CHAPTER I
THE LAW OF VIBRATION  

Students of history find a continuous chain of reference to the
mysterious influence of one human mind over that of others. In the
earliest records, traditions and legends may be found giving reference
to the general belief that it was possible for an individual to exert
some weird uncanny power over the minds of other persons, which would
influence the latter for good or evil. And more than this, the student
will find an accompanying belief that certain individuals are possessed
of some mental power which bends even "things" and circumstances to its
might.

Way back in the dim past of man's history on this planet, this belief
existed, and it has steadily persisted in spite of the strenuous
opposition of material science, even unto the present day. The years
have not affected the belief, and in these dawning days of the Twentieth
Century it has taken on a new strength and vitality, for its adherents
have boldly stepped to the front, and confronting the doubting
materialistic thinkers, have claimed the name of "Science" for this
truth and have insisted that it be taken, once and for all, from the
category of superstition, credulity and ignorant phantasm.

Were it not pitiable, it would be amusing to glance at the presumptuous,
complacent, smug, self-satisfied position of the materialistic school of
thinkers, who would brush aside as a foolish delusion that which many of
the wisest men of a past age have accepted and taught as the truth. The
modern "know-it-alls" would sneer contemptuously at facts that are known
to be of actual occurrence in the daily lives of thousands of
intelligent people, and which the experience of humankind has
demonstrated for many centuries, in all lands and all races.

The trouble lies in the dogmatic assumption of the materialistic school
that what is known as "mind" is merely some peculiar action of the
material brain, some writers even holding that "the brain secretes
thought, just as the liver secretes bile." They refuse to see that the
operation of Mind is a manifestation of energy known as electricity,
magnetism, light, heat, gravitation, cohesion, etc. Because mental
energy does not register the vibrations of these lower forms of energy,
they conclude that the higher mental energy does not exist. Having
formulated a theory to suit their materialistic conceptions, they try to
ignore all facts not consistent with their theory. If they find a fact
that will not squeeze into their narrow theory well, "so much the worse
for the fact," as a writer has said and they promptly ignore or dispute
it.

As a matter of truth, the investigator is not compelled to resort to
metaphysical explanations to account for the phenomena of Mental
Influence. The very facts of physical science itself, if rightly
interpreted, will give the clue to the mystery; and will point the steps
of the honest investigator toward the path where he may find the
solution of the perplexing riddle. Although we know that the real
solution lies in the metaphysical realm, still even physical science
will corroborate the facts of its metaphysical sister science, and
instead of contradicting the latter will actually go far toward
furnishing analogous facts and principles basis for a theory of
metaphysical facts.

The student will see at once that so far as physical science is
concerned, it must begin at the phenomenon of "Thought Transference,"
for in that phase of the subject may be found an elementary principle in
evidence in many other forms of phenomena. We have given many instances
of "Thought Transference" in the two proceeding volumes of this series,
entitled "Mind Reading" and "Psychomancy," respectively, and so we need
not repeat the same in this place. The main fact is that "Thought
Transference" does exist, and may be accounted for upon purely
scientific grounds, without calling in the truths of metaphysical
thought. We know that this is a strong statement, and a positive
assertion, but we also know that the same may be demonstrated. Let us
consider this phase of the subject.

In the first place, physical science teaches that underlying all forms,
degrees and apparent differences in matter and energy, there is to be
found a manifestation of some elementary energy, which manifests in what
is known as "Vibrations." Everything in the material world is in
vibration - ever manifesting a high degree of motion. Without vibration
there would be no such thing as a material universe. From the
electronic-corpuscles which science teaches compose the atom; up through
the atom and molecule, until the most complex forms of matter are
manifested, there is the ever-present Vibration. And through all forms
of energy, light, heat, electricity, magnetism and the rest, Vibration
is also ever present. In fact, physical science itself teaches that not
only is Vibration the basic force underlying other forces and the
various forms of matter, but also that the apparent differences between
the various forms of matter, and also between the various forms of
energy, are caused simply and solely by the varying degrees of Vibration
manifested.

Just as the difference between the lowest tone that can be distinguished
by the ear of man, and the highest note that can be distinguished by the
same organ of sense, is merely a difference between the rate of
Vibration - just as is the difference between the dull red color at one
end of the spectrum, and the violet at the other end, with the
intervening colors known as indigo, blue green, yellow and orange, with
all the combinations of shades arising from them - just as the
difference between the greatest degree of cold known to Science, and the
greatest degree of heat that can be conceived of - just as these great
differences due solely and wholly to varying rates of Vibration - so is
the difference between and all forms of matter or force simply a matter
of the rate of Vibration. In short, all material and physical "Things"
are simply manifestations of some "infinite and eternal energy from
which all things proceed," their differences resulting merely from the
different degree of Vibration being manifested in them. Remember, that
this is not "vague philosophy" or "airy metaphysics" or "spiritualistic
vagaries" (to quote from the materialistic writers), but facts claimed
and admitted by the greatest physical scientists of the age, as a
reference to their lectures and textbooks will prove to anyone.

And, more than this, any intelligent physical scientist will tell you
that Science has every reason to believe that there are great fields of
energy and force, the Vibrations of which are far too high for even the
delicate instruments of science to record, but which nevertheless exist
and manifest effects. It was only the other day that Science was able to
"catch" the "X-rays" and other forms of high Radio-activity, and yet
these rays and forces had always existed. And tomorrow Science will
perfect instruments capable of registering still higher forms of energy.
And bye-and-bye, some scientist will perfect an instrument capable of
registering and recording the subtle vibrations of Thought, and perhaps
in time someone will perfect that instrument so that it will not only
record such Thought vibrations and waves, but, like the phonograph, it
will be able to reproduce and send forth similar vibrations so that
others may feel the thoughts, just as they now hear the sounds from the
phonograph. Such a prediction is no more wonderful then would have been
the prediction of the telephone, the phonograph, the wireless telegraph
and sundry other discoveries and inventions a hundred years ago.

Did you ever think that there are colors that the eye cannot see, but
which delicate instruments clearly register? In fact, the rays of tight
which sunburn the face, and which register on the photographic plate are
not visible to the eye. The eye sees the lower rays, but only
instruments adapted for the purpose detect the higher ones. Your eye
cannot see the X-ray as it passes through the room, but the plate will
catch it, and its light may make a photograph. The rays of light visible
to the eyes are only the lower ones - the higher ones are far beyond the
power of the eye to record, and beyond even the range of the most
delicate instrument there exist rays and waves of light of such high
vibratory rate as to defy even its power to record.

Did you ever know that there are sounds unheard by human ears that the
microphone will catch and magnify? Scientific imagination dreams of
instruments that will catch the songs of the mite - like insects, and
magnify them until they can be distinguished. There are waves of
electricity that may pass through your body, unperceived by you, and yet
powerful enough to run light electric lights. Listen to the words of
certain eminent scientists.

Prof. Elisha Gary, a celebrated scientist and teacher, has said: "There
is much food for speculation in the thought that there exists sound
waves that no human ear can hear, and color waves of light that no eye
can see. The long, dark, soundless space between 40, 000 and
400,000,000,000,000 vibrations per second, and the infinity of range
beyond 700,000,000,- 000,000 vibrations per second, where light ceases,
in the universe of motion, makes it possible to indulge in speculation."
Prof. Williams, the well-known scientific writer, has said: "There is no
gradation between the most rapid undulations or trembling that produces
our sensations of sound, and the slowest of those which give rise to our
sensations of gentlest warmth. There is a huge gap between them, wide
enough to include another world of motion, all lying between our world
of sound and our world of heat and light; and there is no good reason
whatever for supposing that matter is incapable of such intermediate
activity, or that such activity may not give rise to intermediate
sensations, provided that there are organs for taking up and sensitizing
their movements."

And, so you see that in the scientific theory of Vibrations, there may
be found plenty of room for a scientific explanation of all that is
claimed by adherents of the truth of Mental Influence, without getting
out of the region of physical science, and without invading the plane of
metaphysics. And there are many more proofs from the same source, which
we may touch upon as we proceed.

There is but one Truth, and it manifests on all planes - the Spiritual;
the Mental; and the Physical - and manifestations agree and coincide. So
no Mentalist need fear the test of Physical Science, for each plane will
bear out the facts and phenomena of the ones below or above it - the
Three are but varying phases of One. In this little work we shall hug
close to the plane of Physical Science, because by so doing we will be
able to make the subject much clearer to many than if we had attempted
to express the teaching in Metaphysical terms. There is no contradiction
in the end. Each bit of Truth must dovetail into every other bit, for
all are parts of the Whole. 
 

CHAPTER II
THOUGHT WAVES 
 

In our last chapter we have seen that Vibration was to be found
underlying all manifestations of energy, and all forms of matter. We
also quoted two distinguished scientists whose words showed that there
were fields of vibratory energy not filled by any known forms of energy,
the inference being that inasmuch as there are no gaps in nature's
processes these unknown fields must be occupied by certain forms of
energy not known as yet to physical science. The teachings of the
occultists of all lands and ages, as also those of modern Mental
Science, are to the effect that the Mind, in its manifestation of
Thought in the brain, generates a form of energy of intensely high
Vibration, which energy may be, and is, projected in vibratory waves
from the brains of other persons within its field of influence.

All students of Mental Influence have noticed the close resemblance that
is manifested between the phenomena of electrical and magnetic energy on
the one hand and the phenomena of mental energy on the other. So close
is the analogy that one may take the proven facts of science relating to
electrical and magnetic phenomena and confidently proceed with the
certainty of finding a strikingly close correspondence in the field of
mental phenomena. And the recognition of this fact is helping the
workers in the mental field group together the varied phenomena that
come under their notice, and to work out the theory and practice of
Mental Influence.

