Phosphenes and Hypnagogic Imagery in Meditation: A Mystical Perspective

During inner work or what you might call active meditation, many people report seeing swirling lights, geometric patterns, and sometimes surreal, symbolic images. These experiences, often referred to as phosphenes and hypnagogic imagery, are common during the transition between wakefulness and sleep or in deep states of relaxation. While modern science may explain these as purely neural phenomena, traditions such as spiritual alchemy and mysticism view them as gateways to deeper communication with the source of all things.

Phosphenes: The Inner Light of Consciousness

Phosphenes are visual phenomena—bright spots, shapes, or patterns that appear even when our eyes are closed. Scientifically, they are thought to result from spontaneous activity in the visual cortex or retina. However, in alchemical and mystical traditions, phosphenes represent much more than mere brain activity; they are seen as manifestations of the "inner light" that is awakened through active meditation or spiritual practice.

We need to remember that scientists still do not fully understand the exact purpose or function of dreams, hypnogogic imagery, or phosphenes despite decades of research. While theories suggest that dreams may play a role in processing emotions, memories, or subconscious thoughts, their nature remains elusive, much as the lived experience of conscious thought evades explanation.

The French alchemist Antoine-Joseph Pernety (1716 - 1796) described the alchemical process as an "operation of Nature, aided by Art," implying that inner visions such as phosphenes are signs of spiritual energies being stirred within the body. These lights may be seen as sparks of divine consciousness, flickering into awareness as one begins their spiritual ascent. Pernety’s insights suggest that these lights are not just neurological byproducts, but reflections of a deeper process of inner transformation.

Jacob Boehme’s Vision

The German mystic Jacob Boehme (1575 - 1624) provides one of the most compelling historical examples of phosphenes in a spiritual context. During a moment of profound spiritual insight, Boehme saw the "inner structure of the universe" as a radiant light breaking through material forms. He described his vision as a revelation of the divine order underlying all things, not just as an abstract visual experience, but as a spiritual truth about the interconnectedness of the cosmos.

Hypnagogic Imagery: The Threshold Between Worlds

Hypnagogic imagery refers to the surreal, fluid, and often symbolic visual experiences that occur as one transitions between wakefulness and sleep. To alchemists, they often serve as symbolic messages or visions from the deeper layers of the self or from spiritual forces guiding their innerwork. The fleeting images of hypnagogic imagery was considered messages from the soul, spiritual entities, or the divine. The alchemist Paracelsus (1493 - 1541) referred to this type of vision as "True Imagination." The visions seen during hypnagogic states were interpreted not merely as dreams or subconscious chatter, but as symbols and archetypes offering guidance or insight.

The inner visions experienced in meditation and dreams were not the subject of medical concern historically. Both alchemists and religious mystics believed they were a method of communication with higher realms.

St. Teresa of Avila’s Mystical Ecstasies

Catholic mystic St. Teresa of Avila (1515 - 1582) xperienced profound visions during her moments of deep contemplation and prayer. She often saw radiant light and described feeling as though she were lifted from her body. These visionary experiences align closely with the phenomena of hypnagogic imagery. St. Teresa saw these visions as a direct union with God, where the divine communicated through symbols of light and transcendence. Religious mystics interpreted their visions in the context of their belief system and many alchemists used religious terms to shield their work from scrutiny by the church. 

Active Meditation in Alchemy

In alchemical practices, meditation was not merely a passive relaxation exercise or request for guidance, but an active process of inner transformation. Alchemists believed that divine energy could be harnessed and directed during meditation. The visions were seen as signs of spiritual progress and guidance from the divine or one's "higher self" in order to complete their great work of inner transformation, purifying the soul, and making a direct connection with the source of all things.

Basil Valentine’s Vision of the Azoth

The 15th-century alchemist Basil Valentine experienced a vision during his meditative practices that inspired the creation of the Azoth of the Philosophers, a symbolic mandala representing the stages of alchemical transformation. Valentine’s vision was filled with symbols of the celestial and the material world, merging the divine with the earthly. Many alchemists and mystics describe a progression from seeing lights like stars to gems, to fractal patterns, before finally seeing a mandala pattern imbedded with divine wisdom.

Phosphenes and Hypnagogic Imagery in Spiritual Practice

As Eliphas Levi once said, "The Great Work is, above all things, the creation of man by himself." Through phosphenes, hypnagogic imagery, and active meditation, the soul embarks on this Great Work, transforming from base matter into spiritual gold.

Recent research suggests that consciousness may be linked to quantum processes, with theories like Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff's Orch-OR proposing quantum entanglement in the brain’s microtubules as a mechanism for awareness. Physicist Michael Pravica further speculates that human consciousness might access hidden higher dimensions during heightened states of awareness. Such ideas are rooted in string theory and M-theory, which propose multiple dimensions beyond our perception. Interestingly, these modern theories echo ancient mystical beliefs, suggesting that some of humanity’s oldest concepts are resurfacing in scientific exploration.

But, we don't have to wait for science to unlock the mysteries of our minds anymore than we must wait for someone to explain the inner ear before we learn to sing. Deep contemplation and active meditation have a rich history in alchemy.