Investigating Astral Projection

Course Code: WM 320 NE (online-English)

Course Dates: 10th October 2011

Instructor: Austin Case

Description:

The practice of astral projection has become a very prominent feature of many strands of esoteric practice, particularly over the past century. The exact definition of this practice is somewhat elusive (especially depending upon the source discussing it), though it essentially involves the separation of some subtle, spiritual, or ‘astral’ facet of oneself that is somehow distinct from the corporeal body, which is able to disconnect from the physical body and subsequently visit some alternate place. Although there have been numerous accounts from various shamanic, mystical, and esoteric religious traditions that bear these traits in common, the term ‘astral projection’ did not arise until the 19^th century. This class will investigate the origins of astral projection within various 19^th century magical orders (both real and fictional) and also examine possible explanatory models which approach the actual personal experiences of astral projectors.

Teaching will take place over a 5 week period and each week will investigate the subject as it occurred within a different order or how the phenomena could be accounted for. The first week will look at the work ‘Ghost Land’ and how descriptions in this 19^th century work of fiction perfectly fit descriptions of astral projection and also look at the magical society known as the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor and their techniques that parallel accounts of astral projection. The second week will look at how the early Theosophical Society and its secret Esoteric Section seemed to be heavily concerned with astral projection. The third week will look at how different forms of clairvoyance (only one of which is called astral projection) within the Golden Dawn fit various interpretations of astral projection, though their interpretation of visiting spiritual planes is different from the T. S.’s understanding of how astral projection relates to travel in the real world. The fourth week will investigate various interpretations of astral projection; psychological interpretations of out of the body experiences, phenomenological interpretations of personalized experiences which may or may not relate to some abstract sort of alternative sort of reality, and pragmatic approaches which focus less on the ‘how’ of astral projection but rather emphasize the value of the experience.

Texts: Students will not need to purchase any texts; all texts will be provided for online.

Prerequisites: WE 101 (any language) OR WM 120 AND WM 220

Exceptions will be made only in those cases where students can demonstrate a firm background knowledge of the concepts covered in the prerequisite courses. If you believe this applies to you, please contact us prior to enrolment.

Students may also choose to audit this course.
Scholarships apply for this course.

Delivery: Online only.

The course will take place over a five week period.  Each week will have an online discussion that highlights the main features of the week’s reading and also add additional material relating to the week, (e.g. the connection between astral projection and mesmerism, accounts from other traditions mirroring A. P., material on out-of-body experiences, etc.)

Investigating Astral Projection

Week 1	Early Instances: Accounts of A.P. in 19th century fiction and the magical society of the H.B. of L. -‘Ghost Land’ -Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor
Week 2	Theosophical Society: A. P. in the Esoteric Section of the T. S. and its relation to projecting in the real world -Early investigations -A.P. in mundane world
Week 3	The Golden Dawn: A. P. and other practices resembling it in the G.D. and its relation to travelling in non-earthly planes -Various forms of clairvoyance -A.P. in spiritual planes
Week 4	Approaches to the Phenomenon: Examining various ways to look at A. P. -Psychological -Phenomenological -Pragmatic
Week 5	Research Paper Due Learning Journal Due