CLAIRVOYANCE AND OCCULT POWERS/PART 9
LESSON IX.
SIMPLE CLAIRVOYANCE.
In a
previous chapter we have seen that there are three well-defined classes of
clairvoyance, namely, (1) Simple clairvoyance; (2) Clairvoyance in space; and
(3) Clairvoyance in Time. I shall now consider these in sequence, beginning
with the first, Simple Clairvoyance.
In
simple clairvoyance the clairvoyant person merely senses the auric emanations
of other persons, such as the auric vibrations, colors, etc., currents of
thought vibrations, etc., but does not see events or scenes removed in space or
time from the observer. There are other phenomena peculiar to this class of
clairvoyance which I shall note as we progress with this chapter.
An
authority on the subject of astral phenomena has written interestingly, as
follows, regarding some of the phases of simple clairvoyance: "When we
come to consider the additional facilities which it offers in the observation
of animate objects, we see still more clearly the advantages of astral vision.
It exhibits to the clairvoyant the aura of plants and animals, and thus in the
case of the latter their desires and emotions, and whatever thoughts they may
have, are all plainly shown before his eyes. But it is in dealing with human
beings that he will most appreciate the value of this faculty, for he will
often be able to help them far more effectually when he guides himself by the
information which it gives him.
"He
will be able to see the aura as far up as the astral body, and though that
leaves all the higher part of a man still hidden from his gaze, he will
nevertheless find it possible by careful observation to learn a good deal about
the higher part from what is within his reach. His capacity of examination of
the etheric double will give him considerable advantage in locating and
classifying any defects or diseases of the nervous system, while from the
appearance of the astral body he will at once be aware of all the emotions,
passions, desires and tendencies of the man before him, and even of very many
of his thoughts also.
"As
he looks at a person he will see him surrounded by the luminous mist of the
astral aura, flashing with all sorts of brilliant colors, and constantly
changing in hue and brilliancy with every variation of the person's thoughts
and feelings. He will see this aura flooded with the beautiful rose-color of
pure affection, the rich blue of devotional feeling, the hard, dull brown of
selfishness, the deep scarlet of anger, the horrible lurid red of sensuality,
the livid grey of fear, the black clouds of hatred and malice, or any of the
other hundredfold indications so easily to be read in it by the practiced eye;
and thus it will be impossible for any persons to conceal from him the real
state of their feelings on any subject. Not only does the astral aura show him
the temporary result of the emotion passing through it at the moment, but it
also gives him, by an arrangement and proportion of its colors when in a
condition of comparative rest, a clue to the general disposition and character
of its owner."
By
simple clairvoyance in a certain stage of development the clairvoyant person is
able to sense the presence of the human aura, by means of his astral sight. The
human aura, as all students of occultism know, is that peculiar emanation of
astral vibrations that extends from each living human being, surrounding him in
an egg-shaped form for a distance of two to three feet on all sides. This
peculiar nebulous envelope is not visible to the physical sight, and may be
discerned only by means of the astral senses. It, however, may be dimly
"felt" by many persons coming into the presence of other persons, and
constitutes a personal atmosphere which is sensed by other persons.
The
trained clairvoyant vision sees the human aura as a nebulous hazy substance,
like a luminous cloud, surrounding the person for two or three feet on each
side of his body, being more dense near the body and gradually becoming less
dense as it extends away from the body. It has a phosphorescent appearance,
with a peculiar tremulous motion manifesting through its substance. The
clairvoyant sees the human aura as composed of all the colors of the spectrum,
the combination shifting with the changing mental and emotional states of the
person. But, in a general way, it may be said that each person has his or her
or distinctive astral auric colors, depending upon his or her general character
or personality. Each mental state, or emotional manifestation, has its own
particular shade or combination of shades of auric coloring. This beautiful
kaleidoscopic spectacle has its own meaning to the advanced occultist with
clairvoyant vision, for he is able to read the character and general mental
states of the person by means of studying his astral auric colors. I have
explained these auric colors, and their meanings, in my little book entitled
"The Human Aura."
The
human aura is not always in a state of calm phosphorescence, however. On the
contrary, it sometimes manifests great flames, like those of a fiery furnace,
which shoot forth in great tongues, and dart forth suddenly in certain
directions toward the objects attracting them. Under great emotional excitement
the auric flames move around in swift circling whirlpools, or else swirl away
from a centre. Again, it seems to throw forth tiny glistening sparks of astral
vibrations, some of which travel for great distance.
