Many meditators have shared experiences where they encounter vivid, realistic events during their practice. A common example is seeing animals running towards them or other life-like occurrences. These experiences can be so intense that they feel like they are happening in real life, which can be both fascinating and frightening. While some embrace these visions as part of their meditative journey, others find them unsettling, raising questions about their origin and meaning. Could these experiences be linked to the astral world? And what does it reveal about one’s meditation?
The astral world is often described in esoteric traditions as a plane of existence that lies between the physical world and the higher spiritual realms. It is believed to be the realm of emotions, thoughts and symbolic imagery, where one’s subconscious interacts with the astral energies. Many practitioners of meditation, especially those who delve into deeper states of consciousness, report encountering events or beings that they feel originate from this astral realm.
Experts like Rudolf Steiner and Madame Blavatsky have written extensively about the astral plane. They suggest that during meditation, the conscious mind can shift into this realm, allowing the meditator to experience a different layer of reality. These experiences are not hallucinations or dreams, but rather, reflections of the energetic and emotional landscapes that surround us.
In meditation, the boundaries between the physical and astral worlds can blur. For example, the appearance of animals, beings or vivid scenes might symbolize something deeper. In the astral plane, everything is a form of energy and these visions may reflect aspects of the meditator’s inner state—such as unresolved emotions, fears or even spiritual messages.
The symbolic nature of the astral world is crucial in understanding these events. In Carl Jung’s work, animals and other symbols that appear in dreams or altered states of consciousness often represent parts of the psyche or unconscious emotions. For example, a wolf might symbolize strength or fear, depending on how the person relates to the animal. Similarly, seeing animals in meditation could indicate a confrontation with instinctual or emotional aspects of the self.
Many spiritual teachers, including Eckhart Tolle and Thich Nhat Hanh, emphasize that meditation is about observing the mind’s activity without becoming attached to it. These visions, while vivid and sometimes intense, are still part of the mental landscape and can be observed with detachment. Tolle often reminds meditators that the mind will produce all kinds of experiences, but the key is to remain centered in the present moment.
For some, these astral experiences can be overwhelming, leading to fear. This fear can arise because the mind struggles to understand what is happening, or because the imagery is intense and unfamiliar. Swami Sivananda, a renowned spiritual teacher, has spoken about the necessity of courage in meditation. He explained that such experiences, whether they come from the astral world or the subconscious mind, should be met with calmness. Fear arises from attachment to form and identity and in meditation, the practice is to go beyond these limitations.
In traditional Buddhist teachings, such experiences are referred to as “dharmas”—phenomena that arise in the mind during meditation. Teachers like Ajahn Chah recommend that meditators treat them as transient events. By acknowledging them without reaction, the practitioner can deepen their meditation and move beyond the astral plane into states of pure awareness.
The occurrence of realistic events in meditation suggests that the individual is entering deeper states of consciousness. However, it is essential to remember that these experiences are not necessarily the goal of meditation. Instead, they are signposts on the journey, indicating that the mind is becoming more open and less bound to everyday reality.
Encountering the astral world is often seen as a natural phase in meditative practice, especially in traditions like Kriya Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism. The meditator is moving beyond the physical and beginning to access more subtle levels of existence. Yet, it is important not to become attached to these experiences. As Ram Dass famously said, “The astral plane is a very nice place to visit, but you don’t want to live there”.
Experiencing realistic events in meditation, such as animals running toward you, can be an indication that you are entering the astral plane—a space between the physical and spiritual realms. These experiences are reflections of the mind and can offer valuable insight into your inner world. However, they are not the final destination in meditation. As the wisdom of many spiritual teachers suggests, these visions should be observed without attachment, allowing the meditator to continue their journey toward higher states of consciousness.
If you find such experiences frightening, remember that meditation is a safe space to explore these realms. With patience and practice, you can learn to navigate the astral world, using the experiences to deepen your meditation rather than be deterred by them.
