MIND POWER THE SECRET OF MENTAL MAGIC/PART 22
Chapter 22.
A Glimpse Of The Occult World
In
the preceding chapter, I have asked you to form a mental picture of the Ocean
of Mind-Power. Let us now proceed to examine this picture in detail—let us
observe the activities and manifestations that present themselves.
In
considering this Magic Mental Picture I must imagine that you are a highly
developed occultist and that consequently you are able to "see” on what
occultists call the "Second Plane.” Without going into the subject in
detail here (for it forms no part of this present work) I will say that
occultists recognize Seven Planes of Life, all of which have their own laws and
phenomena. The First Plane is our ordinary material plane, the phenomena of
which may be observed by all having their physical senses. This First Plane is
the plane of matter, and all of its phenomena is that of matter. All that can
be seen on that plane is the movement or presence of matter. Even when we say
that we see the manifestation of some force (on this plane), we really mean
that we see that force as it produces a movement or change in matter—we do not
see the force at all; all that we see is the matter moved by the force.
The
Second Plane is the plane of forces, on which operate energy or force in all of
its forms. Occultists who have reached the second degree of unfoldment are able
to sense the phenomena on this Second Plane—that is, they are able to witness
the phenomena of the forces on their own plane and independent of the presence
of matter. To illustrate this I would say that on the First Plane (the plane of
the majority of the race) the phenomena attaching to electricity can be sensed
only through the agency of the matter in which the electricity operates—you can
see material objects moved by electricity, but you cannot see the electricity
itself. The same is true of magnetism—you may see the needle drawn to the
magnet, but you cannot see the current of magnetic vibrations themselves. You
cannot see the vibratory light-waves, but you can see the manifestation of
light when these waves strike upon a material object.
But,
on the Second Plane, those who have attained the second degree report that the
"vibratory-waves” of electricity, magnetism, light, heat, etc., are
capable of being sensed by them without the presence of the material vehicle.
They report that they are able to see the vibrations themselves—for instance,
they can see the waves of electricity or magnetism as they pass through the
ether and before they reach the material objects which they affect in a way
visible to the ordinary eye. They report that even the vibratory-waves of the
X-Ray are visible to them, without the agency of the fluorescent screen used by
scientific men before the X-Rays become apparent to them. You know, of course,
that these X-Rays, and in fact also the higher rays of ordinary light, are
invisible to the human eye, although capable of being recorded by instruments,
photographic plates, etc. And these Second Plane people report that the
vibrations of the Mind-Power waves, or currents, are plainly perceptible to
them. But remember, they do not see "Mind” itself—they see merely the
"waves” of energy emanating from Mind.
The
remaining five planes, that is the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh
planes, respectively, are subjects that belong to the higher degrees of
occultism, and form no part of the subject of this book. I merely mention them
so that advanced students may recognize that I am aware of their existence and
importance, and am not misled by any erroneous belief in there being only two
planes. These chapters belong to the Second Plane teachings, and do not deal
with the Third Plane or those still higher. They deal with the "energy”
phase of Mind—that is Mind in its aspect of Mind-Power. Some day I may write of
the "Higher Planes”—but not now.
So,
to return to our Mind-Power Picture, I will assume that you are able to sense
the Second Plane phenomena, and thus actually see the passage and existence of
the mentative waves and currents. By giving you the teachings in this way I
will be able to picture the phenomena much clearer than if I held to the First
Plane method. I want to show you the forces, themselves, as well as their
effect upon material forms.
The
first thing that you will see in our Mind-Power Picture is the presence of
great clouds of vapory substance, somewhat resembling the fleecy clouds of a
summer day, although some of the clouds are much heavier and darker looking.
And, you will note the presence of color in these clouds, some of them being a
dull grey, and others being tinted like the clouds at sunset or sunrise. It is
a beautiful sight, this ever changing mass of colored clouds of all kinds,
shapes, forms, and degrees of density. Let us consider just what these various
colors mean— for each has its own meaning, the color being dependent upon the
degree of vibration, and the degree of vibration depending upon the feeling
which started the waves into motion. I had not intended to mention this in
these chapters but I now see that I cannot omit it without causing a loss to my
students. When one gets talking about Second Plane phenomena it is hard to
refrain from telling the story through to the finish.
