Many of those who have been known to levitate have had fervent and passionate states of mind. The early Christian Church believed levitation was a sign of demonic possession, and certainly it has been known to afflict the possessed. Hindu Mythology believes that levitation is a super natural power (God’s Energy). Throughout the centuries, many holy people have also been able to lift themselves off the ground. But Levitation is a scientific Process. It is a simple Magic trick.

Levitation (from Latin levitas "lightness") is the process by which an object is held aloft, without mechanical support, in a stable position.

Yogis and street performers have been simulating levitation with nifty contraptions forever. They appear to be held aloft via nothing but their supernatural mental prowess…But they are really enjoying the benefits of basic physics just like the rest of us when we use a chair…

These are some popular street magic technique used using basic physics principle. But there are some more interesting methods used for levitation. These are 1.Quantum Levitation 2.Magnetic Levitation3.Acoustic Levitation etc.

1.Quantum Levitation:

Quantum levitation usually refers to the levitation of a superconducting object over a magnetic rail or block using the Meissner effect so that the object essentially floats in air.

Meissner effect is the expulsion of magnetic field from a superconducting material. As an object is cooled below its superconducting transition temperature, it totally eliminates any magnetic field inside the bulk of the object. The magnetic field lines bend around the object without entering it. It does this by generating surface currents that cancel out the external magnetic field.

Thus when a superconductor is placed above a magnetic material, the superconductor will try its best to avoid the magnetic material. This repulsive interaction can overcome the force of gravity to make the object float in the air.

Meissner effect is a quantum phenomenon and hence it is called quantum levitation

2.Magnetic Levitation:

Diamagnets may be levitated in stable equilibrium in a magnetic field, with no power consumption.

A thin slice of pyrolytic graphite, which is an unusually strong diamagnetic material, can be stably floated in a magnetic field, such as that from rare earth permanent magnets. This can be done with all components at room temperature, making a visually effective demonstration of diamagnetism.

The Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands, has conducted experiments where water and other substances were successfully levitated. Most spectacularly, a live frog  was levitated.

In September 2009, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California announced it had successfully levitated mice using a superconducting magnet, an important step forward since mice are closer biologically to humans than frogs. JPL said it hopes to perform experiments regarding the effects of microgravity on bone and muscle mass.

Another interesting phenomena is called ‘Maglev’ Patent

Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) is a system of train transportation that uses two sets of magnets, one set to repel and push the train up off the track as in levitation (hence Maglev, Magnetic-levitation), then another set to move the 'floating train' ahead at great speed taking advantage of the lack of friction.

Maglev is a backbone of japan’s transport system.

 3.Accoustic Levitation:

Researchers in Switzerland have figured out how to move objects around in midair, according to a new study.

The breakthrough in acoustic levitation will allow scientists to unlock “a huge amount of applications for this very powerful method,” including in pharmaceutical and electronics manufacturing.

Scientists performed a number of midair experiments, such as combining water droplets or chemical solutions, inserting DNA into cells and even making a tiny portion of instant coffee. They also levitated a wooden toothpick — something that had never been done before — while rotating it and moving it forward and backward.

Sound waves exert pressure when they hit a surface, but the effects are usually too small to notice. But if the intensity is cranked up high enough, sound has the ability to counteract the effects of gravity.

They took advantage of the fact that the frequency of sound — the physical property that gives it a pitch — also matters. Using 24,000 hertz (Hz), a level comparable to a dog whistle, they were unaffected by the noise. The upper range of human hearing is about 20,000 Hz.


Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/sound-waves-can-be-used-to-levitate-and-move-objects-study-says/2013/07/15/
https://www.quantumlevitation.com
http://twentytwowords.com/2-street-performers-take-levitation-to-a-whole-new-level/