".... erm. No. If this was an 18th or 19th century book then I'd be much more forgiving, but by 1976 Ophiel should have known better.

There's however something else that's far more annoying... and that is of course the writer's promises that in this book he'll show you what others have hidden; the occult knowledge on how to exit the body. Sure he does deliver 4 good techniques that will probably do the job, however, he consistently stops short every once in a while, and states that he cannot tell you anything remotely advanced, nor even intermediate, and if you want to know anything beyond the 4 techniques, you are to write/contact him personally. It was just creepy. If you're going to "reveal stuff" then reveal it. Don't be a hypocrite. And no, I don't want to contact you! Tell me what you know or or don't waste my time. >:(

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on the subject that I have ever read. Usually when you pick up a book on astral projection you are inundated with all manner of stories about someone else's astral travels, but with no real discussion on how to do it yourself.

This book however, is the exception. Ophiel offers real methods and explains them, and, they WORK!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophiel is a great teacher/writer who makes esoteric subjects easier to understand. When you read his books, you really feel like he is talking to you, the student. Encouraging, enthusiastic and genuine, he spells out very clearly, step by step, how to achieve success in the "occult" world. He presents four different methods on how to astral project including the lucid dreaming method in this book. His writing can be funny and wacky, for instance using all CAPS to emphasize the importance of the word or sentence(s). Overall I highly recommend all his books for anyone interested in dabbling in the realms behind the material world.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 but had to rate it down. Interesting but a bit meandering. Also the grammar got to me.

[Matt Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book if you are interested in the art of astral projection. Worded in away which is easy for the reader to understand. Not a book to be rushed, instead you should move through the sections as you practice them. Having an understanding of astral projection already, I was able to just read through and take in the information and adapt it to my current meditation and learning methods. I'd say this is more of a guideline of what to do, and that the reader/student should try and create their own methods to achieve results, as things we know and feel about ourselves are a lot more powerful than taking someone else's word for it. I wouldn't bother with this book if you're not serious about learning, as this can take a lot of effort and mental strain... after all, it is mainly self discipline. I'd recommend that people give this a go though, as once you get the hang of it it is pretty fun! Practice, be patient, and most importantly have fun with it. And if this book isn't for you there are hundreds more of them out there, some maybe better to suited to your personality. But again, it is just a guideline to work into your more natural methods.

[Adonay Quetzal · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who struggles with Astral Projection, this book really has given me a lot to think about and work with. It’s also answered some questions I didn’t even know could be answered and that, personally, was perhaps my biggest take away from this.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

N.B.

[Ivonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considero importante recalcar la utilidad de estos libros para el avance personal, puesto que somos más que solamente el cuerpo físico y esta parte del libro (primeros dos capítulos), es útil para entender esto y que podemos alimentar nuestro cuerpo mental de maneras más productivas y sanas desde el trabajo físico.

Más allá, las prácticas me parecen en sí complejas para un iniciado, ya que se comenta un primer método en el que la respuesta es 'proyéctese'. De lo anterior, indicarle a un lector que se proyecte buscando las respuestas de cómo realizar una proyección astral, no le da una idea real de cómo hacerlo y cómo pretender seguir con pasos más allá del mejoramiento del solo plano físico, siendo este un verdadero primer paso para hacer algo con el resto de planos. Por otro lado, los otros dos métodos siguientes incluyen prácticas que para los entendedores, pueden salir de las enseñanzas de la Orden Hermética de la Golden Dawn pero que termina combinando con las enseñanzas de Aleister Crowley, las cuales, aunque son excelentes para un descubrimiento personal, sí cambiaron a su propia interpretación y que él, desde las enseñanzas de la luz, las combinó para poder trabajar sus propios demonios.

La cruz cabalística es enseñada desde el primer nivel en la OHGD y todo neófito puede ir encontrando su camino con esta, pero en este libro se une a la Proyección Astral y el autor (Ophiel), termina hablando de esta y no encuentra una unión real con la parte práctica. Y debo recalcar, me preocupa que la pronunciación y la traducción de la misma no la haya dispuesto de manera correcta y no funcione de la misma manera. Finalmente, estaría determinando que para hacer una proyección astral, el autor debería sí o sí conocer los libros básicos de la Golden Dawn y del mismo mago Israel Regardie.

