Astral projection: Facts and theories

What is astral projection? The phenomenon was featured in the 2016 blockbuster "Doctor Strange,"and the sequel "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness", where the titular superhero has the ability to separate his physical body from his spiritual one and engage in fights.

Netflix's series "Behind her Eyes" utilized the technique as a major aspect of its plot, where multiple characters have mastered the art. ) Yet Astral Projection is not just another creation of Marvel maestro Stan Lee or Netflix producers, it is a spiritual practice with a long history.

Surveys suggest that between 8 and 20 percent of people claim to have had something like an out-of-body experience at some point in their lives — a sensation of the consciousness, spirit, or "astral body" leaving the physical body. While most experiences occur during sleep or under hypnosis, some people claim to do it while merely relaxing.

Astral projection is fun and fascinating — but is it real?