GENUINE MEDIUMSHIP/PART 8
PART VIII
HOW TO DEVELOP MEDIUMSHIP
Anyone is entitled to
be considered a "medium" if he or she is psychically sensitive and
capable of receiving and responding to spirit control or influence. Likewise,
anyone is entitled to the designation who is capable of so generating freely a
sufficient quantity of "psychic force," magnetism, prana, or whatever
other name we may choose to apply to the force which is generated in the human
organism and is capable of being employed by the spirits in order to produce
mediumistic phenomena of the class usually referred to as "physical
phenomena." As we have seen, the spirits themselves are not usually able
to manufacture or generate by themselves this psychic required to produce the
said phenomena, but, on the contrary, must depend upon mediumistic individuals
for such force.
Who Are Mediumistic?
Many persons are more
or less naturally sensitive to spirit influence, and therefore mediumistic. In
many cases these persons tend to take on the psychic conditions of others,
both those in earth life and those on the spirit plane of existence, without
realizing the nature of the influence operating on them. Such persons are
frequently more or less erratic, and are considered as "flighty" by
their friends. They need instruction on the subject of psychic laws and self-control,
so that they may intelligently guard themselves against undesirable influences,
and at the same time cultivate the power of mediumship of the desirable kind.
It has been asserted that "everyone is a medium," and in a way this
is true, for practically every person is more or less sensitive to spirit
influence, and is capable of being developed into an efficient medium of
communication with the spirit world. But it is equally true that only a certain
percentage of persons possess the true spiritual qualities requisite for the
highest phases of true mediumship. That is to say, but few persons are fitted
temperamentally and spiritually for the higher tasks of mediumship. We think it
safe to say, however, that where a person is filled with a burning desire to
become a true medium, and feels within himself or herself a craving of the soul
for development along these lines, then that person may feel assured that he or
she has within his or her soul the basic qualities required for true
mediumship, and that these may be developed by the proper methods.
The Mediumistic Temperament.
A leading writer on
the subject of mediumship has said: "It is a fundamental proposition that
sensitiveness, or the capability of mediumship, is a faculty common to mankind,
differing in degree—as hearing and sight are common heritages, but keener in
some individuals than in others; or, under certain conditions, it may
disappear." What is called "the mediumistic temperament" is
frequently marked self-consciousness and shrinking from public criticism, and a
diffidence which causes the person to wish to be out of the range of the
observation of strangers and those not sympathetic to them; on the other hand,
however, there are other forms of the "mediumship temperament" which is
marked by a nervous, almost hysterical, self assertiveness and desire for
public notice and attention. Persons of either of these phases of this
temperament, however, have the common quality of being extremely sensitive to
sneers and slights, adverse criticism and oppositions, while ridicule drives
them almost beside themselves. Likewise they are nearly always found to be
enthusiastic and earnest workers when their interests and sympathies are
aroused; as a writer has said "they are almost invariably emotional, enthusiastic,
spontaneous, and ardent." And, as another writer has said they are usually
"generous and impulsive, hot-headed and independent, close friends with
warm hearts; too sensitive to criticism of an unkind nature, too easily pleased
by praise; without malice, without revengeful thoughts." A striking
feature of this temperament may be summed up in the phrase, "hungry for
sympathy and understanding."
Is Mediumship Desirable?
While it is true that
a vast majority of persons possess the mediumistic power, latent and dormant,
and capable of being developed to a greater or less active power, it is but
honest to say that in many cases it is a grave question whether the person
would be justified in undertaking the hard work, and long time, required
to develop himself for the minor success which would attend his efforts. As a
writer has said: "Does the prospective result justify the labor involved
to bring these powers into efflorescence? My impression is, that in at least
three cases out of four, the time and labor it would take to develop this
latent quality to its greatest efficacy would be far in excess of its value
when so developed." But, as we have already said, the best indication is
found in the "call" to develop his or her latent powers which the
true medium always experiences.
Developing the Natural Power.
A writer on this
subject well says: "Just as a drum or tamborine is incapable of being made
to emit a tithe of what can be produced by means of a piano or a violin, in the
way of music, so the differences in quality and conditions of the physical
organisms, and in the degree of nervous and psychical sensibility of those who
desire mediumship, render it improbable that any but a small proportion will
develop such extreme susceptibility to spirit influence as will repay them for
the time and self-sacrifice involved in the cultivation of their powers.
