Self-induced trance: can it trigger mystical experiences?

So-called mystical-type experiences describe moments of profound connection, peace, transcendence, and a sense of unity with the universe. Although generally associated with spirituality or religion, these experiences can also occur outside those contexts, yet little is known about how they arise spontaneously or can be induced non-pharmacologically. This was precisely the gap a team led by Olivia Gosseries and Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse set out to explore.

The study investigated Auto‑Induced Cognitive Trance (AICT), a technique inspired by shamanic traditions but adapted to Western culture, which uses rhythmic movements and vocalizations to alter the state of consciousness without resorting to substances or rituals. Twenty‑seven participants trained in AICT were assessed at rest and during trance. Validated scales were applied to measure experience intensity, mystical characteristics (MEQ‑30), and similarities to near‑death experiences (NDE Scale).

The results were striking: 29% of participants reported a complete mystical experience during AICT, versus 0% at rest. The feeling of deep harmony and unity with the universe stood out as a central feature. Interestingly, factors such as religion, spirituality, or paranormal beliefs did not influence the occurrence of these experiences, suggesting they may emerge independently of these variables. Moreover, the intensity of the experience correlated with the Mystical dimension, indicating that more intense experiences tend to include mystical features.

These experiences share similarities with those reported in near‑death experiences or under the effects of psychedelics, which have been associated with lasting psychological benefits. The possibility of safely and non‑pharmacologically inducing something comparable opens promising avenues for clinical research and the promotion of well‑being. This study was published in the scientific journal International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, in the article Exploring mystical-type experiences through auto-induced cognitive trance, as a part of the research project 261/18 - Phenomenological experience and neurophysiological correlates of shamanic trance in healthy individuals, supported by the Bial Foundation.

ABSTRACT

Mystical-type experiences can be induced through techniques like hypnosis and meditation. These experiences are common in near-death experiences (NDEs) and have been linked to paranormal beliefs. This study explored auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT) as a method to induce mystical-type experiences and NDE outside of life-threatening situations (NDE-like), as well as examining the influence of factors like religious/spirituality practices, and paranormal beliefs. Twenty-seven participants capable of self-inducing AICT were studied. Before the experiment, their religious/spirituality practices and paranormal beliefs were assessed. Participants underwent five conditions: rest, rest with auditory stimulation, imagination, AICT, and AICT with auditory stimulation. Experience intensity, mystical-type experiences, and NDEs-like were measured before and after AICT and rest. Results showed that AICT induce mystical-type experiences more frequently (29%) compared to the rest condition (0%). More specifically, the intensity of the experience and features of NDEs-like during AICT were linked to mystical-type experiences during AICT only. This is the first study to demonstrate that AICT can induce mystical-type experiences in healthy individuals.