Astral Travel. Theories on what it ACTUALLY IS? Soul/subconcious/realms?

Alright so ME having going to university to study mainstream science and then dipping into parapsychology and OBEing pretty easily after having taken up meditation and yoga this past year. Though Im still looking for techniques that work better with me personally. That aside the research Ive done about Astral Travel is pretty extensive. From scientist who claim is has to do with the subconscious and the collective unconscious to Vedic philosophies of different layers in the astral world, to an etheric body that that fully encompasses soul. Which to me personally seems as astral travel could be a completely different realm which wouldnt be too hard for me to believe as an Oxford physicts recently came out with VERY STRONG evidence for multiverse theory etc...Im sure I'll get a heavy weighted answer posting on this forum but Im curious how many different overlays there are on this topic with spirituality in mind.

[Xan]

Dmill... The theory that makes the most sense to me is that existence and our consciousness is multidimensional. As our brain waves slow down and our vibrational frequency rises we experience increasingly subtle dimensions of reality.

Have you read William Buhlman's books? His first one, "Adventures Beyond the Body" might interest you as it talks about more than theories and techniques but describes his own remarkable discoveries.


Xan

Well, string theory is our best attempt at a "theory of everything" and it predicts at least 10500 universes, each with different laws of physics. You might wonder what that number is about...well...there are an estimated 1025 grains of sand in the Sahara desert. Now what do you think?

It's a full-void if you ask me, and, considering the fact that such universes can be experienced physically if you are tuned into them, it is also likely that they stem from archetypal planes of existence...the metaphysical realm/unborn reality/the limbo where all possibilities manifest before they become what we call actual (which, if one puts it into perspective, are nothing but the ideas experienced on a grosser level).

I have discarded the word "astral" ages ago. It is no longer applicable to me. The wider reality is so much more than that simple concept. This is what my scientific knowledge and my personal experiences have shown me. Also, when we enter the Phase, experience can be personal, collective, or a mixture of both. It opens the doors to all sorts of possibilities too. Telepathy and precognition are just two doors available amongst a myriad.

The pineal gland activated portal or wormhole operates in a different mode; it is non-physical. When using the pineal wormhole, the body does not accompany consciousness. In this state the physical body is allowed to continue to function at rest, while consciousness in an awakened state is allowed to travel beyond the confines of the brain. Science has yet to confirm whether consciousness itself has a physical component, and though several experiments in this area have been made, none are conclusive. It is generally assumed that consciousness could not exist without the framework of the brain, but again, this has yet to be proven. Consciousness appears to be a form of software with a unique self-renewing feedback loop in it, and there has been some speculation on this subject. This article, however, is not concerned with the nature of consciousness or with its’ ability to travel outside the body. We are only discussing an actual neurochemical pathway of the human brain that elicits an out–of-body conscious experience, which appears to be activated by a secretion of the pineal gland.

The pineal gland controls the secretion of several neurochemicals that affect the consciousness status of the brain. Melatonin production, for example, is controlled by the pineal gland during periods of darkness. Under the influence of melatonin consciousness rests and dreams while the body repairs itself. The wormhole chemical that is created by the pineal gland is very similar to melatonin except that it incorporates two methyl molecules. This methylated form of melatonin, allows the body to rest, but unlike melatonin, it also allows consciousness to remain aware and free to roam beyond the confines of the brain. Unlike the “classic” wormhole, which operates within the parameters of the physical space-time continuum, this wormhole transcends the restrictions of the physical plane and enters hyperphysical reality at one end of the wormhole is the traveler’s physical body the other end may be just ten feet away or ten light years away.

The contents of this article are based on observed scientific phenomena, and we will begin with a technical discussion of the wormhole chemical itself: DMT, which is the acronym for chemical DiMethylTryptamine. When synthetically produced and sold on the street, DMT is categorized as a class one controlled substance, and yet it is also created within the chemistry of our own body, i.e. it is an endogenous chemical. Unlike its close brother, melatonin, naturally produced DMT has yet to be endowed with a generic name, and it is most necessary to do so. In this article we are only speaking about the natural, internally produced form of DMT, not the synthetic and illegal form. Therefore, for the sake of convenience we will use the term “metatonin” as the common name of endogenously produced DMT: metatonin being a higher or “meta” state of melatonin. Thus, in this article, metatonin is the pineal gland wormhole chemical. Another neurochemical closely related to Metatonin and Melatonin is Serotonin. These three neurotransmitters belong to a family of chemicals that are based on a central molecule of the amino acid, Tryptophan, which is the basic building block of the tryptamine family of chemicals.

