Entoptic images are visual effects which originate within the visual processing system of the observer. The term ‘entoptic’ comes from the Greek for ‘within vision’, indicating that the images come from anywhere within the optic system, between the eye itself and the neural cortex where signals from the optic nerve are interpreted. Since it originates within the visual system, entoptic imagery can only be seen by the observer.
For clarity, I would like to include a quick note on the definition of entoptic imagery. In their discussion of paleolithic cave imagery, Lewis-Williams and Dowson define entoptic imagery as visual experiences arising from anywhere within the optic system, which includes the eyes, the occipital lobe of the brain, and the many other portions of the neural cortex that process visual stimuli. This definition comes from the Greek translation of entoptic meaning “things perceived within vision”, and is commonly used by anthropologists and archaeologists (Williams & Dowson 1988). On the other hand, in most medical literature, entoptic imagery is defined as imagery which only originates from within the eye itself. Given the Greek meaning of the word entoptic, I prefer the anthropological definition of the term. Therefore, for the purposes of this article, ‘entoptic’ indicates imagery that arises from anywhere within the visual system, from the eyes to the neural cortex.
Types of Entopic Images
There are a variety of types of entoptic images which originate in different parts of the visual system. Some of the most well understood entoptic effects originate within the eyeball itself. These include floaters, which are formations of protein clumps in the vitreous gel of the eyeball that can be seen when looking at a bright, blank background such as the sky;
and Purkinje trees, which are images of the retinal blood vessels in one’s own eyes that can be seen when a light is shined into the periphery of the eye.
Another type of entoptic imagery that you may be familiar with is known as a phosphene. Phosphenes occur when the individual perceives light when there is no light entering the eye. Phosphenes can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, gamma rays from space sometimes impinge on the retina and cause the individual to perceive flashes of light. Individuals who go for a long time without visual stimuli will also sometimes see phosphenes in the form of light and images. These sorts of phosphenes seem to be produced beyond the eye, in the visual cortex. This phenomenon has been given the nickname ‘prisoner’s cinema’. In some Tibetan traditions, monks do a practice known as dark retreat in which they meditate for long periods in a pitch black room. They say that after some time, lights and images arise in front of their eyes. These images would also be defined as phosphenes, and it is clear from descriptions that they also hold a great deal of spiritual meaning (Rosenshein 2011).
Another type of entoptic imagery, called a ‘form-constant’ by some scholars, is also produced beyond the eye in the visual cortex. These images are generally geometric in pattern and originate in the nervous system. They may be interpreted and enhanced by the observer as a particular image or pattern, in which case they are considered visual hallucinations. These phenomena can easily be seen by the observer, but cannot be seen at all by anyone else. Images such as these are often observed in altered states brought on by the use of entheogens, trance states induced by meditation, fasting, drumming, and so forth, and by imbalanced brain states in individuals suffering from mental diseases such as schizophrenia (Lewis-Williams & Dowson 1988).
If you are still unsure as to what exactly an entoptic image is, try closing your eyes – after a few moments, if you pay attention, you will begin to perceive vague colored lights. You can even induce these lights by closing your eyes and pressing gently on the sides of the eyeballs, or by squeezing your eyes shut very tightly. The exact cause of these effects is not known – perhaps they are random firings of neurons within the visual system – but we do know that they are common to all humans.
Once entoptic images originate within the visual system they are interpreted by the visual cortex, which receives signals from the eye and produces secondary signals that allow the rest of the brain understand the image. These entoptic images have been interpreted in many different ways by different cultures and peoples all over the world. All human beings experience the same entoptic images, but they may interpret them in different ways depending on the traditions they have been exposed to and the methods they use to perceive the world. Studies on entoptic imagery in altered states of consciousness have helped us to better understand the ways in which individuals experience and interpret these images (Rosenshein 2011).
