Out-of-Body and other experiences

Hi, a number of years ago I had a a couple (or maybe more, I don't remember exactly) out-of-body experiences. I specifically remember one incident where I was talking to someone and then suddenly realized that I was looking down at myself talking from above. None of them lasted very long.
Also a number of years ago, I had a bunch of experiences where I would wake up at night terrified, paralyzed, and unable to speak or scream. I have read that this happens when you have been astral travelling and your soul re-enters your body after the trip. I would like to hear a shamanic perspective on this, though, as the book I read about it was by Sylvia Browne, who is more of a New Age, neo-Christian psychic.
In addition, I was wondering if there is anything to be feared with an out-of-body experience.
I have had panic attacks for a few years now, and I think they may be related in part to a fear of strange states of consciousness that I fail to comprehend (thus the fear). I have also done a lot of psychedelics and had some bad trips, thus amplifying my fear of "altered states."
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