Psi-Conducive States: When the Mind Opens to ESP Part 2

 

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Understanding the Conditions That Allow Psi to Emerge

Most people think psychic experiences happen randomly — a flash of intuition here, a strange dream there, a sudden knowing that can’t be explained. But decades of research in parapsychology suggest something much more interesting:

Psi does not appear in a vacuum.
It responds to specific states of mind, body, and consciousness.

Among the researchers who explored this in depth, William Braud, PhD stands out. His work at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology combined laboratory experiments, consciousness studies, psychophysiology, and careful theoretical thinking. Instead of asking whether psi exists, he asked a more practical and powerful question:

“Under what conditions is psi most likely to occur?”

The result was a systematic mapping of what Braud called psi-favorable conditions — the internal and external states where ESP and related phenomena become clearer, more accurate, and more conscious.

This article is a deep dive into those conditions.

Note:

My earlier article, Psi-Conducive States: When the Mind Opens to ESP Part 1, was based on William Braud’s work published in 1975.

This new post explores a much later and more comprehensive study, released in 2002. It expands the original ideas with deeper research, richer theory, and updated insights into how and when psi becomes most accessible.

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1. Physical Conditions That Might Influence PSI

Braud emphasizes that psi often ignores space, distance, shielding, and other physical limits… but some physical variables may subtly influence how strongly psi is expressed. These findings are intriguing, not yet final, but consistent enough to take seriously.

Here’s what he found. These are still tentative but show promising correlations:

🌐 Geomagnetic Field
Lower geomagnetic activity = better psi performance.

🌌 Local Sidereal Time (LST)
Certain times (around 13.30 LST) show stronger ESP effects.

📉 Shannon Entropy
ESP tasks work better when the target has changing information content.

🎲 Randomness Quality
PK tasks work better when the randomness is “true” randomness (not predictable).

🌐 Geomagnetic Field (GMF)

Low geomagnetic activity = better psi performance.

Braud cites research showing that when the Earth’s magnetic environment is calm (GMF is low), psi scores tend to rise.

Why might this matter?

• The geomagnetic field affects human physiology, especially the brain.

• High GMF activity may introduce “noise” into the nervous system.

• Lower GMF = quieter internal environment = easier psi access.

Several studies noted that participants scored higher in ESP tasks on days of calmer geomagnetic conditions.

This doesn’t mean geomagnetism causes psi — just that it may create a less disruptive atmosphere for it.

How to Check Geomagnetic Activity (GMF)

Geomagnetic activity is usually measured using the Kp index or the local geomagnetic A-index. The lower the numbers, the calmer the magnetic field — and the more psi-friendly the conditions might be.

Where to check:

1. NOAA Space Weather Center

Search for: “NOAA K Index”
You’ll see a graph showing the current and 3-day forecast.

• Kp 0–2: very calm (best psi conditions)

• Kp 3–4: moderate

• Kp 5+ : storm levels (psi may be harder)

2. SpaceWeatherLive.com

Look for “Kp Index” on the main page.
Very simple: green = calm, yellow = moderate, red = storm.

3. Local apps

Search “space weather” or “Kp index” on Play Store or iOS.
Many apps send alerts when GMF becomes quiet or stormy.

Tip for readers:

“If you want ideal ESP conditions, try practicing when Kp is at 1 or 2.”

 

🌌 Local Sidereal Time (LST)

Around 13.30 LST, ESP effects appear stronger.

LST is based on the Earth’s rotation relative to the distant stars (not the Sun).
Spottiswoode’s studies found that ESP hit rates fluctuate depending on LST, with a peak around 13.30 sidereal time.

What this suggests:

• Psi might interact with cosmic or astrophysical factors we don’t yet understand.

• It may reflect a subtle relationship between human consciousness and celestial alignments.

Braud treats this cautiously but notes that the correlation is strong enough to warrant further study.

How to Check Local Sidereal Time (LST)

LST is based on your longitude and the position of the stars, not the Sun.
You don’t need to calculate it manually — there are free tools that do it instantly.

Where to check:

1. Search: “Local Sidereal Time calculator”

Some websites let you type your city or longitude and instantly get your LST.

2. Online “Astro-Clock” or “LST Clock”

Search “LST Clock” — it will show your current sidereal time in real-time.

3. Astronomy software & apps

Stargazing or astronomy apps may include LST. Try:

• Stellarium

• SkySafari

• AstroClock

Just enable “Show Sidereal Time.”

What to look for:

Research suggests psi tends to peak around:

➡️ 13.30 LST (sidereal time)

So readers can check when their local LST is near 13:30 each day.

“Find when your Local Sidereal Time hits around 13.30 — that window may be slightly more psi-favorable according to research.”

 

📉 Shannon Entropy (Information Content)

Braud explains that the information structure of the target itself may influence ESP performance.
This comes from research suggesting that ESP works better when the target has higher Shannon entropy — meaning:

The target contains more variability or changing information.

