“Hypnotism” comes from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep:

“Hypnotism” comes from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.

Here’s the lineage:
In the mid-1800s, Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the term “neuro-hypnotism” (from the Greek Hypnos, meaning sleep) to describe the peculiar trance-like state he was observing in patients.
Later he shortened it to “hypnotism.”
Braid originally thought this state was a form of artificial sleep, which is why he borrowed from the name of the sleep god.
However, he later realized hypnosis is not actually sleep but a special state of focused attention and suggestibility.

So the word “hypnotism” has its root in Hypnos, but the practice itself is closer to a waking state than to real sleep.

Here’s the connection between Hypnos in mythology and hypnotism:

Hypnos in Greek Mythology

Hypnos = god of sleep.
Son of Nyx (Night), twin brother of Thanatos (Death).
Lived in a dark cave where the sun never shone, surrounded by poppies (a symbol of sleep/dreams).
His touch or words could calm gods and mortals alike, sending them into deep rest.
He was gentle, unlike his brother Thanatos - his power was about relaxation, release, and altered states, not finality.

Why Braid Chose “Hypnotism”

When James Braid saw patients in trance states, their relaxed appearance, closed eyes, and dream-like quality reminded him of sleep → so he linked it to Hypnos.
The metaphor fit well: just as Hypnos could lull even Zeus to sleep, the hypnotist seemed to have power to shift consciousness and bypass resistance.

Symbolic Parallels

Entrance to another state → Hypnos guided mortals into dreams, hypnosis guides the mind into trance.
Suggestibility → In myths, Hypnos influences behavior by softening consciousness; in hypnosis, suggestions bypass ordinary awareness.
Between waking and death → Hypnos stands between alert life and Thanatos (death), just as hypnosis stands between wakefulness and unconscious sleep.

Later Misunderstanding

Because of the name, many thought hypnosis was literally sleep (even today people say “you look asleep in hypnosis”).
But modern science shows hypnosis is a focused waking state, not true sleep - though it shares the same imagery of rest, surrender, and altered awareness that Hypnos embodied.

So: Hypnotism inherits both the imagery and the mystery of Hypnos - a gentle power to lead the mind across the threshold of ordinary awareness.
Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and Soul Groups:

Parapsychology and Soul Groups:

Parapsychology and the concept of soul groups are distinct areas of thought but can overlap for those exploring spiritual and metaphysical topics.

Here’s an overview of both:

Parapsychology

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that fall outside the realm of conventional scientific understanding, often referred to as “psi phenomena.” This includes:

Telepathy: Mind-to-mind communication.
Clairvoyance: Gaining information about an object, person, or event without physical interaction.
Psychokinesis (PK): Influencing physical objects or events with the mind.
Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Perceived experiences during moments of clinical death or extreme trauma.
Reincarnation Evidence: Studies of past-life memories, often in children.
Ghosts and Apparitions: Investigations into spirits or entities in purportedly haunted locations.

Parapsychology attempts to study these phenomena scientifically, often through controlled experiments or case studies, though it remains controversial in mainstream science.

Soul Groups

Soul groups are a spiritual concept suggesting that individuals belong to a collective of souls connected through multiple lifetimes. Key ideas include:

Pre-Birth Planning: Members of a soul group may choose to incarnate together to support one another’s spiritual growth and life missions.
Shared Lessons: Soul groups often come together to help each other learn specific karmic or spiritual lessons.
Roles in Each Other’s Lives: These connections manifest as family, friends, lovers, or even rivals who profoundly impact personal development.
Energetic Resonance: Members are thought to recognize each other on a deep, intuitive level.

The Connection

For those blending parapsychology with spiritual concepts, phenomena like past-life regression or near-death experiences are seen as potential evidence for the existence of soul groups. Parapsychological research into reincarnation might validate spiritual beliefs about interconnected souls and pre-birth planning.

Some questions at this intersection might include:

Are psychic connections (telepathy, precognition) stronger within soul groups?
Do shared paranormal experiences (e.g., witnessing apparitions together) suggest pre-existing soul bonds?
Can parapsychological tools help identify or validate soul group connections?

Which aspect would you like to dive into? Here are a few directions we could explore:

Soul Groups and Past-Life Regression

How past-life regression therapy may reveal soul group connections.
Techniques to uncover shared past lives and their impact on current relationships.

Parapsychology’s Role in Validating Soul Groups

Scientific or anecdotal evidence for psychic bonds within soul groups.
Case studies of telepathy, synchronicities, or shared experiences tied to soul groups.

Near-Death Experiences and Soul Groups

How NDEs suggest a continued existence and connection to soul groups.
Messages or visions about soul groups during NDEs.

Practical Exploration

Exercises to identify members of your soul group.
Meditation or spiritual practices to enhance psychic connections.

Shervan K Shahhian

Reutilized Religions, what are they:

Reutilized religions, what are they:

“Reutilized religions” is not a widely recognized or commonly used term, and its meaning may vary depending on the context. However, it could refer to the phenomenon where elements of existing or historical religious traditions are repurposed, adapted, or integrated into new belief systems or spiritual practices.

This concept may manifest in various ways:

Syncretism: Combining different religious beliefs and practices to create a new, blended system.

New Religious Movements (NRMs): Some emerging spiritual movements incorporate elements from established religions while introducing new interpretations or practices.

Cultural Appropriation: Taking religious symbols, rituals, or concepts from one culture and using them in a different cultural or spiritual context.

Revivalism: Reintroducing or emphasizing certain aspects of ancient or marginalized religious traditions in a contemporary setting.

Adaptation for Modern Contexts: Modifying traditional religious practices to suit the needs or preferences of modern believers.

It’s important to note that the term “reutilized religions” is not standard, and without a specific context, its interpretation might be subjective. If you have a particular context or source in mind, providing more details could help in offering a more precise explanation.

Shervan K Shahhian

Formative Spirituality, what is it:

Formative spirituality, what is it:

“Formative spirituality” generally refers to a type of spiritual practice or approach that focuses on personal and transformative growth. It involves the intentional cultivation of one’s spiritual life and the development of a deeper, more meaningful connection with one’s beliefs, values, and a higher power or transcendent reality.

In the context of Christianity, for example, formative spirituality might involve practices such as prayer, meditation, study of sacred texts, and participation in religious rituals. The goal is not just to acquire knowledge or perform religious duties but to undergo a transformative process that shapes one’s character, values, and way of life.

The term “formative” suggests that this spirituality is concerned with shaping and molding the individual, fostering personal development and growth in a holistic sense. It often emphasizes the integration of spiritual principles into daily life, seeking to bring about positive changes in attitudes, behaviors, and relationships.

It’s important to note that the concept of formative spirituality can be found in various religious and spiritual traditions, each with its own specific practices and teachings. The emphasis is on ongoing, lifelong spiritual development rather than a static or fixed understanding of one’s faith or beliefs.

Shervan K Shahhian