Visions, Trances and Altered States

Communing on the astral realm allows one to tap into an endless source of information and guidance.  The technique one uses to access the astral plane and the experiences one has there differ dramatically from individual to individual and from visit to visit.  One technique that is widely used and well-founded throughout the world’s cultures is the inducement of a trance-like state where one might see prophetic visions. 
There are many ways to induce a trance state.  Some of the most practiced are: 

    1. Prayer and religious rituals
    2. Meditation and pranayama, or controlled breathing exercise
    3. Prolific sweating through exercise or a sweat lodge
    4. Dietary extremes such as fasting or thirsting
    5. The introduction of mind-altering drugs such as cannabis or pharmaceuticals

People who experience trances report entering a euphoric state and a sometimes mind or value-altering experience.  While on the spiritual plane they might speak with religious deities or other spiritual beings and often gain knowledge that might induce a dramatic change of life purpose or focus.  Religious conversion is often spurred by experiences that take place while practicing altered state phenomena. 
Religious texts and teachings relate numerous conversions and revelations spurred by visions and trances.  Moses communed with God while on Mount Sinai.  He focused on a “burning bush” and spoke with God, returning to his followers with slabs of stones that bore the commands of God to humankind.  It might sound a bit far-fetched to some, but the experience is not unlike those reported by religious practitioners the world over.  Prophets, Yogis, Shaman and Priests have provided guidance and stability to their followers throughout the millennia by the use of altered state channeling. 
Historically the selection of Shaman and other cultural spiritual leaders begins at a very early age.  Children are observed for signs of psychic ability:  ESP, psycho or telekinesis, clairvoyance, claircognizance, visions and messages from other-worldly beings.  In many native cultures the children who exhibit these skills are surrendered to the Shaman or Priest so that they might hone their skill and prepare to step into the teacher’s role when the time comes.  These concentrated lessons are not unlike the experience of an athlete training their whole life to compete in the Olympics.  Routine application of the modalities of attaining access to the astral plane and channeling information from that realm to enlighten others is necessary in order to achieve a higher degree of success and accuracy in applying psychic ability. 
So where do you start?  A quiet room in low light provides a clean slate … a jumping off point, if you will.  Settle yourself in a comfortable position, be it lying down or sitting up (such as the cross-legged posture assumed by many Yogis when preparing for their trance journey.)  Now clear your mind of extraneous thought … you might envision a pinpoint of light behind your eyes.  Focus on that light, slow your breathing – a long, slow, deep breath in, hold for a few seconds, a long, slow deep breath out.  This will aid you in calming your body and achieving a state of deep relaxation.  If any thoughts push their way into your consciousness, acknowledge them and let them go.  Your goal here is to achieve a state of “nothingness” where you have no conscious thought and are ready to receive.  Simply focus on that pinpoint of light and your breathing.  If you practice breath-induced or sound-induced trances, this is the time to begin.  Change your breathing or begin chanting.  Experiment by changing tone, frequency, pattern and rhythm.  This is a challenging skill to master, but one that gets easier with practice.  You will eventually enter a euphoric state where anything might happen.  Keep an open mind and don’t enter your trance exercise with any preconceived notions of what will happen.  That blocks the energy and offers disappointing results. 
When your time on the astral plane is concluded you will naturally “return to your body” and again become aware of your surroundings.  Take some extra time to enjoy the sensations that linger and the information gained from your travels.  During this transitional period some of the messages will gain clarity.  You should emerge from your session energized and empowered. 

Trances, visions and altered state are very powerful tools for advancing spiritual growth.  Mastering their techniques, however, may take a lifetime.