The Shamanic State of Consciousness
The Brain as a Machine
Our brains are the seat of our consciously aware mind, and the processing center of sensory perception and symbolic awareness. It needs to be stated that our five physical senses take their directions from our expectations. This developed early and reinforced by believes, such as, "I'll believe it when I see it." If you want to expand your awareness into greater levels of consciousness, the saying should be, "I'll see it when I believe it."
Our focus in this work is with the small, pine-cone-shaped gland at the geometric center of the brain. Many spiritual practitioners refer to this gland as the third eye, eye of Horus, etc. This is primarily so because it is intimately linked to our body’s perception of light.
The pineal gland converts the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin (a neurotransmitter) and in turn into melatonin. As the function of the pineal gland weakens through calcification, or other chemical exposures, the brain’s ability to produce a balanced range of electrical patterns is negatively affected. All humans display five different types of electrical patterns or brain waves across the cortex: gamma, beta, alpha, theta and delta. Each brain wave has a purpose and helps serve us in optimal mental functioning. Our brain’s ability to become flexible and/or transition through various brain wave frequencies plays a large role in how successful we are at managing stress, focusing on all tasks (mundane or spiritual), getting a good night’s sleep and recalling experiences from the dream state. If one of the five types of brain waves is either overproduced and/or under produced, it can cause problems at the deeper levels of conscious recall.
Most of our modern social activities are focused around the beta level (conscious) to the exclusion of the importance of the other levels of perception. Entry into the dream state happens at the alpha level (preconscious), deepens into common dream images at the theta level (unconscious) and becomes lucid at the delta level (subconscious). Because there is such an emphasis on the beta level, we modern humans dismiss the other states of mind as unimportant to our real experience of life.
In our world of processed foods and artificial products, the lucid dream experiences can be greatly enhanced by regulating the types of foods we eat or the beverages we drink. This regulation extends to the cleansing and beautifying products we use to enhance our appearance, and the supplements we take to increase our every-day functionality. The reason: our artificial food and products calcify the primary center in our brains that empowers symbolic language – our pineal gland. One product in particular, sodium fluoride, affects our ability to imagine, envision or recall experiences from the dream state. After decades of study, there is no clear evidence that fluoride helps the human body in any way. To the contrary, it directly causes calcification around the pineal gland. This calcification process is caused by constant exposure to substances like fluoride which build up in the body over time. Toothpaste, public water systems, hormones, food additives, excess sugar, packaged black tea and sweeteners in your diet or even regular exposure to cell phones has been linked to the phenomenon of calcifying the pineal gland.
The inability of the brain to work in a balanced state causes anxiety within the human psyche. Anxiety is stress. Stress is a big factor in our inability to remain aware as we reach theta levels of consciousness – the gateway to extrasensory perception. What to do: a regular practice of meditation to expand mindfulness; purposeful work to actualize your mind, mental and physical exercise to unite body and spirit, good nutrition to satisfy hunger and plenty of sleep to heal the body is all that is needed to be extra perceptual all the time.
There are a couple of shortcuts:
Cleansing the body to bring a balance to brain chemistry. A colon and liver cleanse can help in balancing body chemistry. Dr. Hulda Clark has several excellent cleansing techniques that are free on the internet, such as the liver cleanse at https://drclarkstore.com/dr-clark-purity-liver-gallbladder-cleanse-directions/. To directly affect the pineal gland try: Warm water – 250ml – with three tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar taken at bedtime will decalcify the pineal gland. (Product note: Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules). You can also use baking soda with the apple cider vinegar: mix three table spoons of vinegar with a pinch of food-grade baking soda. Let the mixture stop fizzing, then pour in the warm water. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid that works quickly to help detoxify the pineal gland. Other fast acting natural products are Neem extract and oregano oil. Both can be used as an agent that will break down calcium shells from nanobacteria in the pineal gland. Tamarind bark, leaves or pulp can help to flush fluoride out through your urine.
To help with all the other suggestions – use vitamin B6 daily – around 250mg. In 2007, a double-blind study at Johns Hopkins University revealed that participants who took a daily 250mg B6 supplement reported a significant increase in dream content – as measured in dream vividness, emotionality, enhanced color and detailed recall. In the study they found that tryptophan, an important amino acid combines with vitamin B6, transforming into serotonin and niacin in the liver which directly enhances sleep patterns. This also helps the body regulate appetite and mood. Low levels of tryptophan are also linked with poor dream recall. Tryptophan helps to improve blood circulation, enhance memory and lower cholesterol, making it an essential amino acid to improve your overall health and well being.