Further, it should be borne in mind that while wise spirits are ever ready to
respond to the call of the earnest aspirant for spiritual truth, as wise spirits
they are not likely to devote themselves to the preparation of an instrument
that would be inefficient for their purpose. The nervous system of the medium,
whatever his phase may be, has to be trained to respond to the will and the
psychic force of the controlling spirit, just as much as the muscles of the
musician or artist, and 'practice makes perfect' in the one case as well
in the other. Since mediumship is a strictly natural qualification, depending
upon organic fitness and susceptibility, it is not a supernatural power or a
special 'gift,' neither does it insure the moral purity nor the intellectual
ability of the medium, any more than musical or artistic capabilities are
evidences of the special intelligence or the high moral tones of their possessors."
Mediumship and Genius.
The spirits
controlling the hand of a celebrated writing medium, once delivered through him
the following message regarding the nature and development of mediumistic
powers: "Mediumship is a development of that which is, in another sort,
genius. Genius, the opened and attentive ear to spirit guidance and
inspiration, shades away into mediumship, the facile instrument of spirit
manifestation. In proportion as the medium becomes open to influence, directly
exercised, is he valuable as a means whereby direct messages are conveyed. And
in proportion as the individual spirit is lost and merged in the great ocean of
spirit, is the result most direct and serviceable. It is when the passive
spirit is content to allow us to use the corporeal instrument, as it does when
itself operates, that we gain satisfactory results. That can only be when a
condition of perfect passivity, as far removed from scepticism as from
credulity, has been secured. This opening of the spiritual being to spiritual
influences is what you call mediumship. The true and valuable gifts are purely
spiritual and must be used for spiritual purposes; not for gain, or for
satisfying curiosity, or for base or unworthy ends."
Spontaneous Mediumship.
What may be called
"spontaneous mediumship" is experienced by many persons not claiming
mediumistic powers, and not understanding the nature of the phenomena
manifesting to and through themselves. Such persons at times are conscious of
the presence of spirit friends, and may even catch glimpses of them either in
the form of a mental image impressed upon their minds by the spirit friends, or
else by a more or less clear partial materialization. Sometimes raps manifest
themselves in their vicinity, and tables and light articles of furniture may
manifest movement at their touch or approach. Such persons, not understanding
the laws of spirit manifestation, are frequently greatly distressed, or even
frightened, by such manifestations; and in not a few cases they experience
considerable annoyance and grief by reason of the attitude of their friends who
are apt to consider them "queer," or "spooky," and
therefore to be avoided. Moreover, in the case of the physical manifestations
such as the movements of tables, furniture, etc., and the production of raps,
these persons are frequently accused of deliberate fraud in the production of
such phenomena, whereas as a matter of fact they, themselves, are quite in the
dark as to the cause and nature of the phenomena in question. It is obvious
that the placing of the right information in the hands of such persons, and
their instruction in the laws and principles of mediumship would be a blessing
to them.
Mediumistic Flashes.
A writer has the
following to say concerning this class of mediumistic persons: "Those
persons who are naturally sensitive sometimes experience strange and
sudden impulses. Thoughts come to them 'in a flash,' so to speak. They say
things spontaneously which they had not intended to say—the words seem to burst
from them and 'say themselves.' Others have equally sudden and fugitive
clairvoyant experiences; they see spirits where they least expect, and when
they are absorbed in something else; but when they strongly desire to 'see' or
to receive guidance, they get nothing. This state of affairs, in all
probability, is due to the fact that their susceptibility is not sufficiently
developed; their psychical impressibility can only be reached and acted upon
under specially favorable conditions, which are disturbed and dissipated when
the ordinary intellectual self is aroused.
Systematic Development.
