THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY
By
SYLVAN J. MULDOON
AND
HEREWARD CARRINGTON
AUTHOR OF “ YOU* PSYCHIC POWIR3 : AND HOW TO DEVELOP THEM ”
“B1GHI* PlYCBICAt DEVELOPMENT ; ' ' u MODERN PSYCHICAL PHENOMENA,” ETC.
“ In my opinion, it is this . . . notion of a subtle body, which for so many centuries has played the dominant rile in the traditional psychology of both the East and the West, that is most deserving of being retried, reviewed and revised, to serve as a working hypothesis to co-ordinate and explain a very large number of these puzzling psychical phenomena.” G. R. S. Mead, in The Subtle Body.
“These self-projections represent the most extraordinary achievements of the human will, and. are perhaps acts which a man might perform equally well before and after death.”
F. W. H. Myers, in Human Personality.
*' -
LONDON: RIDER & CO.' PATERNOSTER HOUSE, E.C.
First Published . . . February, igag
Reprinted August, zgag
Printed in Great Britain at
The Mayflower Press, Plymouth . William Brondon & Son, Ltd.
r
PREFACE
WHEN my first out-of-the-body experiences occurred I was but twelve — so young and immature in mind that I did not realize their magnitude. The occurrences came about involuntarily and repeated themselves fre- quently, until I became so accustomed to them that, as a matter of fact, I soon regarded them as nothing extraordinary and seldom mentioned them even to members of my own family, to say nothing of keeping a record of them, although I had been urged to do so by many interested persons.
I had been told, by persons professing to know, that conscious projection of the astral body was nothing unusual, and that many psychics could produce it at will. I, too, wanted to be able to produce it at will, and I admit that I was envious of those who (I had heard) could do so. So I began a search for some one who could produce the phenomenon voluntarily. But my search proved fruitless, and eventually I concluded that I could not find that “ some one.” Thus I began to experiment with the phenomenon myself, and in this book you will find the results of my experiments.
Although we are living in the twentieth century we still have with us the intolerance of the Middle Ages, and I am not optimistic enough to believe that a great many will read without prejudice what I have to say, I have written this work with the idea of giving the results of my findings to other students of the occult. Unfor- tunately many occultists are of the belief that what is claimed to be conscious astral projection is nothing more nor less than a dream.
I am well aware of the fact that one must first experience conscious astral projection before he can believe in it, and I confess that I should not accept it as true myself, perhaps, had I not experienced it and know it to be true. The sceptic says, “ I want the proof, the objective proof, then I will believe it ! "
And the projector replies, ” You cannot have objective proof. You must experience, it, then you will have the proof.” The argu- ment that the projector cannot prove to the sceptic that it is not a dream is of no avail ; for neither can the sceptic prove to the pro- jector that it is a dream. Thus argument is useless — as useless as arguing the matter of a first cause or a last effect !
I stand on a clear-cut issue. 1 say experience it. “ The proof of the pudding is in the eating 1 ” I have not tried to conceal anything
VI
PREFACE
nor resorted to pseudo-arguments about the " dangers ” involved, which is a common characteristic of most writers on this subject. I have given the specific methods for bringing about the projection of the astral body, as I know them, and I am willing to have the truth • of my statements judged squarely by the results obtained through the practice of these methods. You want proof, and I say you can have it — but you must experience it. You want to know how you can experience it, and I tell you how to go about it. I can do no more.
In this volume I have related many of my experiences ; however, the experiences I have given do not in any way represent all which I have had ; a book this size could scarcely hold the accounts of all of them. I could never .have gleaned the information which is con- tained herein by the few experiences which I have quoted.
The average human being is not interested in the experiences of others — he is interested in his own experiences ; and I have pre- supposed, in writing this book, that the reader wishes to know just how the phenomenon is produced, and not merely to read experiences. Although, as I have stated, I am not optimistic enough to believe that many will read what I have to say without prejudice, I am optimistic enough to believe that no one can give the methods which I have outlined a conscientious and thorough trial, and not obtain results.
Do not try to judge the book by reason alone. Judge it by experi- ment. I want no one to accept my word for what I have written.
I say— experience it ! Follow the formulae and judge the merits of my statements afterwards. That is the time to judge — afterwards ; not in advance !
I have been accused of being " superstitious,” because of my belief in phantoms of the living and phantoms of the dead. Usually I find that my accusers are themselves superstitious on other subjects ! Recently a churchgoer told me that he did not understand how I, or any other person, could believe that he had a " ghost ” inside him. Yet this same critic professed to believe the Bible from cover to cover — even that " Christ gave up the ghost ” at death 1
On the other hand the Materialist believes that it is superstition if anyone believes that the mind can exist apart from the brain. His theory is that the brain ‘‘ oozes ” thoughts, just as the liver oozes bile. And the Materialist (who cannot prove that the brain oozes thoughts) forgets that he cannot prove his argument — and demands proof of the spiritist ! If you press the Materialist for proof, he will tell you that by experiment (by experiment, remember) it becomes evident that the brain produces thought. And that is about the very thing the spiritist will tell you, viz., by experiment it is evident that the brain does not produce thought ! Both Materialist and Spiritist must throw away “reason” and resort to experi- ment.
PREFACE
vii
And that is all I ask the reader to do, to convince himself of the merits of what I have written : throw away reason and try experi- ment. It is my hope that all who are successful, even those who produce minor results (by following the methods contained herein), will make those results known to me : for I wish to collect the evidence ! I take -this opportunity to express my thanks to Mr. Carrington for his valuable co-operation and assistance ; and to my fiancee, Miss Goodrich, for her help in typing the manuscript.
S. M.
CONTENTS
YAGK
Preface ........... v
List of Illustrations ........ xiii
Introduction. By H. Carrington xv
Extracts from Letters ........ xxxvii
CHAPTER I
Existence of the Astral Body long known — My first conscious projection i
CHAPTER II
Astral catalepsy — Types of projection — Astral somnambulism — Con- scious interruptions during astral somnambulism — Distant point projection — The phantom’s three moving speeds — Morbidity an incentive to projection — Instantaneous astral exteriorization — An ephemeral conscious projection experience — Instantaneous projec- tion is not uncommon — Collision may cause astral exteriorization —
A projection caused by a mis-step — The fundamental law of astral projection — Intentional and unintentional projection both result from the same causes — Meaning of physical " incapacity ” — Where and what is the conscious mind ? — The hypnagogic state, neurosis and sleep — Sensation and emotion at different stages of exteriorization to
CHAPTER III
Route the phantom travels in projection — Some symptoms of astral exteriorization — The astral cable — Cord-activity range — An in- teriorization caused by a noise — Repercussion of the astral body . 26
CHAPTER IV
Typical "projection” dreams — How I discovered the cause of many falling dreams — Types of " falls ” or interiorizations — The causes of the different “ falls ” — How to break the repercussion in a falling dream — Types of flying dreams — The flapping dream — Head-thumping dream — Dream of moving toward a phantasmal object — Dream delusions . . . • • . . . 37
v
CHAPTER V
Effect of instability — Eccentricities of the senses — Duplicate sense of touch — Phantom can pass through needle-points without feeling — Delusions of the senses during the hypnotic trance — Duplicate sensibility and obsession — The case of " 89 ” — The painful bayonet case — Duplicate and shifting motivity — A “ rap ” produced at will, during exteriorization of motivity. ..... 51
ix
X
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI
PAGE
The purpose of sleep — Dream control — Subjects of “ nervous tempera- ment ” are best suited for psychic experiments — When outside cord- activity range the phantom is free — Prolonged projection — The projector cannot get lost — How the physical is recharged during projection — Not dead but sleeping! — The astral cable is akin to the umbilical cord ,68
CHAPTER VII
Where the astral " line of force ’’ makes contact with the bodies — Turning over in the air — The four brains of man — The pineal gland — The pituitary body — The Cosmic energy — Doctor Lindlahr’s views on energy — Foods, fasting and psychic development — Fasting increases the inflow of Cosmic energy — How fasting aids astral projection — Consciousness uses up energy ! . .82
CHAPTER VIII
Consciousness during astral projection — A “ dreaming-true ” experience — Awakened in the astral by a " noise " — The dream world — The "dream-control" method of projection — The proper dream will always project the phantom — Summary of the dream-control method — Bringing consciousness to the dream body . . .95
CHAPTER IX
The factors which stimulate the subconscious Will to action — How I discovered that " desire ” is an activating factor — The action of the unconscious phantom is governed by the " stress ” — Sexual desire is a negative factor — Phantom projects more easily to a familiar place — Projecting from an unfamiliar to a familiar place— Phantoms of the dead are often dominated by the " stress " of desire or habit — The unconscious phantom sometimes moves material objects — A " haunter " under the stress of a desirable habit — An early morning " haunter ” — The factor " enervation ” . no
CHAPTER X
Determining the proper " stress " to use in developing — Incapacity— the fundamental difference between astral projection and physical som- nambulism— An astral projection which was caused by thirst —
A physical somnambulation which was caused by thirst— How I discovered that incapacity is an important factor — Some positive minor factors — Repercussion noises—" Light " a negative factor —
An interiorization caused by excess light — Telepathic repercussion 135
CHAPTER XI
How to induce " incapacity " — Developing a consciousness of Self — Dynamization of projection — What is " will ” ? — Typical dreams of projection — How to instil the stress of routine — How to instil the stress of thirst — Projecting to water ...... 145
CONTENTS xi
CHAPTER XII
PAGE
Conscious projection is rare — The passive Will — Inducing projection by the passive Will method — The results produced by dynamization of projection — Some typical projections ..... 163
CHAPTER XIII
The crypto-conscious mind — Crypto-conscious manifestations often credited to phantoms of the dead — The various ways in which the mind functions— -A superconscious projection — Automatic pro- jection— A horrible experience — Why victims of violent death re-enact their death in the astral body — The case of Irene . . 179
CHAPTER XIV
The crypto-conscious mind and telekinesis — An astral projection in which I moved a physical object — " Raps " produced during a dream — The sex of the astral body — Inter-relation of the physical and astral counterparts — Composition of the astral body — Cal- culated weight of the astral body — The clothing of the phantom —
“ As a man thinketh " — Purgatory — Thought sustains the astral body — Earthbound phantoms not numerous — An encounter with an astral fiend 195
CHAPTER XV
Obsession — The Akashic Records — Enacting future events in the dream body — Many clairvoyant dreams are mistaken for astral projections — Dream consciousness is not the real consciousness — Death is merely a permanent projection ....... 2x8
CHAPTER XVI
Projection during the sleep of anesthesia — A peculiar dream — There may be other methods — A prophecy — All possess the powers of projection — Concerning morals — The demon theory — Conclusion . 234
Index .
239
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Sylvan J. Muldoon ....... Frmtispuu
PACING FAG 2
Hereward Carrington xiv
The KA, visiting the Mummy xxii
The Phantom, slightly out of Coincidence ... 6
The Phantom lying in the Air above the Physical Body . 32
The Route the Phantom takes in projecting ... 52
Phantom projected and upright within Cord-Activity
Range 64
How the Phantom interiorizes 82
The Swaying of the Astral Body 104
Old Chinese print, showing the Projection of the Astral
Body 154
The Departure of the Astral Body at Death . . . 186
Atomic Structure of the Astral Body .... 208
xiii
HEREWARD CARRINGTON
INTRODUCTION
By HEREWARD CARRINGTON
THE Astral Body may be defined as the Double, or the ethereal counterpart of the physical body, which it resembles and with which it normally coincides. It is thought to be composed of some semi-fluidic or subtle form of matter, invisible to the physical eye. It has, in the past, been spoken of as the etheric body, the mental body, the spiritual body, the desire body, the radiant body, the resurrection body, the double, the luminous body, the subtle body, the fluidic body, the shining body, the phantom, and by various other names. In recent Theosophical literature, distinctions have been made between these various bodies ; but for our present purposes we may ignore these distinctions, and speak of the “ Astral Body ” as some more subtle form, distinct from the organic structure known to Western science, and studied by our physiologists.
The broad, general teaching is that every human being “ has ” an astral body just as he has a heart, a brain and a liver. In fact, the astral body is more truly the Real Man than the physical body is, for the latter is merely a machine adapted to functioning upon the physical plane. But it must not be thought that the astral body is held to be the Soul of man either. That is a mistake often made. It is said to be the vehicle of the Soul — just as truly as the physical body is a vehicle — and constitutes one of the essential connecting- links between mind and matter. To the Materialist, of course, who regards mind merely as a product of certain brain activities, such a theory would appear superfluous and nonsensical. But the present book is not addressed to Materialists. It is addressed to those who believe in the reality of certain supernormal (psychical) phenomena, and in the theoretical possibility, at least, of the astral body. To all such students this book will, I. am assured, prove a veritable mine of valuable and unique information.
THE DOCTRINE
The astral body, then, coincides with the physical body during the hours of full, waking consciousness ; but in sleep the astral body withdraws to a greater or lesser degree, usually hovering. just above it, neither conscious nor controlled. In trance, syncope; while b xy
xvi INTRODUCTION
fainting, when under the influence of an anaesthetic, etc., the astral body similarly withdraws from the physical. Such cases of with- drawal constitute instances of automatic or involuntary projection.
As opposed to such cases we place those of conscious or voluntary projection, in which the subject " wills ” to leave his physical body, and actually does so. He is then fully alert and conscious in his astral body ; he can look upon his own physical mechanism, and travel about at will, perhaps viewing scenes and visiting places he has never seen before. Subsequently, he can verify the truth of these experiences by visiting the scenes or places in question. While fully conscious in the astral body, he seems to be possessed of extra- ordinary, supernormal powers. He can at will return to his physical body, or may be drawn into it again automatically by reason of some shock, fright or vivid emotion.
The astral and the physical bodies are invariably connected by means of a sort of cord, or cable, along wrhich vital currents pass. Should this cord be severed, death instantly results. The only difference between astral projection and death is that the cord is intact in the former case, and severed in the latter. This cord — the “ Silver Cord ” spoken of in Ecclesiastes — is elastic, and capable of great extension. It constitutes the essential link between the two bodies.1
The above is a general, and very brief, summary of the doctrine and teachings regarding the astral body and its projection.
Now, although the literature regarding this subject is fairly volu- minous, I have been unable to find anywhere in it much material of scientific value ; above all, next to nothing of a practical nature — how to project the astral body. If such a body actually exists, and can be projected voluntarily — as many individuals assert it can — why has so little practical advice and information ever been pub- lished regarding it ? It is all very well to dwell upon the possible “ dangers " connected with such a procedure ; every sensible person realizes that they may very well exist, but would be willing to try the experiment just the same. Nevertheless, it is next to impossible to obtain any practical and precise information from those indi- viduals who assert they can “ project ” at will ; and in this I feel sure psychic students everywhere will agree with me. Why should this be so ? I quite agree with Mr. Muldoon in thinking that the reason for all this secrecy is not on account of the theoretical “dangers” involved, but simply because these self-styled “teachers” do not know. They know that astral projection occurs ; they may have experienced it themselves ; but the actual details of the pro- cess— how it is accomplished — this they do not know, and conse- quently cannot tell others. The great value of the present book consists in the fact that this information is given to the world for
1 See a brief article on *' The Silver Cord,’’ by Max Heindel, in The Occult Digest, May, 1928.
INTRODUCTION
xvn
the first time ; and I cannot but believe that we have here a docu- ment of the utmost value — information for which psychic students have waited for years, and which might never have been given out had not a combination of fortuitous circumstances rendered its publication possible. It may therefore be of interest to the reader to know how the following book came to be written, and something of the author himself.
HOW THIS BOOK CAME TO BE WRITTEN
In my book Modern Psychical Phenomena, I had devoted a chapter to the experimental projection of the astral body — summarizing the work of M. Charles Lancelin (to be discussed more fully later on). This material I amplified considerably in a later book, Higher Psychical Development. This dealt almost exclusively with the work of others, however, and I always felt that it was all most inadequate ; it epitomized everything that I had been enabled to unearth, how- ever, dealing with this important subject. In November, 1927, I received a letter from Mr. Sylvan Muldoon, in which he said :
" I have recently finished reading your volumes on the ‘ Occult and Psychical Sciences.’ ... I was much interested in your chapter on ' Astral Projection,’ as I have been a ' projector ’ for twelve years — long before I knew that anyone else in the world ever did such things. . . . What puzzles me most is that you make the remark that M. Lancelin has told practically all that is known on the subject. Why, Mr. Carrington, I have never read Lancelin’s work, but if you have given the gist of it in your book, then I can write a book on the things that Lancelin does not know ! . . . I have been wondering whether M. Lancelin is in fact a conscious projector. From what you have given, I have concluded either that Lancelin does not project at all, or that his subjects are not in the clear conscious state while exteriorized. Is this not reasonable ? If M. Lancelin or his subjects were clearly conscious, could they not give every detail of the phenomenon ? Of course they could ! But they do not. . . . Now I have been all through this, and I know every emotion, every move, every last detail that takes place from clear consciousness in the physical, out, into the astral with that same unchanged consciousness and back into * coincidence.’ . . . But the thing I marvel at most is that so little is said about the astral cord — the very foundation of the whole phenomenon. Is it possible that none of Lancelin’s subjects ever examined this cord, nor even saw it ? . . . Nothing is told as to how this cord works, how it stabilizes the phantom, or throws it into instability. How large it is while the bodies are nearly in coincidence ; how it decreases in size and resist- ance up to a certain distance (which I have measured exactly), and so forth. Lancelin says that the phantom appears as if rocked by the wind, but he does not say what causes this. . . . Lancelin does not
xviii INTRODUCTION
tell how to control the astral cord, the mechanism which is the vital factor. He says that the astral body emerges from the solar plexus — which is anything but true. The bodies separate at all places simultaneously. The cord centres at a given plexus, and the ideal spot is the medulla oblongata, which has direct control over the organs of respiration in the oblivious physical body. Lancelin says nothing of suppressed desires and the condition of the heart-beat through the cord ; nor how to stabilize the phantom after the exteriorization is accomplished. He says nothing of the form the phantom takes ; how it moves in coming out ; how a cataleptic state ensues while the phantom is under control of the subconscious mind, and is still conscious. ... He has not told of the various degrees of sight and hearing in the phantom ; nor how it travels, nor how it gets into a condition where it is helpless and unable to travel. . . . The Will Power part of the process is greatly over-stressed. There are other ways of accomplishing this besides will power. In fact, several other ways. And the Good Health idea is nothing short of a blunder, I say, and can prove it, that the nearer dead a person is, the easier it is to project. ... I could go on telling you many more things about astral projection ; but I suppose that after all was said you would reply, ‘ Prove it.’ But it cannot be- so readily proved ! It would require a treatise upon the subject. I once thought of writing a book upon this topic, but abandoned the idea when everyone told me that I was ‘ crazy,’ and found that no one would pay any attention to it. . . . Just the same, I have exteriorized enough to know that if you have given the gist of what is now known, then indeed there is much darkness upon the subject. ... I might add that I am a boy twenty-five years old, and that if you even read this letter and take it seriously, it will be an honour to me. . . ."
