Lucid Dreaming vs. Astral Projection

A Gnostic Perspective on Awakening Consciousness

Many spiritual seekers are fascinated by dreams, out-of-body experiences, and altered states of consciousness. While lucid dreaming and astral projection are often used interchangeably.

Gnostic teachings—especially those of Master Samael Aun Weor—make a clear distinction between them.

Understanding and discerning the  difference is essential for those engaged on the initiatic path and who are seriously working on ego dissolution through knowing themselves.  

What is Lucid Dreaming?

Definition:Lucid dreaming occurs when one becomes aware they are dreaming while still in the dream. This awareness may grant some control over the dream, yet the person remains within a subjective psychological landscape, created by their own ego.

Experience: The images and events of lucid dreams are often symbolic or karmic but are mostly projections of one’s own psychological aggregates. Even with awareness, the consciousness is not necessarily awake.

 

Use – Since dreams are happening in a subjective reality, they are useful to investigate the psychological aggregates of the ego.  “Know thyself and you will know the universe”. Lucid dreaming is a bridge toward conscious astral projection.

Gnostic View:

According to Master Samael: “The ego dreams... and as long as the ego exists within us, we continue dreaming even if we believe we are awake.” (Dream Yoga)

Lucid dreams are not automatically conscious experiences.

Most are projections of aggregates, emotions, desires, fears, or subconscious impressions. The goal is to wake up within the dream—not just to control it.

What is Astral Projection?

Definition:Astral projection (also called conscious astral travel) is the intentional and conscious separation of the soul from the physical body. It allows direct experience of the astral plane, which is one of the superior dimensions of nature.

Experience: In true astral projection, the aspirant exits the physical body consciously—often hearing sounds like bells or feeling vibrations—and perceives objective events in the astral world. This is not a dream, but a real, conscious journey in the superior dimensions. It requires a higher amount of freed consciousness or it can happens when the initiate is assisted by a higher being.

Use: Astral projection happens in the objective astral world and is used to investigate truth reality.

Gnostic View:Master Samael teaches that a true astral projection is:

“...done consciously, voluntarily, and with willpower. It is very different from dreaming or even lucid dreaming.” (The Perfect Matrimony)

This state allows objective experiences: visiting temples of wisdom, meeting divine beings, investigating karma, and receiving direct teachings from the Logos.

Transitioning Between States

• A lucid dream can become a conscious astral experience if the dreamer awakens their essence, asks a meaningful question (e.g., “Where am I?”), or invokes divine guidance.

• Conversely, a poorly-executed astral projection can fall into unconscious dreaming if the person loses awareness after separation.

Practices for Lucid Dreaming (Gnostic Approach)

Self-Observation & Self-Remembering:Lucidity in dreams begins with lucidity in daily life. The more present and conscious you are during the day, the more likely you are to awaken in dreams. “As below so above”

Key techniques:

• Mnemonic Induction: Throughout the day, ask: “Am I dreaming?” Perform reality checks like trying to push a finger through your palm; hold your nostril and try to breath through; watch your hands often; jump trying to fly etc.

• Dream Journal: Write down dreams immediately upon waking to strengthen recall and pattern recognition.

• Retrospection Exercise: Before sleep, mentally review your day backwards to train conscious memory.

Practices for Astral Projection (Gnostic Exercises)

1. Mantra FA RA ON

Chant aloud or mentally before sleep while imagining the pyramids of Egypt:

“FAAAAA… RAAAAA… OOOOON…”

This vibrates the astral and physical bodies, helping separation.

2. Activate the Hepatic Chakra

The hepatic chakra serves for astral projection. The Astral Body is connected with the liver. By awakening the chakra of the liver anyone can enter and leave the Physical Body at will. The spleen, hepatic, and solar plexus are developed with the Egyptian mantra:

“FE-UIN-DAGJ”

Listen to the pronunciation HERE

3. Watch for Signs as You Fall Asleep

Remain aware of the following sensations:

• Vibrations• Buzzing, metallic, or whistling sounds• Floating sensations• Paralysis (without fear)

4. Use Willpower and Imagination Together

Visualize yourself floating above your bed. Relax your body to the point of becoming numb. Combine will and imagination—imagine movement and feel it.

5. The Egyptian Posture (Star Posture)

Lie on your back, arms and legs spread like a five-pointed star. Practice deep relaxation and mental silence.

6. Invoke the Divine Mother

Before sleep, pray:

“Divine Mother of mine, take me consciously in astral projection.”

Why It Matters

Lucid dreaming may feel empowering, but it is often an illusion created by the ego.

Astral projection, on the other hand, offers a path to inner revelation and awakening.

The real goal is not just to float or explore but to consciously experience the Being, dissolve the ego, and return to the Source.

A Warning from the Master

It is crucial to discern between lucid dreaming and Astral projection for the purpose of awakening.

“We must not forget that the ego is a great imitator. It can even create the illusion of astral travel. That’s why only through deep meditation, self-knowledge, and psychological death can we attain true awakening.”— Samael Aun Weor

July 24, 2025

Disclosure:This article is inspired by and based on the teachings of Master Samael Aun Weor as presented in Gnostic literature, including Dream Yoga, The Perfect Matrimony, and other works.

All credit is respectfully given to the original source.