"The remedy will
be found in the systematic cultivation of interior repose and confidence. The
psychic must learn to regard it as a perfectly natural experience that the
spiritual states and positive thoughts of excarnate people should impinge upon
his spiritual sphere, and while 'attentive to the holy vision,' should calmly
accept the fact and maintain the attitude or response; not anxiously nor
demandingly, but thankfully enjoying the spiritual communion and illumination thus
afforded to him. It is only natural that many people should desire to become
mediums, and that they should wish to ascertain what constitutes mediumship,
and what is required to secure its development. But those who express these
desires should remember that in all probabilities months, if not years, of
patient development have been necessary for the success and efficiency of
those celebrated mediums whom they admire and probably envy." But, as we
have said before, if the "call" to mediumship be felt, then it may be
heeded; though the person must be prepared to pay the price of toil and work,
patience and perseverance, required to attain the mountain top of mediumship.
The Development Circle.
As we have repeatedly
stated in the foregoing pages, the actual spirit circle is the best possible
means of developing the latent powers of mediumship, and the simplest,
readiest, and most effective method of discovering the presence of such latent
powers in the individual. As a leading medium has told us, it is "the primary
school for the study of spiritual facts, and for the training of mediums."
The "spirit circle," as most of you know, is a company of harmonious,
earnest, sympathetic persons joining their psychic powers for the purpose of
aiding the medium to establish the lines of psychic communication between the
earth plane and the planes of the spiritual world. It must here be stated that
by "development" we do not mean the cultivation of the powers of the
spirits, but rather the training and unfoldment of the powers of the medium to
receive and transmit the power exercised by the spirit controls.
The Aspirational Attitude.
To those who purpose
to develop their latent mediumistic powers by and through the development
circle, we would say that it is of the highest importance that they should
cultivate a trustful, hopeful mental attitude, and a willingness to open
themselves to the inflow of the spiritual power of their friends of the
spiritual planes. As a writer has said, they should "make some mental preparation,
such as eliminating from their minds all disturbing or irritating thoughts, and
by striving to consciously realize union of purpose with those who may have
previously made their presence known or indicated their intention to help in
the work of the development of their mediumistic powers, by mentally requesting
that the spiritual ties may be strengthened. Even where there has not been any
clear indication of the presence of spirit helpers, a generally aspirational
and receptive attitude of mind will do much towards providing favorable
conditions."
Natural Unfoldment.
Again, the person
wishing to develop his latent mediumistic powers must exercise patience and
perseverance, and must not insist upon a premature attempt at revelation on the
part of the spirits. The process of the unfoldment of the mediumistic powers
should be akin to that of the unfoldment of the bud of the flower, that is to
say, it must be gradual, natural, and unforced. The writer above mentioned,
says on this point: "Too many people, instead of waiting until the spirits
were ready to communicate with them, have pressed for 'tests' before the
connections were properly made. They have complicated matters by their eager
questionings, and have worried the operators until everything went wrong; and
then, because the answers were incorrect, inconsequent and misleading, or
persistently negative, they declared that the spirit was a deceiver, evil, or
foolish, and, while having only themselves to blame, gave up the sittings in
disgust, whereas, had they been less impetuous, less opinionated, less
prejudiced, they would in all probability have eventually obtained satisfactory
proofs of the presence of their spirit loved ones."
Persistent Watchful Waiting.
Some persons are so
disappointed because they have not obtained results after two or three sittings
that they give up further efforts. It would perhaps amaze such persons to know
that many of the world's most celebrated mediums have, in the beginning of
their development circle work, sat for several weeks, or even several months,
at frequent intervals, without obtaining more than the most meagre results; but
they afterwards developed the most marvelous power. An extreme case is cited in
the history of spiritualism, in which a couple sat night after night for six
months, without missing a sitting and without being rewarded by a single
physical result; but after this tedious and discouraging wait, all at once, as
it were, the spirits secured the most perfect kind of communication through
them, and difficult table tippings and levitation, convincing raps, messages,
writings, and finally materializations follows, until their fame spread all
over the world of spiritualism.
Building Lines of Communication.
Just how long it will
require to obtain convincing results at the development circle is a matter
largely dependent upon certain conditions. Much, of course, depends upon the
faculty of the medium to adjust and harmonize himself with the spirits, so as
to furnish a "clear wire" for them to operate over. Again, much
depends upon the character of the persons constituting the circle. A
circle composed of harmonious, helpful persons will do much to hasten the
coming of the manifestation, whereas one composed of inharmonious, sceptical,
impatient, and materialistic persons will do much to retard the progress and
development of the mediumistic powers.
