Dreamwalking sounds like something out of a fantasy book, but for many witches and magical folk, it’s a real practice that allows us to explore other realms while our bodies rest. It’s like astral travel, but a little softer, more subconscious, and often tied into dreams. You’re not forcing yourself out of your body—you’re slipping through the veil naturally as you sleep. Dreamwalking can help you find answers, visit lost loved ones, connect with spirit guides, explore otherworldly landscapes, and receive messages you can’t always get when you’re awake.
Most of us already dip our toes into dreamwalking without even realizing it. Ever had a dream that felt too real? Or woken up with a strong feeling, memory, or even a message that stuck with you all day? That’s your spirit reaching beyond this realm. The more you pay attention to your dreams, the easier it gets to guide where you go and what you do during sleep. Dreamwalking is like lucid dreaming’s spiritual cousin—more intuitive, more magical.
Witches who practice dreamwalking often describe dreamy landscapes that seem to exist outside of time. Sometimes you’ll find yourself walking through ancient forests, talking to animals that know things, or even visiting places that feel like past lives. It’s not always about control—it’s about openness. The more you release expectation and let your intuition lead, the deeper you go.
It’s also worth saying that dreamwalking isn’t always about solving big mysteries or hunting down answers. Sometimes it’s about healing, releasing, or just letting your soul stretch its legs. If you’ve ever woken up feeling lighter, like something heavy got worked out while you slept, you might’ve dreamwalked your way through it. This guide is here to help you understand it, trust it, and maybe even try it for yourself.
What Is Dreamwalking?
Dreamwalking is the practice of consciously traveling through dreamspace, either to explore spiritual realms or connect with energies beyond the physical world. Unlike basic dreaming, dreamwalking involves awareness—sometimes full, sometimes subtle—and intention. You’re still dreaming, but part of you knows it’s more than a dream.
Think of it as letting your spirit wander a little while your body rests. Some people go to the astral realm. Some visit the realm of the dead. Some just walk through a personal version of the Otherworld. Where you go often depends on what your soul needs. And no, you don’t need years of training to start—you just need curiosity, a bit of preparation, and the willingness to explore.
How to Prepare for Dreamwalking
Start with your dream recall. Before you go skipping through spirit realms, you’ll want to remember your dreams better. Keep a dream journal. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just write down whatever you remember right after waking—even if it’s just feelings, colors, or a single image. This strengthens your connection to your dreams and opens the door for deeper experiences.
Create a calm, safe sleep environment. Clean your space energetically if you can—burn some herbs like mugwort, lavender, or cedar. Place protective crystals (like amethyst, black tourmaline, or lepidolite) near your bed. You can even draw a simple sigil or protection symbol under your pillow. The more grounded and protected you feel, the freer your spirit will be to roam.
Set an intention before bed. You can whisper it aloud, write it in your journal, or hold it in your mind as you drift off. Example: “Tonight, I ask to walk in the realm of healing.” or “I welcome any messages from my guides.” Keep it gentle and open. You’re not trying to force an outcome—you’re inviting the experience.
You can also use teas, tinctures, or oils made with dream herbs. Mugwort is the most famous one for this kind of work, but blue lotus, valerian, passionflower, and chamomile can also help. Just be safe and do your research before using any herbs, especially if you’re on medication or pregnant.
How to Dreamwalk
Create a Bedtime Ritual
Rituals helps signal to your subconscious that you’re shifting into magical mode. You don’t have to make it complicated—just consistent.
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Light a candle and say a short invocation like: “With this flame, I open the door to sacred dreaming.”
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Burn a little mugwort, lavender, or sandalwood incense to cleanse your space.
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Gently anoint your third eye with oil (even just olive or lavender oil works) while focusing on your dream goal.
Your ritual doesn’t have to be long—5-10 minutes is enough. The key is doing it regularly so your spirit gets the message: “We’re going dreamwalking now.”
Use a Dreamwalking Charm or Talisman
Make or carry something that anchors you to your dreamwalking goal.
