A CONDITION NEGATIVE TO MEDIUMSHIP

 

The character of the communications depends on the purity and morality of the medium, but the state of mediumship being of organization, does not. Some persons are mediumistic, and assist at a seance, because they strengthen the vital force that is demanded. On the other hand there are those who with best intentions, but without the organic peculiarity, act as absorbents, and take up or neutralize the vital force. Just what this organic peculiarity may be is difficult to ascertain, and yet its presence is one of the most marked features of most seances. The medium feels the presence of such a person in a moment, and at once is aware that no manifestations need be expected.

 

An electrical jar to be charged must be insulated, and hence if it is touched by a single conductor, it escapes and no one can tell where it has gone. In a similar manner there may be one or more such absorbent members in a circle, and no manifestations occur, because there is no means for their production. It is often found that the one most injurious perhaps is a member of greatest zeal. In such cases, the negative individual should not attempt to sit in a circle.