Declassified CIA Techniques
Traders Can Use

How the CIA’s Gateway Project Can Improve
Focus, Discipline, and Execution

So… for 20 years, the CIA ran a top-secret program called The Stargate Project.
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Its goal?
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To investigate the use of psychic phenomena for military intelligence and espionage.
(Yep, really.)
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And running alongside it?
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A lesser-known but equally fascinating program called Gateway.
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The aim?
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To explore how to access intuition by shifting brain states using visualisation, colours, and binaural beats.
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​“This is all very interesting Mark, thank you for the history lesson…
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But I want to become a better trader.”
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​I hear you…
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That’s exactly why I’m sharing this.
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I think there are a few powerful takeaways we can borrow from these declassified programs and bring into our trading.
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​(And no, I’m not saying you’ll be able to predict the Dow close tomorrow… although if you can, hit reply…)
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​Let’s take a look…

PROJECT GATEWAY

(All insights pulled from this declassified CIA document)

1. 🎧 Binaural Beats for Brainwave Control

The Gateway Process used specific frequencies to shift brainwaves into focused, calm, or hyper-alert states.

✅ As a trader:

  • Use theta (4–6 Hz) pre-market to reduce overthinking
  • Use beta (16–20 Hz) during live sessions for alertness and snap reactions


2. 🌈 Color Visualisation to Shift States

They trained subjects to associate colours with emotional states. A sort of mental shortcut.

✅ As a trader:

  • Blue = calm
  • Green = steady focus
  • Red = attack mode

Trigger these visual cues before entries or post-tilt to reset your state on demand.

3. 🧘 Focus 10 – Mind Awake, Body Asleep

A core Gateway technique. You stay fully conscious while the body enters deep relaxation. Zero tension. Full presence.

✅ As a trader:

Use Focus 10 before the open to stay detached, patient, and sharp when the bell rings.

4. 🧠 Affirmations and Subconscious Programming

Gateway used affirmations in altered states to reprogram beliefs and boost mental performance.

✅ As a trader:

Try this:

“I trade with calm confidence. I follow my plan. I accept what the market gives.”

Repeat it in your morning routine… or right before sleep.

5. ✍️ Session Journaling for Awareness

Gateway subjects had to log each session, tracking shifts in awareness, emotions, clarity.

✅ As a trader:

Don’t just track P&L.

Log your mental state, focus level, clarity, and emotional patterns.

Over time, you’ll see what mindset leads to your best trades.


Now I get it… this might all sound a bit much.

But the CIA studied this stuff for over 20 years.

And even though Project Stargate and Gateway are officially shut down…

I wouldn’t be surprised if something similar is still running.
(If I mysteriously disappear tomorrow, I’m probably in Virginia at CIA HQ…)

Might be worth giving it a try…

And if it doesn’t work for your trading, hey… you might have a fallback career as a hostage locator.