I've recently had a renewed interest in Astral Projection, and have been pouring over articles and fourms regarding the subject. I was wondering if experience APers would mind answering a few questions that I can't seem to find direct info on:

1. When you Astral Project, does it feel different than Lucid Dreaming? - I have to admit, my lucid dream skills are lacking, and I often find myself fighting to remain in my dream, rubbing my hands, etc. When you AP, are you essentially just "out" of your body without the same struggle until you make the conscious effort to return or get jolted back by extreme emotion, whatever?

2. Is it difficult to visit people on the physical plane? i.e: Visit family that you haven't seen in awhile, etc.?

3. If so, do animals in the physical realm see you? Haha.

4. Can you "run into" people who you know who might be astral projecting?

5. Can you enter someone else's dream while Astral Projecting?

Also, if you could point me to techniques that have worked for you, I would appreciate it. I keep reading about as many techniques as I can.