III.  Is the Trance state an Altered State of Consciousness that one cannot "RESIST?"

The Trance State is an
Altered State
that can be very pleasurable!

WHETHER  THE  TRANCE  STATE
is the product of a psychological relationship established between the Hypnotist and his subject,
... or is the result of some physiological phenomenon experienced by the subject;  the fact remains that it is an alteration in the normal waking state of consciousness of that individual.
    Scholars have come to the realization that there are a variety of altered states of consciousness;  states of consciousness that are quite different from our normal waking state.   These states constitute a continuum between our normal waking awareness to that of the deepest form of sleep.

      Some altered, (Hypnotic-like), states occur spontaneously.   Among the naturally occurring ones are the Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic States - which occur just before falling asleep and just before awakening, respectively.   Other altered states of consciousness may be induced by various psychological maneuvers or by pharmacological agents.   Some of the more significant ones are:

• Hypnosis
• Concentrative and Meditation states
• Mystical states of Rapture and Ecstasy
• states of Dissociation (shock)
• Psychedelic (drug induced pathological  states)

      The Hûman Mïnd, in all states of consciousness, functions within the balance of Primary and Secondary Process thinking.

      In altered states of consciousness, such as the Trance State, an individual opens up and therefore allows into his awareness ("stream of consciousness"), materials that are usually unconscious and, as in the case of Hypnosis, fantasies that in part are suggested by the hypnotist.
      While in the state of Hypnosis, the automatic, rational thinking is dissociated;  Ego receptivity to imagery, fantasy and suggestion increases significantly.
      This can be a very pleasurable experience, one that an individual may be anxious to experience and want to savor and maintain as long as possible.   The individual however, can at any time over ride the hypnotist's suggestions and unconscious imagery by his own volition.