I’ve been using this technique for quite a long time, as a replacement for standard meditation. Several years ago, I had an astral experience with a mystical coyote (it may sound cliché, but it wasn’t). This being taught me the keys and foundations of shamanic trance. From there, I continued studying and learning until I had essentially mastered the theory and put it into practice. I could easily write my own book on the subject — about both group trances and the canoe method (I won’t go into details here) — as well as solitary trances, which is where I’ll focus.
Let me first say that I’m familiar with the methods of reaching trance states through psychoactive substances such as Ayahuasca, peyote, mescaline, etc. However, I neither recommend nor approve of their use — at least not without supervision. Now then, let’s get into the subject.
We must distinguish between two types of shamanic trances: the shamanic journey and the SCC (Shamanic State of Altered Consciousness). I’ll focus on the latter, as it’s the core of my practice.
The SCC is an alternative state of consciousness, different from the ordinary state, in which the shaman travels to non-ordinary realms to heal and obtain knowledge.
How to enter an SCC trance
The practitioner should withdraw to a quiet place, free from distractions and external stimuli. I strongly recommend preparing a speaker or sound system to play a steady, rhythmic drumbeat without variation.
Example:
The practitioner may sit or lie down — I personally advise lying flat on the floor, facing the ceiling.
The first step is to set a clear intention for the journey. For example:
“I want to meet my spirit animal.”
“I seek wisdom about X.”
The practitioner should then close their eyes and allow their awareness to merge with the drumbeat, letting themselves be carried away by it, their consciousness drawn into the rhythmic sound.
There will come a moment when the sense of “self” dissolves — this is the most challenging part of the entire SCC experience. The practitioner must then mentally travel to a remote area: it could be a forest, a moor, a desert…
Once in that location, it’s highly recommended to visualize and feel every detail — the sounds, the texture of things, the wind. The more real it feels, the more emotion it evokes, the better.
Once you’re in that environment, imagine a hole in the ground — perhaps in the trunk of a tree with long stairs descending, or a tunnel in the sand, a cave, a grotto, whatever fits your context and feels right.
Now the practitioner should begin to descend. Each step represents a deeper level of hypnosis; every movement takes you further into another world. Listen to the drums — rely on them. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be in a state of deep meditation.
CAUTION: If at any point during the experience you visualize reptiles, amphibians, shadows, dark stains, or any similar presence — run back, return to the entrance, and stop the exercise. I won’t explain why here, but it’s the only real danger to watch out for. Just do it.
Once that’s done, the practitioner will find themselves in an entirely unfamiliar landscape. Don’t force anything — just explore. At some point, you may be visited by an animal, a humanoid figure, a teacher… or perhaps nothing at all. That’s fine — sometimes the answers lie in the subtlest things.
Experience it fully, but don’t stay longer than ten minutes. Set an alarm if necessary. When it’s time, say goodbye to anyone you may have met or who may have helped you, and return the way you came. Once you’re back on the surface, you may open your eyes. Write down your results — though these experiences are often so vivid that you’ll remember them completely. I recall each and every one of my trances in full detail.
I hope this has been helpful. Depending on the needs and questions that come up, I’ll continue to share more information or offer guidance to those who need it.
Let me first say that I’m familiar with the methods of reaching trance states through psychoactive substances such as Ayahuasca, peyote, mescaline, etc. However, I neither recommend nor approve of their use — at least not without supervision. Now then, let’s get into the subject.
We must distinguish between two types of shamanic trances: the shamanic journey and the SCC (Shamanic State of Altered Consciousness). I’ll focus on the latter, as it’s the core of my practice.
The SCC is an alternative state of consciousness, different from the ordinary state, in which the shaman travels to non-ordinary realms to heal and obtain knowledge.
How to enter an SCC trance
The practitioner should withdraw to a quiet place, free from distractions and external stimuli. I strongly recommend preparing a speaker or sound system to play a steady, rhythmic drumbeat without variation.
Example:
The practitioner may sit or lie down — I personally advise lying flat on the floor, facing the ceiling.
The first step is to set a clear intention for the journey. For example:
“I want to meet my spirit animal.”
“I seek wisdom about X.”
The practitioner should then close their eyes and allow their awareness to merge with the drumbeat, letting themselves be carried away by it, their consciousness drawn into the rhythmic sound.
There will come a moment when the sense of “self” dissolves — this is the most challenging part of the entire SCC experience. The practitioner must then mentally travel to a remote area: it could be a forest, a moor, a desert…
Once in that location, it’s highly recommended to visualize and feel every detail — the sounds, the texture of things, the wind. The more real it feels, the more emotion it evokes, the better.
Once you’re in that environment, imagine a hole in the ground — perhaps in the trunk of a tree with long stairs descending, or a tunnel in the sand, a cave, a grotto, whatever fits your context and feels right.
Now the practitioner should begin to descend. Each step represents a deeper level of hypnosis; every movement takes you further into another world. Listen to the drums — rely on them. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be in a state of deep meditation.
CAUTION: If at any point during the experience you visualize reptiles, amphibians, shadows, dark stains, or any similar presence — run back, return to the entrance, and stop the exercise. I won’t explain why here, but it’s the only real danger to watch out for. Just do it.Once that’s done, the practitioner will find themselves in an entirely unfamiliar landscape. Don’t force anything — just explore. At some point, you may be visited by an animal, a humanoid figure, a teacher… or perhaps nothing at all. That’s fine — sometimes the answers lie in the subtlest things.
Experience it fully, but don’t stay longer than ten minutes. Set an alarm if necessary. When it’s time, say goodbye to anyone you may have met or who may have helped you, and return the way you came. Once you’re back on the surface, you may open your eyes. Write down your results — though these experiences are often so vivid that you’ll remember them completely. I recall each and every one of my trances in full detail.
I hope this has been helpful. Depending on the needs and questions that come up, I’ll continue to share more information or offer guidance to those who need it.
