Astral magick is based on the idea that the soul, sometimes called the astral double, can leave the physical body and travel to other realms or planes of existence. This belief appears in many cultures and magical traditions, where it often acts as a link between the material and spiritual worlds.
The French scholar Claude Lecouteux has described accounts in which, during astral projection, the astral double is believed to leave the body in the form of an animal—such as a snake, lizard, or mouse—exiting through the mouth. According to these traditions, the return journey happens in the same way, with the astral double re-entering through the mouth.
This detail has shaped how some practitioners approach astral projection. Many believe that lying on their backs is important, as this position keeps the mouth accessible and allows the astral double to return safely to the body.
The choice of animal forms is also meaningful. In folklore and esoteric traditions, animals like snakes and mice are often seen as creatures that can move between different worlds or states of being. Their links to transformation and hidden knowledge make them fitting symbols for the astral double’s journey.
Cultural beliefs about astral projection sometimes overlap with legends of werewolves and shapeshifters. In certain traditions, werewolves are not only physical beings, but are also understood as the astral doubles of shamans, witches, or sorcerers. These individuals were thought to project their souls in animal form, traveling at night and subtly influencing the world.
Through these stories, it is possible to see a strong connection between animal symbolism, the practice of astral magick, and the ongoing fascination with the boundaries between body, spirit, and the unknown.
