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Dr Robert Crookall - More Astral projections

Case No. 185 - Mr J. A. Dennis, a tinsmith, of Brockley, London, sent the following (in litt., Oct. 5,1960):

I am afraid of the unknown, so I do not take easily to reading spiritual writings. I am in no way religious, i.e. delving into Bible reading etc., but I am a God-fearing man. ... I have been told I am 'psychic', but it does not interest me. ... But for interest sake I have to say this.

I have awakened at times from a sleeping state and found that, though I can see around me, I have been unable to use my body ... only after a struggle have I gained control of it.

On one occasion I remember registering in my mind having said to someone or other in the spirit world, 'I must get back! I have a wife and child to protect! '  Then I felt a sensation of numbness and blood surging through me, like 'pins-and-needles' when one's foot goes to sleep. This, at times, has scared me, and has happened when lying flat on my back.

Now I did not know of or had I at any time interested myself in occult happenings prior to these happenings. In fact, I did not favour the subject at all.

... I usually lie on my left side, this particular night I turned on my back ... a high impulse vibration was running through me from head to feet-... then, with a 'plonck', a sort of click, I felt myself rise from my body. My feet swung round and then tilted and I landed on my feet ... upon the floor-to find myself standing by my wife's deceased mother. I said, 'Oh hello, Mum!' I saw her distinctly and was unafraid.

Next I sensed myself rising into the air, and turned, following the line of my body upon the bed-about two feet higher-and my feet lowering, and thus dropping and linking into my body. But, as my spiritual being neared my (physical) face, I uttered 'Phew l!'-looking at my face (and)  sensing disapproval at what I looked like. When re-entering the body the pulsating noise or vibration returned-until I had completely settled.

I have had many queer things happen to me. ... The usual floating in space, seeing scenes in natural colour, have been common. But I do not dwell upon them. Now that I am nearing sixty years of age, I do not take kindly to these things, through fear. But I have gained much knowledge and wisdom of things not of this world. I have no time to read from books anything to associate what I had put into my head.... People are not kind if you tell them, but you can take assurance from me, man (and woman) is more than matter. ... There is life after death. We think we are clever in this world, but we know very little yet.