HomeAccording to an article at the Telegraph.co.uk, a beginner hypnotist put himself into a five hour trance using a mirror.
Circus performer Helmut Kichmeier allegedly had a zombie like appearance when found by his wife. She was was reportedly unable to bring him out of his hypnotic state and required assistance from “a voice of authority” (Kichmeier’s hypnosis instructor) to bring him out of trance.
Thoughts?
January 7th, 2010
January 8th, 2010 at 6:16 am
Lady Julia,
Well, this story reminds me of the myth of Narcissus, who was cursed to fall in love with himself while looking at his reflection in a pool. He eventually starved to death because he couldn’t leave his “perfect” love.
cdbtoo
January 8th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I saw this in another forum and feel what some of the others there felt, that this story is more promotion for Helmut than anything else. He is a stage show performer who seems to have enlisted the services of one Johnathan Royle who is a PR advisor. People in the know understand that one cannot become stuck in hypnosis in the manner that others sometimes fear. Of course, some people are so incredibly suggestible that they practically live in a state of trance, but that is not what is being talked about in this case. If Helmut was really stuck in trance he would be a very rare case indeed. It’s possible, I guess, but I still think this whole story is a gimmick to draw people to his stage show.
Arafin
January 8th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Sounds like a publicity stunt, actually. I’m sure if I walked into my spouse’s room and found her non-responsive, I’d call a hypnotist for help and not 911.
January 9th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
FTW – that’s a good point about the wife not calling 911. I didn’t believe the story simply because as both you and Arafin mentioned, it seemed to smell like the bubble boy.
cdbtoo – I never thought about the Narcissus comparison til you mentioned it :)
I do like men who think so well :)
January 9th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Did this really happen? Sounds like an urban legend to me. I think I first heard a story similar to this more than 50 years ago.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Lady Julia,
Thank you for the compliment. :) And I appreciate the venues you provide for knowledge, idea exchange and fun!
January 10th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Thank you, cdbtoo :)
January 10th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Freeman, it’s reported as news but I think most of us agree that it’s doubtful it happened as presented.