Since the dawn of consciousness, Astral Projection has always played a special role in human society.
Nowadays, with the advent of media, Astral Projection is slowly entering the mainstream through comics, movies and books.
One of the most popular examples is surely the Astral Projecting of Doctor Strange, a fictional character from the Marvel universe.
Today, we will be exploring some of the most popular scenes where Doctor Strange performed Astral Projection and compare them to the real deal.
Humble Beginnings
To freshen up our memory, let us note that at first, Stephen (Doctor Strange) shied away from anything unaffiliated with science.
He was a neurosurgeon praised for his genius, known for his arrogance and hubris.
After a terrible car crash left him unable to perform his job, he turns to alternative measures in a desperate attempt to salvage his wounds.
This is where he meets the Ancient One and the rest is history!
Doctor Strange Astral Projection Scenes
One of the most popular examples of Doctor Strange using Astral Projection is against his fight with the zealot (Lucian Aster), where he launches himself into the Astral Plane with ease.
He manages to kill the zealot with the help of his love interest, Christine, and the scene ends with the main villain (Kaecilius) escaping.
Another good example would be Doctor Strange using Astral Projection to study in the Astral Plane.
Enchanted with the world of mysticism, Doctor Strange doesn’t waste a minute of his time, and even studies the art while asleep.
The third and last example would be the meeting with the Ancient One. That was the first time Doctor Strange performed Astral Projection (with the help of the Ancient One). It was exactly this scene that caused Doctor Strange to become so invigorated with the Astral Plane.
Astral Projection Fiction VS Reality
While there are some similarities between the fictional world of Astral Projection and the one in the real world, there are too many differences for them to be dubbed as equal.
Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences, using Doctor Strange as our example!
Death
In the fictional world of Doctor Strange, one is able to kill or be killed in the Astral Plane. We see that proven in the fight against the zealot.
In the real world, it is impossible to die in the Astral Plane. The beings you encounter there might sometimes be malicious, but they cannot hurt you physically.
Mirror Images
In one fight against Thanos, Doctor Strange uses his power to conjure multiple copies of himself in the Astral Plane.
Unfortunately, that is not possible in reality, and while some people have tried, they have not been successful.
The reason behind this is because there are only two bodies present while you perform Astral Projection, your Physical Body and your Astral Body.
Studying
Doctor Strange uses Astral Projection to vigorously study the various texts and tomes related to mysticism.
In reality, you’re also capable of reading and recognizing letters in the Astral Plane, but you will not be able to study there. There are too many distractions (other entities) and the level of mastery required to be able to perform such a feat would have to be unworldly. In our case, fictional.
Time Dilation
Time seems to come to a halt in the Astral Plane.
We see that when Doctor Strange talks to the Ancient One, having an entire conversation, while his physical body is falling to the ground.
This is where fact and fiction collide, as time is also slowed down in the real world while you perform Astral Projection. If I had to estimate, I would say that time moves around five times slower in the Astral Plane compared to the physical world.
Entering The Astral Plane
The Ancient One is able to induce Doctor Strange into the Astral Plane with his powers. Also, Doctor Strange learns Astral Projection extremely quickly.
How does this compare to reality?
Obviously, you’re not able to ‘teleport’ others into the Astral Plane, they have to do it themselves.
Also, it takes most people at least three months to successfully enter the Astral Plane for the first time.
Closing Thoughts
While the fictional world of Doctor Strange teems with emotion and rivalry, reality is not as exciting.
Some of you reading this might be disappointed by the fact that Astral Projection doesn’t come easy and that you won’t be able to get there in a week.
I understand your frustration and have made it my life goal to help as many newcomers as I can.
