How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Levitation

Techniques > Hypnotism > Levitation

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Select a part of the body to have the subject 'levitate', then suggest that it will rise into their air of its own accord. This is usually a finger, hand or arm (sometimes a leg).

• Lighter-than-air method: Tell them that the body part is lighter than air, and that it will soon start to float upwards.
• Marionette method: Tell them that the body part is attached to invisible strings and will be inexorably pulled upwards.

Example

Now let your arm feel as if it is lighter than air. Like a warm balloon, it wants to float upwards. There! Did you see it move? That's it, it's started ... and there it goes! Up and up. Isn't it amazing?

Discussion

This method can take a variable amount of time. With some people the arm starts to rise almost immediately, whilst others take somewhat longer. For those who take longer, start with sensations of lightness in the arm, perhaps a light prickling or softness.

The movement may start as a slow rise, a steady lift or may just begin with a bit of twitching as their inner unconscious debates whether to go along with the suggestion. Whenever you see movement, point it out to them as proof that it is working.

You can tell people that you are just going to hypnotise their arm whilst the rest of the body stays awake. This is makes it a helpful demonstration that hypnotism works whilst reassuring the person that they are not losing total control.

Make the experience fun, smiling and saying how interesting and amazing it is.

In stage hypnosis, this can be used to test the suggestibility of an initial group of volunteers, allowing you to select those who will make better stage subjects.

See also