Abstract

Ecstatic trancing in spirit possession religions is a process of separating the spirit from the physical body, with the goal of making contact with the realm of the divine. In this article, the induction of trance is introduced as a disruption of the habitual pattern of the ego self. The ecstatic trajectory of the Judeo-Christian ecstatic service is described, evoking three discrete levels of altered state experience. The role of entrainment is suggested; and gospel choirs unique African-originated trance induction techniques are identified as entrainment tools. Unusual experiences reported in the gospel church (including glossolalia, automatisms, synesthesia, falling under the power, grace, faith healing, conversion, and prophecy) are examined with possible explanation for their occurrence.