The Study of Entopic Imagery in Altered States
Although entoptic images are a common experience of humankind, they have only become a topic of scientific inquiry within the last few hundred years. The scientific study of entoptic imagery seems to have begun in 1845, when French psychiatrist Jaques Moreau observed that the structural nature of hallucinations was virtually the same in a wide range of mind-altering conditions. He found that visual hallucinations reported by individuals suffering from mental illness, as well as those reported by individuals under the influence of entheogens, nitrous oxide, opium, alcohol, and so forth, were very similar in structure (Siegel and West 1975). Furthermore, in 1888, Dr. Max Simon studied the imagery of schizophrenic hallucinations in patients and discovered a number of repeating motifs of spider webs, ropes, meshes and balls. These early findings suggested that the structure of visual hallucinations is somewhat consistent across individuals and manners of induction.
Further breakthroughs in the patterns common to entoptic imagery came through the study of mescaline, which was first identified and isolated from the peyote cactus in 1897 by German scientist Arthur Heffter. In 1898, novelist Weir Mitchell published the first modern Western account of the mescaline experience, describing visions of silver stars, gothic architecture, precious stones, and colored fruit (Melechi 2008).
In 1913, A. Knauer and W. Maloney gave mescaline to a number of test subjects and recorded their reported experiences. One subject described his visions as follows; “immediately before my eyes are a vast number of rings, apparently made of fine steel wire, all constantly rotating” (Knauer and Maloney 1913). In 1919, mescaline was first synthesised in the laboratory and this accelerated research, revealing a common structure to the visual phenomenon the substance produced; “filigree, cobwebs, cogwheels, flowers, snowflakes – which all appeared to be generated by the eye’s sub-cortical system” (Melechi 2008).
Another scientist who experimented with mescaline on himself recorded the following experience; “If the mescaline taker keeps his eyes closed, he sees riotously colorful ‘mosaics, networks, flowing arabesques, interlaced spirals, wonderful tapestries . . . great butterflies gently moving their wings, fields of glittering jewels . . . soaring architecture . . . and finally human figures and fully formed scenes where coherent histories are enacted’ (Smythies 1953). These reports on the visions induced by mescaline further exemplify the similar structures found in entoptic images across individuals. Somehow, the entheogen produces similar images of jewels, interlaced webs and spirals, beautiful architecture and so forth within the visual system. As we can see from the above reports, different individuals interpret the images they see in slightly different ways, but the similarities and patterns are clearly there. This research made it very clear that there are patterns in the entoptic images observed by different individuals when consuming mescaline.
Neurologist Heinrich Kluver identified these mescaline patterns and visions as ‘form-constants’, noting the incredible similarities between the images observed by many different individuals. He noted that hallucinations seem to occur in two stages. In the first stage, the individual observes four types of geometries; the grid, cobwebs, tunnels or cones, and spirals. In the second stage, these geometric images are interpreted and elaborated into iconic images drawn from the memory of the observer.
Research into the entoptic images induced by entheogens was continued by Louis Lewin, who spoke of the similarity in imagery that is produced by different types of substances, such as cannabis and mescaline. He stated that Cannabis produces fireworks and multicolored stars, while mescaline produces colored arabesques, carpets, and filigree latticework (Lewis 1924). In 1977, Siegel found that individuals exposed to THC and placed in a light and soundproof chamber would see many structurally similar geometric forms which would combine, duplicate, and superimpose with each other. This research once again indicates that, although different entheogens may create somewhat different images, there are definite patterns to be found in entoptic images observed by different individuals and induced by different substances and methods.
Structural Similarities in Entopic Imagery
Through the research into entoptic imagery caused by mental imbalances and entheogens, it became clear that there are certain structural similarities to be found in entoptic imagery as experienced by many different individuals and through many different methods of induction. These similar structures, or ‘form-constants’, were visually depicted in 1964 in a study by M.J. Horowitz.
