Thread: Old Hag

Hey, I'm new to the site and I've been reading a whole bunch of the material. It seems many people have had this "old hag" problem with weird things happening that aren't enjoyable. Are there any ways to try and prevent this, as I'm sure it would freak the crap out of me if it happened. Thanks!

Hey there eman!

I've never experienced the "old hag" syndrome, but I have had sleep paralysis (SP), and if you know what to expect, and what is causing it, it really shouldn't scare you. Read all you can about the WILD technique and SP (sounds like you already have been ) so that you understand exactly what is happening, and you may find that it can be enjoyable -- if a little bit weird.

When I was younger, sleep paralysis was a common and often terrifying occurence for me. I never realized at the time that it would actually be benficial and usually fought incredibly hard to "shake it." I've read up on the "Old Hag" and to me it sounds exactly like my sleep paralysis: waking up, completely unable to move, in some cases unable to perceive myself breathing for numerous seconds (as if a huge weight was on my chest), and if the situation was right I would see imagery. Terrifying for a young child but now I know sleep paralysis is a perfect percursor to astral projection and out of body experiences.

Don't be afraid of it. I know if it ever happened to me again I'd probably be so excited I'd snap out of it.