The Astral Plane is a realm of consciousness, energy, and magick that holds endless possibilities for witches and spiritual practitioners.
This often-mysterious dimension allows for deep spiritual insight, powerful spellwork, and profound connections with spirit guides and otherworldly entities. It is highly sought after by many who wish to expand their spiritual practice. A profound and transformative energy is stored and shared with the practitioner when working within the Astral Plane. Many witches, occultists, and esoteric practitioners see this as the pinnacle of their magickal work—the magnum opus of spiritual mastery.
"The Astral Plane is the great meeting ground for souls, a vast and wondrous domain where the mind and spirit are unshackled from the mundane." — Dion Fortune
Yet, with all this knowledge, many readers may still ask: What exactly is the Astral Plane, and how can witches explore it through trance work, spells, and meditation?
What is the Astral Plane?
The Astral Plane is often described as an energetic dimension beyond the physical world, accessible through altered states of consciousness. It is referenced in Hermetic traditions, Theosophy, and modern witchcraft, where it is seen as a place where the soul can travel beyond the body to gain wisdom, perform magick, and interact with spirits.
Some practitioners believe the Astral Plane consists of multiple layers or realms, each corresponding to different frequencies of existence. These layers may include the lower astral, where chaotic energies reside, and higher astral realms, where enlightened beings, ancestors, and spirit guides communicate. Many witches and mystics use astral projection to consciously navigate these dimensions, seeking knowledge, healing, and transformation.
The concept of the Astral Plane is closely linked to dreamwork, lucid dreaming, and out-of-body experiences (OBEs). Ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Hindus, described similar realms in their mystical traditions. For instance, the Tibetan Book of the Dead discusses the bardo, a state between life and death that mirrors descriptions of the astral world. The Emerald Tablet, attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, also speaks of a plane where spiritual alchemy occurs.
Historical and Esoteric Perspectives
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Theosophy describes the Astral Plane as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, as detailed in The Astral Plane by C.W. Leadbeater. It is understood to be a space where thought and emotion manifest instantly, shaping the environment according to the traveler's consciousness. Many theosophists see the Astral Plane as a crucial step in spiritual evolution, offering a training ground for the soul before reaching higher realms of enlightenment.
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Occultist Aleister Crowley explores astral projection in Magick in Theory and Practice. Crowley emphasized the importance of disciplined training in visualization, concentration, and ritual to successfully navigate the Astral Plane. He viewed astral travel as a means to communicate with spiritual entities, access hidden knowledge, and refine one's magickal abilities.
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Dion Fortune described the Astral Plane as a layered reality in The Mystical Qabalah, where each layer corresponds to different levels of consciousness and spiritual evolution. These layers influence how practitioners interact with astral energies, shaping their experiences in the realm. Fortune also warned that without proper training and psychic protection, one could encounter deceptive or chaotic forces within the astral realms. Spiritual protection in astral travel is essential, ensuring practitioners safeguard their energy from unwanted influences.
For a deeper understanding of astral travel techniques and spiritual protection, Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce offers a structured approach to conscious out-of-body experiences.
Witchcraft and Astral Projection
Several witches have written extensively about the Astral Plane and astral projection from a witchcraft perspective. Here are some notable authors and their contributions:
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Doreen Valiente – Witchcraft for Tomorrow
Valiente, a foundational figure in modern witchcraft, discussed astral projection and the spiritual dimensions witches can access. Valiente describes trance work and spirit journeys as integral to deepening one’s craft. For more on her legacy, visit the Doreen Valiente Foundation.