Some foods that are rich in tryptophan are:
Chicken (4 oz) gives 0.41g tryptophan Soybeans (1 cup) gives 0.39g tryptophan Turkey (4 oz) gives 0.38g tryptophan Tuna (4 oz) gives 0.38g tryptophan Venison (4 oz) gives 0.36g tryptophan Lamb (4 oz) gives 0.35g tryptophan Salmon (4 oz) gives 0.35g tryptophan Halibut (4 oz) gives 0.34g tryptophan Shrimp (4 oz) gives 0.33g tryptophan Cod (4 oz) gives 0.29g tryptophan
The above list is a little meat-heavy, and if you’re a vegetarian it doesn’t give many options. So here are five more veggie-friendly foods:
Kidney Beans (1 cup) gives 0.18g tryptophan Pumpkin Seeds (0.25 cup) gives 0.17g tryptophan Tofu (4 oz) gives 0.14g tryptophan Cheese (1 oz) gives 0.09g tryptophanSoy
Sauce (1 tbsp) gives 0.03g tryptophan
To a lesser degree, these fruits eaten raw also influence a more active dream state:
Apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, avocados, pineapple and peaches.
Legal Psychedelics
The following legal psychedelics can be safely consumed having minimal effect on waking consciousness, and will only exhibit their effects when you fall into a natural state of sleep. The use of these mild psychedelics is to promote a deeper conscious connection within your spirit to universal mind. Once connected, the use of these natural psychedelics can be curtailed. You must remember that it is not the effect of these psychedelics that are producing your experience - they are simply opening a gateway for your conscious awareness to expand into your soul consciousness.
Recommendations About Taking Legal Psychedelics
DO NOT TAKE ANY OF THESE LISTED PLANTS IF YOU SUFFER FROM A CHRONIC DISEASE THAT REQUIRES DAILY MEDICATION, UNLESS CHECKED BY YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.
If you plan on smoking any of the plants listed in this article, I would encourage you to use a vaporizer for your own health. The right herb grinder can also do wonders in making the process easier. Smoking the herb does give you a more intense experience – more intense is not always better. Subtle exploration of your mind is preferable. There is no rush to discovery. Using a water pipe is also a good alternative if you are set on smoking any herbs.
It is recommended that you research any substance that you plan to consume. It would be best if you would grow them yourself. Keep in mind that the type, quality, age, storage and care of these herbs are all factors that will influence your experience with them. Not only that, the most comfortable setting and right dosage, along with creating a strong enough intention are essential elements that must be carefully considered before exploring the depths of your mind.
1. CALEA ZACATECHICHI (Mexican Dream Herb) ~ LUCID DREAMS
Calea is the most widely recommended of all dream herbs. The Chontal Indians of Mexico used this shrub traditionally for lucid dreaming. Get seeds and grow your own if possible, the fresher the herb is, the greater the effect. Calea can be consumed in tea (the flavor is pungent and bitter) or by smoking the dried leaves. A combination of smoking and drinking an infusion of the herb before bed, setting intention and focusing on one’s heartbeat creates the ideal conditions for dream-time spiritual journeying. If you are a nonsmoker, investigate using a vaporizer.
Effects: Apart from the intensification of visual imagery during sleep, you may find yourself feeling a sense of well-being, light-headedness and clarity the day after.
Use: Taking at least five grams of this herb is required to be effective for most people. Drink the herb before bed, keep an intent in mind before falling asleep (example, “I want to access the Akashic Records”) and repeat for several nights until lucid dreaming occurs.
2. ARTEMISA VULGARIS (Mugwort) ~ ASTRAL WORK/OUT-OF-BODY
Mugwort has long been used by many cultures for prophetic dreaming and astral traveling (its Paiute name translates literally to “Dream Plant”). Smoking the herb directly into the lungs, or burning it as incense in the afternoon, assists with lucid dreaming. Drinking the calming, liver cleansing tea before sleep may also keep you longer in a conscious dream state (REM sleep). This herb often helps one heal while dreaming. Some users report having darker dreams that reveal hidden insights and core wounds, helping them to find closure.
Caution: Avoid this herb if you are pregnant. Mugwort relaxes the uterus in women and should never be drunk, smoked or even touched by expectant mothers. Mugwort is also potentially allergenic to people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. If you are a nonsmoker, investigate using a vaporizer.
