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thought-form, a picture, a partial materialization, or bona-fide
A Guide to Mediumship 71
spirit sight. Only experience, careful observation, and continued
experiment can settle the point in any given case or with any particular
medium.
A SUGGESTED EXPLANATION.
Thought-transference may help us to form some idea of the process by
which visual impressions are produced. If an operator draws a rough
outline of an object, and then, looking at the drawing, seeks to visualize
and hold that picture in his mind's eye, and, by the exercise of his will,
endeavors to project and transfer the thought-picture to a sensitive; and,
further, if the sensitive is sitting passively yet expectantly, is all attention
to receive the positive impression, and it is thus transferred, we have an
experience which is, we think, largely analogous to (if not identical with)
what happens in impressional clairvoyance.
We fully recognize that there are various kinds of degrees of
clairvoyance, as the experienced mesmerist and Spiritualist knows, and we
do not claim that the above-suggested explanation covers the whole
ground, but it does seem to us adequate for this particular class of
experiences.
SPIRIT ACTIVITY AND BODILY SLEEP.
Mr. W. J. Colville says: 'Spirit communion of the most satisfying and
consoling nature is frequently enjoyed in sleep, and to render this
communion thoroughly efficient as a panacea for doubt and sorrow, it is
by no means necessary that on awaking the one who has been enlightened
and consoled in sleep should remember any of the detailed circumstances
of a vision or a dream. Intromission to the spiritual state surpasses many
lesser mediumistic experiences, as it causes an unmistakable feeling of
assurance within the one who has experienced it, while even the most
convincing tests, or proofs coming through another, supply less direct
evidence than one's own original experiences.
The problem of sleep is now receiving, as well as inviting, far more
attention than formerly, largely on account of the excellent results which
often follow upon mental suggestions given to sleeping patients. We call
particular attention
72 A Guide to Mediumship
to the sleeping state as that of interior or subjective consciousness; never
we are unconscious. The phrase "unconscious trance mediumship" is one
which needs qualifying, and is seldom appropriate, as it by no means
explains the recorded experiences of the many sensitives who, when in a
superior or exalted state, are conscious of spiritual experiences, though
unconscious of what is going on in their material vicinity.'
MAGNETIC AND SPIRIT HEALING.
Healing power is possessed in some degree by many people who are
not strictly of the mediumistic temperament, but, as they are charged with
an abundance of vital, or 'magnetic,' force which is unused by them, it
would probably be productive of discomfort, if not disease, were it not for
the fact that Nature has made health as catching as disease, and their auric
emanations act beneficially upon others who need healing and
unconsciously draw to themselves some of this abundant force. Nature
ever works towards harmony, and strives to readjust inequalities. Those
persons who are of the full-blooded vital temperament should try to
relieve the aches and pains of those with whom they associate, for in
relieving others they themselves would be benefited, provided a
sympathetic feeling could be established. But no one should attempt to
magnetize others towards whom he cannot exert kindly feelings, and no
sufferer should submit to magnetic treatment by a "healer' who does not
inspire him with confidence and respect. Unless the magnetizer has gained
confidence from study and experience, and is guided by intelligent spirits
who understand the methods of healing, it would be unwise for him to
attempt to treat an illness of a serious nature.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.
Dr. Dean Clarke claimed, in the 'Banner of Light,' that: 'When the mind,
both conscious and "sub-conscious," has full magnetic connection with,
and control of, every organ in the body, health prevails. When it has not, a
condition called "disease" prevails; and whatever method will re-establish
A Guide to Mediumship 73
the normal state is a true art of healing. If there is too little magnetism to
property charge the nervous system it must be supplied from some
source, or if there are obstructions to its proper circulation they must be
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