Luminal Aether

In the vast tapestry of arcane knowledge, few territories remain as enigmatic as the realm of dreams. Kilroy Bisset, the eminent mage and arcane theorist, recognized the potential of lucid dreaming as a foundational practice for adepts. For Bisset, lucid dreaming was not merely a technique for self-exploration but an essential tool for questioning the very nature of reality.

In his writings, Bisset referred to the dream state an adept enters as the Liminal Aether. It's a state of consciousness that acts as a bridge, or liminal space, between waking reality and other realms, namely the Feywild and Shadowfell. For the uninitiated, the Feywild is a realm of emotion and vivacity, a mirror of the world with a whimsical and often unpredictable twist. In contrast, the Shadowfell is its gloomy counterpart, echoing the world's darkness, despair, and decay. Bisset posited that in the Liminal Aether, the boundaries of these two realms blur, offering the adept unique insights and experiences that are otherwise inaccessible in a regular waking state.

The key to navigating the Liminal Aether, as per Bisset, begins with recognizing the dream state for what it is: an alternate form of reality, no less valid than our waking world. Just as one trains in spellcasting to manipulate the energies of the universe, lucid dreaming offers a practice ground where the will and intent can be flexed and honed without the constraints of the physical world. The realization that one is in a dream is the first step towards exerting one's will upon it.

Bisset's emphasis on lucid dreaming was rooted in a profound philosophical stance: if an adept could question and manipulate their dream reality, they could extend this introspection and control to their waking world. This mastery of will and intent in the dream state, he believed, would bolster a spellcaster's prowess in the real world. By drawing from the emotive power of the Feywild and the introspective depth of the Shadowfell through the Liminal Aether, an adept could channel a richer, more potent form of arcane energy.

For Bisset, lucid dreaming was more than a metaphysical exercise; it was a foundational skill, a rite of passage for every adept. Through the Liminal Aether, by connecting to the Feywild and Shadowfell, adepts could cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the arcane, merging intent, will, and knowledge into a harmonious trinity.

First Exercise:  Learning To Anchor

Bisset believed that by rooting oneself in the waking world, one can better recognize the distinctiveness of the dream realm. He instructed adepts to intermittently pinch themselves throughout the day, and ask "Is this a dream." The aim was to establish a tangible link to reality and allow for consciousness to appear while in the dream state of Liminal Aether. Before sleeping, he suggested adepts should set an intention by repeating, "Tonight, I will recognize the Liminal Aether." By continuously setting this intent, adepts gradually cultivate an awareness of when they transition from ordinary dreaming to navigating the Liminal Aether.

Second Exercise: Learning to Record

Bisset was an ardent advocate of maintaining a journal. For an adept delving into the intricate realms of magic and spellcraft, maintaining a personal journal is paramount. This journal serves as both a compass and a mirror, guiding the adept through their evolving practices and reflecting their growth over time. As they chronicle each exercise, ritual, and incantation, the journal bears witness to their successes, setbacks, insights, and epiphanies. It helps in cementing theoretical knowledge into tangible experience. Moreover, revisiting past entries allows the adept to trace their journey, recognize patterns, and refine techniques based on prior observations. In essence, the journal evolves into a personalized grimoire, a testament to the adept's commitment and a beacon for their continual pursuit of mastery in the arcane arts.

Bisset, however, did not advocate recording all of ones dreams, noting:

"Recording every fleeting shadow of the dream realm is a fruitless endeavor. But heed this: if a figure emerges from the mists with a warning, or if a dream's tapestry feels woven from threads of déjà vu, then – and only then – is it of consequence. Such dreams are the universe's whispers; it is prudent to listen." 

Bisset counseled that the purpose of journaling was to first track whether or not you "woke up" during your dream and realized you were dreaming. Once this has occurred, you'll start to record what changes you were able to make using your will in the Liminal Aether.

Third Exercise: Learning to Conjure

Once you have successfully managed to awaken during your dreamstate, you can begin to experiment with exerting your control. In Mystic Praxis Bisset suggested adepts first try to conjure a blue feather while in the Liminal Aether. The blue feather will appear later as the first step in conjuring an item in the physical world (what Bisset called the Material Plane).

Once you have successfully been able to conjure the blue feather at will, you can move onto conjuring other items, then people, and finally events.

Fourth Exercise: Learning to Control

During a lucid dreaming session, conjure a candle. Then, focusing upon the candle, use your will to light the candle. One it has been lit, extinguish the candle. Repeat this practice until you have no difficulty  in the conjuring or control.

These exercises should be attempt no more than three times per week.