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Phenomenological characteristics of auto-induced cognitive trance and Mahorikatan® trance.

Charlotte Grégoire, Corine Sombrun, Philippe Lenaif, Nolwenn Marie, Aurélie Giovine, Marion Walter, Olivia Gosseries, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse

Neuroscience of Consciousness 2024 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niae024 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 51
Population Adults able to self-induce auto-induced cognitive trance or Mahorikatan® trance
Topics Philosophy of mind
Keywords Mahorikatan trance Auto-induced cognitive trance Shamanic trance
Citations 10
Key findings Auto-induced cognitive trance and Mahorikatan® trance share core phenomenological features but differ in specific experiences such as body movements and visions versus body dissolution.

Abstract

Trance states include various practices characterized by a modulation of consciousness, but with their own specific characteristics and induction techniques. They have been very seldom scientifically studied, and their phenomenological similarities and differences are poorly documented. This paper will focus on two types of Western trances developed after the leaders were trained in traditional shamanic communities: the auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT) and the Mahorikatan® trance (MT). Twenty-five AICT and 26 MT participants who were able to self-induce the trance state completed questionnaires about their trance practice (e.g. context of the first trance episode, frequency of practice, and consequences on personal life) and the phenomenological characteristics (i.e. emotional, physical, and cognitive) of the trance episodes they experienced. These characteristics were compared to explore similarities and differences between the two trance states. AICT and MT are characterized by the expression of different emotions, modification of various perceptions, a feeling of unicity (i.e. being completely oneself), and an expansion of consciousness. AICT participants commonly reported body movements, vocalizations, as well as increased creativity, visions of entities and/or places, and feeling of interaction with the environment. MT participants commonly reported a feeling of body dissolution. Most participants in both groups reported positive effects of their trance practice on their personal life. These results helped characterize AICT and MT, as well as their similarities and differences. Further studies should continue to explore the characteristics of such trance states, as well as their potential clinical applications.

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Philosophy of mind Shamanism