Self-Hypnosis: Hidden Dangers, Occult Roots, and Why the Bible Warns Against It
Why Christians Must Avoid Self-Hypnosis and Its Spiritual Counterfeits - Watch the Video
Self-hypnosis is commonly marketed as a harmless “relaxation technique,” yet at its core it is a New Age practice rooted in altered states of consciousness—states the Bible repeatedly warns God’s people to avoid. Self-hypnosis is defined as a heightened, trance-like focus combined with increased suggestibility. This state weakens natural mental boundaries, making a person more open to external spiritual influences—something Scripture strictly warns against (1 Peter 5:8).
Where Did Self-Hypnosis Come From?
Modern self-hypnosis traces back to Franz Anton Mesmer, an 18th-century occult practitioner who believed he could manipulate unseen “magnetic forces” within people. His teachings were heavily influenced by Eastern mysticism, pagan trance practices, and occult energy manipulation, not by science or Scripture. Mesmer’s ideas were later popularized in India, where yogic trance and shamanic induction techniques were used for centuries to enter altered states for spiritual contact.
The practice was never birthed from biblical culture, Christian prayer, or Holy Spirit-led meditation. Instead, it is rooted in traditions where gods, spirits, and ancestors were invoked for power.
What Did the Founders Believe?
Mesmer believed in a universal life-force—similar to the New Age concept of prana or chi—rather than the God of the Bible. Later hypnotists connected trance states with contacting higher beings or unlocking psychic ability. These beliefs align with:
-
New Age spirituality
-
Occult divination
-
Witchcraft visualization techniques
-
Eastern mysticism
None of these origins are compatible with Christianity.
Why It Is Against the Bible
God forbids altered states of consciousness that bypass sober-minded awareness. Scripture commands us to remain alert, vigilant, and clear-minded:
-
“Be sober, be vigilant.” (1 Peter 5:8)
-
“Gird up the loins of your mind.” (1 Peter 1:13)
Hypnosis intentionally lowers mental guardrails, quiets the conscious mind, and invites passive receptivity—conditions similar to mediumship and trance divination. God forbids all practices that lessen discernment or open the soul to spiritual influence apart from the Holy Spirit (Deut. 18:9–12).
For Christians, any practice designed to bypass conscious awareness is spiritually dangerous. 103:2–3; James 1:17)
Is Self-Hypnosis Occultic?
Yes. It aligns with multiple occult categories:
-
Divination—seeking hidden knowledge
-
New Age medicine—using the mind to “manifest” or “attract” energy
-
Visualization magic—altered states to create desired outcomes
-
Witchcraft—mental projection and suggestion
-
New Age spirituality—self-healing through trance and subconscious programming
Many hypnotists openly admit that hypnosis is a form of guided magic. Its purpose is to bypass the conscious mind and reprogram the subconscious—something Scripture never instructs believers to do. (Deuteronomy 18:9–12)
Why Self-Hypnosis Is Against the Bible
The Bible commands believers to remain:
-
sober-minded (1 Peter 1:13)
-
alert and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)
-
sound in mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
-
transformed by renewing the mind, not emptying it (Romans 12:2)
Why Do People Use Self-Hypnosis?
People turn to self-hypnosis for:
-
anxiety
-
weight loss
-
trauma relief
-
performance improvement
-
spiritual experiences
-
connecting with “higher self”
-
psychic development
But all these goals have biblical solutions, not occult alternatives. The Holy Spirit, not trance states, brings true healing.
Can Someone Be a Victim of Hypnosis or Remote Influence?
Hypnosis requires consent, but spiritual oppression does not. People can come under influence indirectly when exposed to:
-
guided meditations
-
hypnotic videos
-
subliminal recordings
-
New Age audio tracks
-
spiritualists performing psychic influence
While “remote viewing” is part of occult practice, Christians can protect themselves through:
-
the blood of Jesus
-
daily prayer
-
renouncing occult ties
-
speaking Scripture aloud
-
anointing with oil
-
closing spiritual doors
Why People Need Deliverance After Using Hypnosis
Self-hypnosis opens spiritual doors because it:
-
Involves surrender of the mind
-
Invites altered states of consciousness
-
Removes godly discernment
-
Mirrors occult rituals
-
Encourages visualization and autosuggestion
-
Aligns the soul with demonic influence
Many people report nightmares, sleep paralysis, intrusive thoughts, spiritual attacks, and anxiety after hypnosis. These symptoms reveal spiritual entry points that must be closed through repentance and deliverance. (Leviticus 19:31; Isaiah 8:19)
References
(Some examples you can hyperlink on your site.)
-
History of Mesmerism – britannica.com
-
Hypnosis Origins – psychologytoday.com
-
Dangers of Altered States – gotquestions.org
-
Occult Roots of Hypnosis – christiananswersforthenewage.org
