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

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A step-by-step guide to building lucid dreaming skills and using dreamwork for personal development and transformation

A step-by-step guide to building lucid dreaming skills and using dreamwork for personal development and transformation

• Provides an extensive inventory of beginning, intermediate, and advanced tools and practices for meaningful lucid dreamwork and shows how dreams can shape our conscious reality if we incorporate them into waking life

• Offers guidance to help you overcome mental or physical obstacles, including ways to stop sleep paralysis

• Examines supplements to aid lucid dreaming practice and increase the vividness and recall of dreams

Dreams offer a gateway into our psyche. Through lucid dreaming--when you have conscious awareness during sleep--you can access and interact with the subconscious mind for greater self-awareness, personal development, and transformation.

In this step-by-step guide to dreamwork, Lee Adams provides tools and techniques for encouraging, remembering, and using lucid dreams for personal growth as well as how to have big dreams that leave a lasting impact. Beginning with an overview of the history of lucid dreaming, he shares tried-and-true foundational practices to get you started--practices for before sleep, during sleep, and after dreaming.

Drawing upon Jungian depth psychology, recent research in neuroscience, and years of personal dream practice, Adams then offers an extensive inventory of intermediate and advanced methods to support meaningful dreamwork, such as the Wake Induced Lucid Dreams technique (WILD), where you fall asleep while conscious and transport your active awareness into a dream state. He also explores dream companions, symbols of the unconscious mind, dream interpretation, and working with the shadow side of the self. He examines how dreams can shape our conscious reality if we incorporate them or their symbols into waking life. He offers guidance to help you overcome any mental or physical obstacles you may encounter, including ways to stop sleep paralysis. He also examines supplements to aid lucid dreaming practice, improve dream recall, and increase the vividness of dreams, such as Alpha-GPC, 5-HTP, Silene undulata, Mugwort, the mushroom Lion’s Mane, and Galantamine.

With this practical guide, you can ignite your mind’s capacity to wake up to your own dreams and restructure your world to be more attuned to your deeper self.

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2021

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About the author

Lee Adams

1 book34 followers
Lee Adams is a Ph.D. candidate in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute and host of Cosmic Echo, a lucid dreaming podcast, and creator of taileaters.com, an online community of lucid dreamers and psychonauts. Lee has been actively researching, practicing, and teaching lucid dreaming for over twenty years. Learn more at www.luciddreambook.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 25, 2021
Great book for where I am at. I am a beginner to lucid dreaming and thought it gave great instructions on how to have my first lucid dream. Lee Adams does a great job weaving in personal dream experiences to help support his guide to lucid dreaming and also show that dreaming do have meaning and purpose in relation to the waking world. I personally also liked that he discusses supplements and how they can aid the dreaming experience.
1 review
May 6, 2021
Ever wonder if your dreams have meaning or are just random noise? What if you could remember your dreams or (better yet) gain a far greater degree of lucidity and awareness while in a dream state? Lee Adams’ A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming has not only expanded my consciousness with respect to the role dreams play in my life, but has equipped me with a pragmatic toolbox of easy-to-apply and techniques for
1 review
April 25, 2021
This book is a must read! Short chapters that are easy to understand for the beginner and still has a wealth of knowledge for the more advanced. Great things to ponder before going on to thhe next part of my journey. This will be a great addition to my personal library.
Profile Image for Diana.
3 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2021
I have only had a couple of lucid dreams, several pre-lucid. Each one has made me want to discover more about this human ability. Lee's book was the first book I read on the topic and I found it to be a perfect window into better understanding both the physiological aspects of lucid dreaming and the psychological ones. His book is written in a simple, clear, and thorough way. It touches on everything a lucid dreamer needs to consider before committing to this path. It reopened me to my enthusiasm for dreaming and it inspired me to get to practice some of the techniques suggested!
Profile Image for Medeia Sharif.
Author 18 books427 followers
July 17, 2021
I’m glad I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. This book has a great easy-to-follow structure and is chockfull of details. I recall reading one lucid dreaming book ages ago, and in contrast I liked how this one included a section on supplements that promote lucid dreaming.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
356 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2021
This is an excellent book for those that are struggling with sleep disorders. I would recommend it for a sleep doctor's office or for clients that have central sleep apnea or sleep apnea. I found all of the techqiues or advice for sleep aides to be very useful. Many people do the acitivities that are recommended already, but it is good to have a reminder of what allows a person to sleep through the night.
Profile Image for Jennifer Sacasa-wright.
60 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2021
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...
1 review1 follower
April 25, 2021
Lucid dreaming, dream states and our subconscious interactions has interested me for many years. I was skeptical about the concepts going in. I kept an open mind as I started reading the book, and I am beyond thankful I did.