Let
me give you the "Emotional Colors,” that you may recognize them as you see
them in the picture. Here they are: Blue is the vibrational color pertaining to
spiritual feeling, and represents the various religious feelings, and emotions,
the shade growing lighter as the religious concept rises toward true
spirituality. Light blue represents a high, unselfish, spiritual feeling; a
beautiful violet representing the highest religious feeling; and a peculiar
shade which may be called "ultra-violet” representing a spiritual
unfoldment of a very high order. Yellow is the vibrational color pertaining to
the feelings and emotions associated with intellectual power, the shade growing
clearer as the intellect mounts to higher conceptions. A dull, dark yellow is
the color of the ordinary intellectual state, while the brilliant intellect
shows itself in a beautiful golden hue. There is a shade still higher than
this, although most rare among the race. I allude to that shade of true primary
yellow, which belongs to those who have attained a high degree of true occult
unfoldment—the spiritually illumined. The highest occult teachings inform us
that the vibrational shade belonging to "Spirit” or the "Essence of
Being,” is a pure white light of an unusual brilliancy. Orange, which is a
combination of yellow and red pertains to those possessing the pride of
intellectuality, or intellectual ambition, of a marked degree. Brown is the
vibrational color of avarice and greed. Red is the vibrational color of passion
in all of its phases. Dull, deep red betokens the animal passions, and
sensuality. A dark bright red betokens anger and hate—when mingled with black
it is anger or hate arising from malice, or envy; when mingled with green it
relates to anger from jealousy or envy; when shown without the mingling color
it denotes "fight” for some supposed right, or ordinary cause. When this
color is seen in the shade of Crimson it betokens a higher form of love, the
shade becoming lighter and clearer as the degree of the feeling advances in the
scale of character. A gross, selfish love shows as a dull crimson, while a
higher form of love displays a clearer shade, terminating in a shade
approaching a soft rose-color when the character of the attachment is on a high
plane. Green is a peculiar vibrational color and betokens a number of odd
phases of feeling and emotion. A peculiar dull dirty green betokens jealousy or
envy. A greyish-green indicates deceit, which shade becomes clearer and
brighter as the quality of the "deceit” rises in the scale. A bright clear
shade of green is seen when there is a manifestation of "tact”;
"diplomacy”; "politeness”; "adaptability,” etc., etc. Grey is a
negative vibrational color, which in its dark shades indicates gloom,
depression, or melancholy, etc.; and in a bright clear shade indicates
selfishness; and in a certain pallid shade indicates fear or terror. Black is
the vibrational color of hate, malice, revenge, and similar states of feeling.
These
vibrational emotional colors, of course, combine, and blend into each other in
countless combinations but the above will give you a key to the same.
The
vibrational colors of the two mental poles can scarcely be called colors at
all, for their colors and shades are derived from the character of the feeling
inspiring them, which gives to them the degree of vibration and color
indicating the motive or emotive impulse. But there may be seen a difference
even in these two; that is, the emotive pole, in its currents of Desire-Force,
shows a scintillating effect, as if there were a multitude of minute sparks or
stars in the current; and the motive pole, in its currents of Will-Power shows
an effect something like a multitude of tiny and minute lightning-flashes,
playing in the stream or current.
In
addition to the shades mentioned above there is another that should be
mentioned while we are considering the subject. I allude to what might be
called the "vitality vibrations,” which radiate from the living body, and
which are caused by the "vital force” which permeates the body during life
and makes possible the running of the physical machinery—some prefer to call it
nerve-force. These vibrations show no special color, although when near, or in the
body, they manifest a faint reddish tint.
But
when seen away from the body they show a lack of color, like clear water, and
resemble the heated air arising from a stove, lamp, or heated ground—that is to
say, they look like a colorless, vibrating body of air. The degree and strength
of these vibrations depend upon the state of physical health of the person
manifesting them.