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Raymond Buckland – Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
Buckland taught astral travel as part of ritual practice, seeing it as a method for meeting spirit guides and working with deities. He provided practical techniques for visualization, meditation, and astral projection in witchcraft. -
Silver RavenWolf – To Ride a Silver Broomstick
RavenWolf discussed the Astral Plane as a key element in witchcraft, particularly in spirit communication and advanced spellwork. Her book includes beginner-friendly exercises for reaching altered states of consciousness. -
Laurie Cabot – Power of the Witch
Cabot, a High Priestess, emphasized the importance of the Astral Plane in spellcasting and magickal workings. She connected astral projection to heightened intuition and psychic development. -
Christopher Penczak – The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft
Penczak blended witchcraft and shamanism, teaching journeying into the Astral Plane to meet spirit allies and ancestors. His books include guided visualizations and advanced astral projection methods. -
Jason Miller – The Sorcerer’s Secrets
Miller, a practitioner of both witchcraft and ceremonial magick, teaches how to use the Astral Plane for energy work, manifestation, and protection. He emphasizes the practical applications of astral magick. -
Janet and Stewart Farrar – A Witches’ Bible
They wrote about the spiritual dimensions of the Astral Plane, including working with the elements and higher consciousness. They viewed astral work as a crucial part of advanced witchcraft training.
How to Travel the Astral Plane Safely
Trance Work and Astral Journeys
Entering the Astral Plane requires focus, intention, and altered states of consciousness. Trance work is one of the most effective methods for transitioning between realms. By shifting awareness away from the physical body, witches can enter a heightened state of consciousness where astral travel becomes possible. Witchcraft and astral projection go hand in hand, with many practitioners using trance work, ritual magick, and sigils to enhance their ability to navigate the Astral Plane.
Trance states can be achieved through various techniques, each offering unique benefits depending on the practitioner's personal strengths and experience. Many traditions, including shamanic practices, ceremonial magick, and modern witchcraft, incorporate trance work to access spiritual realms. The key to successful astral travel lies in deep relaxation, controlled breathing, and visualization.
Techniques for Trance Induction
There are several methods that can help induce a trance state and facilitate astral travel:
Meditation
Focused breathing and visualization help calm the mind and shift consciousness. Guided meditations specifically designed for astral projection, such as progressive relaxation techniques or energy expansion methods, can assist in reaching the desired state. Using mantras, sigils, or repetitive affirmations can also enhance focus and intention.
Rhythmic Drumming
Used in shamanic journeying, drumming at a frequency of 4-7 beats per second can induce a trance-like state, aligning brain waves with theta frequencies, which are linked to deep meditation and altered consciousness. This method has been practiced by shamans for centuries to travel between worlds, communicate with spirits, and receive divine guidance.
Breathwork
Methods like the 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds) help slow the heart rate and deepen relaxation. Other powerful breathwork techniques, such as Holotropic Breathwork or Pranayama, can induce altered states and enhance astral projection experiences. These techniques are often used in conjunction with chanting, humming, or focused visualization.
Sensory Deprivation
Darkness, silence, or floating in a sensory deprivation tank (isolation float therapy) can heighten internal awareness and facilitate astral travel. Many practitioners find that removing external stimuli allows the mind to naturally drift into the astral realm. Practicing in a completely dark room, wearing an eye mask, or using white noise machines can also be effective in achieving deep trance states.
To enhance success, practitioners may also incorporate herbs and essential oils like mugwort, blue lotus, or frankincense, which are traditionally associated with spiritual vision, astral travel, and dream work. Crystals such as amethyst, labradorite, and selenite are also believed to help with astral projection by raising vibrational frequencies and strengthening the link between the physical and astral bodies.
Building a consistent practice is key—repeated exposure to trance states strengthens the mind’s ability to enter the Astral Plane more easily over time. Some practitioners keep a dream or astral journal to document their experiences, identifying patterns and improving their techniques through reflection.
For guidance, The Projection of the Astral Body by Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington is a classic reference on astral travel methods.
What the Astral Plane Feels Like
Experiences on the Astral Plane vary. Some describe it as a dreamlike, fluid reality, while others report a hyper-aware sensation of floating, traveling through tunnels, or being guided through unfamiliar landscapes.
Common sensations include:
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Feeling weightless or detached from the physical body. This may manifest as a gentle floating sensation, a feeling of separation for mundane or for some an abrupt 'snap' of separation is described.
