A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming

Mr Adams has written a guide to sleeping adventures . I read about lucid dreaming many years ago and thought about it at times. It sounded like a fun thing to do and also something that can bring healing . The problem was, how to do it. After trying various methods with some success I gave it up as I had trouble sleeping due to stress and illness. This book is the answer to my situation. Finally a way to look at the whole process of sleep and the way to get lucid while there. To be honest I never knew there were various vitamins and herbs that taken in a conscious good way will allow me to possibly have lucid dreaming more often . Common things that I never knew had anything to do with sleep but actually have a lot to do with the lucid times when it feels like I am in another world just like this one but I know I am asleep! This book does a great job of explaining how to go about getting a better nights rest and finding yourself in a lucid dream. The section on how to relax before bed was a real eye opener for me as this is important too. I am working on lucid dreaming now and look forward to going to sleep at night. This book opens a whole new world for the curious.

A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming is a detailed guide to develop lucid dreaming which in turn will lead to better sleep and a greater understanding of self. The book is well organized into five parts, beginning with a general introduction to lucid dreaming and moving through techniques, analysis and advanced tools for the process.

Lucid dreaming is an altered state of consciousness, a “practice of the imagination” that is also described as “the space between reality.” Simply, it is similar to a mindful meditation. Author Lee Adams suggests ways to improve the quality of your sleep ranging from the basics of your bedroom setting and limiting use of devices to a comprehensive list of supplements. He also suggests keeping a dream journal which will assist interpretation.

The advanced methods in A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming will appeal to those who have an understanding of lucid dreaming or are already practicing it. However, it will also help anyone who wants better sleep. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Inner Traditions and Lee Adams for this ARC.

I think lucid dreaming is one of the more interesting things we can accomplish as humans, so it was kind of a given that I’d request this book. This would be ideal for the more open minded though this guide does offer more help in regards to just sleeping. I dug it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book. I thought the Author provided useful tips for analyzing your dreams for the purpose of personal development. I thought the ideas were fresh, useful and applicable. I was hesitant to read this book because there are SO many books on dream analysis, they all seem to regurgitate the same subject matter.
I found the book to be easy to read and follow. I got a bit lost in the opening chapter of the history of lucid dreaming but, I plowed through and once he began covering the subject matter, I was all in.

I particularly enjoyed his descriptive use of symbols and how the unconscious can be brought to light by paying closer attention to everyday objects. Also, his suggestions on focusing on these symbols by drawing, creating or hang them on your wall, as a way of honoring them.

Thank you Netgalley and Destiny Books for the opportunity to review this unique and pleasurable read.

jb/
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/

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.

Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.Org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2021/03/01/book-review-a-visionary-guide-to-lucid-dreaming-by-lee-adams/

Well I liked about this book is that it’s a step-by-step guide and it allows you to sharpen your techniques to lucid dreaming. It goes deeper into lucid dreams which is wonderful. One of the great things about this book is that it doesn’t just focus on The art and science of going Lucid, but it goes into how you can work with in the aspects of lucid dreaming. This book allows this and dreaming to not be difficult but it’s doable. A visionary guide to lucid dreaming is one of The best books I have read on the subject, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone trying to dig a little bit deeper.

A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming is a step-by-step guide on the subject including both techniques for achieving the state and lots of the theory and science behind it. A Seven Step process is taught focussing on how to practically do lucid dreaming, and how to develop the ability to remember dreams. Skills can be mastered at a basic level or further developed for those more experienced. I was hooked in the preface when he invites you onto the 'Hero’s Journey' and correlates his work with that of the great Joseph Campbell. It is an extensive and immersive book containing five parts and thirty chapters full of research, methods, philosophies and spiritual practices. Definitely one of the best lucid dreaming books on the market.