It need hardly be pointed out that I realized at once that I had discovered some one possessed of a vast fund of most valuable information ; and I lost no time in replying at length, and in urging Mr. Muldoon to begin his book at once, which I promised to revise and edit and introduce. The following book is the result. I may say that Mr. Muldoon and myself have worked together upon it most harmoniously ; he has covered many points and tried many experiments which I have suggested to him, and in every way demonstrated his complete sincerity, and his scrupulous adherence to the truth. He makes no claims he cannot justify ; he advances no theories which are not based upon actual experiences ; if he does not know a certain thing, he frankly says so. The additional extracts from his letters (pp. xxxvii-xli) will bring this out even more clearly, and will also furnish the reader much valuable material, not included in the book. I may add that the bulk of this work was written when Mr. Muldoon was so ill that he could not get out of bed, and was never certain but that the next day might prove his last ! If ever a man may be expected to be truthful and sincere, it
INTRODUCTION xix
would be at such a time. But the writer’s truthfulness and sincerity are apparent in every line.
I should like to draw the reader’s attention particularly to the fact that no wild or preposterous claims are anywhere made in this book as to what has been accomplished during these “ astral trips.” Mr. Muldoon does not claim to have visited any distant planets — and return to tell us in detail their modes of life ; he does not claim to have explored any vast and beautiful " spirit worlds ” ; he does not pretend to have penetrated the past or the future ; to have re-lived any of his past " incarnations ” ; to have read any “ Akashic Records ” ; to have travelled back along the stream of time, and reviewed the history of mankind, or the geologic eras of our earth. He asserts, merely, that he has been enabled to leave his physical body at will, and travel about in the present, in his immediate vicinity, in some vehicle or other, while fully conscious. This is perfectly rational, and is precisely what we should expect, on the theory that these “ trips ” are actual experiences. Assuming that some such entity as an Astral Body exists, and can at times be voluntarily detached from the physical body, everything else which is said falls naturally into place, and is precisely what might be expected to happen under such circumstances.
THE DIFFICULTY OF " PROOF ”
Of course, it may be replied : “ Very true, provided the reality of your astral body once be established ! After once having swallowed the camel, it is useless straining at the gnat t ” But the evidence for the existence of some such entity as an astral or etheric body has been constantly accumulating — quite apart from these cases of conscious or voluntary “ projection.” The very first thing which struck the early investigators of the Society for Psychical Research, when they began their investigations, was the great number of apparitions coinciding with the death of the person thus represented ; and the result of the first Census, published in Phantasms of the Living, and of the second and far more extensive one, published in Vol. X of the S.P.R. Proceedings, confirmed the belief that* such coincidences were more than chance would account for ; that there was some causal connection between the apparition and the death of the person whose " double ” thus appeared. Quite logically, the attempt was made to explain the majority of these experiences as “ telepathic hallucinations.” But all of them could not be so readily explained, and even as the result of the first Census, Mr. Myers felt qualms as to the sufficiency of this explanation, as his “ Note on a Suggested Mode of Psychical Interaction ” clearly shows. The evi- dence for the objectivity of certain phantoms appeared, indeed, so strong that Mr. Andrew Lang was forced to write, in his Cock Lane and Common Sense (p. 206) : "... Some apparitions are ‘ ghosts ’
XX
INTRODUCTION
— real objective entities, filling space.” And it may be said that the evidence for this has considerably increased of late years — quite aside from “ materializations ” and similar manifestations. Into this evidence we have not, unfortunately, the time to enter now. 1
It may be asserted, therefore, with considerable confidence, that the evidence for the existence of some sort of an " astral body ” has been constantly accumulating as the result of our psychical investi- gations, and that this evidence is now very strong. It need hardly be pointed out that, if this were once definitely accepted, it would enable us to account for a large number of otherwise baffling phe- nomena very readily— haunted houses, apparitions seen by several persons at the same time, psychic photographs, clairvoyance, etc. ; and (assuming that such a body might occasionally move or affect matter) raps, telekinesis, “ poltergeists,” and other physical phe- nomena. In fact, once the objective existence of an astral body be postulated, a flood of light would be thrown upon psychic mani- festations, both physical and mental.
Now, quite apart from such collateral evidence, there have always been individuals who have asserted that they could leave the physical body at will, and travel about in some “ astral body ” for a longer or shorter period of time — retaining consciousness throughout. The difficulty has always consisted in furnishing proofs of such claims. Indeed, this is a most difficult thing to do, in view of the fact that the experience must of necessity be subjective ; and it is an open question whether such proofs have been furnished even in the present book. However, the attempt has been made to do so ; and the specific instructions which have been given will perhaps enable others to " project ” themselves — thereby affording them the best possible means of verifying the accuracy of the statements made. Should a number of (otherwise sensible !) persons come forward and assert that they too have succeeded in voluntarily projecting their astral bodies, this question would at once assume a very different status.
In the present book, Mr. Muldoon has discussed both falling and flying dreams, and has advanced the ingenious theory that many of these may be due to actual movements of the astral body. Of course, Mr. Muldoon would be the first to admit that the majority of such dreams are due to ordinary psychological — even physio- logical— causes, and, as examples of “ illusions of levitation ” pro-
1 It need hardly be said that alleged " spirit communications ” have invariably asserted this to be a fact. Thus, in Dr. Hodgson’s Second “ Report on the Trance Phenomena of Mrs. Piper,” we read :
'* The statements of the ’ communicators ’ as to what occurs on the physical side may be put in brief general terms as follows. We all have bodies composed of ’ luminiferous ether ' enclosed in our flesh and blood bodies. The relation of Mrs. Piper’s etherial body to the etherial world, in which the ‘ communicators ’ claim to dwell, is such that a special store of peculiar energy is accumulated in connection with her organism, and this appears to them as ‘ a light.’ ...” etc. ( Proc ., XIII, p. 400).
INTRODUCTION
xxi
duced by such purely physiological mechanisms, I cannot do better than summarize the interesting articles of Mr. Lydiard H. Horton, which appeared in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (April, 1918 ; June, 1918 ; August, 1919), in which he attempted to prove this fact — that such illusions of levitation may be so produced — even without sleep ! He induced a number of experimental subjects to lie upon a bed or couch, and relax completely. Upon the degree of relaxation thus attained depends the success of the experiment. If the patient can induce this complete relaxation of the muscular system without falling asleep, he will often experience an “ illusion of levitation.” “ Out of the thirty subjects who relaxed completely, and of the twenty or so who retained consciousness after they had completely relaxed, eight of them reported illusions of levitation.” The following are typical experiences of this nature :
“ One of them jumped out of the chair and was afraid to continue the experiment, so realistic was his apperception of a soaring motion.
" Another, this time a woman, gripped the chair in the momentary belief that she was floating away ; two others reported that they felt ‘ caught up ’ by a wave, but that their reason reassured them at the time.
" One other enjoyed the sensation so much that he took it as a matter of course, and supposed it was part of the ‘ treatment.’ One other said that if his head had been as light as his body he would surely have floated away. He reported himself ‘ just floating away,’ the sensation being overwhelmingly real. ...”
Mr. Horton attempts to account for all such cases as follows :
” The mechanism underlying the flying dream and the levitation illusion is attributed, mainly, to the functions of the adrenal-sympa- thetic nervous system. . . . The genesis of the illusion of levitation does not come from the diminution of tactile sensations. Whether due entirely to an inhibition in the course of the pressure sense tracts (deep sensibility, I mean), or merely to lessening of actual muscle pressure, is a question. I think the latter is a great factor, but that the sensory ‘ inhibition ’ is real too. . . . This of itself does not become the adequate or efficient basis of the illusion of levitation till the vaso-motor relaxation supervenes. Out of the combination there arises the bodily ‘ stimulus ’ (negative in this case) which becomes the foundation of the illusion of soaring. ...”
This attempted explanation, it will be observed, differs essentially from that offered by Horace G. Hutchinson (in his Dreams and their Meanings) and also that of Havelock Ellis (in his World of Dreams) which is that “ flying dreams ” are best explained by a combination of respiratory sensations together with cutaneous anaesthesia. It is quite possible that some such explanation may ultimately be found for, and will adequately explain, many ordinary flying dreams ; but it must be emphasized emphatically that such dreams are quite different from clean-cut instances of “ projection,” and that any
xxii
INTRODUCTION
explanation of the latter by such principles is absolutely unjustified — just as unjustified as, e.g. the attempt to “ explain ” the super- normal knowledge displayed in Mrs. Piper’s trance by postulating some physiological causation of that trance. The essential problem would remain untouched. In all cases of astral projection, it must be emphasized that clear consciousness of Self is maintained by the subject, while he is outside his body ; he can look back and see his body ; he can view his present surroundings ; he can observe people, and note distant scenes and events just as they are — or are occurring — which he could not possibly have seen and known, but which he was afterwards enabled to verify and check off as correct. This is the distinctly supernormal factor involved, which is the crux of the whole matter ; and for this no purely physiological explanation in any way accounts. In his experiments, Dr. Horton succeeded only in producing the illusion of levitation, which is not even a flying dream ; and a flying dream is, according to Mr. Muldoon , again an entirely different matter from a conscious projection !
HISTORICAL
It is hardly necessary to remind the reader that the Egyptians believed implicitly in the ka — which might be said to correspond to our conception of the “ Astral Body.” This KA was not the Soul of man, it must be understood, but its vehicle — just as the astral body is thought to be the vehicle of the mind and soul to-day. It was this ka which visited the mummified body from time to time, and was usually depicted as a sort of bird-like Double of the deceased. Many of the older Egyptian paintings show this. The wanderings and trials of the dead man in the Under World are described at great length in the Egyptian Booh of the Dead, and in other early writings.
'Even more striking and important, from our point of view, how- ever, is the recently translated Tibetan Book of the Dead, edited by Dr. W. Y. Evans-Wentz, and published by the Oxford University Press (1927). This work — the Bar do Thodol — was probably first committed to writing in the eighth century a.d., and embodied teachings much older. The manuscript from which the present translation is made is judged by experts to be between 150 and 200 years old. As the reader may have surmised, it deals with the same general topic as the earlier Egyptian work ; but, from our modem point of view, is far more “ rational,” and many of its teachings correspond, in a remarkable way, with those of Occult and Psychical Science. A very brief summary of those portions of the book which deal tnore or less directly with our theme will doubtless prove of interest.
When a man is about to die, a Lama is called in, whose duty it is to attend to the dying man and usher him properly into the next world. The arteries on the sides of the neck are pressed. This is
♦
INTRODUCTION
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done to keep the dying person conscious, with the consciousness rightly directed. For the nature of the Death-consciousness deter- mines the future state of the " soul-complex,” existence being the continuous transformation of one conscious state to another. The pressing of the arteries regulates the path to be taken by the out- going vital current (Prana). The proper path is that which passes through the Foramen of Monro. “ If the expiration is about to cease, turn the dying one over on the right side, which posture is called the ‘ Lying Posture of a Lion.' The throbbing of the arteries (on the right and left sides of the throat) is to be pressed. If the person dying be disposed to sleep, or if the sleeping state advances, that should be arrested, and the arteries pressed gently but firmly. Thereby the vital force will not be able to return from the median nerve and will be sure to pass out through the Brahmanic aperture. Now the real setting face to face is to be applied. At this moment, the first glimpsing of the Bardo, of the Clear Light of Reality , . . is experienced by all sentient beings.”
All the time the patient is dying, the Lama urges him to keep his mind tranquil and poised, so that he may see and enter into the Clear Light of Reality, and may not be troubled with hallucinations or “ thought-forms ” which have no objective existence, save in his own mind. The Lama superintends the whole process of the with- drawal of the astral body from the physical at death. “ It is com- monly held that the process (of separation) takes from three and one-half to four days, unless assisted by a priest called hpho-bo (pron. pho-o), or * extractor-of-the-consciousness-principle ’ ; and that, even if the priest be successful in the extracting, the deceased ordinarily does not wake up to the fact of being separated from the human body until the said period of time has elapsed.”
If the mind of the dying person has not been properly concen- trated upon the Clear Light, he is liable to see scores of devils and demons of all sorts ! But it is emphasized over and over again in the book, that these demons have no actual, objective existence : they are merely hallucinations, or “ thought-forms,” having no actuality, save in the mind of the seer. They are all purely sym- bolical. The mind is capable of manufacturing these, or creating them, just as we do every night in our dreams. He must cleave his way through these into the Clear Light of the Void. The sooner he’ can do this, the sooner is “ liberation ” attained.
The teachings concerning the astral body are very clear and concise : " When thou wert recovered from the swoon (of death) thy Knower must have risen up in its primordial condition and a' radiant body, resembling the former body, must have sprung forth. . / . It is called the desire-body. . . . The Bardo-body hath been spoken of as ' endowed with all sense-faculties.’ . . . Unimpeded motion ^ implyeth that thy present body being only et desire bodyris not a “ body of gross matter. . . . Thou art actually endowed with the power
xxiv INTRODUCTION
of miraculous motion. . . . Ceaselessly and involuntarily wilt thou be wandering about. To all those who are weeping (thou shalt say)
' Here I am, weep not.' But they not hearing thee, thou wilt think, ' I am dead ! ' And again, at that time, thou wilt be feeling very miserable. Be not miserable in that way. . . . There will be a grey, twilight-like light, both by night and by day, and at all times. . . . Even though thou seekest a body, thou wilt gain nothing but trouble. Put aside the desire for a body ; and permit thy mind to abide in the state of resignation, and act so as to abide therein. . . . These are the indications of the wandering about on the Sidpa Bardo of the mental body. At the time, happiness and misery will depend upon Karma. . .
THE LITERATURE OF THE SUBJECT
Much has been written, in the past, concerning the Astral Body — mostly in books devoted to “ Magic ” and " Occultism.” I believe that I have gone through the majority of such works carefully, in my endeavour to find some practical information bearing upon this question, but with little result. Thus, there are numerous references to the astral body in e.g. Eliphas Levi's Doctrine and Ritual of Magic, in his “ Key of the Mysteries " (published in The Equinox, Vol. X) ; in A. E. Waite’s Mysteries of Magic, and his Occult Sciences ; in Dr. Franz Hartmann’s Magic, White and Black, and in the various writings of Paracelsus. In the older works upon Sorcery and Witch- craft there are, of course, frequent allusions to astral projection. Theosophical literature is full of this subject, but even here I have been unable to find anywhere precise information — any practical instructions as to how the projection of the astral body is to be accomplished. This is true not only of the older works, such as Leadbeater’s The Astral Plane, and Annie Besant’s Man and his Bodies, but also the newer and more voluminous treatises, such as those of Major Arthur E. Powell — The Etheric Double, The Astral Body, The Mental Body, etc. In all these books, much theoretical information is given (of course, from the strictly Theosophical point of view) but very little practical advice. The same criticism applies to D’Assier’s book Posthumous Humanity : A Study of Phantoms. Some interesting spontaneous experiences are given in Little Journeys into the Invisible : A Woman's Actual Experiences in the Fourth Dimension, by M. Gifford Shine ; Some Occult Experiences, by Johan van Manen ; My Travels in the Spirit World, by Caroline D. Larsen, and in other books of the kind ; while some curious lore of a general nature is contained in The Astral Light, by " Nizida.” An interesting historic study of this subject is given in G. R. S. Mead’s Doctrine of the Subtle Body in Western Tradition, in which he summarizes the views of the early Fathers, as well as the later conceptions, Charles Hallock's book Luminous Bodies : Here and Hereafter, contains little
INTRODUCTION
XXV
to the point. Occasional references to what Mr. Myers (in his Human Personality) called “Self Projection” may be found scattered through the Journals and Proceedings of the S.P.R., and the very striking case of Dr. Wiltse ( Proceedings , VIII, pp. 180-194) is, of course, classical. The case of the Rev. L. J. Bertrand (pp. 194-200) is also of considerable interest ; while the same may be said of the case recorded by Dr. I. K. Funk, in his Psychic Riddle, pp. 179-185. 1 Mr. A. Campbell Holmes has some remarks upon “ The Double ” in his Facts of Psychic Science and Philosophy, while I have devoted chapters to the subject in my Modern Psychical Phenomena, and Higher Psychical Development. Several years ago, Mr. Prescot Hall published in the Journal of the A.S.P.R. a number of " communica- tions ” of considerable interest, which he had received regarding the astral body through the instrumentality of a blind medium. Their value, of course, depends altogether upon the authenticity of their source.
This is practically all the published material which I have been enabled to find relative to the astral body and its projection, with the exception of Mr. Oliver Fox’s articles in the Occult Review, to be quoted presently, and two books in French. These are : Le Fantome des Vivants, by H. Durville, and Mdihode de Deboublement Personnel (Exterioration de la Neuricite : Sorties en Astral), by M. Charles Lancelin. These will be quoted and referred to more fully later on. But, as I have said, with these exceptions, I have found practically nothing of value in the entire literature of the subject ; and this criticism is especially true when we come to the most important and central theme of all, viz. how to project the astral body experiment- ally and retain consciousness within it. Upon this vital theme our authorities are especially silent !
It is just here that Mr. Muldoon is most explicit. He explains in the greatest detail just how the projection of the astral body is to be effected, and he describes precisely what takes place in the subject’s mind and body during such a projection — together with many other details connected with the process. Any impartial reader will agree, I think, with the conclusion that it would be impossible for Mr. Muldoon to have written as he has — to have acquired this knowledge — without in some sense experiencing what he claims to have experienced. His reading upon the subject has been very scant ; his contact with anyone liable to possess even a tithe of this information is next to impossible — when we take into account the fact that he lives in an obscure village in the Middle West. No ; his knowledge has been gained at first-hand, and as the result of actual experimentation ; that is very evident. How such information could have been acquired — had he not actually under- gone these experiences — I leave it for the reader to decide.
1 Extracts from these cases are given elsewhere.
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INTRODUCTION
SPONTANEOUS CASES
As before mentioned, there are two types or varieties of astral projection : the spontaneous and the experimental. In the former, the individual undergoing the experience merely finds himself “ pro- jected ” without knowing how or why ; he finds himself outside his own physical body — which he can clearly see — but how he got there he does not know. In the latter, the experimenter makes a deter- mined and voluntary effort to “ project ” — usually to some definite locality — and wakes up, to find himself there, or en route. Of course, the vast majority of such attempts end in failure ; successes are extremely rare. Or the subject may be “ seen ” by some individual at the locality in question, and remain quite unconscious of his apparent success. Examples of all types or varieties of projection are to be found in this book, together with an analysis of the modus operandi involved, and an explanation of the success or failure, as the case may be.
