Free Your Spirit part 3

 Part 3

Astral Travel in Witchcraft: Beliefs, Traditions, and Practices

Throughout history, witches, shamans, mystics, and practitioners of esoteric traditions have claimed that it is possible for consciousness or the spirit to travel beyond the physical body. This phenomenon, commonly called astral projection, soul flight, or spirit walking, occupies an important place in many magical traditions. While modern science has not found evidence that consciousness literally leaves the body, experiences described as out-of-body experiences remain widespread and deeply meaningful to those who have them.

This essay explores the historical origins of these beliefs, the methods traditionally used to induce spirit travel, the symbolism associated with the experience, and the modern perspectives that seek to explain it.

The Concept of the Astral Body

Many occult traditions teach that human beings possess more than a physical body. According to these beliefs, subtle bodies exist on different planes of existence. One of these is often called the astral body, which is thought to be capable of travelling independently while the physical body remains asleep or in deep meditation.

The term “astral” derives from the Latin astralis, meaning “of the stars.” During the nineteenth century, occult movements such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and later Theosophical Society popularised elaborate theories about the astral plane. However, the idea itself is much older and appears in many cultures.

Ancient Egyptian religion described the Ba, an aspect of the soul capable of leaving the body. In various forms of shamanism across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, practitioners believe the soul can journey into spiritual realms to seek healing, guidance, or knowledge.

Witches and the Night Flight

One of the most enduring beliefs in European witchcraft concerns the Night Flight.

During the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period, many accused witches confessed—often under torture—that they flew through the night to attend magical gatherings known as the witches’ sabbath. According to folklore, they travelled on broomsticks, staffs, animals, or even through the air unaided.

Modern historians generally agree that these accounts cannot be taken literally. Instead, they likely arose from several influences:

● Folk beliefs about spirits and fairies.

● Dreams and vivid visionary experiences.

● Religious fears surrounding heresy.

● Confessions extracted under torture.

● Symbolic stories expressing spiritual transformation.

Some scholars have suggested that reports of flight may have reflected ecstatic trance states rather than physical journeys.

Flying Ointments

Perhaps the most famous method associated with spirit flight is the use of so-called flying ointments.

Historical recipes attributed to witches sometimes included plants such as:

● Belladonna

● Henbane

● Mandrake

● Thorn Apple (Datura)

These plants contain powerful tropane alkaloids capable of producing hallucinations, altered perception, sensations of floating, and vivid dreams. Modern toxicology recognises that these substances are highly dangerous and potentially fatal. Because of their unpredictable effects, they should never be used experimentally.

Many historians believe that legends of witches flying may have originated from visions experienced after the use of these ointments rather than actual physical flight.

Trance and Meditation

Many contemporary witches reject historical flying ointments entirely and instead employ non-chemical methods.

Common practices include:

● Deep relaxation.

● Breath control.

● Progressive muscle relaxation.

● Guided visualisation.

● Candle meditation.

● Rhythmic drumming.

● Chanting.

● Repetitive movement.

● Ritual circle work.

The objective is to quiet ordinary awareness and enter an altered state of consciousness in which vivid inner imagery becomes possible.

Some practitioners report sensations such as vibrations, buzzing sounds, floating, or seeing themselves from outside the body. Such experiences closely resemble accounts of spontaneous out-of-body experiences reported by people across cultures.

Pathworking

Many magical traditions employ pathworking, a structured form of guided visualisation.

The practitioner imagines travelling through symbolic landscapes, sacred temples, forests, mountains, caves, or celestial realms. These journeys often involve encounters with guides, ancestors, deities, or symbolic animals.

Unlike literal astral projection, pathworking is usually understood as an intentional inner journey using the imagination as a bridge to deeper layers of the unconscious or spiritual awareness.

Dream Work

Dreaming has long been considered one of the safest methods of spirit travel.

Many witches keep dream journals and practise:

● Dream incubation.

● Reality checks.

● Meditation before sleep.

● Setting intentions.

● The Tibetan Book of the Dead-inspired lucid dreaming techniques.

