In occult terminology, the separation of the astral body from the physical body. In psychology it means moving from a position of first person to third person. In some situations, this can be a good thing. For example, it can be a natural response to abuse and violence to protect the mind. However, staying is a dissociated state is a sign of extreme mental illness.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...