Sleep Paralysis
- Thread starter Ankhe
- Start date
Could be, but IMHO, more likely related to Astral Projection (AP) or OOBE's (Out of Body Experience's).
During the times of sleep paralysis and/or seeing these visions, did you project at any time, meaning did your Soul leave your body and float about, leaving the body behind, I explained this in detail in case you were not familiar with AP or OOBE's.
If your Soul did leave your body, do you remember visiting anywhere and/or anyone, validating your astral travels helps you to prove (at least to yourself) that AP or OOBE's really do exist.
Do you remember in great detail these visions, if so, try keeping a log of them the first thing you can, or better yet, keep a tape recorder by the bed to log your visions, then after you collect enough material, read the log or listen to it and see if anything rings a bell, either past life related or related to AP/OOBE's.
Good luck with your search.
During the times of sleep paralysis and/or seeing these visions, did you project at any time, meaning did your Soul leave your body and float about, leaving the body behind, I explained this in detail in case you were not familiar with AP or OOBE's.
If your Soul did leave your body, do you remember visiting anywhere and/or anyone, validating your astral travels helps you to prove (at least to yourself) that AP or OOBE's really do exist.
Do you remember in great detail these visions, if so, try keeping a log of them the first thing you can, or better yet, keep a tape recorder by the bed to log your visions, then after you collect enough material, read the log or listen to it and see if anything rings a bell, either past life related or related to AP/OOBE's.
Good luck with your search.
Umm I think twice I've experienced an "OOBE"? However never been as far as to another room in my house, also never at the same that I've experienced visions... and yes the visions are very vivid. My most recent vision, I saw a death, a murder to be precised and a name keep reoccurring, sounding like Matika or Madika. So I was just wondering if there’s any PL connection.
Eowyn
Wrought out of steel
Hi, Ankhe! Are your visions related or not to past lives? How would you analyze a dream to see if it's pl related? Just do the same. There can be pl elements mixed with other things your own mind can create, as in any other dream. During sleep paralysis we are more aware than in normal dreams, that is, it would be like a lucid dream, and depending on how lucid you are in that moment, you could even control what you see and ask yourself if they're past life related or not. And you'll have to disect your visions to see if there are pl information on them.
For me this does sound pl related, but you'll have to do your research to validate it.
I've lucid dreamed before, it's completely different, in lucid dreaming I can control what I see and what occurs, however when I'm in sleep paralysis, although I'm aware that I'm awake I cannot control what I see. None of which I have "visioned" has been crazy or unrealistic, all very realistic, unlike dreams which are generally wacky.
Can you experience the afterlife of the PL? Because it was after the girl got stabbed and died, she/I called out for Matika, as if for guidance, I'm not sure.
Can you experience the afterlife of the PL? Because it was after the girl got stabbed and died, she/I called out for Matika, as if for guidance, I'm not sure.
Eowyn
Wrought out of steel
Ankhe, when you're in sleep paralysis, you're not lucid dreaming, that's true, because you are more "awake", that's why your "visions" don't feel like dreams, they are much more realistic. But you also have more power to control them... with this I don't mean you can control what you see, you can control where you want to go with your mind, if you have will enough not to get caught up in dreams.
Wow, how words limit me! You have to understand that the astral is the realm of dreams. Sleep paralysis happens when you're entering that realm (which is the same than the astral realm, or the beginning of an astral projection). Exactly at that moment you are completely conscious of the disconnection between soul and body that happens to all of us when we are getting asleep.
Being asleep and starting to dream = losing consciousness in the astral. If it's lucid dreaming you are still a bit conscious. If you are aware of sleep paralysis, your mind is more awake than in lucid dreaming. So maybe next time you'll be able to "direct" your visions and bring out more pl details. I hope I've explained better this time. Just ask more questions if you need to!
Wow, how words limit me! You have to understand that the astral is the realm of dreams. Sleep paralysis happens when you're entering that realm (which is the same than the astral realm, or the beginning of an astral projection). Exactly at that moment you are completely conscious of the disconnection between soul and body that happens to all of us when we are getting asleep.
