What are some tactics to use for a mage when they are astrally projected??

For example how can an astrally projected mage read a computer screen text in the physical world. Would he have to use the manifesting power of a spirit to do this??

The SR Main book indicated that an astral being could manifest itself into the physical world which is why I made the suggestion to do this and attempt to read the text on the computer screens.

I guess I am a little confused. If an astral being can't read text or interact on the physical world then why go through the trouble of magic/astral security; reading auras are useful in tracking, but not really the emotional state of someone unless you are trying to subtlely manipulate them like using a negotiation or interrogation skill roll.

It just doesn't seem like a high threat risk to me.

Assuming your lucky enough to find a person who is astrally perceiving at the time just how effective is the possession metamagic technque to get around this type of situation.

You can determine where living or magical things are.

Metahumans cannot materialize, they can only manifest. This does not allow them any benefits in interacting with the material world save for the fact that others now have the ability to see the mage/shaman, and to hear them.

~J

Would that mean that the manifesting mage is able to read the text of a sign if people around him can see and hear him??

the reason for magical security is simple...

a) astral mages can scout out the entire floorplans of a "secret" facility and thus allow the team to learn where everything is placed. by watching a person access a datapad, you can determine what a valid code is - even though you can't read the keys, if there are only 10-12 keys, such as with a standard numeric keypad, it is a simple matter to remember what 4 or 5 keys someone pressed to get into a secure area - therefore your tech-wiz doesn't have to waste time on that part of the lock (as long as other measures such as keycards, thumbprints, etc aren't used also)

b) this includes guards and their positions. the mage can also determine how many people are in the facility and their relative locations. the team can then stay away from crowded areas (or go to them, if they are trying to blend in).

and finally,
c) while you cannot read text, you can certainly hear what is going on, thus you can spy on people and get information.

A big point of astral security is to prevent astral forms from listening to your conversations. Many rich folks also use it simply for privacy.

Our team plays that a materialized ally spirit can read text.