CLAIRVOYANCE AND OCCULT POWERS/PART 5
LESSON V.
MIND READING, AND BEYOND.
The
simpler forms of telepathic phenomena have received the name "Mind
Reading" and by some have been regarded as something not quite within the
class of real telepathy. This last impression has been heightened by the fact
that there has been offered the public many spectacular exhibitions of pseudo
mind-reading, that is to say, imitation or counterfeit mind-reading, in which
the result has been obtained by trickery, collusion, or clever artifice. But,
notwithstanding this fact, genuine mind-reading is actually a phase of true telepathy.
What
is generally known as mind-reading may be divided into two classes, as follows:
(1) where there is an actual physical contact between the projector and the
receiver; and (2) where there is no actual physical contact, but where there is
a close relation in space between the two parties, as in the case of the
"willing game." In the first class belong all cases in which the
projector touches the recipient, or at least is connected with him by a
material object. In the second class belong those cases in which the recipient
seeks to find an object which is being thought of by either a single projector,
or by a number of persons in the same room. You will notice that both of these
classes were omitted from the experiments of the Society for Psychical
Research, because of the possibility of fraud or collusion. But, nevertheless,
the student will do well to acquire proficiency in manifesting this form of
telepathy, not alone for its own sake, but, also, because it naturally leads to
higher development.
In
the case of the first class of mind-reading namely, that in which actual
physical contact is had between the projector and the recipient, there has been
a disposition on the part of some authorities to explain the whole matter by
the theory of unconscious muscular impulse of the projector; but those who have
carefully studied this subject, and who have themselves performed the feats of
this class of mind-reading, know that there is far more than this to it. Those
familiar with the subject know that there is a decided transference of
thought-waves from the projector to the recipient, and that the latter actually
"feels" the same as they strike upon his mental receiving apparatus.
The whole difference between this and the higher forms of telepathy is that in
this the thought-currents generally run along the wires of the nervous system,
instead of leaping across the space between the two persons.
It
is known to all who have conducted this class of experiments, that at times
there will be experienced a change or shifting in the transmission of the
thought-currents. For a time, the thought-waves will be felt flowing in along
the nerves of the hands and arms when, all of a sudden this will cease, and
there will be experienced the passage of the current direct from brain to
brain. It is impossible to describe this feeling in mere words, to those who
have never experienced it. But those to whom it has once been manifested will
recognize at once just what I mean by this statement. It is a different
sensation from any other in the experience of a human being, and must actually
be experienced to be understood. The nearest analogy I can offer is that
feeling experienced by the person when a forgotten name for which he has vainly
sought, suddenly flashes or leaps into his consciousness—it is felt to come
from somewhere outside of the conscious field. Well, in the case of the
thought-current the feeling is much the same, only there is a fuller sense of
the "outsideness" of the source of the thought.
In
order to make you understand the distinction between the two classes of
mind-reading more clearly, I will say that you may think of one as akin to the
ordinary telegraphy over wires; and of the other as akin to wireless
telegraphy. It is the same force in both cases, the difference being simply one
of the details of transmission. Fix this idea firmly in your mind, and you will
have no trouble in always having the right conception of any kind of case of
mind-reading, or telepathy. But, you must remember, there are cases in which
there is a combination of both methods of transmission, either simultaneously,
or else shifting and changing from one to the other.
I
will here remind the student that he will learn more by a half-dozen actual
experiments in mind-reading, than he will by reading a dozen books on the
subject. It is very good to read the books in order to get the correct theory
well fixed in mind, and also in order to learn the best methods as taught by
those who have had a wide experience in the subject; but the real "how"
of the matter is learned only through actual experience. So, I shall now give
you advice and instructions concerning actual experimental work.
You,
the student, should begin by making yourself a good recipient—that is a good
"mind reader," allowing others to play the part of projector. Later
on, you may play the part of projector, if you so desire, but the real
"fine work" is done by the recipient, and, for that reason that is
the part you should learn to play by frequent rehearsals.
I
advise you to begin your experiments with friends who are in sympathy with you,
and who are interested in the subject. Avoid particularly all early experiments
with uncongenial or unsympathetic persons; and avoid as you would a pestilence
all those who are antagonistic either to yourself or to the general subject of
telepathy and kindred subjects. As you must make yourself especially
"sensitive" in order to successfully conduct a mind-reading test, you
will find yourself particularly susceptible to the mental attitude of those
around you at such times, and therefore should surround yourself only with
those who are congenial and sympathetic.