Horowitz performed a study on the entoptic imagery in paintings done by schizophrenic individuals, as well as on entoptic imagery as reported by healthy individuals. He noted that at times, schizophrenic individuals would stop painting and would stare off into space intensely, as if seeing something that no one else could see. After this, they would paint “simple figures which were different from the previous pictorial forms” (Horowitz 1964, 513). Patients were asked to draw and describe the visual experiences they were having. Horowitz found that there were certain images which seemed similar across individuals. For example, an individual might describe seeing ‘vicious snakes’, and would then make a drawing and redescribe the image as ‘wavy lines’. ‘Spiders’ might be reduced to circles with radiating lines. So, although the patients would often describe what they were seeing in different ways depending on the perception of the mind, Horowitz found that most of these images could be reduced to very simple visual constants. Similar images were found following the ingestion of LSD by healthy subjects.
Healthy individuals were also given a questionnaire to inquire about their experiences of entoptic imagery. They were asked to draw and describe their visual impressions upon going to sleep and waking up, upon looking at a bright sky or lightly colored wall, upon pressing on the eyeballs with the eyes closed, while intoxicated and so forth. These are all times when entoptic images are commonly observed. The subjects reported seeing images very similar to those seen by schizophrenic patients, although they were less likely to describe them as elaborate visions such as snakes or spiders. These repetitive figure elements were found across schizophrenic individuals, individuals under the influence of entheogens, individuals who were delirious or deprived of sleep, and healthy individuals observing entoptic imagery. They may be seen below:
Horowitz suggested that these images come either from within the eye itself (as in, from floaters and so forth), or from electrical stimulus on the retinal neural networks. Although these images are usually unseen, under various conditions of enhancement or dis-inhibition of the vision, these images are sent to the processing centers of the brain, where the brain may then interpret them in certain ways depending on the individual. In some cases, these entoptic images might be interpreted as elaborate imagery and hallucinations – in others, they might simply be seen as simple, un-elaborated figures (Horowitz 1964).
Entopic Imagery in Altered States
So, if entoptic imagery is produced internally in the eye and the brain, how and why are these form-constant structures produced in altered states of consciousness? According to Neuroscientist Paul Bressloff, geometric visual hallucinations are images of the geometrical structure of the primary visual cortex of the brain in the occipital lobe. The neurons that make up this area of the cortex are arranged in groups specific to the type of visual stimuli they are sensitive to. In conditions where the mind enters an altered state, the normal pattern of activity of the visual cortex is destabilized. The cortex must then discover a new pattern of firing on which it can temporarily settle. These entoptic ‘form-constants’ are precisely the patterns that constitute a new state of equilibrium.
Other scholars believe that the images one sees when working with entheogens or entering a trance state are a result of heightened awareness. Entheogens allow the individual to perceive things that are there all the time but that he or she never notices because of distractions coming from mundane physical reality. Neurons are firing in the visual cortex at all times without stimulation. These firings are supposedly random, but it is possible that in the trance state the mind becomes capable of recognizing patterns in these firings. It is possible that these patterns are present at all times, but our usual conditioning prevents us from noticing them in non-trance states. So, perhaps the form-constants are the patterns in these non-stimulating firings and the trance state allows individuals to recognize them (Rosenshein 2011).
Perhaps our ‘normal’ attention limits our perceptions to a very small range of actual reality. However, when entheogens or meditative trance states are introduced, it becomes possible for the individual to become aware of these entoptic visual experiences, picking them out of the background ‘noise’ of the visual system. In other words, it is likely that these entoptic images are always present in the visual system (as with floaters, which are always present but usually only seen when the visual field is filled with a consistent light color, such as when looking at the sky). However, we are not sensitive or open enough to become aware of the patterns present in these images when not in an altered state of consciousness.
Regardless of how they come about, these entoptic images hold great interest for spiritually-oriented researchers and anthropologists. Although it was only recently that we began to understand the biological reason for these phenomenon, they have likely been viewed as spiritually significant aspects of altered states of consciousness for thousands of years, and may have had a large impact on early human art. Therefore, researchers are becoming more and more interested in discovering the true meaning behind these images and the ways in which have been interpreted.