In order to understand the function of the wormhole chemical, metatonin, it would be best to discuss all three trypyamines. Serotonin, melatonin and metatonin are respectively: 5-hydroxyTryptamine, N-acetyl-5-MethoxyTryptamine, and N,N-DiMethylTryptamine. These three members of the tryptamine family regulate the various states of consciousness. They chemically modulate the software of the brain and thus affect the status of consciousness and its relationship to the body.

Serotonin is most active during waking hours; it regulates the equilibrium of waking consciousness, and many present day anti-depressant drugs are designed to control the concentration of this chemical in the brain. Melatonin production is instigated by the pineal gland in periods of darkness, and this neurotransmitter modulates our sleeping state. Under the influence of melatonin our bodily functions do not diminish, if anything, the activities of healing and rebuilding increase. As mentioned earlier, melatonin allows consciousness to rest, so that our body can continue its work of repairing itself without the meddling distractions of the conscious mind and the various physical activities of the body associated with the waking state. Melatonin rests consciousness, Metatonin goes one step further; it allows consciousness to remain active and simultaneously allows it to function separate from the resting body. Unlike the other two, metatonin is rarely produced in concentrations significant enough to alter our state of consciousness; it is called upon at certain crucial times, though, to perform a very important function.

The actual process of metatonin production takes place when the pineal gland internally secrets an enzyme called methyltransferase that attaches two methyl groups to the tryptamine molecule, thus resulting in metatonin. Metatonin is continually produced by the pineal gland and other organs and body tissues in small amounts, and, is, at the same time, immediately destroyed by MAO, monoamine oxidase, a common blood-borne enzyme. The reason for this is that metatonin must be available at all times, but is only allowed to act at certain critical points in a lifetime. It may be required at any moment during a lifetime, so a ready supply must always be available and yet be continually suppressed until needed.

Like it's sisters, metatonin, or synthetically administered DMT, this neurochemical locks into receptors of certain family of neurons. When the neuron receptors of the metatonin sensitive family are stimulated, the activated neurons of this family temporarily create a new and unique pathway in the brain architecture, much like a hyperlink in a computer program. This temporary subprogram dissolves the connection between consciousness and its' control of the body. For someone first experiencing this, the effect is one of total body paralysis. It is paralysis, and yet it is also freedom. For a short time consciousness can remain awake, but it no longer has to caretake the body, it is actually free to roam. That is, it is free to roam if it is willing to take the first step - which is to allow itself to detach from custody of the body.

When it receives the appropriate signal, from another area of the brain, the pineal gland can produce a surge of metatonin that will saturate the surrounding brain area for a short while. By no strange coincidence, the pineal is located in the very center of the brain at the junction of the main ventricles that carry cerebral-spinal fluid throughout the brain and nervous system. When metatonin is secreted at this location, it immediately passes directly through the blood brain barrier into the brain tissue. Suddenly the body enters an autonomous state, and consciousness is allowed to exit. This is commonly known as an out-of-body experience or OBE. Usually those who experience a sudden separation of consciousness and body when they are unprepared for it find the sensation to be extremely frightening and disorienting. In many cases people who experience such a sudden separation may think that they have temporarily gone insane, and when the sensation if over, do their best to erase it from their memory.

Our brain builds up a very strong bond with consciousness as we develop, and, for basic survival reasons, the separation of these two is not an easily accomplished task. Our ego wants us to dread such a separation, and the ego usually musters up its’ full ****nal of fearful emotions at the onset of such a separation in order to retain the bond between consciousness and its physical host. The main function of the ego, after all, is to protect and encourage the integrity of consciousness and the survival of the body it inhabits. The ego doesn't want consciousness to wander off from its appointed task. In a sense, the ego guards the gates to the entrance of the wormhole, and it can do a very effective job.

At the onset of a pineal wormhole event one must pass through a curtain of fear, usually triggered by the sensation of body paralysis. Preceding the sensation of paralysis, there may be a pulsing "whuffing" sound/pressure wave that seems to come from all sides. There may be the occurrence of acrid slightly metallic taste in the back of the throat. Then, suddenly, the body can be behind.

The wormhole chemical is found at high concentrations in the blood of children during gestation, at birth and up to the age of three or more. The theory is that metatonin plays a very important role in the introduction of consciousness to the individual during early childhood and, also plays a very similar, yet reverse, role as we approach the separation of consciousness at death. In a Federally sponsored study conducted by Dr. Rick Strassman, author of The Spirit Molecule, at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, subjects were intravenously fed synthetic metatonin (DMT) at elevated levels. Many of these subjects described experiences very similar to the near death experiences as reported by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book, On Death and Dying. Thus metatonin may play the very important dual role of ushering consciousness into our body during gestation, birth, and infantile stages, and the reverse role of delivering consciousness out of our body at death.

