What’s the Difference?

I was asked whether an NDE (near-death experience) was similar to astral projection, and I really had to think about my answer.

That’s because there are aspects of each that are very similar. But while an OBE (out of body experience) is part of both a near-death experience and an astral projection, there is a lot more to both of them than just being out of body.

Most people who astral project (or step out of their bodies and into spirit form) are aware of what they are doing. But most people don’t ‘die’ (or nearly die) intentionally. Therefore, when someone has an NDE and ends up on the other side of things (such as after an accident or during a surgical procedure), it’s more of a surprise. Also, when astral projecting you don’t experience the release from the body the same way as you do during an NDE.

I’ve done astral projecting and I’ve had an NDE, and the freedom you feel is similar, but the overall experience is much different. Stepping out of my body and having the freedom to be spirit is very uplifting. However, there isn’t the passing through the tunnel, the encompassing light with its feelings of acceptance, nor the feeling of having come home. And that’s because of what level of the Astral plane you’re ending up on.

When I visit the Astral plane through astral projection, I’m only making it to the first or second level…what I call the transition level. This is an entry level where dreamers and wanderers (like those who astral project) end up. YMany Astral plane meetings take place in the transition level. This is because it’s the lowest level of the Astral plane and the one most easily reached by people who are still corporeal.

However, when I nearly died I journeyed further into the astral plane. I reached a level that souls can only reach when there’s no tether or only the most tenuous of threads keeping you attached to your physical form and your current world. And if you did indeed break that thread, then it can be very difficult for the soul to return to its physical form.

The level I went to is one that physical beings shouldn’t be going to unless they need to learn a very impactful and insightful lesson or meet up with someone who has been out of their lives for a while. And even then, that person who has been gone is usually giving them some information that they need to take back with them.

Being in astral form or out of body, you still have a strong connection to your physical body and the physical world. Being nearly dead, that connection is weak and tenuous. The link could be released so easily, but we are usually turned back by someone who imparts some information to us or reminds us of some lessons that we have yet to finish. Ahhh, but the urge to stay is strong…and letting go completely, well, obviously we don’t do it, but I know it would have been very easy to do so.

So, while there are similarities between astral projecting and near-death experiences, they aren’t the same.

To learn more about NDEs and the afterlife, read the award-winning book, “Escorting the Dead.” And check out some of TA Sullivan’s other award-winning books.