Mesmerism and hypnotism are often used as if they mean the same thing. They are closely related—hypnotism grew directly out of mesmerism—but they are based on different explanations of what is happening and use different methods.
This guide explains the key mesmerism and hypnosis differences, their shared history and how each is practised today.
The Short Answer
Mesmerism is based on the idea of a subtle energy or “animal magnetism” transferred from the practitioner to the receiver, mainly through passes, gaze and presence.
Hypnotism is based on psychology: focused attention, relaxation and suggestion guide a person into a trance-like state. The “power” is understood to lie mainly in the subject’s own mind.
What Is Mesmerism?
Mesmerism is named after Franz Anton Mesmer, the 18th-century physician who developed the theory of animal magnetism. Mesmerists work with:
- slow hand passes over the body;
- a steady, focused gaze (fascination);
- the practitioner’s intention and energy;
- rapport between practitioner and receiver.
What Is Hypnotism?
The word hypnotism was popularised by James Braid, a Scottish surgeon, in the early 1840s, from the Greek hypnos (sleep). Braid found that fixing the eyes on an object could produce a trance-like state without any magnetic fluid, and he explained it in terms of attention and the nervous system.
Later, modern hypnosis grew from this psychological approach: a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness in which a person is more responsive to positive suggestions.
Mesmerism vs Hypnosis: Comparison Table
| Aspect | Mesmerism | Hypnotism |
|---|---|---|
| Associated founder |
Franz Anton Mesmer (18th century) | James Braid (1840s) |
| Explanation | Subtle energy / animal magnetism | Focused attention and suggestion |
| Main methods | Passes, gaze, energy, rapport | Verbal induction, eye fixation, relaxation, suggestion |
| Role of practitioner | Source or channel of energy | Guide who helps focus the subject’s mind |
| Role of subject | Receives energy | Actively engages imagination and attention |
| Use of words | Often minimal | Central |
| Modern status | Spiritual and traditional practice | Used in both spiritual and wellness settings |
The Difference in Practice
A mesmerism session often feels quiet. The practitioner may speak very little, working with slow passes and a steady presence while the receiver relaxes.
A hypnosis session is usually guided with words. The hypnotist uses an induction, a deepener (such as counting down) and suggestions aligned with the client’s goal, before gently bringing them out of trance.
From Hardik’s practice: At The Golden Lotus, we teach both disciplines because they complement each other remarkably. Verbal hypnosis helps clients reframe subconscious limiting beliefs, while non-verbal magnetic passes release emotional holding patterns stored directly in the physical and etheric body.
Learn Mesmerism and Hypnotism at The Golden Lotus
Explore the energy-based tradition in our Mesmerism Course, learn verbal and self-hypnosis methods in the Hypnotism Course for Beginners, or experience a guided Subconscious Mind Alignment Session. To study Reiki, mesmerism and hypnotism together, see the Combined Spiritual Master Course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mesmerism the same as hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis developed from mesmerism, but mesmerism is based on energy and passes, while hypnosis is based on attention and suggestion.
Which came first, mesmerism or hypnotism?
Mesmerism came first, in the late 1700s. Hypnotism was named and developed in the 1840s.
Disclaimer: Mesmerism and hypnotism, as taught in spiritual and personal-development settings, are complementary practices. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or mental-health care.
Have Questions About This Practice?
Whether you want to learn Reiki, explore Mesmerism, or book a 1-on-1 private energy alignment session, we welcome your questions.
