Totems and Reality Checking/Testing
- Totems play a prominent role in the Inception film. A totem is an object that has a special weight, balance, or feel in the waking world. Dream journeyers use their totem to determine if they are in a dream, in someone else’s dream or in the waking world. While in a dream, if the totem does not display the unique physical characteristics known only to the owner of the totem, then the dreamer knows he or she is in someone else’s dream. Additionally, totems can help determine reality from a dream. If the totem can display a characteristic only expected in a dream, then the dreamer can use this characteristic to determine reality from his or her own dream.
Lucid dreamers also frequently perform similar tests known as reality tests/checks. Some lucid dreamers get into the habit of doing activities that can only be done in either the waking or dreaming world, but not both. Success or failure in doing the activities indicates to the dreamer whether they are dreaming or awake. This is why these activities are called reality tests/checks.
For example, it is very hard to change the brightness of a dream, so flipping a light switch in the dream world usually has no effect on the dream environment. Another reality check is flying or floating, which of course can only be done in a dream. One of the most frequently used reality tests is looking at some text, looking away, then looking back at the same text. In dreams, words and numbers almost always change when looked at a second time. This reality check is very popular because it’s easy to do, and is usually less conspicuous than trying to fly.
Reality testing is a great way for beginners to learn to lucid dream. If you perform the same reality check several times each day, eventually you will start doing the reality check in your dreams. You will probably then become aware that you are dreaming. More experienced lucid dreamers do reality checks when they are unsure they are dreaming. Our dreaming minds can often succeed in convincing us we are actually awake. A reality check can protect dreamer from losing lucidity. Doing a reality check is a great way to break the barrier into a lucid dream when you are on the verge of lucidity.
For more information on Reality Testing, check out this article