Being asleep and starting to dream = losing consciousness in the astral. If it's lucid dreaming you are still a bit conscious. If you are aware of sleep paralysis, your mind is more awake than in lucid dreaming. So maybe next time you'll be able to "direct" your visions and bring out more pl details. I hope I've explained better this time. Just ask more questions if you need to!
tanguerra
Moderator Emeritus
The 'half awake/half asleep' state is often a time when we can get little snippets of things. Really, meditation is a lot like this - a change in our brain waves from one mode to another. So, if you're in that sort of half-dream state, you might be experiencing 'flash backs' or dream snippets of one kind or another.Ankhe said:
To get more information is really not that complex. Take yourself into a relaxed state by breathing slowly and deeply for a while, then get this image back into your mind deliberately. See it over again. Replay it in your mind. Get it clear. Notice details. What is your angle of view? Who else is with you? Is it night, day, hot cold? When you are in the right frame of mind, are focussed and clear, ask yourself - who is 'Matika'? What's going on? Just go with what comes first.
Be sure to write it all down immediately before you forget anything. Even small details can be significant.
I agree with what Hydrolad, Eowyn, and Tanguerra have said. For me, sleep paralysis is usually an indication of the beginning or conclusion of astral/out-of-body projection. It's the physical experience of a liminal state--not fully astral, not wholly reseated in the body. I have also experienced strange visions at this time (at least one of which was quite disturbing until I got a hold of myself and investigated what it actually was!) I suspect the physical brain is trying to process information it's not really equipped to understand, so you can get strange "blips" and "bleedthroughs" of information you probably wouldn't remember under normal waking or sleep conditions. But Eowyn and Tanguerra are right, I think--with mindful intention (either in the moment or later through meditation) you should be able to delve into your visions as deeply as you desire. It certainly seems to me like they could be past-life related, but not necessarily--our brains' "filters" can really distort information in strange ways. Only you will know for sure.
Also, it's normal if most of your AP/OOB experiences take you no further than your room or somewhere else in your home. I think it's actually quite common. Getting further than that and remembering it is a skill that some of us can only develop with practice (I'm not there myself yet, either!)
Also, it's normal if most of your AP/OOB experiences take you no further than your room or somewhere else in your home. I think it's actually quite common. Getting further than that and remembering it is a skill that some of us can only develop with practice (I'm not there myself yet, either!)
Could you please explain what this means? I somewhat get it but not fully.
As for the rest I do understand and thank you. Perhaps when I have my next sleep paralysis I will maintain it longer and find out more information, generally I become cautious and force myself to wake, limiting my experience.
tanguerra
Moderator Emeritus
When we sleep, our bodies go into a state of physical paralysis. This has various very practical reasons. It stops us from thrashing about and hurting ourselves while we're dreaming. It allows our body to rest. It probably allowed us to sleep safely, quietly without attracting predators once upon a time. With or without astral traveling or being out of your body, it's a fairly common experience.
It's possible to be 'half awake' but still be feeling 'paralysed' when we are going into or coming out of a deep sleep, which can be an unsettling experience, especially if we're just waking up from a bad dream, but it's really nothing to be alarmed about.
I had it myself (sort of) last night. I was half asleep, but dreamed I was thirsty and wanted to get a drink of water from my bedside table. My mouth was dry, which is probably what woke me, but my hand wouldn't move. It took me a moment to work out what was happening and wake up enough to get my arm to move. I probably wouldn't even have noticed it or thought about it if I hadn't thought of this thread.
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis
It's possible to be 'half awake' but still be feeling 'paralysed' when we are going into or coming out of a deep sleep, which can be an unsettling experience, especially if we're just waking up from a bad dream, but it's really nothing to be alarmed about.