Developing Concentration.
The following advice
on this particular subject will be found helpful to those contemplating the
formation of development circles, and the unfoldment of their latent powers of
mediumship; it is from the pen of an earnest student of this subject, and one
who is himself a competent medium. This person says: "One of the most
important prerequisites for success in the development of mediumship along
spiritual lines is the cultivation of the power of concentration. In the early
days of the movement the would-be medium was advised to be 'passive,' and
passivity was often construed into self-effacement. We are now learning to
distinguish between receptivity and docility, between apathy and aspiration. A
medium is not, and should not be willing to become a mere irresponsible tool.
For intelligent and beneficial association with, and inspiration from, the
people of the higher life, a certain degree of abstraction is necessary. To cut
one's self off from ordinary conditions, to retire into the sanctuary of one's
own inner consciousness, to 'enter the silence' as it is sometimes called, is
helpful training for the preparation of conditions favorable for the
manifestation of spirit-power. The Quakers were true spiritualists in this
sense, and evidently realized the need for the concentration of the
soul's forces and their withdrawal from the outer plane, preparatory to
the descent of the spiritual influence that moved them to speak.
The Call for Illumination.
"The sincere
supplication for illumination and guidance is never in vain. The spirit
breathes a serener air, and is calmed, strengthened, and comforted by the
subsequent reaction. It is harmonized thereby, and thus becomes accordant to
the psychic forces which, like the ocean's tides, ebb and flow throughout the
universe, and bathe every soul that lies open to their vivifying and quickening
influence. Still more, there are those who dwell in the Light, whose thoughts
and love go out to all such as truly call upon God; and these, the ministering
messenger spirits, often pour their libations of sympathy into the sad hearts
of the sorrowful ones on earth, even though they remain unknown and their
interposition is unrecognized by those to whom they have given their loving and
helpful thoughts.
The Jacob's Ladder of Communion.
"By the earnest
study of the conditions requisite for the development of body, mind, and
psychic sense, the intelligent medium will endeavor to meet the friends who
inspire him at least half way on the Jacob's ladder of communion, and to enter
into reciprocal and conscious fellowship with them on the thought plane, so
that their inspirations may freely flow through his instrumentality to others,
unobstructed by his personality. Classes for the development of mediumship
along these lines are very much needed; classes in which the members
are expected to take an active part, not merely to sit and sit, and let
the spirits do all the work, but by systematic preparation and spiritual
aspiration and cultivated receptivity prepare themselves to become lucid and
capable instruments for the transmission of information and helpful influences
from the other side.
The Attainment of Excellence.
"There is but
one course of procedure for the successful attainment of excellence in any
field of labor or thought, and that is by study and training, by observation,
by persevering application and determined effort, by readiness to learn, and
responsiveness to every influence which will help to smooth the pathway to the
desired success. The intelligent medium who follows this course will not go
blindly on groping in the obscurity of the psychic realm, and becoming the tool
for unseen and unknown agents, but he will unfold his powers, and by
co-operating with them will learn to know and trust his preceptors, until he
may possibly become as a spirit among spirits, the conscious possessor of such
knowledge regarding his own spiritual nature and powers that he will be a ready
instrument in the hands of enlightened spirit people, with whom he can
knowingly work for human good."
What a Development Circle Is.
Now then, with the
above advice and admonitions in mind, the persons who desire to develop and
unfold their mediumistic powers will do well to take the necessary steps to
form a development circle. The "circle" it must be remembered, is not
merely a crowd of persons gathered together for the purpose of witnessing
spiritualistic manifestations or phenomena. Instead, it is a gathering of
persons who desire to co-operate in establishing relations with the world of
spirits, and to receive communications therefrom. In the case of the
development circle, the purpose is to demonstrate that well established
spiritualistic principle that the mediumistic faculty in all of its forms is
best developed and unfolded, cultivated and strengthened, by an actual sitting
in the circle, in such a way as to perfect and spiritualize the magnetism of
the sitters by their mutual action on each other, and by the influence and
power of the spirits employing such magnetic and psychic forces so furnished
them by the circle of harmonious sitters. Or, as a writer has well expressed
it: "The purpose for which a spirit circle is held is that by the blending
of the aura, psychic force, or magnetic emanations of the sitters, the
attention of disembodied spirits may be attracted and a battery be formed by
means of which they can communicate with the circle. The focalization of this
force rests with the unseen operator, and if they are skilled in the 'modus
operana,' they know where, how, and in what way to use it to the best
advantage."