The
clairvoyant vision is also able to discern what is called the "prana
aura" of a person. By this term is indicated that peculiar emanation of
vital force which surrounds the physical body of each and every person. In
fact, many persons of but slight clairvoyant power, who cannot sense the auric
colors, are able to perceive this prana-aura without trouble. It is sometimes
called the "health aura," or "physical aura." It is
colorless, or rather about the shade of clear glass, diamond, or water. It is
streaked with very minute, bristle-like lines. In a state of good health, these
fine lines are stiff like toothbrush bristles; while, in cases of poor health,
these lines droop, curl and present a furlike appearance. It is sometimes
filled with minute sparkling particles, like tiny electric sparks in rapid
vibratory motion.
To
the clairvoyant vision the prana-aura appears like the vibrating heated air
arising from a fire, or stove, or from the heated earth in summer. If the
student will close his eyes partially, and will peer through narrowed eyelids,
he will in all probability be able to perceive this prana-aura surrounding the
body of some healthy, vigorous person—particularly if the person is sitting in
a dim light. Looking closely, he will see the peculiar vibratory motion, like
heated air, at a distance of about two inches from the body of the person. It
requires a little practice in order to acquire the knack of perceiving these
vibrations—a little experimenting in order to get just the right light on the person—but
practice will bring success, and you will be repaid for your trouble.
In
the same way, the student may by practice acquire the faculty to perceiving his
own prana-aura. The simplest way to obtain this last mentioned result is to
place your fingers (spread out in fan-shape) against a black background, in a
dim light. Then gaze at the fingers with narrowed eyelids, and half-closed
eyes. After a little practice, you will see a fine thin line surrounding your
fingers on all sides—a semi-luminous border of prana-aura. In most cases this
border of aura is colorless, but sometimes a very pale yellowish hue is
perceived. The stronger the vital force of the person, the stronger and
brighter will this border of prana-aura appear. The aura surrounding the fingers
will appear very much like the semi-luminous radiance surrounding a gas-flame,
or the flame of a candle, which is familiar to nearly everyone.
Another
peculiar phenomenon of the astral plane, perceived by clairvoyants of a certain
degree of development, is that which is known as the "thought-form."
A thought-form is a specialized grouping of astral substance, crystalized by
the strong thought impulses or vibrations of a person thinking, or manifesting
strong emotional excitement. It is generated in the aura of the person, in the
first place, but is then thrown off or emitted from the atmosphere of the
person, and is sent off into space. A thought-form is really but a strongly
manifested thought or feeling which has taken form in the astral substance. Its
power and duration depend upon the degree of force of the thought or feeling
manifesting it.
These
thought-forms differ very materially from one another in form and general
appearance. The most common form is that of a tiny series of waves, similar to
those caused by the dropping of a pebble in a pond of water. Sometimes the
thought-form takes on the appearance of a whirlpool, rotating around a centre,
and moving through space as well. Another form is like that of the pin-wheel
fireworks, swirling away from its centre as it moves through space. Still
another form is that of a whirling ring, like that emitted from a smokestack of
a locomotive, or the mouth of a smoker—the familiar "ring" of the
smoker. Others have the form and appearance of semi-luminous globes, glowing
like a giant opal.
Other
thought-forms are emitted in jet-like streams, like steam puffed out from a
tea-kettle. Again, it will appear as a series of short puffs of steam-like
appearance. Again, it will twist along like an eel or snake. Another time it
will twist its way like a corkscrew. At other times it will appear as a bomb,
or series of bombs projected from the aura of the thinker. Sometimes, as in the
case of a vigorous thinker or speaker, these thought-form bombs will be seen to
explode when they reach the aura of the person addressed or thought of. Other
forms appear like nebulous things resembling an octopus, whose twining
tentacles twist around the person to whom they are directed.
Each
thought-form bears the same color that it possessed when generated in the aura
of its creator, though the colors seem to fade with time. Many of them glow
with a dull phosphorescence, instead of bright coloring. The atmosphere of
every person, and every place, is filled with various thought-forms emanated
from the person, or persons who inhabit the place. Each building has its own
distinctive thought-forms, which permeate its mental atmosphere, and which are
clearly discernible by trained clairvoyant vision.
I
here take the liberty of quoting a few paragraphs from my little book entitled
"The Astral World," in which the phenomena of the astral plane are
explained in detail. I reproduce them here in order to show you what you may
see on the astral plane when your clairvoyant vision is sufficiently developed
to function there. The words are addressed to one who is sensing on the astral,
plane.
