Mind Reading And Beyond


The simpler forms of telepathic phenomena have received the name "Mind

Reading" and by some have been regarded as something not quite within the

class of real telepathy. This last impression has been heightened by the

fact that there has been offered the public many spectacular exhibitions

of pseudo mind-reading, that is to say, imitation or counterfeit

mind-reading, in which the result has been obtained by trickery,

c
llusion, or clever artifice. But, notwithstanding this fact, genuine

mind-reading is actually a phase of true telepathy.



What is generally known as mind-reading may be divided into two classes,

as follows: (1) where there is an actual physical contact between the

projector and the receiver; and (2) where there is no actual physical

contact, but where there is a close relation in space between the two

parties, as in the case of the "willing game." In the first class belong

all cases in which the projector touches the recipient, or at least is

connected with him by a material object. In the second class belong those

cases in which the recipient seeks to find an object which is being

thought of by either a single projector, or by a number of persons in the

same room. You will notice that both of these classes were omitted from

the experiments of the Society for Psychical Research, because of the

possibility of fraud or collusion. But, nevertheless, the student will do

well to acquire proficiency in manifesting this form of telepathy, not

alone for its own sake, but, also, because it naturally leads to higher

development.



In the case of the first class of mind-reading namely, that in which

actual physical contact is had between the projector and the recipient,

there has been a disposition on the part of some authorities to explain

the whole matter by the theory of unconscious muscular impulse of the

projector; but those who have carefully studied this subject, and who have

themselves performed the feats of this class of mind-reading, know that

there is far more than this to it. Those familiar with the subject know

that there is a decided transference of thought-waves from the projector

to the recipient, and that the latter actually "feels" the same as they

strike upon his mental receiving apparatus. The whole difference between

this and the higher forms of telepathy is that in this the

thought-currents generally run along the wires of the nervous system,

instead of leaping across the space between the two persons.



It is known to all who have conducted this class of experiments, that at

times there will be experienced a change or shifting in the transmission

of the thought-currents. For a time, the thought-waves will be felt

flowing in along the nerves of the hands and arms when, all of a sudden

this will cease, and there will be experienced the passage of the current

direct from brain to brain. It is impossible to describe this feeling in

mere words, to those who have never experienced it. But those to whom it

has once been manifested will recognize at once just what I mean by this

statement. It is a different sensation from any other in the experience of

a human being, and must actually be experienced to be understood. The

nearest analogy I can offer is that feeling experienced by the person when

a forgotten name for which he has vainly sought, suddenly flashes or leaps

into his consciousness--it is felt to come from somewhere outside of the

conscious field. Well, in the case of the thought-current the feeling is

much the same, only there is a fuller sense of the "outsideness" of the

source of the thought.



In order to make you understand the distinction between the two classes of

mind-reading more clearly, I will say that you may think of one as akin to

the ordinary telegraphy over wires; and of the other as akin to wireless

telegraphy. It is the same force in both cases, the difference being

simply one of the details of transmission. Fix this idea firmly in your

mind, and you will have no trouble in always having the right conception

of any kind of case of mind-reading, or telepathy. But, you must remember,

there are cases in which there is a combination of both methods of

transmission, either simultaneously, or else shifting and changing from

one to the other.



I will here remind the student that he will learn more by a half-dozen

actual experiments in mind-reading, than he will by reading a dozen books

on the subject. It is very good to read the books in order to get the

correct theory well fixed in mind, and also in order to learn the best

methods as taught by those who have had a wide experience in the subject;

but the real "how" of the matter is learned only through actual

experience. So, I shall now give you advice and instructions concerning

actual experimental work.



You, the student, should begin by making yourself a good recipient--that

is a good "mind reader," allowing others to play the part of projector.

Later on, you may play the part of projector, if you so desire, but the

real "fine work" is done by the recipient, and, for that reason that is

the part you should learn to play by frequent rehearsals.



I advise you to begin your experiments with friends who are in sympathy

with you, and who are interested in the subject. Avoid particularly all

early experiments with uncongenial or unsympathetic persons; and avoid as

you would a pestilence all those who are antagonistic either to yourself

or to the general subject of telepathy and kindred subjects. As you must

make yourself especially "sensitive" in order to successfully conduct a

mind-reading test, you will find yourself particularly susceptible to the

mental attitude of those around you at such times, and therefore should

surround yourself only with those who are congenial and sympathetic.



