A few years ago I used to meditate. It was a different type of meditation where I had to envision the earth to clear my mind and then think of each body part as a different color. It was really hard to concentrate and not have thoughts rambling through my head so I stopped. I recently began to meditate again and I found a simple technique where I just breathe for a moment and I repeat the hamsa mantra and I breathe in and out. Every time I do it I get into a sort of trance. It sort of feels like I am hypnotized. I also notice that my ears start popping and my upper body feels kind of heavy. I want to know if that is normal for meditation?

I don't think your trance state is abnormal. You are probably susceptible to the level you have achieved, surprisingly enough on your own. Normal meditation techniques take a long time to reach that level. I would suggest though that you not meditate like this anywhere else but at home in your own domain.