Let us consider, first of all, a few typical cases of “ spontaneous ” projection. As before stated, this may occur, theoretically, when the subject is asleep, in trance, while under the influence of an anaesthetic, etc. Or it may occur when the subject is awake and conscious, but merely relaxed — at least at the beginning of the experience. A good illustration of this may be found in a recently published book entitled My Travels in the Spirit World, by Caroline D. Larsen, where we read :
“ . . . Suddenly I underwent a very strange experience. A feeling of deep oppression and apprehension came over me, not unlike that which precedes a fainting-spell. I braced myself against it, but to no avail. The overpowering oppression deepened, and soon numb- ness crept over me until every muscle became paralyzed. In this condition I remained for some time. My mind, however, was still working as clearly as ever. At first I heard the music (downstairs) plainly, but soon the sounds began to slip away from me by degrees until finally everything became a blank, and I was unconscious to fife and the world. How long this state lasted I do not know. What happened during this period I am also unable to relate. The next thing I knew was that I, myself, was standing on the floor beside my bed looking down attentively at my own physical body lying in it. ... I recognized every line of that familiar face, pale and still as in death, the eyes tightly closed and the mouth partly open. The arms and hands rested limp and lifeless beside the body. ... I turned and walked slowly towards the door, passed through it and into a hall that led to the bathroom. . . . Through force of habit I went through the motions of turning on the electric fight, which, of course, I did not actually turn on. But there was no need for illumination, for from my body and face emanated a strong whitish fight that lighted up the room brilliantly. . . .”
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In the case published by Dr. I. K. Funk, in his Psychic Riddle (pp. 179-185), the writer describes how he “ lost control of his body ” — by reason of a cold iaSfibness which spread over it, on a number of occasions — before having his first conscious projection. On the occasion in question, after these preliminary symptoms, he first of all became momentarily unconscious : “ . . . There came a flashing of lights in my eyes and a ringing in my ears, and it seemed for an instant as though I had become unconscious. When I came out of this state, I seemed to be walking in the air. No words can describe the exhilaration and freedom that I experienced. No words can describe the clearness of mental vision. At no time in my life had my mind been so clear or so free. ... I became conscious of being in a room and looking down on a body propt-up in bed, which I recog- nized as my own. I cannot tell what strange feelings came over me I This body, to all intents and purposes, looked to be dead. There was no indication of life about it, and yet here I was, apart from the body, with my mind thoroughly clear and alert, and the consciousness of another body to which matter of any kind offered no resistance. . . . After what might have been a minute or two, looking at the body, I began to try and control it, and in a very short time all sense of separation from the physical body ceased, and I was only conscious of a directed effort toward its use. After what seemed to be quite a long time, I was able to move, got up from the bed and drest myself, and went down to breakfast. . .
As to the criticism invariably advanced — that this was a mere “ vivid dream ” — the writer says :
“ I know that many people may think that the statements recorded here are simply the result of an active imagination or perhaps a dream, but they are neither the one nor the other. If the whole world were to rise up ... it would not make one particle of difference in my mind, as I am absolutely certain that I have been as free from my physical body as I ever will be, and that my life apart from it was far more wonderful than any life I have ever experienced in it. ...”
The case of Dr, Wiltse is very well known. It was first printed in the St. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal, November, 1889, and afterwards in Vol. VIII of the S.P.R. Proceedings. It was also published, in part, in Human Personality (Vol. II, pp. 3x5-22). In view of this, only a few brief extracts from this most interesting case will be given— referring the reader to the above sources for the full account. After a few preliminary remarks and descriptions, Dr. Wiltse goes on to say :
“ . . . With all the interest of a physician I beheld the wonders of my bodily anatomy, intimately interwoven with which, even tissue for tissue, was I, the living soul of that dead body. ... I watched the interesting process of the separation of soul and body. By some power, apparently not my own, the Ego was rocked to an fro,
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INTRODUCTION
laterally, as a cradle is rocked, by which process its connection with the tissues of the body was broken up. After a little time, the latter motion ceased, and along the souls of the feet, beginning at the toes, passing rapidly to the heels, I felt and heard, as it seemed, the snapping of innumerable small cords. When this was accomplished I began slowly to retreat from the feet, towards the head, as a rubber cord shortens. ... As I emerged from the head I floated up and down and laterally like a soap-bubble attached to the bowl of a pipe until I at last broke loose from the body and fell lightly to the floor, where I slowly rose and expanded into the full stature of a man. I seemed to be translucent, of a bluish cast and perfectly naked. ... I directed my gaze (to the bed) and saw my own dead body. It was lying just as I had taken so much pains to place it, partially upon the right side, the feet close together, and the hands clasped across the breast. I was surprised at the paleness of the face. ... I turned and passed out of the open door. ...”
Dr. Wiltse then relates a number of mental experiences which he had during his extended “ trip ” — including the perception of certain things which he did not know existed, but which were subsequently verified and found correct — and, at the conclusion of his astral journey, he was suddenly arrested by what appeared to be a dense, black cloud : “A small, densely black cloud appeared in front of me and advanced toward my face. I knew that I was to be stopped. I felt the power to move or to think leaving me. My hands fell powerless to my sides, my shoulders and head dropped forward, the cloud touched my face and I knew no more. . . .”
When he regained consciousness, he was in his own physical body.
The case of the Rev. L. J. Bertrand, also given in Proceedings , Vol. VIII, p. 194, is thus summarized by Mr. Myers :
" During a dangerous ascent of the Titlis, Mr. Bertrand separated from his companions, sat down to rest, and became paralyzed by the cold. His head, however, remained clear, and he experienced the sensation described by Dr. Wiltse of passing out of his body and remained attached to it by ‘ a kind of elastic string.’ While in this condition, he had clairvoyant impressions about his absent com- panions, and much astonished them on their return by describing their doings to them. . . .”
EXPERIMENTAL CASES
We now come to cases of voluntary or experimental projection. These, as I have said, are much rarer, and — apart from a few scattered cases (possibly) in Phantasms of the Living — are limited more or less to Mr. Fox’s records, in the Occult Review — to be quoted presently — and a few dubious and historic cases, fairly “ remote.” Two books have been published in French, however, dealing with
INTRODUCTION
XXIX
this subject ; one by M. Charles Lancelin, the other by M. Hector Durville. Both of these works deal with the attempt to “ extract,” as it were, the astral body from the “ magnetized ” subject while in a state of trance. Neither of them contains cases of ^//-projection. The subject was placed in a deep magnetic or mesmeric (as distinct from hypnotic) trance, and suggestions were then given that the subject should, if possible, leave his (or her) own body, and move away from it for some appreciable distance. A variety of ingenious experimental tests were then made, to ascertain, so far as possible, that this had been successfully accomplished.
I shall not now stop to consider the work of M. Lancelin, as I have already summarized it quite fully in my Modern Psychical Phe- nomena, and in Higher Psychical Development, and Mr. Muldoon has dealt with it at considerable length in the present volume. I may, however, give a brief summary of the findings of M. Durville, as given in his book Le Fantome des Vivants.
The book is divided into two parts : Part I being historical and theoretical, dealing with the general theory of the “ double,” and citing a number of ancient and more modern cases which might possibly be considered examples of its manifestation.1 Part II is experimental, dealing with cases in which the astral body was ap- parently projected, while the subject was in deep ‘‘magnetic ” trance. Some of this material is of considerable interest, and agrees remark- ably with the descriptions and experiences of Mr. Muldoon. Thus we read (p. 189) : “ The subject of the experiment is constantly en rapport with the “ double ” through the intermediary of a fluidic cord, capable of elongation. . . . Usually this is cylindrical, but may sometimes appear to be a sort of ribbon. . . .” As to the clothes of the phantom, these seem to be composed of a sort of “ fluidic gauze ” (p. 215). Various sense-impressions are conveyed to the body by means of the astral cord (p. 235). The question of tem- perature is important ; and too much light has a detrimental effect upon the astral body. Experiments with the dynamometer showed that the muscular strength (grip) of the subject was always greater after projection than before (p. 152). On the contrary, the tem- perature of the hand — particularly of the right hand — almost invari- ably fell as the result of the experiment (pp. 195-197). One chapter is devoted to the action of the phantom upon (a) the double of another subject — both being “ projected ” at the same time ; and (b) upon the physical body of another person. Some positive results were apparently secured in both cases. Calcium sulphide screens were then placed at some distance from the subject, and the sugges- tion was given that the phantom should approach one or other of these screens. As it did so, the screen in question glowed up with added brilliance as the result of the proximity of the astral body
1 Such as cases recorded in Owen’s Footfalls ; The Debatable Land ; Mrs. Crowe’s Night Side of Nature ; certain cases in Phantasms of the Living ; etc.
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INTRODUCTION
(pp. 275-280) . Some successes are also reported in obtaining physical movements of objects and raps, and in moving the straw of a Sthen- ometer, at a distance from the entranced subject — by the projected astral body (pp. 297-332). The last chapter details a number of attempts to photograph the astral body, and various vital radiations emitted by it or by the physical body. M. Durville concludes his book as follows :
1. Projection of the astral body is a certain fact, capable of being demonstrated by means of direct experiment. This also demon- strates to us that living force is independent of matter, and that our Individuality is composed of a physical body and an intelligent Soul — and a vital link, the astral body.
2. Since this phantom can exist and function apart from the physical body, it may also exist after death. That is, Immortality is a fact which is thus proved scientifically.
This apparently little-known work of M. Durville is full of curious and interesting material, and if one could be assured that the results attained were all scientifically accurate, would constitute a treatise of first-rate importance. It is to be noted that many of his findings tally, in a very striking manner, with those of Mr. Muldoon. Some critical comments on these results are to be found in the text of the present book.
MR. OLIVER FOX’S EXPERIENCES
The only detailed, scientific and first-hand account of a series of conscious and voluntarily controlled astral projections which I have ever come across is that by Mr. Oliver Fox, published in the Occult Review for 1920 (pp. 256-264 ; 317-327). These articles were entitled, respectively, “ The Pineal Doorway,” and “ Beyond the Pineal Door,” and embody the author’s personal experiences. I shall endeavour to summarize very briefly — quoting a few especially important passages verbatim.
Mr. Fox very logically begins by placing squarely before the reader the two alternate theories which might be advanced to account for his experiences. These are (a) exceptionally vivid dreams, and (b) real projections. Which of these is the correct explanation ? Mr. Fox admits that it is extremely difficult to prove the latter theory objectively, and therefore thinks it wiser to confine himself to a description of his own experiences and a summary of his own methods of development, hoping that others might possibly obtain the same results by following his advice, thereby proving the reality of astral projection for themselves.
The first step (says Mr. Fox) consists in acquiring a certain dream- control — but not the same kind of dream-control as that detailed in the present book. It consists in acquiring, by observing some incon- gruity or anachronism, the knowledge that one is dreaming. I quote Mr. Fox’s own words 1
INTRODUCTION
XXXI
“ Eighteen years ago, when I was a student at a technical college, a dream impelled me to start my research. I dreamed simply that I was standing outside my home. Looking down, I discovered that_ the paving stones had mysteriously changed their position — the long sides were now parallel to the curb instead of perpendicular to it. Then the solution flashed upon me : Though that glorious summer morning seemed as real as real could be, I was dreaming ! Instantly the vividness of life increased a hundredfold. Never had sea and sky and trees shone with such glamorous beauty ; even the common- place houses seemed alive and mystically beautiful. Never had I felt so absolutely well, so clear-brained, so divinely powerful. Verily the world had become my oyster. The sensation was exquisite beyond words ; but it lasted only a few moments, and I awoke. As I was to learn later, my mental control had been overwhelmed by my emotions ; so the tiresome body asserted its claim and pulled me back. And now I had a (to me) wonderful new idea : Was it possible to regain at will the glory of the dream ? Could I prolong my dreams ?
" I have italicized the heading of this section.1 It sounds simple ; but in practice I found it one of the most difficult things imaginable. A hundred times would I pass the most glaring incongruities, and then at last some inconsistency would tell me that I was dreaming *, and always the knowledge brought the change I have described. I found that I was then able to do little tricks at will — levitate, pass through seemingly solid walls, mould matter into new forms, etc. ; but in these early experiments I could stay out of my body only for a very short time, and this dream consciousness could be acquired only at intervals of several weeks. To begin with, my progress was very slow ; but presently I made two more discoveries :
“ i. The mental effect of prolonging the dream produced a pain in the region of the pineal gland — dull at first, but rapidly increasing in intensity — and I knew instinctively that this was a warning to me to resist no longer the call of my body.
“ 2. In the last moments of prolonging the dream, and while I was subject to the above pain, I experienced a sense of dual con- sciousness. I could feel myself standing in the dream and see the scenery ; but at the same time I could feel myself lying in bed and see my bedroom. As the call of the body grew stronger the dream- scenery became more faint ; but by asserting my will to remain dreaming, I could make the bedroom fade and the dream-scenery regain its apparent solidity. ...”
The thought then occurred to Mr. Fox : What would happen if he were to disregard this pain and " force ” his dream-consciousness still further ? Not without some trepidation, he finally did so ; a sort of " click ” occurred in his brain, and he found himself " locked out ” in his dream. He no longer seemed connected with his physical
1 By observing , . . etc.
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INTRODUCTION
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body ; the sense of dual consciousness vanished ; the ordinary sense of time likewise disappeared, and he found himself free, in a new world. This was his first conscious projection.
It lasted only a short time. Owing partly to the sense of utter loneliness, he experienced a sort of panic. Instantly, the same strange cerebral click was heard, and Mr. Fox found himself back in his physical body, completely cataleptic ! Very gradually, he regained control of his organism, moving first one muscle and then another. " Suddenly the trance broke, my eyes opened, and I was free. I jumped out of bed with great joy, and immediately collapsed upon the floor, being overwhelmed with nausea, I felt ill for two or three days afterwards. . .
Just here, Mr. Fox enumerates what appear to him to be the possible dangers connected with these experiments. These are :
1. Heart-failure, or insanity, arising from shock.
2. Premature burial.
3. Obsession
4. Severance of cord.
5. Repercussion effects upon the physical vehicle.
Of course, as Mr. Fox wisely remarks, the last three of these would be scorned by the orthodox scientist. It may be added here that all these dangers are more imaginary than real, and are dealt with very fully in the present book.
The chief characteristics of these astral projections Mr. Fox summarizes thus :
1. The body appears to be in a semi-rigid condition, which may approach in severity the seeming cataleptic state already described.
2. Though the eyes are closed, the room is plainly visible ; and the atmosphere also, so that one gets an effect rather like particles of dust illuminated by the sun — or roughly a golden glow, very variable in its intensity. Behind this, as it were, and only just on the border-line of visibility, is something like a mass of frog's eggs, bluish-grey in colour and vibrating.
3. Physical sounds are distinctly audible.
4. In this condition one is liable to any imaginable hallucination or sight or sound ; or, to voice the other view, one is both clair- voyant and clairaudient.
5. In this condition, especially if it be mistaken for the waking state, one falls an easy prey to wild and unreasonable fear.
6. One is conscious of strange atmospheric stresses — the before-a- storm feeling, but enormously intensified.
So far, Mr. Fox had never succeeded in effecting a true projection without any break in consciousness. He always felt that some one, or something, was holding him back. “ It was like- getting past the
INTRODUCTION xxxiii
' Dweller on the Threshold.’ 1,1 Then the solution of the problem suddenly occurred to him : “I had to force my incorporeal self through the doorway of the pineal gland, so that it clicked behind me. ... It was done, when in the trance condition, simply by con- centrating upon the pineal gland and willing to ascend through it. The sensation was as follows : my incorporeal self rushed to a point in the pineal gland and hurled itself against the imaginary trap-door, while the golden light increased in brilliance, so that it seemed the whole room burst into flame. If the impetus was insufficient to take me through, then the sensation became reversed ; my incorporeal self subsided and became again coincident with my body, while the astral light died down to normal. Often two or three attempts were required before I could generate sufficient will-power to carry me through. It felt as though I were rushing to insanity and death ; but once the little door had clicked behind me, I enjoyed a mental clarity far surpassing that of earth-life. And the fear was gone, . . . Leaving the body was then as easy as getting out of bed. . . .” (Mr. Fox, with admirable scientific caution, warns his readers against taking what he has said about the pineal gland too literally ; but he asserts that these are the exact sensations, and he believes that what he has said is not far from the truth.)
In the vast majority of his experiences, Mr. Fox asserts that there was a break in consciousness (seemingly, for only a few moments) between his attempt to enter the “ pineal door ” and his fully con- scious state, outside the physical body.® He did ultimately succeed, however, in attaining a number of projections, fully conscious from the beginning. As he himself states :
“ This, then, was the climax of my research. I could now pass from ordinary waking life into this new state of consciousness (or, from life to ‘ death ’) and return, without any mental break. It is easily written, but it took fourteen years to accomplish.”
Mr. Fox mentions three different methods of “ locomotion ” in the astral body. The first of these is Horizontal Gliding — “ accom- plished by a purely mental effort.” Usually this is easy, but when the pull of the cord is felt, it is anything but effortless ; " it is as though one tugged against a rope of very strong elastic.” Mr. Fox also observed that whenever he was pulled back into the body, he had the sensation of being drawn backwards into it. (The reason for this feeling is fully explained in this book.)
The second method of locomotion is a variety of levitation, very similar to the typical " flying dream.” This is described as " easy and harmless.”
The third method is what Mr. Fox calls “ Skrying,” and in this he appears to shoot upwards, like a rocket, with great velocity. It
1 For a discussion of this, see Steiner: Initiation and its Results; also my Hig her Psychical ’ Development.
* See 'the lengthy discussion of this point later on, in the present volume.
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INTRODUCTION
is described as " difficult and dangerous.” A typical experience of this sort is given in the article referred to.
As to the people encountered in these astral trips, Mr. Fox notes (i) the total absence of “ elementals ” or other terrifying beings, so often said to inhabit the Astral Plane ; and (2) the fact that he is nearly always invisible to them, though his presence may at times be felt. He points out, however, that this is always unfortunate, for when such is the case the entity is shocked and frightened, and this state produces a corresponding shock within himself, the result of which is to draw him back into his physical body immediately. (The reasons for all this will be made very clear in the text of the present book.) As to the scenery, this was almost always similiar to that seen on earth — though, of course, unfamiliar scenes were very common ; probably more common than familiar ones. One very curious and unusual feature about Mr. Fox's experiences is that he was never able to see his own body, when " projected,” though he could see his wife's body, e.g. very plainly. This is almost the only instance on record, so far as I know, in which this has been the case. Generally, the physical body of the projector is the first object seen. In this, Mr. Fox’s experience is almost unique. On the whole, however, his impressions and experiences are quite typical, and tally with those of other investigators in this field, as will be brought out more fully later on. Lack of space unfortunately prevents me from recounting the very dramatic and extraordinary manner in which Mr. Fox lost this power, after having acquired it with so much effort and diligence. This may be found in full in the articles referred to, from which this summary has been drawn.
