From: "Bryan Chandler" (Tokabowla@worldnet.att.net)
To: obiwan@ghosts.org
Subject: Regarding your "Old Hag" FAQ...
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 18:09:12 -0500
Hey great page! This is regarding your "Old Hag" thing on your FAQ pages. I have an alternate explanation that while still classifies itself as "paranormal", but actually has nothing to do with ghosts.
Many as I do believe that the experience of sleep paralyses is actually due to an Out Of Body Experience. Ever lay in your bed, on the edge of sleep, not thinking of anything, and suddenly have the sensation your falling, as if through your bed?! Realizing this you suddenly "catch" yourself, and jump up in your bed. I've had this feeling many times throughout my life.
There are those (myself included) who believe that this is the sensation of your soul or "astral body" leaving your physical body. At some point while on the edge of sleep, it's believed that your physical body infact does fall asleep, however your consciousness or "astral body" actually doesn't join you in sleep, but rather becomes disconnected from your physical body. There are those who claim to do this regularly, and can travel anywhere there hearts may desire, and that there is no actual "time" experience in this state. Many claim of being able to go to friends houses who live hundreds, possibly thousands of miles away and listening in on conversations that their friends may have with others, and later being able to describe these conversations to their friends that they could not possibly of heard! Other things similar to this are apparently possible.
Strange buzzing or "frying" sounds, and the feeling of a heavy weight upon the body are also associated with the entering of the OBE state, along with the feeling of being "pushed into and through the bed". These strange sounds and feelings may explain the "Old Hag" experience.
As far as I know there is no danger of death, or not being able to return to your sleeping body. Infact it is said that you can return at any time you wish. If you experience this phenomenon, and are able to not "catch yourself", you just might be able to experience an OBE. I however have never personally been able to keep from "catching" myself from the falling sensation. I suppose when your on the edge of sleep, your instincts act before your consciousness can interject.
Bryan C.
This page (http://www.ghosts.org/faq/hagastral.html) last updated April 13, 2005.