My first lucid OBE happened involuntarily around the age of 18. Ever since then it's been happening on and off. If I wanted to, I could do it consciously.
Astral projection is the "projection" of some of your subtle energy fields. Science claims all happens within the mind. Well no **** sherlock all reality and perception happens within the MIND! It does not disprove astral projection- it just means we don't know what the hell it is yet.
It is the ability, for a part of your consciousness to split from your physical field (always linked) into other physical places. Astral projection can only occur when one is in the Alpha state or in between. The easiest way to AP is during this state, AND when you become Lucid in dreams!
I too have had AP's when I'm "weak" it's odd.......This is also the easiest for other beings to tamper with your subtle energies (we won't go into this).
Remote Viewing is a psychic ability in which you are able to extend a portion of your "third eye" (minds eye) perception into a different time and space. All time is actually simultaenous and seems to occur in linear mode because of the level of physicality we three dimensionally encompass. Space is of similar illusion, as 99.9% of all is filled with so called "empty" space.
When one uses "higher" faculties of the mind and spirit, less of the "physical rulesets" apply because you are using aspects of yourself residing in upper dimensions..and less "dense" or higher vibrating reality fields- that you are unknowngly connected to. These are places, where the illusion of "space and time" is less existant.
Astral projection and Remote viewing is different. Astral projection, you are able to explore both physical and slightly higher vibrating aspects of Plantery Consciousness (I view the astral, as the "shared dream world" of the entire planet) and is highly influenced by your emotional self. You are literally, in what appears to be your own body (only a holographic "thoughtform" of yourself) and can traverse freely, "fly," go through walls, etc. In this mode, there is sitll some physicality, its just much less "prevalent."
Astral Projection can be dangerous nowadays for those of you like me, who have encountered less than "friendlies" out there.
Yes you can see your own body, yes you can see people around you, houseses, family etc.
They appear more colorful and things vibrate. They are more fluid- this is more of how reality is really like.