IS THERE A SPECIFIC AURA?

 

The theory of a specific aura or fluid, is now discarded by the highest authorities. They claim that mesmeric influence is produced by vibrations in the spirit ether, as heat and light are in the light ether. Hypnotism by suggestion is a low stage of magnetism or mesmerism. Suggestion is a valuable means of bringing the subject into harmony with the operator. When this is once established, the will is sufficient, and the knowledge of the subject that he is being operated upon, and contact is not necessary. Spirits form such harmonious connection with each other, that they receive each other's thought waves across thousands of miles of space, and are able to impress mediums from remote distances. The magnetic operator may, in a similar manner, affect his subject. If we consider that:

 

Animals can influence animals;

Man can influence animals;

Animals can influence man;

Man can influence man;

It will be seen that "suggestion" is a subordinate factor in the result.

 

If the most important factor in mental health, the cultivation of the mind in its completeness, and not allowing it to dwell on one idea or be hypnotized by suggestion to one purpose at the expense of all others was appreciated, there would be a wonderful lessening of the number of mental wrecks and of the insane.

 

The healthfulness of the mind depends on diversity of thought as much as physical health depends on varying pursuits. To be absorbed in one idea is to become self-hypnotized, and readily runs into insanity. The insane are almost invariably victims of the morbid activity of one idea, while perfectly sane on every other. Genius is said to be devotion to one narrow department of thought, and hence certain biologists have asserted that genius and insanity are allied. This statement is questionable, as being one-sided, and too positive. There is a marked difference, that while in the latter the possessing idea controls the mind and makes it a slave; in the former the idea is subservient to the mind.

 

Whatever may be the superiority in the special field of the dominant idea, the character is narrowed in all others. Salvation depends on constant effort to keep in touch with all subjects, and thus have a broader field and wider vision. When it is found that the mind dwells constantly on one subject, and when drawn away quickly returns, it should be regarded as ominous, and every effort of the will put forth against it, and if unavoidable in any other way, change of avocation or of scenes should be at once made.

 

Can a person possessed of hypnotic powers employ the same for the gratification of sensual desires?

 

Can the hypnotist make his subjects do what they would not do if not under his influence?

 

These questions open up a wide field of thought, and their answer intimates the dangers which accompany subjection to the will of another. That the hypnotist is thus able to control his subjects is shown in the ordinary occurrences of every-day life. The successful salesman is he who has a strong hypnotic power. He persuades by suggestion, and sells where others fail. His customers regret after he has gone and his influence removed, that they allowed themselves to purchase against their better judgment, yet they will fail in keeping their resolutions when he returns. The long conferences when two men are bargaining has for its object the subjugation of the weaker will to the stronger. Often both parties are equally positive and there is no compromise on either side.