Part 1 is dedicated to the accounts of OBEs in history—covering the different types of OBEs, including dreams and near-death experiences. We look at the most ancient references to them in the world, and detail their many accounts across the ancient texts of numerous traditions, revealing how ancient people viewed them—traversing the records of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, Tibet, Iran, India, Europe, and more.

Part 2 gives an overview of what OBEs are, their different kinds, what happens during them, and the benefits of having them. We look at what science is able to tell us about them, and cover some of the most compelling scientific and anecdotal evidence that supports they are real. Not only that, but we address some of the scientific studies and explanations used to claim they aren’t real. We also explore the existence of other dimensions, according both to ancient peoples and to science, and the multidimensional nature of the human psyche, and devote a chapter to near-death experiences, which are the most scientifically studied and compelling OBEs of all.

Part 3 looks at the type of OBE most are familiar with—dreams. We outline the different types of dreams we can have, and explain the appearance of symbols in them, and how to interpret them. We then give simple techniques for remembering dreams better, and an ancient ritual for incubating a dream, to try and invoke a divine-sent dream just as ancient peoples did. There is then a chapter on lucid dreaming—what it is, and techniques for how to lucid dream.

Part 4 outlines techniques for having OBEs that are based on the methods used by ancient peoples, and how to train in them to have regular experiences. We describe how these techniques work and provide information on how to be successful with them. We also explain how to travel once out of the body and seek out meaningful experiences.

Part 5 is for everything else, covering a lot of extra information. We list the different beings we can meet in OBEs, including those commonly depicted in ancient religions, broadly known as angels and demons. Not all OBEs are positive, and so there is a chapter devoted to experiences of dark entities and places, like nightmares and sleep paralysis. In answer to this, we outline the many forms of spiritual protection ancient people used. Another chapter addresses the relationship between OBEs and psychedelics, looking at the latest scientific discoveries. Then finally, we conclude with how to use OBEs for a spiritual purpose as they were in ancient times.