Mesmerized

Venturing into the realm of Mesmer and his “theory of animal magnetism,” one encounters an intriguing blend of the primitive that persists amidst the Enlightenment era. Whether delving into his dissertation on Astrology or navigating techniques akin to Western Reiki or Qi-Gong, Mesmer seems to tap into the essence of the East, hinting at concepts like “Chi” or “Prana,” where disruptions in life-force energy emerge as the root cause of disease.

Mesmer, knowingly or unknowingly, becomes a conduit for the fading science of alchemy, breathing life into its waning embers. Ellenberger speculates on Mesmer’s potential association with secret societies, a notion aligning seamlessly with the enigmatic nature of his language, methods, and theories (Discovery of the Unconscious pg.58). The intuitive Mesmer introduces the concept of the “universal fluid,” echoing the Prima Materia – the primal water ubiquitous and omnipresent. His theory, a captivating blend of the primitive and futuristic, outlines key principles: the fluid as the omnipresent connecting medium, disease arising from unequal bodily distribution, the channeling and transfer of life force, and the critical role of induced crises in healing (Discovery of the Unconscious pg.62).

The first three principles resonate with the primitive methods of the East, unblocking chi, prana, or life force. The third principle, reminiscent of exorcism, involves the transference of life force between objects. The fourth, however, transcends the primitive, offering a crucial insight for Depth Psychology – the induced crisis as the catalyst for healing, akin to Jung’s confrontation with the unconscious.

Mesmer’s influence extends to the dynamics between analyst and analysand, emphasizing the importance of an effective relationship with the magnetizer (Discovery of the Unconscious pg.71 & 102). Contrasting with Mesmer, Charcot emerges as a figure aligned with Enlightenment ideals, employing rationalism and science to address intangible illnesses such as hysteria. Dubbed the “Napoleon of Neuroses,” Charcot’s contributions span hysteria, hypnotism, dual personality, catalepsy, and somnambulism (Discovery of the Unconscious pg.95). His recognition of unconscious “fixed ideas” as neuroses’ nuclei becomes a precursor explored further by Janet, Freud, and ultimately elaborated on by Jung through his concept of “complexes” (Discovery of the Unconscious pg.102).

In the tapestry of Depth Psychology, Charcot’s celebrated discovery of hysteria acts as a stepping stone for Freud, who, in turn, paves the way for Jung’s profound insights (Discovery of the Unconscious pg.101).

Reasons to study Mesmer:

1. Unveiling the Interplay of Primitive and Futuristic Concepts: Mesmer’s theory bridges the gap between primitive Eastern practices and futuristic insights, offering a unique perspective on the universal fluid and its role in healing.
2. Catalyst for Depth Psychology: Mesmer’s induced crises become a precursor to Jung’s confrontation with the unconscious, shedding light on the profound psychological processes involved in healing.
3. Shaping Therapeutic Relationships: Mesmer’s emphasis on the rapport between analyst and analysand contributes to the evolving dynamics within the realm of psychological therapy.

Here is a table summarizing Mesmer’s correlation to Eastern Concepts

Resources: Ellenberger, H. (1970). The Discovery of the Unconscious: The History and Evolution of Dynamic Psychiatry. London: HarperCollins Publishers.