Metatonin may also be released at other times during a lifetime to create a wormhole event either spontaneously or by design. The experience sparked by a metatonin release contains two essential qualities: First, one is very calmly and truly fully conscious, fully awake, sober; and, second: one also finds oneself in a place that is totally unnatural. For example: one, is fully awake and finds oneself floating above their own body and is able to fly wherever their thoughts take them. In other cases one finds oneself in a waking dream fully conscious and in control, or perhaps one is going through a very deep emotional experience and then is suddenly swept above their locality to see themselves and their situation at a great distance and with a great understanding and awe. Pineal wormhole experiences are generally short lived, but they can have a very lasting life altering effect.

Though the metatonin secretion of the pineal gland is considered to be predominantly DMT, there is not doubt that it a synergystic combination of many compounds including neurochemical buffers and enhancers that help shape and contain the scope of the experience. It may also be secreted at varying intervals and concentrations. Some travelers visit other civilizations others hang out on the roof.

Wormhole events can sometimes take one to a purely transcendent state of mind or to another universe of conscious beings. In most cases the destination of the wormhole is influenced by the original intent of the traveler, the traveler’s state of mind and the surrounding physical environment. If the traveler has no intent or direction in mind, the event may end up being euphoric or catastrophic. On the other hand, if the traveler is well informed and mentally prepared and has calmed and focused the mind with some form of meditation, the results will be greatly enhanced. Some travelers, using synthetic means to stimulate the metatonin neural pathways, such as the Peruvian shamans, focus on the plant world to obtain information on herbaceous healing compounds; other travelers, such as the Mayan astronomers, used their trance states to glean information on the size, age and cycles of our galaxy and nearby stars.

The things that young children sometime say contain gems of wisdom that show that they have a profound awareness and connection with a Higher Intelligence. That is because our metatonin levels are very high at this very early and wondrous age. Then the veil is slowly lowered and eventually all that remains is a shady memory of a lost sense of wonder. Many child psychologists, philosophers, poets and artists refer to these enchanting memories in their works such as the “Magical Child” series by Joseph Chilton Pearce.

The pineal gland first appears in the developing human fetus at the 49th day after conception; at first it is located in the back of the throat and then gradually moves upward and inward during gestation to be finally located in the center of the brain. A small duct may remain. This may explain the acrid slightly metallic taste in the back of the throat that is sometimes associated with a metatonin release by the pineal gland. Certain oriental texts refer to this secretion as the "nectar of sublime awareness" that is produced by deep meditation focused on the highest chakra: the pineal gland, or third eye. This secretion is also referred to in the Druid culture of British Isles as the "grail" itself. Isn't it ironic and really not so surprising that the Holy Grail - an invaluable treasure sought after by thousands of deeply dedicated souls throughout history - is actually a gift available to each and every one of us from the very center of our brain?
The pineal gland wormhole phenomenon can be categorized in several ways, basically differentiating intentional from spontaneous events. They have been separated into 5 basic groups:



1) The first group (type 1) is based on mental focus: a state of transcendent bliss or ecstasy that is consciously sought after though focus of the mind or dedication to a spiritual discipline: Nirvana, Satori, Shakti Kundalini or God awareness: a state of inner peace and God connectedness attained through Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic or Christian meditation. Vision Quest: A Native American ritual involving fasting and prayer that results in a profound life altering vision. Dreamtime: A state of mind that allows Australian Aborigines to raise themselves above the landscape see the location of pathways and sources of water and food in what appears to be nothing more than an endless desert wilderness. Sufi enlightenment: An ecstatic transcendent spiritual discipline based on a special form of dancing. Rapture and other states of transcendent experience that are the result of dedicated worship, prayer, devotion and/or abstinence. Creative ecstasy: as experienced by many artists, as described in the books by Rollo May and others. The Shakti Helmet is another device that may help activate a Metatonin episode.

2) The second group (type 2) of phenomena that occur as a result of experiencing or enduring physical or emotional extremes that result in a wormhole or transcendent experience: Rebirthing: a transcendent experience that can be brought on by controlled hyperventilating with the help of an experienced guide. This process may result in activating rarely used metatonin-synthetic pathways in the pineal gland. An ecstatic uplifting transcendent group awareness experienced by members of an emotionally charged group gathering, celebration, movement or revolt which has been reported by several writers such as Barbara Enrenreich, author of Dancing in the Streets . An emotionally uplifting pivotal experience, or epiphany, that is the result of an extremely intense personal emotional challenge (one of the medical terms used to describe the pineal gland is “epiphysys”). An out-of-body episode experience by someone subjected to or the victim of extreme pain or torture. In which case metatonin is secreted to allow an individual to escape from an excruciating physical pain, as reported by many child abuse victims and other victims of torture or accidental pain. An out-of-body experience sought by those who use self-inflicted pain as a vehicle for transcendence, such as in the American Indian Sundance ceremony.