The writing style was as if I was having a conversation with the author, being given one to one instruction and guidance throughout the book. The concepts were explained at a level that novices and skilled practitioners alike can quickly and easily understand, better yet, can implement with results and expand upon if desired to do so. That’s a hard feat to accomplish, Mr. Adams nailed it.

This book will be my desktop reference for my future studies into the enigmatic realm of lucid dreaming.

I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone at any level of interest.



Profile Image for Victoria A.
17 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2021
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.
1 review
April 26, 2021
So this book and my lifestyle go hand in hand. I love spending time in alternate realities via meditation or psychs. From this Ive had many interesting experiences and met many people. This book found its way to me thru these conversations. After reading the book and applying some techniques used for lucid dreaming also apply to those states of consciousness I love being in. As for becoming Lucid while sleeping, it only happened to me randomly before as for now I am learning how to control when.
Profile Image for Ana Isabel.
68 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2021
The world of dreams is a fascinating journey into the subconscious mind. What if our conscious self could learn how to interact with the people in our dreams? In this book, Lee Adam’s shares his experience of doing exactly that. Better still, he offers a comprehensive guide to teach us how to do it too. For those interested in developing a better understanding of themselves and their dreams, this book is invaluable.

To get a good sense of Lee and his book you can watch him in interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maQt4...
May 4, 2021
Everything you need to become a proficient lucid dreamer is here and it is noob friendly at the same time. I am not a noob myself but I felt as if it would cater to a noob just fine. Lee is a very smart guy, the kinda guy you want to sit with at a fire while plastered and have cosmic conversations with.
1 review
April 25, 2021
Loved this guide to lucid dreaming. Im a beginner bit can't wait to game some advanced techniques into effect.
April 26, 2021
Written by someone who has been doing research about dreams for years, this is a must read for everyone interested in the mystery of dream.
Profile Image for Victor Akpan.
12 reviews
May 15, 2021
This book is a must read! Short chapters that are easy to understand for the beginner and still has a wealth of knowledge for the more advanced.
1 review
April 27, 2021
Excellent book! It’s direct and to the point, while not carrying on forever in each section. This book covers all the basics needed for lucid dreaming, as well as a great deal more for advanced practitioners. It’s well written and easy to read as well. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lee Adams.
Author 1 book34 followers
October 29, 2021
A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming is a unique approach to lucid dreaming as a tool for personal awareness and transformation. In an innovative approach that draws upon Jungian depth psychology, neuroscience, and the author’s own personal dream practice, this book provides a comprehensive introduction and ongoing guidebook for experienced lucid dreamers as well as curious readers who are trying lucid dreaming for the first time.

The combination of philosophy, science, personal narrative, and practical guidance makes this book unique among books about lucid dreaming. Where other titles explore one of these aspects in great detail – making them attractive to experienced dreamers and scholars – A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming provides readers just that: a comprehensive gateway into a hidden world.

Learn more at https://www.luciddreambook.com

“This delightfully bold and truly unique guide is a powerful tool for both new and veteran mind explorers, offering ways to learn more about their nighttime adventures and themselves.”
- David Jay Brown
Author of Dreaming Wide Awake and The New Science of Psychedelics

“When you fall asleep at night, your mind doesn’t just turn off like a light switch. On the contrary, it enters a different and at times highly energetic mode of functioning. Lee Adams has written an excellent guide to exploring the dynamic powers and creative potentials of your own nocturnal brain. Hidden Gateways provides a wealth of detailed information and practical guidance for anyone interested in lucid dreams and the multiplicities of the dreaming imagination. Adams offers what few other writers about lucid dreaming are able to provide: a sensible and humble approach, grounded in empirical research, that encourages people to go beyond the mere attainment of lucidity to explore the deeper realms of the psyche.”
- Kelley Bulkeley
Dream Researcher and author of Dreaming Beyond Death: A Guide to Pre-Death Dreams and Visions

“The first book on lucid dreaming that not only covers the science and art of going lucid, but also how to work with the deep mythological aspects of lucid dreams. Not just how to have more lucid dreams, but how to navigate them successfully as we consciously wake up to our own mythic lives.”
- Ryan Hurd
Sleep researcher and author of Sleep Paralysis: A Dreamer’s Guide

“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.” (read more)

- Robin Fennelly
An Elder within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition
Profile Image for janne Boswell.
116 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2021
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/
Profile Image for Jadewik.
325 reviews
July 28, 2021
When I was a teen and the internet was young, I stumbled upon the Dream Doctor website and tried lucid dreaming. How fun it was to control the dream! I only had a couple such dreams-- My favourite was one where I was running from a lion and then turned to stare it down! I was interested in learning more about lucid dreaming.... and maybe find my way back to them.

The "Guide" provides a thorough crash course in Lucid Dreaming beginning with the definition of lucid dreaming and a background on the psychology of dreams. The material can be a little heavy, but it's simply broken down to give a concise but detailed version of the science without bogging the reader down with too many technical details about the physiological side of dreams and memory and how it relates to brain function. In other words, the writing is short, sweet, and to the point.

