Some past-life accounts given by hypnosis subjects can be attributed to the subject's fantasizing or leading by the hypnotist. However, there are two other explanations. The book told of the story of a women who, when under hypnosis, could give details of Ireland and even speak Gaelic, a language apparently unfamiliar to her. Her ability was attributed to her living a previous life in Ireland. However, research turned up the fact that she once had been cared for by a Gaelic-speaking grandmother who used to tell her tales of old Ireland.
Some recalls hold up under all scrutiny and appear genuine.
To understand these, we must realize that a person who is under hypnosis is surrendering control of his or her mind to someone else. The hypnotist may take the reins. He or someone else may plant suggestions in the mind. This being the case, it is not hard to imagine a demonic taking over the will of the hypnotic subject and speaking through him. The demon, with access to knowledge from all history, could piece together memories and have the hypnotic subject speak them, thus encouraging past lives.