SOME PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
I may perhaps conclude this section by giving a brief account of a few attempts of my own, made some years ago, at “ astral pro- jection.” These were undertaken when I was experimenting in Yoga. On a number of occasions I “ willed ” to appear to a certain young lady — naturally quite psychic — just as I was falling to sleep. Most of these attempts were apparent failures, but on three occasions she awoke suddenly and saw me standing in the room or sitting on her bed. I remained visible for a few seconds, then ” melted away.” I was quite unconscious of any seeming " success ” on any occasion ; I merely awakened in the morning as usual, not knowing whether anything had " happened ” or not. These experiments extended over a period of several weeks, and it is hardly necessary to say that I never gave the slightest inkling of the times selected for trying these " projections.”
Of course, while these may have been actual unconscious pro- jections, they may also have been purely subjective experiences — perhaps telepathically initiated. But one experience was quite striking, and should perhaps be recorded in greater detail.
INTRODUCTION
XXXV
I may state that the young lady in question is an accomplished pianist, and has a phenomenal musical memory. If she has once played or heard a piece of music, she never forgets it. This is important, for reasons which will be apparent later. One day I asked her if she had ever heard of an old song, “ When Sparrows Build,” made famous years ago by Jenny Lind, and a favourite of my childhood days. She stated that she never had. I said that I would get and send her a copy “ some time,” as I thought she would like it. That was all that was said about it at the time, and no particular importance was attached to it. A couple of nights later, I attempted to “ appear ” to her, and as usual awoke in the morning, without knowing whether my experiment had " succeeded ” or not. A little later, I received a telephone call, and the young lady in question informed me that I had “ appeared ” to her the night before — rather more vividly than usual — and that she had thereupon been seized with the impulse to write automatically — the result being a verse of poetry. That afternoon I called, was told of the experience, was shown the poetry, and confess that I received quite a momentary thrill ! The “poetry ” consisted of the opening lines of the song “When Sparrows Build,” absolutely accurate, with the exception of one word !
I merely record the above case for what it may be worth, since I can furnish no “ proof,” and the whole incident may have been merely a case of remarkable coincidence. Personally, I doubt that it was. However, I shall not press the point, being content to record it, as illustrative of the curious results one is able to obtain while experimenting in this baffling field. As we have seen, other experimenters have had far more striking and convincing results.
* * *
I must now draw this Introduction to a close. It has been my privilege to work with Mr. Muldoon throughout the writing and preparation of this book, and I have added a few foot-notes from time to time, and suggested certain experiments which might be tried or certain points which might be covered ; apart from these the writing of the body of the book has been his work entirely, and I feel that the psychic world owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his self-sacrifice and determination, in undertaking the labour in- volved in writing it, when ill in bed and in great physical pain. I desire to record here my complete conviction of his sincerity, his truthfulness and his remarkably detached and scientific attitude toward his own experiences. All of which will, I feel assured, be evident in the book itself. It is a work of the utmost importance, and is just the sort of book for which psychic students, the world over, have long waited 1
Hereward Carrington.
EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS
THE following extracts from letters written to me by Mr.
Muldoon contain much interesting material, not found in the text of the book itself. They serve to throw an interesting sidelight upon the writer’s psychology ; and, inasmuch as this is highly important in a case such as this, I feel assured that their inclusion is fully warranted — for this, if for no other reason. It is hardly necessary to say that these extracts have been made with Mr. Muldoon’s permission.
The phraseology of the writer — as shown in these letters, as well as in parts of the book itself — is also of interest, and will serve as a further indication of his inner Self. These letters were of course written to me during the writing and revision of the present book.
H. C.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS
You ask me if I have ever touched the physical body while in the astral body. No ! This is difficult to do. I have tried it, and I find that one cannot keep from interiorizing, because of the very close range. Did you ever attend a materialization stance where you tried to hold a " spirit ” from getting back into the cabinet ? Well, if you have ever met with that tremendous magnetic pull, you will realize how hard it is to keep from interiorizing, when one gets close enough to the physical body to meddle with it. . . .
You have asked me, too, if I have ever seen anything while in the astral which I did not know existed, and later verified by seeing it in the physical. Certainly ! This is nothing unusual to do, while consciously projected. I have often gone into houses, and noted the things — later going there in the physical, and seeing everything exactly as I saw it in the astral. . . . But when in coincidence I have never had a clairvoyant vision in my life — not one. The only way I ever was able to see astrally was in the astral body. When in the physical body, I couldn’t see a spirit if there were a million of them in the room 1 . . . Seeing inside a box would be no trouble, although I have never tried to do so, while exteriorized. It just never occurred to me ; but I have seen right inside houses, and have seen people in them, etc., without ever going inside. . . .
* * *
YYYVl 1
xxxviii EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS
On a table, in the parlour of my home, there stands a little device which is used to beat time for a pupil learning music — a metronome. All one has to do to make this device work is to start the pendulum, and it will click very loudly until the spring runs down. I sleep in a room next to the parlour. The other night, I dreamed that I stood very near this device ; in the dream I seemed about to start the metronome. No sooner had I dreamed this than I awoke in my physical body, in bed. About one second later the device in the next room started to click, click, click. Now there is no possible way in which that device can start itself ; further, it has stood on the table for months without being used. It seemed that no sooner had I touched it — in the dream — than I awoke and heard it start clicking in the next room. Were it not for the time element, I should be inclined to think that I started this in the dream body — which, of course, is the astral body in a partially conscious condi- tion. But it did not start until I was awake in the physical — though I started it, in the dream, an instant before. Could it be possible that the motivity travelled to the device — while I dreamed of it — remained there until after I was conscious, and started it then ? If I had been projected in the astral body, would not the device have started before I got back into the physical ? I wonder if it is possible to do something of that sort : to try and move something in the astral body, and not have it move until some time after the astral body has left it ? . . .
What I have just told you was written several days ago. Last night I again started the metronome in a dream, just as I did the first time. Now I have tried to move things while projected and conscious, but never could. And the strange part is that I never made such a suggestion to myself — the dream occurred both times spontaneously. If only I could do this intentionally ! What I cannot understand is this : Why the device did not start until about two seconds after I dreamed of starting it ? The metronome is about fifteen feet from where I sleep. There is a wall between, of course, but that doesn’t count if it was the dream body which started the thing going. Perhaps it is that we do not have the faith, the conviction, while conscious, and that therefore the motivity is not powerful enough (through conscious suggestion) to move any- thing. (Seep. 384 of your book The Coming Science.) Does not what I have just said concerning my experience jibe with what is there said, in a fair degree ? There is only one thing which bewilders me — the time element. Why does not that metronome start before I am again clearly conscious in the physical body ? To be sure, it takes no time at all to interiorize the phantom, while one is not conscious ; but still, that would not account for the time element ! If I were to dream of starting it, then awaken and hear it going, that could easily be accounted for. But it does not start until after I am awake. ... * * *
THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY
THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY
By
SYLVAN J. MULDOON
AND
HEREWARD CARRINGTON
AUTHOR Or “ YOUR PSYCHIC POW1RS : AND HOW TO DEVELOP THEM ” “HIGHER PSYCHICAL DEVELOPMENT;” “MODERN PSYCHICAL PHENOMENA,” ETC.
V
“ In my opinion, it is this . . . notion of a subtle body, which for so many centuries has played the dominant rile in the traditional psychology of both the East and the West, that is most deserving of being retried, reviewed and revised, to serve as a working hypothesis to co-ordinate and explain a very large number of these puzzling psychical phenomena.” G. R. S. Mead, in The Subtle Body.
“These self-projections represent the most extraordinary achievements of the human will, and. are perhaps acts which a man might perform equally well before and after death.”
F. W. H. Myers, in Human Personality.
" t
A
LONDON: RIDJER & CO.’ * PATERNOSTER HOUSE, E.C.
First Published . , . February, igag Reprinted August, igag
Printed in Great Britain at
Tius Mayflower Press , Plymouth. William Brendon & Son, Ltd.
PREFACE
WHEN my first out-of-the-body experiences occurred I was but twelve — so young and immature in mind that I did not realize their magnitude. The occurrences came about involuntarily and repeated themselves fre- quently, until I became so accustomed to them that, as a matter of fact, I soon regarded them as nothing extraordinary and seldom mentioned them even to members of my own family, to say nothing of keeping a record of them, although I had been urged to do so by many interested persons.
I had been told, by persons professing to know, that conscious projection of the astral body was nothing unusual, and that many psychics could produce it at will. I, too, wanted to be able to produce it at will, and I admit that I was envious of those who (I had heard) could do so. So I began a search for some one who could produce the phenomenon voluntarily. But my search proved fruitless, and eventually I concluded that I could not find that "some one.” Thus I began to experiment with the phenomenon myself, and in this book you will find the results of my experiments.
Although we are living in the twentieth century we still have with us the intolerance of the Middle Ages, and I am not optimistic enough to believe that a great many will read without prejudice what I have to say. I have written this work with the idea of giving the results of my findings to other students of the occult. Unfor- tunately many occultists are of the belief that what is claimed to be conscious astral projection is nothing more nor less than a dream.
I am well aware of the fact that one must first experience conscious astral projection before he can believe in it, and I confess that I should not accept it as true myself, perhaps, had I not experienced it and know it to be true. The sceptic says, “ I want the. proof, the objective proof, then I will believe it ! ”
And the projector replies, “ You cannot have objective proof. You must experience it, then you will have the proof.” The argu- ment that the projector cannot prove to the sceptic that it is not a dream is of no avail ; for neither can the sceptic prove to the pro- jector that it is a dream. Thus argument is useless — as useless as arguing the matter of a first cause or a last effect !
I stand on a clear-cut issue. I say experience it. “ The proof of the pudding is in the eating 1 ” I have not tried to conceal anything
VI
PREFACE
nor resorted to pseudo-arguments about the " dangers ” involved, which is a common characteristic of most writers on this subject. I have given the specific methods for bringing about the projection of the astral body, as I know them, and I am willing to have the truth * of my statements judged squarely by the results obtained through the practice of these methods. You want proof, and I say you can have it — but you must experience it. You want to know how you can experience it, and I tell you how to go about it. I can do no more.
In this volume I have related many of my experiences ; however, the experiences I have given do not in any way represent all which I have had ; a book this size could scarcely hold the accounts of all of them. I could never have gleaned the information which is con- tained herein by the few experiences which I have quoted.
The average human being is not interested in the experiences of others — he is interested in his own experiences ; and I hare pre- supposed, in writing this book, that the reader wishes to know just how the phenomenon is produced, and not merely to read experiences. Although, as I have stated, I am not optimistic enough to believe that many will read what I have to say without prejudice, I am optimistic enough to believe that no one can give the methods which I have outlined a conscientious and thorough trial, and not obtain results.
Do not try to judge the book by reason alone. Judge it by experi- ment. I want no one to accept my word for what I have written.
I say — experience it I Follow the formulae and judge the merits of my statements afterwards. That is the time to judge — afterwards ; not in advance !
I have been accused of being “ superstitious,” because of my belief in phantoms of the living and phantoms of the dead. Usually I find that my accusers are themselves superstitious on other subjects ! Recently a churchgoer told me that he did not understand how I, or any other person, could believe that he had a “ ghost ” inside him. Yet this same critic professed to believe the Bible from cover to cover — even that " Christ gave up the ghost ” at death 1
On the other hand the Materialist believes that it is superstition if anyone believes that the mind can exist apart from the brain. His theory is that the brain “ oozes ” thoughts, just as the liver oozes bile. And the Materialist (who cannot prove that the brain oozes thoughts) forgets that he cannot prove his argument — and demands proof of the spiritist I If you press the Materialist for proof, he will tell you that by experiment (by experiment, remember) it becomes evident that the brain produces thought. And that is about the very thing the spiritist will tell you, viz., by experiment it is evident that the brain does not produce thought ! Both Materialist and Spiritist must throw away " reason ” and resort to experi- ment.
PREFACE vii
And that is all I ask the reader to do, to convince himself of the merits of what I have written : throw away reason and try experi- ment, It is my hope that all who are successful, even those who produce minor results (by following the methods contained herein), will make those results known to me : for I wish to collect the evidence 1 I take - this opportunity to express my thanks to Mr. Carrington for his valuable co-operation and assistance ; and to my fiancee. Miss Goodrich, for her help in typing the manuscript.
S. M.
CONTENTS
TAB*
Preface v
List of Illustrations ........ xiii
Introduction. By H. Carrington xv
Extracts from Letters xxxvii
CHAPTER I
Existence of the Astral Body long known — My first conscious projection I
CHAPTER II
Astral catalepsy — Types of projection — Astral somnambulism — Con- scious interruptions during astral somnambulism — Distant point projection — The phantom’s three moving speeds — Morbidity an incentive to projection — Instantaneous astral exteriorization — An ephemeral conscious projection experience — Instantaneous projec- tion is not uncommon — Collision may cause astral exteriorization —
A projection caused by a mis-step — The fundamental law of astral projection — Intentional and unintentional projection both result from the same causes — Meaning of physical " incapacity ” — Where and what is the conscious mind ? — The hypnagogic state, neurosis and sleep — Sensation and emotion at different stages of exteriorization 10
CHAPTER III
Route the phantom travels in projection — Some symptoms of astral exteriorization — The astral cable— Cord-activity range — An in- teriorization caused by a noise — Repercussion of the astral body . 26
CHAPTER IV
Typical “ projection ” dreams — How I discovered the cause of many falling dreams — Types of " falls ” or interiorizations — The causes of the different " falls ” — How to break the repercussion in a falling dream — Types of flying dreams — The flapping dream — Head-thumping dream — Dream of moving toward a phantasmal object — Dream delusions .37
CHAPTER V
Effect of instability — Eccentricities of the senses — Duplicate sense of touch — Phantom can pass through needle-points without feeling — Delusions of the senses during the hypnotic trance — Duplicate sensibility and obsession — The case of " 89 ” — The painful bayonet case — Duplicate and shifting motivity — A " rap ” produced at
will, during exteriorization of motivity 51
ix
X CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI
The purpose of sleep — Dream control — Subjects of " nervous tempera- ment ” are best suited for psychic experiments — When outside cord- activity range the phantom is free — Prolonged projection — The projector cannot get lost — How the physical is recharged during projection — Not dead but sleeping I — The astral cable is akin to the umbilical cord
CHAPTER VII
Where the astral “ line of force ” makes contact with the bodies — Turning over in the air — The four brains of man — The pineal gland — The pituitary body — The Cosmic energy — Doctor Lindlahr’s views on energy — Foods, fasting and psychic development — Fasting increases the inflow of Cosmic energy — How fasting aids astral projection — Consciousness uses up energy 1
CHAPTER VIII
Consciousness during astral projection — A " dreaming-true ” experience — Awakened in the astral by a " noise ” — The dream world — The "dream -control” method of projection — The proper dream will always project the phantom — Summary of the dream-control method — Bringing consciousness to the dream body .
CHAPTER IX
The factors which stimulate the subconscious Will to action — How I discovered that " desire ” is an activating factor — The action of the unconscious phantom is governed by the " stress " — Sexual desire is a negative factor — Phantom projects more easily to a familiar place — Projecting from an unfamiliar to a familiar place — Phantoms of the dead are often dominated by the " stress ” of desire or habit — The unconscious phantom sometimes moves material objects — A “ haunter ” under the stress of a desirable habit — An early morning " haunter ’’ — The factor " enervation ” .
CHAPTER X
Determining the proper " stress ” to use in developing — Incapacity— the fundamental difference between astral projection and physical som- nambulism— An astral projection which was caused by thirst — A physical somnambulation which was caused by thirst — How I discovered that incapacity is an important factor — Some positive minor factors — Repercussion noises—" Light ” a negative factor— An interiorization caused by excess light — Telepathic repercussion
CHAPTER XI
How to induce " incapacity ” — Developing a consciousness of Self — Dyhamization of projection — What is " will ” ? — Typical dreams of projection — How to instil the stress of routine — How to instil the stress of thirst — Projecting to water
PAGE
68
82
95
rro
125
*45
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XII
Conscious projection is rare — The passive Will — Inducing projection by the passive Will method — The results produced by dynamization of projection — Some typical projections . .
CHAPTER XIII
The crypto-conscious mind — Crypto-conscious manifestations often credited to phantoms of the dead — The various ways in which the mind functions— A superconsdous projection — Automatic pro- jection— A horrible experience — Why victims of violent death re-enact their death in the astral body — The case of Irene .
CHAPTER XIV
The crypto-conscious mind and telekinesis — An astral projection in which I moved a physical object — " Raps " produced during a dream — The sex of the astral body — Inter-relation of the physical and astral counterparts — Composition of the astral body — Cal- culated weight of the astral body — The clothing of the phantom — “As a man thinketh *’ — Purgatory — Thought sustains the astral body — Earthbound phantoms not numerous — An encounter with an astral fiend .........
CHAPTER XV
Obsession — The Akashic Records — Enacting future events in the dream body — Many clairvoyant dreams are mistaken for astral projections — Dream consdousness is not the real consciousness — Death is merely a permanent projection
CHAPTER XVI
Projection during the sleep of anaesthesia — A peculiar dream — There may be other methods — A prophecy — All possess the powers of projection — Concerning morals — The demon theory — Conclusion .
xi
PAGli
163
179
195
2l8
*34
Index .
239
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Sylvan J. Muldoon ....... Frontupiect
FACING FAGS
Hereward Carrington xiv
The KA, visiting the Mummy xxii
The Phantom, slightly out of Coincidence ... 6
The Phantom lying in the Air above the Physical Body . 32
The Route the Phantom takes in projecting ... 52
Phantom projected and upright within Cord-Activity
Range 64
How the Phantom interiorizes 82
The Swaying of the Astral Body 104
Old Chinese print, showing the Projection of the Astral
Body 154
The Departure of the Astral Body at Death . . . 186
Atomic Structure of the Astral Body .... 208
xiii
HEREWARD CARRINGTON
xvi INTRODUCTION
fainting, when under the influence of an anaesthetic, etc., the astral body similarly withdraws from the physical. Such cases of with- drawal constitute instances of automatic or involuntary projection.
As opposed to such cases we place those of conscious or voluntary projection, in which the subject “ wills ” to leave his physical body, and actually does so. He is then fully alert and conscious in his astral body ; he can look upon his own physical mechanism, and travel about at will, perhaps viewing scenes and visiting places he has never seen before. Subsequently, he can verify the truth of these experiences by visiting the scenes or places in question. While fully conscious in the astral body, he seems to be possessed of extra- ordinary, supernormal powers. He can at will return to his physical body, or may be drawn into it again automatically by reason of some shock, fright or vivid emotion.
The astral and the physical bodies are invariably connected by means of a sort of cord, or cable, along which vital currents pass. Should this cord be severed, death instantly results. The only difference between astral projection and death is that the cord is intact in the former case, and severed in the latter. This cord — the " Silver Cord ” spoken of in Ecclesiastes — is elastic, and capable of great extension. It constitutes the essential link between the two bodies.1
The above is a general, and very brief, summary of the doctrine and teachings regarding the astral body and its projection.
