There are almost infinite descriptions of direct entry techniques offered in literature, stories, on the Internet, and at seminars. Sometimes, one description fundamentally differs from another. In the majority of cases, however, common threads exist that unite almost every description of a particular technique: short lapses in consciousness, memory gaps, and drifting in and out of sleep, all of which are hallmarks of the free-floating state of mind. After any of these phenomena occur, all manner of unusual pre-lucid dreaming or lucid dreaming sensations arise.

Lapses in consciousness may last for seconds, several minutes, or more than an hour. They may range from a simple loss of consciousness to entrance into a full-fledged dream. They may be singular and rare, or may occur several times over the course of a minute. Whatever a lapse entails, the mind attains a mode of operating that is ideal for lucid dreaming experimentation, provided the practitioner is able to refrain from deep sleep and quickly return to a conscious, waking state.

Not every lapse of consciousness leads to lucid dreaming. The lapse must have sufficient depth to be effective. Thus, with every unsuccessful lapse, another deeper lapse should be incurred.

The primary practical drawback of the free-floating state of mind is the possibility of falling completely asleep during lapses instead of only temporarily dipping into sleep. Techniques are definitely necessary to ensure the desired result. Such techniques more or less fulfill an auxiliary function, and thus one need not be strict about them.

Interesting Fact!

It does not matter which direct technique is used; as long as it leads to lapses in consciousness, success is possible.

When performing the variations of the techniques, a practitioner can begin to vacillate between full alertness and complete asleep, coming to, and then nodding off again.

To avoid falling asleep requires a strong desire to return to wakefulness. This is accomplished by a strong resolve on the part of the practitioner, even if, while performing a direct technique, drifting in and out of sleep occurs. The practitioner must firmly assert that at the moment consciousness tapers off, awakening will immediately occur.

On the other hand, if lapses do not occur, and are replaced by complete alertness, the following tricks of the trade may help: full concentration on mental actions or, conversely, musing and daydreaming in parallel with the technique being used. It should be noted that these are only effective at the initial stages of working with direct techniques since such techniques have a strong sleep-inducing effect.

If direct techniques do not lead to light sleep or singular lapses after a long period of regular practice, then it must be assumed that the practitioner is dealing with some appreciable error in technique or in the length of performance.

The number of lapses that occur may be regulated by body position during practice or by changing the variation used while performing techniques.

Entering lucid dreaming with a free-floating state of mind most often occurs as the result of three key factors. First, one technique or another may begin to work well during a lapse. Second, nearness to lucid dreaming may unexpectedly manifest itself through sounds or vibration after a lapse. During this, transitioning to techniques that correspond to the above symptoms (listening in, straining the brain) may be applied. Third, when exiting a lapse, it is sometimes easy to separate or quickly find a working technique by paying attention to initial indicators.

Interesting Fact!

There is a theory that there is no such thing as a direct lucid dreaming entrance method, and that all direct methods are actually a subcategory of the indirect method. The only difference would be that direct techniques involve inducing micro-sleep, which authentically mimics falling asleep, creating a physiological state closer to natural awakening, when it is easy to enter lucid dreaming.

Lapses in consciousness are not bound to occur in 100% of cases. However, striving to achieve lapses plays a very important role since they are not always perceivable, and a lapse occurrence is not always obvious. They can be very short in duration or shallow. Or, they may not occur at all. Nonetheless, properly applied techniques to produce lapses may give entrance to lucid dreaming. This is especially true of the deferred method for direct lucid dreaming entrance. It is also worth noting that lapses in consciousness can be so shallow and brief that a lucid dreamr may simply be unable to recognize them.

Once a lucid dreamr has achieved a higher level of practice, he’s now a new type of person, and perhaps – in terms of the evolution of human consciousness – a man or woman of the future. He is the keeper of rare knowledge regarding techniques that is augmented by his personal practice. He must realize and understand that his is a quite rare and precious skill, one that most can only dream of. This knowledge should not be applied merely towards personal betterment and living fully in two worlds at once. The world is wonderful only when internal and external harmony are in synergy.

A practitioner should therefore always pay more attention to those around him and their take on the phenomenon. The more people there are around the practitioner who understand and practice lucid dreaming, the more comfortable he himself will feel. Of course, knowledge of such hidden human abilities should only be passed on under the banner of theoretical neutrality and as pragmatic a position as possible, ensuring the widest possible reception and avoidance of the societal rejection that has been the bane of the practice since time immemorial.

