Which Altered States Actually Work (Hill-Compatible)
Hill implicitly favored states that are low-noise and high-coherence rather than extreme. The goal is receptivity without losing agency or reality testing.
The shortlist
Alpha/theta border states, directed emotional states (with control), and hypnagogic threshold states are the most “Hill-compatible.”
A) Alpha / theta border states (primary)
Deep relaxation, rhythmic music, pre-sleep, post-waking, and calm emotional focus tend to quiet judgment enough for symbolism and synthesis to emerge.
B) Emotionally charged states (with control)
Love, desire, faith, and enthusiasm amplify signal strength—but unregulated emotion creates distortion. The key is direction and containment (often via rhythm).
C) Hypnagogic threshold states (advanced)
The moment before sleep and after waking often produces vivid imagery and intuitive leaps. Capture impressions first; interpret later in daylight to preserve rigor.