Greetings, on the subject of astral projection I studied this for around a year with rather mixed result. Firstly the technique is of the utmost importance as recalling any events that take place while projecting is very difficult as the etheric double re-enters the physical. The author Robert Bruce wrote a book called Astral Dynamics which I would highly recommend reading as the guy is an authority on the subject. I studied his New Energy Ways system which proved most useful. The key to keeping a projection sustained is ensuring there is a good flow of energy to the etheric double. The New Energy Ways system gives a work book of instructions on how to ready yourself. As for risks, there are risks as with anything in this field but as always the key is in the preperation. Fail to prepare then prepare to fail. There are a whole list of problems that could occur, much to extensive to go into here. However many can be overcome with ritual and manipulation of the astral light. If you are skillful with ritual already then many problems can be overcome quite easily, on the other hand if you are a complete beginner be prepared to put in a lot of hard work. Again get the book Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. In my experience it is the most comprehensive guide to projection that you can get.

Daniel /|\