Astral Projection: A Record of Out-of-Body Experiences

by Oliver Fox

The literature of psychic research includes many instances in which a person has an out-of-body experience. The author provides a precise method for inducing this state and describes his experiences with astral projection. (Astral Projection)

Genres: Nonfiction, Metaphysics, Occult

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

"Oliver Fox was the pseudonym of Hugh George Callaway (30 November 1885–28 April 1949), an English short story writer, poet and occultist, chiefly remembered for his Astral Projection: A Record of Research (1939), an account of his lucid dreams and out-of-the-body experiences." - Wikipedia

Reviews

[grandmother longlegs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. Obscure as the subject matter may be, Oliver Fox goes over his attempts and essay pertaining to Astral Projecting that of a good friend. Passionate in his work, near enough inviting you to sit, treat yourself to a hot drink and listen to him unfold his lifework before you.

[Ania · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely an interesting read; it allowed me to find out what it was like to have OBEs about a hundred years ago. I found Oliver Fox to be very brave as I was reading this. I think other than some ideas he's borrowed from Theosophy, he was utterly alone in his OBE explorations. Nowadays we, as OBE explorers, are strengthened by the stories and experiences of people we've read about in books. Their experiences enlighten us, calm our fears of the unknown and of death, give us ideas as to what to expect and how to handle the unexpected... But back then Oliver Fox was plunging into the unknown nearly all on his own.

There were some things I learned from him and some things I recognized. More specifically I understand what he means by a "click" when you separate. I've observed this closely myself when I separated. The second you can break free and the body goes to limp there's this mental "click" that happens and you float out quite easily from a body you were struggling to exit only a moment ago. I also liked how he described the 2 minds state which I've experienced a few times and found it terribly confusing as I didn't know much about this. I think he's helped me understand that part more.

On the other hand there were some things that I wish he was more clear about, like for example, his master Azelda. I fail to understand who/what this being is, how they met and what their relationship was all about. Mr. Fox writes about Azelda as if the reader is closely familiar with the guy, and I found that strange for a guy who's not a first time writer (he wrote short stories before as I recall). He should have explained him better. I also didn't understand his "pineal door" technique too clearly. I sort of get the bones of it but it seems like he's not clear enough about it.

Overall, a good book on OBE history, but it shouldn't be your first book on this subject. At this point in time, this is definitely more of a historical reference.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy has a red cover with two orbs above the title, printed by Citadel Press as the first paperback printing in 1974.
Oliver Fox has had numerous out of body experiences which are described in this book. He doesn't differentiate between Astral Projection and Lucid Dreaming, though through his descriptions it is obvious he has done both. I'm not sure there is a real difference. I have read about Astral Projection, Out of Body, Lucid Dreaming, remote viewing, and several other experiences which all sound like basically the same thing. The difference is mostly having to do with the launching point; from night dream, day dream, meditation, etc. Heck, there are practitioners who can simply close their eyes and have a journey. The sky's the limit as there isn't a right or wrong way. There's only the way you work it.
I think it's high time mainstream science address this phenomena in a professional manner. It appears that virtually everyone can do some aspect of it, and probably half the population has. There are two problems inherent in it. First, when it happens in a dream state, the person has that "hey, I'm in a dream" realization which snaps them out of the dream. The truth can be jarring. Second, how does science prove or disprove? That's the test of anything in science: repeatability. And this Astral Projection is certainly fleeting to most, making repeatability just as fleeting.
Stephen LaBerge did manage to prove his ability to Lucid Dream by blinking his eyes while in a Lucid Dream and while hooked up to various monitors which showed him to be in a REM state. But more work needs to be done, and not just by the government.

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this book every time I sit down and read it. You can find no better first hand experience on lucid dreaming and astral projection than this book. There is no holds barred for he shows failures and successes. Experiments he did in the early 1900s remind me of the same things me and my friend would do when we were young and experimenting but we didn't have anything to guide us then.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What is man? A consciousness moving along a path in the four dimensional space time continuum? Does his free will, seemingly negligible at first, become more and more perfect as he slowly and painfully— perhaps through countless “lives”— attains to Union with the God within him, that infinitely precious Jewel Of which I have spoken?”

The best book I’ve read on the topics related to the occult practice of astral projection, pineal door movement, and dreams. Probably the most pseudoscience thing I’ll deal with and I enjoy it for what it is and view it critically, yet one can and must always wonder.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Account of a Man's Experience

Lots of thoughtful observation in this book. It follows this mans spiritual journey with astral projection and writing in a linear, factual manner and does not attempt to convince but to share personal experience for the purpose of research, contemplation, and advice if you are interested in trying this yourself. It can be tedious reading through some of his experiences, but if you are interested in finding areas of alignment in your own life with his experiences this wont bother you.

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got a bit bogged down with the nomenclature (as pioneers tend to--look at Gerard Manley Hopkins), but it was fun. And as always with these things, it's the weird details (and helplessness in the face of unknown forces) that prove intriguing, if not illuminating. The Akashic Records/Azelda's Golden Book stuff was munching the tofu a bit...but he wasn't dogmatic about it, so I believed him (or something like that).

[Amy Ruth Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest Oliver

This has to be the most honest experiences of astral projection written of. Nothing glorious no new super powers given just the confusing truth about a confusing subject without all the charlatans that deceive with glorious encounters and techniques.

[Nayan Moni Kalita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing experience.

[Beri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very honest description of experiences of the author. Very helpful to understand my own experiences and set a path to learning more.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

He mentions later in the book that when he became an adult, that he could not find gainful employment that he enjoyed. So, instead, he turned to writing. He sure did... fiction. This book is purely imaginary with little or no empirical support. Pure junk.

[Andrew Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This blew my mind when I was 14

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read, especially considering it was written in the early 20th century.