Projection from concentrating on a candle

I have just started going to this buddhist medation group on sundays and something strange happened today. We did guided meditation followed by some walking meditation. It was during the walking meditation I began to feel in a trance like state. After the walking meditation, we finished with a little more seated meditation. I was concentrating on a candle in the centre of the room and after a while everything around the candle became blurred and cloudy but the candle remained clear. It was here when I had this weird sensation and it felt like I was able see the Astral and could jump out of my body into it. I decided against trying as i didnt think it was such a good idea to project while sat in room full of meditators. (I was afraid my body would lie down suddenly and maybe start snoring!)

A question I have, is it possible to project when concentrating on an object with your eyes open? has anyone done it?
Maybe I should try it at home and see what happens.

Andrew