i keep seeing people come into various dream communities completely confused because nobody bothers to explain the basics, so here's the actual comprehensive guide
adding: DO NOT try to rush to Ethel. it takes preparation. people who force it without experience often can't get back, get lost, or worse.
i've seen too many eager newcomers hurt themselves trying to speedrun this.
start small. build slowly. the realms aren't going anywhere.
THIS. this is the resource i needed six months ago.
also adding from personal experience: the synchronization thing with a partner is CRUCIAL. trying to share dreams with a stranger almost never works at first. you need someone you're genuinely in sync with - close friend, partner, sibling, etc.
bookmarking this for every person who messages me asking "how do i dream of ethel"
the answer is: you don't, at first. you build up to it. slowly. carefully.