Understanding Altered States of Consciousness

To understand what an altered state of consciousness (ASC) is, let’s turn to reputable scientific sources like Wikipedia and psychology texts. An altered state of consciousness refers to significant changes in a person’s subjective experiences and psychological functioning compared to certain behavioral norms, as observed by themselves or others. Subjective experiences are the unique, individual ways each person thinks and perceives the world.

Short-term, naturally occurring altered states of consciousness are common in healthy individuals. For example, the altered state of consciousness during sleep is a physiological necessity for humans. To put it more simply, an altered state of consciousness is a condition in which there are significant changes in a person’s thinking, perception, physical and emotional sensations, behavior, and intellectual abilities.

Altered states of consciousness can be classified as:

• Spontaneous: Occur as a result of physical activity, listening to monotonous speech or music, experiencing stress, or acute pain.
• Artificially induced: Caused by taking psychoactive substances or changing breathing rhythms.
• Psychotechnically induced: Associated with hypnotic trance, meditation, or religious rituals.

Trance States: How to Enter Them

One type of ASC is the trance state. While trance is often thought of as a supernatural phenomenon, in reality, we experience light trance states almost daily without realizing it. Think about times when you:

• Are absorbed in an interesting book or movie
• Listen to your favorite music
• Walk or drive a familiar route “on autopilot” while your mind drifts
• Experience emotional or mental tension
• Engage in creative activities or hobbies
• Feel euphoria from traveling or viewing art
• Participate in sports or dance

In all these cases, your consciousness focuses on a single sensation or thought, disconnecting from the “irrelevant” outside world. Deep trance, also called the “highest degree of awareness,” is achieved through meditation or hypnosis.

Types of Altered States of Consciousness

Theory is great, but it’s easier to understand any phenomenon through concrete examples. Here are some forms of altered states of consciousness:

• Hypnosis: An ASC resulting from targeted influence by a hypnotist or self-suggestion. It’s an intermediate state between wakefulness and sleep. In a hypnotic trance, a person can recall and rethink past events, overcome psychological trauma, gain control, and break bad habits.
• Sleep: The only natural ASC provided by human physiology. During sleep, the body and mind recover. Sometimes, people literally “see” solutions to their problems in dreams.
• Meditation: A process of gradually relaxing the body while focusing attention on bodily sensations, breathing, or a specific object. This “unloads” the mind from negative emotions, uncontrolled thoughts, and external irritants. In meditation, people can mentally ask questions and receive answers from the surrounding space.
• Psychoactive substances: Alcohol, nicotine, and drugs have a destructive effect on the human body, especially the brain. Consciousness doesn’t just change—it degrades, leading to hallucinations and mental disorders.
• Coma: A type of consciousness disorder where a person loses connection with reality and mental activity ceases. It results from severe brain injury, inflammation, or poisoning.
• “Shamanic journey”: An ancient method of exploring parallel realities beyond physical senses, involving a shift to another energetic spectrum. Insights and knowledge gained in this state can lead to spiritual breakthroughs and help solve everyday problems.
• Pathological states: ASCs can occur due to prolonged starvation, dehydration, sleep deprivation, or high fever.

Pros and Cons of Entering Altered States of Consciousness

Altered states of consciousness and the ways to enter them are beneficial only when they occur naturally and positively affect physical and mental health. Light trance from sports, creativity, or connecting with nature helps relieve stress and negative emotions by shifting attention away from unfavorable circumstances, allowing the mind to relax.

Deep sleep, meditation, or hypnosis allow people to access information from their subconscious. The subconscious is believed to interact directly with the energy-information field of the universe, enabling you to obtain answers, program life events, or even heal illnesses.

However, attempting to alter consciousness with alcohol or drugs leads to tragic results. Initially, a person may feel an incredible expansion of consciousness and see the universe in vivid colors, feeling superior to “ordinary people.” But this is temporary and ends in complete personality breakdown. To use a blunt analogy, trying to expand your mind with drugs is like trying to warm yourself in the cold by wetting your pants: it’s warm for a minute, but then… The only justified use of narcotics is for medical anesthesia during surgery.

How to Enter an Altered State of Consciousness

Now, let’s get practical! To learn how to enter an altered state of consciousness, you need to master changing your brain’s wave vibrations. Brain rhythms are directly linked to our states of consciousness. There are four main brainwave levels:

• Beta waves: The natural state of wakeful consciousness. Brainwave frequency: 14–37 Hz. Breathing rate: 12–18 breaths per minute.
• Alpha waves: A passive, relaxed state. Associated with meditation, hypnosis, and daydreaming. Brainwave frequency: 8–13 Hz. Breathing rate: 7–11 breaths per minute.
• Theta waves: The state of REM sleep, where mental images rise from the subconscious. This is the level of “shamanic journey,” with a sense of unity with the universe. Brainwave frequency: 5–7 Hz. Breathing rate: 5–6 breaths per minute.
• Delta waves: Deep sleep, general anesthesia, or unconsciousness. Characterized by insensitivity to stimuli. Brainwave frequency: 0.6–5 Hz. Breathing rate: 2–5 breaths per minute.

Practical Steps to Enter an Altered State

1. In a calm, private setting, close your eyes and feel a deeper level of inner silence. Detach from external sounds and events. Relax your muscles and focus on pleasant images. Don’t try to abruptly stop your thoughts—this can have the opposite effect. Instead, observe your thoughts without judgment, letting your consciousness flow smoothly. You’re now ready to shift from harsh material reality to a subtler perception of the world.
2. From your stream of thoughts, select the image that is most attractive and interesting to you. Once you’re sure this image is harmonious for you, begin to wrap it in layers of thought-forms. A fully formed thought-form will give you a sense of complete inner unity between images, feelings, and the universe’s informational field. (A thought-form is a living construct created by your thoughts. It exists in the astral world but hasn’t yet materialized. You create and energize it with your imagination.)
3. Now, observe and feel the psychological space you’ve created. If you maintain deep focus on your chosen object, you’ll feel your concentration shift into a kind of “parallel” space. Don’t try to catch every detail—just follow the flow. If you feel fear or discomfort, ease your focus and return your attention to the physical world. Gradually and gently adapt to the changes you experience.