Pendulum Swing Hypnosis Suggestibility Test
This is another good suggestibility test to start out with. Have the subject sit in the chair. You'll need a pendulum, which you can make with a piece of string, about two feet long. On one end tie a weight (like a fisherman's weight), a pocket watch, or any similar object.
Hand the pendulum to the subject, asking him to hold it at the top of the string between his thumb and index finger. Have the person then rest the elbow of the hand holding the pendulum on his leg, just above the knee, suspending the pendulum between his two feet, which should be spread apart. Leaning forward, the person should have the pendulum dangling above the ground, with enough space around it to freely move.
Holding the object attached to the string so that it cannot move, you say,
"In a few seconds, I'm going to release my hand. When I do, I want you to focus all of your attention on the (object) ... At all times I want you to keep your eyes on the (object). I'm letting go of the (object) ... now. Okay, I want you to see the (object) swaying back and forth, rocking back and forth, moving forward and backward, and as you do, you'll see it follow your mind's thoughts. Don't force it to happen. But if it does, just let it happen. "Back ... and forth ... forward and backward ... to ... and fro ..."
If you see movement in the pendulum, continue the directions,
"Now the (object) is swinging farther back and forth, it's moving farther and farther out ..."
If the motion of the pendulum is not as you directed, say, "Or it can move in a (circle or left to right) ..."
If you're getting good results, try to get the movement to change.
"Now I want you to imagine the (object) swinging around in a circle, picture it moving around and around, it's changing from its back and forth motion, its starting to circle around ... the circle is getting bigger, its moving faster ..."
Once you get the desired effect, grab a hold of the object and say, "That was perfect. Let's try something else."
- From Fun With Hypnosisis
go to Suggestibility Tests page
c) 2004, Dr. Laura De Giorgio, www.hypnosis-kids.com Visit also www.deeptrancenow.com