Forming the Development Circle.
The circle should be
composed of not less than four persons, and not more than twelve. It is well to
have an equal number of persons of each sex, if this be possible; if not
possible to obtain an equality of the sexes, the effort should be made to come
as near to that equality as is possible. The members of the circle should seat
themselves around a table, and as nearly as is possible the sexes should
be alternated in this grouping, that is to say, a man should sit next to a woman,
and so on. It will be found well to have the same persons regularly attend the
circles, so far as is possible. Likewise, it will be found advantageous to
always use the same table, and to hold the circle in the same room—but these
things are not absolutely essential, and very good results may often be
obtained by having the members of the circle gather at the different homes of
its respective members. While cheerfulness is well on the part of the sitters,
there should be no indulgence in levity and joking during the sitting. The room
should be comfortably warmed and lighted in the ordinary way.
The Sitters in the Circle.
The sitters will do
well to occupy their same places at each sitting, unless the spirits indicate
otherwise. The medium, or in the absence of a recognized medium the most
sensitive person in the circle, should sit in the circle at a place mentally
recognized as the "head of the table," even though the table be
circular in form. It will be well for the sitters to hold each others' hands at
the beginning of the circle, in order to generate the necessary magnetism. But
after the circle is actually formed, the sitters should place their hands on
the top of the table, close to its edge; the small fingers of the hands of each
sitter touching those of the sitter on either side of him—in this way there is
a psychic and magnetic battery formed of the sitters, providing perfect
connection is maintained.
The Spirit Communication Code.
At the beginning, the
leader should plainly announce the signalling conditions, so as to avoid
confusion on the part of the sitters and the visiting spirits (for there are
several codes in use, and confusion sometimes occurs). The most general used
and approved code is as follows: "Three indicates Yes; One indicates
No; Two indicates 'doubtful'; Four indicates
'don't know'; and Five indicates 'call the alphabet.'"
The numbers refer to the number of raps or table-tilts, etc., given by the
spirits in answer to questions asked them. When the alphabet is called for,
some one of the circle slowly calls out each letter of the alphabet, in regular
order, until a rap or table-tilt indicate that the right letter has been
indicated; this letter should then be written down, and the alphabet again
called, until the next letter is indicated; and so on until the message is
completed. For instance, the name "John" would be spelt out as
J-O-H-N, four callings of the alphabet being necessary to obtain the same.
The Matter of Time Conditions.
The time at which the
seances are held is not in itself important, but it will be found best to fix
such time at such an hour that will be most convenient for the sitters, and at
which their minds will not be distracted by thoughts that they should return
home, or should be attending to certain household or business duties, etc. The
seances should be held not oftener than, say, twice a week, or at the most
three times a week. Each seance should be continued for about an hour or a
little over—certainly not over two hours at a time. The sitters should be
punctual in attendance, so that no time may be lost or wasted. The idea should
be that the spirit friends are awaiting your coming to fulfill your engagement
with them, and one should be as careful to keep such an engagement as he would
were the engagement with his most valued friend or esteemed acquaintance.
Regularity in attendance is also important, as it is important that so far as
possible the same general conditions be maintained at each and every seance.
The seance should be started at the same hour on each occasion, at least so far
as is possible, so as to preserve the same time rhythm.
Opening of the Seance.
