Using smell to LD?

[Face-of-Boe]

Hello everyone! I'm new to lucid dreaming, but I have been reading up on the topic, so I know the basics. And for the record, I haven't had a real LD yet, but I will eventually! However, I was wondering whether you thought this would help me achieve lucidity faster: If I were to spray a certain scent in the air everytime I read about lucid dreaming/write in my dream journal/meditate/do reality checks... after a few weeks, if I were to then spray that scent on my pillow before going to sleep, do you think that would help me have a lucid dream or at least come closer to having one at all?

[Serith]

That's an interesting idea, I've never heard of anyone using a scent to induce a lucid dream before. It sounds like it could work very well, but it depends on whether or not you can notice the smell from within the dream. I suspect you wouldn't, since the human brain starts to ignore lingering scents after a while, but it's probably worth a try. If it doesn't work, you could try sounds, lights, or changes in tempurature, since all of those things can definately be sensed from within a dream.

[Face-of-Boe]

Well, I got the idea from Lucid Dreaming for Beginners by Mark McElroy. He said something about matching up certain scents to certain people, and spraying it on his pillow, so when he lucid dreams, it would be easier to meet them there .... or something like that. And he said it worked for him. So, maybe it'll work in my case, maybe not? I'll let you all know in a few weeks when I try it out. If it doesn't work, I'll probably try sounds next, like you said. ~ thanks for replying, btw

[seeker28]

That is a cool idea! Let us know how it works out. I keep a little pocket filled with mint, clove, and other herbs in my pillow. Everytime I lay down I smell it. I think it helps me sleep better.

[Phoenixfire]

I've done this before, but make sure it's not a scent that will disturb your sleep. If it's too strong a scent it could disturb your sleep and not help it. Let us know how it works for you.

[Face-of-Boe]

Phoenixfire, how well did it work for you when you tried it?