Lo que sí podría recomendarse para seguir avanzando, es el último método (que también termina uniendo con el árbol de la vida y las sefirot) en donde el practicante tiene que ir memorizando símbolos, alentando a grabarse hasta los más mínimos detalles más allá de los sueños y de lo visual en el plano físico. Para tal fin, sería recomendable irse al otro lado y seguir uno de los más reconocidos libros sobre Proyección Astral escritos en la actualidad y yo me estoy refiriendo a uno de los fundadores y cabeza principal de la Dragon Rouge (LHP), Thomas Karlsson sin rodeos ni practicas que indiquen que se debe creer en algo especial.

El árbol de la vida es algo complejo que muchos ni en más de décadas de estudios logran a veces descubrir por completo, así que unir el tema y decir que este se estudie para lograr la finalidad real de este libro, es algo agotador para muchos y que no todos siguen o quieren seguir en esta vida o existencia física.

[Tai Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute must-read for all students of magick and the occult. Written in a very accessible conversational style, Ophiel gets right to the point of the 'how' behind one of the most elusive yet beneficial spiritual practices one can have under their belt.

My only real gripe is that Ophiel does get lost in his rambling at times, which stifles the flow of the book and makes some sections a bit confusing. But I also found it refreshing to read an occult book that feels so informal and straight-up. The formatting and editing of the book also was a bit frustrating but the information is all there and readable, so not a big deal overall.

Definitely highly recommended though, and a book I keep returning to as I continue on my occult journey.

[Gazmend Ceno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very best book on the subject, (especially if the reader is still in the first steps, as far as meddling deeply in the occult literature goes). There are enough methods to choose, according to your liking. Bear in mind that Mr. Peach was not a novelist - but an occultist! He repeats himself - but that’s a mark of a good teacher since the topic needs it anyway.
Note: This book is not for cowards or people who don’t take care of their body. You have to be in good shape, both physically and mentally, and well balanced emotionally to consider these manuals. Otherwise stay away - and make fun with this little book as gibberish. That would be much safer…

[Taija Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really couldn’t stand the writing or the author, and overall this book really sucked. Are there some decent or interesting points? Sure. Will I read more from this author? I’m a sucker for punishment so probably. But for those interested in the subject matter, this is maximum effort and time for minimum results—skip it. If you just love the esoteric side, it did occasionally have interesting insights.

[Peter Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Astral Projection is truly a different process than Lucid Dreaming, which in my limited experience - truly felt like it might be - this really informs you how to get there and what to do. It is not easy.

Castaneda's The Art of Dreaming helped me the most personally though, as far as gaining control in the dream world...

[Sophía · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the first books I ever read on Astral Projection. However, the techniques in this book describe something more akin to mental travel than astral projection. The astral and mental vehicles are entirely different.

[Charan Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Russell Eric Dobda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book with 3 methods of Astral and Etheric projection.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read if this is a topic of interest for you. Ophiel's sense of humor and personality shines through his words again.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Need to practice the techniques but if you take an hour out of your day, it will be worth it. I will let you know how I did. Unfortunately, you will be unable to contact the author.

[Melih Özdemir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I lost my focus in the second half.

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad intro to astral projection, although don't expect anything spectacular here. There are much better written books around nowadays than when this was published in the 60s/70s. The author's plugs for his other books and courses are a little distracting. He basically gives 4 methods for exploring mind/consciousness projection type work. Although he hammers in the point over and over that he's the only one giving practical advise in the "occult" matters, he does leave out some detail in doing the practices. Still, it can lead in some new directions for those new to this sort of work.

[Iman de Reiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nos muestra varios métodos para realiza el viaje astral pero la verdad no me latieron. Recomiendo mas otros métodos. Interesante para seguir aprendiendo pero nada mas.