I have had many phases of experiences.  Perhaps, I need guidance by someone with real knowledge and depth. 

I started as a young boy with great interest in "controlling my dreams." 

In college, I started to perceive the vibration state and to "sit up" into the dream state and zip all over...I loved to do that.  I often would go up to other planets and/or hang out in the clouds.  Of course, that was my perception.  I don't like holding to it as factual--ie, which I think hinders so many people that do this. 

Over the years, I have tried different things to ascertain if anything could be done that would affect the "real" world. So many times, I have flown to my wife, or friends, etc., and observed them in a drunken state. I was intrigued to hear that as being common. Although, I still would recommend that people don't over indulge in meaning there. 

I have also talked to many "supposedly" dead people.  I always tried to find facts that I could prove to be true later.  

I have also experienced having someone or something teach me things.  Well, they presented books with pictures and poems, and even told me that parameci's cause rheumatic fever.:-).  

I have also gone through times of great fear in which I felt shadowy entities pulling at me and/or holding me. That really put a hold on my activity for a few years. And, I still have some more caution than others seem to-ie, I try to keep all possibilities open. 

I have also spent countless OBEs trying to maintain control, to move about for prolonged periods. 

I also had a lot of OBEs where my state turned to more like floating in grey stillness or nothingness-with images that float in and out only sometimes (ie, in some OBEs). 

Anyway, I am certain that there is much to be gained with OBEs, but I have really largely done everything alone.  I would like to learn from a master so to speak -- and not one of the countless people that I expect have even less experience and/or knowledge than me yet speak as though they know all and/or even what the heck is really going on in that state...or those states... 

Anyway, I also want to add that I see lucid dreams, OBEs, astral projects, near death experiences, or what have you to be all part of the same general thing. I am not so fond of use of so many terms, talk of spirituality, of karma, etc.  I see it as basic stuff like breakfast and underwear. 

By the way, I put check marks above in this form, but I don't necessarily assert things in such definite terms to hold that I have truly done things like talk to dozens of dead people.  Yes, it does feel that way, but to conclude so would be--i believe--foolish and limiting, albeit that which humans do best (ie, being creatures consumed by language).

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?     No       I am confident that the best way to really have the best mental clarity, focus, etc., is to eat very purely.  I don't view this as a granola-crunchy type, but as common sense.  Just try eating raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and some meats (sushi is perhaps best) for a week and see for yourself.

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? No      

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?          No      

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?           Typically high alertness.  That is one of the key points of enjoyment.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   Sometimes it is...especially, if I do it without planning to ahead of time--ie, without an agenda.

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     No response            I don't like this question. 

Yes and no and maybe.  I often felt without a body...

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            Varied...often intrigue, excitement, fear, but I typically try to curtail extremes to maintain the state.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           Yes, of course. At the onset, there is buzzing, vibrations.  And at other points.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION:  Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or amazing creatures?    Yes            I did once see that which appeared to be GOD... Who interestingly had human arms, a lions face, a horses hind quarters, etc.  :-). It was one of my favorites. "GOD" also bellowed in such a resonance that is was hard to hear... He/it/she bellowed until I could focus clearly and hear the words more clearly...eg, seeming as though really being a vibrational state kind of thing verses bellowing. 

Well, it was interesting, and perhaps non-sense, or perhaps my one wasted opportunity to kick back with the rather-but-perhaps-not-all-mighty. :-)

Did you meet or see any other beings?           Yes     Yes, often.  What they are, who knows.  I felt like some had died, some were others in my family in unconscious states, some were helpful hiding beings (my favorites) and some were scary leechlike ghostly pests (the scariest). 

They told me lots of things, showed pictures explaining life, and poems, etc., too. :-)

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state? Yes    

Yes, often. So much so that it started to get frustrating...oh well, another dead person...or the like. I really hoped to find some special answers or concrete proof of something... But, no such luck yet.

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?          No       Most people say yes here, but that is likely BS.  I have many almosts, no clear proof.  As an FYI, I did have many recurring tsunami dreams for a few years that I turned to lucid OBEs... They stopped after the tsunami. 

The most striking part of those dreams was how the water just rose over the land like spilling over a cup...

Did you notice how your 5 senses were working, and if so, how were they different?          Yes            Over time, there are so many things... But, a big thing for me initially was the realization that the visual field of view was oval, and blurred around the edges--just like I later realized they are in the "real" world.

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?   Yes     This is a key aspect I have tried to focus on at some times. I have theorized that time is a key aspect.  In this state, it is often that the "real" time is unknown or hard to perceive. I have many thoughts here.  So, not time to write.

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    No response      These are big words filled with gobbledygook.  Yes, of course. And, no.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?                       I have passed thru things...

I have been stuck in a sort of void...although, always able to wake up, but having trouble to get much to happen other than to float in grayness.

Did you become aware of future events?       Uncertain      Who knows... Maybe.