3) The third group, (type 3) is the out-of-body experiences as described by those who have undergone a near death experience, or NDE, as reported in the research of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Dr.Rick Strassman and many others.

4) The fourth group (type 4) of Metatonin-induced episodes is those experiences that take place when one is asleep. This is commonly known as “night flight”, in which one becomes fully awake, conscious and in control while one is still in a dream state. This may be a situation where both melatonin and metatonin are working together. The Monroe Institute of Virginia and other groups have conducted a great deal of research in this area. The ability to maintain consciousness while in a dream state is a delicate balancing act. If one becomes fully conscious, they will immediately wake up, but if one can remain in a passive state of consciousness as a quiet observer without making any assertive thoughts or even personal comments, the experience will last. Meditation practice is a most beneficial way to quiet the ego and the everyday chatterbox mind so that one can maintain a state of quiet, observant, unobtrusive consciousness while witnessing a dream environment.

5) The fifth group (type 5) of phenomena is related to mental illness, which may result when Metatonin is continually produced in higher than normal amounts, or when MAO production is for some reason inhibited and trace amounts of the wormhole chemical continually hamper thought and perception patterns in the brain. Schizophrenia is a likely candidate for this classification. It is a remarkably complex syndrome that has many symptoms that are similar to weak and strong elevated metatonin states and metatonin is found at higher than normal states in the urine of schizophrenic patients. The National Institute of Mental Health made some preliminary investigations into this issue in the 1970’s but has not yet come to any definite conclusions.

When the pineal gland is signaled to produce a metatonin release it most likely receives that signal from another area of the brain. This trigger signal, it appears, may come from the angular gyrus area of the brain situated in the temporal-parietal-occipital region of the brain's surface. This discovery was made by Olaf Blanke at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussanne, Switzerland in 2002. Another area of the brain that has also been considered is the sylvian fissure where the temporal lobes are separated off from the rest of the brain. When these areas of the brain are stimulated, patients have out-of-body experiences. It is not known if the researchers involved have also monitored the blood chemistry at the time of the OBE event, but it would be interesting to determine if elevated levels of Metatonin (endogenous DMT) were detected. The stimulation of these areas of the brain can be achieved in many ways, electric probes are often used. Magnetic stimulation with carefully placed external magnetic transducers is another method. The previously mentioned “ Shatki Helmet" employs this method.

In conclusion, we are presently at the early stages of recognizing this phenomenon. Pineal wormhole/OBE events have been experienced by many of us in different degrees of intensity, and they have undoubtedly contributed to the inspiration of countless artists, researchers and writers of the past. Also, one must also question the validity of OBE experiences, does the brain fabricate the sensation of being out of the body by accessing a pre-wired hallucination? or, indeed, is the OBE observer actually viewing actual reality. Perhaps there are several types of OBEs, some being veridical and some being hallucinatory. The validation of such experiences must be scientifically verified as well as an accurate determination of the presence of Metatonin at high concentrations in the center of the brain at the time of the event. Currently research, under the aegis of The Cottonwood Research Foundation (cottonwoodresearch.org), is being conducted at LSU to develop a biochemical assay procedure.

Several groups are devoted to recording and archiving OBEs, and there is a wealth of information describing the journeys and observations of researchers and healers who experiment with various forms of synthetic and naturally prepared DMT teas and powders consumed orally. However the purpose of this article is to help one comprehend the existence of our own inner pathway and how it works. When this phenomenon is scientifically verified, it will have a profound effect on how we as a race view the continuum of our existence.

I hope I have inspired you, dear reader, to do further research yourself. Probably the first place to start is by reading Dr. Rick Strassman’s book, The Spirit Molecule. Dr. Jeremy Narby's book, The Cosmic Serpent, DNA, and the Origins of Knowledge, will prove interesting also. A simple search on the Internet using terms such as: OBE, DMT, Pineal gland, Shakti Kundalini etc. will further enlighten. Each of us has been endowed with this gift and each of us will discover it in our own way.

It is interesting to note the pineal gland calcifies as we grow older, and one British study noted that water borne fluoride tends to accelerate this calcification process. What affect this calcification process has on the performance of the pineal gland is not known. Western medical science has very little to say about the pineal gland other than it is a convenient marker for locating the center of the brain.