You will find that there is a great difference between the several persons

whom you "try out" as projectors. Some will be more "en rapport" with you

than are others who may be equally good friends. "En rapport," you know,

means "in vibrational harmony." When two persons are en rapport with each

other, they are like two wireless telegraphic instruments perfectly

attuned to each other. In such cases there are obtained the very best

results. You will soon learn to distinguish the degree of en rapport

conditions between yourself and different persons--you soon learn to

"feel" this condition. In the beginning, it will be well for you to try

several persons, one after the other, in your mind-reading experiments, in

order to pick out the best one, and also to learn the "feel" of the

different degrees of en rapport condition.



Even in cases of persons in whom the en rapport conditions are good, it is

well to establish a rhythmic unison between you. This is done by both you

and the person breathing in rhythmic unison a few moments. Begin by

counting "one-two-three-four," like the slow ticking of a large clock.

Have the other person join with you in so counting, until your minds both

work in the same rhythmic time. Then you should have him breathe in unison

with you, making a mental count with you at the same time, so that you

will "breathe together." Count (mentally) "one-two-three-four," as you

inhale; the "one-two," holding the breath; and, then "one-two-three-four,"

exhaling or breathing-out. Try this several times, and, you will find that

you have established a rhythmic unison between yourself and the other

person. In the progress of an experiment, if you should find that the

conditions are not as good as might be desired, you will do well to pause

for a few moments and re-establish the proper rhythmic harmony by this

method of harmonious rhythmic breathing.



Begin by having the projector select some prominent object in the room, a

chair, or table for instance. Then have him take your left hand in his

right hand. Raise your left hand, held in his right hand, to your

forehead; then close your eyes and remain passive a few moments. Have him

concentrate his mind intently on the selected object--and will that you

should move toward it. Have him think of nothing else except that object,

and to will you to move toward it, with all his power. Close your eyes,

and quiet your mind, opening your consciousness to every mental impression

that he may send you. Instruct him to think not merely "chair," for

instance, but rather "there--go there." The main thought in his mind must

be that of direction. He must will that you move toward that chair.



After a moment or two, you will begin to feel a vague, general impulse to

move your feet. Obey the impulse. Take a few slow steps in any direction

that seems easy to you. Sometimes this will take you in an opposite

direction from that of the chair, but it will "get you going," and you

will soon begin to feel that the direction is "all wrong," and will begin

to be mentally pulled in the right direction. You will have to actually

experience this feeling, before you will fully understand just what I

mean.



After some little practice, you will begin to feel quite distinctly the

mental direction, or will-force, of the projector, which will seem to tell

you to "come this way--now stop--now turn a little to the right--now a

little to the left--now stop where you are, and put out your right

hand--lower your hand--move your hand a little to the right--that's it,

now you have got it all right." You will soon learn to distinguish between

the "no, that's wrong" thought, and the "that's right" one; and between

the "go on," and the "come on" one. By making yourself completely passive,

and receptive and obedient to the thought and will-impulses of the

projector, you will soon act like a ship under the influence of the rudder

in the hand of the projector.



After you have attained proficiency in receiving the mental impressions

and directions, you will find yourself attracted or drawn, like a piece of

steel to the magnet, toward the object selected. It will sometimes seem as

if you were being moved to it even against your own will--and as if

someone else were actually moving your feet for you. Sometimes the impulse

will come so strong that you will actually rush ahead of the projector,

dragging him along with you, instead of having him a little in advance, or

by your side. It is all a matter of practice.



You will soon discover the great difference between different projectors.

Some of them will be in perfect en rapport condition with you, while

others will fail to get into tune with you. Some projectors do not seem

to know what is required of them, and usually forget to "will" you to the

object. It helps sometimes to tell them that the whole thing depends upon

their will power, and that the stronger their will is, the easier it is

for you to find the thing. This puts them on their mettle, and makes them

use their will more vigorously.



