MESMERISM A BENEFIT TO MEDIUMSHIP

 

Hypnotizing may increase sensitiveness and thereby assist spirits in their efforts to control, but the hypnotizer cannot transfer his control to another. Having prepared the way, he may withdraw his influence, and another take his place. In all cases, the sensitive has a choice of control, and if the will is rightly and intelligently exercised, no controlling influence can come that is undesirable.

 

A noble, pure and uplifting operator would be of great assistance in calling out latent impressibility. His influence can, however, be better supplied by a well-organized circle. If an operator imparts any power, it must be simply that of magnetism or hypnotism.

 

The medium will be approached by all phases of spirit individualities, and cannot predetermine their character, but his own character will determine who shall come into his intimate sphere and communicate.

 

The mesmeric subject will not take on the character and habits of the operator unless he so suggests, and in that case, unless the subject is prepared by likeness in organization and desires, the suggestion will have no influence.

 

The same is true of a medium, to whom a spirit stands in the same relation as a mesmeric operator to his subject.

 

DIET.

 

Various diets have been recommended as conducive to sensitiveness, and it has been long known that any diet which has a depletive effect, weakening the grosser powers of the body, allows clear perception of the spirit. While water is the beverage preferable and useful above all others, tea, coffee and lighter beverages, in moderation, so far as being detrimental or harmful, may be said to be inessential. Thus the Indians prepared themselves for reception of spiritual communications by long fasting in solitude; but such forced sensitiveness is objectionable because of its unreliability, and the influences it catches from its environments. A mixed diet in which fruits predominate, with greater care as to quality than kind, is preferable. A diet which sustains the physical functions, without clouding the spiritual perceptions. We are far from admitting sensitiveness to be dependent on a diseased condition, or to be developed from suppression of physical powers. It may be induced by deprivation of food, by the use of drugs, such as hasheesh, iris, narcotics and tobacco. The priestess of the famous oracle of Delphos sat on a tripod once in a crevice in the rocks from which issued gaseous fumes; yet the normal development of sensitives is in every way preferable.