Simple Clairvoyance


In a previous chapter we have seen that there are three well-defined

classes of clairvoyance, namely, (1) Simple clairvoyance; (2) Clairvoyance

in space; and (3) Clairvoyance in Time. I shall now consider these in

sequence, beginning with the first, Simple Clairvoyance.



In simple clairvoyance the clairvoyant person merely senses the auric

emanations of other persons, such as the auric vibrations, colors, etc.,
<
r /> currents of thought vibrations, etc., but does not see events or scenes

removed in space or time from the observer. There are other phenomena

peculiar to this class of clairvoyance which I shall note as we progress

with this chapter.



An authority on the subject of astral phenomena has written interestingly,

as follows, regarding some of the phases of simple clairvoyance: "When we

come to consider the additional facilities which it offers in the

observation of animate objects, we see still more clearly the advantages

of astral vision. It exhibits to the clairvoyant the aura of plants and

animals, and thus in the case of the latter their desires and emotions,

and whatever thoughts they may have, are all plainly shown before his

eyes. But it is in dealing with human beings that he will most appreciate

the value of this faculty, for he will often be able to help them far more

effectually when he guides himself by the information which it gives him.



"He will be able to see the aura as far up as the astral body, and though

that leaves all the higher part of a man still hidden from his gaze, he

will nevertheless find it possible by careful observation to learn a good

deal about the higher part from what is within his reach. His capacity of

examination of the etheric double will give him considerable advantage in

locating and classifying any defects or diseases of the nervous system,

while from the appearance of the astral body he will at once be aware of

all the emotions, passions, desires and tendencies of the man before him,

and even of very many of his thoughts also.



"As he looks at a person he will see him surrounded by the luminous mist

of the astral aura, flashing with all sorts of brilliant colors, and

constantly changing in hue and brilliancy with every variation of the

person's thoughts and feelings. He will see this aura flooded with the

beautiful rose-color of pure affection, the rich blue of devotional

feeling, the hard, dull brown of selfishness, the deep scarlet of anger,

the horrible lurid red of sensuality, the livid grey of fear, the black

clouds of hatred and malice, or any of the other hundredfold indications

so easily to be read in it by the practiced eye; and thus it will be

impossible for any persons to conceal from him the real state of their

feelings on any subject. Not only does the astral aura show him the

temporary result of the emotion passing through it at the moment, but it

also gives him, by an arrangement and proportion of its colors when in a

condition of comparative rest, a clue to the general disposition and

character of its owner."



By simple clairvoyance in a certain stage of development the clairvoyant

person is able to sense the presence of the human aura, by means of his

astral sight. The human aura, as all students of occultism know, is that

peculiar emanation of astral vibrations that extends from each living

human being, surrounding him in an egg-shaped form for a distance of two

to three feet on all sides. This peculiar nebulous envelope is not visible

to the physical sight, and may be discerned only by means of the astral

senses. It, however, may be dimly "felt" by many persons coming into the

presence of other persons, and constitutes a personal atmosphere which is

sensed by other persons.



The trained clairvoyant vision sees the human aura as a nebulous hazy

substance, like a luminous cloud, surrounding the person for two or three

feet on each side of his body, being more dense near the body and

gradually becoming less dense as it extends away from the body. It has a

phosphorescent appearance, with a peculiar tremulous motion manifesting

through its substance. The clairvoyant sees the human aura as composed of

all the colors of the spectrum, the combination shifting with the changing

mental and emotional states of the person. But, in a general way, it may

be said that each person has his or her or distinctive astral auric

colors, depending upon his or her general character or personality. Each

mental state, or emotional manifestation, has its own particular shade or

combination of shades of auric coloring. This beautiful kaleidoscopic

spectacle has its own meaning to the advanced occultist with clairvoyant

vision, for he is able to read the character and general mental states of

the person by means of studying his astral auric colors. I have explained

these auric colors, and their meanings, in my little book entitled "The

Human Aura."



The human aura is not always in a state of calm phosphorescence, however.

On the contrary, it sometimes manifests great flames, like those of a

fiery furnace, which shoot forth in great tongues, and dart forth suddenly

in certain directions toward the objects attracting them. Under great

emotional excitement the auric flames move around in swift circling

whirlpools, or else swirl away from a centre. Again, it seems to throw

forth tiny glistening sparks of astral vibrations, some of which travel

for great distance.