In the first place, it is now a fact well known and accepted by
investigators that the generation of Thought and the manifestation of
Mental States occasions a "burning up" of brain matter, and the
consequent production of a form of energy of high vibratory power.
Physiologists recognize this fact, and the textbooks make reference to
it. Experiments have shown that the temperature of the brain is
increased in accordance with the intensity of Feeling and Thought, and
that there is undoubtedly a generation of energy and a consumption of
brain matter which bears a very close resemblance to the process of the
generation of electrical energy. And this being conceded, it follows
that this energy once released must be emanated or sent forth from the
brain in the manner akin to the emanation of other known forms of
energy, i.e., in the form of "waves" of vibratory force. Light and Heat
travel in this way - so do electricity and magnetism - so do the forces
of Radio-activity. And the investigators of Mental Influence have
demonstrated by their experiments that there is such a thing as
Thought-induction, and many other phases of manifestation similar to
that exhibited by electricity and magnetism.

Flammarion, the well-known and eminent French scientist, has said on the
subject. "We sum up, therefore, our preceding observations by the
conclusion that one mind can act at a distance upon another, without the
habitual medium of words, or any other visible means of communication.
It appears to us altogether unreasonable to reject this conclusion if we
accept the facts. The conclusion will be abundantly demonstrated. There
is nothing unscientific, nothing romantic in admitting that an idea can
influence a brain from a distance. The action of one human being upon
another, from a distance, is a scientific fact, it is as certain as the
existence of Paris, of Napoleon, of Oxygen, or of Sirius." The same
authority also states: "There can be no doubt that our physical force
creates a movement in the either which transmits itself afar like all
movements in the ether, becomes perceptible to brains in harmony with
our own. The transformation of a psychic action into an ethereal
movement, and the reverse, may be analogous to what takes place on a
telephone, where the receptive plate, which is identical with the plate
at the other end, reconstructs the sonorous movement transmitted, not by
means of sound, but by electricity. But these are only comparisons."

When a Thought or feeling is generated in the mind or brain of a person,
the energy generated flows forth from the brain of the person in the
form of waves of mental energy, spreading from the immediate
neighborhood of the thinker to a distance proportioned to the strength
of the thought or feeling. These Thought-Waves have the property of
awakening similar vibrations in the minds of other persons coming within
their field of force, according to the laws of Mental Influence, which
law shall be explained in the next chapter.

As we proceed with our consideration of the subject of Mental Influence,
in the succeeding chapters, we shall see the many and varied forms of
manifestation of Thought-Waves. At this point we shall merely view the
phenomena in a general way.

Thought-Waves are manifested in a variety of forms and phases. Some are
the waves emanated from the minds of all thinkers, unconsciously and
without purpose, and usually without much force. Others are sent forth
with great force, and travel far, manifesting a degree of influence
commensurate with the force with which they are projected. Others are
directed purposely toward certain individuals or places, and travel
along rapidly in a straight line to the point which they have been
directed or aimed. Others are sent forth with great strength and power,
but instead of being directed toward any particular person or place, are
designed to sweep around in great whirlpools of energy affecting all who
happen to fall within their field force.

You will readily understand that there is a great difference between
Thought-Waves sent forth idly and unconsciously, and without knowledge
of the underlying laws of Mental Influence, and those projected with a
full knowledge of the laws governing the phenomena and urged on and
directed by a powerful Will of the sender. The force is the same, but
the degree of its power, and the measure of its effects are determined
by the conditions of its sending force.

The vibratory force of these Thought-Waves does not cease with the
sending forth of the wave, but persists for a long time afterward. Just
as heat in a room persists long after the fire in the stove has been
extinguished - just as the perfume of the flower exists in a room long
after the flower has been removed - just as a ray of light travels
through space for millions of miles, and for centuries after the star
itself has been blotted out of existence - just as any and all forms of
vibratory energy persist in manifesting after the initial impulse has
been withdrawn - so do the vibrations of Thought continue long after the
thought, yes, long after the brain which sent them forth has passed into
dust.

There are many places today filled with the thought-vibrations of minds
long since passed outside of the body. There are many places filled with
the strong vibrations of tragedies long since enacted there. Every place
has an atmosphere of its own, arising from the thought vibrations set in
motion by the various persons who have inhabited or occupied them. Every
city has its own mental atmosphere, which has an effect upon persons
moving into them. Some are lively, some dull, some progressive, some
old-fogeyish, some moral, some immoral - the result of the character of
the early settlers and leading spirits of the places. The atmosphere
affects persons moving into these towns, and either sinks to the general
level, or else, if strong enough, help to change the mental tone of the
place. Sometimes a change in conditions brings a large influx of new
people to the town, and the mental waves of the newcomers tend to bring
about a marked change in the local mental atmosphere. These facts have
been noted by many observing people who were, perhaps, not familiar with
the laws and principles underlying the phenomena.

Many have of course noticed the differing atmosphere of stores, offices
and other places of business. Some of such places give one an air of
confidence and trust; others create a feeling of suspicion and mistrust;
some convey an impression of active, wide awake management, while others
impress one as being behind the times and suffering from lack of alert,
active management. Did you ever stop to think that these different
atmospheres were caused by the prevailing mental attitudes of those in
charge of the places? The managers of business places send forth
Thought-Waves of their own, and their employees naturally falling into
the pace set for them, sending forth similar vibrations, and before long
the whole place is vibrating on a certain scale. Let a change in the
management occur and see what a change soon manifests itself.

Did you ever notice the mental atmospheres of the houses you happened to
visit? You may experience and recognize all of the varying notes in the
mental scale of their occupants. From some thresholds harmony manifests
itself, while others breathe in harmony as soon as you step over the
threshold. Some radiate mental warmth, while others seem as cold as an
iceberg. Think for a moment and recall the various houses or places you
visit, and see how the mental vibrations of the inmates manifest
themselves to a visitor.

The low quarters of our cities, the dens of vice and haunts of
dissipation vibrate with the character of thought and feeling of those
inhabiting them. And the weak-willed visitor is thus tempted. And, in
the same way, certain places are filled with strong, helpful, elevating
vibrations, which tend to lift up and elevate those coming within their
circle of influence. Thoughts and Feelings are contagious, by reason of
the Law of Vibration and Mental Induction. When this law is understood
the individual is enabled to protect and improve himself. Such Knowledge
brings Strength. 
 

CHAPTER III
MENTAL INDUCTION
 

As we stated in the preceding chapter, the phenomena of Mental Influence
bears a striking analogy to that of the electrical or magnetic energy.
Not only is this so in the phase of wave motion and transmission, but
also in the phase of induction, as we shall see presently. In physical
science the term Induction is used to indicate that quality in a
manifestation of energy which tends to reproduce in a second object the
vibrations manifesting in the first object, without direct contact
between the two bodies. A magnet will induce magnetism in another object
removed from its space. An electrified object will tend to produce
similar vibrations in another object by induction, over great spaces.
Heat waves travel along the ether, and tend to produce heat vibrations
in objects far removed, notably in the case of the sun and the earth.
Even sound waves will affect other objects in this way, as in the
well-known instance of the glass or vase "singing" in response to the
musical note sounded afar off. In fact, we see and hear by processes
similar to those described. And in this same manner that Thought-Waves
carry the vibrations of the mind sending them forth to great distances,
or lesser ones, tending to set up similar vibrations in the middle of
other persons within their field force. Thus a person feeling a strong
degree of anger will pour forth waves of that degree of mental
vibration, which, coming in contact with the brains of other persons,
tend to set up a similar feelings or emotions and thus cause the person
to "feel cross" or "peevish" or even to manifest a similar angry state
of mind. We all know how easily a fight is started by a very angry
person in a room sending forth violent vibrations.

One has but to remember the instances of mob violence to see how easily
the "contagion of hate and anger" spread among people who allow
themselves to be influenced. And not only is this true of undesirable
emotions and feelings, but also of desirable ones. The influence of a
good man who happens to be strong mentally spreads among those around
him, influencing in them for good. Orators, actors, preachers and
teachers send forth strong within toll currents, which tend to produce
mental conditions on the part of their hearers corresponding to the
feeling held by the mind of the speaker. When you remember how this
speaker swayed your feelings, or how that actor made you weep with pity,
shiver with fear, or laugh with joy, you will see how Mental induction
acts. But not only is this true when we are in the actual presence of
the person sending out the Thought-Waves, but it is equally true that we
are influenced by persons far removed from us in space, often without
their knowledge or intent, although sometimes (in the case of one who
understands the principal most) with full knowledge and intent. The
ether with which space is filled carries these Thought-Waves in all
directions, and the surface of the earth, particularly in the densely
occupied portions, is filled with these waves. These waves, carrying the
mental vibrations, coming in contact with each other, tend to set up
combinations on one hand, or else neutralize each other on the other
hand. That is to say, if two sets of waves of a similar nature meet
there is likely to be a combination formed between them just as between
two chemicals having an affinity for each other. In this way the "mental
atmosphere" of places, towns, houses, etc., is formed. On the other hand
if currents of opposing vibrations came in contact with each other,
there will be manifested a conflict between the two, in which each will
lose in proportion to its weakness, and the result will be either a
neutralization of both or else a combination having vibrations of an
average rate. For instance, if two currents of mental energy meet, one
being a thought of Love and the other Hate, they will neutralize each
other if they are equal, or if one is stronger than the other, it will
persist but robbed of much of its strength.

If it were not for this neutralizing effect we would be largely at the
mercy of stray currents of thought. Nature protects us in this way, and
also by rendering us immune to a considerable extent. But nevertheless
we are affected by these waves to a considerable extent, unless we have
learned to throw them off by knowledge of the laws and an enforcement of
them by practice. We all know how great waves of feeling spread over the
town, city or country, sweeping people off their balance. Great waves of
political enthusiasm, or War spirits, or prejudice for or against
certain people, or groups of people, sweep over places and cause men to
act in a manner that they will afterward regret when they come to
themselves and consider their acts in cold blood. Demagogues will sway
them or magnetic leaders who wish to gain their votes or patronage; and
they will be led into acts of mob violence, or similar atrocities, by
yielding to these waves of "contagious" thought. On the other hand we
all know how great waves of religious feeling sweep over a community
upon the occasion of some great "revival" excitement or fervor.

