Book Review

A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods

For Working with the Deep Dream State

by Lee Adams

Publisher: Destiny Books

192 Pages

Publication Date: 5/4/21

 

 

From the Publisher….

….Humans interact with the world through symbols. We use them to communicate, to define and study life, to interact with our own minds. Symbols are not only the intentional representations of concepts, such as language; they are also the meaning we imbue objects with. An owl can represent wisdom, winter represents dormancy and death, red means danger or stop, green means go. Even characters–in fiction and in dreams–function on a symbolic level as they personify qualities in the dream world and in ourselves, allowing us to describe something that is unconscious. We are able to navigate our communications and thoughts at lightning speed thanks to symbols.… From the Publisher-Chapter 16. Symbols: Keys to the Unconscious

 

A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods For Working with the Deep Dream State by Lee Adams is a read I was greatly looking forward to. My experience with lucid dreaming has been occasional at best, largely because most of the books available on the subject offered no substantial research, science or basis. So, I admit I was a bit skeptical. No reservations on this one after the first few pages. A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods For Working with the Deep Dream State by Lee Adams fulfilled all my requirements of what I was looking for and then some.

The book contains five (5) parts and thirty (30) chapters providing an in depth look at the science behind dreaming and the way in which we can become active co-creators in that process through the practice of lucid dreaming. It is a wonderful balance of scientific research, proven methods, psychological overlays for consideration and spiritual practice and philosophies to garner a diverse audience.

The Preface begins with An Invitation to the Hero’s Journey and concludes with an introduction of how to use the information forthcoming. The author draws us in relating his affinity for dreaming, the often transparent lucid techniques he was using and his perceived correlates with the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung…

 

… (Joseph Campbell) He calls the Hero’s Journey a magnification of the formula represented in the rites of passage; separation-initiation-return. A crisis initiates the journey, then the hero overcomes an adversary, and then he or she finally returns, changed in some way. Jung called this process individuation, by which he meant the complete actualization of the human being through bringing the conscious and the unconscious into balance.…

 

Mr. Adams invites us to explore not only the techniques of lucid dreaming, but to also give way to the understanding that these are a “road map” to deeper and transformative knowledge of the self. To that end he provides the foundational science and protocols used to engage in lucid dreaming and a spiritual and archetypal attitude that goes a long way in manifesting the intention of personal growth.

Part One: The Dreamer and the Dream provides the basis of information that demonstrates the use of lucid dreaming in many of the ancient civilizations, writings by Aristotle that seem to align with lucid dreaming and its inclusion as astral/energetic workings by the Buddhist monks. Each of the chapters takes the reader through the why’s and the what’s of lucid dreaming before the how. I think this was a very prudent approach in helping to build the confidence and trust required to allow the space for lucid dreaming and to dispel any thoughts of lack of control and fear that may arise.

I particularly found Chapter 3: Consciousness: The Route to “Beyond” to be of great use. Realizing the nature of consciousness as the framework for lucid dreaming is an often overlooked but much needed tool in the success of the endeavor. This aspect is given great consideration in its presentation.

Part Two: Lucid Dreaming: Foundational Techniques provides the reader with very simple yet concise steps towards awakening the ability to lucid dream…

 

… Remember, lucid dreaming is an awareness practice. Anyone can do it….

Ch. 7: The Basics

 

The author provides a Seven Step process that is effective in its simplicity allowing for the intention to be rightly so on the process of practicing how to lucid dream. Suggestions range from easy to expert in skill-building exercises to develop the ability to remember dreams. An outline and the importance for a “Daily Ritual Timeline” provide the structure and commitment required for success.

Chapter 9: Lucid Dreaming the MILD Way offers the reader an opportunity to expand on what has been given as an overview in the previous chapters. We learn that MILD is an acronym for Mnemonic Induced Lucid Dreaming, a popular memory tool that many of us have encountered in school. In its application for lucid dreaming, the experiences of the dream are converted into visual imagery and neural connections are established within the brain that creates the space for memory recall associated with the sensations and experiences occurring. The chapters following give more in depth to several other techniques that may be employed as the dreamer becomes more adept at the process. Reality Checks (Chapter 12) and Out-of-Body Experiences (Chapter 13) conclude this part as integral checks and balances as the process develops and differentiation becomes more necessary.

