A Projective Geometry for Separation Experiences
Journal of Near-Death Studies September 1, 1999 DOI: 10.1023/a:1021324410977 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that out-of-body experiences can be modeled through a projective geometry based on higher-dimensional space, with partial consciousness expansion into a fractional dimension explaining separation experiences and associated paranormal phenomena. |
Abstract
I present a projective geometry for out-of-body “separation experiences,” built up out of a series of higher space analogies and resulting diagrams. The model draws upon recent understandings of cosmic symmetries linking relativity theory to quantum physics. This perspective is grounded inside a more general hyperspace theory, supposing that our three dimensional space is embedded within a hierarchy of higher dimensions. Only the next higher space, the fourth dimension, is directly utilized in this exposition. At least two degrees of consciousness expansion are identified as prerequisites to a comprehensive phenomenological taxonomy of ecstatic out-of-body, near-death, and mystical/visionary experiences. The first assumes a partial spatiotemporalization of consciousness into a fractional domain located between three and four dimensions. The second assumes a complete spatiotemporalization into four dimensions. Partial expansions are associated with separation experiences and with thematically related activities of a seeming paranormal character. Complete expansions are associated with “timeless” life panoramas and with excursions into hyperphysical realms. The paper concentrates on partial expansions, in analyzing the psychodynamics underlying, and ostensive paranormal activities accompanying, separation experiences.