Lucid dreams, in which the dreamer becomes aware they are dreaming, may provide experiences remarkably similar to reported astral journeys. Many practitioners regard lucid dreaming as a gateway to spiritual exploration.

The Witches’ Familiar

In traditional folklore, witches were often said to travel alongside their familiars.

Cats, owls, ravens, wolves, hares, and other animals sometimes appeared as companions during visionary journeys. Modern practitioners frequently interpret familiars symbolically, representing intuition, instinct, or spiritual guidance rather than literal supernatural beings.

Journeying to the Otherworld

Many traditions describe travel to an invisible realm inhabited by spirits, ancestors, and deities.

In Celtic traditions this may be called the Otherworld.

In Norse tradition, practitioners speak of journeys through the branches of Yggdrasil.

Shamanic cultures often describe ascending into the heavens or descending into the underworld.

Although the imagery differs, these traditions share common themes:

● Seeking wisdom.

● Healing.

● Divination.

● Meeting spiritual teachers.

● Recovering lost knowledge.

● Personal transformation.

Ritual Tools

Some witches believe certain objects assist spirit travel by creating an atmosphere conducive to altered consciousness.

Examples include:

● Black mirrors.

● Crystal balls.

● Obsidian.

● Quartz crystals.

● Candles.

● Incense.

● Sacred herbs.

● Ritual drums.

● Singing bowls.

Whether these objects possess intrinsic spiritual properties or function primarily as psychological aids depends upon one’s worldview.

The Silver Cord

A recurring belief in many occult traditions is the existence of the silver cord, an invisible connection linking the physical body to the astral body.

This concept appears in nineteenth-century occult literature and is sometimes associated with imagery from the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes. According to believers, the cord ensures that the traveller always returns safely to the physical body.

There is no scientific evidence that such a cord exists, but it remains an enduring symbol within esoteric literature.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern neuroscience offers several explanations for experiences interpreted as astral projection.

Research suggests that out-of-body experiences may arise during transitions between wakefulness and sleep, particularly in states such as sleep paralysis, lucid dreaming, or hypnagogia. Electrical stimulation of certain regions of the brain, especially around the temporoparietal junction, has also been shown in experimental settings to induce sensations of leaving the body.

From this perspective, vivid experiences of floating, seeing one’s body from above, or travelling through imagined landscapes may result from the brain’s construction of bodily awareness rather than the literal departure of consciousness from the physical body.

However, many people who have undergone such experiences regard them as profoundly real and spiritually significant, regardless of their underlying mechanism.

IMPORTANT 

Whenever you attempt astral projection or travel you must ensure that you have an anchor on this plane!

Choose something that you like, trust and know well such as a statue, cuddly toy or whatever you would instantly recognise. Charge this with your own energy. Talk to it, let it know you well and you it.  Mark it with your favourite scent . Whenever you travel on this plane , take it with you. Keep it close to you and don’t let anyone know its purpose. This is your anchor. It will help you safely return to this plane. For example, choose a small statue of a dragon or unicorn. You can then travel with them and ride them home to the mortal

Plane.

Travelling the astral plane can be scary and dangerous! Make sure you know what you’re doing and that you are safe!

Spiritual Meaning

For many modern witches, the value of astral travel does not depend on proving that consciousness literally leaves the body. Instead, these experiences are seen as opportunities for:

● Self-discovery.

● Communion with nature.

● Healing emotional wounds.

● Encountering symbolic archetypes.

● Developing intuition.

● Strengthening spiritual practice.

● Exploring the mysteries of consciousness.

Whether understood as psychological exploration, mystical experience, or genuine spiritual journeying, these practices often encourage practitioners to cultivate mindfulness, reflection, and personal insight.

Astral Projection in Modern Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft

Among the many practices associated with contemporary witchcraft, few are as intriguing as astral projection. Often described as the ability to experience consciousness beyond the physical body, astral projection is regarded by many witches as a method of spiritual exploration, self-development, and magical practice. While some practitioners believe the soul or subtle body literally travels to other realms, others understand the experience as a profound altered state of consciousness rich in symbolism and psychological insight.