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A small pouch of herbs like mugwort, chamomile, and rose under your pillow
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A crystal like amethyst, celestite, or labradorite charged with your intention
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A small dreamwalking sigil drawn on paper, cloth, or even your skin
These items act like spiritual GPS—they help guide you into the right realm and keep you aligned while you’re there.
Visualize the Path Before Sleep
Just before falling asleep, close your eyes and see yourself stepping through a doorway, a misty forest, a glowing portal—whatever feels right to you. Imagine it vividly.
Picture yourself walking calmly, safely, curiously. Feel the air, notice the ground beneath your feet, and trust that this visualization is helping guide your dream self. This is a gentle form of pathworking that leads the mind and spirit where you want to go.
Call in Your Spirit Guides or Cast a Spell
You don’t have to walk the dream realms alone. If you have spirit guides, ancestors, deities, or other trusted allies on the other side, now’s the time to reach out. They can offer guidance, protection, or even show you where to go next.
Call a Spirit
Before you drift off, softly say:
“Spirits who walk with me,
I invite you into my dreams.
Guide me, teach me, protect me,
as I cross the veil tonight.”
Don’t worry if you’re not sure who your guides are yet—dreamwalking can actually be one of the gentlest ways to meet them. Just stay respectful, curious, and open-hearted.
Cast a Spell
If you’d rather speak a spell instead, here’s one you can whisper into the dark:
“By night’s embrace and starlight deep,
Let spirit rise while body sleeps.
I walk the paths where magic flows,
To realms beyond, where spirit goes.”
What You Might Experience
When you’re dreamwalking, the experience can feel very real—but also a little dreamy. Time might move differently. You might fly, talk to beings without words, or witness scenes that feel symbolic. Don’t stress about “doing it right.” Trust what you feel, see, or sense. That’s the language of dreamwalking.
Some people meet ancestors or spirit guides. Others visit places that don’t exist on any map but feel strangely familiar. You might walk through a door and end up in a temple, a forest, or even floating in space. You may not always understand it in the moment, but messages usually become clear after waking.
And yes, sometimes dreamwalking can feel intense. If you end up in a scary place or see something unsettling, don’t panic. These moments often reflect fears or inner wounds that need healing. You can always pull yourself out by reminding yourself it’s a dream, calling on your guides, or focusing on your breath. If you’re ever uncomfortable, you can also set stronger protection before bed the next night.
The more you practice, the easier it gets. You’ll learn how to recognize certain realms, build relationships with helpful spirits, and trust your intuition on a whole new level.
Dreamwalking Tips for Witches
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Protection first. Always. A simple warding spell or crystal near your bed can do wonders.
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Stay grounded. Even magical exploration works better when your body is well-fed, hydrated, and rested.
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Work with the moon. The full moon is powerful for dreamwork, but the waning moon can be great for healing journeys.
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Use sigils or symbols. You can draw a dreamwalking sigil and place it under your pillow or near your bed.
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Be open. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work the first time. Sometimes your spirit needs time to get comfortable.
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Ask for help. Guides, ancestors, and deities can assist—just be respectful and clear in your request.
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Pay attention to repeating symbols. Animals, landscapes, and objects can all carry messages.
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Avoid heavy or toxic energy before bed. No doomscrolling. Clear your energy before sleep.
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Keep your dream journal close. Write down everything—even weird or random stuff. It all adds up.
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Rest. Some dream journeys can feel exhausting. Give your body time to recover if needed.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Already Got This
Here’s the thing—if you’re drawn to dreamwalking, chances are you’ve already done it in some way. Our spirits are wise. We’ve likely been doing this for lifetimes. Dreamwalking isn’t about perfection, and it’s not about escaping the real world. It’s about tuning in to a part of yourself that already knows how to explore the hidden spaces of existence.
Take it slow. Be curious. Trust the symbols, the feelings, the quiet knowings. You might not always get clear answers, but you’ll get what you need. And over time, you’ll start to notice that the realms you visit in your sleep begin to ripple into your waking life—with more clarity, more intuition, and more connection to the magic around (and inside) you.