You
will find that there is a great difference between the several persons whom you
"try out" as projectors. Some will be more "en rapport"
with you than are others who may be equally good friends. "En
rapport," you know, means "in vibrational harmony." When two
persons are en rapport with each other, they are like two wireless telegraphic
instruments perfectly attuned to each other. In such cases there are obtained
the very best results. You will soon learn to distinguish the degree of en
rapport conditions between yourself and different persons—you soon learn to
"feel" this condition. In the beginning, it will be well for you to
try several persons, one after the other, in your mind-reading experiments, in
order to pick out the best one, and also to learn the "feel" of the
different degrees of en rapport condition.
Even
in cases of persons in whom the en rapport conditions are good, it is well to
establish a rhythmic unison between you. This is done by both you and the
person breathing in rhythmic unison a few moments. Begin by counting
"one-two-three-four," like the slow ticking of a large clock. Have
the other person join with you in so counting, until your minds both work in
the same rhythmic time. Then you should have him breathe in unison with you,
making a mental count with you at the same time, so that you will "breathe
together." Count (mentally) "one-two-three-four," as you inhale;
the "one-two," holding the breath; and, then
"one-two-three-four," exhaling or breathing-out. Try this several
times, and, you will find that you have established a rhythmic unison between
yourself and the other person. In the progress of an experiment, if you should
find that the conditions are not as good as might be desired, you will do well
to pause for a few moments and re-establish the proper rhythmic harmony by this
method of harmonious rhythmic breathing.
Begin
by having the projector select some prominent object in the room, a chair, or
table for instance. Then have him take your left hand in his right hand. Raise
your left hand, held in his right hand, to your forehead; then close your eyes
and remain passive a few moments. Have him concentrate his mind intently on the
selected object—and will that you should move toward it. Have him think of
nothing else except that object, and to will you to move toward it, with all
his power. Close your eyes, and quiet your mind, opening your consciousness to
every mental impression that he may send you. Instruct him to think not merely
"chair," for instance, but rather "there—go there." The
main thought in his mind must be that of direction. He must will that you move
toward that chair.
After
a moment or two, you will begin to feel a vague, general impulse to move your
feet. Obey the impulse. Take a few slow steps in any direction that seems easy
to you. Sometimes this will take you in an opposite direction from that of the
chair, but it will "get you going," and you will soon begin to feel
that the direction is "all wrong," and will begin to be mentally
pulled in the right direction. You will have to actually experience this
feeling, before you will fully understand just what I mean.
After
some little practice, you will begin to feel quite distinctly the mental
direction, or will-force, of the projector, which will seem to tell you to
"come this way—now stop—now turn a little to the right—now a little to the
left—now stop where you are, and put out your right hand—lower your hand—move
your hand a little to the right—that's it, now you have got it all right."
You will soon learn to distinguish between the "no, that's wrong"
thought, and the "that's right" one; and between the "go
on," and the "come on" one. By making yourself completely
passive, and receptive and obedient to the thought and will-impulses of the
projector, you will soon act like a ship under the influence of the rudder in
the hand of the projector.
After
you have attained proficiency in receiving the mental impressions and
directions, you will find yourself attracted or drawn, like a piece of steel to
the magnet, toward the object selected. It will sometimes seem as if you were
being moved to it even against your own will—and as if someone else were
actually moving your feet for you. Sometimes the impulse will come so strong
that you will actually rush ahead of the projector, dragging him along with
you, instead of having him a little in advance, or by your side. It is all a
matter of practice.
You
will soon discover the great difference between different projectors. Some of
them will be in perfect en rapport condition with you, while others will fail
to get into tune with you. Some projectors do not seem to know what is required
of them, and usually forget to "will" you to the object. It helps
sometimes to tell them that the whole thing depends upon their will power, and
that the stronger their will is, the easier it is for you to find the thing.
This puts them on their mettle, and makes them use their will more vigorously.