Now, although the literature regarding this subject is fairly volu- minous, I have been unable to find anywhere in it much material of scientific value ; above all, next to nothing of a practical nature — how to project the astral body. If such a body actually exists, and can be projected voluntarily — as many individuals assert it can — why has so little practical advice and information ever been pub- lished regarding it ? It is all very well to dwell upon the possible " dangers ” connected with such a procedure ; every sensible person realizes that they may very well exist, but would be willing to try the experiment just the same. Nevertheless, it is next to impossible to obtain any practical and precise information from those indi- viduals who assert they can “ project ” at will ; and in this I feel sure psychic students everywhere will agree with me. Why should this be so ? I quite agree with Mr. Muldoon in thinking that the reason for all this secrecy is not on account of the theoretical “dangers” involved, but simply because these self-styled “teachers” do not know. They know that astral projection occurs ; they may have experienced it themselves ; but the actual details of the pro- cess— how it is accomplished — this they do not know, and conse- quently cannot tell others. The great value of the present book consists in the fact that this information is given to the world for
1 See a brief article on " The Silver Cord,” by Max Heindel, in The Occult Digest, May, 1928.
INTRODUCTION
By HEREWARD CARRINGTON
THE Astral Body may be defined as the Double, or the ethereal counterpart of the physical body, which it resembles and with which it normally coincides. It is thought to be composed of some semi-fluidic or subtle form of matter, invisible to the physical eye. It has, in the past, been spoken of as the etheric body, the mental body, the spiritual body, the desire body, the radiant body, the resurrection body, the double, the luminous body, the subtle body, the fluidic body, the shining body, the phantom, and by various other names. In recent Theosophical literature, distinctions have been made between these various bodies ; but for our present purposes we may ignore these distinctions, and speak of the " Astral Body ” as some more subtle form, distinct from the organic structure known to Western science, and studied by our physiologists.
The broad, general teaching is that every human being “ has ” an astral body just as he has a heart, a brain and a liver. In fact, the astral body is more truly the Real Han than the physical body is, for the latter is merely a machine adapted to functioning upon the physical plane. But it must not be thought that the astral body is held to be the Soul of man either. That is a mistake often made. It is said to be the vehicle of the Soul — just as truly as the physical body is a vehicle — and constitutes one of the essential connecting-* links between mind and matter. To the Materialist, of course, who regards mind merely as a product of certain brain activities, such a theory would appear superfluous and nonsensical. But the present book is not addressed to Materialists. It is addressed to those who believe in the reality of certain supernormal (psychical) phenomena, and in the theoretical possibility, at least, of the astral body. To all such students this book will, I, am assured, prove a veritable mine of valuable and unique information.
THE DOCTRINE
The astral body, then, coincides with the physical body during the hours of full, waking consciousness ; but in sleep the Astral body withdraws to a greater or lesser degree, usually hoyering.jusi above it, neither conscious nor controlled. In trance, synfcope; 'while b xv
INTRODUCTION
xvn
the first time ; and I cannot but believe that we have here a docu- ment of the utmost value — information for which psychic students have waited for years, and which might never have been given out had not a combination of fortuitous circumstances rendered its publication possible. It may therefore be of interest to the reader to know how the following book came to be written, and something of the author himself.
HOW THIS BOOK CAME TO BE WRITTEN
In my book Modem Psychical Phenomena , I had devoted a chapter to the experimental projection of the astral body — summarizing the work of M. Charles Lancelin (to be discussed more fully later on). This material I amplified considerably in a later book. Higher Psychical Development. This dealt almost exclusively with the work of others, however, and I always felt that it was all most inadequate ; it epitomized everything that I had been enabled to unearth, how- ever, dealing with this important subject. In November, 1927, I received a letter from Mr. Sylvan Muldoon, in which he said :
“ I have recently finished reading your volumes on the ‘ Occult and Psychical Sciences.’ ... I was much interested in your chapter on * Astral Projection,’ as I have been a ‘ projector ’ for twelve years — long before I knew that anyone else in the world ever did such things. . . . What puzzles me most is that you make the remark that M. Lancelin has told practically all that is known on the subject. Why, Mr. Carrington, I have never read Lancelin ’s work, but if you have given the gist of it in your book, then I can write a book on the things that Lancelin does not know ! . . . I have been wondering whether M. Lancelin is in fact a conscious projector. From what you have given, I have concluded either that Lancelin does not project at all, or that his subjects are not in the clear conscious state while exteriorized. Is this not reasonable ? If M. Lancelin or his subjects were clearly conscious, could they not give every detail of the phenomenon ? Of course they could ! But they do not. . . . Now I have been all through this, and I know every emotion, every move, every last detail that takes place from clear consciousness in the physical, out, into the astral with that same unchanged consciousness and back into * coincidence.’ . . . But the thing I marvel at most is that so little is said about the astral cord — the very foundation of the whole phenomenon. Is it possible that none of Lancelin’s subjects ever examined this cord, nor even saw it ? . . . Nothing is told as to how this cord works, how it stabilizes the phantom, or throws it into instability. How large it is while the bodies are nearly in coincidence ; .how it decreases in size and resist- ance up to a certain distance (which I have measured exactly), and so forth. Lancelin says that the phantom appears as if rocked by the wind, but he does not say what causes this. . . . Lancelin does not
xviii
INTRODUCTION
tell how to control the astral cord, the mechanism which is the vital factor. He says that the astral body emerges from the solar plexus — which is anything but true. The bodies separate at all places simultaneously. The cord centres at a given plexus, and the ideal spot is the medulla oblongata, which has direct control over the organs of respiration in the oblivious physical body. Lancelin says nothing of suppressed desires and the condition of the heart-beat through the cord ; nor how to stabilize the phantom after the exteriorization is accomplished. He says nothing of the form the phantom takes ; how it moves in coming out ; how a cataleptic state ensues while the phantom is under control of the subconscious mind, and is still conscious. ... He has not told of the various degrees of sight and hearing in the phantom ; nor how it travels, nor how it gets into a condition where it is helpless and unable to travel. . . . The Will Power part of the process is greatly over-stressed. There are other ways of accomplishing this besides will power. In fact, several other ways. And the Good Health idea is nothing short of a blunder. I say, and can prove it, that the nearer dead a person is, the easier it is to project. ... I could go on telling you many more things about astral projection ; but I suppose that after all was said you would reply, * Prove it.’ But it cannot be> so readily proved ! It would require a treatise upon the subject. I once thought of writing a book upon this topic, but abandoned the idea when everyone told me that I was ‘ crazy,’ and found that no one would pay any attention to it. . . . Just the same, I have exteriorized enough to know that if you have given the gist of what is now known, then indeed there is much darkness upon the subject. ... I might add that I am a boy twenty-five years old, and that if you even read this letter and take it seriously, it will be an honour to me. . . .”
It need hardly be pointed out that I realized at once that I had discovered some one possessed of a vast fund of most valuable information ; and I lost no time in replying at length, and in urging Mr. Muldoon to begin his book at once, which I promised to revise and edit and introduce. The following book is the result. I may say that Mr. Muldoon and myself have worked together upon it most harmoniously ; he has covered many points and tried many experiments which I have suggested to him, and in every way demonstrated his complete sincerity, and his scrupulous adherence to the truth. He makes no claims he cannot justify ; he advances no theories which are not based upon actual experiences ; if he does not know a certain thing, he frankly says so. The additional extracts from his letters (pp. xxxvii-xli) mil bring this out even more clearly, and will also furnish the reader much valuable material, not included in the book. I may add that the bulk of this work was written when Mr. Muldoon was so ill that he could not get out of bed, and was never certain but that the next day might prove his last ! If ever a man may be expected to be truthful and sincere, it
INTRODUCTION xix
would be at such a time. But the writer's truthfulness and sincerity are apparent in every line.
I should like to draw the reader's attention particularly to the fact that no wild or preposterous claims are anywhere made in this book as to what has been accomplished during these “ astral trips." Mr. Muldoon does not claim to have visited any distant planets — and return to tell us in detail their modes of life ; he does not claim to have explored any vast and beautiful “ spirit worlds " ; he does not pretend to have penetrated the past or the future ; to have re-lived any of his past " incarnations " ; to have read any “ Akashic Records " ; to have travelled back along the stream of time, and reviewed the history of mankind, or the geologic eras of our earth. He asserts, merely, that he has been enabled to leave his physical body at will, and travel about in the present, in his immediate vicinity, in some vehicle or other, while fully conscious. This is perfectly rational, and is precisely what we should expect, on the theory that these “ trips ” are actual experiences. Assuming that some such entity as an Astral Body exists, and can at times be voluntarily detached from the physical body, everything else which is said falls naturally into place, and is precisely what might be expected to happen under such circumstances.
THE DIFFICULTY OF “ PROOF ”
Of course, it may be replied : " Very true, provided the reality of your astral body once be established ! After once having swallowed the camel, it is useless straining at the gnat ! ” But the evidence for the existence of some such entity as an astral or etheric body has been constantly accumulating — quite apart from these cases of conscious or voluntary " projection.” The very first thing which struck the early investigators of the Society for Psychical Research, when they began their investigations, was the great number of apparitions coinciding with the death of the person thus represented ; and the result of the first Census, published in Phantasms of the Living, and of the second and far more extensive one, published in Vol. X of the S.P.R. Proceedings, confirmed the belief that* such coincidences were more than chance would account for ; that there was some causal connection between the apparition and the death of the person whose “ double ” thus appeared. Quite logically, the attempt was made to explain the majority of these experiences as ** telepathic hallucinations.” But all of them could not be so readily explained, and even as the result of the first Census, Mr. Myers felt qualms as to the sufficiency of this explanation, as his " Note on a Suggested Mode of Psychical Interaction " clearly shows. The evi- dence for the objectivity of certain phantoms appeared, indeed, so strong that Mr. Andrew Lang was forced to write, in his Cock Lane and Common Sense (p. 206) : "... Some apparitions are ' ghosts ’
XX INTRODUCTION
— real objective entities, filling space.” And it may be said that the evidence for this has considerably increased of late years — quite aside from “ materializations ” and similar manifestations. Into this evidence we have not, unfortunately, the time to enter now.1
It may be asserted, therefore, with considerable confidence, that the evidence for the existence of some sort of an “ astral body ” has been constantly accumulating as the result of our psychical investi- gations, and that this evidence is now very strong. It need hardly be pointed out that, if this were once definitely accepted, it would enable us to account for a large number of otherwise baffling phe- nomena very readily — haunted houses, apparitions seen by several persons at the same time, psychic photographs, clairvoyance, etc. ; and (assuming that such a body might occasionally move or affect matter) raps, telekinesis, “ poltergeists,” and other physical phe- nomena. In fact, once the objective existence of an astral body be postulated, a flood of light would be thrown upon psychic mani- festations, both physical and mental.
Now, quite apart from such collateral evidence, there have always been individuals who have asserted that they could leave the physical body at will, and travel about in some “ astral body ” for a longer or shorter period of time — retaining consciousness throughout. The difficulty has always consisted in furnishing proofs of such claims. Indeed, this is a most difficult thing to do, in view of the fact that the experience must of necessity be subjective ; and it is an open question whether such proofs have been furnished even in the present book. However, the attempt has been made to do so ; and the specific instructions which have been given will perhaps enable others to “ project ” themselves — thereby affording them the best possible means of verifying the accuracy of the statements made. Should a number of (otherwise sensible !) persons come forward and assert that they too have succeeded in voluntarily projecting their astral bodies, this question would at once assume a very different status.
In the present book, Mr. Muldoon has discussed both falling and flying dreams, and has advanced the ingenious theory that many of these may be due to actual movements of the astral body. Of course, Mr. Muldoon would be the first to admit that the majority of such dreams are due to ordinary psychological — even physio- logical-causes, and, as examples of " illusions of levitation ” pro-
1 It need hardly be said that alleged " spirit communications " have invariably asserted this to be a fact. Thus, in Dr, Hodgson's Second " Report on the Trance Phenomena of Mrs. Piper," we read :
" The statements of the ‘ communicators ’ as to what occurs on the physical side may be put in brief general terms as follows. We all have bodies composed of ‘ luminiferous ether ’ enclosed in our flesh and blood bodies. The relation of Mrs. Piper’s etherial body to the etherial world, in which the ‘ communicators ’ claim to dwell, is such that a special store of peculiar energy is accumulated in connection with her organism, and this appears to them as ‘ a light.’ ..." etc. (Proc., XIII, p. 400).
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duced by such purely physiological mechanisms, I cannot do better than summarize the interesting articles of Mr. Lydiard H. Horton, which appeared in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (April, 1918 ; June, 1918 ; August, 1919), in which he attempted to prove this fact — that such illusions of levitation may be so produced — even without sleep ! He induced a number of experimental subjects to lie upon a bed or couch, and relax completely. Upon the degree of relaxation thus attained depends the success of the experiment. If the patient can induce this complete relaxation of the muscular system without falling asleep, he will often experience an “ illusion of levitation.” “ Out of the thirty subjects who relaxed completely, and of the twenty or so who retained consciousness after they had completely relaxed, eight of them reported illusions of levitation.” The following are typical experiences of this nature :
" One of them jumped out of the chair and was afraid to continue the experiment, so realistic was his apperception of a soaring motion.
“ Another, this time a woman, gripped the chair in the momentary belief that she was floating away ; two others reported that they felt ‘ caught up ’ by a wave, but that their reason reassured them at the time.
‘‘ One other enjoyed the sensation so much that he took it as a matter of course, and supposed it was part of the ‘ treatment.’ One other said that if his head had been as light as his body he would surely have floated away. He reported himself ‘ just floating away,’ the sensation being overwhelmingly real. . . .”
Mr. Horton attempts to account for all such cases as follows :
” The mechanism underlying the flying dream and the levitation illusion is attributed, mainly, to the functions of the adrenal-sympa- thetic nervous system. . . . The genesis of the illusion of levitation does not come from the diminution of tactile sensations. Whether due entirely to an inhibition in the course of the pressure sense tracts (deep sensibility, I mean), or merely to lessening of actual muscle pressure, is a question. I think the latter is a great factor, but that the sensory ' inhibition ’ is real too. . . . This of itself does not become the adequate or efficient basis of the illusion of levitation till the vaso-motor relaxation supervenes. Out of the combination there arises the bodily ‘ stimulus ’ (negative in this case) which becomes the foundation of the illusion of soaring. . . .”
This attempted explanation, it will be observed, differs essentially from that offered by Horace G. Hutchinson (in his Dreams and their Meanings) and also that of Havelock Ellis (in his World of Dreams ) which is that “ flying dreams ” are best explained by a combination of respiratory sensations together with cutaneous anaesthesia. It is quite possible that some such explanation may ultimately be found for, and will adequately explain, many ordinary flying dreams ; but it must be emphasized emphatically that such dreams are quite different from clean-cut instances of “ projection,” and that any
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INTRODUCTION
explanation of the latter by such principles is absolutely unjustified — just as unjustified as, e.g. the attempt to “ explain ” the super- normal knowledge displayed in Mrs. Piper’s trance by postulating some physiological causation of that trance. The essential problem would remain untouched. In all cases of astral projection, it must be emphasized that clear consciousness of Self is maintained by the subject, while he is outside his body ; he can look back and see his body ; he can view his present surroundings ; he can observe people, and note distant scenes and events just as they are — or are occurring — which he could not possibly have seen and known, but which he was afterwards enabled to verify and check off as correct. This is the distinctly supernormal factor involved, which is the crux of the whole matter ; and for this no purely physiological explanation in any way accounts. In his experiments. Dr. Horton succeeded only in producing the illusion of levitation, which is not even a flying dream ; and a flying dream is, according to Mr. Muldoon , again an entirely different matter from a conscious projection !
HISTORICAL
It is hardly necessary to remind the reader that the Egyptians believed implicitly in the ka — which might be said to correspond to our conception of the “ Astral Body.” This ka was not the Soul of man, it must be understood, but its vehicle — just as the astral body is thought to be the vehicle of the mind and soul to-day. It was this ka which visited the mummified body from time to time, and was usually depicted as a sort of bird-like Double of the deceased. Many of the older Egyptian paintings show this. The wanderings and trials of the dead man in the Under World are described at great length in the Egyptian Book of t he Dead, and in other early writings.
"'Even more striking and important, from our point of view, how- ever, is the recently translated Tibetan Book of the Dead, edited by Dr. W. Y. Evans-Wentz, and published by the Oxford University Press (1927). This work — the Bardo Thodol — was probably first committed to writing in the eighth century a.d., and embodied teachings much older. The manuscript from which the present translation is made is judged by experts to be between 150 and 200 years old. As the reader may have surmised, it deals with the same general topic as the earlier Egyptian work ; but, from our modem point of view, is far more “ rational,” and many of its teachings correspond, in a remarkable way, with those of Occult and Psychical Science. A very brief summary of those portions of the book which deal tnore or less directly with our theme will doubtless prove of interest.
When a man is about to die, a Lama is called in, whose duty it is to attend "to the dying man and usher him properly into the next world. The arteries on the sides of the neck are pressed. This is
INTRODUCTION xxiii
done to keep the dying person conscious, with the consciousness rightly directed. For the nature of the Death-consciousness deter- mines the future state of the “ soul-complex,” existence being the continuous transformation of one conscious state to another. The pressing of the arteries regulates the path to be taken by the out- going vital current (Prana). The proper path is that which passes through the Foramen of Monro. “ If the expiration is about to cease, turn the dying one over on the right side, which posture is called the ‘ Lying Posture of a Lion.' The throbbing of the arteries (on the right and left sides of the throat) is to be pressed. If the person dying be disposed to sleep, or if the sleeping state advances, that should be arrested, and the arteries pressed gently but firmly. Thereby the vital force will not be able to return from the median nerve and will be sure to pass out through the Brahmanic aperture. Now the real setting face to face is to be applied. At this moment, the first glimpsing of the Bardo, of the Clear Light of Reality . . . is experienced by all sentient beings.”
All the time the patient is dying, the Lama urges him to keep his mind tranquil and poised, so that he may see and enter into the Clear Light of Reality, and may not be troubled with hallucinations or “ thought-forms ” which have no objective existence, save in his own mind. The Lama superintends the whole process of the with- drawal of the astral body from the physical at death. “ It is com- monly held that the process (of separation) takes from three and one-half to four days, unless assisted by a priest called hpho-bo (pron. pho-o), or ' extractor-of-the-consciousness-principle ’ ; and that, even if the priest be successful in the extracting, the deceased ordinarily does not wake up to the fact of being separated from the human body until the said period of time has elapsed.”