Entopic Imagery in Trance Consciousness and Rock Art
From the above information we can see that entoptic imagery does seem to be consistent across individuals and across the conditions through which the images are seen. In more recent years, many anthropologists have come to believe that these very entoptic images, seen during altered states of consciousness, were the impetus for the creation of both ancient and modern rock art.
In 1988, David Lewis-Williams and Thomas Dowson created a new chart of entoptic phenomenon based on images found in the rock art of the San Bushmen and the Native American Coso, who create their art while in ritual trance states. Lewis-Williams argues that the form-constants that Kluver found in his mescaline experiments are also found in these trance inspired rock art images.
Lewis-Williams and Dowson compared these images to the images found in Paleolithic art and, based on the similarities between them, hypothesised that the Paleolithic artists were also in shamanic trance states when they produced these images. He argues that the Bushman, the San, and all currently living human beings share the same neurological structure as the Paleolithic peoples, and that when the brain enters a trance state through dance, chanting, drumming, the ingestion of entheogens, and so forth, it becomes possible to see entotpic images more clearly. Indigenous peoples interpreted these images as messages from the spirit world. Thus, based on this, Lewis-Williams suggested that the Paleolithic artists were in altered states of shamanic trance when they created their images (Lewis-Williams & Dowson 1988).
The similarities between these ancient and modern rock art images and common entoptic phenomena can be seen in the following diagram:
Form-Constants in Paleolithic Rock Art
When we think of Paleolithic rock art, we often think of dramatic animal imagery, such as that found in the cave of Lascaux.
However, at most sites, the geometric images in Paleolithic rock art outnumber animal and human imagery at a ratio of 2:1 or more (Bahn & Vertut 1997, 166). Indeed, one can even see these entoptic images in the above painting in the form of the line of black dots that are both below the horse and that make up the lower neck of the horse ! In 2011, Genevieve Von Petzinger mapped out the Geometric Patterns of the Paleolithic world, identifying 26 distinct shapes. She then looked for patterns of continuity and change over time and space. She found that at an early age we already see 70% of the patterns being used, and that there is a high degree of repetition of a limited number of shapes, with some being replicated throughout the 20,000 year time span of the study. This suggests that these symbols were not created at random, but that they were intentional and symbolic. Von Petzinger believes that the abstract nature of these signs is some of the best proof we currently have that these images were not being made purely for their aesthetic qualities, and she suggests that these markings were symbolic attempts to communicate ideas that were not so easy to depict in a physical form.
This theory goes directly in line with the theory of Lewis-Williams and Dowson. If these images are, in fact, depictions of entoptic imagery seen during trance, and if these images are consistent across individuals and types of trance state, it would make a great deal of sense that we see these images in so many different parts of the world and that they are consistent throughout a very long period of time. If the trance state and the brain itself does not change significantly across individual and method of trance induction, there would be no reason for the images to do so, either!
It would be nearly impossible at this time to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt whether the Paleolithic peoples were really in altered states when they created their art. However, according to anthropologist Erika Bourguignon, of 488 societies she surveyed, 437 knew of institutionalized forms of change of consciousness states. Thus, it seems very likely that most societies that live and have lived on this planet were both aware of entoptic phenomena as observed in altered states of consciousness and gave them cultural and religious significance of some sort (Von Petzinger 2011).
Entoptic Imagery, Shamanism, and Religion
We still see many of these entoptic form-constant images in the abstract patterns of indigenous peoples who work with altered states – the Shipibo art of Peru;
The peyote yarn painting of the Huichol in Mexico;
The art of the Tukano shamans in the Amazon, and so forth.
