Altered States
From psychedelics to hypnosis, altered states of consciousness provide a fascinating window into how aphantasia affects unusual perceptual experiences. For those without voluntary mental imagery, these states can reveal unexpected capacities for visualization or confirm the persistence of image-free cognition even in altered consciousness. These diverse experiences offer valuable insights into the relationship between aphantasia and perception, challenging our understanding of mental imagery and consciousness. The contrast between everyday imagery abilities and those during altered states helps illuminate the complex mechanisms behind mental simulation. On this page, you'll find research, personal accounts, videos and discussions about psychedelics, dreams, hypnosis and other altered states of consciousness.
Can Hypnosis Work on Those With Aphantasia?
A hypnotherapist with aphantasia explains hypnosis and how hypnosis can work for aphantasics.
What's It Like To Be A Neuroscientist With Aphantasia? Interview with Dr. Mac Shine
Neuroscientist Mac Shine delves into aphantasia—a condition he personally experiences—to challenge conventional views on perception, explore the neuroscience of imagination, and draw unexpected parallels between the cognitive functions of aphantasics and large language models like ChatGPT-4.
Why Don't We Hallucinate Our Mental Images?
Have you ever wondered why mental images aren't as vivid as real images? What's the difference between imagining something and hallucinating it? Alexander Sulfaro joins Aphantasia Network to discuss this and more.
Hypnopompia: Between Sleep and Awake Where Someone with Aphantasia May “See” Imagery
On rare occasions in the morning, between sleep and awake, when the images from my dreams float behind my eyes, that’s when I revel in what it must be like to “see” imagery.
Why?
How can vivid dreams and musical hallucinations coexist with a lack of conscious imagery? Exploring the mind's paradoxes.
Meditate With Aphantasia
Many easy ways to meditate without a mind’s eye. Next time you find yourself frustrated by the inability to visualize in meditation, give some of these alternatives a try.
“Ayahuasca turned on my mind’s eye”
Curious if ayahuasca can enhance mental visualization and improve learning strategies—has anyone experienced this?
Aphantasia, hallucinogens and meditation
Can hallucinogens or deep meditation unlock sensory experiences for those with limited imagination? Share your thoughts and experiences!
Ability to visualize most highly through hallucinations?
Can vivid hallucinations coexist with limited mental imagery? Share experiences on navigating this intriguing disconnect in perception.
Psychedelics and Aphantasia
Have you experienced enhanced visualization during psychedelic journeys despite lacking it in daily life? Share your insights!
Pseudo-Hallucinations and Aphantasia
Ganzflicker is known to elicit the experience of pseudo-hallucinations... But how is it that some people see complex hallucinations such as "old stone castles"?
Hypnosis with Aphantasia
Can aphantasics be hypnotized? My experience learning to be hypnotized with imagery-free inductions.
Meditation with Aphantasia
Finding out I was aphantasic was a blessing for me. It gave me a kind of – subliminal permission – to free myself of the burden of visualization and explore other ways to meditate.
Do psychedelic drugs effect people with aphantasia differently?
Do psychedelics impact imagination differently? Share your experiences with drugs and how they shaped your perception or lack thereof.
Has any research been made in this matter?
Exploring the potential link between psychedelics and enhanced visualization in those with unique mental processing abilities.
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