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In reality, this induction is incredibly simple. However, as it is the first one in our recommended order, I have included added details that you will grow to appreciate as you develop.
This induction and our example Pre-Talk are designed to go well together. If you have taken them through the pre-talk then, in some cases, they may already be in a light trance. Either way, they will know exactly where to go when they close their eyes.
This version of the magnetic hands induction, includes elements of rehearsal. As well as preparing them to expect it to work, this creates muscle-memory as their hands get used to coming together. It also means that their eyes and arms may be tiring and be more likely to drop down. (Read more about the Rehearsal Induction to get some deeper insight into some of what is happening there.)
The terminology that I have used, like 'feel the pull between your hands' and 'focus on the magnetic field' is simply another way to get them to focus on the space between their hands. Focussing there, rather than on anything they can or can't feel in their hands gives their imagintion more to play with, as they want to move the hands together so that they can actually feel something where they are focussing.
Many people perform this inducton by having the client close their eyes first. (Or, sometimes, after one rehearsal.) The benefits of this are that their hands seem to go together quicker, perhaps due to making things easier on their imagination. However, I love the look on their faces as they actually see their hands coming together.
I normally start by giving a command, like "Just place your feet flat on the floor." This is a tip that I picked-up from Jonathan Chase, that establishes compliance right from the start.
Make sure the subject doesn't rest their arms or elbows on their lap, as they will need free movement.
Don't worry if their hands take some time to come together. Simply encourage every small movement that you see. If their eyes are closed, they don't know quite how much their hands are (or are not!) coming together, so feel free to exaggerate how impressed you are as you say things like, "That's it! Just like that - closer and closer.
If you feel the need to, you can always encourage the movement by gently touching the outside of their hands and givng them a helpful push inwards.
If you're nervous about their eyes not closing (and there's no reason why you should be!), either have them close their eyes first or adjust the wording to something like, "...And at that point, you can just close your eyes and let your head drop."
When it comes to the Deepener, say the numbers on each breath out that they take.
Magnetic Hands is often used as a Suggestibility Test (or 'Set-Piece'), but also functions very well as a basic induction. This induction, as it is the first on the site, includes an example of a deepener. It also presumes that you've started with a brief pre-talk (like in our example).
This induction is far simpler than the detailed notes below would suggest. We have also added it as an Imagination Exercise (or Suggestibility Test / Set-Piece), which is a much simpler version.
[Begin with a Pre-Talk, then say:]
"Now, just place your hands out in front of you, like this..."
[Demonstrate by placing your hands about 12 inches to a shoulder width apart, palms facing each other]
What I'm going to do in a moment - relying on the power of your imagination - is I'm going to place an incredibly powerful magnet here [touch the palm of their left hand with your fingertip] and here [touch the palm of their right hand with your fingertip]. When I do, you'll begin to feel the pull between your hands...
[Gently push their palms together, whilst saying...]
And as your hands get closer, your eyes can close and then you'll go deeper [gently apply a little pressure on the top of their hands so that they feel a very slight downwards push] into a nice relaxing trance.
Okay?
"Yes."
Good. So, just to make sure it's clear... Your place your hands out... [wait for them to put their hands in the right position.] That's it. And I'll place a strong magnet here [touch the palm of their left hand with your fingertip] and here [touch the palm of their right hand with your fingertip]. And as you become aware of that magnetic pull between your hands, your hands will begin to come together.
[Gently push their palms together, with them probably helping a little this time, whilst saying...]
And as your hands draw closer together, you'll feel a wave of relaxation, your eyes will close and you can let your head drop forward as you sink into [apply a little pressure on the top of their hands] that nice relaxing trance.
Got it?
"Yes."
Great. So, to recap... Your hands are out... [wait for them to put their hands in the right position.] That's it. And I place a strong magnet here [touch the palm of their hand with your fingertip] and here [touch the palm of their hand with your fingertip]. And as you concentrate on that magnetic field, that area between your hands, your hands begin to come together...
[Very gently push their palms together, if they haven't already begun to do so.]
You feel a wave of relaxation as your hands pull closer together... your eyes will close [wait for their eyes to close] as you begin to enter trance...
[If head doesn't drop slightly forward at that point, say...] And your head can drop forward as you drop down... deeper [apply a little pressure on the top of their hands, if they haven't begun to go down] into a nice relaxing trance.
Okay... So as you place your hands out... you can feel the power of those magnets ... [touch 1st palm and then the 2nd, as you say...] ...Now.
Focusing on that space between the palms [Wait for movement in the hands] ...that's right. Feel the pull. You don't have to force it. You don't have to fight it. You can just enjoy the relaxation that comes over you as you see your hands coming close and closer and closer... [Wait for next movement in the hands] ...that's right.
And as your hands touch... [Look for the slightest movement of the eyes, or a blink] your eyes can close...that's right. As the wave of relaxation floods every fibre of your body. Your hand dropping to your lap... as your head falls forwards and your sink down into that trance. Sinking, floating drifting... more and more relaxed.
[The Deepener: ]
I'm now going to count and each number I mention, and every breath you take, and every beat of your heart, doubles that relaxation you are feeling now. Focusing on my voice; all other sounds only serving to deepen that relaxation that you're already feeling, until all you can hear is my voice. Ten, deeper and deeper. Nine, every number doubling the sensation of relaxation. Eight, every breath taking you further down. Seven, every beat of your heart, deeper and deeper into that place. Six, more and more relaxed. Five, four, three, two, One.
That's it. All the way into that trance... into that peaceful place.
[Proceed with Suggestions or Hypnotic Phenomena.]