Modern Wicca and traditional witchcraft approach astral projection in different ways. Although they share common themes of spiritual journeying and communion with unseen realms, each tradition emphasises distinct philosophies, rituals, and objectives.

The Wiccan View of Astral Projection

Modern Wicca, which emerged in the mid-twentieth century through the work of Gerald Gardner and was later developed by figures such as Doreen Valiente, generally teaches that the universe consists of both physical and spiritual dimensions. Many Wiccans believe that meditation and ritual can enable practitioners to perceive these subtler levels of reality.

Astral projection is often regarded as one of several advanced magical skills rather than a requirement for spiritual progress. Most Wiccans place greater emphasis on living in harmony with nature, honouring the Goddess and the God, celebrating the Wheel of the Year, and practising ethical magic.

For those who do explore astral work, the purpose is often to:

● Deepen meditation.

● Meet spiritual guides.

● Seek wisdom from deities.

● Visit sacred landscapes on the inner planes.

● Gain insight into personal challenges.

● Enhance magical visualisation.

● Strengthen intuitive abilities.

Many Wiccans stress that such experiences should never become an escape from everyday responsibilities. Spiritual development is viewed as a balance between mystical experience and practical living.

The Circle as Sacred Space

Before attempting meditation or inner journeying, many Wiccans cast a magical circle.

The circle is understood as sacred space existing between the ordinary world and the spiritual realm. Within this protected environment, practitioners seek to quiet the mind and heighten awareness.

The ritual often includes:

● Purification.

● Calling the four elemental quarters.

● Invoking the Goddess and the God.

● Lighting candles.

● Burning incense.

● Grounding and centring.

Whether one interprets the circle as a literal energetic boundary or as a psychological aid, it serves to focus attention and create an atmosphere conducive to contemplative practice.

Meditation and Pathworking

One of the safest and most widely used methods for exploring astral awareness in Wicca is guided meditation, often called pathworking.

The practitioner may visualise entering an ancient forest, crossing a river, climbing a mountain, or descending into a cave. These symbolic landscapes frequently represent stages of inner transformation.

Within these journeys, practitioners may encounter:

● Ancestors.

● Spirit animals.

● Guardians.

● The Goddess.

● The Horned God.

● Elemental beings.

● Symbolic temples.

Many Wiccans regard these encounters as spiritually meaningful regardless of whether they occur in an external spiritual reality or within the depths of the imagination.

The Traditional Witchcraft Perspective

Traditional witchcraft encompasses numerous practices and lineages, many of which are distinct from Wicca. While beliefs vary widely, many traditional witches place greater emphasis on direct relationships with local spirits, ancestral traditions, folklore, and the natural landscape.

In these traditions, astral projection is often referred to by older expressions such as:

● Spirit flight.

● Riding the hedge.

● Hedge crossing.

● Soul flight.

● Crossing between the worlds.

The term “hedge” symbolises the boundary separating the ordinary world from the spirit world. A hedge witch is therefore understood as someone who metaphorically crosses this boundary through trance and visionary experience.

Hedge Riding

Hedge riding is among the best-known methods of spirit journeying within traditional witchcraft.

The practitioner typically enters a deep trance through:

● Controlled breathing.

● Rhythmic drumming.

● Chanting.

● Repetitive movement.

● Silence.

● Candle gazing.

Rather than attempting to “leave the body” in a literal sense, many hedge witches describe entering an expanded state of consciousness in which they experience vivid symbolic landscapes and communicate with spiritual beings.

The journey itself is often considered more important than proving whether it occurs objectively.

Meeting Spirits

Traditional witches frequently describe encounters with:

● Ancestors.

● Land spirits.

● Household spirits.

● Animal guides.

● The Wild Hunt.

● The Queen of Elphame.

● Various folkloric beings.

Unlike ceremonial magic, these meetings are generally approached with humility rather than command. Relationships with spirits are often cultivated over many years through offerings, respect, and careful observation.

The Witch’s Familiar

The familiar occupies a significant place within many traditional witchcraft traditions.