One can not only teach one’s friends and family, but also head a local Practitioners’ Club, open a branch of the School of Out-of-Body Travel, write books and articles, launch websites, and volunteer to participate in OOBE Research Center experiments. As your achievements grow, you could even undertake your own research at the Center.

The most important thing is not to let your experience and knowledge go to waste! Find a way to apply them towards helping all of humanity. You’re now a special person, and it’s your turn to change this world!

Reading text in lucid dreaming may be accompanied by a number of difficulties. First, small print becomes illegible because the effects of hyper-concentration may distort text. This problem is solved by using large-font textual sources of information. For example, the text of a normal book blurs when observed too attentively, but the large font on the cover of a book is easily read since its size is sufficient for rapid reading without detailed scrutiny.

The second problem encountered while reading in lucid dreaming is when text is legible but is completely meaningless in composition, i.e. gibberish. This problem is solved by turning over the pages, looking for a readable message. It is also possible to find another copy or create it anew using the object-finding techniques. The same applies to cases where the text is seen as a set of incomprehensible symbols or signs.

While reading in lucid dreaming, the practitioner should not forget about performing “maintaining” techniques to prevent a foul by becoming too relaxed.

The questions on the test may have one or more correct answers, or none of the answers may be correct. Thus, the questions must be read completely through, and attention must be paid to their implications and finer points.

A student’s theoretical knowledge is considered to be satisfactory if the correct answers to at least one-half of the questions are given. If a score of less than 50% is received, a student should study the weak points again or re-read the entire guidebook. Otherwise, it is quite probable that fundamental mistakes will be made, which will in turn interfere with individual practice.

If a score of at least 80% is achieved, then a theoretical knowledge of the practice is at an advanced level, which will surely have a positive effect on the practitioner’s direct experiences in lucid dreaming.

Answers are in the appendix at the end of the guidebook.

1. Noise and realistic images unexpectedly arise when performing the indirect technique of phantom wiggling. What can be done?

A) Continue with phantom wiggling.

B) Switch to observing images or listening in.

C) Try to do all or some of the techniques simultaneously.

D) Choose the technique with the strongest precursors and continue with that one.

2. A practitioner unintentionally opens the eyes for several seconds upon awakening. What is the best way to start indirect techniques in this case?

A) Attempting to separate.

B) The observing images technique.

C) The rapid eye movement technique.

D) The forced falling asleep technique.

E) It’s best to not start any technique and fall back to sleep with the intention of reawakening and trying to do everything again without first moving.

3. Which actions are preferable for performing a direct technique before falling asleep for the night after a long period of sleep deprivation or exhaustion?

A) Monotonously performing the observing images technique.

B) Being attentive and concentrating on actions.

C) The absence of a free-floating state of consciousness.

D) Quickly alternating techniques.

E) High-quality relaxation.

4. Mild vibrations occur when performing a direct technique. Can the straining the brain technique be used to amplify the vibrations?

A) Yes.

B) No.

C) It may be used, but for practical purposes – only when a practitioner is exhausted or sleep-deprived.

D) It may be used, as long as the attempt to enter lucid dreaming is not being made during the day.

5. Which of the actions given below increase the likelihood of entering lucid dreaming through dream consciousness when used right before falling asleep?

A) Performing direct techniques.

B) Intending to perform indirect techniques upon awakening.

C) Recalling dreams from the night before.

D) Creating a plan of action for use in case of entrance to lucid dreaming in such a way.

6. If awareness occurs at the very last moment of a dream that fades away, which of the actions given below should be undertaken in order to enter lucid dreaming as soon as possible?

A) Try to fall asleep again in order to once again become self-aware while dreaming.

B) Immediately perform indirect techniques.

C) Take a break and perform direct techniques later.

D) Start to recall that night’s dreams.

7. Which of these are most likely to produce a quick lucid dreaming entry when awakening in a state of sleep paralysis?

A) Relaxation.

B) Falling asleep with the intention of becoming self-aware while in a dream.

C) Moving the physical eyes and tongue.

D) Direct techniques.

8. What should be done when spontaneously thrown from the body while lying down or waking up in the middle of the night?

A) Return to the body and perform appropriate separation techniques.

B) Implement a predetermined plan of action for lucid dreaming.

C) Deepen immediately.

D) Try to quickly establish vision, if it is not already present.