Now,
as we gaze upon our Mind-Power Picture, and see moving thereon the shapes and
forms of human beings, we may see that each being is surrounded with an
"aura” or egg-shaped "atmosphere” of these Emotional
Vibrations—radiations emanated from his mental states. This aura extends out
from the body for a distance of about one yard, and gradually fades away as the
distance from the body is increased. And the aura of each person is seen to be
colored according to the vibrations belonging to his prevailing mental states.
Each
mental state shows itself in its appropriate shade, in the proper combinations,
blendings, etc., and therefore, the trained occultist is able to read a
person's character like an open book, from these emotional colors. And even
though one may not be manifesting any special mental state at the moment his
aura will still be colored because of his prevailing mental state—his
"character,” as it were. And of course, these vibrations composing the
aura of a person will affect those coming in contact with, or near him, or her.
That is the reason why we feel the "personal atmosphere” of people when we
come near them. Even beyond the visible aura the vibrations continue in a
fainter degree. And so, on our picture we can tell just what kind of people are
passing before us—their mental states are revealed by the Emotional Colors.
And
now we shall see how people affect others. We see one man approach another. The
degree of dynamic positivity of the first man is superior to that of the
second, and we see, as we watch, that the coloring of his aura gradually
interpenetrates that of the weaker man, and the coloring of the latter's aura gradually
grows to more closely resemble that of the first man.
We
may watch the process, and thus become aware that the following things are
happening, viz., the mental states of the first man are inducing similar
feelings and emotions in the second man by means of the currents of mentative
energy that are flowing toward him. The first man is making no effort to
impress the second man, but being the more positive his "magnetism”
affects that of the other man and induces similar states. The second man
"takes on the states” of the first man, as we may see by the change in
coloring. This is the way that people unconsciously affect other people, and
the latter are unconsciously affected. Simply a case of unconscious mentative
induction, you see.
The
second man moves on, feeling more depressed, or elated, as the case may be, by
reason of his contact with the first man, and also carrying away with him a
little of the other man's general feelings, and "character.” This second
man, a little later on, meets another man, and we may see how this new man
affects the "second man” by the suggestion of his manner and words. He
does not seem to be sending out such strong currents as the man first spoken
of, but his outward symbols of voice, words, manner, etc., are well acted out,
and we soon see our "second man” having mental states induced in him by
suggestion. You have now seen two stages or phases of mentative induction.
Our
positive man has gone on his way and soon he spies another man whom he wishes
to influence in certain matters. Watch him now, and you will see something
interesting. The positive man's aura seems to be disturbed, and great tongues
of color seem to leap from it, and lap around the other man, the whole process
resembling the action of tongues of flame or fire. These tongues of Mind-Power
wrap themselves all around one other man and some seem to scintillate as they
manifest the action of fairly "pulling” him toward the positive man, while
others seem to be beating upon him like a rain of tiny flashes of lightning—the
one is the play of Desire-Force, and the other the action of Will-Power. This
gives us a good illustration of personal influence in an interview, or a phase
of personal magnetism.
As
the action grows more spirited you may see the Will-Power of the positive man
darting out in straight, sharp flashes, like great sparks from an electric
battery, and you may see the process by which he beats down, and neutralizes
the Will-Power of the weaker man, until he seems to exhaust it and take it
captive, and the man acquiesces in the statements and demands of the stronger
willed man. This process is hastened by the fact that the Desire-Force of the
weaker man has become so impressed by the stronger Will that it becomes dazed,
or fascinated; the effect being strongly increased by the Desire-Force of the
stronger man by setting up mentative induction a corresponding vibration in the
desire-pole of the weaker man. And a fourth element in the attack is that the
strong Desire-Force of the strong man also tends to "pull” the Will of the
weaker one toward it and away from its natural mate, its own desire-pole. This
is a case of a combined, determined attack. It is true that the positive man
may not know a single fact regarding Mind-Power, but he has learned the process
of affecting and influencing others, and bending them to his Will and desire,
although he is ignorant of the scientific explanation of the process. Every
positive dynamic individual understands this instinctively, and his knowledge
increases as practice gives him more confidence in himself.