You will soon learn to recognize that peculiar feeling of "all right,"

that comes when you finally stand in front of the desired object. Then you

begin to move your right hand up and down and around, until you get the

right "feel" about that also, when you should place your hand on the place

which seems to attract you most. You will find that the hand is just as

responsive to the mental force, as are the feet. You will soon learn to

distinguish between the mental signals: "up," "down," "to the right," "to

the left," "stop now, you're right," etc. I cannot tell you just the

difference--you must learn to "feel" them, and you will soon become expert

in this. It is like learning to skate, run an automobile, operate a

typewriter or anything else--all a matter of exercise and practice. But it

is astonishing how rapidly one may learn; and how, at times, one seems to

progress by great leaps and bounds. Now I shall give you the different

stages or steps, which you will do well to follow in your exercises,

progressing from the more simple to the more complex--but be sure to

thoroughly master the simple ones, before you pass on to the more complex

one. Be honest and strict with yourself--make yourself "pass the

examination" before promotion, in each and every step.



1. LOCATIONS. Begin by finding particular locations in a room;

corners, alcoves, doors, etc.



2. LARGE OBJECTS. Then begin to find large objects, such as tables,

chairs, book-cases, etc.



3. SMALL OBJECTS. Then proceed to find small objects, such as books

on a table, sofa-cushions, ornaments, paper-knives, etc. Gradually work

down to very small objects, such as scarf-pins, articles of jewelry,

pocket-knives, etc.



4. CONCEALED OBJECTS. Then proceed to find small objects that have

been concealed under other objects, such as a pocket-book beneath a

sofa-cushion, etc.; or a key in a book; or a key under a rug, etc.



5. MINUTE OBJECTS. Then proceed to discover very small objects,

either concealed or else placed in an inconspicuous place, such as a pin

stuck in the wall, etc.; or a small bean under a vase, etc.



The public performers of mind reading vary the above by sensational

combinations, but you will readily see that these are but ingenious

arrangements of the above general experiments, and that no new principle

is involved. As these lessons are designed for serious study and

experiment, and not for sensational public performances, I shall not enter

into this phase of the subject in these pages. The student who understands

the general principles, and is able to perform the above experiments

successfully, will have no difficulty in reproducing the genuine feats of

the public mind readers, by simply using his ingenuity in arranging the

stage-effects, etc. Among other things, he will find that he will be able

to obtain results by interposing a third person between the projector and

himself; or by using a short piece of wire to connect himself and the

projector. Drawing pictures on a blackboard, or writing out names on a

slate, by means of thought direction, are simply the result of a fine

development of the power of finding the small article--the impulse to move

the hand in a certain direction comes in precisely the same way. The

public driving feats of the professional mind-reader are but a more

complicated form of the same general principle--the impression of

"direction" once obtained, the rest is a mere matter of detail. The

opening of the combination of a safe, though requiring wonderful

proficiency on the part of the operator, is simply an elaboration of the

"direction" movement.



Some recipients are, of course, far more proficient than are others; but

each and every person--any person of average intelligence--will be able to

secure more or less proficiency in these experiments, provided that

patience and practice are employed. There is no such thing as an absolute

failure possible to anyone who will proceed intelligently, and will

practice sufficiently. Sometimes, after many discouraging attempts, the

whole thing will flash into one's mind at once, and after that there will

be little or no trouble. If you are able to witness the demonstrations of

some good mind-reader, professional or amateurs it will help you to

"catch the knack" at once.



You will find that these experiments will tend to greatly and rapidly

develop your psychic receptivity in the direction of the higher phases of

psychic phenomena. You will be surprised to find yourself catching flashes

or glimpses of ^higher telepathy, or even clairvoyance. I would advise

every person wishing to cultivate the higher psychic faculties, to begin

by perfecting himself or herself in these simpler forms of mind-reading.

Besides the benefits obtained, the practice proves very interesting, and

opens many doors to pleasant social entertainment. But, never allow the

desire for social praise or popularity, in these matters, to spoil you for

serious investigation and experiment.



THE SECOND STEP OF DEVELOPMENT. The student, having perfected himself

in the experiments along the lines of the first class of mind-reading,

viz., where there is no actual physical contact between the projector and

recipient, but where there is a close relation in space between the two.



Now, the thoughtful student will naturally wish to ask a question here,

something like this: "You have told us that there is no real difference

between telepathy at a great distance, and that in which there is only the

slightest difference in the position of the projector and recipient,

providing, always, that there is no actual physical contact. This being

so, why your insistence upon the 'close relation in space' just

mentioned?--what is the reason for this nearness?" Well, it is like this:

While there is no distinction of space in true telepathy, still in

experiments such as I shall now describe, the physical nearness of the

projector enables him to concentrate more forcibly, and also gives

confidence to the new beginner in receiving mind-currents. The benefit is

solely that of the psychological effect upon the minds of the two persons,

and has nothing to do with the actual power of the telepathic waves. It is

much easier for a person to concentrate his thought and will upon a person

in actual physical sight before him, than upon one out of sight. And,

likewise, the recipient finds himself more confident and at ease when in

the actual physical of the person sending the thoughts and will power.