In the shamanic societies of the world, the experience of entoptic imagery is considered to be a valuable tool to catch glimpses of the worlds that lie beyond the material world. Seeing entoptic visions, and being able to interpret their meanings, is a desired and significant phenomenon. Indeed, shamans often use tools such as entheogens or sensory deprivation to purposely induce entoptic imagery (Noll 1985)!
According to Lewis-Williams, entoptic imagery is the basis for all trance imagery. He states that the brain tries to make sense of entoptic phenomena by elaborating it into iconic forms, that is, into familiar objects. Once the image is ‘recognized’ as being similar to a familiar image, the entoptic images are fleshed out and in this way the shaman is able to enter an altered state of consciousness in which he or she can transform into animals, travel to the lands of the dead, speak to spirits, and so forth.
It seems entirely possible that entoptic imagery may have been the basis for the art of many institutionalized traditions, as well. For example, we can see traces of entoptic imagery in Buddhist yantras and mandalas;
in representations of the Egyptian sun god;
and even in certain representations of the Christian cross (Tausin 2010).
Since Western materialism and ‘rationalism’ have become the dominant methods of understanding the human experience, the physical world has become the only valid object of perception and concentration, and anything which goes beyond that, including dreams, visions, and entoptic phenomena, are considered to have no benefit and are sometimes even considered to be signs of mental illness. However, with advances in neuroscience and an increasing openness in the collective consciousness to the concepts of spiritual, non-substantial phenomenon, we are beginning to come to a point where we can understand entoptic imagery as a phenomenon that is simultaneously biological and spiritual, that may have played a huge role in shaping our experience of life and the cosmos, and that may even be essential to our future development as a spiritual species.
Endless thanks to Keith Cleversley for the original idea for this article!
Special thanks to J. Rosenshein for sharing his wisdom and insight on the topics of the optic system and psychedelic medicines.
– Keith Edley
REFERENCES
Devereux, P. The Long Trip: A Prehistory of Psychedelia. Harmondsworth: Daily Grail Publishing, 1997.
Horowitz, M.J. “The Imagery of Visual Hallucinations.” Journal of Nervous & Mental Disorders 138 (1964): 513-523.
Kleinman, J.E., J.C. Gillin, and R.J. Wyatt. “A Comparison of the Phenomenology of Hallucinogens and Schizophrenia from Some Autobiographical Accounts.” Schizophrenia Bulletin 3, no. 4 (1977): 560-586.
Kluver, H. Mescal – The “Divine” Plant and its Psychological Effects. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., 1928.
Knauer, A., and Maloney, W.J. “A preliminary note on psychic action of mescaline, with special reference to the mechanism of visual hallucinations.” Journal of Nervous & Mental Disorders 40 (1913): 425-436.
Lewin, L. Phantastica: Narcotic and Stimulating Drugs, Their Use and Abuse. Boston: E.P. Dutton & Co., 1924.
Lewis-Williams, D., and Dowson, T.A. “The Signs of All Times.” Current Anthropology 29, no. 2 (1988).
Melechi, A. “Aldous Huxley”, 2008. http://mural.uv.es/vicordo/firstpaper/articleson/aldous.html.
Di Nucci, Christine, and Jack Hunter. “Perception & Altered States of Consciousness.” Investigating Discarnate Intelligence: Perception & Altered States of Consciousness, May 14, 2009. http://discarnates.blogspot.com/2009/05/perception-altered-states-of.html.
Pettifor, E. “Altered States: The Origin of Art in Entopic Phenomena”, 1996. http://www.wynja.com/arch/entoptic.html.
Von Petzinger, G. “Geometric Signs: A New Understanding.” Bradshaw Foundation, n.d. http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/geometric_signs/sign_types.php.
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Siegel, R. K. “Hallucinations.” Scientific American 237 (1977): 132-40.
Siegel, Ronald K., and West, Louis. Hallucinations: Behaviour, Experience, and Theory. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1975.
Smythies, J. “Mescaline & The Mad Hatter.” Time (1953).