The effect of these Thought-Waves, so far as the power of induction is
concerned, of course depends very materially upon the strength of the
thought or feeling being manifested in the mind sending them forth. The
majority of persons put but little force into the mental manifestations,
but here and there is to be found a thinker whose Thought-Waves are
practically "a stream of living will" and which of course have a very
strong inductive effect upon the minds of others with whom the waves
come in contact. But it likewise follows that a number of persons
thinking along the same lines will produce a great volume of power by a
combination of their thought currents into great streams of mental
force.

Then again there is another feature of the case that we must not lose
sight of, and that is the Attraction between minds, by virtue of which
one draws to himself the Thought-Waves of others whose thoughts are in
accord with his own. The contrary is true, for there is Repulsion
between the minds of persons and the Thought-Waves of others whose
thoughts are not in accord with his own. The contrary is true, for there
is Repulsions between the minds of persons and the Thought-Waves of
others antagonistic to their thoughts. To quote a well-worn and
much-used expression to illustrate this truth, "Like attracts Like," and
"Birds of a Feather flock together." There is ever in operation this
marvelous law of Attraction and Repulsion of Mental Energy- Persons
allowing their thoughts to run along certain lines, and permitting the
feelings to be expressed in certain ways, draw to themselves the
Thought-Waves and mental influences of others keyed to the same mental
key-note. And likewise they repel the waves and influences of an
opposing nature. This is an important fact to remember in one's everyday
life. Good attracts Good and repels Evil. Evil attracts Evil and repels
Good. The predominant Mental Attitude serves to attract similar
influences and to repel the opposing ones. Therefore watch carefully the
character and nature of your thoughts - cultivate the desirable ones and
repress the undesirable ones. Verily "As a man thinketh in his heart, so
is he."

Some Thought-Waves sent forth with but little strength travel slowly and
do not proceed very far from their place of emanation, but creep along
like some smoke or fog, lazily and yielding. Other thoughts charged with
a greater intensity of desire or will, dart forth vigorously like an
electric spark, and often travel great distances. The weak Thought-Waves
do not last a very long time, but fade away or become neutralized or
dissipated by stronger, forces. But the strong thoughts persist for a
long time, retaining much of their vitality and energy.

In the same manner the Thought-Waves of a person will continue to
vibrate around him wherever he goes, and those coming in contact with
him will be impressed by the character of his vibrations in this way.
Some men send forth gloomy vibrations in this way. Some men send forth
gloomy vibrations, which you feel when you come in contact with them.
Others radiate good-cheer, courage and happiness, which conditions are
induced in those with whom they come in contact. Many people will
manifest these qualities so strongly that one can notice the effect the
moment such persons enter a room. They carry their atmosphere with them,
and the same is induced in the minds of others around them.

In the same way some people carry with them vibrations of Will-Power and
Masterfulness that beat upon the minds of others, making them feel the
power of such persons and conquering their own will-power and changing
their desires. Others manifest a strong power of Fascination or
Attraction, in a similar manner which tends to draw others to them and
to their desires and wishes. Not only does this principle operate in the
phase of general mental atmospheres, but also in the phase of direct
personal influence.

All forms of Mental influence operate along the lines of Mental
induction, as herein described. The principle is the same in all cases
and instances, although the manner of operation varies according to the
particular phase of the phenomena manifested. Remember this as we
proceed, and you will be able to understand the subject much better. 
 

CHAPTER IV
MENTAL CONCENTRATION
 

The two principal factors in the
manifestation of Mental Influence, in all of its forms, are what are
know as (1) Concentration, and (2) Mental Imagining. The first of these
factors shall be considered in this chapter, the succeeding chapter
taking up the consideration of the second. "Concentration" is a word
derived from two Latin words, i.e., "con," a prefix meaning " to;" and
"centrum," meaning "center" or "fixed central point." The two words
combined mean, literally, "to bring to a common point; to focus," etc.
Thus the word "Concentration" is seen to mean, literally, "the act or
state of bringing to a fixed point or focus. Borrowing an analogous
illustration from physical science, we readily see that the highest
forms of energy, force or power are manifested by bringing the force to
a focus, center, or common point thereby directing to that point the
entire energy employed, instead of allowing it to become dissipated over
a larger area. The electricity generated by a battery or dynamo, if
allowed to diffuse itself over a large surface manifests but a small
degree of the power that may be obtained from it by compelling it to
discharge itself from a small point of focus. The same is true regarding
the power of steam, which manifests great power by being forced to
discharge itself through a small point or opening instead of being
permitted to spread itself widely in the air. The same law applies to
gunpowder, which manifests force by its gases being compelled to escape
through the small gun-barrel instead of spreading in all directions,
which it would do if unconfined. Another familiar example is that of the
sun glass, or "burning-glass," which brings the rays of the sun to a
common point or focus, greatly intensifying the heat and light by reason
thereof. The occult masters have ever impressed upon their pupils the
importance and necessity of acquiring the power of Mental Concentration,
and all trained and developed occultists have practiced and persevered
toward this end, the result being that some of them attained almost
miraculous mental powers and influence. All occult phenomena are caused
in this way, and all occult power depends upon it. Therefore the student
of Mental Influence should devote much thought, time and practice to
this most important branch of the subject.

It is a fact known to all students of mental phenomena that very few
persons possess more than a very small degree of concentration. They
allow their mental forces to become scattered and dissipated in all
directions, and obtain little or no results from the same. In the degree
that a man is able to concentrate, so is he able to manifests mental
power. A man's power of mental concentration is to a great extent his
measure of greatness. Mental Concentration, in practice, consists of
focusing the mind upon a given subject, or object, firmly and fixedly,
and then holding it there for a certain time, fully intent upon its
object, and not allowing itself to be diverted or attracted from its
object. It likewise consists in the correlative power of then detaching
the mind from that subject, or object, and either allowing it to rest,
or else focusing it upon another object. In other words, it either gives
undivided attention or else inhibits (or "shuts off") attention from the
given subject or object. To the reader who has had no experience along
the lines of Mental Concentration, it may seem like a very easy Mental
Influence task to focus the mind upon a subject, and then hold it there
firmly and fixedly. But a little practice will undeceive such a person
and will bring him to a realizing sense of the difficulty of the task.
The mind is a very restless thing, and its tendency is to dance from one
thing to another, darting here and there, soon tiring of continued
attention, and like a spoiled child, seeking a new object upon which to
exercise itself .On the other hand, many people allow their minds to
concentrate (involuntarily) upon whatever may strike their fancy, and,
forgetting everything else, they give themselves up to the object
attracting their attention for the moment, often neglecting duties and
important interests, and becoming day dreamers instead of firm thinkers.
This involuntary concentration is a thing to be avoided, for it is the
allowing of the attention to escape the control of the will. The Mental
Concentration of the occultists is a very different thing, and is solely
in control of the will, being applied when desirable, and taken off or
inhibited when undesirable. The trained occultist will concentrate upon
a subject or object with a wonderful intensity, seemingly completely
absorbed in the subject or object before him, and oblivious to all else
in the world. And yet, the task accomplished or the given time expired,
he will detach his mind from the object and will be perfectly fresh,
watchful and wide-awake to the next matter before him. There is a
difference in being controlled by involuntary attention, which is a
species of self- hypnotizing, and the control of the attention, which is
an evidence of mastery.   The secret of Mental Concentration lies in the
control of the Attention. And the control of the Attention lies in the
exercise of the Will. A celebrated French psychologist has well said:
"The authority is subject to the superior authority of the Ego. l yield
it or I withhold it as I please. l direct it in turn to several points.
l concentrate it upon each point as long as my will can stand the
effort." Sully says: "Attention may be roughly defined as the active
self-direction of the mind to any object which presents itself at the
moment." All of the occult authorities begin teaching their pupils
Attention as the first step toward Mental Concentration. They instruct
the pupil to examine some familiar object, and endeavor to see as many
details as possible in the object. Then after hearing the pupil's
report, the master sends him back to the task, bidding him seek for new
details, and so on until at last the pupil has discovered about all
concerning the object that can be discovered. The next day a new object
is given to him, and the process is repeated. First simple objects are
given, and then more complex ones, until at last objects of great
complexity are easily mastered. In this way not only is the power of
close observation highly developed, but also the faculty of Attention
becomes so highly strengthened that the pupil is able to exert the
greatest amount of Mental Concentration with scarcely the consciousness
of effort. And such a person then becomes a very giant in the
manifestation of Mental Influence. For he is able to mold his mind
"one-pointed," as the Orientals describe it, until he has focused and
directed a mighty degree of Mental Influence toward the desired object.
Among the practices imposed upon their pupils by occult masters may be
named Mathematics, Drawing, Analysis, etc. You will readily see why this
is. To begin with, Mathematics requires the undivided attention of the
student - unless he concentrates upon his examples, he will not be able
to work out their solution. And, according to the principle in Nature
that "practice makes perfect," and that "exercise develops power,"  the
practice of the mind along lines requiring voluntary attention and
mental concentration will inevitably result in the acquirement of the
mental control and power, which renders possible the strongest
manifestation of Mental Influence. The person who uses Mental Influence
must certainly possess the power of focusing the force to a common
point, in order to manifest the greatest amount of power and influence.
And that faculty of focusing results from the training of the mind along
the lines of Concentration. And Concentration arises from the mastery of
Voluntary Attention. So there you have the whole matter in a nutshell.
So your first step toward acquiring Mental Influence should be to
cultivate Voluntary Attention. We might fill page after page with
exercises designed to strengthen your faculty of Voluntary Attention,
but what would be the use? The best plan is to set you to work to find
something upon which to concentrate, for the very search will develop
attention. Look around you for some object to study in detail. Then
concentrate your attention upon it until you have seen all there is
about it to be seen, then take up another object and pursue the practice
further. Take a page - this page, if you will, and count the number of
words on it. Then see how many words are required to fill each line, on
an average, then see how many letters there are in each word, in each
line, on the whole page. Then go over the page and see if any words are
misspelled, or if any of the letters are imperfect, etc. In short, get
acquainted with this page, until you know all about it. Then take up
another page, and after studying it in the same way, compare the two.
And so on. Of course this will be very dry and tedious unless you take
an interest in it. And, remembering just what the exercise is designed
for may arouse this interest. After practicing this way for a short time
each day, you will begin to find that you are able to bestow greater
attention upon objects upon which you are trying to manifest Mental
Influence. You are developing Concentration, and that is the great
secret of the use of Mental Influence, and explains the difference in
its manifestation among men. Think over this.