I had it myself (sort of) last night. I was half asleep, but dreamed I was thirsty and wanted to get a drink of water from my bedside table. My mouth was dry, which is probably what woke me, but my hand wouldn't move. It took me a moment to work out what was happening and wake up enough to get my arm to move. I probably wouldn't even have noticed it or thought about it if I hadn't thought of this thread.
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis
Eowyn
Wrought out of steel
I'd like to clarify this point so that Ankhe (and everyone else interested) understands this.
It is not true we are paralyzed when we are sleeping. I know many people who use to move A LOT when they're dreaming, me included. I don't know where this information comes from (oh, I see the link now, as I suspected it comes from distracted scientists), but I do know it is also in Wikipedia and it's not exact. Neither is exact what they say about dream paralysis ocurring when you're in REM stage. And I know it because I'm used to go in and out of my body consciously when I'm falling asleep (as every serious astral traveler knows).
We ALL (our souls) leave our bodies when we go to sleep, believe it or not. But usually we lose consciousness before that happens. Sometimes, for certain reasons I'm not going to explain now, we can be aware of the exact moment our soul goes out or comes back in, and sometimes (but not always, as usually the process is gentle and fluid) we can feel that temporary paralysis, which happens when this "disconnection" or "reconnection" process doesn't go as smooth as usual.
The quote suggests the things you hear or see "are not really there", that is, that they are hallucinations. Well, this is not completely true either, but I won't derail the thread. The only thing you have to know, Ankhe, is that feeling sleep paralysis means you are already "disconnected" from your body, and if you want, you can astral project. Yes, it is as simple as that. It happens every night. If I were you I wouldn't waste that great opportunity to explore a world only a few know really well. It is not too pleasant to feel sleep paralysis while you're trying to understand your visions. So my advice is relax, get out of your body (just think and get up as if you're moving your physical body), and do whatever you feel you want to do, including remembering past lives, if you can stay enough time out (the first attempts use to last only seconds, due to the shock and your lack of experience) and get control of the situation.
Tanguerra and Eowyn have both posted good clarifications, and I think the information they provide is helpful--depending on your point of view! If you want to look at sleep paralysis from a medical/scientific perspective, Tanguerra offers a valid explanation (not attributing this perspective to you personally, Tanguerra!) Scientists and doctors are aware that sleep paralysis is a relatively common phenomenon, and this is their explanation for why it happens.
Eowyn seems to be approaching the question from a more metaphysical perspective. For what it's worth, my experience basically jives with what she's saying. Many people (myself included) believe that some element of our consciousness (the soul, the astral body, the higher mind--vocabulary varies widely,) leaves the body when we sleep. If this is true, it is completely natural and nothing to be alarmed about! Usually we have limited or distorted memory of what happens to us when we are in this state--for example, you may remember your dreams. From a scientific standpoint, dreams "happen" inside your head; they're just neurons firing in your brain while you sleep. From another perspective, they have their own reality with their own logic. Some people learn to remain "conscious" during this normal nightly process.
To explain my statement above, I have often experienced some level of sleep paralysis when I CONSCIOUSLY AND INTENTIONALLY decided to leave my body at the moment of sleep or when I later returned to my sleeping body. Personal examples: when I am attempting AP at bedtime, I allow my body to relax deeply while my mind remains alert. I begin to feel a separation, as though there's a physical distance between "me" and my body, and that it would be quite difficult to move my body at that precise moment. This is not permanent or scary in any way. If I concentrate on my body, even briefly, the feelings will go away.
On one or two occasions (again speaking only from my own experience!) I have also had sleep paralysis at the END of an intentional astral projection session. On those occasions, the sensation was briefly disturbing, as I was still "seeing" things I don't see while in my physical body, but I was aware of being in or very close to my physical body. Result: seeing/hearing unusual things while feeling paralyzed. I DON'T believe these were hallucinations. As Eowyn said, I do agree this is a symptom of an unusually abrupt transition from one state to the other. I myself have never experienced sleep paralysis outside the context of intentional AP, but if we naturally AP when we sleep, I don't see why it couldn't happen on any given night.