Tausin, F. “Entopic Phenomena as Universal Trance Phenomena.” New Age Spirituality for the 21st Century, 2010. http://new-age-spirituality.com/wordpress/content/1070.
Zabel, G. “Art, Shamanism, and Entoptic Images”, n.d. http://www.faculty.umb.edu/gary_zabel/Courses/Phil%20281/Philosophy%20of%20Magic/My%20Documents/Cave%20Art%20and%20Trance.htm.
Very nice article, I think this phenomena is closely related to the evolution of our nervous system and ancient imagery within our DNA. Jeremy Narby started a very nice discussion on his book ‘ Cosmic Serpent’ that these images might have been stored in our DNA for millions of years. With ayahuasca these images are 3 dimensional and bridge a very deep connection with evolutionary process of the body itself.
I confirm much of what the article indicates as accurate.
I am the apprentice of the father of Op Art, the discover of the double or reverse after-image, first published in J Albers booklet “color interaction”. For many decades now another after-image system emerged which is noted as the quintessential design function that was used first in the Andean region no less the 5000 years ago.
In the above article you have identified the floater cell correctly as being depicted to accessing profound portions of the human brain not accessed by western or eastern civs which may have depicted the circular structure but the other civs got little to no use by being interested in the floater cell and likely explains those latter civilizations as rather useless and worthless events ever known to mankind.
In the image of the turkono shaman artist, I am not sure if the artist is only depicting a fond memory, but what he has managed to depict are the elements of the floater cell actually being expanded the size of any wall you may have looked at because the cell can be held in one position and enlarged as if using the most powerful microscope the world has or ever will have. The Floater cell observed is of course decaying all ready detached from the protective rectangular encasement it was strung along with other individual cells. If you look at some of the other artworks of these folks they depict how their remains 4 barbs surrounding the circular wall of the old cell, most likely representing the the cellular skin that held the protoplasm material when the cell was healthy. On the barbs themselves there are these chain saw teeth (or wave like) like structures which appear to move from right to left. The triangles are on the outside of the old cell wall between the barbs and are utilized to denote when to engage a removal of an image from its origin by denoting the speed of the triangular structures as they pass over the cell wall. The ramondi stella is a great depiction of the many perceptual levels engage by this one particular painting which in the main orientation denotes movement we have in the visual sciences these days called the Pulfric effect. The second orientation of the Ramondi stella depicts one of the perceptual level that is engaged when the image is removed from its origin.
The chart of the Entoptic phenomen # 4 of the wavy lines is an abstraction of what I call the nature of the color beneath itself that is located on the surface of the original image when the color structure is removed revealing a mercury like interweaving strung out bead. The energy band has the height of just a little less than a half an inch. The ancient ones and I along with others could place the ones fingertip into this energy band and also make a hard gaze on the structure and ever so slightly stretch two of the interweaving energy bands apart and denote how the paintings color structures below mount on the outside of the energy bead by enlarge explaining how this painting can go through its many contortions of over a dozen levels of perception.
http://brucegoff-castle-bandb.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_18801/horiz2a.jpg
The provided jpg image is fine general color design example of the image used denoting Volutes (tentacles) the concept known as the correction of the Simultaneous Contrast issue my master discovered which is called Simultaneous Presence. The Brown is essential and what is not presented in the jpg is the light blue walls the painting requires. Maybe the word Mayan Blue occurs as useful and purposeful if you get my drift.
YOURS TRULY
glen
Thank you for your insight! This is totally fascinating, although I can tell that I could use a great deal more study on this topic. 🙂 Nevertheless, considering the Ramondi stella and other Andean imagery, it seems clear that they were strongly influenced by imagery within the visual system.
Thank you for your comment! I had not considered the evolutionary aspect of these images when writing this article, but it does seem likely that there is some genetic aspect to them. This would explain why so many people the world over experience similar images in altered states of consciousness independent of cultural or artistic influence. It would also mean that entoptic imagery may be a very important key to discovering the long buried mysteries of our genesis as a species. Very interesting!