It will be well to
open the seance with a few moments of earnest, silent meditation—a few moments
of dwelling "in the silence," as some have well called it; and these
moments should be observed in a religious and devotional state of mind, all
frivolity and flippancy being carefully avoided. If some present feel moved to
prayer, then by all means let the prayer be made, for there can scarcely be a
more fitting occasion for reverent prayer than a properly conducted seance. A
few moments of hymn-singing may also be found advantageous in the direction of
producing the devotional state of mind on the part of the sitters. The sitters
should preserve a solemn frame of mind and reverent general demeanor during the
seance—perhaps the best model is that of an old time Quaker Meeting in which
the silent devout spiritual feeling was so plainly manifest that it could
almost be felt physically. Patience is necessary in conducting a seance, and
perseverance is essential. The manifestations cannot be unduly forced, and
there is often required a great deal of psychical adjustment before the lines
of the spiritual communication between the two great planes of life are fully established.
Developing a Medium.
If the circle be one
devoted chiefly to the development of mediumistic powers in some one of its
members, then it will perhaps be best to have only that particular medium
present. The remainder of the sitters should be highly sympathetic toward the
developing medium, and should assume the mental attitude of help and aid toward
him. While the early results of such a circle may not be so interesting as
those at which a fully developed medium is present, nevertheless the gradual
unfoldment of the powers of the medium will be found highly interesting, and
the gradual evolution of the character of the phenomena produced will be a
liberal education in itself. In case that in the circle there are no particular
persons regarded as being mediums, and where there is a general desire to
develop mediumistic powers among many or all of the sitters, there must be
carefully avoided anything approaching a rivalry between the members of the
circle; and at the same time a strong desire and perfect willingness for the
spirit power to manifest through whomsoever it may prefer, without regard to
the personal ambitions of the individual sitters. Most certainly there must be
no spirit of "competition" among the sitters in the circle.
The Personnel of the Circle.
The personal
composition of the spiritualistic circle is a very important matter, and those
entering into circle work should pay careful attention to the personal and
psychical character of those composing the circle; and it may be added here
that such work requires very nice powers of discrimination, and a great degree
of tact, in order to preserve the proper character of the circle, and at the
same time to avoid wounding the pride of those who are to be rejected.
Regarding the character of those composing the circle, the following statement
of a practical medium will be found of importance. "There are some people
who are so sensitive that they should not sit in circles, because they are
liable to become charged with the psychic emanations from, and dominated by the
expectancy of, the sitters, but who are not influenced by spirit power to any
great extent. Or probably there may exist 'cross magnetism,' that is to say the
inharmonious magnetism of different members who are antagonistic to each other.
Some sitters may be sarcastic, merely curious, or selfish, or mercenary, or not
over clean, sober or scrupulous, and all such surroundings act and react upon
the highly sensitive organization of the undeveloped medium, and, above all,
provide conditions favorable for the manifestations of mischievous or malicious
spirits, unless the medium is sufficiently developed, or is protected by wise
spirits powerful enough to resist or control such influences. Like attracts
like, as a general rule; but there are exceptions to this, as to most rules,
as, for instance, where unfortunate or unhappy spirits are permitted to
manifest, and are even brought to the seance by other and more experienced
spirit people, so that they may be helped. The influence of the sitters in
moulding the conditions is too little realized. If they introduce an atmosphere
of suspicion, doubt, distrust, or detraction, they break the continuity of
the flow of psychic energy that has to be employed. By thus severing the
current and dissipating the power, they mar the conditions essential to
success; and, as all such disturbances of necessity center upon and injuriously
affect the sensitive medium, they render soul-satisfying and uplifting
communion impossible. To all sitters, we would say, 'You get to a very great
extent what you make conditions for, therefore open the doors of the heavens by
love and purity.'"
Changing the Sitters.
Changes in the
membership of a circle is sometimes found to be quite beneficial. If a circle
meets night after night with the same membership, but without obtaining any
perceptible results, then it may be well to consider the desirability of adding
some new elements to the membership in the hope of improving the conditions.
Sometimes the addition of a new sitter of the right physical and psychical
temperament works a most remarkable improvement, and in many of such cases
noteworthy phenomena are then produced almost from the time of the change. We
have seen circles in which the condition of non-success was changed in a few
moments to one of great and marked success by the introduction of a new element
among the sitters.
Adding a Medium.