Just remember, you are in control of what's happening--even if you feel sleep paralysis! And if you WANT to explore further, just stay calm and curious and try not to panic It might take a few tries--I've been practicing intermittently for years, and sometimes it's easy and sometimes I just bounce around for a few seconds 
Either way, you can look at it as an adventure and a gift--a lot of people work hard to experience what's come to you naturally! Just my 2 cents...Good luck!
Eowyn seems to be approaching the question from a more metaphysical perspective. For what it's worth, my experience basically jives with what she's saying. Many people (myself included) believe that some element of our consciousness (the soul, the astral body, the higher mind--vocabulary varies widely,) leaves the body when we sleep. If this is true, it is completely natural and nothing to be alarmed about! Usually we have limited or distorted memory of what happens to us when we are in this state--for example, you may remember your dreams. From a scientific standpoint, dreams "happen" inside your head; they're just neurons firing in your brain while you sleep. From another perspective, they have their own reality with their own logic. Some people learn to remain "conscious" during this normal nightly process.
To explain my statement above, I have often experienced some level of sleep paralysis when I CONSCIOUSLY AND INTENTIONALLY decided to leave my body at the moment of sleep or when I later returned to my sleeping body. Personal examples: when I am attempting AP at bedtime, I allow my body to relax deeply while my mind remains alert. I begin to feel a separation, as though there's a physical distance between "me" and my body, and that it would be quite difficult to move my body at that precise moment. This is not permanent or scary in any way. If I concentrate on my body, even briefly, the feelings will go away.
On one or two occasions (again speaking only from my own experience!) I have also had sleep paralysis at the END of an intentional astral projection session. On those occasions, the sensation was briefly disturbing, as I was still "seeing" things I don't see while in my physical body, but I was aware of being in or very close to my physical body. Result: seeing/hearing unusual things while feeling paralyzed. I DON'T believe these were hallucinations. As Eowyn said, I do agree this is a symptom of an unusually abrupt transition from one state to the other. I myself have never experienced sleep paralysis outside the context of intentional AP, but if we naturally AP when we sleep, I don't see why it couldn't happen on any given night.
Just remember, you are in control of what's happening--even if you feel sleep paralysis! And if you WANT to explore further, just stay calm and curious and try not to panic
It might take a few tries--I've been practicing intermittently for years, and sometimes it's easy and sometimes I just bounce around for a few seconds Either way, you can look at it as an adventure and a gift--a lot of people work hard to experience what's come to you naturally! Just my 2 cents...Good luck!
Most of the time, I undertake an Astral Projection (AP) or Out of Body Experience (OOBE) voyage, either consciously or sub-consciously, to tackle a problem that is bothering me, either with something (like fixing a computer) to someone in my life (like a stranger, a friend or a relative.)
And sometimes I just have a spontaneous voyage for NO rhyme or reason, almost like a travel show on TV, like "Let's go visit Paris" and off I go, no luggage, no air fare and no hassle's, just GO!!!
And sometimes I just have a spontaneous voyage for NO rhyme or reason, almost like a travel show on TV, like "Let's go visit Paris" and off I go, no luggage, no air fare and no hassle's, just GO!!!
tanguerra
Moderator Emeritus
Yes. Agreed. I'm not much of an astral traveller or out of body experiencer myself (at least not that I'm aware of). For some people it's a regular occurrence I know. I certainly have all kinds of crazy dreams, and get up to lots of adventures, that's for sure!
The 'medical' explanation is that our bodies go into a 'paralysed' state, but of course, there is not a lot of will in scientific circles to get into OOBEs and the like, for fear of derision, so the 'scientific explanation' of what goes on when we're asleep is partial at best.
Indeed people often thrash about in their sleep, talk in their sleep, roll over frequently, and so forth so 'paralysed' is probably not the right term. I don't think it would be good for our bodies to be perfectly still for many hours. It would probably not be good for circulation? We also need to be able to wake up quickly in an emergency, so I guess we have to keep the body's 'motor running' just in case something happens?