If the mind of the dying person has not been properly concen- trated upon the Clear Light, he is liable to see scores of devils and demons of all sorts 1 But it is emphasized over and over again in the book, that these demons have no actual, objective existence : they are merely hallucinations, or “ thought-forms,” having no actuality, save in the mind of the seer. They are all purely sym- bolical. The mind is capable of manufacturing these, or creating them, just as we do every night in our dreams. He must cleave his way through these into the Clear Light of the Void. The sooner he’ can do this, the sooner is ‘‘ liberation ” attained.
The teachings concerning the astral body are very clear and concise : “ When thou wert recovered from the swoon (of death) thy Knower must have risen up in its primordial condition and a* radiant body, resembling the former body, must have sprung forth, . . . It is called the desire-body. . . . The Bardo-body hath been spoken of as ‘ endowed with all sense-faculties.’ . . . Unimpeded motion implyeth that thy present body being only ar desire body-is not a ’ body of gross matter. . . . Thou art actually endowed with the power
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INTRODUCTION
of miraculous motion. . . . Ceaselessly and involuntarily wilt thou be wandering about. To all those who are weeping (thou shalt say)
' Here I am, weep not.’ But they not hearing thee, thou wilt think,
' I am dead ! ’ And again, at that time, thou wilt be feeling very miserable. Be not miserable in that way. . . . There will be a grey, twilight-like light, both by night and by day, and at all times. . . . Even though thou seekest a body, thou wilt gain nothing but trouble. Put aside the desire for a body ; and permit thy mind to abide in the state of resignation, and act so as to abide therein. . . . These are the indications of the wandering about on the Sidpa Bardo of the mental body. At the time, happiness and misery will depend upon Karma. ...”
THE LITERATURE OF THE SUBJECT
Much has been written, in the past, concerning the Astral Body — mostly in books devoted to " Magic ” and " Occultism.” I believe that I have gone through the majority of such works carefully, in my endeavour to find some practical information bearing upon this question, but with little result. Thus, there are numerous references to the astral body in e.g. Eliphas Levi’s Doctrine and Ritual of Magic, in his " Key of the Mysteries ” (published in The Equinox, Vol. X) ; in A. E. Waite’s Mysteries of Magic, and his Occult Sciences ; in Dr. Franz Hartmann’s Magic, White and Black, and in the various writings of Paracelsus. In the older works upon Sorcery and Witch- craft there are, of course, frequent allusions to astral projection. Theosophical literature is full of this subject, but even here I have been unable to find anywhere precise information — any practical instructions as to how the projection of the astral body is to be accomplished. This is true not only of the older works, such as Leadbeater’s The Astral Plane, and Annie Besant’s Man and his Bodies, but also the newer and more voluminous treatises, such as those of Major Arthur E. Powell — The Etheric Double, The Astral Body, The Mental Body, etc. In all these books, much theoretical information is given (of course, from the strictly Theosophical point of view) but very little practical advice. The same criticism applies to D'Assier’s book Posthumous Humanity : A Study of Phantoms. Some interesting spontaneous experiences are given in Little Journeys into the Invisible : A Woman’s Actual Experiences in the Fourth Dimension, by M. Gifford Shine ; Some Occult Experiences, by Johan van Manen ; My Travels in the Spirit World, by Caroline D. Larsen, and in other books of the kind ; while some curious lore of a general nature is contained in The Astral Light, by “ Nizida.” An interesting historic study of this subject is given in G. R. S. Mead’s Doctrine of the Subtle Body in Western Tradition, in which he summarizes the views of the early Fathers, as well as the later conceptions. Charles Hallock’s book Luminous Bodies : Here and Hereafter, contains little
e
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XXV
to the point. Occasional references to what Mr. Myers (in his Human Personality) called “ Self Projection ” may be found scattered through the Journals and Proceedings of the S.P.R., and the very striking case of Dr. Wiltse ( Proceedings , VIII, pp. 180-194) is, of course, classical. The case of the Rev. L. J. Bertrand (pp. 194-200) is also of considerable interest ; while the same may be said of the case recorded by Dr. I. K. Funk, in his Psychic Riddle , pp. 179-185. 1 Mr. A. Campbell Holmes has some remarks upon “ The Double ” in his Facts of Psychic Science and Philosophy, while I have devoted chapters to the subject in my Modern Psychical Phenomena, and Higher Psychical Development. Several years ago, Mr. Prescot Hall published in the Journal of the A.S.P.R. a number of " communica- tions ” of considerable interest, which he had received regarding the astral body through the instrumentality of a blind medium. Their value, of course, depends altogether upon the authenticity of their source.
This is practically all the published material which I have been enabled to find relative to the astral body and its projection, with the exception of Mr. Oliver Fox’s articles in the Occult Review, to be quoted presently, and two books in French. These are : Le Fantome des Vivants, by H. Durville, and M&thode de Deboublement Personnel (Exterioration de la Neuricit6 : Sorties en Astral), by M. Charles Lancelin. These will be quoted and referred to more fully later on. But, as I have said, with these exceptions, I have found practically nothing of value in the entire literature of the subject ; and this criticism is especially true when we come to the most important and central theme of all, viz. how to project the astral body experiment- ally and retain consciousness within it. Upon this vital theme our authorities are especially silent !
It is just here that Mr. Muldoon is most explicit. He explains in the greatest detail just how the projection of the astral body is to be effected, and he describes precisely what takes place in the subject’s mind and body during such a projection — together with many other details connected with the process. Any impartial reader will agree, I think, with the conclusion that it would be impossible for Mr. Muldoon to have written as he has — to have acquired this knowledge — without in some sense experiencing what he claims to have experienced. His reading upon the subject has been very scant ; his contact with anyone liable to possess even a tithe of this information is next to impossible — when we take into account the fact that he lives in an obscure village in the Middle West. No ; his knowledge has been gained at first-hand, and as the result of actual experimentation ; that is very evident. How such information could have been acquired — had he not actually under- gone these experiences — I leave it for the reader to decide.
1 Extracts from these cases are given elsewhere.
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INTRODUCTION
SPONTANEOUS CASES
As before mentioned, there are two types or varieties of astral projection: the spontaneous and the experimental. In the former, the individual undergoing the experience merely finds himself " pro- jected " without knowing how or why ; he finds himself outside his own physical body — which he can clearly see — but how he got there he does not know. In the latter, the experimenter makes a deter- mined and voluntary effort to “ project ” — usually to some definite locality — and wakes up, to find himself there, or en route. Of course, the vast majority of such attempts end in failure ; successes are extremely rare. Or the subject may be “ seen ” by some individual at the locality in question, and remain quite unconscious of his apparent success. Examples of all types or varieties of projection are to be found in this book, together with an analysis of the modus operandi involved, and an explanation of the success or failure, as the case may be.
Let us consider, first of all, a few typical cases of “ spontaneous ” projection. As before stated, this may occur, theoretically, when the subject is asleep, in trance, while under the influence of an anaesthetic, etc. Or it may occur when the subject is awake and conscious, but merely relaxed — at least at the beginning of the experience. A good illustration of this may be found in a recently published book entitled My Travels in the Spirit World, by Caroline D. Larsen, where we read :
"... Suddenly I underwent a very strange experience. A feeling of deep oppression and apprehension came over me, not unlike that which precedes a fainting-spell. I braced myself against it, but to no avail. The overpowering oppression deepened, and soon numb- ness crept over me until every muscle became paralyzed. In this condition I remained for some time. My mind, however, was still working as clearly as ever. At first I heard the music (downstairs) plainly, but soon the sounds began to slip away from me by degrees until finally everything became a blank, and I was unconscious to life and the world. How long this state lasted I do not know. What happened during this period I am also unable to relate. The next thing I knew was that I, myself, was standing on the floor beside my bed looking down attentively at my own physical body lying in it. ... I recognized every line of that familiar face, pale and still as in death, the eyes tightly closed and the mouth partly open. The arms and hands rested limp and lifeless beside the body. ... I turned and walked slowly towards the door, passed through it and into a hall that led to the bathroom. . . . Through force of habit I went through the motions of turning on the electric light, which, of course, I did not actually turn on. But there was no need for illumination, for from my body and face emanated a strong whitish light that lighted up the room brilliantly. . . ."
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In the case published by Dr. I. K. Funk, in his Psychic Riddle (pp. 179-185), the writer describes how he " lost control of his body ” — by reason of a cold numbness which spread over it, on a number of occasions — before having his first conscious projection. On the occasion in question, after these preliminary symptoms, he first of all became momentarily unconscious : “ . . . There came a flashing of lights in my eyes and a ringing in my ears, and it seemed for an instant as though I had become unconscious. When I came out of this state, I seemed to be walking in the air. No words can describe the exhilaration and freedom that I experienced. No words can describe the clearness of mental vision. At no time in my life had my mind been so clear or so free. ... I became conscious of being in a room and looking down on a body propt-up in bed, which I recog- nized as my own. I cannot tell what strange feelings came over me ! This body, to all intents and purposes, looked to be dead. There was no indication of life about it, and yet here I was, apart from the body, with my mind thoroughly clear and alert, and the consciousness of another body to which matter of any kind offered no resistance. . . . After what might have been a minute or two, looking at the body, I began to try and control it, and in a very short time all sense of separation from the physical body ceased, and I was only conscious of a directed effort toward its use. After what seemed to be quite a long time, I was able to move, got up from the bed and drest myself, and went down to breakfast. . . .”
As to the criticism invariably advanced — that this was a mere “ vivid dream ” — the writer says :
" I know that many people may think that the statements recorded here are simply the result of an active imagination or perhaps a dream, but they are neither the one nor the other. If the whole world were to rise up ... it would not make one particle of difference in my mind, as I am absolutely certain that I have been as free from my physical body as I ever will be, and that my life apart from it was far more wonderful than any life I have ever experienced in it ”
The case of Dr. Wiltse is very well known. It was first printed in the Si. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal, November, 1889, and afterwards in Vol. VIII of the S.P.R. Proceedings. It was also published, in part, in Human Personality (Vol. II, pp. 315-22). In view of this, only a few brief extracts from this most interesting case will be given — referring the reader to the above sources for the full account. After a few preliminary remarks and descriptions. Dr. Wiltse goes on to say :
”... With all the interest of a physician I beheld the wonders of my bodily anatomy, intimately interwoven with which, even tissue for tissue, was I, the living soul of that dead body. ... I watched the interesting process of the separation of soul and body. By some power, apparently not my own, the Ego was rocked to an fro,
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INTRODUCTION
laterally, as a cradle is rocked, by which process its connection with the tissues of the body was broken up. After a little time, the latter motion ceased, and along the souls of the feet, beginning at the toes, passing rapidly to the heels, I felt and heard, as it seemed, the snapping of innumerable small cords. When this was accomplished I began slowly to retreat from the feet, towards the head, as a rubber cord shortens. ... As I emerged from the head I floated up and down and laterally like a soap-bubble attached to the bowl of a pipe until I at last broke loose from the body and fell lightly to the floor, where I slowly rose and expanded into the full stature of a man. I seemed to be translucent, of a bluish cast and perfectly naked. ... I directed my gaze (to the bed) and saw my own dead body. It was lying just as I had taken so much pains to place it, partially upon the right side, the feet close together, and the hands clasped across the breast. I was surprised at the paleness of the face. ... I turned and passed out of the open door. . .
Dr. Wiltse then relates a number of mental experiences which he had during his extended “ trip ” — including the perception of certain things which he did not know existed, but which were subsequently verified and found correct — and, at the conclusion of his astral journey, he was suddenly arrested by what appeared to be a dense, black cloud : " A small, densely black cloud appeared in front of me and advanced toward my face. I knew that I was to be stopped. I felt the power to move or to think leaving me. My hands fell powerless to my sides, my shoulders and head dropped forward, the cloud touched my face and I knew no more. . . ."
When he regained consciousness, he was in his own physical body.
The case of the Rev. L, J. Bertrand, also given in Proceedings, Vol. VIII, p. 194, is thus summarized by Mr. Myers :
“ During a dangerous ascent of the Titlis, Mr. Bertrand separated from his companions, sat down to rest, and became paralyzed by the cold. His head, however, remained clear, and he experienced the sensation described by Dr. Wiltse of passing out of his body and remained attached to it by ‘ a kind of elastic string.' While in this condition, he had clairvoyant impressions about his absent com- panions, and much astonished them on their return by describing their doings to them. ...”
EXPERIMENTAL CASES
We now come to cases of voluntary or experimental projection. These, as I have said, are much rarer, and — apart from a few scattered cases (possibly) in Phantasms of the Living — are limited more or less to Mr. Fox’s records, in the Occult Review — to be quoted presently — and a few dubious and historic cases, fairly “ remote.” Two books have been published in French, however, dealing with
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this subject ; one by M. Charles Lancelin, the other by M. Hector Durville. Both of these works deal with the attempt to “ extract,” as it were, the astral body from the “ magnetized ” subject while in a state of trance. Neither of them contains cases of sef/-projection. The subject was placed in a deep magnetic or mesmeric (as distinct from hypnotic) trance, and suggestions were then given that the subject should, if possible, leave his (or her) own body, and move away from it for some appreciable distance. A variety of ingenious experimental tests were then made, to ascertain, so far as possible, that this had been successfully accomplished.
I shall not now stop to consider the work of M. Lancelin, as I have already summarized it quite fully in my Modern Psychical Phe- nomena, and in Higher Psychical Development, and Mr. Muldoon has dealt with it at considerable length in the present volume. I may, however, give a brief summary of the findings of M. Durville, as given in his book Le Fantome des Vivants.
The book is divided into two parts : Part I being historical and theoretical, dealing with the general theory of the “ double,” and citing a number of ancient and more modern cases which might possibly be considered examples of its manifestation.1 Part II is experimental, dealing with cases in which the astral body was ap- parently projected, while the subject was in deep “magnetic ” trance. Some of this material is of considerable interest, and agrees remark- ably with the descriptions and experiences of Mr. Muldoon. Thus we read (p. 189) : “ The subject of the experiment is constantly en rapport with the " double ” through the intermediary of a fluidic cord, capable of elongation. . . . Usually this is cylindrical, but may sometimes appear to be a sort of ribbon. ...” As to the clothes of the phantom, these seem to be composed of a sort of “ fluidic gauze ” (p. 215). Various sense-impressions are conveyed to the body by means of the astral cord (p. 235). The question of tem- perature is important ; and too much light has a detrimental effect upon the astral body. Experiments with the dynamometer showed that the muscular strength (grip) of the subject was always greater after projection than before (p. 152). On the contrary, the tem- perature of the hand — particularly of the right hand — almost invari- ably fell as the result of the experiment (pp. 195-197). One chapter is devoted to the action of the phantom upon (a) the double of another subject — both being “ projected ” at the same time ; and (b) upon the physical body of another person. Some positive results were apparently secured in both cases. Calcium sulphide screens were then placed at some distance from the subject, and the sugges- tion was given that the phantom should approach one or other of these screens. As it did so, the screen in question glowed up with added brilliance as the result of the proximity of the astral body
1 Such as cases recorded in Owen’s Footfalls ; The Debatable -Land ; Mrs. Crowe’s Night Side of Nature ; certain cases in Phantasms of the Living ; etc.
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INTRODUCTION
(pp. 275-280). Some successes are also reported in obtaining physical movements of objects and raps, and in moving the straw of a Sthen- ometer, at a distance from the entranced subject — by the projected astral body (pp. 297-332). The last chapter details a number of attempts to photograph the astral body, and various vital radiations emitted by it or by the physical body. M. Durville concludes his book as follows :
1. Projection of the astral body is a certain fact, capable of being demonstrated by means of direct experiment. This also demon- strates to us that living force is independent of matter, and that our Individuality is composed of a physical body and an intelligent Soul —and a vital link, the astral body.
2. Since this phantom can exist and function apart from the physical body, it may also exist after death. That is. Immortality is a fact which is thus proved scientifically.
This apparently little-known work of M. Durville is full of curious and interesting material, and if one could be assured that the results attained were all scientifically accurate, would constitute a treatise of first-rate importance. It is to be noted that many of his findings tally, in a very striking manner, with those of Mr. Muldoon. Some critical comments on these results are to be found in the text of the present book,
MR. OLIVER FOX’S EXPERIENCES
The only detailed, scientific and first-hand account of a series of conscious and voluntarily controlled astral projections which I have ever come across is that by Mr. Oliver Fox, published in the Occult Review for 1920 (pp. 256-264 ; 317-327). These articles were entitled, respectively, “ The Pineal Doorway,” and “ Beyond the Pineal Door,” and embody the author’s personal experiences. I shall endeavour to summarize very briefly — quoting a few especially important passages verbatim.
Mr. Fox very logically begins by placing squarely before the reader the two alternate theories which might be advanced to account for his experiences. These are (a) exceptionally vivid dreams, and (b) real projections. Which of these is the correct explanation ? Mr. Fox admits that it is extremely difficult to prove the latter theory objectively, and therefore thinks it wiser to confine himself to a description of his own experiences and a summary of his own methods of development, hoping that others might possibly obtain the same results by following his advice, thereby proving the reality of astral projection for themselves.
The first step (says Mr. Fox) consists in acquiring a certain dream- control — but not the same kind of dream-control as that detailed in the present book. It consists in acquiring, by observing some incon- gruity or anachronism, the knowledge that one is dreaming. I quote Mr. Fox’s own words 1
INTRODUCTION
XXXI
“ Eighteen years ago, when I was a student at a technical college, a dream impelled me to start my research. I dreamed simply that I was standing outside my home. Looking down, I discovered that^ the paving stones had mysteriously changed their position — the long* sides were now parallel to the curb instead of perpendicular to it. Then the solution flashed upon me : Though that glorious summer morning seemed as real as real could be, I was dreaming ! Instantly the vividness of life increased a hundredfold. Never had sea and sky and trees shone with such glamorous beauty ; even the common- place houses seemed alive and mystically beautiful. Never had I felt so absolutely well, so clear-brained, so divinely powerful. Verily the world had become my oyster. The sensation was exquisite beyond words ; but it lasted only a few moments, and I awoke. As I was to learn later, my mental control had been overwhelmed by my emotions ; so the tiresome body asserted its claim and pulled me back. And now I had a (to me) wonderful new idea : Was it possible to regain at will the glory of the dream ? Could I prolong my dreams ?
“ I have italicized the heading of this section.1 It sounds simple ; but in practice I found it one of the most difficult things imaginable. A hundred times would I pass the most glaring incongruities, and then at last some inconsistency would tell me that I was dreaming ; and always the knowledge brought the change I have described. I found that I was then able to do little tricks at will — levitate, pass through seemingly solid walls, mould matter into new forms, etc. ; but in these early experiments I could stay out of my body only for a very short time, and this dream consciousness could be acquired only at intervals of several weeks. To begin with, my progress wTas very slow ; but presently I made two more discoveries s
" i. The mental effect of prolonging the dream produced a pain in the region of the pineal gland — dull at first, but rapidly increasing in intensity — and I knew instinctively that this was a warning to me to resist no longer the call of my body.