Sometimes there may
result certain physical phenomena such as table tippings and movements of
furniture, in cases in which there is a sufficient amount of psychic force
generated among the sitters; but in such cases there may be an absolute failure
to produce some of the higher forms of mediumistic phenomena, such as, for
instance, clear spirit messages by raps or otherwise, the failure being caused
by the fact that the circle did not include in its membership any person of
sufficiently developed mediumistic powers to be considered a
"medium." In such cases the introduction into the circle of a person
possessing fairly developed mediumistic powers of the higher order may change
the condition of affairs at once, and almost immediately the higher
manifestations may present themselves. In such cases the soil is richly
fertilized and highly cultivated, and all that has been lacking is the strong,
vigorous seed of true mediumship. In such cases when a true medium is
discovered by means of his or her introduction into the circle (for such
discovery is often made in this way), it may be well for the circle afterwards
to devote itself to the development of that particular medium. And it must not
be forgotten that such development of the particular medium frequently also
results in the development of the other members sitting in the circle.
Reasons for Changes.
In cases in which the
spirits suggest changes in the order of sitting of the members of the circle,
or suggest other changes in the personnel of the circle, such suggestions
should be heeded, and those who are asked to withdraw from the table should not
feel hurt or offended, for there is usually nothing personal in the matter, and
no personal reflection intended by the spirits; the whole matter is one
connected with psychical or magnetic requirements, and all should so accept it.
A writer on this subject has well said: "If you are requested, either by
the controlling intelligence or by the manager of the circle, to take
another place, or even if your room is desired for some unknown cause, do not
get angry and create a disturbance, but get with those with whom you are in
spiritual harmony and try it again. All who have succeeded have passed through
great trials and failures, and when success is gained, think of what you have
gained. A knowledge of immortality, possibly, or you have assisted in producing
an instrument through which proofs of immortality may be given."
Psychic Attunement.
One of the most
common faults of the sitters at a circle is to become unduly impatient, and to
try to force matters to a clear manifestation of phenomena almost from the
moment of the start. This is all wrong, and is frequently the cause of many
failures to obtain the higher phases of mediumistic phenomena. Sitters should
remember this important point, i.e., that the first requisite of the circle
should be to secure perfect and free communication and flow of spiritual
power—after this the more elaborate phases of phenomena may be obtained with
comparative ease. One should hold in mind the illustration of a great wireless
telegraph system, in which the sending and receiving instruments have not as
yet been placed in perfect attunement. In such a case it is of course necessary
for the two respective sets of instruments to be adjusted so that they may be
in perfect attunement with each other; and until this is accomplished, there
can be messages sent or received properly—certainly none received in this way.
If this idea be held in mind, their circle will probably secure the psychic
attunement in a much shorter time than otherwise.
Pre-Test Manifestations.
Do not be in too much
of a hurry to obtain "test" messages. Let the communications flow on
in a somewhat rambling manner at first, until the lines of communication are
fully and firmly established, and then you may begin to think about asking test
questions of the spirits in order to establish their identity. A writer says on
this point: "Should table movements occur, or raps be heard, let them go
on for a little. Do not ask test questions just yet. Request repetitions, or
ask for them to be clearer or louder, so that they may be sharp and decisive.
You may also ask for a certain number of movements or raps. After that, you may
proceed to ask questions as to whether the circle is sitting in the best
arrangement for success. If changes are desired, these should be made as
suggested. It may happen that one or more of the sitters may be requested to
change places, or to withdraw from the table altogether. In such a case the
sitter should not take umbrage for it merely means that their psychical
conditions do not blend with those of the rest of the circle."
Premature Tests.
Regarding the matter
of premature tests, or unreasonable demands, the same writer further says:
"Remember that the first requisite is to establish the channel of
communication; and all personal questions as to who and what the spirit is
should be reserved until the initial difficulties are overcome. It is at first
most probable that the spirit operators will not be fully aware just what
effect they are producing, and the mind of the medium may not as yet be
sufficiently passive, in fact it may be in a sort of state of protest against
being acted upon in this particular way; accordingly, it is extremely unwise to
attempt to obtain responses to test questions or to secure evidences of the
identity of the spirit under these imperfect conditions. Many mediums and
inquirers have been deterred from further development or investigation because
such questions have been prematurely put and the answers pressed for, with the
result that confusing and contradictory responses were given, and the
conclusion was hastily drawn that it was all fraud, delusion, of the
devil."