Wow! I always knew Astral Travel was so much more than slipping out to get the milk whilst watching a DVD :) .
I was very interested in what you all had to say and will most definitely have to re-read the article posted. This is exactly the kind of break down I was looking for.
Obviously personal experience is best, however the more I can grasp with how things go together, the more experience I get.
Thank You!

Neville...genius!!!

i dont know much about the astral so tis was a big help and interesting discusion

Originally Posted by Neville

I hope I have inspired you, dear reader, to do further research yourself. Probably the first place to start is by reading Dr. Rick Strassman’s book, The Spirit Molecule.

I also recommend this book a lot, for all kinds of reasons. It's well written (at leas the translated version I read was really well written ) and the experiences that the patients had were really cool. I personally was very intrigued by all of the encounters with entities.
DMT probably has a lot to do with experiences of astral projection, but that's just a really uninformed opinion from someone that hasn't actually experienced astral projection.
I also haven't experienced a dose of DMT, although I've had a few doses of mushrooms and LSD. DMT strikes my curiosities a lot but it's definitely a really intense experience and I'd have to be prepared first.

For info. on the dimensions & how our enerigies change w/ them check out multidimensions.com. Good search engine.

Originally Posted by Neville

The pineal gland activated portal or wormhole operates in a different mode; it is non-physical. When using the pineal wormhole, the body does not accompany consciousness. In this state the physical body is allowed to continue to function at rest, while consciousness in an awakened state is allowed to travel beyond the confines of the brain. Science has yet to confirm whether consciousness itself has a physical component, and though several experiments in this area have been made, none are conclusive. It is generally assumed that consciousness could not exist without the framework of the brain, but again, this has yet to be proven. Consciousness appears to be a form of software with a unique self-renewing feedback loop in it, and there has been some speculation on this subject. This article, however, is not concerned with the nature of consciousness or with its’ ability to travel outside the body. We are only discussing an actual neurochemical pathway of the human brain that elicits an out–of-body conscious experience, which appears to be activated by a secretion of the pineal gland.

The pineal gland controls the secretion of several neurochemicals that affect the consciousness status of the brain. Melatonin production, for example, is controlled by the pineal gland during periods of darkness. Under the influence of melatonin consciousness rests and dreams while the body repairs itself. The wormhole chemical that is created by the pineal gland is very similar to melatonin except that it incorporates two methyl molecules. This methylated form of melatonin, allows the body to rest, but unlike melatonin, it also allows consciousness to remain aware and free to roam beyond the confines of the brain. Unlike the “classic” wormhole, which operates within the parameters of the physical space-time continuum, this wormhole transcends the restrictions of the physical plane and enters hyperphysical reality at one end of the wormhole is the traveler’s physical body the other end may be just ten feet away or ten light years away.

The contents of this article are based on observed scientific phenomena, and we will begin with a technical discussion of the wormhole chemical itself: DMT, which is the acronym for chemical DiMethylTryptamine. When synthetically produced and sold on the street, DMT is categorized as a class one controlled substance, and yet it is also created within the chemistry of our own body, i.e. it is an endogenous chemical. Unlike its close brother, melatonin, naturally produced DMT has yet to be endowed with a generic name, and it is most necessary to do so. In this article we are only speaking about the natural, internally produced form of DMT, not the synthetic and illegal form. Therefore, for the sake of convenience we will use the term “metatonin” as the common name of endogenously produced DMT: metatonin being a higher or “meta” state of melatonin. Thus, in this article, metatonin is the pineal gland wormhole chemical. Another neurochemical closely related to Metatonin and Melatonin is Serotonin. These three neurotransmitters belong to a family of chemicals that are based on a central molecule of the amino acid, Tryptophan, which is the basic building block of the tryptamine family of chemicals.

In order to understand the function of the wormhole chemical, metatonin, it would be best to discuss all three trypyamines. Serotonin, melatonin and metatonin are respectively: 5-hydroxyTryptamine, N-acetyl-5-MethoxyTryptamine, and N,N-DiMethylTryptamine. These three members of the tryptamine family regulate the various states of consciousness. They chemically modulate the software of the brain and thus affect the status of consciousness and its relationship to the body.

Serotonin is most active during waking hours; it regulates the equilibrium of waking consciousness, and many present day anti-depressant drugs are designed to control the concentration of this chemical in the brain. Melatonin production is instigated by the pineal gland in periods of darkness, and this neurotransmitter modulates our sleeping state. Under the influence of melatonin our bodily functions do not diminish, if anything, the activities of healing and rebuilding increase. As mentioned earlier, melatonin allows consciousness to rest, so that our body can continue its work of repairing itself without the meddling distractions of the conscious mind and the various physical activities of the body associated with the waking state. Melatonin rests consciousness, Metatonin goes one step further; it allows consciousness to remain active and simultaneously allows it to function separate from the resting body. Unlike the other two, metatonin is rarely produced in concentrations significant enough to alter our state of consciousness; it is called upon at certain crucial times, though, to perform a very important function.

