Astral Projection questions...

[Sheep]

I've been doing a lot of research on Astral Projection/Travel and the such Plane for a couple of weeks... But I dont want to just jump into something like this without understanding it just a little bit more.

First, I had a severe sleep paralysis problem about 1 year ago (that happened 5 - 7 times a week for about 3 months). And it scared me. A lot. I kept telling myself it was just stress and sleep patterns (and it probably was) but I had this one time where it felt like I'd successfully gone into the Astral Plane.

So, I believe its possible, but I am atheist (but interested in the occult at the same time?). But does this lack of religious belief send me to lower vibrations? I'm also somewhat naturally negative, as a stressed teenager (14) who cant relate to her peers. I'm afraid this loneliness and spite of others can attract unwanted things in the planes... Nonetheless, I'm capable of being happy and positive. Maybe just not as easily...

Thus, leading to another question. How do you get to higher vibrations? I wonder if its even possible to do in the beginning... But I really want to avoid bad things.

As for the actual process of getting to the Astral Plane... Is it better to do in the morning or at night? Not meditation wise, but more... how does the plane differ with the times of the day? Does it even matter? I'm guessing "in order to see things, light needs to reflect off them" doesnt apply? Basically, I want to see what I'm doing without any extra darkness nighttime may provide.

And finally,
How do you protect yourself? Technically, in any case of trouble, one can return to their body and "wake up", but still. I cant help but wonder if spirits are attracted to Astral Travelers when he/she is outside the Astral Plane. If I'm in the AP, what can I use to defend myself? If I'm not in the AP, but am targeted by something in the AP, what do I do then? I've heard spirits sometimes follow travelers, even when they're not having a projection...

I dont want to spiritually harm myself, whether in or outside the Astral Plane... And I dont want to harm others! As in, i dont want to accidentally offend anything in the AP...

Any questions to these answers would really help me relax and feel better about Astral Projection! I think it would be good to experience... But I'm starting to do research on Lucid Dreaming... maybe that's better for me?

Anyway, thank you!

[MiBeloved]

I would suggest reading up some more on the topic and learn how to meditate.
When you get some expertise in meditation, the tackle astral projection because then fear will be eliminated and you will have more control over dream and trance states.