CHAPTER V
MENTAL IMAGING

In our last chapter we called your attention to the first of the two
principal factors in the manifestation of Mental Influence, namely,
"Mental Concentration." In the present chapter we shall consider the
second factor tending to render possible the said manifestation, namely,
"Mental Imaging." What is known as a "Mental Image, in occultism, is the
mental creation, in the imagination of a "picture" of the things, events
or conditions that one desires to be manifested or, materialized in
actual effect. A moments thought will show you that unless you know
"just what" you desire, you can take no steps toward attaining it on any
plane of manifestation. And the more clearly your desires are perceived
in your imagination, the clearer is the work of proceeding toward the
realization of that desire. A Mental Image gives you a framework upon
which to work. It is like the drawing of the architect, or the map of
the explorer. Think over this for a few moments until you get the idea
firmly fixed in your mind. And now the same rule holds well on the plane
in which the manifestation of Mental influence takes place.

The occultist first builds up, in his imagination, a Mental Image or
Picture of the conditions he wishes to bring about, and then by
concentrating his influence strongly, instead of in a haphazard way as
is the case with the majority of people who do not understand the laws
and principles underlying the manifestations of the forces of mind. The
Mental Image gives shape and direction to the forces, which is being
concentrated upon the desired object or subject. It may be compared to
the image on the glass of the Magic Lantern, through which the focused
rays of the lamp pass, the result being that a corresponding image is
reproduced upon the screen or curtain beyond. The analogy is a very
close one indeed, if we remember that the minds of the majority of
people are more or less blank screens or curtains upon which play the
pictures produced there by outside influences, suggestions,
environments, etc., for very few people realize their individuality, and
are merely reflections of the thoughts and ideas of other people. An
eminent authority, Sir Francis Galton, who was one of the leading
authorities upon psychology of preceding generations, has said on this
subject: "The free action of a high visualizing faculty is of much
importance in connection with the higher processes of generalized
thought. A visual image is the most perfect form of mental
representation whatever the shape, position and relations of objects to
space are concerned. The best workmen are those who visualize the whole
of what they propose to do before they take a tool in their hands.

Strategists, artists of all denominations, physicists who contrive new
experiments, and in short, all who do not follow routine, have a need
for it. A faculty that is of importance in all technical and artistic
occupations, that gives accuracy to our perceptions and justice to our
generalizations, is starved by lazy disuse instead of being cultivated
judiciously in such a way as will, on the whole, bring the best return.
l believe that a serious study of the best way of developing and
utilizing this faculty, without prejudice to the practice of abstract
thought in symbols, is one of the many pressing desires in the yet
unformed science of education." And what Galton has said of the value of
the use of this faculty of the mind in the affairs of the material
plane, so it is likewise true of the manifestations on the mental plane.
You know that the clearer a Mental Picture you possess of anything that
you want - the better you know just what you want - and the better you
know the latter, the better able you are to take steps to get it. Many
people go through life wanting "something," but not really knowing "just
what" they do want. ls it any wonder that they do not realize or
materialize their desires any better? And the same thing holds well on
the plane of manifestation of Mental Influence. If one wishes to
materialize anything by the use of the influence, is he not handicapped
by a lack of Mental Image of just what he wants to materialize, and is
he not helped very much by the creation of a mental "pattern" or plan,
in the shape of a mental picture, through and around which he may direct
his thought-currents?

The occultists manifesting the greatest degree of Mental Influence
acquire by practice this art of creating Mental Images of that which
they wish to materialize.They train their Imagination in this way until
the very act of creating the Mental Image acts strongly toward the
actual material- ization or event, as "actually existing" in their minds
before they attempt to concentrate their Thought-Waves upon the task of
accomplishing it. Then the Mental Picture, being completed and standing
in strong outline, they focus their mental force through it, just as in
the case of the magic lantern before referred to, and the picture is
reproduced on the screen of mentality of other people.

The imagination may be strengthened in many ways, the principle being
constant and persistent practice. The practice of recalling to the
memory of scenes previously witnessed, and then whether describing them
to others or else drawing a rough picture of them will help in this
matter. Describe to others scenes that you have witnessed, occurrences.
details of appearances, etc. etc.,  until you are able to reproduce
mentally the aspects and appearances of the things. Then you may begin
to draw mental pictures of things desired as if they were being drawn on
the screen of your mind. See, mentally, the things as actually occurring
- create a little playhouse of your own, in your mind, and there enact
the plays that you wish to witness in actual life. When you have
acquired this, you will be able to project your mental pictures on the
screen of objectivity in actual life with far greater effect.

In thinking of this subject, you would do well to remember the
illustration of the magic lantern, for the figure is a good one, and
will enable you to carry the idea better in your mind. You see, in
giving you this suggestion, we are really telling you to form a mental
picture of the mental magic lantern, using the illustration given - you
see how much easier it is for you to think of it in this way and how
much easier it is for you to manifest it in practice.

Build your Mental Images by degrees, commencing with the general
outlines, and then filling in the details. Always commence by trying
simple and easy things, and then working up to the more complex and
difficult feats.

And now, I offer a word of warning at this point to all. Do not allow
your imagination to "run away with you" - do not became a dreamer of
dreams and a doer of nothing. You must master your imagination and make
it your servant and not your master. You must make it do your bidding,
instead of allowing it to dictate to you.

You will see in the succeeding chapters the important part that Mental
Imaging plays in the different phases of Mental Influence. Even when we
do not refer directly to it by name, you will see that the "idea" sought
to be conveyed by one mind to another - the feeling, desire or mental
state sought to be transferred from one mind to others - must and does
depend very materially for strength upon the dearness and completeness
of the Mental Image held in the mind of the person seeking to do the
influencing, the "projector" of the Mental Image of his mental magic
lantern, upon the screen of the minds of others. Carry this principle
well in mind that you may see its operation in the different forms. 

CHAPTER VI
FASCINATION
 

In this and the next chapter we shall present to you information
regarding the effect of Mental Influence manifested when there is
personal contact between the persons using the power and the person
affected. Then we shall pass on to a consideration of the effect
produced when the persons are not in direct contact with each other.
There are two general forms of the direct use of Mental Influence,
which, although somewhat resembling each other, may still be separated
into two classes. The first we shall call "Fascination" and the second
"Hypnotism."

By Fascination we mean the manifestation of Mental Influence when the
two persons are together, without passes or the usual hypnotic methods.
By Hypnotism we mean the use of the power, also, when the two parties
are together, but accompanied by passes or hypnotic methods.
Under the head of Fascination are to be found the manifestations
generally known as "Personal Magnetism,"  "Charming," etc., is quite
commonly employed, in varying degrees by many persons, often without
their conscious knowledge of the principles employed. Many persons are
possessed of the power of Fascination "naturally" and without having
studied or practiced the principles. Many others, not originally
possessing the power, have acquired by study and practice the power to
influence people in this way. For, it must be known, the power may be
acquired by study and practice just as may any other power of mind and
body. To some it is easy, to others difficult - but all may acquire a
very great degree of the power by intelligent study and practice of the
underlying principles.

Fascination is one of the oldest forms of the manifestations of Mental
Influence. It was known to, and employed by, the earliest races of men.
It is even found among the lower animals that pursue their prey or
capture their mates by its use. A recent writer on the subject has
defined the word, used in this connection, as: "Acting upon by some
powerful or irresistible influence;  influencing by an irresistible
charm; alluring, exciting, irresistibly or powerfully, charming,
captivating or attracting powerfully, influencing the imagination,
reason or will of another in an uncontrollable manner; enchanting,
captivating or alluring, powerfully or irresistibly."

As we have just said, this power is observable even among the lower
animals in some cases. Instances are related by naturalists, which
scorpions have fascinated other insects, causing them to circle around
and around until finally the insect would plunge down right within
striking distance of the scorpion, which would then devour its prey.
Birds of prey unquestionably fascinate their game, and men who have been
brought in contact with wild tigers, lions, etc., have testified that
they felt paralyzed in some manner, their legs refusing to obey their
will, and their minds seeming to become numbed and stunned. Those who
have seen a mouse in the presence of a cat will testify to the effect of
some power exerted by the latter. Birds in the presence of a cat and
serpents also manifest symptoms of a conquered will. And naturalists
cite many instances of the employment of this force by birds seeking to
captivate and charm their mates at the beginning of the season.
Among men it has been noticed that certain individuals possess this
power to a great degree. Some of the "great men" of ancient and modem
times having been so filled with the power that they could manage their
followers almost as one would move automatons. Julius Caesar had this
power developed to a great degree, and used it from youth to his last
days. He was worshipped - almost as a god by his soldiers - who would
undertake almost any task at his bidding. Napoleon also possessed this
charm to a wonderful degree. It enabled him to control men with whom he
came in contact, and to bend them to his will. He rose from a poor
student to the dignity and power of the Emperor of France. When banished
to Elba he escaped, and landing in France, alone and unarmed, confronted
the ranks of the French army drawn up to capture him, and walking
towards the soldiers compelled the latter to throw down their guns and
flock to his support. He entered Paris at the head of the great army,
which had been sent forth to capture him. This is no wild legend, but a
sober fact of history. And in our own times we see how certain leaders
of men sweep people before them and move them around like pawns on the
chessboard of life.

All of the above mentioned phenomena comes under the head of
Fascination, and is the result of the emanation of streams of active
Thought-Waves from the mind of a person, the same being strongly
concentrated and directed toward those whom the person wishes to affect.
The person forms a strong thought in his mind and sends it out to the
others charged with the force of concentrated will, so that the other
person feels it most strongly and forcibly. The fundamental idea is the
forming of the thought, and then sending it out to the other person.
For instance, if you wish a person to like you, you should form in your
mind this thought: "That person likes me," fixing it in your own mind as
a fact. Then project to him the concentrated thought, "You like me - you
like me very much," with an air of assurance and confidence, and the
other person is bound to feel the effect unless he or she has acquired a
knowledge of the subject and is using self-protection. The thought
should be sent forth with the strength that usually accompanies a strong
spoken statement, but you must not actually "speak" the words aloud -
you should merely say them strongly "in your mind."
If you wish to produce an effect or impress Strength upon another
person, the same process may be used, changing the Thought and
vibrations to the idea that you have a stronger Will than the other
person, and are able to overcome his Will - using the silent message of
"I am Stronger than you - my Will overcomes yours,"
Some successful agents and salesmen use the following method in reaching
their customers. They form a thought that the other person desires their
goods very much, and then they send out the Thought-Waves that "You
desire my goods - you want them very much - you have an irresistible
longing for them," etc.