The actual process of metatonin production takes place when the pineal gland internally secrets an enzyme called methyltransferase that attaches two methyl groups to the tryptamine molecule, thus resulting in metatonin. Metatonin is continually produced by the pineal gland and other organs and body tissues in small amounts, and, is, at the same time, immediately destroyed by MAO, monoamine oxidase, a common blood-borne enzyme. The reason for this is that metatonin must be available at all times, but is only allowed to act at certain critical points in a lifetime. It may be required at any moment during a lifetime, so a ready supply must always be available and yet be continually suppressed until needed.

Like it's sisters, metatonin, or synthetically administered DMT, this neurochemical locks into receptors of certain family of neurons. When the neuron receptors of the metatonin sensitive family are stimulated, the activated neurons of this family temporarily create a new and unique pathway in the brain architecture, much like a hyperlink in a computer program. This temporary subprogram dissolves the connection between consciousness and its' control of the body. For someone first experiencing this, the effect is one of total body paralysis. It is paralysis, and yet it is also freedom. For a short time consciousness can remain awake, but it no longer has to caretake the body, it is actually free to roam. That is, it is free to roam if it is willing to take the first step - which is to allow itself to detach from custody of the body.

When it receives the appropriate signal, from another area of the brain, the pineal gland can produce a surge of metatonin that will saturate the surrounding brain area for a short while. By no strange coincidence, the pineal is located in the very center of the brain at the junction of the main ventricles that carry cerebral-spinal fluid throughout the brain and nervous system. When metatonin is secreted at this location, it immediately passes directly through the blood brain barrier into the brain tissue. Suddenly the body enters an autonomous state, and consciousness is allowed to exit. This is commonly known as an out-of-body experience or OBE. Usually those who experience a sudden separation of consciousness and body when they are unprepared for it find the sensation to be extremely frightening and disorienting. In many cases people who experience such a sudden separation may think that they have temporarily gone insane, and when the sensation if over, do their best to erase it from their memory.

Our brain builds up a very strong bond with consciousness as we develop, and, for basic survival reasons, the separation of these two is not an easily accomplished task. Our ego wants us to dread such a separation, and the ego usually musters up its’ full ****nal of fearful emotions at the onset of such a separation in order to retain the bond between consciousness and its physical host. The main function of the ego, after all, is to protect and encourage the integrity of consciousness and the survival of the body it inhabits. The ego doesn't want consciousness to wander off from its appointed task. In a sense, the ego guards the gates to the entrance of the wormhole, and it can do a very effective job.

At the onset of a pineal wormhole event one must pass through a curtain of fear, usually triggered by the sensation of body paralysis. Preceding the sensation of paralysis, there may be a pulsing "whuffing" sound/pressure wave that seems to come from all sides. There may be the occurrence of acrid slightly metallic taste in the back of the throat. Then, suddenly, the body can be behind.

The wormhole chemical is found at high concentrations in the blood of children during gestation, at birth and up to the age of three or more. The theory is that metatonin plays a very important role in the introduction of consciousness to the individual during early childhood and, also plays a very similar, yet reverse, role as we approach the separation of consciousness at death. In a Federally sponsored study conducted by Dr. Rick Strassman, author of The Spirit Molecule, at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, subjects were intravenously fed synthetic metatonin (DMT) at elevated levels. Many of these subjects described experiences very similar to the near death experiences as reported by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book, On Death and Dying. Thus metatonin may play the very important dual role of ushering consciousness into our body during gestation, birth, and infantile stages, and the reverse role of delivering consciousness out of our body at death.

Metatonin may also be released at other times during a lifetime to create a wormhole event either spontaneously or by design. The experience sparked by a metatonin release contains two essential qualities: First, one is very calmly and truly fully conscious, fully awake, sober; and, second: one also finds oneself in a place that is totally unnatural. For example: one, is fully awake and finds oneself floating above their own body and is able to fly wherever their thoughts take them. In other cases one finds oneself in a waking dream fully conscious and in control, or perhaps one is going through a very deep emotional experience and then is suddenly swept above their locality to see themselves and their situation at a great distance and with a great understanding and awe. Pineal wormhole experiences are generally short lived, but they can have a very lasting life altering effect.