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Encountering spirit guides, deities, or ancestors. Some witches report receiving messages, guidance, or protection from energies and/or entities.
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Experiencing colors, sounds, and shapes that are more vivid than reality.
The Astral Plane is often described as luminous, with colors more saturated than the waking world.
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Hearing ethereal music or vibrations. Some astral plane travelers report a humming sound or a subtle ringing as they shift between planes.
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Moving effortlessly. Unlike in dreams, where movement can feel sluggish or inconsistent, the Astral Plane allows for instant travel with just the intent to be somewhere.
- Feeling an energetic pull or resistance. Some describe a sensation of being drawn toward or repelled by certain places, beings, or experiences.
To read more about real experiences, refer to The Monroe Institute’s research on altered states of consciousness.
The nature of the Astral Plane is highly personal, and each witch’s journey is unique. Some find themselves in places that feel familiar yet otherworldly, while others experience entirely new realms filled with shifting landscapes and surreal visions.
Spells on the Astral Plane
Spells cast on the Astral Plane carry potent energy because they bypass physical-world limitations. Without the constraints of time, space, or material components, astral magick allows witches to work directly with energy, intention, and spiritual forces. Some practitioners find that spells cast on the Astral Plane manifest faster or with greater impact in the physical world.
Astral magick is ideal for:
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Intention-setting – The Astral Plane is a powerful place to plant the seeds of manifestation. Since energy flows freely here, setting clear and focused intentions can accelerate results. Many witches visualize their desires as glowing sigils or energetic pulses that ripple into reality.
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Healing work – Energy healing, whether for yourself or others, is particularly effective in this realm. Some witches envision golden or violet light enveloping the person in need of healing, while others work with astral spirit guides to channel restorative energy.
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Protection rituals – Casting barriers, wards, or shielding spells is highly effective in the Astral Plane. Some witches build energetic fortresses around their homes, spirits, or themselves, making them more resistant to psychic attacks or harmful influences. For additional ways to reinforce spiritual
defence, refer to this guide on Protection Symbols.
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Divination – The Astral Plane is rich with insights. Many witches communicate with spirits, deities, or ancestors to seek wisdom, uncover hidden truths, or receive guidance for their path. Tools such as tarot, pendulums, or scrying mirrors can also be used in an astral state to reveal deeper meanings.
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Enhancing spellwork in the physical world – Some practitioners perform a spell physically, then reinforce it in the Astral Plane, amplifying its power. This is particularly useful for long-term goals or layered spellwork.
- Dream magick & lucid spellcasting – Since dreams and astral travel are closely linked, witches often use dream portals to access the Astral Plane for spellwork. Lucid dreaming techniques can help bring greater control over these experiences.
To ensure a successful spellcasting experience, it’s advised to ground your energy before and after traveling. This helps maintain balance and prevents lingering disorientation upon returning to the physical world. Some witches also use protective symbols, spirit allies, or grounding crystals to anchor themselves during astral work.
To enhance astral spellwork, The Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn provides effective techniques for energy manipulation.
Common Questions About Astral Travel
Is Astral Travel the Same for Everyone?
Yes! Since the Astral Plane is deeply personal and subconscious, individual experiences will vary. However, similarities do exist, especially when using the same method, timing, and environment for exploration.
How Can I Get Better at Astral Projection?
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Keep a dream journal to record astral experiences.
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Set clear intentions before attempting astral projection.
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Use herbs and crystals like mugwort, amethyst, and labradorite to enhance spiritual awareness.
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Practice grounding techniques after returning to the physical body.
Final Thoughts
The Astral Plane is an incredible space for witches, mystics, and spiritual seekers. Whether through trance work, spells, or deep meditation, astral exploration allows you to tap into universal wisdom, deepen your magickal practice, and expand your spiritual horizons.
Have you explored the Astral Plane?
Share your experiences in the comments below!
Blessed Be,
Bec Black