Entoptic phenomena as a “be-all, end-all” explanation for the source of visions in altered states is a red herring. Please read these: http://www.scribd.com/doc/48412631/Rock-Art-or-Rorschach-Is-there-More-to-Entoptics-than-Meets-the-Eye-David-Luke http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21922603
Visions are often had in the dark, with eyes closed – no light is stimulating the eye.
Shamanic visions are complex, involving perception of spatial depth and traveling, interaction with entities, vivid archetypal symbols.. Logically, dream visions should also be argued to come from entoptic phenomena, but I haven’t heard anyone claim this.
We are made to believe all the multidimensional animations come from static 2D retinal networks. If the argument is “the brain gets inspired and transforms them into unbelievable teeming displays of infinite wonder” .. you really think your brain would need your retinal network as an inspiration when it possesses such amazing skills in the first place?
Thank you for the links. Extremely fascinating!
At least in this article, I’ve defined entoptic imagery as originating somewhere within the visual system – so, from the eye to the neural cortex of the occipital lobes, which interact heavily with the rest of the brain. I did suggest several times in this article that the visions seen in altered states originate in the neural cortex, not in the eyes themselves. The retinal networks are only a small part of the picture, clearly. I would argue that dream visions come at least in part from entoptic phenomena, but not entoptic phenomena originating in the retina. Rather, I would argue that dream visions originate much deeper in the neural cortex. I would argue the same thing in regards to visions seen in altered states.
But if the phenomena originates in the neural cortex, they are not “entoptic”, inside the eye.
I do think, though, that they can come from inside the *third eye* 🙂
So from my own experience, I believe archetypal imagery are in fact real things, existing in a non-physical plane and not a hallucination.
From what I understand, the medical and anthropological definitions of entoptic are a bit different. While medicine defines entoptic images as originating only from within the eye itself, a number of the anthropological sources that I used when writing this article define entoptic as originating within the visual system, including the neural cortex, rather than due to outside visual stimuli. It’s a bit confusing 🙂
Personally, I agree that archetypal imagery is not a hallucination, and that much of it comes from the third eye. There’s most certainly a complex interaction between the brain and subtle, non-physical phenomenon that science alone is at present completely incapable of explaining. 🙂
Aha, that fluctuation of the meaning of “entoptic” in anthropology is useful to know and important! I have to keep this in mind for future occasions.
Here is an example of hypothesizing the relation of hallucinations and the structure of our visual cortex:
Geometric visual hallucinations, Euclidean symmetry and the functional architecture of striate cortex
http://www.math.utah.edu/~bresslof/publications/01-1.pdf
Thanks for writing and replying and I hope you will be inspired to continue studying this and distilling/synthesizing all the available research.
Thank you once more for the link! These resources are completely fascinating and are definitely inspiring me to continue studying this topic. 🙂
Thank you for your comments, as well. I’ve added a short explanation about the definition of entoptic to the article in order to make things clearer for future readers. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!
Thank you for this article, as a child I had severe asthma attacks. I was given medication that contained ephedrine, for whatever reason I often had very strong hallucinations during these attacks involving the shapes and patterns described as Entoptic Phenomena. Later as a visual artist these patterns returned in my paintings. I am currently working on paintings that are primarily about this subject, please contact me as I would be very interested in discussing this further, best wishes, Noel.
Hello my name is Francisca Maria Martinez
I have knowledge that i am part taraumarah and Yaqi indian, on my quest for universal knowledge and my spiritual callings, I have came to a couple conclusions.
One destiny, fate what i was meant to be I do see floaters and I always thought it was because of the surgery i had from a torn retina in 1986. It was Lazer eye surgery . My vision is getting a little stessful. After reading this article I have realized why or what somewhat of my purpose may be. these floating images do usually come about when i should be paying more attention to my intuitive rather than cognitive . Hard to decipher still but hopefully someone will have some answers thank you .