You
will soon learn to recognize that peculiar feeling of "all right,"
that comes when you finally stand in front of the desired object. Then you
begin to move your right hand up and down and around, until you get the right
"feel" about that also, when you should place your hand on the place
which seems to attract you most. You will find that the hand is just as
responsive to the mental force, as are the feet. You will soon learn to
distinguish between the mental signals: "up," "down,"
"to the right," "to the left," "stop now, you're
right," etc. I cannot tell you just the difference—you must learn to
"feel" them, and you will soon become expert in this. It is like
learning to skate, run an automobile, operate a typewriter or anything else—all
a matter of exercise and practice. But it is astonishing how rapidly one may
learn; and how, at times, one seems to progress by great leaps and bounds. Now
I shall give you the different stages or steps, which you will do well to
follow in your exercises, progressing from the more simple to the more
complex—but be sure to thoroughly master the simple ones, before you pass on to
the more complex one. Be honest and strict with yourself—make yourself
"pass the examination" before promotion, in each and every step.
1.
LOCATIONS. Begin by finding particular locations in a room; corners, alcoves,
doors, etc.
2.
LARGE OBJECTS. Then begin to find large objects, such as tables, chairs,
book-cases, etc.
3.
SMALL OBJECTS. Then proceed to find small objects, such as books on a table,
sofa-cushions, ornaments, paper-knives, etc. Gradually work down to very small
objects, such as scarf-pins, articles of jewelry, pocket-knives, etc.
4.
CONCEALED OBJECTS. Then proceed to find small objects that have been concealed
under other objects, such as a pocket-book beneath a sofa-cushion, etc.; or a
key in a book; or a key under a rug, etc.
5.
MINUTE OBJECTS. Then proceed to discover very small objects, either concealed
or else placed in an inconspicuous place, such as a pin stuck in the wall,
etc.; or a small bean under a vase, etc.
The
public performers of mind reading vary the above by sensational combinations,
but you will readily see that these are but ingenious arrangements of the above
general experiments, and that no new principle is involved. As these lessons
are designed for serious study and experiment, and not for sensational public
performances, I shall not enter into this phase of the subject in these pages.
The student who understands the general principles, and is able to perform the
above experiments successfully, will have no difficulty in reproducing the
genuine feats of the public mind readers, by simply using his ingenuity in
arranging the stage-effects, etc. Among other things, he will find that he will
be able to obtain results by interposing a third person between the projector
and himself; or by using a short piece of wire to connect himself and the
projector. Drawing pictures on a blackboard, or writing out names on a slate, by
means of thought direction, are simply the result of a fine development of the
power of finding the small article—the impulse to move the hand in a certain
direction comes in precisely the same way. The public driving feats of the
professional mind-reader are but a more complicated form of the same general
principle—the impression of "direction" once obtained, the rest is a
mere matter of detail. The opening of the combination of a safe, though
requiring wonderful proficiency on the part of the operator, is simply an
elaboration of the "direction" movement.
Some
recipients are, of course, far more proficient than are others; but each and
every person—any person of average intelligence—will be able to secure more or
less proficiency in these experiments, provided that patience and practice are
employed. There is no such thing as an absolute failure possible to anyone who
will proceed intelligently, and will practice sufficiently. Sometimes, after
many discouraging attempts, the whole thing will flash into one's mind at once,
and after that there will be little or no trouble. If you are able to witness
the demonstrations of some good mind-reader, professional or amateurs it will
help you to "catch the knack" at once.
You
will find that these experiments will tend to greatly and rapidly develop your
psychic receptivity in the direction of the higher phases of psychic phenomena.
You will be surprised to find yourself catching flashes or glimpses of ^higher
telepathy, or even clairvoyance. I would advise every person wishing to
cultivate the higher psychic faculties, to begin by perfecting himself or
herself in these simpler forms of mind-reading. Besides the benefits obtained,
the practice proves very interesting, and opens many doors to pleasant social
entertainment. But, never allow the desire for social praise or popularity, in
these matters, to spoil you for serious investigation and experiment.
THE
SECOND STEP OF DEVELOPMENT. The student, having perfected himself in the
experiments along the lines of the first class of mind-reading, viz., where
there is no actual physical contact between the projector and recipient, but
where there is a close relation in space between the two.
Now,
the thoughtful student will naturally wish to ask a question here, something
like this: "You have told us that there is no real difference between
telepathy at a great distance, and that in which there is only the slightest
difference in the position of the projector and recipient, providing, always,
that there is no actual physical contact. This being so, why your insistence
upon the 'close relation in space' just mentioned?—what is the reason for this
nearness?" Well, it is like this: While there is no distinction of space
in true telepathy, still in experiments such as I shall now describe, the
physical nearness of the projector enables him to concentrate more forcibly,
and also gives confidence to the new beginner in receiving mind-currents. The
benefit is solely that of the psychological effect upon the minds of the two
persons, and has nothing to do with the actual power of the telepathic waves.
