Attempting AP, but ...

Hi, new member here, hopefully this would be the right area for posting this question I have.

Now, I have attempted AP three times, but don't know wether or not I should continue or give up. The thing is, I do believe / think I am successful, all three have been from a state of laying down, so all I should do is rise up - but therein lies the problem.

First attempt.
The room is dark, before me against the wall and ceiling I have a black / shadowy entity with only what you can describe as... "tentacles" or "flames" waving slowly behind / on it. I have never felt to be in as much danger as I did then.
Everything was cold, the pressure and unclear intent had me decide to end the session.

Second attempt.
There is now vague lighting in the room.
I caught the entity in the corner of my eye this time, it was the one and same as from the first attempt. I lay still and do not attempt to rise, the pressure and cold is still here, all we do is observe one another? Is it attempting to hide and wait for me to get up?

Third attempt.
The entity is nowhere to be seen, yet I can still feel its presence everywhere in the room, the decision to attempt to at the very least sit up is made, and at the very instant I try this, the cold and pressure increareses, I do indeed feel like I am in danger each and every time I attempt this.

Since the third attempt, I haven't tried again and left it at that.

So...
Should I give up AP, and continue having fun in my dreams instead?
Most importantly, what is this entity? Should I fear it? Advice would be great.

The dark shadowy figure is usually encountered during sleep paralysis fear kicks in because u can't move or speak while this shadowy entity seems to be nearing towards you. Usually I do like u and end the session some way or another however I know enough now to use the sleep paralysis to induce a lucid dream or concentrate on inducing vibrations for separation. The best time to separate or ap is immediately upon awakening from sleep which we do several tes during the night. Namaste and gd luck!

Lucidology calls this, "The Dweller at the Threshold Phenomenon." There is nothing to fear. Relax, let go, focus your attention away from your body and continue your attempt.

Alternatively you could run a mental movie where you fly straight up into the realm of God. Pure white light. You could then draw down that light into yourself and see your body filled with it. Then make your attempt. There are also other sorts of protection techniques that people use.

If it were me I would use the Bene Gesserit (Dune) "Litany Against Fear" as a mantra:

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain."

Man I LOVE the Dune universe! I've watched the min-series over and over again. I wonder of the author got that from a dream?
- DreamBliss

Maaaan tell that mutha to GTFO of your room!

Nah but seriously I too have perceived this octopus like thing in SP and it wasn't pretty. But, you are a very powerful individual and human intent is very strong indeed. SO lets create positive intent, do a lil meditation where you lie down and imagine your body filling with white light from the top of your head and becoming very bright, soon it expands outwards into your aura then keeps going to fill your whole room with beautiful, loving light coming from the most high. Make that last 5+ minutes. Be happy, air out your room even if its hella cold and smell that fresh air waft in. Aaah. Then next time you try to AP do as DreamBliss suggested with the white light visualization again, and intend to go to the highest plane possible when you project your etheric body. But just also know, KNOW, that you are protected and that you have the light inside of you to absolutely send that thing running and screaming.
Good luck man, all the best!

In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil’s might,
Beware my power… Green Lantern’s light!

Then imagine a glowing surge of light emitted from your body as you float gracefully up in the air with a smirk on your face. :P