Visions and hallucinations are a recognized type of spiritual experience across many traditions. One one hand, they can be eye-opening moments of transcendence, revelation, and bliss, while on the other hand, they can be terrifying experiences of loss or warning. Whether these experiences come intentionally through practice and the consumption of medicines or psychedelics or spontaneously through a physical or medical condition, the significance and interpretation of these events can leave a deep and lasting impact on the experiencer. Even positive visions may leave someone experiencing depression, pain, or confusion once they “return to reality.” While many mystic traditions were started through practitioners having visions or out-of-consciousness experiences, many traditions also warn against seeking out these experiences or trying to force them to happen, as it can lead to spiritually and physically dangerous results.
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