Others use the following when they wish another to comply with their
wishes: "You will do as I say - will do as I say - you will yield to me
fully and completely," etc.

You will readily see from the above examples that the whole principle
employed in any and all of these cases consists of:

(1) The Thought of what the person wishes the other to do held firmly in
the mind; and

(2) The projection of that Thought to the other, silently, in the shape
of unspoken words.

In the above you have the whole secret of Fascination condensed to a
small space. You will understand of course, that the words are only a
means of concentrating and vitalizing the thought. Animals merely feel
Desires, but are able to fascinate by the strength of them, although
they cannot use words. And one person may fascinate another without
understanding a word of his language, the real strength coming from the
strength of the desire behind the words. The formation of the
desire-thought into words, is merely for the purpose of concentrating
and focusing the thought, for words are concentrated symbols of ideas,
thoughts or feelings.

The exact process of "sending forth" the Thought-Wave to the other is
difficult to describe. You know how you feel when you say something very
forcible and emphatic to another person. You can fairly "feel" the force
of the words being hurled at the other person. Well, cultivate that same
power in sending forth the "unspoken word" in the above manner, and you
will soon be able to notice the effect of the thought on the other. It
may help you to imagine that you can see the force flying from you to
the other. The imagination properly used helps very much in these
matters, for it creates a mental path over which the force may travel.
You must not act awkwardly when sending out the Thought-Waves, but
converse in an ordinary manner, sending your Thought-Waves between your
speeches, when the other person is talking to you, or at any pause in
the conversation. It is always well to send first a powerful
Thought-Wave before the conversation is opened, preferably while you are
approaching the person. And it is likewise well to terminate the
interview with a "parting shot" of considerable strength. You will find
that these Thought-Waves are of far greater power than spoken words, and
then again, you can in this way send out impressions that you could not
utter in spoken words for obvious reasons.

And now do you see how you have been affected by persons who have
influenced you at times in your past life? Now that you know the secret
you will be in a measure immune from further impressions from others.
And when you read our concluding chapter, entitled "Self-Protection,"
you will be able to surround yourself with a protective armor through
which the Thought-Waves cannot penetrate, but which will turn aside the
shafts directed toward you. 

CHAPTER VII
HYPNOTIC INFLUENCE
 

As we have mentioned in the previous lesson, there is a general
resemblance between the manifestation of Mental Influence, known as
"Fascination," and that known as Hypnotic Influence. In the
manifestation known as Fascination, the influence is exerted solely by
Thought- Waves passing from mind to mind without a physical medium or
channel other than the ether. In Hypnotic Influence, on the contrary,
the influence is heightened by means of passes, stroking or eye
influence.

In Hypnotic Influence the mind of the person affected, whom we shall
call the "subject," is rendered passive by a flow of mental energy
calculated to render it more or less drowsy or sleepy, and therefore
less calculated to set up powers of resistance to the Thought-Waves of
the person using the influence. But the power employed is the same in
all cases, no matter whether they fall under the classification of
Fascination or whether that of Hypnotic Influence. The two classes of
manifestation, as a matter of fact, really blend into each other, and it
is difficult to draw a dividing line in some cases.

Hypnotic Influence is a form of that which was formerly termed
Mesmerism, which name was given to it in honor of its discoverer,
Frederick Anton Mesmer, who practiced this form of Mental Influence
during the latter half of the Eighteenth Century. As a fact, however,
the force and its use was known to the ancients centuries before
Mesmer's time, the latter person having merely rediscovered it.
Mesmer taught that the power was based upon the presence of a strange
universal fluid which pervaded everything, and which had a peculiar
effect upon the nerves and brains of people. He and his followers
believed that it was necessary to put the subjects into a sound sleep
before they could be influenced. But both of these ideas have given way
to the new theories on the subject now held by investigators and
students of the subject.

It is now known that the "magnetic fluid" believed in by Mesmer and his
followers is nothing else than the currents of Thought-Waves emanating
from the mind of the operator. And it is also known that the "deep
sleep" condition is not necessary to render the will of the subject
subservient to that of the operator. It is also now known that the
nerves of the arms and fingers afford a highly sensitive conductor for
the mental currents, which may be propelled over them to the mind of the
subject, or to his nerves and muscles. This fact is explained by the
well-known scientific fact that the material of which the nerves are
composed is almost identical with that of the brain - in fact the
nervous system may be spoken of as a continuation of the brain itself.
It is now also known that the eye has a peculiar property of
transmitting the mental currents along the rays of light entering it and
from thence to the eyes of the other person. The above fact explains the
phenomena of hypnotic influence, as it is now known to science. The
question of "Suggestion" also has a bearing on the subject, as we shall
see presently.

Modern operators do not produce the "deep sleep" condition usually
except in cases when it is desired to produce some form of psychic
phenomena apart from the subject of Mental Influence - that is, in which
they are merely inducing the deep hypnotic condition in order to get the
subject into a psychic condition in which the phenomena mentioned may be
manifested or exhibited. We shall not enter into this phase of the
subject in this book, for it is outside of the immediate subject. The
modem hypnotic investigator merely induces a passive state in the mind,
nerves or muscles of the subject sufficient to reduce the powers of
resistance, and then he gives his orders or "verbal suggestions"
accompanied by a projection of his Thought-Waves into the mind of the
subject.

In order to illustrate the subject, we will give you a few experiments,
which may be easily performed by anyone manifesting the power of
concentration and thought-projection. There is of course a great
difference in the degrees of impressionability of different persons to
hypnotic influence - that is to say, difference in degrees of
resistance. Some persons will interpose a strong resistance, while
others will set up a very feeble resistance, which is easily beaten down
by the will of the operator. In the following experiments you had better
begin by getting some person who is perfectly willing for the
experiment, and who will not interpose a resistance but who is willing
to become passive. Some person friendly to you and interested in the
experiments, we mean.

Begin by having the person stand before you. Then make sweeping passes
in front of the person from head to foot. Then make a few passes in
front of the face of the subject, then along his arms. Then take hold of
his hands and hold them a little while, looking him straight in the
eyes. Make all passes downward. Avoid levity or laughter and maintain a
serious, earnest expression and frame of mind.

Then standing in front of the subject tell him to take his will off of
his legs and stand perfectly passive and relaxed. Then looking him
straight in the eyes, say to him: "Now, I am going to draw you forward
toward me by my mental power - you will feel yourself falling forward
toward me - don't resist but let yourself come toward me - I will catch
you, don't be afraid - now come - come - come - now you're coming,
that's right," etc. You will find that he will begin to sway toward you
and in a moment or two will fall forward in your arms. It is unnecessary
to say that you should concentrate your mind steadily upon the idea of
his falling forward, using your will firmly to that effect. It will help
matters if you hold your hands on each side of his head, but just in
front of him, not touching him, however, and then draw away your hands,
toward yourself, saying at the same time: "Come now come - you're
coming," etc. Standing behind the subject and drawing him backward may
reverse this experiment. Be sure and catch him in your arms when he
fails to protect him from a fall to the floor.

In the same manner you may fasten his hands together, telling him that
he cannot draw them apart. Or you may start him revolving his hands, and
then giving him orders that he cannot stop them. Or you may draw him all
around the room after you, following your finger that you have pointed
at his nose. Or you may make him experience a feeling of heat and pain
by touching your finger to his hand and telling him that it is hot. All
of the familiar simple experiments may be performed successfully upon a
large percentage of persons, in this way, by following the above general
directions. We shall not go into detail of the higher experiments of
Hypnotism, as that forms a special subject by itself. We give the above
experiments merely for the purpose of showing you that the phenomena of
Hypnotic Influence does not require any "magnetic fluid" theory, and is
all explainable upon the hypothesis of Mental Influence by means of
Thought- Waves and Mental Induction.

In the above experiments, be sure you "take off' the influence
afterward, by making upward passes, and willing that the influence pass
off. Do not neglect this.

In your experiments, if you care to undertake them, you will soon
discover the power of your eye upon the other persons. You will be able
to almost feel the force passing from your gaze to theirs. And this is
true in the case of the passes and stroking of the hands. You will feel
the vibratory waves flowing from your hands into their nervous system.
It is wonderful what power is aroused in a person after conducting a few
experiments along these lines. Those who care to follow the subject
further are referred to a forthcoming book of this series, to be issued
shortly, and which will be called "The New Hypnotism," in which full
instructions will be given in the higher phenomena, in complete detail.
And now a word of warning - Beware of people who are always putting
their hands on you, or patting or stroking you, or wishing to hold your
hands a long time. Many persons do this from force of habit, and
innocently, but others do so with the intention of producing a mild form
of hypnotic influence upon you. If you meet such persons, and find them
attempting anything of this sort, you can counteract their influence by
sending them a strong thought current (as stated in our last chapter),
sending them the thought: "You can't affect me - I am too strong for you
- you can't play your tricks on me." It is a good plan to practice this
counteracting force when you are shaking hands with a "magnetic" person
who seems to affect people. You will soon be able to distinguish these
people by a certain force about them and a peculiar expression in their
eyes, at the same time using your protective will upon them.

Caution young girls against allowing young men to be too free in using
their hands in caressing them, and a word of advice to young men in your
family would not be out of place in this respect. There are many cases
of sex-attraction, leading to very deplorable results, arising from a
conscious or unconscious use of this simple form of Hypnotic Influence.
The danger lies in the fact that it renders one passive to other
influences, and more readily led into temptation and to yield to the
desires or will of the other person. A word to the wise should be
sufficient. The use of this power for immoral purposes is a terrible
crime and brings down upon the user deplorable results, which all
occultists know and teach. Everyone should learn to resist such
influences when exerted upon them. Forewarned is Forearmed.