"Notice
that beautiful spiritual blue around that woman's head! And see that ugly muddy
red around that man passing her! Here comes an intellectual giant—see that
beautiful golden yellow around his head, like a nimbus! But I don't exactly
like that shade of red around his body—and there is too marked an absence of
blue in his aura! He lacks harmonious development. Do you notice those great
clouds of semi-luminous substance, which are slowly floating along?—notice how
the colors vary in them. Those are clouds of thought-vibrations, representing
the composite thought of a multitude of people. Also notice how each body of
thought is drawing to itself little fragments of similar thought-forms and
energy. You see here the tendency of thought-forms to attract others of their
kind—how like the proverbial birds of a feather, they flock together—how
thoughts come home, bringing their friends with them—how each man creates his
own thought atmosphere.
"Speaking
of atmospheres, do you notice that each shop we pass has its own peculiar
thought-atmosphere? If you look into the houses on either side of the street,
you will see that the same thing is true. The very street itself has its own
atmosphere, created by the composite thought of those inhabiting and
frequenting it. No! do not pass down that side street—its astral atmosphere is
too depressing, and its colors too horrible and disgusting for you to witness
just now—you might get discouraged and fly back to your physical body for
relief. Look at those thought-forms flying through the atmosphere! What a
variety of form and coloring! Some most beautiful, the majority quite neutral
in tint, and occasionally a fierce, fiery one tearing its way along toward its
mark. Observe those whirling and swirling thought-forms as they are thrown off
from that business-house. Across the street, notice that great octopus monster
of a thought-form, with its great tentacles striving to wind around persons and
draw them into that flashy dance-hall and dram-shop. A devilish monster which
we would do well to destroy. Turn your concentrated thought upon it, and will
it out of existence—there, that's the right way; watch it sicken and shrivel!
But, alas! more of its kind will come forth from that place."
The
above represents the sights common to the advanced occultist who explores the
astral plane either in his astral body, or else by means of clairvoyant vision.
To such a one, these sights are just as natural as those of the physical plane
to the person functioning by ordinary physical senses. One is as natural as is
the other—there is nothing supernatural about either.
But
there are other, and even more wonderful attributes of astral visioning than
that which we have just related. Let us take a general survey of these, so that
you may be familiar with what you hope to see on the astral plane, and which
you will see when you have sufficiently developed your clairvoyant powers.
What
would you think if you could "see through a brick wall?" Well, the
clairvoyant is able to do this. For that matter, the physical X Rays are able
to penetrate through solid substances, and the astral vibrations are even more
subtle than these. It seems strange to hear of this kind of visioning as purely
natural, doesn't it? It smacks strongly of the old supernatural tales—but it is
as simply natural as is the X Ray. The advanced clairvoyant is able to see
through the most solid objects, and inside of anything, for that matter. The
astral senses register the subtle vibrations of the astral plane, just as the
physical eye registers the ordinary rays of light-energy. You are able to see
through solid glass, with the physical eye, are you not? Well, in the same way
the clairvoyant sees through solid steel or granite. It is all a matter of
registering vibrations of energy—nothing more, and nothing less.
It
is in this way that the trained clairvoyant is able to read from closed books,
sealed letters, etc. In the same way, he is able to pierce the dense soil, and
to see far down into the depths of the earth, subject to certain limitations.
Veins of coal, oil, and other substances have been discovered clairvoyantly in
this way. Not every clairvoyant is able to do this, but the advanced ones have
done it. In the same way, the trained clairvoyant is able to see inside the
bodies of sick persons, and to diagnose their ailments, providing, of course,
he is familiar with the appearance of the organs in health and in disease, and
has a sufficient knowledge of physiology and pathology to interpret what he
sees.
An
authority on the phenomena of the astral plane has written entertainingly and
correctly regarding this phase of simple clairvoyance, as follows: "The
possession of this extraordinary and scarcely expressible power, then, must
always be borne in mind through all that follows. It lays every point in the
interior of every solid body absolutely open to the gaze of the seer, just as
every point in the interior of a circle lies open to the gaze of a man looking
down upon it. But even this is by no means all that it gives to its possessor.
He sees not only the inside as well as the outside of every object, but also
its astral counterpart. Every atom and molecule of physical matter has its
corresponding astral atoms and molecules, and the mass which is built up out of
these is clearly visible to the clairvoyant. Usually the astral form of any
object projects somewhat beyond the physical part of it, and thus metals,
stones and other things are seen surrounded by an astral aura.
