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Hey guys and gals and sirs and/or madams --

I got a cheap Groupon recently to utilize the local sensory deprivation chamber, the "Space Sanctuary," here in New Orleans and my appointment is on Monday. I'm trying to not research sensory deprivation tanks too much so as to not have any expectations that might be ruined, or to generate any fear, or what-have-you.

So, I'm wondering if anyone here has ever used one? What did you get out out if it? Has anyone attempted any sort of ritual, enchantment, evocation, etc., while using one? What were your results? I'm trying to make the best of my time in the tank and definitely want to get something out of it aside from relaxation.

So... whatcha got?

Maybe a little late here, but I'll chime in.

I did the same thing via Groupon last year. I expected it to be pretty scary because I have a tendency to freak myself out and I have a fear of being alone in the dark. It turned out to be much more mellow than I expected. I floated there and saw visions of two faces coming together to kiss. I guess it was some kind of symbol of union. Nothing super mind-shattering, though, partly I think due to the fact that the water was not the same temperature as my body, so I could feel where my body ended and the water began.

I think if I had really felt dissolved, things would've gotten weirder.

I would recommend doing a longer session. I think I did 1 hour, but 2 hours would've made for a more interesting experience, I think because it takes a while for you to adjust, get comfortable, stretch your body out, and relax.

If anything, I would recommend deep breathing and some techniques to relax prior to going in, that way you don't have to waste time relaxing when you're in the tank.

Fun fact: The guy who invented sensory deprivation tanks used to take LSD and attempt to communicate with dolphins while floating.

I actually had a really good experience. An hour was actually exactly what I needed. It took me a few minutes to not feel silly floating naked in the dark... but once I just let it happen... I was able to let go and just enjoy the experience. Below is what I wrote in my journal afterwards.

"I am floating alone in black water. I am the void and the void surrounds me. Stretched out to infinity, this is both nothing and everything. Swirling plumes of brilliant purple smoke, morphing into teal and green and blue, and finally red, drift above me. I chase it with my eyes, but it is forever moving above me. It twists and changes and reveals shapes and forms and even faces. I see skulls. I see the gnarled faces of nameless demons. But… I am not afraid. I am perfectly at ease in the void. I am not alone, but I am alone because all of these things are most definitely part of me. They accompany me on this journey. They help me along. They help me ease into the darker portions of my mind. They help me quiet the bullshit and bring me in touch with my inner power. My mind divided. The weaker part floats in the void – trapped between two worlds, in the membrane the separates the two, i.e., the sensory overload of reality and the warmth, power, and open calm of what I can only call the aether – the other half called out to Baphomet to strengthen my lesser self and to help me along the journey of self-discovery and power.

And then I was aware of where I was; a limp body floating in water and 800 pounds of salt. I opened the door and was hit by the brilliant light of the psychedelic chapel. I watched the ripples in the water and saw flashes of a future that I know I will know… because it is my will."

Yeah, I've got to do that again sometime. Thanks for sharing.

No problem! You definitely should try it again. I think it is something that could be made quite useful with practice. I'm hoping to be able to utilize it every other month or so.