CHAPTER VIII
INFLUENCING AT A DISTANCE
 

In the two preceding chapters we invited your consideration of the
manifestation of Mental Influence when the user or projector of the
force was in actual contact with, or in presence of, the person or
persons he was aiming to influence. In this chapter, and the one
immediately following it, we shall pass on to a consideration of the
manifestation of the influence when the persons affected are removed in
space from the person using the influence.

The general public is familiar in a general way with the phenomena of
hypnotism. and to a lesser degree with the phenomena of Fascination in
its more common forms of personal Magnetism, etc. But as regards the use
of the influence at a distance people are more or less skeptical owing
to a lack of knowledge of the subject. And still every day is bringing
to the mind of the public new facts and instances of such an influence.
and the teaching of various cults along these lines is now awakening a
new interest in the subject, and a desire to learn something regarding
the laws and principles underlying the same.

As strange as it may appear at first glance, the principles underlying
Mental Influence at a distance are precisely the same as those
underlying the use of influence when the persons are in the presence of
each other. A little thought must show the truth of this. In the case of
present influence the mental-currents flow across an intervening space
between the two minds - there is a space outside of the two minds to be
traversed by the currents. And a moment's thought will show you that the
difference between present influence and distant influence is merely a
matter of degree - a question of a little more or less space to be
traversed by the currents. Do you see this plainly?

Well, then, this being so, it follows that the methods used must be
identical. Of course, in the case of personal influence the added effect
of the voice, manner, suggestive methods, the eye, etc., are present,
which render the result more easily obtained, and causes the "rapport"
condition to be more easily established. But with this exception the
methods are identical, and even the advantages accruing from the
exception mentioned may be duplicated by practice and development in the
case of distant influence.

There are a number of methods given by the authorities in this matter of
distant influencing, but they are all based upon the same principles
named in the previous chapters of this book, i.e. Vibrations,
Thought-Waves, Mental Induction, Concentration and Mental Imaging - in
these words you have the key to the subject - the rest is all a matter
of practice and development, and variation.
One of the most elementary, and yet one of the most effective methods
known to occultists is that of creating a Mental Image of the person
"treated" (for that is the common term among modern writers on the
subject) in the sense of imagining him to be seated in a chair in front
of the person treating him at a distance. The treater proceeds to give
both verbal commands, and at the same time directs Thought-Waves toward
the imaginary person seated before him. This process establishes a
psychic condition between the treator and the actual person, although
the latter may be removed from the treator by many miles of space. This
was the method of the ancient magicians and wonder-workers, and has
always been a favorite among persons pursuing these experiments, of
desirous, of mentally influencing others at a distance.

A variation of the above, very common in former days, was to mold a clay
or wax figure, calling it by the name of the person treated, and
identifying it in the mind and imagination with the other person. A
variation is also noticed in the cases where a photograph, lock of hair,
article of clothing, etc., is used in this way as a psychic connecting
link between the two persons. The practitioners of Black Magic,
Witchcraft and of her nefarious perversions of Mental influence seemed
to prefer these methods, although, on the contrary, they are used with
the very best results today by many in giving beneficial treatments to
absent patients, friends and others whose welfare is desired. The only
effect the Mental Image of the person, or the picture, etc., has is the
fact that by these means a psychic connection link is set up along which
the Thought- Waves travel more readily.

In the above forms of treatment the treator treats the Mental Image,
picture, etc., precisely as he would if the person were actually
present. He forgets for the time being that the person may be hundreds
of miles away, and concentrates his influence on the image, or picture,
etc., because the latter is really the starting point of the psychic
chain, which leads direct to the person. The treator sends his
Thought-Waves toward the object, and in some cases actually talks
(mentally) to the person by means of the medium mentioned. He may give
commands, arguments, remonstrance, persuasion, etc., just as if the
person were actually present. In short, he acts as if the person were
sitting before him, wide-awake, and receptive to his influence.
Another way, employed by some, is to begin darting Thought-Waves toward
the other person, forming in the imagination a gradual lengthening
"psychic-wire" composed of thought- vibrations. Those practicing this
form state that when the psychic-wire is projected sufficiently far (and
it travels with incredible speed) and comes in contact with the mind of
the other person, the treator feels at once that contact has been
established by a peculiar faint "shock" similar to that of a very mild
galvanic current. Then the treator proceeds to send his thought-currents
along the psychic-wire in the same manner as if the person were actually
in his presence, as described under the head of "Fascination, in a
preceding chapter. In fact, such treatments, and the others mentioned in
this chapter, are really and practically "long distance Fascination."
Another form of distant treatment consists in forming an "astral-tube,"
mentioned in other books in this series. The astral-tube is set up in a
similar manner to the "psychic-wire," and projected toward the person
desired to influence. It is formed in the imagination as a
"vortex-ring," similar to the little ring of smoke puffed out by the
cigar smoker, only larger - about six inches to one foot wide - or,
better still, like the ring of smoke ejected from the stack of a
locomotive sometimes when it is puffing rapidly. This vortex-ring is
then seen, in the imagination, by the use of the will, to lengthen out
in the shape of a tube which rapidly extends and travels toward the
person treated, in a manner identical with that of the psychic-wire.
This tube is known to occultists as the "astral-tube," and is employed
in various forms of occult and psychic phenomena, such as clairvoyance
and other forms of "Psychomancy," as described by us in our volume of
this series, so entitled. Those following this method of distant
influencing report that they recognize the completion of the tube by a
sensation of stoppage and a feeling of "rapport" having been established
between themselves and the other person. In some cases they report that
they are able to faintly "see" the figure of the other person in
miniature at the other end of the tube, but this is undoubtedly due to
the possession of "psycho-mantic" powers, suddenly awakened in to
effect. The tube once established the treatment is proceeded with as if
they were in the actual presence of the person treated. In many respects
the "psychic-wire" and the "astral-tube" methods are similar, and a
statement concerning one is generally true of the other.

There are two other methods frequently used in distant influencing which
we shall now briefly describe.

The first of these two methods consists in sitting or standing in a
quiet place, or rather in some place in which you can concentrate (the
advanced occultist can find peace in the midst of the noise) and then
directing your Thought-Waves toward the other person, forming in the
imagination a mental picture of the force flying from you toward the
other, like tiny sparks of electricity, or of a subtle fluid. This
mental picture tends to give a concentrative force to the current, which
renders them powerful, and sends them direct to the desired spot.
The second of these two methods is that used by the most advanced
occultists who have advanced beyond the use of the methods described
just now. These people simply stand or sit quietly and concentrate their
minds until they attain the state of Mental Calm known to many as "the
Silence." Then they create a strong mental picture of the person
treated, surrounded by the conditions desired created, or doing the
things desired to be done. This is one of the highest forms of Mental
Influence and really approaches a higher phase of influence than that of
the mental plane as generally known. A picture of a person held in the
mind in this way - the person being seen in perfect, robust health, and
happy and successful - tends to materialize the same conditions in the
person in real life. This form of treatment, however, is possible only
to those of great concentration, and who have mastered the act of Mental
Imaging, and who also possess Creative Will-Power to a marked degree.
Some degree of success in it, however, is open to nearly every student
who practices along these lines.

Before practicing any of these experiments, read what we have said in
the chapter on "Magic Black and White, and guard against employing the
power for evil purposes, for the fate of the Black Magician is a sad
one.

CHAPTER IX
INFLUENCING "EN MASSE"
 

In our last chapter we considered the manifestation of Mental Influence
at a distance in so far as was concerned the influencing of one or more
persons by another. There is another phase of the subject that must not
be overlooked, and that is the influencing of large numbers of people by
some active, strong projector of Mental Influence. This form of the
manifestation of the power is known as "Mental Influencing En Masse" -
"En Masse, of course, means "in a boddy" - or "in a crowd," and Mental
Influencing En Masse means the use of the influence in the phase of
exerting a strong attracting or directing power to the mind of "the
crowd," or rather, "the public, or a large number of people.

This form of the use of the power is that consciously or unconsciously
exerted by the great leaders of men in the fields of statesmanship,
politics, business, finance or military life. You will at once recall a
number of the so called "great men" of history from ancient times down
to our own times who seemed to exert a wonderfully, almost miraculous,
effect upon the minds of the people, causing men to see things through
the eyes of the strong man, and making of all instruments to carry out
the ideals, will or desires of these great masters of Mental Influence.
And on a smaller scale are the majority of the successful people who
depend upon public support. In fact, this influence in some degree is
used by nearly all who succeed in any form of business or profession, in
which success calls for the attraction of other people toward the
occupation of the person in question. This may seem like a strange
thought to many, but occultists know it as the truth, notwithstanding.
The most common form of Influencing En Masse is the lesser degree
manifestation, along unconscious lines, manifested by a majority of
people by reason of their desire for the success of certain things. By
desire we do not mean the mere "wanting" or "wishing" state of mind, but
rather that eager longing, craving, demanding mental state that evinces
a hungry reaching out for the desired thing. You will notice that the
men and women who "get things" are generally those who are possessed of
a strong, burning desire for the things in question, which prompts them
to be more of less aggressive in the search for satisfaction of the
desire possessing them. These people are constantly sending out strong
waves of thought-vibrations, which has a drawing, attracting influence
upon all with whom they come in contact, and tending to draw such
persons toward the center of attraction, which is, of course, the mind
of the person sending out such thoughts. And in the same way a person
possessed of a strong Fear of a thing will send out similar attracting
waves, which have a tendency to attract or draw to him the people
calculated to bring about the materialization of the thing feared. This
may sound paradoxical, but the secret lies in the fact that in both the
case of Desire and Fear the mind forms the Mental Image, which tends to
become materialized. Fear, after all, is a form of "expectation," which,
alas, too, often tends to materialize it." The thing that I have feared,
hath come upon me," says Job, and in that saying he has stated the
experience of the race. The way to fight things you may fear is to
create a burning desire for the opposite thing.