However, the point stands, in any case, that it's fairly normal and nothing to get upset about.
The 'medical' explanation is that our bodies go into a 'paralysed' state, but of course, there is not a lot of will in scientific circles to get into OOBEs and the like, for fear of derision, so the 'scientific explanation' of what goes on when we're asleep is partial at best.
Indeed people often thrash about in their sleep, talk in their sleep, roll over frequently, and so forth so 'paralysed' is probably not the right term. I don't think it would be good for our bodies to be perfectly still for many hours. It would probably not be good for circulation? We also need to be able to wake up quickly in an emergency, so I guess we have to keep the body's 'motor running' just in case something happens?
However, the point stands, in any case, that it's fairly normal and nothing to get upset about.
Wow there's a lot information to soak up here aha thank you all!
I don't think I'm much of an astral traveler either, but evidently can be if I wanted too and practiced, which is cool. My first sleep paralysis experience was scary, considering I was drowning aha, however did think it was interesting so must have sub-consciously trained myself, considering I'm not terrified of my sleep paralysis experiences, as I've seen others to be.
I will definitely take all your advice in, thank you all very much. :thumbsup:
I don't think I'm much of an astral traveler either, but evidently can be if I wanted too and practiced, which is cool. My first sleep paralysis experience was scary, considering I was drowning aha, however did think it was interesting so must have sub-consciously trained myself, considering I'm not terrified of my sleep paralysis experiences, as I've seen others to be.
I will definitely take all your advice in, thank you all very much. :thumbsup:
Eowyn
Wrought out of steel
I loved your explanation, Crescent1! :thumbsup:
I think most people tend to think astral projection (going out of our bodies) is a rare and weird phenomenon that only happens occasionally and under certain circumstances. But it's not. Going out of our bodies is a natural process, being completely aware of it is the rare thing. But we can train our minds to do it, it takes time, patience, and a lot of constancy, but anyone can experience it. One of the most important keys is to leave fear behind.
I think most people tend to think astral projection (going out of our bodies) is a rare and weird phenomenon that only happens occasionally and under certain circumstances. But it's not. Going out of our bodies is a natural process, being completely aware of it is the rare thing. But we can train our minds to do it, it takes time, patience, and a lot of constancy, but anyone can experience it. One of the most important keys is to leave fear behind.
Yes, the fear aspect. Often when I experience it, there is this unexplainable fear, fear that someone or something is watching you, which is intimidating. To make it worst I watched this Sleep Paralysis video, to discover more about it and these have some freaky experiences, which I would never want to experience ever!
Furthermore before I experience a sleep paralysis, I know I'm about too, it's just this aura and feeling that occurs and I know it's bound to happen shortly.
Furthermore before I experience a sleep paralysis, I know I'm about too, it's just this aura and feeling that occurs and I know it's bound to happen shortly.
You and Eowyn are absolutely right, Ankhe, fear is the enemy of discovery. I can't even click that youtube link because I just know it will freak me out! I don't doubt that people really experience these things and find them frightening. However, in the words of a certain little wise green guy, the only evil you will find during these moments is the evil you bring with you.
I wasn't going to share this, but maybe it will make you feel better. A few years ago, I was having a series of dreams which featured a "ghost woman." Sometimes she was central to the "plot" of the dream, sometimes peripheral, but I could never see her.
Right around the time when I was having these dreams, I had a sleep paralysis experience as described in my above posts. In that instance, I came awake, looked over the side of the bed, and saw a horrible little gremlin-like creature standing a few feet away. It was small and covered in thick matted hair. I was totally terrified and tried to scream, but I was paralyzed. In that moment, I was convinced that this creature was the ghost woman who had been haunting my dreams--a horrible sight.