Though the metatonin secretion of the pineal gland is considered to be predominantly DMT, there is not doubt that it a synergystic combination of many compounds including neurochemical buffers and enhancers that help shape and contain the scope of the experience. It may also be secreted at varying intervals and concentrations. Some travelers visit other civilizations others hang out on the roof.

Wormhole events can sometimes take one to a purely transcendent state of mind or to another universe of conscious beings. In most cases the destination of the wormhole is influenced by the original intent of the traveler, the traveler’s state of mind and the surrounding physical environment. If the traveler has no intent or direction in mind, the event may end up being euphoric or catastrophic. On the other hand, if the traveler is well informed and mentally prepared and has calmed and focused the mind with some form of meditation, the results will be greatly enhanced. Some travelers, using synthetic means to stimulate the metatonin neural pathways, such as the Peruvian shamans, focus on the plant world to obtain information on herbaceous healing compounds; other travelers, such as the Mayan astronomers, used their trance states to glean information on the size, age and cycles of our galaxy and nearby stars.

The things that young children sometime say contain gems of wisdom that show that they have a profound awareness and connection with a Higher Intelligence. That is because our metatonin levels are very high at this very early and wondrous age. Then the veil is slowly lowered and eventually all that remains is a shady memory of a lost sense of wonder. Many child psychologists, philosophers, poets and artists refer to these enchanting memories in their works such as the “Magical Child” series by Joseph Chilton Pearce.

The pineal gland first appears in the developing human fetus at the 49th day after conception; at first it is located in the back of the throat and then gradually moves upward and inward during gestation to be finally located in the center of the brain. A small duct may remain. This may explain the acrid slightly metallic taste in the back of the throat that is sometimes associated with a metatonin release by the pineal gland. Certain oriental texts refer to this secretion as the "nectar of sublime awareness" that is produced by deep meditation focused on the highest chakra: the pineal gland, or third eye. This secretion is also referred to in the Druid culture of British Isles as the "grail" itself. Isn't it ironic and really not so surprising that the Holy Grail - an invaluable treasure sought after by thousands of deeply dedicated souls throughout history - is actually a gift available to each and every one of us from the very center of our brain?
The pineal gland wormhole phenomenon can be categorized in several ways, basically differentiating intentional from spontaneous events. They have been separated into 5 basic groups:



1) The first group (type 1) is based on mental focus: a state of transcendent bliss or ecstasy that is consciously sought after though focus of the mind or dedication to a spiritual discipline: Nirvana, Satori, Shakti Kundalini or God awareness: a state of inner peace and God connectedness attained through Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic or Christian meditation. Vision Quest: A Native American ritual involving fasting and prayer that results in a profound life altering vision. Dreamtime: A state of mind that allows Australian Aborigines to raise themselves above the landscape see the location of pathways and sources of water and food in what appears to be nothing more than an endless desert wilderness. Sufi enlightenment: An ecstatic transcendent spiritual discipline based on a special form of dancing. Rapture and other states of transcendent experience that are the result of dedicated worship, prayer, devotion and/or abstinence. Creative ecstasy: as experienced by many artists, as described in the books by Rollo May and others. The Shakti Helmet is another device that may help activate a Metatonin episode.

2) The second group (type 2) of phenomena that occur as a result of experiencing or enduring physical or emotional extremes that result in a wormhole or transcendent experience: Rebirthing: a transcendent experience that can be brought on by controlled hyperventilating with the help of an experienced guide. This process may result in activating rarely used metatonin-synthetic pathways in the pineal gland. An ecstatic uplifting transcendent group awareness experienced by members of an emotionally charged group gathering, celebration, movement or revolt which has been reported by several writers such as Barbara Enrenreich, author of Dancing in the Streets . An emotionally uplifting pivotal experience, or epiphany, that is the result of an extremely intense personal emotional challenge (one of the medical terms used to describe the pineal gland is “epiphysys”). An out-of-body episode experience by someone subjected to or the victim of extreme pain or torture. In which case metatonin is secreted to allow an individual to escape from an excruciating physical pain, as reported by many child abuse victims and other victims of torture or accidental pain. An out-of-body experience sought by those who use self-inflicted pain as a vehicle for transcendence, such as in the American Indian Sundance ceremony.

3) The third group, (type 3) is the out-of-body experiences as described by those who have undergone a near death experience, or NDE, as reported in the research of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Dr.Rick Strassman and many others.

4) The fourth group (type 4) of Metatonin-induced episodes is those experiences that take place when one is asleep. This is commonly known as “night flight”, in which one becomes fully awake, conscious and in control while one is still in a dream state. This may be a situation where both melatonin and metatonin are working together. The Monroe Institute of Virginia and other groups have conducted a great deal of research in this area. The ability to maintain consciousness while in a dream state is a delicate balancing act. If one becomes fully conscious, they will immediately wake up, but if one can remain in a passive state of consciousness as a quiet observer without making any assertive thoughts or even personal comments, the experience will last. Meditation practice is a most beneficial way to quiet the ego and the everyday chatterbox mind so that one can maintain a state of quiet, observant, unobtrusive consciousness while witnessing a dream environment.