It is much easier for a person to concentrate his thought and will upon a
person in actual physical sight before him, than upon one out of sight. And,
likewise, the recipient finds himself more confident and at ease when in the
actual physical of the person sending the thoughts and will power. That is all
there is to it. When the persons have acquired familiarity with projecting and
receiving, then this obstacle is overcome, and long distances have no terror
for them.
The
best way for the student to start in on this class of mind-reading, is for him
to experiment occasionally while performing his physical contact mind-reading
experiments. For instance, while engaged in searching for an object let him
disengage his hand from that of the projector for a moment or so, and then
endeavor to receive the impressions without contact. (This should be done only
in private experiments, not in public ones.) He will soon discover that he is
receiving thought impulses in spite of the lack of physical contact—faint,
perhaps, but still perceptible. A little practice of this kind will soon
convince him that he is receiving the mental currents direct from brain to
brain. This effect will be increased if he arranges to have several persons
concentrate their thoughts and will power upon him during the experiment. From
this stage, he will gradually develop into the stage of the Willing Game.
The
Willing Game, quite popular in some circles, is played by one person (usually
blind-folded) being brought into the room in which a number of persons have
previously agreed upon some object to be found by him, they concentrating their
thought firmly upon the object. The audience should be taught to not only to
think but also to actively "will" the progress of the recipient from
the start to the finish of the hunt. They should "will" him along
each step of his journey, and then "will" his hand to the object
itself wherever it be hidden.
An
adept in the receiving end of the Willing Game will be able to perform all the
experiments that I have just pointed out to you in the contact mind-reading
class. In the Willing Game, you must remember that there is no taking hold of
hands or any other form of physical contact between projector and recipient.
The transmission of the mental currents must be direct, from brain to brain.
Otherwise, the two classes of experiments are almost identical. There is the
same "willing" toward the object on the part of the projectors, and
the same passive obedience of the recipient. All the difference is that the
current now passes over the ether of space, as in the case of the wireless
message, instead of over the wires of the nervous system of the two persons.
The
next step is that of "guessing" the name of things thought of by the
party. I can give you no better directions than those followed by the
investigators in the Creery children, as related in a preceding chapter of this
book. When you become sufficiently proficient in this class of mind-reading, you
should be able to reproduce every experiment there mentioned, with at least a
fair degree of success. It is all a matter of patience, perseverance and
practice.
After
you have become very proficient in this class of experiments, you may begin to
try experiments at "long distance," that is where the projector is
out of your physical presence. It makes no difference whether the distance be
merely that between two adjoining rooms, or else of miles of space. At first,
however, nearness adds confidence in the majority of cases. Confidence once
gained, the distance may be lengthened indefinitely, without impairing the
success of the experiments. The long distance experiments may consist either of
the receiving of single words, names, etc., or else distinct, clear messages or
ideas. Some find it no more difficult to reproduce simile geometrical designs,
such as circles, squares, triangles, etc., than to reproduce words or ideas.
In
long distance experiments, it is well for the projector to write down the word
or thought he wishes to transmit, and for the recipient to write down the
impressions he receives. These memoranda will serve as a record of progress,
and will, moreover, give a scientific value to the experiments.
Some
experimenters have been quite successful in experiments along the lines of
Automatic Writing from living persons, produced by means of long distance
telepathy. In these cases the recipient sits passively at the hour agreed upon
for the experiment, and the projector concentrates intently upon a sentence, or
several sentences, one word at a time—at the same time "willing" the
other person to write the word. The famous investigator of psychic phenomena,
the late W.T. Stead, editor of a London newspaper, who went down on the
"Titanic," was very successful in experiments of this kind. His
written records of these are very interesting and instructive.
You
will, of course, understand that in all cases of long distance telepathic
experiments there should be an understanding between the two persons regarding
the time and duration of the experiment, so as to obtain the best results.
Personally, however, I have known of some very excellent results in which the
receiving of the message occurred several hours after the sending—thus showing
that telepathy is in a measure independent of time, as well as of space. But,
as a rule, the best results are obtained when the two persons "sit"
simultaneously.
Do
not rest content with accepting the reports of others regarding these things.
Try them for yourself. You will open up a wonderful world of new experiences
for yourself. But, remember always, you must proceed step by step, perfecting
yourself at each step before proceeding to the next.
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