Dreamwork

Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming has rushed to the forefront of the dream world and has unfolded a whole realm of its own. It has its own teachers, its own research and laboratories, its own books and manuals, its own institutions, its own technologies and Web sites, newsgroups, its own priests, shamans , distracters, critics and newsletters.

For those of you who have never heard of all this, lucid dreaming is dreaming where the dreamer is aware that they he/she is dreaming and yet does not wake up. Although the ability to do this has been noted throughout history and at times consciously sought after, it wasn't popular in our culture until around 1985 and the publication of Steven LaBerge's _Lucid Dreaming_. (Though it was gaining popularity in the dream underground since the sixties) Now it is accepted by the scientific community as well and has growing support around the world.

 

• Lucid Dream links on the Web
• Lucidity Institute

 For an update on the latest sites and information, be sure to check the ED Dream Resources as well as the latest issues of The Global Dreaming News Online Articles on dreams and dreaming are indexed at the ED Dream Library .

Recommended Books:

Lucid Dreaming, by Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D., (Ballantine, 1986). This is the seminal work that first brought lucid dreaming to the attention of the general public and legitimized it as a valuable field of scientific inquiry. It is still the best general reference on lucid dreaming, and a pleasure to read.

Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming, by Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. and Howard Rheingold (Ballantine, 1990) A practical guide for lucid dreamers. The first half of the book establishes a basic understanding of sleep and dreams, followed by a progressive series of exercises for developing lucid dreaming skills. After presenting the lucid dream induction techniques, Dr. LaBerge explains his understanding of the origin of dreams, founded on current views in the sciences of consciousness and cognition. The applications considered are: adventures and explorations, rehearsal for living, creative problem solving, overcoming nightmares, healing, and discovery of expanded awareness and spiritual experience. Many delightful and illuminating anecdotes.

Conscious Mind, Sleeping Brain, edited by Jayne Gackenbach, Ph.D. and Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. (Plenum, 1990) Nearly twenty dream researchers and other professionals, this is an essential reference for anyone interested in studying lucid dreams. Topics include: literature, psychophysiology, personality, therapy, personal experience, related states of consciousness, and more

Control of Your Dreams, Gackenback, Jayne and Bosveld, Jane (HarperPerennial,1989). A full exploration of the techniques available to bring about and control lucid dreams, how to use them to explore your life and personality and overcome fears and contact your desires. Who could ask for more?

Lucid Dreams, by Celia E. Green (Hamish Hamilton, London, 1968). This is the book that inspired Dr. LaBerge to begin his studies of lucid dreaming. Green reviews the literature on lucid dreaming up through the 50's, including the Marquis de Saint-Denys' work described below. She also presents case histories of lucid dreamers and well characterizes much of the phenomenology (subjective experience) of lucid dreaming.

Dreams and How to Guide Them, by The Marquis d'Hervey de Saint-Denys, edited by Morton Schatzman, M.D. (Duckworth, London, 1982) A great pioneer of the art of lucid dreaming, the Marquis first published this exploration of lucid dreaming in 1867, yet this is a very modern, and, yes, lucid, thesis. He describes his personal experiments, and the development of his ability to exercise control in his lucid dreams.

Pathway to Ecstasy: The Way of the Dream Mandala, by Patricia Garfield, Ph.D. (Prentice Hall, 1989) Delightfully told story of Patricia Garfield's transcendent and erotic adventures with lucid dreaming.

Controlling Your Dreams, by Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. (Audio Renaissance Tapes, Inc., 1987, 60 minutes) This audio cassette tape captures the essence of Dr. LaBerge's public lectures on lucid dreaming. It is highly informative. Dr. LaBerge begins by portraying the experience of lucid dreaming. He then presents methods for learning the skill, including the powerful MILD technique and more.

Trance Induction of Lucid Dreaming, by Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. (The Lucidity Institute, 1993, 40 minutes) LaBerge's trance induction is designed to help you create a mind-set in which lucid dreaming will happen easily, and includes some other interesting symbol techniques

The Sun and the Shadow: My Experiment with Lucid Dreaming. Kenneth Kelzer, Kenneth (ARE Press,1987). A powerful account of an psychotherapist's journey into lucidity and wonderful document of the process and considerations. One of the best personal accounts as well.

  Bibliographies on Lucid Dreaming