#hypnosis asks

Hiya! I actually have a post I wrote up a while back for this linked here. (If the link isn't working, it's called 'So You're Going To A HypnoCon' and tagged 'cons'.) I haven't thought about it in ages, but thanks to your ask I got to read it all over again. The reblogs of that post also have some other advice from fellow congoers as well.

But, here is my answer right now, and a bit condensed from that long post (which is optional reading). Be flexible - if you go into your hypnocon with a million plans and a rigid structure, you'll find yourself quickly overwhelmed and then beating yourself up for taking a break or resting, which no one wants! There is no one definitive way to do this - some people like attending as many classes as possible, some only really come out to socialize at night. My plan used to be, pick a handful of classes you really want to go to, have a list of some you might attend if you have the energy, and then leave the rest to vibes. There's a high energy in the con sometimes that can wear you out if you're not keeping an eye on your own energy levels.

You're not a passenger in this journey! Most cons including Charmed have a great con beginner track and lots of events aimed at socializing and meeting people. They stop just shy of pulling you into the rooms - you've got to make that step yourself. Often in the con discord, there will be people advertising board game or pizza or general socializing room parties, and there are tons of evening events that people often link up at as well. There's also a 'wish list' that often pops up in con space where people talk about scenes or ideas they want to talk about, and you can meet like-minded people there as well.

In my opinion, there are more new people attending these cons than before - I feel like it gets newer and younger every year! But that's me. There are definitely people who are con veterans who often go with their established partners and meet old friends, but many of them are also often happy to say hi and meet new people as well. Leading up to my first con, I also messaged several people I knew were attending to make plans to say hi - which you've also accomplished with this ask!

You absolutely can! Yes!

I love knowing my sessions turn others on! And I really love knowing they came to them!

It must be that exhibitionist kink I have! 😁

34. What’s one fictional character you’ve fantasised about hypnotising/being hypnotised by?

I’m always open but just wanted to remind everyone. 

3. Are there any TV shows/movies/books that got you into hypnosis as a kid? 

I honestly have no idea- I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t into hypnosis. Here are some memorable pieces of media from when I was young: What Would You Do?, The Jungle Book, that Scooby Doo episode, the Evil Leaper Quantum Leap episode, that Northern Exposure episode, the X files, the various sitcoms the hypnofool trope came from, Lois and Clark, Return to Witch Mountain (the novelization), dirty psychology textbooks my library just left lying around, American Werewolf in London: the TV show, etc. (We had the SciFi Channel.) 

21. What are you tips on negotiation? 

I’ve been to so many good classes on this that I feel somewhat inadequate to answer this question. I can say that actively negotiating hypnosis with a knowledgeable partner has really improved my skill level. I’d say to remember that negotiation is not just about safety- it’s also about brainstorming ideas that will make the session rewarding for everyone involved, for eliciting important information to help the trance go better (for example, word choice), and (only once a thing has been negotiated) pretalking in a way to set your subject up for success. Over-negotiate. I’ll often go over safewords even if we’re doing something mild-seeming. Arrange a way to check in that won’t break trance (like Lady Ruetha’s “tell me something I need to know”). Talk about aftercare- for both the top and the bottom.  

5. What's a good trigger word/phrase/mantra?

A while back I realized I'd moved a bit away from hypnosis and specifically asked to do more trancing. There was a lot of experimenting and ups and downs, and talking in between. I don't know if it was intended, but at one point in the conversation @spidersays said in a completely different tone of voice, enunciating every word, shut, the fuck, up. And I completely disappeared! Just gone. It was hot, and the kind of shit I love. We hadn't even agreed upon it or made any plans for that specific trigger, it was just automatic for me. Anyway. Hot.

9. Favorite song/lyrics that remind you of hypnokink?

There's probably a ton but one that I love for it is Villain by K/DA. It's a good song, and there are tons of evocative lyrics in it.

I'll stay so deep inside your brain And take you somewhere far away

Listen to your brain go Go stupid, go dumb, go stupid and Then we go insane whoa Just do what I say Follow me I'll lead the way

As a few examples.

4. What’s your #1 recurring fantasy right now?

My #1 recurring fantasy right now is genuinely feeling that loss of control as I question whether I was always this way, or if I’ve already been altered somehow. That, and maybe some pivotal moment where I’m completely at the whims and subject to whatever is happening often against my better judgment. I’m not much of an exhibitionist, and it’s probably because I do tend to be more private, but there’s something freeing and impactful about it happening in public.

Prompt ask #6!

Hello!! Prompt #6 - hypnosis or mind control?

I must admit, there’s uses and places for both of them, and they’re distinctly different vibes for me (but you didn’t ask this to get told a long winding answer of how both are good choices). The blunt answer is mind control. That’s what occupies my fantasies most, that’s what gets me the most interested in most media.