These
people pass from the scene, and we may see in their place men and women
"charming,” "alluring,” and "drawing” others by reason of their
Desire-Force operating along the lines of so-called "love,” but which is
but little more than selfish animal passion, in some cases grosser than that
manifested by the animals, because it is abnormal in its manifestations, and
inordinate in its demands. We see much of this in our picture but we notice
here and there that some people seem able to repel these attractions easily,
and are not affected by the currents of desire. Their general mental state is
so different that great resistance is interposed, and the attacking current is
deflected and defeated, even without the use of a great effort of the Will. You
see many instances of this in all forms of mentative influence. "Like
attracts like” in this mentative work, and those who are attracted are
generally those whose mental states correspond to a great extent with those of
the person affecting them. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, owing
to ignorance and lack of experience, coupled with confidence and trust—but the
rule is true in general.
Passing
before you in the picture you see preachers influencing their congregations.
You see the great currents of mentative energy rolling over the hall, or
church. The congregations being in a receptive and passive attitude, with wills
relaxed, they actually draw out the force of the preacher. You may judge just
what grade of religious feeling the preacher is pouring out, by examining the
shade of his "blue emotional color.” You will be apt to see a better shade
among the poorer churches and denominations, and a very repulsive dark purplish
blue among the "fashionable” churches, as a rule. You will notice also the
waves and currents arising from the congregation which establishes the
"atmosphere” of the church, and which will be immediately felt by a
stranger entering its doors. You will see similar things at the theaters and
political meetings, and all gatherings of people, the color always giving you
the key to the character of the meeting and the people attending it.
Next
you see the hypnotist and his "subject” in a public hall. You will notice
that the hypnotist's Emotional Color is not attractive. You will notice the
neutral grey color of the aura of the subject, who seems to have squeezed every
bit of his own mental states out of him—he is a "professional subject,”
and is a slave of the "professor.” You will see the hypnotist's magnetism
pouring into the subject and filling his mind completely. You will see how the Will
of the hypnotist supplants the Will of the subject, and dominates him
absolutely. You will notice that both the desire-pole and the Will-Pole of the
subject seem to show no energy of their own, but are moved entirely by the
personality and mind of the operator. This is an extreme case, of course, but
it better illustrates the phenomenon. And, by its effect upon the audience, you
may determine just how far advanced mentally they are, the color giving you the
clue.
Of
course, Mental Suggestion is playing its part in all of these cases, but we
cannot see that because it is not a current or wave, but is merely the
operation of outward symbols in the direction of inducing mental states in
others—we may see the induced mental states, but can learn the nature of the
suggestion only by watching and listening at what is said and done. I am
mentioning only a few of the many cases that you are witnessing in the picture,
but these few cases will illustrate the different phases of the principle and
operation of the force. But all of these cases have given you merely an
illustration of telementation at "short range”—now let us proceed to
examine the instances of the operation of the same force at "long range,”
in all of its many and wonderful phases.
Before
doing so, however, let us take a quick look at the "mental atmospheres” of
the towns, cities, and villages, as well as of the buildings, localities, etc.,
passing before us on the picture. This is most interesting and instructive. In
the first place, you will notice the great clouds of mentative energy permeating
every place, and every corner, each showing its own shade of vibrational color,
indicating the vibrations arising from the prevalence of certain mental states.
I have spoken of the causes of this in a previous chapter, and shall not repeat
the details here. You will remember that I have explained to you how the
various currents of mentative energy, of all kinds and degrees, come in contact
with each other and often blend, combine, or else act in the direction of
neutralizing each other's force. Currents of a similar degree of vibration
harmonize and form combinations, or blendings. Opposing vibrations in currents
tend to antagonize each other and neutralize each other's force.
In
this way are the "mental atmospheres” of places formed. You may see them
in the picture.
But,
you may ask, why do these clouds persist after the person has sent them forth?
