Kaleidoscopes we all know from our childhood. The beautiful symmetrical shapes that appear as we hold the tube up to the light are fascinating to everyone, children and adults alike. A visualization of a kaleidoscope is often used today in meditation or hypnosis. Dr. Joe Dispenza also uses a kaleidoscope video during meditation sessions at his retreats.
In this article, you will learn all about the kaleidoscope: a bit of history, how it works, and above all, how does a kaleidoscope work and how do the enchanting patterns act on our brain? Why do we get into trance and even hypnosis so easily by looking at the patterns?
What is a kaleidoscope?
A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument with two or more reflective surfaces tilted at an angle to represent part of a visual object. When this object is set in motion, a repeated reflection is observable as a regular symmetrical pattern when viewed from the other end.
The tube contains mirrors and a cell at one end containing loose, colored pieces of glass or other transparent materials that reflect in the pattern view. The rotation of the tube causes the movement of the materials and project an ever-changing image under the influence of the incident light at the other end of the tube.
Sir David Brewster: inventor of the kaleidoscope
In 1814, Sir David Brewster conducted experiments on light polarization by successive reflections between glass plates. He noticed a circular arrangement of images from a candle around a center point. The display multiplied toward the ends of the glass plates”.
Brewster used pieces of colored glass and other irregular objects in his experiments. He developed a version in which some objects and pieces of glass could move when the tube was rotated. The final step, considered by Brewster to be the decisive one, was to place the reflective panes in a drawtube with a hollow lens. In this way, surrounding objects were clearly displayed in the reflected pattern.
Brewster expected his instrument to become of great value, not only for entertainment purposes but also for decorative arts. For this reason, he decided to apply for a patent for his invention.
The 1817 patent with No. 4136 was named “for a new Optical Instrument called ‘The Kaleidoscope’ for exhibiting and creating beautiful Forms and Patterns of great use in all the ornamental Arts.”
Etymology
The name Kaleidoscope is derived from the Ancient Greek words καλός (kalos), “beautiful, beauty,” εἶδος (eidos), “that which is seen: form, shape”[3] and σκοπέω (skopeō), “to view, examine,” hence “observation of beautiful forms.” The name was first published in the patent granted on July 10, 1817.
Yet Brewster’s invention is not the only one of its kind and certainly not the first. Multiple reflections by two or more reflective surfaces have been known since ancient times and were already described by Giambattista Della Porta in 1589.
Enchanting moving mandalas
The visual results are so-called “fractals,” or infinite symmetrical repetitions of patterns. The predictable moving patterns of mandalas have a particularly soothing effect on the brain, and especially when the patterns have warm colors, they can even arouse emotions. Just think of the effect of color therapy.
In this context, we will take a closer look at the calming and hypnotic effects of kaleidoscope videos.
Kaleidoscope for trance and hypnosis
In particular, the predictable geometric patterns calm the brain and provide a visual distraction from the environment. When you look into the kaleidoscope, you thereby bypass the perceptual neural networks associated with stored “known” information in the brain. In other words, you don’t associate what you see with familiar shapes, such as your pet, a table, or your partner’s face.
By gazing into a kaleidoscope, you bypass the neocortex, in effect your memory card, and open the door to the unknown. The conscious mind is shut down in this process the longer you stare into the kaleidoscope. The brainwaves slow down from beta to alpha and then theta. That is, you are in this state able to make direct contact with your subconscious mind.
We are in a trance in a low alpha-theta state, and have a higher suggestibility. With the mystical images in the kaleidoscope, we train and program our brains for a mystical experience. We can easily meditate and become hypnotized and reprogram our subconscious through autosuggestion.
How do you use a kaleidoscope video?
When you stare into the kaleidoscope for a long time, you will find that your eyes become tired. Now it’s important to even further tire your eyes. Then you will notice that your eyes will close by themselves. On the inside of your eyes, you will see the patterns moving forward, a sign that you have indeed reached a slightly hypnotic state. Do you still not see these patterns on the inside of your eyes? Then stare into the kaleidoscope a little longer.
This is my personal favorite video.
Is any kaleidoscopic video suitable?
Yes, in fact, any kaleidoscope video is suitable. However, selecting a video that lasts at least half an hour is advisable. Count on the fact that it takes at least fifteen minutes for most people before they fall into a trance. Then calculate five to ten minutes to tire the eyes.
After that, you can close your eyes and use the opportunity to influence the subconscious through, for example, positive affirmations and autosuggestive quotes. If you select a one-hour video, you will have around 20 minutes for that.
Choose a kaleidoscope video with theta binaural beats to make it easy on yourself.
Kaleidoscope with binaural beats
Some people will have more difficulty getting into a meditative state. This can be due to a busy mind (beta) and a result of drinking a lot of coffee or stress. They become impatient or don’t know what it feels like to be in such a state.
You can wear headphones with binaural beats in the theta spectrum to facilitate the process. You’ll find that with an audio-visual experience, you’ll go into a trance more easily.
The trick: kaleidoscope and Mind Movies
As a healthy person, you naturally have goals in life. These goals can be that you can have a healthy and happy life and that you want a vacation home on the Riviera or wealth.
Mind Movies is then a great addition to your kaleidoscope experience. Once you are in a deep trance, you can watch and listen to your own Mind Movie, which acts directly on your subconscious mind. I highly recommend this trick because it works extremely well!
How to make your own kaleidoscope video in After Effects?
If you are creative and familiar with the Adobe After Effects software, you can create your own videos with kaleidoscopic effects. The video tutorial below will help you do just that.