E) Employ the forced falling asleep technique.

9. While trying to enter lucid dreaming, rolling out works at first, but only partially, and the movement cannot be extended any further no matter what effort is made. What is it best to do in this situation?

A) Try to turn back and roll out further once again, and repeat several times.

B) Start doing cycles of indirect techniques.

C) Take a break and try to separate after several minutes.

D) Try to separate by levitating, getting up, or climbing out.

E) Use any indirect technique for lucid dreaming entry and attempt rolling out again.

10. A practitioner unexpectedly gets stuck in the floor or wall while rolling out. What should be done to resume lucid dreaming?

A) Force through the obstacle.

B) Employ translocation techniques.

C) Attempt to return to the body and roll out again.

D) Perform sensory amplification.

11. How may a practitioner deepen lucid dreaming while flying through a dark formless space while separating?

A) Employ the technique of falling headfirst.

B) There is no way to do this.

C) Create and amplify vibrations.

D) Begin self-palpation.

E) Translocate to another area in lucid dreaming and deepen it through sensory amplification.

12. If deepening techniques do not completely work within 15 to 30 seconds, what can be done?

A) Continue trying to go deeper.

B) Exit from lucid dreaming.

C) Attempt to return to the body and once again use lucid dreaming entrance techniques.

D) Proceed to performing predetermined actions.

13. Which technique or way of maintaining lucid dreaming should be used when teleporting somewhere with closed eyes?

A) The technique of amplifying and maintaining vibrations.

B) Tactile sensory amplification, feeling the sensation of rubbing the hands together.

C) No technique.

D) The technique of rotation.

E) Repeating aloud the desire to remain in lucid dreaming.

14. In which situations is falling asleep in lucid dreaming most likely?

A) When looking for a desired person.

B) When communicating with animate objects.

C) When completely calm, having completely halted all activity.

D) When traveling aimlessly.

E) When taking part in side events.

15. Which of the following indicators guarantees that lucid dreaming has been exited and the practitioner is in reality?

A) A clock shows the right time, and the same time even if a practitioner turns away from it and then looks at it again.

B) Sensations are completely realistic.

C) The presence of friends or family in the room who communicate with the practitioner.

D) An inner feeling that lucid dreaming has ended.

E) Nothing happens after staring at the end of a finger from close distance for five to 10 seconds.

16. In which situations should traveling in lucid dreaming be deliberately discontinued?

A) When a fear that a return will be impossible, or a direct fear of death arises.

B) When there is a real possibility that the practitioner will be late for something in the physical world.

C) When frightened by some strange events or objects.

D) When there is an inexplicable mortal fear of something unknown or incomprehensible.

E) If someone in lucid dreaming strongly insists that the practitioner should return to reality.

F) If sharp pain occurs in the body that is not caused by interaction with objects in lucid dreaming world.

17. What will most likely occur when trying to evade some awful being or dangerous person?

A) The object will get bored and stop.

B) Fear of the object will go away.

C) lucid dreaming will occur more frequently, as well as be longer and deeper than usual.

D) The practitioner will become calmer and unnerved less frequently.

E) The more fear there is, the more often the object will chase the practitioner.

18. When should establishing vision in lucid dreaming be considered, if it has not occurred on its own?

A) Immediately upon separation without deepening.

B) Immediately after deepening.

C) While flying through dark space during translocation.

D) When there is a desire to immediately explore the surroundings after separation has occurred.

19. How is it possible to pass through a wall while standing close to it, without stopping to look at it from close range?

A) By gradually pushing the hands and arms through it, and then the entire body and head.

B) By gradually pushing the head through it at first, and then the entire body.

C) By trying to put a hole in it, and then expanding the hole and climbing through it.

D) By ramming it with a shoulder, trying to bring it down.

20. While in lucid dreaming, a practitioner is in a situation where the arms are totally paralyzed and immobilized. This happens in a room with a single exit: a door that has started to close. What are the two easiest ways to keep the door open?

A) Order the door to stay open in a loud, imperious, and assertive manner.

B) Free the arms and hold back the door.

C) Stop the door with telekinesis.

D) Create a person through the method of finding.

21. What difficulties may arise for a practitioner in lucid dreaming while using the door technique of translocation?

A) The door will not open.

B) The wrong place is behind the door.

C) It is not possible to use the hand to pull the door handle because the hand goes through the handle.

