In my previous blogs, I debunked a variety of misconceptions and misunderstandings about hypnosis. One of the more curious misunderstandings is the belief that hypnosis is connected to the occult. The term "occult" refers to matters involving supernatural forces or magical powers.
As I have discussed before, hypnosis is a natural, yet altered state of mind where communication and responsiveness with the subconscious is established. This state can occur spontaneously in daily life, such as during relaxation or meditation, because it is a natural part of the human experience. I believe that some people mistakenly associate the use of hypnotic states in occult practices with hypnosis originating from the occult. For example, some occult rituals may induce trance-like states as part of their ceremonies. However, just because a hypnotic state is used in such practices does not mean that hypnosis itself is part of the occult. There is nothing supernatural about the hypnotic state.
Furthermore, a hypnotist does not possess any supernatural abilities to induce hypnosis. Instead, they use various techniques to create belief, expectation, and misdirected attention to bring about a hypnotic state. While it takes skill and practice, anyone can learn how to do it. In fact, you can even hypnotize yourself since hypnosis is an accessible state of mind.
Another possible reason for the confusion between hypnosis and the occult could be the history of hypnosis itself. Hypnosis can be traced back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia, and India, where people visited Temples of Sleep to seek treatment for ailments. These temples used relaxation, sensory overload, and suggestion to induce trance (or hypnotic states) in which patients would receive guidance on their health issues.
As further evidence of hypnosis being used for healing, the Persian philosopher, poet, and physician Avicenna wrote the Book of Healing in 1027 AD. In this text, Avicenna discussed the use of altered states for healing, distinguishing between sleep and altered states. He observed that people in altered states were more susceptible to suggestion, a tool that could be used to promote healing.
Fast-forward to 18th-century Austria, where German physician Franz Mesmer developed Mesmerism, also known as Animal Magnetism. Mesmer was interested in the invisible forces he believed influenced human health, drawing from his studies of magnetism and astrology. According to legend, one day Mesmer forgot his magnets while treating a patient and decided to use his hands instead. To his surprise, he achieved the same results, which led him to believe that an invisible "magnetic fluid" flowed through the body and could be manipulated to cure physical and emotional diseases.
Mesmer’s techniques, including the use of "charging" trees, magnetic wands, and large tubs called "baquets," created a ritualistic atmosphere. The treatment sessions, with their dim lighting, mystical music, and Mesmer dressed in a purple robe, gave off a distinct air of the occult. One of Mesmer’s followers even wrote an occult manual that could only be deciphered using cabalistic signs.
Despite its mystical appearance, King Louis XVI appointed a commission to investigate Mesmerism. The commission concluded that Mesmer’s cures were not due to any unseen forces, but rather the power of imagination, imitation, and suggestion. With this debunking, Mesmer fell into obscurity.
Although Mesmerism was discredited, it inspired many physicians. Some speculated that Mesmer’s results were due to his suggestive abilities rather than the use of any mystical forces, which led to the birth of scientific hypnotism. Physicians began to study the power of suggestion on the mind and its healing potential. Hypnotic trances were even used to prepare patients for surgery without sedation. One physician, James Braid, coined the term "hypnosis" after Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.
Hypnosis continued to be explored in the medical field, with psychologists like Sigmund Freud using it to help patients regress to the cause of their suffering. However, Freud eventually abandoned hypnosis, preferring his own psychoanalytic methods. There are various theories about why Freud turned away from hypnosis, ranging from difficulties establishing rapport with clients to his controversial findings about the causes of hysteria in women. Freud’s rejection of hypnosis led to a decline in its use among psychologists and further distanced the practice from mainstream psychology.
Today, however, hypnosis is being rediscovered by many physicians and psychologists for its potential in healing patients. Although the practice still carries an air of mystique due to its colorful history, its effectiveness in treating various conditions is helping to rehabilitate its reputation. While the history of hypnosis includes connections to ancient temples and the flamboyant mysticism of Mesmer, it’s clear that the power of suggestion has real and lasting benefits in alleviating human suffering.
Want to learn more about the Mystical & Metaphysical Applications of Hypnosis? Come to my workshop October 20 from 12 - 2 at the Local Co-op, click here for info & sign up!