"It
will be seen at once that even in the study of inorganic matter a man gains
immensely by the acquisition of this vision. Not only does he see the astral
part of the object at which he looks, which before was wholly hidden from him;
not only does he see much more of its physical constitution than he did before,
but even what was visible to him before is now seen much more clearly and
truly. * * * Another strange power of which he may find himself in possession
is that of magnifying at will the minutest physical or astral particle to any
desired size, as through a microscope—though no microscope ever made, or ever
likely to be made, possesses even a thousandth part of this psychic magnifying
power. By its means the hypothetical molecule and atom postulated by science
become visible and living realities to the occult student, and on this closer
examination he finds them to be much more complex in their structure than the
scientific man has yet realized them to be. It also enables him to follow with
the closest attention and the most lively interest all kinds of electrical,
magnetic, and other etheric action; and when some of the specialists in these
branches of science are able to develop the power to see these things whereof
they write so facilely, some very wonderful and beautiful revelations may be
expected.
"This
is one of the SIDDIHIS or powers described in the Oriental books as accruing to
the man who devotes himself to spiritual development, though the name under
which it is there mentioned might not be immediately recognizable. It is
referred to as 'the power of making oneself large or small at will,' and the
reason of a description which appears so oddly to reverse the fact is that in
reality the method by which this feat is performed is precisely that indicated
in these ancient books. It is by the use of temporary visual machinery of
inconceivable minuteness that the world of the infinitely little is so clearly
seen; and in the same way (or rather in the opposite way) it is by enormously
increasing the size of the machinery used that it becomes possible to increase
the breadth of one's view—in the physical sense as well as, let us hope, in the
moral—far beyond anything that science has ever dreamt of as possible for man.
So that the alteration in size is really in the vehicle of the student's
consciousness, and not in anything outside of himself; and the old Oriental
books have, after all, put the case more accurately than have we. I have
indicated, though only in the roughest outlines, what a trained student,
possessed of full astral vision, would see in the immensely wider world to
which that vision introduced him; but I have said nothing of the stupendous
change in his mental attitude which comes from the experimental certainty regarding
matters of paramount importance. The difference between even the profoundest
intellectual conviction, and the precise knowledge gained by direct personal
experience, must be felt in order to be appreciated."
Now,
here at this place, I wish to call the attention of the student to the fact
that while the above stated, phenomena strictly belong to the class of
"simple clairvoyance," rather than to "space clairvoyance,"
or "time clairvoyance" respectively, nevertheless the same phenomena
may be manifested in connection with that of these other classes of
clairvoyance. For instance, in space clairvoyance the trained clairvoyant is
able not only to perceive things happening at points far distant, but may also
(if highly developed psychically) be able to perceive the details just
mentioned as well as if he were at that distant point in person. Likewise, in
time clairvoyance, the clairvoyant may exercise the power of magnifying vision
regarding the object far distant in time, just as if he were living in that time.
So here as elsewhere we find the different classes of phenomena shading and
blending into each other. At the best, classifications are useful principally
for convenience in intellectual consideration and reasoning.
In
the same way, the clairvoyant may manifest the above mentioned forms of astral
sensing in cases when the astral vision has been awakened by psychometry, or by
crystal gazing, as well as in those cases in which the condition has been
brought about through meditation, or similar methods.
I
would also call the attention of the student to the fact that in the above
description of the phenomena of simple clairvoyance I have made no mention of
the sights of the astral plane which often become visible to the clairvoyant,
and which have to do with astral bodies, astral shells, the disembodied souls
of those who have passed on to other planes of existence, etc. I shall take up
these matters in other parts of this course, and shall not dwell upon them in
this place. But, I wish you to remember that the same power which enables you
to sense other objects by means of the astral scenes, is the same that is
called into operation in the cases to which I have just referred.
The
astral plane is a wonderful plane or field of being, containing many strange
and wonderful beings and things. The person living on the physical plane may
visit the astral plane in the astral body; and, again, he may perceive the
happenings and scenes of that plane by means of the awakened and developed
astral senses. Some clairvoyants find it easy to function in one way, and some
in another. It is reserved for the scientifically developed clairvoyant to
manifest the well-rounded power to perceive the phenomena of the astral plane
in its wonderful entirety.
Finally,
you will see by reference to other chapters of this book, that one may manifest
simple clairvoyant powers (as well as the more complicated ones of time and
space clairvoyance) not only in the ordinary waking state, but also in the
state of dreams. In fact, some of the most striking psychic phenomena are
manifested when the seer is in the dream state. As we proceed, you will find
that every phase of the great subject will fit into its place, and will be
found to blend with every other phase. There will be found a logical harmony and
unity of thought pervading the whole subject. But we must use single bricks and
stones as we build—it is only in the completed structure that we may perceive
the harmonious unity.
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