Lucid dreaming is consciously perceiving and recognizing that one is in a dream while one is sleeping, sometimes leading to control over the “dreamscape”, or the faux-reality dream world within a dream. Stephen LaBerge, a published author and expert on the subject, has defined it as simply realizing that one is dreaming while in a dream. Other authorities contend that in order for the state of a dreaming person to be lucid, that person must have control over his or her dreamscape (because simply having the mental idea “I am lucid” could be a creation of the subconscious itself and not a real “rational” thought). Lucid dreamers, called oneironauts, report being able to freely remember the circumstances of waking life, think cogently, and act deliberately upon reflection, all while experiencing a dreamscape that seems vividly real.

Lucid Dreaming is an ability that can be learned, and is used by people for such purposes as entertainment, spiritual practice, physical practices, breaking down psychological barriers and healing. For example, lucid dreaming is valuable for facing up to and defeating waking fears and phobias. A person who has a fear of spiders or any other creatures can create dreamscapes containing these creatures and then face them within the dream. In this way phobias and other problems can be faced and conquered within the psyche, later taking the resulting confidence in these situations into the waking world.

More on Lucid Dreaming: Lucid Dreaming FAQ from the Lucidity Institute, Lucid Views, Lucid Dream Induction, Lucid Dreaming FAQ from Intelegen Inc., 365 Dreams Blog ,Dream Forum @ Astral Pulse, Lucid Dreaming Wiki Book, and Dream Yoga.