The answer is that force once set into motion persists for a greater or lesser
time depending upon the intensity of the original impulse. Just as the light of
a star, or rather, its light-waves, exist and move on centuries after the star
has ceased to be; just as the heat vibrations continue in a room, when the
producing cause has been removed; just as odors remain when the cause moves
away; so do the mentative vibrations, and their corresponding thought-forms,
continue long after the original feeling has passed away—yes, for years
afterwards, in some cases.
In
this way places, houses, stores, etc., maintain "atmospheres” imparted by
the vibrations of people long since moved away, or passed away. Stores are
"unlucky” because of the negative mental states of some people who have
occupied them. Houses are "haunted” by reason of the vibrations arising
from intense desire or feelings, or horror and fear of someone participating in
a crime, either as criminal or victim. The "atmospheres” of prisons are
quite noticeable even to the ordinary visitor who feels the vibrations with
which the place is saturated. The atmosphere of places of low pleasures is
equally noticeable. I know of a place of this kind in which the vibrations
continued for years after the original tenants had departed and the building
had been used for business purposes. Hospitals have a very depressing influence
upon the majority of people. Of course these negative effects can be removed by
mentally "treating” the place or room and sending forth streams of
mentative energy of a positive stimulating character.
On
the other hand the presence of an active, energetic, successful man, or set of
men, in a place, will permeate the place with positive vibrations that will
stimulate all who abide there. I have in mind a certain large office building
in a large city which is filled with these vibrations, originally arising from
a few leading men who built and occupied it, and then attracted to themselves
others of the same kind, the result being that the combined influence now
renders the place an "inspiration” for those having offices in it. I have
heard people say that after moving in that building their business doubled
itself, and their energy increased in the same proportion. There is a law
underlying these things, and if people understood it they would take advantage
of its positive sides, and avoid its negative phases. I think that I have given
you a good strong hint in this direction.
These
great clouds of vapory manifesting Mind-Power often constitute what are called
"Thought Forms,” which I shall proceed to describe to you.
Follow
my explanations of these things as they appear on the picture, please. These
thought-forms are really "feeling-forms” remember, although I use the more
familiar term. These thought-forms although all generated or "created” in
the same manner differ very materially in their characteristics and details.
Let us consider some of these details and characteristics and
"appearances.” By "appearances,” I mean of course, their appearance
to those who can sense on the Second Plane. But whether one can so sense, or
not, the effect of these thought-forms manifest upon them just the same. It is
not necessary to "see” a thing in order to "feel” its influence. But,
you understand this, of course, from what has been said already. The most
common form is that of a series of undulating waves, or ripples of a vapory
cloud-like substance, passing out from the mind of the person experiencing the
mental state originating them, the waves manifesting a ring-like form, moving
out in every direction from the common centre, just as do the rings caused by a
stone having been dropped into a pond. The distance traveled, and the rate of
speed manifested depends upon the intensity of the emotional impulse. The speed
diminishes according to the distance traveled, but long after the actual motion
seems to have ceased there exists an almost imperceptible motion that causes
the outer wave to drift on, in a lazy, listless manner.
Another
variety of thought-forms manifest like a volume of smoke being blown from the
lips of a cigar smoker. Such forms pour out in long streams, then spread out
and broaden, although maintaining the direction originally imparted to them.
This form arises when the mental state arises directly in connection with some
other person or thing, and when the attention of the mentator is centered,
consciously or unconsciously, upon that person or thing. In this case, the
motion of the thought-form is in the direction of the person or thing being
directly considered by the mentator. Akin to this form is a series of forms
resembling a puffing forth of smoke from a huge smokestack, great "puffs”
of mentative thought-forms being sent out in a certain direction, as the jerky
repeated mentative impulses are originated and manifested in the mind of the
mentator.