Other persons who have either studied the principles of Mental
Influence, or else have stumbled upon certain facts concerning the same,
improve upon this elementary form of Influencing En Masse just
mentioned. They send out the Thought-Waves consciously and deliberately,
erecting the mental image, and holding strongly to it, so that in time
their sweeps of mental currents reach further and further away and bring
a greater number of people under the influence and into the field of
attraction. They "treat" the public "en masse" by holding the strong
mental picture of that which they desire, and then sending out strong
thought-currents of desire in all directions, willing that those coming
within their radius shall be attracted toward the ideas expressed in the
Mental image projected in all directions.

The constant dwelling upon some special object or subject, by men who
have developed concentration, strong wills and fixity of purpose, has
the effect of sending out from the mind of that person great circles,
constantly widening, of Thought-Waves, which sweep ever outward like
waves in a pond caused by dropping in a stone. These waves reach and
affect a great number of people, and will render them at least
"interested" in the object or subject thought of, and the indifference
has been overcome. Other appeals to the minds of these people will be
far more likely to reach them than otherwise, for "interest" is the
first step toward attention, and attention is another step toward
action.

Of course, there are very many people sending out circles of
Thought-Waves, and these currents come in contact with each other and
tend to neutralize each. But now and then a particularly strong man will
send out waves that will persist even after meeting other currents, and
will reach the minds of the public in spite of the opposition. These
thought-currents have the personality of the sender, and reflect the
character of his will, be it strong or weak. The Mental Influence sent
out by a strong business man in a town will soon make itself felt in a
subtle manner, and the store becomes a center of attractive influence,
although the public does no understand just why. In the same way some
lawyers spring into public favor, although not possessing greater
ability than their legal brethren. And popular preachers make their
influence felt in a community in similar ways, although often they are
not conscious of just what force they are using, their only knowledge
being that they have a feeling of inward strength and an attractive
influence over people, and at the same time a burning ardent desire to
draw people their way, and a strong will to back it up with. And these
are just the mental qualities that create and manifest the strongest
kind of Mental Influence. And besides, these people almost invariably
"know just what they want" - there is no mere vague "wishing" about them
- they make a clear mental picture of the things that they wish to bring
about, and then they bend every effort toward materializing the picture.
Everything they do towards accomplishing their ends gives an additional
impetus to their constantly widening and constantly strengthening circle
of power and influence.

Some masters of this art of influencing the public create a mental
picture of themselves sending out great volumes of Thought-Waves for a
time, and then afterward mentally imparting a rotary motion to the
waves, until at last they form a mental whirlpool rushing round and
round and always sucking in toward the center. An effort of this kind
acts on the mental plane just as a physical whirlpool acts on the
physical plane, that is it draws into its power all that comes in
contact with its force. This is one of the most powerful forms of
Influencing En Masse, and is used with great effect by many of the
"strong men" of this age; who have acquainted themselves fully with the
secrets of the ancient occultists. Ancient Occultism and Modern Finance
seem far apart, but they are really working together to further the
interests of some of these powerful minds of the day - and the public is
paying  the bill.

You will readily see from what has been said that an individual who has
cultivated the faculty of concentration and has acquired the art of
creating sharp, clear, strong mental images, and who when engaged in an
undertaking will so charge his mind with the idea of success, will be
bound to become an attracting center. And if such an individual will
keep his mental picture ever in his mind, even though it may be in the
background of his mind, when he is attending to the details and planning
of his affairs - if he will give his mental picture a prominent place in
his mental gallery, taking a frequent glance at it, and using his will
upon it to create new scenes of actual success, he will create for
himself a center of radiating thought that will surely be felt by those
coming within its field of influence.

Such a man frequently "sees" people coming to him and his enterprises
and falling in line with his plans. He mentally "sees" money flowing in
to him, and all of his plans working out right. In short, he mentally
imagines each step of his plans a little ahead of the time for their
execution and he concentrates forcibly and earnestly upon them. It is
astonishing to witness how events, people, circumstances and things seem
to move in place in actual life as if urged by some mighty power to
serve to materialize the conditions so imaged in the mind of the man.
But, understood, there has got to be active mental effort behind the
imaging. Daydreamers do not materialize thought - they merely dissipate
energy. The man who converts thought in activity and material being,
throws energy into the task and puts forth his willpower through the
picture on the slide. Without the rays of the will there will be no
picture projected, no matter how beautifully the imagination has
pictured it. Thoughts pictured in mental images and then vitalized by
the force of the desire and will tend to objectify themselves into
material beings, That is the whole thing in a nutshell.

CHAPTER X
THE NEED OF THE KNOWLEDGE
 

Although the true scientific principles underlying the subject of Mental
Influence have been but recently recognized and taught to the general
public, still the knowledge is far from being new. The occultists of the
old civilizations undoubtedly understood the underlying principles and
used them in practice, thus gaining an ascendancy over the masses. And
more than this, the masses themselves had a more or less comprehensive
knowledge of the working principles of the subject, for we find among
all peoples, in all times, records of the use of this power. Under one
name or another - under one form or another - Mental Influence has been
operated and used from the earliest times. And today, even in the most
remote portions of the globe, and among the most savage and barbarous
races we find instances of the employment of this force. The forms of
the manifestation of Mental Influence are many and varied. In some cases
it manifests under the form of a fascinating, attracting power exerted
by some people, which causes such persons to draw or attract other
persons to them. Persons are allured or "charmed" by others possessing
this power, and their affections are taken captive by this mysterious
force. Some persons are spoken of as "fascinating," "possessing powers
of charming," having "winning ways," having "great personal magnetism,"
etc. Others exert another form of the power in the driving of and
compelling others to do their bidding, and people speak of them as
having "a compelling will," being able "to work their will" on those
around them, possessing "dominating powers," etc. We are also brought
face to face with the wonderful effects of "Mental Science" under one
form or another, under this name or that term, with the many forms of
"treatments" followed by the different schools and cults. Then we read
in the pages of history about the mysterious powers recorded under the
name of Witchcraft, Hexes, Voodoo's, and Black Magic, including the
Hawaiian "Kahuna" work. And turning back the pages of history to Ancient
time, Greece, Persia and Egypt, not to speak of India, ancient and
modern, we find innumerable instances of the employment of, and
knowledge of, Mental influence in some of its forms.   And although many
will seek to deny the fact, scientific investigators and students
realize that there is but one real underlying principle under and back
of all of the various forms of manifestation. The good results, and the
evil results, all arise from the employment of the same force, strange
as it may appear at first thought. The secret lies in the fact that this
Mental Influence is a great natural force, just as is electricity or any
other natural forces, and it may be, and is, used for both good and evil
purposes. The electricity which runs out machines, lights our houses and
performs countless other beneficent tasks in the service of man is also
used to electrocute criminals, and the unfortunate person who touches a
"live wire" may be struck with instant death. The sun, which warms our
earth and renders life possible, also kills countless persons exposed to
its rays on the desert, or even in our large cities. Fire, that great
friend of man, which has been one of the most potent factors in the
evolution of the race from barbarism to civilization, is also a mighty
enemy, destroying both property and lives. Water, that most necessary
element, which renders life possible, and which is necessary to grow our
grain and to perform countless other good services for us, also acts as
an enemy at times, drowning people and sweeping away their homes.
Gravitation, which holds all things in place, from suns and stars down
to the tiniest atom of matter, also causes people to fall to their death
from high places, or brings down on their heads objects from above them.
In short, every natural force or power is capable of producing either
beneficent or baleful effects to man, according to the circumstances of
the case. We recognize these things, and accept them as a law of nature.
And yet some would deny the identity of the power of Mental influence as
manifested in its good and bad uses. There will be people who ascribe to
God all the good qualities of Mental Influence, and ascribe to the Devil
all of its evil uses. These people have primitive minds. Their
counterparts are seen in those who would credit God with the helpful
rain or sun, and who ascribe to the Devil the same things when there
occurs a flood or a drought. Such reasoning is worthy only of the savage
mind. The forces are natural forces, and work according to their own
laws, imminent in their constituent qualities and nature, and are in
that sense "above good and evil." When they work for man's interest and
comfort man calls them "good" - when they work harm and discomfort to
him man call them "bad" - but the force remains unchanged, being neither
"good" nor "bad." And thus it is with the power of Mental Influence - it
is above "good" and "bad"  - it is a great natural force, capable of
being used for either wear or woe to mankind. But, remember this, there
is a difference. While the force in itself is neither good nor bad the
individual who employs it may be, and it is, "good" or "bad," according
to its use. Just as a man commits a good or bad act when he uses his gun
to slay a wild beast attacking another man, or else turns it upon his
brother or neighbor, as the case may be - so is a man good or bad
according to his use of Mental Influence. The merit or demerit lies in
the intention and purpose of the user, not in the force or power
employed by him. Therein lies the difference. On all sides of us we may
see the manifestation of the possession of Mental Influence. We see men
who are able to sway those around them in some mysterious and wonderful
way, either by their powers of persuasion of by their dominant will
power. Some spring into prominence and power suddenly, in a way
unaccountable to those who are ignorant of the secret of Mental
Influence. As we have said in a previous chapter, certain people seem to
have "something about them" that makes them attractive or successful in
their relations with other people. The "personal magnetism" of leaders
manifests itself strongly, some having this power to such an extent that
the masses follow them like a great flock of sheep after the
"bell-whether" with the tinkling bell around his neck. We have all come
in contact with the "agent" or salesman who managed in some way to sell
us things that we did not want and had no use for, and after he had gone
we wondered and wondered how it all happened. If we had but understood
the laws of Mental Influence this could not have happened. We have all
felt ourselves, at some time or another in our lives, in the presence of
individuals who almost compelled us to do what we knew in our hearts we
should not do. Knowledge of the laws of Mental influence would have
enabled us to overcome the temptation. And not only in the case of
personal interviews have we been affected. There is a far more subtle
and dangerous use of the power, i.e., in the shape of "distant
influence," or "absent treatment," as it had been called. And the
increase in the interest and knowledge of Occult matters during the past
twenty years has resulted in a widely diffused knowledge of this great
force, and its consequent employment, worthily and unworthily, by many
people who are thereby enabled to gain an influence over their neighbors
and fellow men, who are not familiar with the laws of the force. It
would surprise many people if they knew that some of the
multi-millionaires of the country, and some of its greatest politicians
and leaders, were secret students of Occultism, and who were using their
forces upon the masses of the people. Not only this, but there are
Schools of Occultism which teach their pupils the theory, practice and
art of Mental Influence, under one name or another - under this guise or
that - the result being that there are a greater number of people
equipped for the use of this force and instructed in the practice of
employing it turned out every year than is generally imagined. There are
Schools for Salesmanship giving disguised instruction in the art of
Mental Influence. Nearly every large concern employing selling agents
has private instructors for their men, who teach them the principles of
Mental Influence disguised under the name of "Psychology of Business,"
or some such name. And besides these, there are a number of people who
have studied at the feet of some of the great metaphysical,
semi-religious cults of the day, who have received instruction in Mental
influence disguised under the name of some creed or religious teachings,
who have departed from the moral principles inculcated by their by their
teachers, and who are using their knowledge in the shape of "treatments"
of other persons for the purpose of influencing them to accede to their
wishes or to act so as to bring financial gain to the person giving the
treatment. The air is full of this Black Magic today, and it is surely
time that the general masses were instructed on this subject. And this
is the purpose of this little book, published and sold at a popular
price in order to bring it within the reach of the purses of the "plain
people," who have been exploited and influenced by those who have
acquired a knowledge of the principles of Mental Influence, and who are
using it unworthily upon their fellow men. There is self protection
possible to all, and this little book purposes to teach you how to use
it.