The clairvoyant vision is also able to discern what is called the "prana

aura" of a person. By this term is indicated that peculiar emanation of

vital force which surrounds the physical body of each and every person. In

fact, many persons of but slight clairvoyant power, who cannot sense the

auric colors, are able to perceive this prana-aura without trouble. It is

sometimes called the "health aura," or "physical aura." It is colorless,

or rather about the shade of clear glass, diamond, or water. It is

streaked with very minute, bristle-like lines. In a state of good health,

these fine lines are stiff like toothbrush bristles; while, in cases of

poor health, these lines droop, curl and present a furlike appearance. It

is sometimes filled with minute sparkling particles, like tiny electric

sparks in rapid vibratory motion.



To the clairvoyant vision the prana-aura appears like the vibrating heated

air arising from a fire, or stove, or from the heated earth in summer. If

the student will close his eyes partially, and will peer through narrowed

eyelids, he will in all probability be able to perceive this prana-aura

surrounding the body of some healthy, vigorous person--particularly if the

person is sitting in a dim light. Looking closely, he will see the

peculiar vibratory motion, like heated air, at a distance of about two

inches from the body of the person. It requires a little practice in order

to acquire the knack of perceiving these vibrations--a little

experimenting in order to get just the right light on the person--but

practice will bring success, and you will be repaid for your trouble.



In the same way, the student may by practice acquire the faculty to

perceiving his own prana-aura. The simplest way to obtain this last

mentioned result is to place your fingers (spread out in fan-shape)

against a black background, in a dim light. Then gaze at the fingers with

narrowed eyelids, and half-closed eyes. After a little practice, you will

see a fine thin line surrounding your fingers on all sides--a

semi-luminous border of prana-aura. In most cases this border of aura is

colorless, but sometimes a very pale yellowish hue is perceived. The

stronger the vital force of the person, the stronger and brighter will

this border of prana-aura appear. The aura surrounding the fingers will

appear very much like the semi-luminous radiance surrounding a gas-flame,

or the flame of a candle, which is familiar to nearly everyone.



Another peculiar phenomenon of the astral plane, perceived by clairvoyants

of a certain degree of development, is that which is known as the

"thought-form." A thought-form is a specialized grouping of astral

substance, crystalized by the strong thought impulses or vibrations of a

person thinking, or manifesting strong emotional excitement. It is

generated in the aura of the person, in the first place, but is then

thrown off or emitted from the atmosphere of the person, and is sent off

into space. A thought-form is really but a strongly manifested thought or

feeling which has taken form in the astral substance. Its power and

duration depend upon the degree of force of the thought or feeling

manifesting it.



These thought-forms differ very materially from one another in form and

general appearance. The most common form is that of a tiny series of

waves, similar to those caused by the dropping of a pebble in a pond of

water. Sometimes the thought-form takes on the appearance of a whirlpool,

rotating around a centre, and moving through space as well. Another form

is like that of the pin-wheel fireworks, swirling away from its centre as

it moves through space. Still another form is that of a whirling ring,

like that emitted from a smokestack of a locomotive, or the mouth of a

smoker--the familiar "ring" of the smoker. Others have the form and

appearance of semi-luminous globes, glowing like a giant opal.



Other thought-forms are emitted in jet-like streams, like steam puffed out

from a tea-kettle. Again, it will appear as a series of short puffs of

steam-like appearance. Again, it will twist along like an eel or snake.

Another time it will twist its way like a corkscrew. At other times it

will appear as a bomb, or series of bombs projected from the aura of the

thinker. Sometimes, as in the case of a vigorous thinker or speaker, these

thought-form bombs will be seen to explode when they reach the aura of the

person addressed or thought of. Other forms appear like nebulous things

resembling an octopus, whose twining tentacles twist around the person to

whom they are directed.



Each thought-form bears the same color that it possessed when generated in

the aura of its creator, though the colors seem to fade with time. Many of

them glow with a dull phosphorescence, instead of bright coloring. The

atmosphere of every person, and every place, is filled with various

thought-forms emanated from the person, or persons who inhabit the place.

Each building has its own distinctive thought-forms, which permeate its

mental atmosphere, and which are clearly discernible by trained

clairvoyant vision.



I here take the liberty of quoting a few paragraphs from my little book

entitled "The Astral World," in which the phenomena of the astral plane

are explained in detail. I reproduce them here in order to show you what

you may see on the astral plane when your clairvoyant vision is

sufficiently developed to function there. The words are addressed to one

who is sensing on the astral, plane.