Historically, familiar spirits were believed to assist witches in magical work. Contemporary practitioners often understand familiars as spiritual allies rather than physical animals possessing supernatural powers.

During visionary journeys, the familiar may appear as:

● A raven.

● A black dog.

● A cat.

● A hare.

● A serpent.

● An owl.

● A stag.

These forms frequently carry symbolic meanings rooted in folklore and personal experience.

The Otherworld

Both Wiccans and traditional witches describe journeys into an Otherworld, although their interpretations differ.

In Wicca, this realm often appears as a place of learning, healing, and communion with deity.

In traditional witchcraft, the Otherworld is more likely to resemble the liminal landscapes found in British and European folklore—misty forests, ancient hills, standing stones, crossroads, wells, rivers, caves, and forgotten paths. These places are viewed as thresholds where encounters with spirits, ancestors, or hidden wisdom may occur.

Many practitioners find inspiration in local legends and historical sites, seeing them as powerful settings for contemplation and ritual rather than as locations with objectively verifiable supernatural properties.

Magical Ethics

Most contemporary witches encourage approaching astral practices with patience, discernment, and humility.

Common advice includes:

● Remaining mentally and emotionally grounded.

● Keeping detailed journals.

● Avoiding exaggerated claims.

● Respecting personal limits.

● Maintaining healthy scepticism.

● Integrating spiritual insights into daily life.

Experiences are generally considered personal and subjective. Many practitioners caution against assuming that every vision is literally true or universally meaningful.

Psychological Perspectives

Some witches draw upon the ideas of Carl Gustav Jung, who proposed that dreams and visionary experiences express universal patterns known as archetypes.

From this perspective, astral projection may involve encounters with symbolic aspects of the psyche rather than independent supernatural beings. Meeting a wise elder, a dark forest, or a guiding animal can be understood as a meaningful dialogue between the conscious and unconscious mind.

Many practitioners find that this psychological interpretation complements rather than contradicts their spiritual beliefs.

Science and Spiritual Experience

Current scientific research has not demonstrated that consciousness can literally separate from the body and travel independently. Neuroscience suggests that experiences of floating, seeing oneself from outside the body, or moving through imagined environments can occur during lucid dreaming, sleep paralysis, meditation, or other altered states of consciousness.

Nevertheless, many witches regard these experiences as valuable because they foster creativity, self-reflection, emotional healing, and a sense of connection with the natural and symbolic world. Whether interpreted as mystical encounters or internally generated experiences, they often hold deep personal significance.

Conclusion

Astral projection occupies an important but varied place within modern Wicca and traditional witchcraft. Wiccans generally approach it as one among many spiritual disciplines, using meditation, ritual, and visualisation to deepen their relationship with the divine and the cycles of nature. Traditional witches often frame similar experiences as spirit flight or hedge riding, drawing upon folklore, ancestral customs, and relationships with the land and its spirits.

Although beliefs differ regarding whether these journeys represent literal travel or profound inner experiences, practitioners in both traditions typically value them for the insight, transformation, and spiritual growth they can inspire. Modern scientific perspectives offer alternative explanations rooted in psychology and neuroscience, while acknowledging that such experiences can be vivid and deeply meaningful. The coexistence of these perspectives reflects the enduring mystery of consciousness and the human desire to explore realms beyond ordinary awareness.

The belief that witches can travel outside the body has deep roots in folklore, mythology, and esoteric traditions. From the legendary Night Flight of medieval witches to contemporary practices of meditation, lucid dreaming, and pathworking, the idea of spirit journeying continues to fascinate both practitioners and scholars.

Historical methods such as flying ointments are now recognised as hazardous and are best understood within their historical context rather than as practices to emulate. Modern witches who pursue inner journeying typically favour safe techniques such as meditation, visualisation, dream work, and ritual.

Ultimately, astral travel occupies a unique place at the intersection of spirituality, psychology, folklore, and the study of consciousness. Whether interpreted as literal soul flight or as a rich symbolic experience arising from the human mind, it remains one of the most intriguing and enduring aspects of magical tradition.