Have you ever felt like you’ve wanted to step out of your current reality? Maybe it doesn’t feel quite like home to you, or you just want to explore another parallel universe for a bit.
What would you do if you could sneak into an alternate timeline and talk to another you, one who made different choices in life?
What if you weren’t just limited to “realistic” realities? You could dwell in your favorite places from fiction, as if they were as real as the room around you right now.
These are more than just idle speculation — you can actually experience different realities through a practice known as “reality shifting.”
What is Reality Shifting?
“Reality shifting” is a term that describes a process of detaching one’s awareness from their physical body, and projecting it into an equivalent body in another reality. It’s somewhat similar to shamanic journeying or astral projection. The difference lies in the destination.
Shamanic journeying seeks to investigate the lower, middle, and upper worlds in search of information or healing, and astral projection sends the projector to the astral plane.
By contrast, reality shifting sends the shifter to a physical plane that’s different from the one they live in on a daily basis. Shifters describe this experience as a very intense visualization, coupled with realistic full-body sensations.
Reality shifters aren’t limited in the realities they can explore. Following the idea that there are infinite universes, and therefore all things are theoretically possible, a shifter can choose to go to a place that’s identical to their favorite fictional universe.
They can also visit themselves in the past, future, or a different present, in order to get advice on altering their current reality.
Is Reality Shifting Safe?
For the most part, reality shifting is no more dangerous than shamanic journeying or astral projection. That doesn’t mean that it’s perfectly safe, however.
It’s very unlikely that a shifter’s physical body will be in any danger. They can experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dizziness from attempting to shift. Some go through a phenomenon akin to sleep paralysis.
Ultimately, the biggest danger lies in the possibility of the shifter experiencing something disturbing and frightening in their chosen reality. This can be avoided with a technique called “scripting.”
Scripting
Scripting is a way of creating a concrete idea of what reality you want to inhabit, and who you want to be. The script can be as long or as short as you need. Some people jot down a few keywords, while others might write more elaborate scenarios.
Those who wish to inhabit different bodies can use their scripts to create a character, form an image of this character in their mind, and project their consciousness into this “other self.”
Scripting also acts as a safety measure. By including phrases like, “I will not experience any pain or trauma,” the shifter can set an intention to keep unpleasant experiences from intruding on their desired reality.
Reality Shifting Methods:
Just as there are several different methods for experiencing a deep, meditative state, there are multiple ways to reality shift.
It might be necessary to experiment with different ones in order to find the one that’s the most effective for you.
Raven Method
The Raven Method is a technique for accessing a desired reality by inducing a deeply relaxed state. (It can help to start when you’re already physically tired.)
The process involves laying still and counting to one hundred. Some people choose to intersperse affirmations while they count. For example, “One. I am shifting. Two. I awaken in my desired reality.”
Generally, the shifter reads their script before laying down. They then keep their arms and legs spread eagle, in order to limit the physical sensations of their arms or legs touching.
By the time they finish counting, the visualizations and alternate reality experiences should have begun. If not, the shifter may begin counting again from zero.
Julia Method
This is similar to the Raven Method. The shifter can use binaural beats, meditation music, or other ambient sounds to help induce a relaxed state.
As in the Raven Method, they get into a relaxed position, then begin silently repeating the phrase, “I am.” Once they feel their body relaxing and the process beginning, they may begin counting to one hundred.
In between each number, the shifter silently recites more “I am” statements. For example, “I am in my desired reality.” At this point, the visualization should begin.
Shamanic Journeying Method
While traditional shamanic journeying has some key differences when compared to reality shifting, the techniques are still very compatible. Shamanic journeying typically uses drums, rattles, chanting, music, or hallucinogens to enter an altered mental state.
The shaman will then visualize some form of transportation or gateway connected to the other worlds — a tree whose roots stretch to the lower world, or a flock of birds to carry them to the upper world, for example.
For a reality shifter that doesn’t want to go to the lower, middle, or upper world, the gateway is a bit different. Rather than visualizing a place in nature that allows them passage to the other realms, they should visualize a gateway to their desired reality. The altered mental state that allows a shaman to journey can help a shifter enter their intended world.
Interestingly, this method differs from other reality shifting techniques because the shifter doesn’t need to be asleep, or even very relaxed.
Shamanic journeying isn’t really like meditation — shamans often undertake journeys while drumming, singing, or even dancing. This may not necessarily yield an intense visual experience at first, but is no less effective.
See also: Check out our full Shamanic Journeying Guide here.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Shamanism books in the USA here.
Lucid Dreaming Method
This technique can yield the most vivid and realistic shifts, but it’s the most difficult to master. Timing and practice are both important.
