I want to talk about the significance of theta, or the theta brain wave pattern, with regards to spirituality (and perhaps paranormal perception) and possible entheogenic use (specifically DXM).
Nikola Tesla "planned to exploit the resonance frequency of the earth, which he calculated to be approximately 8 Hertz based upon certain parameters such as the thickness of the ionosphere and the velocity of light." (
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/journal/vol2_1/bioelectricmag.html )
For those who do not know, the brain experiences four main brain wave states. The first is beta, which is the waking state. Calculation and reason happen in the beta state. IIRC, beta runs between 24-30 Hertz. The second is alpha. Alpha is the state that most meditation will relax into. Alpha is, IIRC, between 8-20 Hertz. (See
http://brain.web-us.com/brainwavesfunction.htm .)
The third and fourth states are theta and delta, respectively. The brain enters its most imagistic part of slumber, REM sleep, when its wave pattern changes from a delta state (deep, non-REM sleep) to the theta state. Theta resonates between 4 and 8 Hertz. (Delta resonates at all frequencies 4 Hertz and below.)
William E. White, the author of the DXM FAQ says in one of his papers: "the flanging or strobing effects of DXM and other dissociatives seem to occur at theta rhythm, which may be a consequence of their effects on the posterior cingulate." (
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/dxm/dxm_health1.shtml )
As for the significance of the alpha and theta waves, Susan M. Castle states the following: "It is during the alpha and theta brain wave states that we are the most open to what we hear. During these two states, we have direct access and influence into the subconscious mind. When positive suggestions and statements are introduced in these states, powerful transformations begin to occur in our waking moments. We begin to make changes based on the suggestions we have 'heard' in the relaxed brain wave states.... Research clearly indicates that the most powerful time to introduce suggestions and invite change to occur is in the alpha and theta brain wave activity states."
(
http://www.relax-online.com/assoc/M1000/jhtapes.html )
In "Biomagnetism and Bio-Electromagnetism: The Foundation of Life," H. Coetzee stated that, in the 1990s, "work with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction on human brain tissue of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) identified magnetite-maghemite crystals." He defined magnetite as "a black mineral form of iron oxide that crystallizes in the cubic or isometric system, namely all crystals which have their crystallographic axes of equal length at 90 degrees to each other." After some discussion, he inquires, "Could these crystals use their motion in a variety of ways to transduce the geomagnetic field into signals that can be processed by the nervous system?" (
http://www.affs.org/en/articles/biomagnetism.html )
The heroine of
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within postulated that her dreams were actually communication between herself and the earth (or, rather, Gaia, the Earth's spirit).
And I speculate that hypnosis occurs when the brain is in a low-alpha or (most probably) theta state.
I imagine the human brain as an organic black box, our consciousnesses mere witnesses to history. The brain is designed to receive information. I am going to venture a guess--pure speculation, of course--that in different states of consciousness, our brains become able to be attuned to different types of information, and most probably by other-than-normal mechanisms. In other words, our usual five senses may or may not come into play. The interplay of our normal senses may be irrelevant to the flow of information that is being received.
It is my further speculation that the theta state puts one's personal resonant frequency in sync with that of Earth. If the earth can communicate, if its spirit can contact our own, such communication should be most direct at the theta rhythm.
My last speculation is that gnostic meditation or other deep, focusing meditation may elicit a (sometimes spontaneous) low-alpha or theta rhythm, which might trigger paranormal activity which could manifest as signs or portents. This is the Holy Spirit, magnified wihen brought in accord with the nearest, most immediate celestial body--the Earth. No, not magnified. Amplified.
One usually only experiences the theta rhythm during the sleep cycle. Yet it has been shown that DXM intoxication can produce results similar to TLE (temporal lobe epilepsy), or to temporal lobe lability. These physiological disturbances in the temporal lobe are often accompanied by what I would term as paranormal activity. This activity can and often manifests during periods of sobriety (also known as
ictic periods). These paranormal effects include: recurrent deja vu or jamais vu; autoscopy and/or remote viewing; ESP; telepathy; and clairvoyance.
Thus, it is the culmination of my speculations to suggest that the theta pattern can help stimulate the outward signs of the Holy Spirit. Which is why I, once under the effects of DXM, I immediately recognized it as a sacrament.
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