Forcing Tests.
Another writer has
said on this point: "I then, in my anxiety, made a mistake which anxious
inquirers sometimes make. I wanted more—I pressed for another test, forgetting
the difficulties of mediumship, and the supreme effort which must have been
made to give me what I had obtained. And this resulted in failure after
remarkable tests had been given." Another writer, commenting upon the last
quoted statement, says: "This is exactly how mediums are used; they give
test after test, not to satisfy, but only to produce the desire for more. Then
when the power is weakened, comes the inability—or 'fraud,' as the imperfection
in mediumship is often called. This will be the case until they can have the
only condition which is suitable for spiritual communion—passive trust and
confidence. Real tests cannot come when sought with materialistic conditions.
The tests come unsought, unasked for."
Spirit Directions.
Another point which
should be borne in mind by the sitters in the circle is that the spirits should
be consulted as to just what they wish to manifest at the seance. They
should be asked to state plainly just what order of phenomena they desire to
manifest and demonstrate, and just what they wish the circle to do in order to
create the best conditions for the manifestation. And it will be found
advisable to heed the wishes and instructions of the spirits in such cases, and
to conform as far as possible with the same. In this way the intelligent
co-operation of spirits and the circle may be obtained, and the most desirable
results be obtained. However, there is a limit to this acceptance and course,
and in no case should the limits of reasonableness be exceeded in the matter.
As a writer has well said: "It may happen that the conditions asked for by
the communicating intelligence may seem to be ludicrous or impracticable; and
in such case representations to that effect should be made to the spirit, and
if such instructions are persisted in, except where, through long association,
confidence is felt in the spirit, or very clear evidence of knowledge has been
manifested, the medium and sitters, exercising their own reasoning powers,
should quietly and firmly decline to do what is asked of them, and some other
course should be suggested. We do not advise either medium or sitters to
blindly accept or follow what is given to or through them. Reason should ever
reign, but even reason will show that in experimental work it is sometimes
advisable to tentatively adopt and follow some course that may not, at first
sight, appear quite reasonable."
Questioning the Spirits.
After a satisfactory
arrangement of the sitters is obtained, and the table tiltings or rappings
have assumed a clear, definite character, then the sitters may proceed to
ascertain the identity of the spirit seeking to communicate to the circle; or
else to ascertain whether the spirit wishes to deliver a message directed
specially to some particular one of the sitters. In the latter case, the person
indicated should prepare to question the spirit direct, either verbally or else
silently and mentally. In either case the question should be stated clearly and
to the point, so that the spirit may give a simple definite answer. Questions
which may be answered by a simple "Yes" or "No" are of
course preferable. If the spirit agrees to move the table, or else produce
raps, as the alphabet is called over letter by letter, the communication and
answers may of course be given in much fuller detail. In such case the spirit
may be called on to spell out its name, and to designate its relationship to
any of the sitters; or even to spell out a complete message. In addressing the
spirit one should pursue the same general course employed in addressing questions
to a friend in the flesh; and care should be taken to address the spirit
politely and in a kindly tone. Some spirits are very sensitive concerning these
details, and will resent any impoliteness or discourtesy, or flippancy from
strangers.
Substance and Shadow.
Moreover, the earnest
investigator of spiritualistic phenomena must always bear in mind that the mere
production of mediumistic phenomena of the physical phase is not the real
object of the investigation and sittings. These things, interesting as they may
be in themselves, should be regarded as merely the incidents of the intelligent
communication and reception of messages from the inhabitants of the higher
planes of life and existence. The spiritualistic circle should be more than a
mere "wonder shop" in which are exhibited strange and unusual
physical phenomena; rather should it be regarded as the receiving end of the
wireless system over which we may and do receive valuable communications from
those who have passed on before us.
As a writer has said:
"It is not so much that the table moves with or without contact, or that
strange rappings are heard, that is of paramount importance, but that by these
means of communication actual and intelligent communication can be obtained and
maintained with so-called dead people; and evidences of spirit identity, as
well as loving and cheering messages may be obtained in that way from loved
ones who were supposed to be gone forever. This is the important point to be
established beyond all peradventure."
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