Visions vs Projections. Intuitions vs Illusions.

Visions verse Projections. Intuitions verse Illusions. What is the difference? And how can you tell them apart?

Recently, a friend reached out and asked “if her visions of the future would come true?”

It’s a valid question and a hot topic. People are coming to the medicine to see what they can’t see, right?

Well, unfortunately that’s not always exactly true. Some people come to the medicine to get high. To replace one addiction for the next... To chase a "peak experience." Or simply just to see what in the heck it's all about.

However, if you have honest intentions, it’s always a good idea to approach with humility, a sense of openness & willingness to surrender.

It is a medicine, right? So we are coming because we need some sort of help. Perhaps physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

Different medicines can work with different people in different ways. You could even take the same medicine within different cultures & traditions and have vastly different experiences.

It’s wise to remember that if you ask 10 different people “what something means to them” you will get 10 different answers. There is no right answer and there is not one answer.

The world of the medicine is different for different people. Some plants will connect with you quickly & STRONG... Others take more time to open & to reveal their particular magic. Some will never open at all to certain people because their intention isn’t in the right place.

It’s a privilege to be able to “see” in another dimension. But within that sight, we do have to question what it is that we are seeing.

There IS a difference between a vision and a projection. An intuition verses an illusion.

Visions, projections, intuitions, illusions, delusions, fantasies… It’s a fine line.

How can one tell the difference? This is what we study as students of the plants. What can be trusted? What is real? Verses what is just wishful thinking... Or worse, manipulation.

As you get stronger on the path, there can be tricky energies (sometimes called "tricksters") that will come along to test you…

This is why some of the best advice that can be given is to go slowly. Be patient. Don't rush. We have an elder in our community who famously says, "Stay behind the medicine." 😉 (IYKYK, hehe)

It's a good practice to write down your visions so that you remember them. I'd also suggest not telling anyone about them unless you're in full trust and feel very safe & held. Even still, practice discernment.

It is TIME that will reveal what truly wants to manifest into this physical realm.

A good gauge, generally speaking for a true vision verses an illusion is how much *attachment* you feel to the outcome.

If you feel A LOT of attachment to a certain outcome, and you REALLY want it to be so, there’s a strong chance it’s a projection and not a true vision.

I believe that this is something that over time, with some practice, that you can FEEL in your physical body. If it feels gentle, relaxed and easeful, it was a vision of what could be possible. However, if you feel tense, anxious, if your breath feels strained, and if you feel a lot of attachment to a particular outcome, that is more likely a manipulation of the mind - a projection or an illusion.

Written with love + care by:

Amaru Ñan Warmi / Zihuakoatl Zitlallinikue

How do you tell the difference between Visions and Projections?

If you’d like to share your thoughts or contribute to this conversation you can do so on IG: @GuidedByGrandma

The medicine told me, “Close Your Eyes So You Can See.” The best place to dream away during your dieta is in your own personal hammock. If they don’t give your own hammock, DON’T GO THERE!! jajaja…