“Drawing on Hermetic, Parcelsan, and astrological theories of microcosmic man and the universal magnetic field, Mesmer modernized them by adding recent experimental discoveries in electricity and magnetism. With encouragement from the Mozart family, who shared his magnetic and Masonic interests, Mesmer made his psychotherapeutic sessions into a mystical initiation process that resulted in blissful, even orgasmic ‘equilibrium.’ When he moved on to Paris in 1778, he took advantage of the participation of aristocrats, intellectuals, and amateur scientists in Masonic assemblies, including the ladies’ ‘androgynous’ lodges.”