Other
kinds of thought-forms pour forth steadily, but lazily, in the direction of the
object thought of. Others, still, are ejected in all directions from the
mentator, like the steam escaping from the lid of a tea-kettle which is being
lifted by the force of the steam within. Still another form appears like a
"streak” of light flashing from a mirror held in the sun. Certain
particular forms of Will-Power manifest as vivid lightning flashes. Other forms
travel and seem to enfold the object thought of, and which being impelled by
the strong desire of the mentator act as if they were trying to "draw”
back to him the objects desired. In fact, that is exactly the nature of the
action of this class of thought-forms, the effect produced depending, of
course, upon the positiveness of the mentator, and the strength of the desire.
The effect of course also is materially influenced by the degree of
positiveness of the person affected, and other attractions which prevent the
yielding to the "pull” of Desire-Force.
In
the case of a strong desire on the part of the mentator, provided that the
"ruling passion” is being manifested day after day, there appears a
combination of thought-forms which resembles a huge octopus of dense structure
with enormous vapory tentacles or arms reaching out in all directions seeking
the thing desired, and endeavoring to draw it back to its centre. In the case
of a high aspiration, backed by a strong and active Will, this combination will
appear tinted with a color and shade of vibrational color corresponding with
the character of the mental state, while, in the case of a low character of desire
the darker colors will likewise manifest themselves.
Still
another kind of thought-form acts as if it were trying to push back the object
in some particular direction, while others seem to hold back the object. In
both of these cases the action and direction of the thought-form depends upon
the nature and character of the desire or Will of the mentator at the time of
the conception of the mentative current. A most peculiar kind of thought-form
appears when the mentator is desirous of obtaining information regarding some
certain subject; and is earnestly sending his Desire-Force in all directions in
order to draw it to him, the mentator generally being unconscious or at least
in ignorance of the nature of the actual process. In this case the thought-form
maintains a thin connection with the mind of the mentator, and darting here and
there it attracts to itself the thought-forms emanating from the minds of
others, which may happen to contain the desired vibrations. It even reaches out
to the presence of other mentators, and absorbs the mentative vibrations
emanating from them, and literally "steals their ideas,” if they have not
properly guarded the same by their Will.
In
this connection, I may call to your attention the well known fact that persons
thinking along the same lines, although in different parts of the world, are
often brought in close rapport with each other in this way, as many people know
by their own experience. In this case, the thought-forms seem to act as a sort
of "Mentative Wire;” conveying the vibrations from one mind to another.
Very much akin to this last mentioned kind of thought-form is another which
occurs in instances of direct telemental communication between persons. In this
case the thought-form proceeds in a long straight line, from the one mind to
the other, and then acts as a "direct wire” conveying the mentative
currents, or vibrations, from one to the other.
There
is another variety of thought-form that spreads out in gradually widening sweeps,
the thought-form having a rotary motion. The sweeps are in a constantly
widening circle, and reach out further and further each day, according to the
impulse imparted to them by the mentator. But the most peculiar feature of this
thought-form is a strange movement towards its own centre, by which it
"sucks in” all that it attracts to its vortex. This phase is manifested by
men of strong positivity whose enterprise and schemes are spread over large
areas, and who set themselves up as centres of these mentative
"whirlpools,” and draw to themselves all that come within the sweep of
their influence. They make things "come their way,” in fact.
I
have described but a few of the manifold appearances and varieties of the
thought-forms that you see before you in the picture. But we shall consider a
few more in detail as we proceed with the subject. In thinking of these
thought-forms always picture them as, having shape and form, like any material
substance, for by so doing you will better realize the nature of their
workings. Some thought-forms indeed are not only "things,” but become so
infused by the intense desire and Will of the mentator that they become almost
like "living forces.” Such thought-forms carry the characteristics of the
mentator to such an extent—are infused with his "nature” to such a
degree—that when they are felt they seem almost like the actual presence of the
mentator himself, that is as if he were present urging his claims or statements
in person.
Such
cases are of course rare, so far as conscious production is concerned. They may
be good or bad. A strong desire on the part of a dying person has often caused
an actual "appearance” by a loved one or friend, although the soul had not
left the body. And in cases of dire distress or need people often so
"draw” upon those who care for them that the latter will send to them a
powerful thought-form of help, advice and assistance. Trained occultists can do
this voluntarily, and consciously, but very few others have reached this stage.
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