Which technique do you find most effective for achieving trance or altered states of consciousness?

[dandadan]

It honestly depends on my goal and if I want a light trance or a deeper one. I tend to use different technologies also depending on the goal. Ultimately trance, and meditation, can be thought of like a muscle and the more you use it the better you'll become. Additionally, do not chase the trance; relax your grip and let it come to you.

Breathwork is an extremely important aspect of my trance work. Some common methods I use are Bhastrika Pranayama, Vatakrama Kapalbhati and Surya Bhedana Pranayama. I've also found success with circle breathing and things such as holotropic breathing or Tummo meditation. I will note a lot of these are considered advanced breathwork so please do research, go slowly and it is best to find a qualified teacher to safely guide you. Just maintaining a consistent rhythm with awareness can lead to very powerful trances.

I also incorporate movement. Gently swaying or rocking is something that I do in almost every trance. I also have experimented with spinning and it has lead to some of the most transformational trances I've experienced. Just move obstacles out of the way beforehand and be aware of hard surfaces.

I also incorporate different hypnotic triggers as over time I've built associations with these which make it easier to get into a trance state. For example, I'll wear certain clothing articles with particular colors, I'll have a specific incense burning, I'll wear certain perfume, etc. I do also use music, I like traditional folk songs or songs with heavy percussion but for just trance work this is a personal preference (I do spirit work in trance which does require specific songs but for all other purposes and traditions use what you like).

I think it's also important to have protocols for afterwards particularly if I went into a deeper trance. When I am finished with my trance I will anoint my forehead, wrists and ankles with rose water and take as much time as needed to ground myself back in the present and then I will usually perform some purifications. I also make sure to eat and drink water and rest if needed as trance work can be draining.

Of course, all of this is just what works for me. A lot of this comes from my teachers so it works in my specific spiritual tradition, to those outside of it some of the things listed above will probably be irrelevant. I also edited out some steps I take because they are very tradition-specific and I'm trying to keep it widely applicable. I also have been told I trance in a very "fiery" manner, where if you look at what I do most of it is about raising energy levels and causing excitement. Some people have better success with slowing things down and relaxing into the trance. Trance is a very individual thing and different things will work for different people. I'm happy to answer any questions or explain further as trance is one of the foundations of my spiritual and magical practice.

Thanks again for sharing your experience. Do you have any favorite resources or teachers you’d recommend for someone interested in exploring trancework and breathwork more deeply?

 

[CALLMESNAKE22]

Ive been listening to binural beats and having a youtube video of an anja lamp session playing and it has been working to get deep. I am always looking for new methods though

 

[Gato branco]

Shamanic drumming.

 

[moonbow]

For me the simplest and best method is to simply lie down and start to astral project. The trance comes automatically, the energy and the brainwaves do what they need to do themselves. The deeper you project the deeper the trance. Projecting lying down makes it easier to relax and go deeper than sitting imo.

 

[Reynard]

I've experimented with several techniques and can reach gnosis reasonably quickly - literally within a couple of minutes. It's remaining in this state for prolonged periods which is more difficult for me.

For short-term gnosis - charging a sigil, launching a servitor, banishing - I've had most success with:

• Slow breathing whilst staring at a light source (a candle works, but to be honest, I usually just stare at a lit lightbulb) until my eyes get used to the light and everything looks desaturated - I don't know why, but this makes me so calm, almost lightheaded.
• I also find that closing my eyes, breathing slow and deep, and asking myself, "What is my next thought going to be?" is an effective way of clearing my mind instantly, though this emptiness only works for a couple of minutes for me before my mind starts "waking" up and the mental chatter resumes.
• Habit - for example, a mentagram (in my mind, I draw a pentagram) at the start of every session. It's gotten to the point that my mind knows this is a short-cut to gnosis and my mind instantly clears.

For effective longer-term gnosis, I still do the practices above, but with the addition of:

• Burning incense
• Alcohol (in small quantities). I love a drink, but too much is counter-productive for gnosis (for me, anyway). A single shot of whiskey is about right.
• Masturbation (edging, without orgasm) - when you think about it, I guess this isn't all too different to dance/swaying that others have mentioned already. But it feels nicer

I still enter gnosis just as quickly, but I find it easier to remain there for extended periods. I still fluctuate between "normal" and "higher" consciousness from time to time, but I don't let this frustrate me; I acknowledge my intruding thoughts, and they soon move on.

 

[Sunnylil]

Scanning the space and looking between objects, concentrating on the gaps rather than the objects, with no focus at all.
With enough practice, many subtle details begin to emerge through your peripheral vision.

Separately, repeating mantras while gazing at an empty point on the wall.

 

[querent k]

What is your preferred method for entering a trance state during your practices?

Making art works, instant switch of mental state.
Then look at the altar, play around a bit with the objects there.
It's the same whether it's 'art' or 'wizardry'.

 

[dandadan]

Ive been listening to binural beats and having a youtube video of an anja lamp session playing and it has been working to get deep. I am always looking for new methods though

It's great to hear that binaural beats are working well for you. This is actually the second time I've heard someone mention using them, and it's encouraging to see they're effective for others too. I also enjoy exploring new methods, so I hope this post helps you discover even more techniques to deepen your experience.