The next night, I put myself into the state I associate with astral projection/out-of-body. I asked for this ghost woman/creature to come back. I just felt like I had to confront her, since she was, by far, the scariest thing I had encountered thus far. Pop she's back! This time, instead of freaking out, I carefully leaned forward and parted the long, dirty hair that completely obscured her face. To my surprise, there was no monster inside--I was confronted with my own face at around the age of eight, when I was most free-flowing and confidently creative. I realized that I'd allowed the filth and hair and fear to swallow up that bright little soul almost entirely, to the point where I couldn't recognize her at all. I wasn't afraid of this creature now that I knew what it really was.
I do a lot of dream interpretation work, so I pretty quickly concluded that this creature and the ghost woman of my dreams represented an aspect of myself--the part of me that was "invisible," because of the choices I was making in my life and career. Confronting the "monster" helped me make a major life-change for the better.
Some people see all kinds of freaky things during astral projection or moments of sleep paralysis. Frankly, I'd be disturbed if I witnessed a murder as you did during your last episode! But I really believe very very strongly that if you stay brave and give yourself time to understand and investigate, you'll find that the scary things you experience are largely what you project and create. The astral appears to be very "plastic"--it responds with exquisite sensitivity to our moods, fears, and anxieties. Confidence, a joyful and curious spirit, and self-awareness are your best tools. Some fears are deep-seated and hard to vanquish, and I think some people confront that fact in vivid detail! That doesn't mean there's truly anything to fear, though--it just means they have more work ahead of them to root it out. (FWIW, I'm sure some people experienced in AP/OOB disagree with me on this point, but this is my own genuine belief.)
When that "feeling" comes over you, and you know sleep paralysis is coming, try not to seize up and get nervous. Maybe invent a positive mantra for yourself, one that you can repeat both while awake and "asleep." Didn't mean to hijack the thread with my story, but I know how intimidating some of the information out there can seem. I hope this helps. All the best!
I wasn't going to share this, but maybe it will make you feel better. A few years ago, I was having a series of dreams which featured a "ghost woman." Sometimes she was central to the "plot" of the dream, sometimes peripheral, but I could never see her.
Right around the time when I was having these dreams, I had a sleep paralysis experience as described in my above posts. In that instance, I came awake, looked over the side of the bed, and saw a horrible little gremlin-like creature standing a few feet away. It was small and covered in thick matted hair. I was totally terrified and tried to scream, but I was paralyzed. In that moment, I was convinced that this creature was the ghost woman who had been haunting my dreams--a horrible sight.
The next night, I put myself into the state I associate with astral projection/out-of-body. I asked for this ghost woman/creature to come back. I just felt like I had to confront her, since she was, by far, the scariest thing I had encountered thus far. Pop she's back! This time, instead of freaking out, I carefully leaned forward and parted the long, dirty hair that completely obscured her face. To my surprise, there was no monster inside--I was confronted with my own face at around the age of eight, when I was most free-flowing and confidently creative. I realized that I'd allowed the filth and hair and fear to swallow up that bright little soul almost entirely, to the point where I couldn't recognize her at all. I wasn't afraid of this creature now that I knew what it really was.
I do a lot of dream interpretation work, so I pretty quickly concluded that this creature and the ghost woman of my dreams represented an aspect of myself--the part of me that was "invisible," because of the choices I was making in my life and career. Confronting the "monster" helped me make a major life-change for the better.
Some people see all kinds of freaky things during astral projection or moments of sleep paralysis. Frankly, I'd be disturbed if I witnessed a murder as you did during your last episode! But I really believe very very strongly that if you stay brave and give yourself time to understand and investigate, you'll find that the scary things you experience are largely what you project and create. The astral appears to be very "plastic"--it responds with exquisite sensitivity to our moods, fears, and anxieties. Confidence, a joyful and curious spirit, and self-awareness are your best tools. Some fears are deep-seated and hard to vanquish, and I think some people confront that fact in vivid detail! That doesn't mean there's truly anything to fear, though--it just means they have more work ahead of them to root it out. (FWIW, I'm sure some people experienced in AP/OOB disagree with me on this point, but this is my own genuine belief.)
