By Melanie Marquis
Self Empowerment through Self Hypnosis, by Carl "Llewellyn" Weschcke and Joe H. Slate, Ph.D
Llewellyn Publications, 2010
The follow-up to Psychic Empowerment for Everyone, Self Empowerment through Self Hypnosis is a must-read for anyone interested in learning powerful techniques for maximizing the human and psychic potential. The book is co-authored by an unlikely yet perfectly matched duo--Carl Weschcke, chairman of Llewellyn Worldwide and a long-time key player in the rise of alternative spirituality and the New Age, and Joe H. Slate, Ph.D., founder of the International Parapsychology Research Foundation, avid researcher of paranormal phenomenon, and author of many books including Connecting to the Power of Nature (Llewellyn, 2009).
Inviting the reader into an expanded awareness while offering concrete, practical techniques for unlocking and utilizing the unlimited power of the mind, the book provides intriguing theories and effective tools to use to, as Carl puts it, "Become more than you are." From gaining career success to accelerated learning to improving health and appearance, Self Empowerment through Self Hypnosis provides methods that can be used to achieve any goal.
The Introduction provides an insightful overview of the human psyche and then some, as Carl offers models for envisioning consciousness and describes the nature of symbols, trance, sleep, and the imagination. His writing gets right to it, posing questions to the reader such as, "Just who do you think you are? (The answer may surprise you.)" and emphatically sharing sage advice such as, "Don't waste your consciousness on the uninvited!"
Chapter One explores historical and scientific perspectives on the fields of self hypnosis and self empowerment, highlighting historical milestones and modern empowerment pioneers, and introducing some of the programs, findings, and techniques associated with Joe H. Slate's self hypnosis research conducted in the lab at Athens State University. With self-hypnosis techniques available to develop and improve paranormal skills, stop smoking, and diminish wrinkles, just a glance at Joe's findings pulls the reader in irresistibly with the desire to learn more.
Later chapters explore "Sleep and Dreams," with intriguing sections on dream communications and promoting quality sleep, and "Induction and Working with the Subconscious Mind," describing the key steps in the induction process and discussing unusual subject matter such as psychometry and astral gateways.
Chapters 4 and 5 offer step by step guidance and practical applications for putting into action the principles outlined throughout this book. Readers learn to tap into mediumistic potentials, develop ESP and psychokinetic powers, improve memory, manage stress, lose weight, and much more.
Chapter 6 explores the unity of duality, the oneness of the subconscious and the conscious, the outer world and the inner world. The Qaballah, the Tarot, and Astrology are discussed in new ways, emphasizing the real value and true nature of these systems that is sometimes hidden on the surface or misunderstood by the masses. The Qaballah used for pathworking, an exercise for using a Tarot card as an astral doorway, and a reminder that real astrology is a valid and highly useful system, a far cry from the entertainingly stupid sun sign horoscopes we see in the weekly papers--this chapter gives credit where it's due to the role of these systems in the quest for expanded awareness and greater potential.
Chapter 7 details real-life case studies of individuals who have successfully used self-hypnosis techniques to overcome a variety of challenges. One man reportedly overcame chronic abdominal pain, while a young lady discovered the source of a lingering phobia. Six case studies are included.
The final chapter is pure Carl, bringing the reader back full circle to embrace in its totality the concept of self empowerment and what that truly means, how that can actually benefit not only the individual, but humanity as a whole. "You, I, all of us have the power to change the world as we know it," writes Carl. "Each of us can invest in personal growth and the development of our potentials as whole persons able to work together and through the inner structure of the universe to mend the world's wounds. That's the ultimate meaning of self-empowerment."
The end sections of the book are quite useful, with a glossary that includes Tarot associations, instructions for performing the Middle Pillar exercise, and definitions for obscure terms such as "orgone." There's even an entry for "Meaning to Life," just in case anyone's curious! Appendixes provide a self-empowerment journal and magical diary, a guideline for meditation, a quick reference to the key steps of the induction process, and a handy framework for crafting your own self-hypnosis programs.
Self Empowerment through Self Hypnosis is powerful, practical, and thought-provoking, a loving hand to push you forward, mind, body, and soul. Highly recommended for psychics, scientists, philosophers, self-help fans, paranormal-curious book worms, and creatives looking for something new.