Part Three: Working with Your Dreams covers the spiritual nuances of lucid dreaming. Topics of discussion are those of guides and guardians, the potentials as outcome of lucid dreaming, dream history and interpretations and decoding the symbology of the dreams. This section is packed with information and seeds of thought that stimulate the desire to explore more and become more fully present and intentional in your lucid dreaming.

Part Four: The Dreamer’s Journey discusses the darker nature of lucid dreaming, the arising of the shadow in this practice and holding the knowledge that lucid dreaming is an adventure to be undertaken as you are ready to expand your awareness. Discussion of the descent into our own psyche, the crossing of the threshold and the guardian that dwells there, as well as the transcendent nature of lucid dreaming are brought into the light. We are brought back to Joseph Campbell’s, “The Hero’s Story” and the organic movement of the hero into the belly of the whale, the point of distress and the need for decision. To be dragged or break free, to sink or to swim. Mr. Adams directs us that these are some of the defining moments of lucid dreaming when we chose to build and create what is not based in reality. Knowing our naturally imposed limits and are points of safeguarding our psyche and selves is stressed.

Part Four continues with this exploration of the psyche, highlighting the resultant trials that will arise within our journeys and the appearance of the Anima, The Divine Feminine and the Animus, the Divine Masculine. These, in Jungian practice being the aspects of our nature that are polarized and the origins from which self-agency is realized.

Part Five: Advanced Tools and Supplements for Lucid Dreaming provides a selection of herbal and other supplements with the appropriate medical cautions. Recipes for teas and recommendations for dosage of these supplements. The author dedicates an entire chapter to the use of Galantamine, a derivative of flower and herb and its use as the primary supplement for lucid dreaming. He cites its efficacy and its discovery in 1947 and use as a drug for Alzheimer’s because of its natural stimulation of the production of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter involved in memory function both in waking and sleep states. In keeping with the author’s ethics, he outlines the possible side-effects, scientific studies and extends the cautionary advice of seeking medical advice before consumption. As with any conscientious guide the book concludes with an Epilogue: A Blessing for the Traveler, for we are indeed travelers in our dream state.

Would I Recommend:

A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods For Working with the Deep Dream State by Lee Adams is a refreshing book amongst the mainstream of titles focused on lucid dreaming and dream states. The author guides the reader through the steps, techniques and foundational knowledge required for successful and confidence building dream sessions. The author’s training and knowledge of science and psychological processes, as well as the apparent spiritual anchor Mr. Adams is drawing from is clearly evident in the writing and organization of the material offered. And, there is a substantial bibliography just waiting to be explored and add more avenues of information to this fascinating subject.

As the author, himself indicates early on, the how to of lucid dreaming can be found in many sources, but the deeper questions of the why and what are too often not part of the formula, for whatever reason. I am really looking forward to the release of A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods For Working with the Deep Dream State by Lee Adams and it will definitely have a place on my bedside table.

About Author Lee Adams:

Lee Adams has been actively researching, practicing, and teaching lucid dreaming for more than 20 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Pacifica Graduate Institute. He runs the podcast Cosmic Echo as well as the dreamer community taileaters.com. He lives in Port Orchard, Washington.

 

A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Methods for Working with the Deep Dream State on Amazon

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About the author:

Robin Fennelly is an Elder within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that serves as foundation for membership within Coven of the Mystic Path.  

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.  A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.

As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25 years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.

Robin’s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.  She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.  She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin.

Robin is the owner of Holistic Embrace providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance and other related offerings.  She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.

Robin’s Website: www.robinfennelly.com

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW: www.covenofthemysticpath.org

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:

For more info: http://www.robinfennelly.com/books.html

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It’s Written in the Stars-Astrology

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature