The Raven method is one of the most popular reality shifting methods, especially for beginners. It's simple, it only needs a quiet room and about 30 minutes, and it combines relaxation, counting and affirmations in a structured way.
In this guide, you'll learn what the Raven method is, how to prepare, the exact steps, the symptoms people report, and what to do if you don't shift the first time.
What Is Reality Shifting?
Reality shifting is the practice of moving your awareness into a "desired reality" (DR) that you script in advance, such as a fictional world, a different version of your life or a favourite TV series. Your current reality (CR) is the one you're in now. Shifting is closely related to lucid dreaming, visualisation and deep meditative states.
Whether you see shifting as a spiritual experience or an intense, immersive form of visualisation, the methods use the same ingredients: deep relaxation, focus and strong intention.
What Is the Raven Method?
The Raven method is a shifting technique where you lie in a starfish position, count slowly to 100 while repeating shifting affirmations between numbers, and then visualise yourself arriving in your desired reality. It was popularised by a TikTok creator called Raven, which is where the name comes from.
The starfish position (arms and legs spread out so no limbs touch) helps you notice when your body becomes completely relaxed and you start to lose awareness of it.
Before You Start: Preparation
Good preparation makes the Raven method much easier, especially for beginners. Before your first attempt, take a few minutes to script your desired reality and set up your room as described below.
Script Your Desired Reality
Write down the key details of your DR: where you'll be, who you are, your age, your appearance, your relationships and anything you want to experience. Include a "safe word" that returns you to your CR whenever you want, and state that time moves differently in your DR. Keep the script short enough to remember.
Choose the Right Time
Most people try at night, when they're naturally tired but not exhausted. Some prefer an early-morning attempt after waking for a few minutes. Avoid trying straight after caffeine or intense screen time.
Prepare the Room
Your environment has a big effect on how quickly your body and mind relax. These three simple changes create the calm, distraction-free space the Raven method needs. Set them up before you lie down so you don't have to get up halfway through.
- Dim the lights or use darkness.
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Put your phone on silent or play a shifting subliminal or theta binaural beats at low volume.
How to Do the Raven Method: Step by Step
Here's the Raven method broken into six clear steps. Read them through once before you begin so you don't need to check your phone halfway through. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
- Lie in the starfish position. Lie on your back with your arms and legs spread so they don't touch each other or your body.
- Relax your body. Take slow breaths and relax your body from your toes to your head. Spend a few minutes letting tension go.
- Start counting slowly to 100. Count in your head, one number at a time.
- Repeat affirmations between numbers. After each number, say an affirmation such as "I am shifting" or "I am in my desired reality". For example: "One… I am shifting. Two… I am safe. Three… I am in my desired reality."
- Visualise as you count. As you near 100, imagine yourself in your DR: the room, the people, the sounds, the smells.
- Fall asleep or open your eyes. When you reach 100, either drift off while holding the image, or, if you feel strong shifting symptoms, open your eyes and expect to see your DR.
Raven Method Affirmations
Choose two or three and alternate them between numbers:
- I am shifting to my desired reality.
- I am safe and relaxed.
- My body is asleep, my mind is awake.
- I am already in my desired reality.
- Shifting is easy for me.
Need inspiration? See my Stranger Things shifting affirmations, which you can adapt to any DR.
Common Shifting Symptoms
People who use the Raven method often report:
- Tingling or vibrations in the body
- Heaviness or feeling weightless
- Seeing flashes of light or colours behind closed eyes
- Hearing faint voices or sounds from the DR
- Rapid heartbeat or a falling sensation
- Losing awareness of your arms and legs
These sensations are similar to what happens as the body falls asleep (hypnagogia). They're normal and not dangerous. Stay relaxed and keep focusing on your DR.
Why the Raven Method Works for Beginners
The Raven method is often recommended as a first shifting method, and there are good reasons for that. These are the three features that make it especially beginner-friendly.
- Clear structure: counting gives your mind something to do, so it doesn't wander.
- Affirmations: repetition impresses the intention on your subconscious mind.
- Relaxation: the starfish position and slow breathing guide you into a theta-like state, similar to the state akin to sleep.
What to Do If You Can't Shift
Very few people shift on their first try, so don't be discouraged. If the Raven method hasn't worked yet, these steps can help you adjust your approach. Choose one change at a time so you can see what makes a difference.
- Don't give up after one attempt. Many shifters try for weeks before succeeding.
- Reduce fear. Fear of shifting is one of the biggest blocks. Remind yourself you're safe and can return any time.
- Try a different method. Some people respond better to visual methods such as the Train method, Alice in Wonderland method or Julia method.
- Use subliminals. A shifting subliminal can strengthen belief. See do silent subliminals work.
- Work on belief during the day. Affirm "I shift easily" during daily activities.
Raven Method vs Other Shifting Methods
| Method | Main Technique | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Raven | Counting to 100 with affirmations | Beginners who like structure |
| Julia | Listening to a 3D/8D sound while counting | People who focus well on audio |
| Alice in Wonderland | Visualising falling down a rabbit hole | Strong visualisers |
| Pillow | Sleeping with your script under your pillow | People who find meditation hard |
| Elevator | Visualising an elevator rising to your DR | Visual learners |
Read more: the Pillow method and the Elevator method.
FAQ
How long does the Raven method take?
Usually 20 to 40 minutes, including relaxation. Count slowly; rushing reduces the effect.
Can I do the Raven method during the day?
Yes, but it's usually easier at night because your body is naturally ready to sleep.
What if I fall asleep before reaching 100?
That's fine. Many people report shifting or vivid DR dreams after falling asleep during the method.
Is reality shifting dangerous?
The methods themselves are forms of relaxation and visualisation. However, if shifting makes you anxious, affects your sleep or makes you want to escape your life constantly, take a break and talk to someone you trust.
Can I use music with the Raven method?
Yes. Gentle theta binaural beats or a shifting subliminal at low volume can help. See the best volume for subliminals.
Conclusion
The Raven method is a structured, beginner-friendly shifting technique: lie in the starfish position, relax deeply, count to 100 with affirmations and visualise your desired reality. Practise it consistently, keep fear low and be patient. Even if you don't shift straight away, you'll learn to reach deeply relaxed, focused states that make every future attempt easier.
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