WHAT IS TRANCE OR CLAIRVOYANCE?

 

It is the freeing of the spiritual perception—of those faculties which belong to the spiritual being, to a greater or less degree, and this carries with it a corresponding suspension of the physical being. The independent activity of the spirit, the gaining of those powers and faculties it possesses when freed from the body by death, makes it sensitive to the thoughts of those in the physical body and beyond.

 

A great deal of mystery has unnecessarily been thrown around this subject, especially by interested charlatans who, with the methods of the juggler, have covered up the reality with the hocus pocus of words, "passes," and other practices to distract attention. Mesmer set the bad example and the ludicrous operations he recommended and that have been invented by his followers have been the means of covering the subject with obloquy and mental censure. When it was shown that his "passes" and "magnetic" instruments were inconsequential, his conclusions were condemned, although not dependent thereon. Yet his followers continued in their practice, and gravely sat down before their subjects, touching thumbs, and staring fixedly into their eyes, afterwards going through a set form of "passes," the direction of which was taught to be of utmost consequence. All the benefit derived was that of fixing the attention, and the most adroit performers dropped the ludicrous practice and gained their end by having the subjects fix their gaze on a bright object, as a coin, or light.

 

There is no necessity for anyone wishing to learn the art, or to enter this state, purchasing the "secret" of so-styled "professors," for the means are simple and at hand. If one wishes to enter this state there are certain conditions to be observed. Not all can enter it; probably not one in five of the more cultured can reach any marked success, and with the uncultured the proportion is less. There are few of the first class, however, who cannot partially enter it, for it is as much a common endowment of our organization as the senses, being a part of our spiritual being, differing only in degree, and is capable of culture. The stress laid on so-called temperament is quite misleading, for although those in whom the mental, or nervous, predominate are most sensitive, all temperaments, even the sluggish-lymphatic, furnish noteworthy subjects.

 

The "discs," "medals," "mirrors," of "Egyptian" or other make, are, as advertised, deceptive, for the only advantage they give is the concentration of attention, which is quite as well attained by a coin, a bright light or any other object to which the eyes and the thoughts may be directed.

 

HOW TO ENTER THIS STATE.

 

There should be perfect physical repose. Sitting in an easy reclining seat, the subject should assume the condition Delsarte calls "decompose"—that is, allow every muscle to relax, and become free from the least strain or tension. Then fix the eyes on some bright object until they weary and close them, or simply close them and concentrate the mind on some distinct purpose. All this may be done alone, in the retirement of a room free from intrusion, but it is better as a rule to have the first attempts guided by an operator who will note the approach and deepening of the trance, and by questions and suggestions give the subject opportunity to tell his experiences, otherwise the subject, on awakening, has no memory or, at most, but a shadowy recollection of what has occurred, and feels as though aroused from a natural sleep. Over anxiety to enter the state and a fear of consequences, often retard or prevent the subject from attaining his desire.