D) Difficulties with internal concentration occur at the critical moment.

E) A black void often appears on the other side of the door.

22. What are necessary conditions for getting results when translocating in lucid dreaming after rolling out during initial separation from the body?

A) Absence of vision.

B) Practicing after sunset.

C) A firm intention to end up somewhere.

D) Certainty of the final result.

E) The presence of vibrations.

23. A practitioner is in a dark room in lucid dreaming where everything is poorly visible. There is a chandelier, but no light switch. What is the fastest way to turn on the chandelier to light the room?

A) Translocate through teleportation to the place where the toggle or switch for the light in question is located.

B) Find a flashlight through the method of finding and illuminate the room with it.

C) Rub the light bulbs in the chandelier with the hands.

D) Create a light switch in the room using the method of finding an object.

E) Close the eyes and imagine that the room is already lit, and then open the eyes.

24. When communicating with an animate object in lucid dreaming, a desire to add a specific person to the scene arises. Which of the following actions are advisable only for beginners in this case?

A) Propose going to a neighboring room where the needed subject will be presented through the use of the door or corner technique.

B) Summon the needed person by calling their name loudly.

C) Translocate back to the same place, and have both animate objects present there upon your return.

D) Add the needed person through the closed eyes technique.

E) Ask the animate object that you are talking to if it does not mind adding someone to the scene.

25. Where is one not allowed to go using translocation techniques?

A) Inside a mammoth.

B) To the past or the future.

C) To heaven.

D) To an episode of the movie Star Wars.

26. How will a deceased person in lucid dreaming differ from their living self when correctly performing the technique for finding the person?

A) Only the practitioner himself can conjure up differences, or not see or perceive them.

B) The deceased will have a different timbre of voice.

C) There will be a radiant halo around the deceased’s head.

D) Physical perception of the deceased will be less realistic than in real life.

E) The deceased will not remember anything.

27. What difficulties can arise in lucid dreaming while obtaining information from animate sources of information?

A) Inability to remember information obtained.

B) Sources of information are silent.

C) Inadequateness of the sources of information.

D) Sexual attraction, if the source of information is of the opposite or desired sex.

E) Being given false information.

28. How might a practitioner accelerate the healing process of a cold that is characterized by a stuffy nose and a sore throat?

A) Maintaining and amplifying vibrations for the entire length of lucid dreaming, and entering it over several days in a row.

B) Taking aspirin and entering lucid dreaming over several days in a row.

C) Traveling to hot places in lucid dreaming and entering it over several days in a row.

D) Experiencing stressful situations over several lucid dreams.

E) Finding a doctor in lucid dreaming and asking him what it is best to do in real-life or even in lucid dreaming itself.

29. Which of the following achievements belong to Stephen LaBerge?

A) Founding the Lucidity Institute.

B) A Ph.D. in anthropology.

C) Scientifically proving that lucid dreaming is possible.

D) A Ph.D. in psychophysiology.

E) Proving that eye movements in lucid dreaming and in reality are synchronized.

30. Who of the following approached the study of lucid dreaming state from a pragmatic point-of-view that was totally devoid of occultism?

A) Stephen LaBerge

B) Robert Monroe

C) Sylvan Muldoon

D) Charles Leadbeater

E) Patricia Garfield

F) Carlos Castaneda

Testing Individual Effectiveness. Upon awakening without moving your body or opening your eyes, try to peer at something previously determined and close (4-6 inches from the eyes) for 3 to 5 seconds. For example, this may be your own hands rubbing together, or an apple. If no imagery arises within 5 seconds, switch to another technique. If even dull imagery arises, keep with the technique and try to scrutinize it as best you can. The image will then become more vivid and color saturated. As soon as it is becomes perceptually real, you can separate from the body.

When performing the technique, avoid the most common mistake: only imagining seeing the object, instead of having a real vision of it. The key difference between observing images and peering is in the active desire to see something previously determined, instead of passively peering into the void in search of some spontaneous imagery.

Training. In order to practice the technique, lay down with your eyes closed in a dark room and try to spot various predetermined images in the void before your eyes, starting from the simple (apples, candles, an X, etc.) and moving on to the complicated (landscapes, room interiors, action scenes, and so on). Try to be able to see all of the details of the visualized objects as clearly as possible. The more vivid and the more detailed they are, the better the end result. It’s also desirable to try to see objects that are just above eye-level, across from the forehead.