In practice:

• Targets with movement, complexity, or dynamic content may be easier for ESP to detect.

• Still images with low variability have lower entropy and may produce weaker psi performance.

Why?

Braud suggests that dynamic or complex targets may give the mind more “hooks” or pathways for psi-related impressions to form.

This aligns with reports that ESP impressions often come as fragments, impressions, flashes, not perfect replicas — richer targets provide more fragments to pick up

Examples of high entropy targets:

• videos

• moving images

• complex scenes

• vivid dynamic patterns

Examples of low entropy targets:

• plain shapes

• simple colors

• static, minimal images

Why this may matter:

Dynamic or complex targets have more informational “texture.” Braud suggests that this gives the mind more entry points or hooks for psi impressions to arise.

So:

The more information a target contains or changes over time, the easier it may be for ESP to pick up something meaningful.

🎲 Randomness Quality (Especially for PK)

When discussing PK, Braud highlights research showing that the quality of randomness in a system strongly influences whether psychokinesis (mind influencing matter) can show up.

PK works better when the system is truly random

(e.g., physical random number generators, radioactive decay, high-quality RNGs)

And it works worse when the randomness is:

• predictable

• patterned

• algorithmic or pseudo-random

Why this may matter:
PK seems to operate on the probability level rather than directly “moving” things.
If the outcomes are too structured or pre-determined, there is less “freedom” for consciousness to nudge the results.

So:

True randomness = more flexibility for PK to operate.
Predictable randomness = limited space for influence.

 

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2. Physiological Conditions Favorable to PSI

🧘‍♀️ Deep Relaxation

• One of the strongest findings.

• Progressive muscle relaxation increases ESP scores significantly.

• Lower muscle tension = clearer psi impressions.

😌 Low Autonomic Arousal

• Lower sympathetic arousal (calm body state) correlates with better ESP.

• Not too low — best performance is at moderately low arousal.

🌙 Dreaming (REM)

• Dreaming is highly psi-favorable.

• Maimonides dream ESP studies show strong hit rates (63–83%).

🧠 Hypnagogic State

• The twilight state between waking and sleep enhances ESP.

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3. Psychological / Consciousness States Favorable to PSI

A. Structures of Consciousness

(Braud uses Gebser’s model)

🌀 Magical Consciousness

• More intuitive, symbolic thinking.

• Much more naturally aligned with psi.

🧠 Mental Consciousness

• Logical, analytical mindset = suppresses psi (cognitive constraints).

🧸 Childhood Mentality

• Children show more psi than adults — less rigid mental structures.

🌙 Gebser’s Structures of Consciousness (Brief Overview)

Braud uses the work of philosopher Jean Gebser to explain why some states of consciousness are more psi-friendly than others. Gebser believed that human consciousness evolves in distinct structures, each with its own way of experiencing reality.

These structures still exist within us today — sometimes active, sometimes dormant — and each supports or suppresses psi differently.

Here are the key structures Braud mentions:

1. Archaic Structure

• Earliest, primal consciousness

• Very diffuse, pre-individual, almost dream-like

• No clear separation between self and world

Not directly linked to psi here, but forms the earliest foundation.

2. Magical Structure (psi-friendly)

• Emotionally intuitive

• Symbolic and interconnected

• The world is experienced as alive and responsive

Why it supports psi:
Braud notes that cultures dominated by this structure have high reports of telepathy, clairvoyance, and shamanic abilities. This mindset doesn’t resist psi — it expects it.

3. Mythical Structure

• Strong imagery, symbolism, narrative understanding

• Cyclical time

• Experiences are shaped through stories and archetypes

This can also support psi, though not as strongly as the Magical structure.

4. Mental Structure (psi-restrictive)

• Logical, analytical, rational

• Focuses on linear time, cause-and-effect

• Values objectivity and skepticism

Why it inhibits psi:
Braud points out that the Mental structure creates cognitive constraints.
Analytical thinking filters, dismisses, or overrides subtle psi impressions.

This is the “left-brain” dominance seen in modern adults.

5. Integral Structure

• A more evolved consciousness

• Integrates rational, symbolic, intuitive, and spiritual modes

• Allows multiple realities to coexist

This structure can be psi-friendly if the rational mind doesn’t dominate.

🌟 Why Gebser’s Model Matters for ESP (Braud’s Insight)

Braud uses this model to show that psi is more natural in certain consciousness structures:

More Psi-Friendly:

• Magical

• Mythical

• Integral (when intuition is allowed)

Less Psi-Friendly:

• Mental (too analytical, too restrictive)

He suggests that psi appears more easily when consciousness is:

• flexible

• symbolic

• open

• inward-facing

• less controlled by analytical thinking

This aligns perfectly with modern findings:

• children show more psi than adults

• relaxed, dreamy states enhance psi

• meditation, trance, hypnosis all reduce mental-structure dominance
  
  

B. Altered States of Consciousness

These states are consistently psi-enhancing:

🧘 Meditation

• Reduces thought noise and bodily arousal.

