Since the Stone Age, human beings have gathered around flickering light. From firelight to candlelight, these glowing pulses have soothed, entranced, and awakened something deep within us. Today, the Lucia N°03 Hypnagogic Light offers a new way to enter altered states of consciousness—not through plants or substances, but through stroboscopic light and full-spectrum warmth.
As more people seek natural, non-pharmacological ways to access visionary states, it's important to understand what these states are, how science studies them, and how the Lucia N°03 experience compares to other well-known pathways like psilocybin, DMT, or Wachuma (San Pedro).
What Is an Expanded State of Consciousness?
An expanded or altered state of consciousness refers to any shift from ordinary waking awareness. These states can include lucid dreams, deep meditation, trance, or psychedelic journeys. Some describe them as mystical; others experience them as immersive or visionary.
Entheogens (from the Greek for "generating the divine within") are psychoactive substances used in spiritual or ritual contexts—including plant medicines like psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and San Pedro. These often induce:
- Shifts in perception of time and space
- Heightened sensory awareness
- Ego dissolution or transcendence
- Emotional release or insight
But expanded states aren't limited to chemical paths. Breathwork, music, hypnosis, and light can also guide us there.
What Does Science Say?
For decades, researchers have tried to define the neural signatures of altered states. EEG (electroencephalogram) studies looked for brainwave patterns that could mark these experiences, but the results were mixed. There is no single brainwave that defines an altered state.
However, common trends are emerging:
- Reduced alpha activity (the brain's idling rhythm)
- Increased signal complexity (the brain becomes more chaotic or entropic)
- Greater network integration (brain regions communicate more freely)
Psychedelic substances like psilocybin and DMT increase brain signal diversity and reduce default patterns. People often describe these states as dreamlike, profound, and ineffable—and the brain, under scans, appears to be in a more fluid, less rigid state.
Light-Induced Altered States
A recent study using the Lucia N°03 light showed that pure flickering white light can induce visual experiences comparable in intensity to psychedelics—without any substance in the body (Schielke et al., 2021).
At specific frequencies, especially around 10 Hz, participants reported:
- Closed-eye visuals (geometric shapes, colors, tunnels)
- Altered time perception
- Deep relaxation
A follow-up EEG study showed that the brain's signal complexity increased significantly, especially with flicker frequencies in the alpha range (8–12 Hz)—mimicking the heightened entropy seen with psychedelics (Vasquez-Rosati et al., 2021).
Lucia N°03 vs. Entheogenic Journeys
Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Experience Aspect | Lucia N°03 | Psilocybin | DMT | Wachuma (San Pedro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Immediate with light exposure | 20–60 min after ingestion | Seconds (smoked) / 30–60 min (oral) | 30–60 min after ingestion |
| Duration | 5–30 min (fully controllable) | 4–6 hours | 5–20 min (smoked), 4–6 hrs (oral) | 8–12 hours |
| Visuals | Geometric, colorful, kaleidoscopic | Nature-enhanced, closed-eye scenes | Immersive, hyperdimensional visions | Nature-enhanced, gentle visuals |
| Ego dissolution | Rare, mild detachment | Common at higher doses | Intense and rapid | Uncommon; more grounded |
| Body effects | Relaxing, warming, no substances | Slight nausea, body load | Purging (oral), buzzing (smoked) | Nausea, increased heart rate |
| Aftereffects | Clarity, creativity, calm | Emotional openness, fatigue | Wonder, exhaustion, introspection | Grounded insight, peace |
| Risk profile | Very low (except photosensitive epilepsy) | Low physical risk, psychological risk if unsupervised | Physiologically safe; intense psychological experience | Long duration, some body stress |
Why Light?
The Lucia N°03 is a rare tool that bridges ancient ritual with modern neuroscience. Unlike substances, light enters the nervous system through the eyes and entrains the brain directly, inducing deeply relaxed yet visionary states. The full-spectrum halogen warmth adds coherence and a primal familiarity—a resonance felt in the body.
Sessions are often recommended before 4 PM, aligning with your circadian rhythm. Some people treat longer sessions like a nap, while others emerge energized and inspired. As always, tuning into your sensitivity to light and your nervous system is key.
Final Thoughts
Expanded states are natural to the human experience. Whether they arrive through sacred plants, deep meditation, or flickering light, they remind us of the vast inner worlds we all carry.
The Lucia N°03 offers a portal to that inner light—safe, nourishing, and accessible.
Ready to explore?
- Book a session with a certified Lucia N°03 Light Guide
- Bring a Light Guide to your next retreat or wellness event
- Experience the timeless intelligence of light, as it awakens your own
References:
Schielke, S. et al. (2021). Flicker light stimulation induces altered states of consciousness comparable to psychedelics. bioRxiv. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.26.450044v1
Vasquez-Rosati, A. et al. (2021). Neural dynamics of flicker-induced altered states. PMC8248711. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8248711/