“ 2. In the last moments of prolonging the dream, and while I was subject to the above pain, I experienced a sense of dual con- sciousness. I could feel myself standing in the dream and see the scenery ; but at the same time I could feel myself lying in bed and see my bedroom. As the call of the body grew stronger the dream- scenery became more faint ; but by asserting my will to remain dreaming, I could make the bedroom fade and the dream-scenery regain its apparent solidity. . .
The thought then occurred to Mr. Fox : What would happen if he were to disregard this pain and “ force ” his dream-consciousness still further ? Not without some trepidation, he finally did so ; a sort of " click ” occurred in his brain, and he found himself " locked out ” in his dream. He no longer seemed connected with his physical
1 By observing . . . etc.
xxxn
INTRODUCTION
body ; the sense of dual consciousness vanished ; the ordinary sense of time likewise disappeared, and he found himself free, in a new world. This was his first conscious projection.
It lasted only a short time. Owing partly to the sense of utter loneliness, he experienced a sort of panic. Instantly, the same strange cerebral click was heard, and Mr. Fox found himself back in his physical body, completely cataleptic ! Very gradually, he regained control of his organism, moving first one muscle and then another. “ Suddenly the trance broke, my eyes opened, and I was free. I jumped out of bed with great joy, and immediately collapsed upon the floor, being overwhelmed with nausea. I felt ill for two or three days afterwards. . . .”
Just here, Mr. Fox enumerates what appear to him to be the possible dangers connected with these experiments. These are :
1. Heart-failure, or insanity, arising from shock.
2. Premature burial.
3. Obsession
4. Severance of cord.
5. Repercussion effects upon the physical vehicle.
Of course, as Mr. Fox wisely remarks, the last three of these would be scorned by the orthodox scientist. It may be added here that all these dangers are more imaginary than real, and are dealt with very fully in the present book.
The chief characteristics of these astral projections Mr. Fox summarizes thus :
1. The body appears to be in a semi-rigid condition, which may approach in severity the seeming cataleptic state already described.
2. Though the eyes are closed, the room is plainly visible ; and the atmosphere also, so that one gets an effect rather like particles of dust illuminated by the sun — or roughly a golden glow, very variable in its intensity. Behind this, as it were, and only just on the border-line of visibility, is something like a mass of frog’s eggs, bluish-grey in colour and vibrating.
3. Physical sounds are distinctly audible.
4. In this condition one is liable to any imaginable hallucination or sight or sound ; or, to voice the other view, one is both clair- voyant and clairaudient.
5. In this condition, especially if it be mistaken for the waking state, one falls an easy prey to wild and unreasonable fear.
6. One is conscious of strange atmospheric stresses — the before-a- storm feeling, but enormously intensified.
So far, Mr. Fox had never succeeded in effecting a true projection without any break in consciousness. He always felt that some one, or something, was holding him back. " It was like getting past the
INTRODUCTION xxxiii
‘ Dweller on the Threshold.’ ”* Then the solution of the problem suddenly occurred to him : “ I had to force my incorporeal self through the doorway of the pineal gland, so that it clicked behind me. ... It was done, when in the trance condition, simply by con- centrating upon the pineal gland and willing to ascend through it. The sensation was as follows : my incorporeal self rushed to a point in the pineal gland and hurled itself against the imaginary trap-door, while the golden light increased in brilliance, so that it seemed the whole room burst into flame. If the impetus was insufficient to take me through, then the sensation became reversed ; my incorporeal self subsided and became again coincident with my body, while the astral light died down to normal. Often two or three attempts were required before I could generate sufficient will-power to carry me through. It felt as though I were rushing to insanity and death ; but once the little door had clicked behind me, I enjoyed a mental clarity far surpassing that of earth-life. And the fear was gone. . . . Leaving the body was then as easy as getting out of bed. . . (Mr. Fox, with admirable scientific caution, warns his readers against taking what he has said about the pineal gland too literally ; but he asserts that these are the exact sensations, and he believes that what he has said is not far from the truth.)
In the vast majority of his experiences, Mr. Fox asserts that there was a break in consciousness (seemingly, for only a few moments) between his attempt to enter the “ pineal door ” and his fully con- scious state, outside the physical body.1 2 He did ultimately succeed, however, in attaining a number of projections, fully conscious from the beginning. As he himself states :
“ This, then, was the climax of my research. I could now pass from ordinary waking life into this new state of consciousness (or, from life to ‘ death ’) and return, without any mental break. It is easily written, but it took fourteen years to accomplish.”
Mr. Fox mentions three different methods of “ locomotion ” in the astral body. The first of these is Horizontal Gliding — “ accom- plished by a purely mental effort.” Usually this is easy, but when the pull of the cord is felt, it is anything but effortless ; “ it is as though one tugged against a rope of very strong elastic." Mr. Fox also observed that whenever he was pulled back into the body, he had the sensation of being drawn backwards into it. (The reason for this feeling is fully explained in this book.)
The second method of locomotion is a variety of levitation, very similar to the typical ” flying dream.” This is described as “ easy and harmless.”
The third method is what Mr. Fox calls “ Skrying,” and in this he appears to shoot upwards, like a rocket, with great velocity. It
1 For a discussion of this, see Steiner : Initiation and its Results ; also my Higher Psychical Development.
> See 'the lengthy discussion of this point later on, in the present volume-
XXXIV
INTRODUCTION
is described as " difficult and dangerous." A typical experience of this sort is given in the article referred to.
As to the people encountered in these astral trips, Mr. Fox notes (i) the total absence of “ elementals ” or other terrifying beings, so often said to inhabit the Astral Plane ; and (2) the fact that he is nearly always invisible to them, though his presence may at times be felt. He points out, however, that this is always unfortunate, for when such is the case the entity is shocked and frightened, and this state produces a corresponding shock within himself, the result of which is to draw him back into his physical body immediately. (The reasons for all this will be made very clear in the text of the present book.) As to the scenery, this was almost always similiar to that seen on earth — though, of course, unfamiliar scenes were very common ; probably more common than familiar ones. One very curious and unusual feature about Mr. Fox’s experiences is that he was never able to see his own body, when “ projected,” though he could see his wife’s body, e.g. very plainly. This is almost the only instance on record, so far as I know, in which this has been the case. Generally, the physical body of the projector is the first object seen. In this, Mr. Fox’s experience is almost unique. On the whole, however, his impressions and experiences are quite typical, and tally with those of other investigators in this field, as will be brought out more fully later on. Lack of space unfortunately prevents me from recounting the very dramatic and extraordinary manner in which Mr. Fox lost this power, after having acquired it with so much effort and diligence. This may be found in full in the articles referred to, from which this summary has been drawn.
SOME PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
I may perhaps conclude this section by giving a brief account of a few attempts of my own, made some years ago, at “ astral pro- jection." These were undertaken when I was experimenting in Yoga. On a number of occasions I “ willed ” to appear to a certain young lady — naturally quite psychic — just as I was falling to sleep. Most of these attempts were apparent failures, but on three occasions she awoke suddenly and saw me standing in the room or sitting on her bed. I remained visible for a few seconds, then " melted away." I was quite unconscious of any seeming " success ” on any occasion ; I merely awakened in the morning as usual, not knowing whether anything had " happened ’’ or not. These experiments extended over a period of several weeks, and it is hardly necessary to say that I never gave the slightest inkling of the times selected for trying these “ projections.”
Of course, while these may have been actual unconscious pro- jections, they may also have been purely subjective experiences — perhaps telepathically initiated. But one experience was quite striking, and should perhaps be recorded in greater detail.
INTRODUCTION
XXXV
I may state that the young lady in question is an accomplished pianist, and has a phenomenal musical memory. If she has once played or heard a piece of music, she never forgets it. This is important, for reasons which will be apparent later. One day I asked her if she had ever heard of an old song, “ When Sparrows Build,” made famous years ago by Jenny Lind, and a favourite of my childhood days. She stated that she never had. I said that I would get and send her a copy “ some time,” as I thought she would like it. That was all that was said about it at the time, and no particular importance was attached to it. A couple of nights later, I attempted to “ appear ” to her, and as usual awoke in the morning, without knowing whether my experiment had “ succeeded ” or not. A little later, I received a telephone call, and the young lady in question informed me that I had “ appeared ” to her the night before — rather more vividly than usual — and that she had thereupon been seized with the impulse to write automatically — the result being a verse of poetry. That afternoon I called, was told of the experience, was shown the poetry, and confess that I received quite a momentary thrill ! The “poetry ” consisted of the opening lines of the song “When Sparrows Build,” absolutely accurate, with the exception of one word !
I merely record the above case for what it may be worth, since I can furnish no “ proof,” and the whole incident may have been merely a case of remarkable coincidence. Personally, I doubt that it was. However, I shall not press the point, being content to record it, as illustrative of the curious results one is able to obtain while experimenting in this baffling field. As we have seen, other experimenters have had far more striking and convincing results.
* * *
I must now draw this Introduction to a close. It has been my privilege to work with Mr. Muldoon throughout the writing and preparation of this book, and I have added a few foot-notes from time to time, and suggested certain experiments which might be tried or certain points which might be covered ; apart from these the writing of the body of the book has been his work entirely, and I feel that the psychic world owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his self-sacrifice and determination, in undertaking the labour in- volved in writing it, when ill in bed and in great physical pain. I desire to record here my complete conviction of his sincerity, his truthfulness and his remarkably detached and scientific attitude toward his own experiences. All of which will, I feel assured, be evident in the book itself. It is a work of the utmost importance, and is just the sort of book for which psychic students, the world over, have long waited 1
Hereward Carrington.
EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS
THE following extracts from letters written to me by Mr.
Muldoon contain much interesting material, not found in the text of the book itself. They serve to throw an interesting sidelight upon the writer’s psychology ; and, inasmuch as this is highly important in a case such as this, I feel assured that their inclusion is fully warranted — for this, if for no other reason. It is hardly necessary to say that these extracts have been made with Mr. Muldoon’s permission.
The phraseology of the writer — as shown in these letters, as well as in parts of the book itself — is also of interest, and will serve as a further indication of his inner Self. These letters were of course written to me during the writing and revision of the present book.
H. C.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS
You ask me if I have ever touched the physical body while in the astral body. No ! This is difficult to do. I have tried it, and I find that one cannot keep from interiorizing, because of the very close range. Did you ever attend a materialization stance where you tried to hold a “ spirit ” from getting back into the cabinet ? Well, if you have ever met with that tremendous magnetic pull, you will realize how hard it is to keep from interiorizing, when one gets close enough to the physical body to meddle with it. . . .
You have asked me, too, if I have ever seen anything while in the astral which I did not know existed, and later verified by seeing it in the physical. Certainly ! This is nothing unusual to do, while consciously projected. I have often gone into houses, and noted the things — later going there in the physical, and seeing everything exactly as I saw it in the astral. . . . But when in coincidence I have never had a clairvoyant vision in my life — not one. The only way I ever was able to see astrally was in the astral body. When in the physical body, I couldn’t see a spirit if there were a million of them in the room ! . . . Seeing inside a box would be no trouble, although I have never tried to do so, while exteriorized. It just never occurred to me ; but I have seen right inside houses, and have seen people in them, etc., without ever going inside. ...
* * *
xxxvii
xxxviii EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS
On a table, in the parlour of my home, there stands a little device which is used to beat time for a pupil learning music — a metronome. All one has to do to make this device work is to start the pendulum, and it will click very loudly until the spring runs down. I sleep in a room next to the parlour. The other night, I dreamed that I stood very near this device-; in the dream I seemed about to start the metronome. No sooner had I dreamed this than I awoke in my physical body, in bed. About one second later the device in the next room started to click, click, click. Now there is no possible way in which that device can start itself ; further, it has stood on the table for months without being used. It seemed that no sooner had I touched it — in the dream — than I awoke and heard it start clicking in the next room. Were it not for the time element, I should be inclined to think that I started this in the dream body — which, of course, is the astral body in a partially conscious condi- tion. But it did not start until I was awake in the physical — though I started it, in the dream, an instant before. Could it be possible that the motivity travelled to the device — while I dreamed of it — remained there until after I was conscious, and started it then ? If I had been projected in the astral body, would not the device have started before I got back into the physical ? I wonder if it is possible to do something of that sort : to try and move something in the astral body, and not have it move until some time after the astral body has left it ? . . .
What I have just told you was written several days ago. Last night I again started the metronome in a dream, just as I did the first time. Now I have tried to move things while projected and conscious, but never could. And the strange part is that I never made such a suggestion to myself — the dream occurred both times spontaneously. If only I could do this intentionally ! What I cannot understand is this : Why the device did not start until about two seconds after I dreamed of starting it ? The metronome is about fifteen feet from where I sleep. There is a wall between, of course, but that doesn’t count if it was the dream body which started the thing going. Perhaps it is that we do not have the faith, the conviction, while conscious, and that therefore the motivity is not powerful enough (through conscious suggestion) to move any- thing. (See p. 384 of your book The Coming Science.) Does not what I have just said concerning my experience jibe with what is there said, in a fair degree ? There is only one thing which bewilders me — the time element. Why does not that metronome start before I am again clearly conscious in the physical body ? To be sure, it takes no time at all to interiorize the phantom, while one is not conscious ; but still, that would not account for the time element ! If I were to dream of starting it, then awaken and hear it going, that could easily be accounted for. But it does not start until after I am awake. ... . * *
EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS xxxix
{Later letter). That metronome incident ! No, it was not an auditory hallucination. I had to get up to shut the thing off. The second time I let it go, just to see if anyone upstairs would hear it. My brother did, and after a time he came downstairs and shut it off. It ran five or six minutes the first time, and about twenty minutes the second time. One could not call a reality like that a hallucina- tion, could he ?
Do you think it would be all right to mention this incident, as a possible proof that things can be moved in dreams — even though I cannot prove it to anyone ? Of course, I could not prove that the dream actually did play a part ; but, if not, how in the world did the thing start — immediately after I dreamed of starting it — if I did not have something to do with it ?
I have been ordered to stay in bed for four weeks, but I probably can write along — although not at a very fast rate. . . . My back is getting pretty tired, so I’ll have to lie down for a while, and will close for now. Will send you another batch of MS. in a few days. . . .
* * *
This morning I had an accidental projection, while lying on my stomach and in complete light (if that isn’t running contrary to the laws of projection, nothing is !). And this is what I discovered. While lying on the stomach, the sensations while moving through the air are reversed. When you move upward, you think you are moving downward, and vice versa. The only way to tell the true direction of movement is by the sense of sight. I would have sworn that I was moving downward, but on looking saw that I was moving upward ! . . .
* * *
A few mornings ago, I awoke at about six o ’clock and lay awake for about twenty minutes. Then I dozed off to sleep again, and dreamed that I was standing on the same spot which I occupied in the metronome dreams — in the instances I told you about before. I dreamed that my mother was sitting in a rocking chair, and she said to me : " Do you know you're dreaming ? ” I replied : “ By gosh, I am, aren’t I ? ” That ended the dream, and it seemed that I had no sooner said “ By gosh, I am ” than I awoke in the physical body, in bed. I was conscious, but unable to move ; I could not utter a sound, could not move my eyelids. This condition prevailed for about three minutes, and all the time my entire body kept twitching, especially the limbs. Then I suddenly became normal. About two seconds later a loud rap sounded — as if some one had struck the iron of the bed a blow with a heavy mallet. The noise was so loud that I “ ducked,” as it rather frightened me. . . , Remember, I was perfectly conscious for about two seconds before this rap sounded. No one was anywhere near, and this occurred in full light. These physical manifestations are certainly interesting
xl EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS
— to me, at least — as I never before have experienced such things. But then, neither have I ever tried ; these things came about by themselves.
You know, there is a belief that materializations cannot take place without a circle. Well, I once saw three spirits materialize, and walk right round the room, and talk ! My mother was very ill, and had been confined to bed for several weeks. One evening, we were alone in the house — she in bed, under the influence of morphine,
• talking as one under its influence often does. One minute she would talk rather sensibly, and the next minute, not. I sat in the next room reading — facing the door of her room. I had not been paying much attention to her " talk," as I had become used to it. . . .
I was reading when suddenly I heard a clatter of voices ; one of them I recognized as my grandmother's. I looked up. There were three fully materialized spirits standing and walking about the room where my mother was. At first I thought that she was out of bed, then I saw that there were three of them. I immediately recognized my grandmother, but I did not know the other two. For a moment I could not believe this was actual. Then my mother called out : “ Sylvan, come here quick ; here are your grandmother, grandfather and Louis.” (I had never seen the two last mentioned, but had known my grandmother before her death.)
My grandmother was a German, and was talking in German. I heard her say something like this : " Vot fail de young ? ” I jumped up and went into the room, slowly, fearing that they would dematerialize. My grandmother stood in the doorway, facing me, and said : " Solbun ! " She could not say “ Sylvan," and always called me this when I was small. I advanced to the door and spoke. One of the figures seemed to drop down through the floor. Another disappeared, but my grandmother still stood there, and I could see by the expression on her face that she wanted me to stand back. Then she vanished, and I rushed through the door. My mother was quite rational, and said : “ Why didn’t you come in sooner — all three of them were materialized ! " I assured her that I had seen the whole performance through the open door. There was a fair amount of light in the bedroom, and also in the room where I was reading. I asked my mother, “ What did she say ? It sounded like, Vot fail de young ! ” My mother said something in German which I cannot quote, but which sounds exactly like what I heard, and said, " It means, What’s the matter, girl ? ” My mother is half English and half German, and can understand and talk German. Anyway, this is just what happened !
* * *
Every time you see one of these division lines, it means that I have to stop and take a rest, for sitting up tires me very much. But I hope to be able to write for a longer time together soon. The
EXTRACTS FROM MR. MULDOON’S LETTERS xli
past few days I have been very weak, and thought that I would " cash in ” last Monday 1 ... I suppose it will be some time before I have another batch ready to send, but will do so as soon as I possibly can. ... I hope you can read this, as it’s difficult to write in bed. . . ,
When I stop to think about it, it seems very hard for me to believe that conscious astral projection is not universally known. I can hardly conceive that such a real phenomenon is ever doubted ; that it is not accepted, just as physical life is accepted. But then, perhaps I should not feel as I do if I had not experienced it so many times myself. When one is consciously projected, there is no question about it ; one knows it ; I know it — just as well as I know I am sitting here writing this letter. But how can I prove this to anyone else ? I might be told that I am dreaming when I am physically conscious, and I could not prove that I am not. It is self-evident. ... * # #
I am out of bed and at it again. I wish I could have felt better when I was writing the book, for I probably could have done a better job. As it is, every word was written with reluctance !