That is all there is to it. When the persons have acquired familiarity

with projecting and receiving, then this obstacle is overcome, and long

distances have no terror for them.



The best way for the student to start in on this class of mind-reading, is

for him to experiment occasionally while performing his physical contact

mind-reading experiments. For instance, while engaged in searching for an

object let him disengage his hand from that of the projector for a moment

or so, and then endeavor to receive the impressions without contact. (This

should be done only in private experiments, not in public ones.) He will

soon discover that he is receiving thought impulses in spite of the lack

of physical contact--faint, perhaps, but still perceptible. A little

practice of this kind will soon convince him that he is receiving the

mental currents direct from brain to brain. This effect will be increased

if he arranges to have several persons concentrate their thoughts and will

power upon him during the experiment. From this stage, he will gradually

develop into the stage of the Willing Game.



The Willing Game, quite popular in some circles, is played by one person

(usually blind-folded) being brought into the room in which a number of

persons have previously agreed upon some object to be found by him, they

concentrating their thought firmly upon the object. The audience should be

taught to not only to think but also to actively "will" the progress of

the recipient from the start to the finish of the hunt. They should "will"

him along each step of his journey, and then "will" his hand to the object

itself wherever it be hidden.



An adept in the receiving end of the Willing Game will be able to perform

all the experiments that I have just pointed out to you in the contact

mind-reading class. In the Willing Game, you must remember that there is

no taking hold of hands or any other form of physical contact between

projector and recipient. The transmission of the mental currents must be

direct, from brain to brain. Otherwise, the two classes of experiments are

almost identical. There is the same "willing" toward the object on the

part of the projectors, and the same passive obedience of the recipient.

All the difference is that the current now passes over the ether of

space, as in the case of the wireless message, instead of over the wires

of the nervous system of the two persons.



The next step is that of "guessing" the name of things thought of by the

party. I can give you no better directions than those followed by the

investigators in the Creery children, as related in a preceding chapter of

this book. When you become sufficiently proficient in this class of

mind-reading, you should be able to reproduce every experiment there

mentioned, with at least a fair degree of success. It is all a matter of

patience, perseverance and practice.



After you have become very proficient in this class of experiments, you

may begin to try experiments at "long distance," that is where the

projector is out of your physical presence. It makes no difference whether

the distance be merely that between two adjoining rooms, or else of miles

of space. At first, however, nearness adds confidence in the majority of

cases. Confidence once gained, the distance may be lengthened

indefinitely, without impairing the success of the experiments. The long

distance experiments may consist either of the receiving of single words,

names, etc., or else distinct, clear messages or ideas. Some find it no

more difficult to reproduce simile geometrical designs, such as circles,

squares, triangles, etc., than to reproduce words or ideas.



In long distance experiments, it is well for the projector to write down

the word or thought he wishes to transmit, and for the recipient to write

down the impressions he receives. These memoranda will serve as a record

of progress, and will, moreover, give a scientific value to the

experiments.



Some experimenters have been quite successful in experiments along the

lines of Automatic Writing from living persons, produced by means of long

distance telepathy. In these cases the recipient sits passively at the

hour agreed upon for the experiment, and the projector concentrates

intently upon a sentence, or several sentences, one word at a time--at the

same time "willing" the other person to write the word. The famous

investigator of psychic phenomena, the late W.T. Stead, editor of a London

newspaper, who went down on the "Titanic," was very successful in

experiments of this kind. His written records of these are very

interesting and instructive.



You will, of course, understand that in all cases of long distance

telepathic experiments there should be an understanding between the two

persons regarding the time and duration of the experiment, so as to obtain

the best results. Personally, however, I have known of some very excellent

results in which the receiving of the message occurred several hours after

the sending--thus showing that telepathy is in a measure independent of

time, as well as of space. But, as a rule, the best results are obtained

when the two persons "sit" simultaneously.



Do not rest content with accepting the reports of others regarding these

things. Try them for yourself. You will open up a wonderful world of new

experiences for yourself. But, remember always, you must proceed step by

step, perfecting yourself at each step before proceeding to the next.



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