A State Of Trance

November 5th, 2008 by Steven

Broadly defined, a trance is a state of altered consciousness. The different types of
trances that we may go into, their varying durations and the effects that such altered
states of consciousness have on us, are vast. The effects of trance are studied
scientifically, and a lot is unknown about how such states of consciousness effect the
way we behave. In hypnosis, we know that when a person is in a deeply relaxed state,
typically of a theta wavelength, theyre more vulnerable to suggestion due to their
critical mind being relaxed.
Wavelengths are a legitimate field of scientific study within psychology and
neurophysiology and consist of different altered states of consciousness. Wavelengths
can be divided into the Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta states. The effects of each
state are as follows Gamma state - The most active state of mind. Scientifically speaking, a person has an
average brain wave frequency of 40 cycles per second (40hz). This is a state of the
highest alertness, and has its uses in sensory awareness which shall be explained in
future posts. A person cannot be in a trance whilst they are in this state as their brain is
by far too active.
Beta state - The beta state is usually the state our mind is in most of the time when we
are awake. It is associated with deep concentration, focus and analytical thinking.
Alpha state - The alpha state represents a day dreamy sort of state where we are relaxed
and calm. This is a desirable state to be in when awake as it allows us to be relaxed yet
still alert enough to be aware of our surroundings.
Theta/Delta State - The theta and delta states are the desired states that we wish to send
someone into when hypnotizing them. These states typically have a range of 2-8hz.
When a theta state is reached, a person is typically in a state of trance and lacks the
usual critical thinking capabilities that theyd normally exhibit. When in a delta state,
the persons subconscious mind effectively takes over and they become highly receptive
to suggestion. Whilst these states normally occur only through sleep and deep
relaxation, it is possible to trigger them quite suddenly through the use of hypnosis.
So to sum up, a state of trance is typically a state when someone is in the theta/delta
wavelength. When in a trance, a persons subconscious mind is more receptive to
suggestion and their critical mind is more relaxed. It is important you understand this
concept as later we will be seeing how suggestion when in a state of trance can lead
people to do things that theyre unaware of.