Astral travel (or projection) involves two components, the physical body and the spiritual entity that occupies the body.  Implied, is a belief that there is a soul or spirit which can detach from the body.  This detachment may be momentary or for extended periods of time.  The “traveler” can experience the future, a feeling of ecstacy, or a distant place according to Astral travel theory.  Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers outfielder) hit 28 home runs in the first round of the 2008, All-Star Home Run derby.  He claimed that he dreamed of playing in Yankee Stadium.  Did he, perhaps, have an unfair advantage of being transformed into the future?  Some would insist that this kind of “out-of-body” experience is a religious phenomena, whether it be good or evil.

The feeling of being transformed from reality to a higher plane of existence is sometimes attributed to narcotics.  The sixties were famous for this kind of promotion, epitomized by lyrics from Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride.”  One of the verses (music and lyrics by John Kay and Justin Moreve) reads  “I like to dream yes, yes, right between my sound machine.”  This kind of transformation is different than the Biblical account of the Apostle John being transported to heaven where he was shown the future and wrote the book of  Revelations as commanded by God.

When the contemporary home run king, Josh Hamilton, was interviewed he said, “I just want to thank God for this.”  He acknowledged a change from within but credited God for his vision.  Ironically, he lost the competition but he credited the creator of his life.  If every aspect of the universe has purpose, you can judge which kind of astral projection is most edifying.  Someone who uses mind altering substances may be in a psychotic state but perhaps they are really experiencing a detachment of the spirit.

The difference between transport that starts with drugs and one that starts with God is that an “experience” with narcotics is edifying of self, while a transformation from God appears to have purpose and can benefit everyone.  But then, that brings us back to a foundation of beliefs.  One must believe in a part of the body that can leave, whether it be at death, in sleep, or at the will of the traveler.