A trance is an altered mental state whereby the conscious mind is inactive and the subconscious mind can be more easily accessed. The most common type of trance is one induced through hypnosis. However, trances can also be self-induced, through various relaxation and mind focusing techniques. Such is the case with trance mediums and channelers, whose bodies are supposedly used by spirits while they are in a trance, though some say that their trances are induced by the spirits with whom they communicate.
SEE ALSO:
- Altered State of Consciousness
- Channelers
- Hypnosis
- Physical and Mental Mediums
SOURCE:
The Greenhaven Encyclopedia of Paranormal Phenomena – written by Patricia D. Netzley © 2006 Gale, a part of Cengage Learning