In lucid dreaming, the brain is aware that a dream is taking place. The dreamer is then able to make any changes to the dreamscape that they wish — giving themselves the power of flight, traveling to a different location within their dream, or causing dream entities to appear or disappear.
At this point, a reality shifter can create a portal to their desired realm, and simply step through it.
Heartbeat Method
This relies on the sound of a heartbeat. It helps to have headphones or a small speaker to place under a pillow — whichever won’t be too disruptive to deep relaxation.
The process itself is pretty simple. The shifter listens to the sound of a heartbeat while visualizing themselves resting on the chest of someone from their desired world.
They can fall asleep to the sound of the beat, or simply listen to it in bed before sleeping. They should awaken in their intended reality.
Sunni Method
This technique involves matching stimuli in the shifter’s environment to their desired reality. For example, if they are laying down in bed, they should visualize themselves in a bed. With eyes closed, the shifter begins picturing themselves entering their intended realm.
Gradually, the shifter should begin noticing elements that differ from their current environment — changes in weather or temperature, different smells, and so forth.
The differences between the shifter’s current reality and desired reality will gradually blur, until the shifter has shifted entirely.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Occultism books in the USA here.
Alice in Wonderland Method
This method is named after the novel, and the process is very similar to Alice’s journey into Wonderland. The shifter begins by visualizing themselves sitting against a tree, taking in the ground, weather, and other characteristics of this liminal space.
They then see someone from their desired reality run past them, and visualize themselves giving chase. When the shifter catches up to this figure, they then jump down a hole.
After falling through empty space, the shifter and the figure land safely, and proceed through a gateway into the desired reality.
Estelle Method
In the Estelle Method, the shifter should put on a slow song suitable for dancing, and get into a relaxed position. After closing their eyes, they then visualize someone from their desired reality offering them a dance.
After dancing, the figure will then lead the shifter to a door and open it, allowing them to step into their intended world.
This process is often described as stepping into a blinding light and gentle warmth. Once the light and warmth fade, the shifter may then open their eyes to their desired reality.
Staircase Method
This method is somewhat like shamanic journeying. However, instead of a shaman visualizing a trip upward into the upper world, the shifter pictures themselves stepping up a tall staircase with their desired reality at the top.
They count as they ascend each step, until they reach their destination. This can be used as a gateway to the lucid dreaming method.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling New Age Spirituality books in the USA here.
Pillow Method
The Pillow Method essentially relies on creating a charm for dream work. The shifter should physically write or print out their script, read it, and place it under their bed pillow.
They may also use whatever crystals, herb sachets, or other tools they desire. If the shifter is able to hold their desired reality in their mind as they fall asleep, they should be able to enter it easily.
Elevator Method
This is very similar to the Staircase Method. The shifter should lay in a relaxed position, and visualize themselves in an elevator. As the elevator rises, the shifter’s energy level does as well.
Once they have ascended to a high enough vibration to shift, the elevator doors will open to a room with a bed and a sleeping body. The shifter should exit the elevator and enter this body, at which point they will awaken in their desired reality.
Melt Method
This is similar to the Sunni Method in some respects. The shifter should begin by meditating, in order to enter a relaxed mind state. They then must lay spread eagle, on a comfortable surface.
At this point, the shifter should visualize a room in their desired reality, as an upside-down mirror image of their current world. The Melt Method relies on picturing the two “melting” together, until the shifter enters their body in their intended reality.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Wicca & Witchcraft books in the USA here.
Piano Method
This is a visualization method that requires the shifter to be able to vividly imagine auditory stimuli. If this is too difficult, it can help to have a piece of piano music playing in the background.
The shifter should begin to laying or sitting in a comfortable position. They then visualize themselves in a large hall, filled with people. A grand piano sits at the center of the crowd. The shifter moves through the throng of people, before taking a seat on the piano bench and beginning to play.
The song can be as long, short, simple, or complex as necessary for the visualizer to enter an altered mental state. Once they are ready, the shifter then stands up, takes a bow, and announces that they must go home. They walk to the end of the hall and open a door, where an escort from their desired reality leads them to a gateway.
Mirror Method
In this technique, the reality shifter visualizes themselves in a dark room furnished with a single, glowing mirror. They walk up to the mirror, and see a reflection of their ideal self.
The shifter then passes through the mirror and into this alternate body, at which point they can turn around and step into their desired reality.
Rope Method
This one is fairly simple, albeit intimidating for some novice shifters. It involves the shifter visualizing drawing their consciousness out of their body with a long rope. Using this rope like a leash, they guide their consciousness to their desired reality.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling books on Ancient & Controversial Knowledge here.
