Three Oneirogens To Promote Conscious And Fun Dream States
These substances produce or intensify the states of dreams and are as such great oneiric allies.
There are many resources that serve to design the general tone of our dreams. There is, for example, the so-called ‘oneiric cuisine,’ a guide to foods that increase the possibility of having lucid dreams, or the range of aromas to keep at our bedside while we sleep, and even the wonderful advice of Benjamin Franklin for having pleasant dreams. But among all of these, oneirogens stand out: a series of substances and practices that promote or intensify the states of dreams.
If we are destined to live a dual life between waking and sleeping, and if we dedicate creativity to improving the waking hours, why not do the same with dreams? After all, a dream has an infinite effect on our emotions and the way in which we process things. Traditional cultures worked with oneirogens to practice the so-called oneiromancy (“divination through dreams”) to seek cures, wisdom, visionary experience or to cultivate the extraordinary through the ordinary: the dream.
Since 2008 a strange and fascinating event has been held called “Oneironauticum.” People from all over the world meet one evening to work with the same oneirogen and seek a cure, or lucid or introductory dreams, communication with the unconscious or to meet with somebody with that intention. For each one of the events at least one group of people sleeps in the same physical space and uses the same oneirogen. That same night, dreamers from all over the world use that same substance, and although they are separated by thousands of miles, they meet in the Oneironauticum and form a community united by dreams.
The following are some of the oneirogens listed on the Oneironauticum site, which was founded by Jennifer Dumpert, who each day publishes a summary of her dream via her Twitter account: @OneiroFer.
Mugwort:
Mugwort actually refers to several species of plants in the Artemisia genus. Mugwort oil contains thujone, the active ingredient in absinthe. Used as an aroma, artemisia induces powerful and visionary dreams.
To use it, buy the dried leaves, and which can be placed inside a small cloth bag with artemisia essential oil and placed close to you as you sleep. You can also put a couple of drops in an infuser, drink the dried leaves in tea (two teaspoons of leaves for 7-10 minutes of infusion).
Not recommended for pregnant women.
Wild red asparagus root:
Known as the flying herb, the root is used in Oriental cultures with oneiric purposes. It is used, precisely, to achieve flight in dreams.
The root is difficult to procure but if you can find a good source simply eat a piece of it before going to sleep.
Nymphaea caerulea
These flowers contain pleasant psychotropic properties and provoke vivid dreams. The Nymphaea caerulea was used in ancient Egypt for ritual purposes.
Traditionally the buds and dried flowers are smoked; or the rhizome that is produced from the water can be eaten.
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