Astral projection is a topic that fascinates many people.
Some believe it is a spiritual experience that allows the soul to leave the body and travel beyond the physical world.
Others see it as a dangerous practice that can open doors to forces beyond our understanding.
But what does the Bible say about astral projection?
Is it a harmless spiritual experience, or is it something Christians should avoid?
To answer these questions, we need to explore what Scripture teaches about the soul, the spiritual realm, and God’s design for human existence.
What Is Astral Projection?
Astral projection, also called an out-of-body experience (OBE), is the belief that a person’s consciousness or spirit can separate from their physical body and travel to different places, even different realms.
Some claim they have left their bodies during dreams or meditation, while others practice techniques to make it happen intentionally.
Many who believe in astral projection say it allows them to explore other dimensions, gain hidden knowledge, or experience a sense of spiritual enlightenment.
The idea of leaving the body and traveling through the spiritual world is found in various religions and mystical traditions.
But is this practice something that aligns with God’s Word?
The Bible and the Soul
To understand whether astral projection is biblical, we first need to look at what the Bible teaches about the soul.
Genesis 2:7 says, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
This verse shows that God created humans as a combination of body and spirit.
We are not just physical beings; we have a soul that gives us life and connects us to God.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 states, “The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”
This passage refers to what happens after death, showing that our spirits belong to God and will return to Him when our earthly lives are over.
Nowhere in Scripture do we see God allowing people to separate their souls from their bodies while they are still alive.
The Bible makes it clear that our bodies and souls are connected in this life, and they only separate at death.
Warnings About Seeking Spiritual Experiences Outside of God
One of the biggest dangers of astral projection is that it seeks to engage in the spiritual realm outside of God’s protection and guidance.
The Bible strongly warns against seeking supernatural experiences apart from God.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says,
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.
Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
Astral projection is often linked to New Age beliefs, occult practices, and spiritual exploration that does not involve God.
It falls into the category of attempting to interact with the unseen realm without God’s permission, something that the Bible repeatedly warns against.
In Isaiah 8:19, God’s people are warned,
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?
Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
Seeking supernatural experiences apart from God can open doors to spiritual deception and even demonic influence.
The Dangers of the Spiritual Realm
The Bible acknowledges that there is an unseen spiritual realm, but it also warns that not everything in that realm is safe.
Ephesians 6:12 states,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Astral projection often involves attempting to enter this unseen realm through personal effort rather than through God’s guidance.
But the Bible makes it clear that Christians should not attempt to interact with spiritual forces outside of God’s will.
Second Corinthians 11:14 warns, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
This means that not all supernatural experiences are from God.
Just because something feels spiritual or enlightening does not mean it is good.
Satan and his demons can deceive people by making them believe they are experiencing something positive when, in reality, they are being led away from the truth.
Dreams, Visions, and Out-of-Body Experiences in the Bible
Some may argue that the Bible does mention people having out-of-body experiences, such as visions or dreams given by God.
For example, the Apostle Paul describes an experience where he was “caught up to the third heaven” in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4:
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven.
Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.
And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”
Paul himself was unsure whether his experience was physical or purely spiritual.
However, the key difference is that Paul did not seek out this experience—it was given to him by God.
Other biblical figures, such as Daniel and John in the book of Revelation, also had visions.
But again, these were not experiences they controlled.
They were encounters with God given for specific purposes.
Nowhere in the Bible do we see God approving of people deliberately trying to leave their bodies or enter the spiritual realm through their own efforts.
Trusting God’s Design for the Human Spirit
One of the main reasons people seek astral projection is curiosity or a desire for spiritual experiences.
But as believers, we are called to trust God’s design.
Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
God created our bodies, minds, and spirits to function in harmony.
Attempting to separate them through astral projection is not part of His plan.
Colossians 2:8 warns,
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Instead of seeking spiritual experiences outside of God’s will, we are called to grow closer to Him through prayer, worship, and His Word.
How Christians Should Respond to Astral Projection
If you have been curious about astral projection or have attempted it in the past, it is important to seek God’s wisdom.
Here are some biblical ways to respond:
Seek God, not mystical experiences.
Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
True spiritual fulfillment comes from seeking God, not attempting to explore the spiritual world on our own.
Turn away from practices that go against Scripture.
If you have dabbled in astral projection or other spiritual practices that do not align with God’s Word, confess it to Him.
First John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Put on the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:11 reminds us, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
We must protect ourselves from deception by staying rooted in Scripture and relying on God’s strength.
Stay connected to God’s truth.
Reading the Bible, praying, and surrounding yourself with fellow believers will help keep you grounded in truth.
The more we focus on Christ, the less appealing false spiritual experiences will become.
Final Thoughts
Astral projection may seem like an exciting or enlightening experience, but the Bible warns against engaging in the spiritual realm outside of God’s will.
Our souls and bodies are connected according to God’s design, and trying to separate them opens the door to spiritual deception.
Rather than seeking supernatural experiences on our own, we should seek God, trusting that He will reveal Himself to us in His perfect way.
God does not withhold spiritual experiences from those who love Him—He simply calls us to seek Him the right way.
If you are looking for a deeper spiritual connection, the best path is through Jesus Christ.
He is the way, the truth, and the life, and in Him, we find all that we need.