Hypnosis

"No, it is yooooou who are getting sleepier, Doctor Rosenberg!"

- Dracula

Hypnosis is the ability to mentally manipulate the subconscious mind of others. Those who practice this ability are called hypnotists or mentalists. It is commonly found amongst psychiatrists, occultists, mystics, carnival performers, stage performers and practitioners of alternative medicine. It may also be found amongst certain alien races or supernatural creatures such as vampires.

Hypnosis generally requires direct contact with the intended target, who must be in a state of total relaxation in order for the effect to take hold. This can usually be achieved by speaking softly to them, capturing their attention through a meditative instrument such as a metronome or a dangling pendant and/or maintaining direct eye contact with them in the case of some super-powers. A hypnotist can compel their target to follow simple rudimentary commands. More complex instructions usually involves a greater form of the ability, such as possession or mind control. They can tap the subject's subconscious mind, bringing forth repressed or forgotten memories. They can alleviate phobias and in some cases, permanently alter aspects of a person's lifestyle, such as getting them to quit smoking. A hypnotist can also plant subliminal ideas into the minds of their subject in the form of a post-hypnotic suggestion. These are mental instructions that lie dormant within the subject's mind and may be triggered at a later date either through a predetermined auditory stimuli or visual cue.

According to Doctor Wilfred Glendon, self-hypnosis as well as post-hypnotic suggestion is what has helped perpetuate numerous superstitions over the years.