5) The fifth group (type 5) of phenomena is related to mental illness, which may result when Metatonin is continually produced in higher than normal amounts, or when MAO production is for some reason inhibited and trace amounts of the wormhole chemical continually hamper thought and perception patterns in the brain. Schizophrenia is a likely candidate for this classification. It is a remarkably complex syndrome that has many symptoms that are similar to weak and strong elevated metatonin states and metatonin is found at higher than normal states in the urine of schizophrenic patients. The National Institute of Mental Health made some preliminary investigations into this issue in the 1970’s but has not yet come to any definite conclusions.

When the pineal gland is signaled to produce a metatonin release it most likely receives that signal from another area of the brain. This trigger signal, it appears, may come from the angular gyrus area of the brain situated in the temporal-parietal-occipital region of the brain's surface. This discovery was made by Olaf Blanke at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussanne, Switzerland in 2002. Another area of the brain that has also been considered is the sylvian fissure where the temporal lobes are separated off from the rest of the brain. When these areas of the brain are stimulated, patients have out-of-body experiences. It is not known if the researchers involved have also monitored the blood chemistry at the time of the OBE event, but it would be interesting to determine if elevated levels of Metatonin (endogenous DMT) were detected. The stimulation of these areas of the brain can be achieved in many ways, electric probes are often used. Magnetic stimulation with carefully placed external magnetic transducers is another method. The previously mentioned “ Shatki Helmet" employs this method.

In conclusion, we are presently at the early stages of recognizing this phenomenon. Pineal wormhole/OBE events have been experienced by many of us in different degrees of intensity, and they have undoubtedly contributed to the inspiration of countless artists, researchers and writers of the past. Also, one must also question the validity of OBE experiences, does the brain fabricate the sensation of being out of the body by accessing a pre-wired hallucination? or, indeed, is the OBE observer actually viewing actual reality. Perhaps there are several types of OBEs, some being veridical and some being hallucinatory. The validation of such experiences must be scientifically verified as well as an accurate determination of the presence of Metatonin at high concentrations in the center of the brain at the time of the event. Currently research, under the aegis of The Cottonwood Research Foundation (cottonwoodresearch.org), is being conducted at LSU to develop a biochemical assay procedure.

Several groups are devoted to recording and archiving OBEs, and there is a wealth of information describing the journeys and observations of researchers and healers who experiment with various forms of synthetic and naturally prepared DMT teas and powders consumed orally. However the purpose of this article is to help one comprehend the existence of our own inner pathway and how it works. When this phenomenon is scientifically verified, it will have a profound effect on how we as a race view the continuum of our existence.

I hope I have inspired you, dear reader, to do further research yourself. Probably the first place to start is by reading Dr. Rick Strassman’s book, The Spirit Molecule. Dr. Jeremy Narby's book, The Cosmic Serpent, DNA, and the Origins of Knowledge, will prove interesting also. A simple search on the Internet using terms such as: OBE, DMT, Pineal gland, Shakti Kundalini etc. will further enlighten. Each of us has been endowed with this gift and each of us will discover it in our own way.

It is interesting to note the pineal gland calcifies as we grow older, and one British study noted that water borne fluoride tends to accelerate this calcification process. What affect this calcification process has on the performance of the pineal gland is not known. Western medical science has very little to say about the pineal gland other than it is a convenient marker for locating the center of the brain.

I LOVEEE IT! How you brought some true science into is very eye opening. Im interested in knowing more about whole process of the creation of DMT and the MAO blockage of its activation to keep regulatory amounts in the blood stream. I knew about DMT and the experiences that subjects went through in the book Spirtual molecule. Very fasinating. The real question is like you said is whether these are group hallucinations or what are truely experiencing. Its hard to say...I mean EVERYONE goes through the same process of an OBE. paralysis-voilent vibrations right before seperation. So maybe its attached to the collective unconsicous and if that is true. Psycholoigsits will FLIP OUT as they'll have to accept Carl Jung as a genious instead of a crackpot like some do. The day science figures this stuff out will be the next step. Id love to know more about that study about how the flouride ion in our water calcifies our pineal gland. If you could link me that that'd be great. Ive ALWAYS KNOWN the F ion did "something" negative to us...Id only assume the measure of flouride is due to city regualtions of how clean our water has to be etc...