Dream magic
Dream magic (somnilency) is the study of magic that explores and manipulates one’s dreams. “Dreamwork” refers to the practice. It is considered a form of Legilimency although some societies believe it to be a spiritual art in itself.
Everyone dreams. However, not everyone can dream lucidly, or manipulate them with intent; even less experience prophetic visions in their sleep. In studying dream magic, one can learn how to turn their dreams into malleable environments, protect themselves from trespassers, nightmares, and shades, and even contact others in their sleep—a feat more easily accomplished when all parties are asleep (and likely not without the assistance of special herbs such as dried gillyweed).
Conscious & Subconscious
- As a general rule, our subconscious rises to the surface in the Dreamscape. Lucid dreams occur when the conscious and subconscious meet at the same level, allowing the dreamer to act almost as they might in the waking world.
- If a non-practitioner dreamer is visited by a Dreamwalker, they will not necessarily remember the interaction if their subconscious doesn't naturally give way to the conscious. This depends on how naturally inclined they are towards lucid dreaming. A Legilimens or Dreamwalker may suppress the conscious in order to rob autonomy from the dreamer - this skill can be abused to impart nightmares. Similarly, they may also bring forth the conscious to interact with the dreamer.
- It is inadvisable and extremely dangerous for non-practicioners to leave their own dreams if provided the opportunity by a Dreamwalker (unless, in the case of Harry Potter & Lord Voldermort, there is a pre-existing connection between them). This is because they might not be able to find their way back to their own mind, leaving their bodies comatose in the waking world.
Dream Sharing
- In a structured setting, advanced practitioners may sustain a common dreamscape for less adept minds. Only well-trained students of dream magic or Legilimency can participate in dream sharing.
- To initiate the dreamscape, a mix of soporific herbs is often burned (potions are difficult to make and notoriously addictive). The fumes helps the dreamers to fall into a deep yet lucid sleep, allowing them to practice without startling awake at the slightest disturbance. As a precaution there is at least one person keeping vigil.
Legilimency & Occlumency
Most practitioners of dream magic have learned Legilimency and/or Occlumency in some form or another. In East Indian and South American cultures, the skills go by other (more spiritual) names. Legilimency enhances the ability to connect, whereas occlumency helps fortify dreams from intrusion.
Those who are skilled in either may enter and affect another’s dreams with ease, or never fear deliberate nightmares or unwanted visitors.
The Sight
Skill in dream magic may help Seers harness their Sight.
Risks
Though an ancient and respected part of South American magical education, dream magic is not a precise science. Novices may wake up prematurely, should they lose focus; worse, they may give themselves or others persistent, unpleasant dreams; trap themselves in nightmarish comas; contaminate the dreams of those sleeping around them; or render themselves vulnerable to malevolent influences—internal and external.
Because of this, half the basics consist of learning how to protect yourself (the other half comprised of ethics and flexible thinking).
At Absit Omen
A naturally gifted Legilimens, Virgil Carstairs demonstrates a latent ability for dream magic and has used it to communicate with other Legilimens such as Yavin Morgenthau. Virgil visits Waverly Roh-Ballentyne's dreams twice. In both cases, Virgil's presence causes Waverly to lucid dream.
Theo Whitman has given others nightmares in the past.
