Simply put, hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterized by heightened susceptibility to suggestion. The first step on your path to mastering hypnosis is learning how to induce hypnosis in individual subjects. This is one of the most important skills you will acquire and its mastery is fundamental to your further development as a hypnotist.

The successful induction of hypnosis always begins with consent. The subject may make this acceptance consciously or unconsciously. In either case, the net result is the same, the subject "expects" to be hypnotized.

It must be understood that there are countless hypnotic techniques in existence. There is no one right or wrong technique. All are equally good, so long as they give confidence to the operator and faith to the subject, as discussed in Chapter One. The only purpose of any method of hypnotizing is to
concentrate the subject's attention and thus to eliminate most of the disturbing influences while leaving but a single channel of suggestion, which is usually the voice of the hypnotist and the ear of the subject.

So-called passes-the use of the hands and arms to direct energy toward the subject during the induction-are completely unnecessary. These are actually a holdover from the nineteenth century. Even so, many modern day stage hypnotists still employ such dramatic gestures as a form of showmanship. This is fine, so long as it is understood there is no scientific basis for their use. Nor, is there any need to touch a subject's forehead, hand, knee, etc.-in general, no bodily contact is required. One's voice is a sufficient channel of communication for suggestion.

Practice the following hypnotic induction technique, one-on-one, with a wide range of subjects until you are able to successfully influence the majority of them. All external distractions should be eliminated or minimized as much as possible.

In the beginning, be prepared to wait up to ten minutes or longer for a subject to reach a state of hypnosis. Don't worry, speed will come with time. The most important consideration when starting out is learning the proper technique.