"Notice that beautiful spiritual blue around that woman's head! And see

that ugly muddy red around that man passing her! Here comes an

intellectual giant--see that beautiful golden yellow around his head, like

a nimbus! But I don't exactly like that shade of red around his body--and

there is too marked an absence of blue in his aura! He lacks harmonious

development. Do you notice those great clouds of semi-luminous substance,

which are slowly floating along?--notice how the colors vary in them.

Those are clouds of thought-vibrations, representing the composite thought

of a multitude of people. Also notice how each body of thought is drawing

to itself little fragments of similar thought-forms and energy. You see

here the tendency of thought-forms to attract others of their kind--how

like the proverbial birds of a feather, they flock together--how thoughts

come home, bringing their friends with them--how each man creates his own

thought atmosphere.



"Speaking of atmospheres, do you notice that each shop we pass has its own

peculiar thought-atmosphere? If you look into the houses on either side of

the street, you will see that the same thing is true. The very street

itself has its own atmosphere, created by the composite thought of those

inhabiting and frequenting it. No! do not pass down that side street--its

astral atmosphere is too depressing, and its colors too horrible and

disgusting for you to witness just now--you might get discouraged and fly

back to your physical body for relief. Look at those thought-forms flying

through the atmosphere! What a variety of form and coloring! Some most

beautiful, the majority quite neutral in tint, and occasionally a fierce,

fiery one tearing its way along toward its mark. Observe those whirling

and swirling thought-forms as they are thrown off from that

business-house. Across the street, notice that great octopus monster of a

thought-form, with its great tentacles striving to wind around persons and

draw them into that flashy dance-hall and dram-shop. A devilish monster

which we would do well to destroy. Turn your concentrated thought upon it,

and will it out of existence--there, that's the right way; watch it sicken

and shrivel! But, alas! more of its kind will come forth from that place."



The above represents the sights common to the advanced occultist who

explores the astral plane either in his astral body, or else by means of

clairvoyant vision. To such a one, these sights are just as natural as

those of the physical plane to the person functioning by ordinary physical

senses. One is as natural as is the other--there is nothing supernatural

about either.



But there are other, and even more wonderful attributes of astral

visioning than that which we have just related. Let us take a general

survey of these, so that you may be familiar with what you hope to see on

the astral plane, and which you will see when you have sufficiently

developed your clairvoyant powers.



What would you think if you could "see through a brick wall?" Well, the

clairvoyant is able to do this. For that matter, the physical X Rays are

able to penetrate through solid substances, and the astral vibrations are

even more subtle than these. It seems strange to hear of this kind of

visioning as purely natural, doesn't it? It smacks strongly of the old

supernatural tales--but it is as simply natural as is the X Ray. The

advanced clairvoyant is able to see through the most solid objects, and

inside of anything, for that matter. The astral senses register the subtle

vibrations of the astral plane, just as the physical eye registers the

ordinary rays of light-energy. You are able to see through solid glass,

with the physical eye, are you not? Well, in the same way the clairvoyant

sees through solid steel or granite. It is all a matter of registering

vibrations of energy--nothing more, and nothing less.



It is in this way that the trained clairvoyant is able to read from closed

books, sealed letters, etc. In the same way, he is able to pierce the

dense soil, and to see far down into the depths of the earth, subject to

certain limitations. Veins of coal, oil, and other substances have been

discovered clairvoyantly in this way. Not every clairvoyant is able to do

this, but the advanced ones have done it. In the same way, the trained

clairvoyant is able to see inside the bodies of sick persons, and to

diagnose their ailments, providing, of course, he is familiar with the

appearance of the organs in health and in disease, and has a sufficient

knowledge of physiology and pathology to interpret what he sees.



An authority on the phenomena of the astral plane has written

entertainingly and correctly regarding this phase of simple clairvoyance,

as follows: "The possession of this extraordinary and scarcely expressible

power, then, must always be borne in mind through all that follows. It

lays every point in the interior of every solid body absolutely open to

the gaze of the seer, just as every point in the interior of a circle lies

open to the gaze of a man looking down upon it. But even this is by no

means all that it gives to its possessor. He sees not only the inside as

well as the outside of every object, but also its astral counterpart.

Every atom and molecule of physical matter has its corresponding astral

atoms and molecules, and the mass which is built up out of these is

clearly visible to the clairvoyant. Usually the astral form of any object

projects somewhat beyond the physical part of it, and thus metals, stones

and other things are seen surrounded by an astral aura.



