As a franchise, Insidious kicked off in in 2010 with the first movie in the popular horror series. Since then, it has gone on to spawn two prequels and two sequels. The series has remained a consistent draw for horror fans and the latest movie, Insidious: The Red Door, is proving to be no different with an impressive start at the box office. One of the key elements of the entire Insidious series is the phenomena known as “astral projection”. But what is astral projection and how does it work in the Insidious series?
In the 2010 movie, the Lamberts – consisting of Josh (Patrick Wilson), Renai (Rose Byrne), and their three children – move into a new house and discover that their son, Dalton (Ty Simpkins), possesses the ability to astral project.
Dalton gets trapped in a dangerous dimension called “The Further,” and malevolent entities try to possess his body. Paranormal investigator Elise Rainier helps the parents rescue Dalton from The Further, but they face terrifying encounters and confront a dark demonic spirit. Eventually, they succeed in bringing Dalton back, but it is revealed that a malevolent entity has attached itself to his father’s soul.
The Further is a dimension that exists between Earth, Heaven, and Hell. It is home to tortured spirits of the dead that desire one thing above all else: life. The Further is vast and mostly empty; however, it bears an uncanny resemblance to the real world.
In the latest movie, Insidious: The Red Door, a now college-aged Dalton moves away from his family to attend art school in the wake of his grandmother’s death. While there, he is haunted by memories of his forgotten past and demons bleeding through from The Further.
But what is astral projection? Let’s take a look…
What is Astral Projection in Insidious?
What is astral projection in the Insidious movies? In the Insidious series, individuals can use astral projection (intentionally or not) to travel to The Further, a name given to the astral plane that exists between Earth, Heaven, and Hell.
Astral projection involves one leaving their physical form via an out-of-body experience while in a sleeping or comatose state. When astral projecting, individuals can traverse the real world or travel to the Further where they can interact with demons and the spirits of the dead.
In real life, the concept of astral projection is used in esotericism to describe intentional out-of-body experiences. The idea has existed for thousands of years and has appeared various different cultures and religions including – but not limited to – Ancient Egypt, Christianity, Japanese mythology, and Hindu scripture.
Today, people attempt to practise astral projection through meditation, hypnosis, and the use of hallucinogenic substances like DMT.
While there are many anecdotal accounts of astral projection, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that it exists as an actual phenomenon. Instead, it is best thought of as a psychological experience that can be induced through various different methods.
What did you think of Insidious: The Red Door? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
