Former NASA aeronautical engineer and space researcher Albert Taylor believes there is much we can learn from out-of-body experiences (OBEs). He joined Connie Willis (email) to discuss accounts of his own incredible flights of 'soul travel' while describing how anyone can develop this life-changing ability and explore the universe. Astral projection can be done consciously and involves the soul leaving the body and occupying an astral form, he explained, adding that if you are very focused you can travel to specific places. Astral projection is a refined type of OBE, in which you travel to one location. However, a lot of people having OBEs are in a partial dream state and end up interacting with unreal or imaginary images, he pointed out.
When you move your physical consciousness into the second body, there is an oscillating sensation or vibration, Taylor outlined. People can enter into this state while sleeping and have no recall of it, he said. While in the astral realm, he continued, you may run into various entities depending on the vibrational level. You needn't be concerned about these beings, some will not bother you, and other times there may be a reason for specific encounters, such as meeting with deceased relatives, Taylor stated.
His recent explorations have delved into soul consciousness, and he suggests that humanity is evolving into a new kind of spirit-based being. Taylor has also sought to bridge the gap between scientific and spiritual matters, and has pondered whether astral matter, which he frequently sees on his travels, could be related to the unseen dark matter that scientists believe permeate the universe.
Eclipse Viewing Tips
First hour guest, stargazing expert, Mark Williams, discussed the upcoming solar eclipse, and how to safely get the most out of your viewing experience. The path of the total solar eclipse will be a "70-mile-wide ribbon" across the US from Oregon to South Carolina, he noted, but virtually all of North America will get at least a partial view, over a three-hour stretch (view related map). "As the moon's shadow completely gobbles up the sun, you will see 'Bailey's Beads'," a little sparkling ring around the edge of the moon, he detailed, adding that during the darkest moments, you may be able to see other planets in the sky like Venus.