Thursday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. CT
FREE WEBCAST
This presentation explores the difference between hypnotism and its more ancient precursors—magnetism, animal magnetism, and mesmerism—through their renaming as hypnosis.
The presentation begins with a brief review of the historical and modern theories and applications of mesmerism as the precursor to hypnosis. This is followed by an examination of common principles of modern hypnosis and its current uses in medical practice.
The discussion then returns to mesmeric phenomena, viewed through current understandings in modern neurophysiology, and compares these perspectives with Theosophical ideas of mesmeric function based on the occult division of the human being.
Listeners will have a clear understanding of the distinctions between modern hypnosis and mesmerism. They will recognize where one begins and the other ends, as well as the states and contextual experiences associated with each.
Dr. Eugene Jennings is a longtime student of Theosophy and is affiliated with the United Lodge of Theosophists in New York City. He also spent many years living and working through the ULT in Los Angeles, California. He has been a member of ITC since its inception in 2008, serving as vice president and later president until retiring from that position in 2021. Dr. Jennings has shared Theosophical teachings internationally and continues to communicate and exchange Theosophical ideas with members of the Theosophical Society across its various organizations worldwide. He currently works full time in the medical fields of psychiatry and neurology.
Program Format
This program will be streamed on YouTube, Facebook, and our website on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. CT.