• Increases inward attention.

👁️ Sensory Restriction (Ganzfeld)

• One of the strongest, most replicated ESP enhancers.

• Mild sensory deprivation = stronger inner imagery and impressions.

🔮 Hypnosis

• High psi hit rates in meta-analyses.

• Increased imagination, absorption, reduced critical thinking.

🌙 Dreams

• Especially REM dreams.

• Highly conducive for telepathic and clairvoyant impressions.

🍄 Psychedelic States

• Mixed evidence.

• Some promising results, but not consistently enhancing psi.

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4. Core Processes Behind PSI-Favorable States

✨ 1. Noise Reduction

• Reduces sensory, emotional, and cognitive distractions.

• Makes subtle psi signals easier to detect.

✨ 2. Inward Attention

• Shifts attention from the outer world to inner imagery and impressions.

✨ 3. Increased Mental Lability

• A flexible, fluid mental state leads to easier psi access.

• Psi requires “free clay” — free cognitive resources.

✨ 4. Expectancy & Confidence

• Positive expectation increases psi performance.

• Similar to placebo effects.

✨ 5. Experimenter & Relationship Effects

• Psi improves with:

  • trust

  • rapport

  • positive relationships

  • supportive atmosphere

• Distrust, skepticism, or hostility reduce psi dramatically.

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5. States of Mind Most Favorable to PSI

Braud identified three clusters:

1. Faith

• Belief in psi (sheep-goat effect).

• Confidence and trust.

2. Hope

• Meaningfulness, desire, relevance, motivation.

3. Love / Caring

• Strong positive emotional bonds.

• Altruistic motives, compassion, and empathy improve psi.

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6. Practical PSI Techniques (based on the findings)

1. Relaxation Exercises

Simple body-based methods (like progressive muscle relaxation or scanning the body from head to toe) lower physical tension and soften mental resistance. For ESP, this is like turning down static so subtle impressions can come through more clearly.

2. Breathwork

Slow, steady breathing (for example, inhaling for 4 counts, exhaling for 6) calms the nervous system and gently lowers arousal. A smoother breath rhythm often leads to a smoother flow of inner images, feelings, and “knowings.”

3. Meditation

Meditation helps quiet the constant stream of thoughts without forcing them to stop. Open, relaxed awareness—just noticing sensations, thoughts, and images—creates an ideal inner environment for psi impressions to arise and be noticed.

4. Ganzfeld or Sensory Reduction

This involves reducing normal sensory input so inner imagery becomes more vivid (e.g. soft diffuse light, gentle white noise, minimal distractions). Even a “lite” version—dim lights, comfortable position, and soft sound—can simulate this and make ESP impressions stand out.

5. Gentle Inward Focusing

Instead of looking outward, you place attention on your inner space: images, emotions, bodily sensations. The key is gentleness—you listen inside rather than interrogate, allowing psi-related impressions to appear without pressure.

6. Visualization Practices

You deliberately form clear mental images (for example, imagining contacting a target, person, or future situation) and then allow additional, spontaneous details to appear. This trains the mind to work with imagery, which is one of the main carriers for ESP information.

7. Dream Journaling

Writing down dreams as soon as you wake trains your brain to value and remember them. Over time, recall improves, patterns emerge, and it becomes easier to spot psi elements such as symbolic warnings, previews, or telepathic content.

8. Hypnagogic Induction

This means deliberately entering the “edge” between waking and sleep—relaxed, eyes closed, drifting but still a little aware. In this state, images and thoughts become fluid and vivid, and many people report receiving ESP impressions here more easily than in full waking consciousness.

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🌟 TL;DR — What Helps Your ESP the Most

Here is the summary:

✨

🧲 Physical Conditions

🌐 Low geomagnetic activity → clearer inner signal, better psi performance

🌌 Certain sidereal times (≈ 13.30 LST) → psi-friendly cosmic alignment

📉 High Shannon entropy → dynamic, information-rich targets give clearer ESP impressions

🎲 True randomness → PK effects are stronger with genuinely unpredictable systems

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🧠 States of Mind & Consciousness

🌙 Dreaming and hypnagogic states (REM, falling asleep, liminal states)

🧘 Deep relaxation and meditation

🔇 Sensory deprivation / Ganzfeld conditions

😌 Low emotional and cognitive arousal (calm but awake)

🌀 Magical/intuitive consciousness over analytical/mental-mode thinking

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💗 Emotional & Motivational Factors

✨ Positive belief, openness, confidence

💞 Love, trust, emotional bonding, supportive relationships

🔥 Meaning, desire, relevance, personal importance

These conditions all increase your sensitivity to subtle, internal psi impressions.

Source: Braud, W. (2002). Psi-favorable conditions. In V. G. Rammohan (Ed.), New frontiers of human science: A Festschrift for K. Ramakrishna Rao (pp. 95–118). Jefferson, NC & London: McFarland.

- Chris

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