"It will be seen at once that even in the study of inorganic matter a man

gains immensely by the acquisition of this vision. Not only does he see

the astral part of the object at which he looks, which before was wholly

hidden from him; not only does he see much more of its physical

constitution than he did before, but even what was visible to him before

is now seen much more clearly and truly. * * * Another strange power of

which he may find himself in possession is that of magnifying at will the

minutest physical or astral particle to any desired size, as through a

microscope--though no microscope ever made, or ever likely to be made,

possesses even a thousandth part of this psychic magnifying power. By its

means the hypothetical molecule and atom postulated by science become

visible and living realities to the occult student, and on this closer

examination he finds them to be much more complex in their structure than

the scientific man has yet realized them to be. It also enables him to

follow with the closest attention and the most lively interest all kinds

of electrical, magnetic, and other etheric action; and when some of the

specialists in these branches of science are able to develop the power to

see these things whereof they write so facilely, some very wonderful and

beautiful revelations may be expected.



"This is one of the SIDDIHIS or powers described in the Oriental

books as accruing to the man who devotes himself to spiritual development,

though the name under which it is there mentioned might not be immediately

recognizable. It is referred to as 'the power of making oneself large or

small at will,' and the reason of a description which appears so oddly to

reverse the fact is that in reality the method by which this feat is

performed is precisely that indicated in these ancient books. It is by the

use of temporary visual machinery of inconceivable minuteness that the

world of the infinitely little is so clearly seen; and in the same way (or

rather in the opposite way) it is by enormously increasing the size of the

machinery used that it becomes possible to increase the breadth of one's

view--in the physical sense as well as, let us hope, in the moral--far

beyond anything that science has ever dreamt of as possible for man. So

that the alteration in size is really in the vehicle of the student's

consciousness, and not in anything outside of himself; and the old

Oriental books have, after all, put the case more accurately than have we.

I have indicated, though only in the roughest outlines, what a trained

student, possessed of full astral vision, would see in the immensely wider

world to which that vision introduced him; but I have said nothing of the

stupendous change in his mental attitude which comes from the experimental

certainty regarding matters of paramount importance. The difference

between even the profoundest intellectual conviction, and the precise

knowledge gained by direct personal experience, must be felt in order to

be appreciated."



Now, here at this place, I wish to call the attention of the student to

the fact that while the above stated, phenomena strictly belong to the

class of "simple clairvoyance," rather than to "space clairvoyance," or

"time clairvoyance" respectively, nevertheless the same phenomena may be

manifested in connection with that of these other classes of clairvoyance.

For instance, in space clairvoyance the trained clairvoyant is able not

only to perceive things happening at points far distant, but may also (if

highly developed psychically) be able to perceive the details just

mentioned as well as if he were at that distant point in person. Likewise,

in time clairvoyance, the clairvoyant may exercise the power of magnifying

vision regarding the object far distant in time, just as if he were living

in that time. So here as elsewhere we find the different classes of

phenomena shading and blending into each other. At the best,

classifications are useful principally for convenience in intellectual

consideration and reasoning.



In the same way, the clairvoyant may manifest the above mentioned forms of

astral sensing in cases when the astral vision has been awakened by

psychometry, or by crystal gazing, as well as in those cases in which the

condition has been brought about through meditation, or similar methods.



I would also call the attention of the student to the fact that in the

above description of the phenomena of simple clairvoyance I have made no

mention of the sights of the astral plane which often become visible to

the clairvoyant, and which have to do with astral bodies, astral shells,

the disembodied souls of those who have passed on to other planes of

existence, etc. I shall take up these matters in other parts of this

course, and shall not dwell upon them in this place. But, I wish you to

remember that the same power which enables you to sense other objects by

means of the astral scenes, is the same that is called into operation in

the cases to which I have just referred.



The astral plane is a wonderful plane or field of being, containing many

strange and wonderful beings and things. The person living on the physical

plane may visit the astral plane in the astral body; and, again, he may

perceive the happenings and scenes of that plane by means of the awakened

and developed astral senses. Some clairvoyants find it easy to function in

one way, and some in another. It is reserved for the scientifically

developed clairvoyant to manifest the well-rounded power to perceive the

phenomena of the astral plane in its wonderful entirety.



Finally, you will see by reference to other chapters of this book, that

one may manifest simple clairvoyant powers (as well as the more

complicated ones of time and space clairvoyance) not only in the ordinary

waking state, but also in the state of dreams. In fact, some of the most

striking psychic phenomena are manifested when the seer is in the dream

state. As we proceed, you will find that every phase of the great subject

will fit into its place, and will be found to blend with every other

phase. There will be found a logical harmony and unity of thought

pervading the whole subject. But we must use single bricks and stones as

we build--it is only in the completed structure that we may perceive the

harmonious unity.



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