by Ian Campbell

Created on: February 12, 2009

What do you think of when someone mentions hypnosis? Do you think of a gaunt figure with long limbs, a cloak, and polarizing eyes that beckon submission? For many, the mere utterance of hypnosis is all it takes to see a sinister figure with captivating eyes, a mysterious wand, and the ability to turn people into slaves with the telling phrase, "Look deep into my eyes." In all actuality, this mystical pocket-watch wielding creature is nothing more than a false stereotype. This representation bears no real resemblance to hypnotism. In fact, what some refer to as hypnosis is actually an amalgamation of its genesis, Animal Magnetism, combined with what some foolishly refer to as the mythical modern aspects of hypnosis.

Hypnosis has taken on many meanings over the past two centuries. Its roots stretch deep into the culture of the ancient Greeks and their worship of Hypnos, the god of sleep. In the 18th century, Franz Anton Mesmer captured popular culture by injecting his concept of Animal Magnetism, a process involving magnets, into society by proving successfullymost of the time, that his theory enhanced the body by ridding it of paralysis, toothache, depression, and urine retention.

Furthermore, Mesmer's influence on hypnosis did not end with the introduction of his treatments. In 1778, Mesmer left Vienna for Paris where he was afforded more freedom to develop his theories that evolved into a form of musical stage-bound theatrics, which were quite popular and garnered him large crowds. Mesmer dressed in flowing robes and would touch people with his wand "urging them to yield themselves up to the magnetic fluids that surrounded them. He exhorted them that they would be cured if only they could focus on the heavenly powers within their sick bodies."

A couple centuries later, George Kresge changed how many would view hypnosis. Kresge, who is known too many as The Amazing Kreskin is a mentalist, an entertainer, a practical psychologist, and a student of hypnosis. Kreskin added cohesion to Mesmer's premise, which relied on belief coupled with the use of magnets to cure various ailments.

Through a myriad of stage performances, television interviews, and published works, Kreskin explained the power of suggestion and autosuggestion as the real means behind what many refer to as hypnosis. Moreover, Kreskin believes everyone is prone to suggestion without the semblance of a trance. An excerpt from his book reflects this thought, "What I believed to be so-called hypnosis', and

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