When that "feeling" comes over you, and you know sleep paralysis is coming, try not to seize up and get nervous. Maybe invent a positive mantra for yourself, one that you can repeat both while awake and "asleep." Didn't mean to hijack the thread with my story, but I know how intimidating some of the information out there can seem. I hope this helps. All the best!
Thank you very much and also thanks for sharing the story, sounds similar to one of my dreams aha!
Anyhow I have stopped myself from watching anymore of that "documentary", though the woman you saw during sleep paralysis, sounds awfully similar to the woman other people see during their sleep paralysis, why would people see basically the same figure during their sleep paralysis? I am determined not let fear inhibit my experience whatsoever.
Anyhow I have stopped myself from watching anymore of that "documentary", though the woman you saw during sleep paralysis, sounds awfully similar to the woman other people see during their sleep paralysis, why would people see basically the same figure during their sleep paralysis? I am determined not let fear inhibit my experience whatsoever.
Eowyn
Wrought out of steel
Fantastic experience, Crescent1! Thanks for sharing!
And yes, it is when we approach this kind of matters when we most risk to be taken as loonies, when people just stop talking to you or stare in disbelief, but it is EXACTLY as you said. Our fears, even our defects, can take shape in the astral, they appear as solid figures, or scary shadows, but most of the times they're just reflections of those fears. That's why it's recommended you don't try an OBE if you're feeling depressed or having negative feelings, as it's likely you'll encounter "bad" things or go to places with low vibration.
To be aware in the astral plane implies you also have to do a great psychological work, so that you always have control and the power to discern if what you see is real or a creation of your mind. You always have to doubt, if not the astral (and the creatures in it) can control you.
It's also important to say that if you feel scared you only need to think of your body, and you'll immediately be back. You can't get lost in the astral, so no need to have fear of that.
And yes, it is when we approach this kind of matters when we most risk to be taken as loonies, when people just stop talking to you or stare in disbelief, but it is EXACTLY as you said. Our fears, even our defects, can take shape in the astral, they appear as solid figures, or scary shadows, but most of the times they're just reflections of those fears. That's why it's recommended you don't try an OBE if you're feeling depressed or having negative feelings, as it's likely you'll encounter "bad" things or go to places with low vibration.
To be aware in the astral plane implies you also have to do a great psychological work, so that you always have control and the power to discern if what you see is real or a creation of your mind. You always have to doubt, if not the astral (and the creatures in it) can control you.
It's also important to say that if you feel scared you only need to think of your body, and you'll immediately be back. You can't get lost in the astral, so no need to have fear of that.
I can't say for sure, Ankhe, but my guess would be that we're all swimming in the same pool, as it were. Wall-creeping demons, wild-haired women, dark menacing figures...such creatures feature prominently in tall tales, legends, and fables from around the world. Thinking about it, the thing I saw reminded me of any number of frightening images I've been exposed to over the years--from the picture of a "lamia" in a children's book my parent's used to read me, to creatures from various horror movies, to descriptions of supernatural events by people on tv shows. If my mind was going to give my unsettled feelings a physical manifestation, why not draw inspiration from frightening images I'm already familiar with? I guess I'm just not that original! Lots of people would probably come up with a similar image if they were simply asked to describe something scary. Hence, the frequent reports of shadow figures, wall-crawling creatures, demonic women, etc.Ankhe said:
And if you really stop to think about it, don't most of these things correlate to some obvious psychological concern or negativity? I mean, you don't have to dig too deep to figure out what "a man without a face" might represent if you come across him in the astral! My best friend (who is not into this sort of stuff at all saw an apparition of a man without a face when he began having doubts about pursuing a corporate career--can you get much more literal than that? LOL And I certainly didn't have to wrack my brain to decipher the symbolic meaning of my "ghost woman." We inherit these images from our culture, that would be my guess as to why people report seeing similar things in some instances. And like Eowyn said, if you do get scared just decide that to end the experiment. All it takes is a single thought. It's a heck of a lot more effort to stay out than to get back in, at least in my experience! You're in the driver's seat!