Effects: Apart from the intensification of prophetic visual imagery during sleep, this herb magnifies the brilliance of your dreams and overall duration of your sleep. It is also popular among herbalists to aid in relieving menstrual pains, joint pains and headaches.
Use: 1 teaspoon per cup. Pour boiling water over the herb, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Drink or smoke before going to bed (Mugwort has a floral taste when smoked).
3. HEIMIA SALICIFOLIA (Sun Opener) ~ FOCUSED MEMORY
This plant was called Sinicuichi (or Sun Opener) by the Aztecs and is still used by Mexican shamans as a trance divination catalyst. This herb is regarded as sacred in that it enables vivid recollection of past distant events. Some users I have worked with have even reported the remembrance of pre-birth events!
Effects: Apart from the intensification of prophetic visual imagery during sleep, Sun Opener causes a yellowing of the vision and altered acoustic perception.
Use: Traditionally, fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt. The leaves are then put into a cup or jar, cool water is added, and the mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the “elixir of the sun”.
4. CELASTRUS PANICULATUS (Intellect Tree) ~ SHARPER THOUGHTS
Celastrus paniculatus is a shrub used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Celastrus seeds and oil have long been regarded in India as beneficial to the intellect and memory which makes it a wonderful supplement in dream recollection. Apart from its effectiveness as a dream enhancer, Celastrus is a great mental stimulant, or nootropic, that increases your mental “sharpness.”
Effects: Apart from the intensification of visual imagery during sleep, Celastrus is an effective brain tonic.
Use: Take 5-10 seeds one hour before bedtime for 3 to 5 days until vivid dreaming occurs.
5. SILENE CAPENSIS (Xhosa Dream Root) ~ PROPHETIC DREAMS
Silene is regarded by the Xhosa people of Africa as a sacred plant. Its roots are traditionally used by shamans to promote lucid dream states in healers and other shamans during initiation ceremonies. It is noted as a “teaching plant” that is considered highly sacred.
Effects: Intensification of visual imagery during sleep.
Use: Mix this herb in small amounts in water and consume prior to sleeping. Silene also makes an interesting tasting tea but it can be bitter.
6. NYMPHAEA CAERULEA (Blue Lotus) ~ DEEP SLEEP
Although it is nicknamed the Blue Egyptian Lotus, the Nymphaea Caerulea herb is actually a Water Lilly that shares no connection to the actual lotus flower. Nymphaea was used as a sacrament in ancient Egypt as a mild sedative. Today, the herb is used by herbalists to treat insomnia, but it has also been reported to induce lucid dreaming.
Effects: Improves quality of sleep and may intensify visual imagery.
Use: This herb is typically consumed in teas, elixir extracts, or by smoking it. If you have trouble dreaming or if you find yourself frequently waking up during dreams, blue lotus is a great supplement to use alongside one of the other substances mentioned in this article.
7. ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS (Tian Men Dong) ~ SPIRIT ALIGNMENT
Tian Men Dong is one of the world’s top adaptogens and is also know as the “Wild Asparagus Root” in English, and “Shatawari” in Ayurvedic medicine. The Chinese word for wild asparagus root is Tian Men Dong, or “heavenly spirit herb,” as it was cherished by shamans, monks, and yogis for its heart-opening effects. Chinese Taoist monks placed much value on dream work, nicknaming Wild Aspagarus as “The Flying Herb”; they found it effective to help one fly through the universe at night, achieving magnificent dreams and moving in alignment with the spirit.
Effects: Improves quality of sleep, induces relaxation and stress relief, serves as a good anti-depressant and stimulates “flying dreams.”
Use: 1 to 3 grams per day in a concentrated form.
8. ENTADA RHEEDII (African Dream Bean) ~ SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS
Traditionally used in African medicine to induce vivid dreams and enable communication with the spirit world, Entada facilitates entry into the dream world, and promotes increased REM awareness. This makes it easier for the sleeper to realize that they are dreaming and thus gives them an edge in achieving lucidity. Entada contains several active compounds, essential oils and alkaloids.
Effects: Improves sleeping states by increasing depth, length and awareness.
Use: The inner meat of the seed is consumed directly, or the meat is chopped, dried, mixed with other herbs and smoked just before sleep to induce the desired dreams. If you are a nonsmoker, investigate using a vaporizer.
Regional Chemical Energy Pathways
To get a better idea of the different pathways – serotonin paths generate a whole brain experience, whereas, the dopamine paths concentrate in the frontal cortex. The whole brain allows for the balanced brain wave pattern necessary for extrasensory perception.
Brain diagram image source: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45159949