I Am Shifting Method
“I Am Shifting” is essentially just what the name implies: Shifting using current “I am” affirmations. Meditation can help the shifter enter a relaxed mental state, but isn’t necessary. Nor is lucid dreaming.
It’s pretty much synonymous with the Julia Method. The shifter counts to one hundred, interspersing each number with affirmations until they feel their consciousness disconnect from their physical form. At this point, they may begin visualizing their desired reality.
Eleven Method
This method relies on entering an altered state using sensory deprivation. The reality shifter must cover their eyes with a sleep mask or blindfold, and listen to white noise. At this point, they can begin visualizing themselves entering their body in their desired reality.
Since this is chiefly a way to induce an altered mental state, it can be combined with visualization-heavy methods. The shifter may use the Eleven Method to get to the right state, for example, and use the Alice in Wonderland method to reach their destination.
Hallucinogen Method (Advanced)
Humankind has been using hallucinogenic plants and fungi ever since they discovered the right dosages and preparations to do so. That said, there’s a reason why most hallucinogens are strictly controlled — misusing them can be very dangerous.
This means that this method should only be attempted under the guidance of a medical professional, experienced herbalist, or qualified shaman.
This method generally involves consuming a sufficient dose of a hallucinogen, then attempting to guide the visions that occur. Music, scripts, and even props can be very helpful here, as can an experienced user to ensure that the shifter doesn’t inadvertently do anything dangerous.
It’s best to attempt this in a safe, private place, either somewhere in nature or in a relaxing home environment.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Divination books in the USA here.
Herbs & Reality Shifting
In addition to hallucinogens, there are plenty of milder herbs that can make reality shifting easier.
While certain essential oils and herbs like passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) or Mexican dream herb (Calea ternifolia) won’t produce intense visual phenomena on their own, they are excellent for inducing vivid, vibrant, lucid dreams of exceptional length and clarity.
Using these herbs shortly before attempting to reality shift can be very helpful, especially with methods that rely on dreamwork or deep relaxation.
Dilute essential oils in a neutral carrier oil and use them to massage the temples. Brew other herbs into tea, and drink. If you have any underlying health conditions, always talk to your doctor before trying any new oil or herb.
See also: Check out the Best Herbs & Essential Oils For Reality Shifting here.
Crystals & Reality Shifting
Since shifting realities involves changing the shifter’s energy state until they’re able to cross into their desired destination, crystals can be a big help.
Different stones will aid the shifter in different ways. Some may serve as protectors and energy filters, warding the shifter from unpleasant experiences.
As mentioned in the Pillow Method above, others serve to induce or enhance meditative states or lucid dreams. Still others act as energy amplifiers, serving to boost the power of whatever they’re combined with.
Crystals are generally gentle and don’t have serious side-effects, so they’re good to experiment with to develop the perfect combination for reality shifting.
See also: Check out the Best Crystals & Stones For Reality Shifting here.
Getting Started With Reality Shifting
Successful reality shifting relies on three things: Mindset, intention, and belief. Getting the techniques down can involve practice, but all of the practice in the world won’t help if the shifter doesn’t set an intention, achieve the right mindset, and believe their method will work.
As mentioned above, scripting can be very important. Astral projection and shamanic journeying don’t use scripts, because these are undertaken with a goal in mind. In reality shifting, the only goal is to enter the shifter’s desired reality, so some more guidance is necessary.
Once you’ve written down where you want to go (and who you want to be when you get there), familiarize yourself with this script. Read it before every attempt to shift. Keep it firmly in mind as you visualize. Set your intention to enter this reality, and believe that you will eventually succeed.
No matter which method you choose, you will likely experience “reality shifting symptoms.” You might find that you feel your body vibrating or tingling. Your heart rate might increase or decrease. You can even lose sensation and feel as if you’re floating. These are physical signs of your consciousness detaching from your body and beginning the shift.
After entering your desired reality, be mindful of your energy. You won’t be able to stay there forever — you’ll eventually wear yourself out and need to come back.
Shamans recover their energy by retracing their steps after a shamanic journey, so you may wish to try this. If fatigue is a limiting factor for you, you might also want to work with crystals known to increase energy levels.
Don’t forget that there are no hard and fast rules for reality shifting. You may need to experiment with multiple methods, or even combine them to find what works best for you.
Few reality shifters are able to go anywhere on their first try. When you’ve decided on a technique to try out, commit to using it for at least a month. You may find that regular practice makes a world of difference.
Shifting realities opens up entire universes of possibilities. You aren’t limited by what you can touch, smell, see, and hear — you can go anywhere, be anyone, and do anything you wish. You’re only limited by your mindset, intention, and belief in your abilities.
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