Techniques for beginners, advanced techniques, examples of ways to enhance dream memory or to recognize that one is dreaming-- the Guide is a literal pocket encyclopedia for dreaming that can be tailored by the individual dreamer for what works best given their personal dream preferences and successes.

I took the reading a little slow so I could mull over what I read, and I was not disappointed. Just reading about some of the memory techniques had me remembering more and more of my dreams. I'm ecstatic! In the last month, I've been chased by ghost pirates, slept in a bed of snakes, and had all sorts of adventures... I'm on my way back to remembering dreams and, hopefully, back to lucid dreaming over time.

What I liked most about the book was that it was a thorough assessment of the topic of dreams and dreaming. Most dream books only touch on one single element of dreaming. I also liked that the book contained references for further reading of the Jungian science behind dreaming and the subconscious.
Profile Image for Charlie Medcalf.
62 reviews
March 20, 2021
This is a comprehensive guide to Lucid Dreaming which I am happy I have read thanks to Net Galley and Destiny Books for providing me with an exclusive arc copy in return for an honest review. For my full review please follow the link below.

https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Kathleen.
699 reviews13 followers
February 18, 2021
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.
Profile Image for J Earl.
1,851 reviews73 followers
February 16, 2021
A Visionary Guide to Lucid Dreaming by Lee Adams is a guide not only to lucid dreaming but, in many ways, to better sleeping. After I have tried some of the techniques over time I may come back and raise my rating but I doubt if I will drop it, I have learned a lot that has already helped me to sleep better.

This book, along with a recent book I read about understanding one's dreams, goes beyond just techniques to try (or for the other book, cookie-cutter interpretations) and looks in some detail at how to get better sleep. The better your sleep, the better your chances of experiencing lucid dreams. I value the extra information even if I fail to get beyond what I have already experienced in this area of dreaming.

I would recommend this to those who want to both experience better sleep as well as tap into their subconscious.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Mana.
454 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2021
Dreams are essential, and listening to them is a spiritual practice.

The author provides an easy to follow advices to help us build our lucid dreaming skills and use dream work for personal development and growth. With lucid dreaming we can dive more deeply and intentionally into our unconscious. So we can communicate and better understand the Self. We have to expect the unexpected and practice awareness of the experience.

Lee Adams encourages us to change our daily habits such as exercise and nutrition, supplements as needed to support healthy relaxation and sleep and also a mindset of trust.

Very useful guide to lucid dreaming, better sleep and inner growth.
Profile Image for Janet.
235 reviews38 followers
March 8, 2021
A Visionary Guide To Lucid Dreaming is a well written and smartly organized self help book for anybody that craves not just better, more restful sleeping, but also would like to tap into their subconscious. I found the layout of the book easy to follow.

A full review will be posted on blog as well as retail sites on publication day, May 4, 2021.
Profile Image for Corrine Ardoin.
Author 4 books27 followers
December 29, 2021
Lee Adam's guide to lucid dreaming is a very well-written and well-researched book, not to mention the obvious fact that he is an adept. A great book for beginners as well as those versed in the conscious practice of nurturing awareness while dreaming. The book contains background information for those wishing to know more about the brain, consciousness, and dreams, plus the latest information on aids to lucid dreaming, such as supplements, dietary changes, etc.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to learn more about themselves in a way that therapy, analysis, etc. could never do. A great adjunct for those who practice meditation, dream study, journaling, and who seek to delve a little deeper.
Profile Image for Steven.
67 reviews
June 24, 2022
Good stuff, really 4.5 stars from me. This book offers helpful suggestions concerning lucid dreaming, and there's even a chapter on supplements that could potentially help the dreaming process! I practice Tibetan dream yoga, so I found some of the stuff about the "hero's journey" to be a little corny, and I'm also a little concerned about how much this author focuses on Jung and Freud. In my experience, you can meet real beings in your dreams that have real effects on your life, and not everything is a part of your subconscious (or, as the Tibetans say, all experience is a part of your subconscious and nothing else really exists). On the whole though, this book is pretty amazing, and I'll likely reference it quite a bit during my future practice.
Profile Image for Poppy Cain.
114 reviews1 follower
Want to read
September 6, 2021
Thank you netgalley and the publishers who sent me a free eARC is return for an honest review.

A guide to cut through the common misconceptions of Lucid Dreaming, and a helpful one at that.

I have only lucid dreamt a few times in my life, but the majority of that small number did indeed happen after I read this book! To anyone seriously pursuing lucid dreaming this book is for you!
1 review
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July 28, 2021
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
42 reviews2 followers
Want to read
October 5, 2021
This was very hard to understand, so I didn't finish it.
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