* * *
I have never had a conscious out-of-the-body experience when I was not here on the earth plane, just as much as I am right now. I wouldn’t know where to look for the higher planes ! Curious, indeed — how some astral projectors can get into these higher planes, when many spirits on the lower planes assert that they cannot do so 1 Most projectors who claim to be able to do this are so ego- tistical that they imagine they will at once wake up, after death, in
some higher -plane. I know one near , always telling about her
trips in the spirit world, but always telling something which a mere clairvoyant dream would account for. She is constantly saying that the secret of projection is a “ dangerous tool ” in the hands of the " ignorant,” etc. — so that she will not be pressed for an explanation as to how she does it 1 ... Now this is just where I think she is doing the wrong thing. I believe that if a person knows how it is done, he should tell exactly how — so that others can experiment and try it for themselves. I would not have the cheek to tell others that a thing is too dangerous for them to try, but is not too dangerous for me to try — because I do not think that I am so much wiser than they are. ... * # *
I am sending you the last batch of MS. to-day. Would it not be a good idea to ask readers to report their results ? Perhaps some valuable material might be collected in this way. This request might be inserted somewhere in the, book. . . .
THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY
CHAPTER I
EXISTENCE OF THE ASTRAL BODY LONG KNOWN
THERE is a natural (physical) body and there is a spiritual body.” So states St. Paul, in his first “Epistle to the Corinthians.” Psychic research, too, has long ago estab- lished the belief that within every material being is a non-material " double,” a cryptic entity coinciding, with minute exactitude, with the physical mechanism in every centre and cell.
Records are numerous, coming from many trustworthy scientists, which substantiate the claim that this non-material being — the “ astral body ” as it is commonly termed by them — is capable of separating from its physical counterpart, and of existing entirely outside its material abode, intangible to the beings surrounding it.
This enigmatic occurrence will be spoken of as " astral projec- tion,” or “ astral exteriorization,” both terms being synonymous. In occult writings, many have told of this strange phenomenon of astral projection, but with all the knowledge thus far accumu- lated we may still consider ourselves merely in the kindergarten of the school of mystery.
For exteriorization of the astral body is, in fact, the first step into that mysterious realm called " death,” which sooner or later all of us must enter. So, reader, if you are interested in this dark phenomenon, if you have stood o'er the casket and gazed upon the cold corpse, and in silent awe have wondered how that being who only shortly before was animate — possessed of intelligence, moving, thinking, and talking, even as you — could now be but a lifeless clod, the same as you shudder to think you too will become, then you are interested in astral projection, for astral projection and death are not unlike.
To the vast multitudes who have never met with this phe- nomenon, and even to those who have in some manner acquainted themselves with it, it must necessarily be placed in the category of “ theories ” ; but to the conscious astral projector himself.
2 THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY
exteriorization of the non-material counterpart of the physical is a great reality, as self-evident as the fact that he is consciously alive.
At the outset, the reader should understand that the writer is well acquainted with the phenomenon, having indulged in hundreds of projections during a period of twelve years — projections both of a pleasant and a disagreeable nature, while completely conscious and partially conscious. The greater part of the material contained in this work is from his own experience.
After so many years as an astral projector, and at the same time while conducting many experiments with the phase, I have gleaned countless facts and made numerous reasonable deductions from those facts — some of which, so far as I can ascertain, have never before been discovered or made known by other writers in the occult field.
Realizing that the world is filled with sceptics who "stand-pat ” in their tracks, proclaiming themselves “ practical,” who are not open to new possibilities, the “ prove it ” folks who cannot see that the Road leading to the " Real ” is befogged with mystery — and merges into the horizon of mystery at both ends — I wish to state that, if you are one of this type, looking for proofs that can be measured and weighed through the medium of your limited mind and five senses, you will not find them in this book.
The Materialist, of course, will reject the very idea of Astral Projection as nonsense. “ Reason ” is his idol, the light that guides his convictions. He revels under what he terms “ the divine torch of reason.” There is only one trouble with this divine torch — it doesn’t shed much light on the mysteries of life !
Life itself is beyond comprehension by the mind of man — to say nothing of its appealing to reason. Just which of the Materialist’s five senses it is that gives him an understanding of life, of creation, or of thought and mental processes, he does not make known — yet he must accept them. Indeed, everything is accepted without extensive reasoning. We may examine every- thing, examine anything, analyze till Doomsday, yet there will always loom up the Inexplicable. . . . On the other hand :
“ There is no point in the Occult Teachings better established, longer held, or more thoroughly proven,” says William Walker Atkinson, “ than that of the existence of the Astral Body. This teaching of the Ancient Occultists is being corroborated by the experiments and investigations of the Psychic Researchers of the present day.
" The Astral Body, belonging to every person, is an exact counterpart of the perfect physical body of the person. It is composed of fine ethereal matter, and is usually encased in the physical body. In ordinary cases, the detachment of the astral body from its physical counterpart is accomplished only with great difficulty, but in the case of dreams, great mental stress,
THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY 3
and under certain conditions of occult development, the astral body may become detached and sent on long journeys, travelling at a rate of speed only less than that of light-waves.
“ On these journeys it is always connected with the physical body by a long, filmy, connecting link. If this link were to become broken, the person would die instantly, but this is an almost unheard-of occurrence in the ordinary planes of action.
" The astral body exists a long time after the death of the physical body, but it disintegrates in time. It sometimes hovers around the resting-place of the physical corpse, and is mistaken for the spirit of the deceased person, although really it is merely a shell, or finer outer coating of the soul.
“ The astral body of a dying person is often projected to the presence of friends and loved ones a few moments before the physical death, the phenomenon arising from the strong desire of the dying person to see and be seen. The astral body frequently travels from its physical counterpart, in Psychomantic phenomena, and visits scenes far distant, there sensing what is occurring.
“ It also leaves the body during what are known as Psychomantic dreams ; or under the influence of anaesthetics ; or in some of the deeper phases of hypnosis ; when it visits strange scenes and places, and often holds mental conversation with other astral bodies, or else with disembodied entities. The jumbled and distorted recollec- tions of these dreams are occasioned by the brain not having received perfect impressions transmitted to it, by reason of lack of training, development, etc. — the result being like a blurred or distorted photo- graphic plate.”
I have assumed that the reader has already convinced himself of the reality of the phenomenon, or is occultly interested enough to accept it. No discussion will be made of spiritism in general, which does not contribute to the problems of astral projection, for there are volumes too numerous to mention by far more able writers than myself.
In this study we are mostly concerned with certain eccentricities of the astral body which take place while we are physically alive ; and although this astral body exists through and after death — as I have mentioned before — others have told of its survival ; so our interest rests upon considerations of the astral body before the physical counterpart has been permanently severed from it.
We call ourselves physically alive, but in reality the material part of us is as dead as a door-nail. It is the energy behind the physical mechanism that is the real “ five ” thing. Nerves themselves are not 'alive — if they were, we have buried many a living body — it is the neuric energy which animates, and the astral body is the con- denser of the nervous energy you are using right now.
“ Why ! ” you will say, “ then the astral body is in existence now.” And it is ! Many have been the authorities upon this
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subject of astral projection, and many are under the impression that the astral body is formed by a mental process, which is not the ease. If it were the case, where would the victim who is “ bumped off ” instantly get his astral body ? If such were the case, no one would be possessed of an astral body after death, except the fellow who was lucky enough to have heard of the " creative mental process.”
Yes, you are using your astral body even now ; it is tuned down, we might say, to harmonize with the vibrations common to material substance. Now there are factors which hold it down, and there are factors which tune it up. The powers which can be exerted to disharmonize the attunement are the powers which will cause the astral to move out of the physical.
The astral body coincides with the physical throughout. Both bodies being " substance,” it is obvious that both will be identical in shape ; and the phantom is, in appearance, an exact duplicate of the physical body. . Surviving what is termed “ death,” the astral body is often seen by others present at death — the true likeness of the physical. After death, the phantom continues to hold this true form, but sooner or later changes to a much more finely composed spirit.
The range of vibration to which our earthly existence is limited does not extend over all creation ; consequently we are unaware of the vast realities all around us. When the astral phantom (whose eyes you are using even now in reading this) becomes tuned up — which it can be — those eyes will be able to see other things besides the familiar surroundings, and the astral body will be able to get out of the physical. The fact that the eyes, after projection, are capable of seeing earthly and other astral beings too shows that the range of vibration has increased.
This may appear paradoxical to one who is accustomed to the idea that the conscious mind is a part of the physical mechanism. In fact, the material body has no mind at all, but clings over the astral, to speak symbolically, which is the real “ Ego ” — through which the conscious mind really functions. It is erroneous to believe that the astral being has a super-mentality. It has not. The con- scious mind, as you know it, is the mind of the astral body. Your normal, conscious mind — everything it contains — is the you, you the individual, now and thoughout eternity, learning as it goes.
There is, however, the Subconscious— that vast, unfathomable super-intelligence which is wellnigh omnipotent and inherent in all ; yet we do not conceive this as the individual, as we do the Conscious. Most believers in " the spirit ” are somehow under the impression that, to awaken in the astral, is to be enlightened by all the powers of the subconscious, which is not the case ; for the subconscious sustains practically the same relation to the exteriorized phantom as it does to the interiorized (physically alive) being.
THE PROJECTION OF THE ASTRAL BODY 5
Suppose, for example, that your physical body were to drop off (die) this very instant. You would be in the astral, still unchanged, not as a super-intelligent being, but retaining your identical men- tality as before ; no more, no less. And this is one great point to remember : the physical is but non-intelhgent material, and is like a cloak to the astral phantom.
It is logical to suppose that, at birth, the astral body— the Ego — was brought into being by the omnipotent intelligence which is, was, and always will be ; while the conscious mind of this body was in the form of a blank — ready to receive impressions, learn and grow. It matters not at what stage of life we may die, our total consciousness, at the end of earthly existence, is the total we possess, after physical expiration.
MY FIRST CONSCIOUS ASTRAL PROJECTION
Holding the fact firmly in mind that the astral member is the real, live self, and that the physical is but a sort of shell, we will now turn our attention to what actually occurs when astral projec- tion takes place. I shall describe the very first conscious projection I ever experienced. Realize, however, that all experiences are not alike, and that if, by following the laws of the art, which will be summed-up later, you succeed in projecting, what you meet with may not tally in all respects with what I have given, and that pro- ficiency is acquired by practice.
At the time I was a youth of twelve, thinking little of life’s more serious problems and caring less. Although others in the family had studied along occult lines to some extent, I knew practically nothing concerning the higher life. To be sure, I had heard that we live after death, much as we do now ; but that was the sum- total of my knowledge on the subject, and even that was not a matter of thought with me.
Through reading some books on spiritism, my mother, mostly urged by curiosity and the desire to determine whether it was fact or fiction, decided to visit the camp of the Mississippi Valley Spiritualists’ Association, at Clinton, Iowa. I accompanied her, as did my very small brother, and the occurrence which I shall now relate took place there.
We retired at an early hour that evening, incidentally rooming in a house where lodged half a dozen widely known mediums. I dozed off to sleep about ten-thirty o’clock, in the same natural manner as I had always done before, and slept for several hours. At length I realized that I was slowly awakening, yet I could not seem to drift back into slumber nor further arouse. In this bewilder- ing stupor I knew (within me) that I existed somewhere, somehow, in a powerless, silent, dark and feelingless condition.
Still I was conscious — a very unpleasant contemplation of being ! I repeat again : I was aware that I existed, but where I could not
B
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seem to understand. My memory would not tell me. The stupe- faction which one experiences when first arousing from the influence of an anaesthetic is similar. I thought that I was awakening from natural sleep, in a natural manner, yet I could not proceed. There was but one thought dominating my mind. Where was I ? Where was I ?
Gradually — it seemed an aeon of time, but in reality it was but a short interval — I became more conscious of the fact that I was lying somewhere . These few half-clear thoughts brought relative thoughts, and shortly I seemed to know that I was reclining upon a bed, but still bewildered as to my exact location. I tried to move, to deter- mine my whereabouts, only to find that I was powerless — as if I adhered to that on which I rested. Adhered — that is the exact sensation. If conscious at the beginning of exteriorization, one feels fairly glued down, stuck fast, in an immovable position.
A peculiar fact about this phenomenon is that one can be con- scious, yet unable to move. This condition I have called “ astral catalepsy,” since there is no word yet coined to define it. Astral catalepsy will be discussed later on in more detail. Suffice it to say here that astral catalepsy can be present either with or without the functioning of the senses, and with or without consciousness ; for astral catalepsy is direct subconscious control.
Eventually the feeling of adhesion relaxed, but was replaced by another sensation equally unpleasant — that of floating. Occurring at the same time, my entire rigid body — I thought it was my physical, but it was my astral — commenced vibrating at a great rate of speed, in an up-and-down direction, and I could feel a tremendous pressure being exerted in the back of my head, in the medulla oblongata region. This pressure was very impressive, and came in regular spurts, the force of which seemed to pulsate my whole body.
All this was to me like some queer nightmare, in total darkness — for of course I knew not what was taking place. Amid this pande- monium of bizarre sensations — floating, vibratory, zigzagging and head-pulling — I began to hear somewhat familiar and seemingly far- distant sounds. The sense of hearing was beginning to function. I tried to move, but still could not — as if I were in the grip of some cryptic and super-powerful directing force.
No sooner had the sense of hearing come into being than that of sight followed. When able to see, I was more than astonished ! No words could possibly explain my wonderment. I was floating ! I was floating in the very air, rigidly horizontal, a few feet above the bed. The room, my exact location, was now comprehended. Things seemed hazy at first, but were becoming clearer. I knew well where I was, yet could not account for my strange behaviour. Slowly, still zigzagging with the strong pressure in the back of my head, I was moving toward the ceiling, all the while horizontal and powerless.
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I believed naturally that this was my physical body, as I had always known it, but that it had mysteriously begun to defy gravity. It was too unnatural for me to understand, yet too real to deny — for, being conscious, being able to see, I could not question my sanity. Involuntarily, at about six feet above the bed, as if the movement had been conducted by an invisible force present in the very air, I was uprighted from the horizontal position to the per- pendicular, and placed standing upon the floor of the room. There I stood for what seemed to me about two minutes, still powerless to move of my own accord, and staring stright ahead. I was still astrally cataleptic.
Then the controlling force relaxed. I felt free, noticing only the tension in the back of my head. I took a step, when the pressure increased for an interval and threw my body out at an acute angle, I managed to turn around. There were two of me ! I was beginning to believe myself insane. There was another " me ” lying quietly upon the bed ! It was difficult to convince myself that this was real, but consciousness would not allow me to doubt what I saw.
My two identical bodies were joined by means of an elastic-like cable, one end of which was fastened to the medulla oblongata region of the astral counterpart, while the other end centred between the eyes of the physical counterpart. This cable Extended across the space of probably six feet which separated us. All this time I was having difficulty in keeping my balance — swaying first to one side, then to the other.
Ignorant of the true significance of my condition, my first thought, on seeing this spectacle, was that I had died during sleep. I did not know at that time that death comes only with the severing of the elastic-like cable. I made my way, struggling under the magnetic pull of the cord, to where the consanguineous earthly beings lay asleep in another room, hoping to awaken them and let them know of this awful plight. I attempted to open the door, but found myself passing through it. Another miracle to my already astonished mind !
Going from one room to another I tried fervently to arouse the sleeping occupants of the house. I clutched at them, called to them, tried to shake them, but my hands passed through them as though they were but vapours. I started to cry. I wanted them to see me, but they could not even feel my presence. All of my senses seemed normal, save that of touch. I could not make " touchable ” contact with things as formerly. An automobile passed by the house ; I could see it and hear it plainly. After a while the clock struck two and, looking, I saw it registering that hour.
I began to prowl about the place, filled with the anxiety that morning would come and that then those sleepers would awaken and see me. As I recall it, I prowled about in the different rooms for perhaps fifteen minutes, when I noticed a pronounced increase
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in the resistance of the cable. It was pulling with a stronger and stronger tug. I began to zigzag again under this force, and found presently that I was being pulled backward toward my physical body. Again I found myself powerless to move. Again I was in the grip of a tremendous, unseen, directing power. I was cataleptic and was resuming the horizontal position, directly over the bed.
It was the reverse procedure of that which I had experienced while rising from the bed. Slowly the phantom lowered, vibrating again as it did so, then it dropped suddenly, coinciding with the physical counterpart once more. At this moment of coincidence, every muscle in the physical jerked, and a penetrating pain, as if I had been split open from head to foot, shot through me. I was physically alive again, filled with awe, as amazed as fearful, and I had been conscious throughout the entire occurrence.
* * *
Since the adventure I have just related took place, I have experi- enced hundreds of other projections, with countless deviations from the given sensations, but with the corporal movement always clinging to the same route as that which I have described. Although repetition naturally brings about greater perfection, this is probably one of the most unusual first projections on record, so far as con- sciousness is concerned — eclipsing in its clarity many of the best efforts of adept mediums.
While it is my personal opinion that I naturally possess a hidden power to project the inner being from my body, I also credit the extraordinariness of this first conscious exteriorization to the fact that several remarkable mediums slept in rooms adjacent to the one which I occupied. It is a fact, as most students of the occult understand, that a line of force can be established between persons for the benefit of another person. I shall touch upon this point later, inasmuch as it concerns this phenomenon.
I have purposely omitted many details, in drawing a picture of this first projection, which will be fully covered as we go moire deeply into the study. A long story in itself could be told of astral- plane life, earthly relativity, association of phantoms, etc. ; yet no disclosure capable of being consigned to pen and ink could ever do justice to it all ! So I shall refrain from delving into this depart- ment now, my purpose being to give a more analytic presentation of the phenomenon of astral exteriorization, and how it is produced.
About the first hot-shot that the sceptic, or even delvers into the supernormal, will give the conscious projector, is that he (the pro- jector) did not leave his physical body at all, and that what he supposed happened was but a dream which was indelibly registered in his memory. There is only one answer to this ridiculous supposi- tion. If a person does not know when he is conscious, then indeed he should be submitted to a sanity test !
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The doubter will say : “ Now, you could have been dreaming all this. In your dream you would not know you were not fully con- scious.” This is reverse reasoning. In a dream a man may not know that he is unconscious ; but when he is conscious he does know positively that he is not dreaming ! Why ? Simply because we have a distinct understanding of both present and past, when con- scious. So do not form the idea that conscious astral projection is but a dream reminiscence.
Now let us go on. From what has gone before, we now have a fair mental picture of an astral-body projection, wherein conscious- ness participated from the very commencement to the very finis of the process. It is, however, not always that such is the case — this being the exceptional and not the commonly-met-with occurrence. Consciousness, in fact, may interpose at any time, or at any place, or in any position during the process. It may be interspersed with unconsciousness, or it may never enter into the act at all.
As a rule, when consciousness does intervene, it makes its debut after the body has already separated, and is walking about, totally unaware of the fact up to the time of awakening. Incidentally, this being the most common time and place for the intervention of con- sciousness, it is also the most desirable ; for thus the preliminary and disagreeable stages — spoken of in the foregoing account — are eliminated from the subject’s consciousness.