CHAPTER XI
MAGIC BLACK AND WHITE
 

The use of the word "Magic" in connection with Mental Influence is quite
ancient. Occultists make a clear distinction between the use of Mental
Influence in a manner conducive to the welfare of others, and its use in
a selfish, base manner calculated to work harm on others. Both forms are
common and are frequently mentioned in all occult writings.

White Magic has many forms, both in its ancient manifestations and in
these latter days of revived occult knowledge. The use of Mental
Influence in this way generally takes the form of kindly "treatments" of
persons by others having their welfare at heart. In this particular
class fall the various treatments of the several cults and schools of
what is known as Mental Science, or similar names. These people make a
practice of giving treatments, both "present" and "absent," for the
purpose of healing physical ailments and bringing about a normal
Physical condition of health and strength. Similar treatments are given
by some to bring about a condition of Success to others, by imparting to
the minds of such persons the vibrations of courage, confidence, energy,
etc., which surely make for success along the lines of material
occupation, etc.

in the same way one may "treat" adverse conditions surrounding others,
bringing the force of the mind and will to bear on these conditions with
the idea of changing the prevailing vibrations and bringing harmony from
in-harmony, and success from failure.

The majority of persons, not informed along these lines, are surrounded
by a mental atmosphere arising from the prevailing mental states,
thoughts, feelings, etc., and also arising from the thought-currents
which they have attracted to them by the Law of Mental Attraction. These
Mental Atmospheres, when once firmly settled around a person, render it
most difficult for him to "break away" from their vibrations. He
struggles and fights, but the prevailing vibrations are beating down
upon him all the time and must produce a strong effect upon even persons
of strong will, unless indeed they have fully acquainted themselves with
the laws of Mental influence and have acquired the power of
Concentration. The habit of a lifetime, perhaps, has to be overcome, and
besides the constant suggestive vibrations from the mental atmosphere
are constantly bringing a pressure to bear upon the person, so that
indeed he has a mighty task before him to throw off the old conditions,
unaided and alone. And, so, while individual effort is preferable, there
comes a time in the lives of many people when "a helping hand," or
rather a "helping mind," is of great service and aid.
The person coming to the mental aid of a person needing his or her
services is performing a most worthy and proper act. We hear a great
deal about "interfering with other people's minds" in such kind and
worthy "treatments," but in many cases there is but little real
interference done. The work of the helper is really in the nature of
neutralizing and dissipating the unfavorable. Mental Influence surrounds
the other person, and thereby giving the other person a chance to work
out his own mental salvation. It is true that everyone must do his or
her own work, but help of the kind above indicated is surely most worthy
and proper.

In these White Magic treatments the person giving the treatments forms
the Mental Picture of the desired condition in his mind, and then sends
his thought-currents to the other person endeavoring to reproduce the
Mental Picture in the mind or thought-atmosphere of the other person.
The best way of doing this, of course, is to assert mentally that the
desired condition actually exists. One may be of great help and aid to
others in this  way, and there is no good reason why it should not be
done.

And now for the reverse side of the shield - We wish it were possible to
avoid even a mention of this hateful form and manifestation of Mental
Influence, but we feel that ignorance is no protection, and that it is
useless and foolish to pursue the policy of the ostrich which sticks its
head in the sand when pursued, that not seeing the hunter the latter may
not see him. We believe that it is better to look things in the face,
particularly where it is a case of "forewarned being forearmed."
It is a fact known to all students of occultism that Black Magic has
been frequently employed in all times to further the selfish, base aims
of some people. And it is also known to advanced thinkers today that
even in this enlightened age there are many who do not scruple to stoop
to the use of this hateful practice in order to serve their own ends,
notwithstanding the punishment that occultists know awaits such persons.
The annals of history are full of records of various forms of
witchcraft, conjuration and similar forms of Black Magic. All the much
talked of forms of "putting spells" upon people are really forms of
Black Magic, heightened by the fear and superstition of those affected.
One has but to read the history of witchcraft to see that there was
undoubtedly some force at work behind all of the appalling superstition
and ignorance shown by the people of those times. What they attributed
to the influence of people "in league with the devil" really arose from
the use of Black Magic, or an unworthy use of Mental Influence, the two
things being one. An examination of the methods used by these "witches,"
as shown by their confessions, gives us a key to the mystery. These
"witches" would fix their minds upon other people, or their animals, and
by holding a concentrated mental picture there, would send forth
Thought-Waves affecting the welfare of the persons being "adversely
treated," which would influence and disturb them, and often bring on
sicknesses. Of course, the effect of these "treatments" were greatly
heightened by the extreme ignorant fear and superstition held by the
masses of people at the time, for Fear is ever a weakening factor in
Mental influence, and the superstitions and credulity of the people
caused their minds to vibrate in such a manner as to render them
extremely passive to the adverse influences being directed against them.
It is well known that the Voodoos of Africa, and similar cults among
other savage races, practice Black Magic among their people with great
effect. Among the natives of Hawaii there are certain men known as
"Kahunas," who pray people sick, or well, whichever way they are paid
for. These instances could be multiplied had we the space and
inclination to proceed further with the matter.

And in our own civilized lands there are many people who have learned
the principles of Mental Influence, and who are using the same for
unworthy purposes, seeking to injure others and defeat their
undertakings, or else trying to bring them around to their own (the
"treator's") point of view and inclinations. The modern revival of
occult knowledge has operated along two lines. On the one hand we see
and hear of the mighty power for good Mental Influence is exerting among
the people today, raising up the sick, strengthening the weak, putting
courage into the despondent and making successes of failures. But on the
other hand the hateful selfishness and greed of unprincipled persons in
taking advantage of this mighty force of nature and prostituting it to
their own hateful ends, without heeding the dictates of conscience or
the teaching of religion or morality. These people are sowing a baleful
wind that will result in their reaping a frightful whirlwind on the
mental plane. They are bringing down upon themselves pain and misery in
the future.

At this point we wish to utter a solemn warning to those who have been,
or are tempted, to employ this mighty force for unworthy purposes .The
laws of the mental plane are such that "as one sows so shall he reap."
The mighty Law of Attraction acts with the accuracy of a machine, and
those who seek to entangle others in a net of Mental influence sooner or
later are caught by their own snare. The Black Magician involves him to
pieces. He is sucked down into the whirlpool of his own making, and is
dragged down to the lowest depths. These are not idle remarks, but a
statement of certain laws of nature, in operation on the mental plane,
which all should know and heed.

And to those who may feel appalled at this mention of the existence and
possibilities of Black Magic we would say that there is one thing to be
remembered, and that is that GOOD always overcomes EVIL on the mental
plane. A good thought always has the power to neutralize the Evil one,
and a person whose mind is filled with Love and Faith may combat a
multitude whose minds are filled with Hate and Evil. The tendency of all
nature is upward and toward Good. And he who would pull it back toward
Evil sets himself against the law of Spiritual Evolution, and sooner or
later falls a victim to his folly.

And then, remember this: Thought-Waves find entrance only to those minds
that are accustomed to think similar thoughts. He who thinks Hate may be
affected by Hate thoughts, while he whose mind is filled with Faith and
Love is surrounded by a resistant armor which repels the invading waves,
and causes them to be deflected, or else driven back to their senders.
Bad thoughts, like chickens, come home to roost. Thoughts ace like
Boomerangs, in their tendency to return to their sender. To the poison
of Black Magic Nature gives the antidote of Right-Thinking.

CHAPTER XII
SELF-PROTECTION  
 

The reader of the preceding chapters will see the power of Mental
Influence in its various phases of manifestation, and will recognize the
possibility of the force being used to influence himself. The question
that will naturally arise in the mind of every student and investigator
of this important subject, and which comes to all at sometime, is: "How
may I protect myself from the use of this power against myself - how may
I render myself immune from these influences which may be directed
against me?"

It is true that we, and other writers on the subject, have shown you
that one is far less liable to influence if he will maintain a mental
atmosphere of high vibration - that is keeping oneself surrounded by a
thought atmosphere filled with vibrations of the highest kind of
thoughts and free from thoughts and desire of a base, selfish character,
which tends to attract similar thoughts. In this way one creates a state
of mental hygienic cleanliness which renders him immune from the
"contagious thoughts of the selfish plane of desire," etc. This should
be remembered and taken advantage of by everyone, for just as physical
cleanliness gives no congenial lodgment for the germs of disease, so
mental cleanliness refuses to admit the mental microbes.
But there is a method far more efficacious than even the above-mentioned
plan. And this method is really that employed by the adepts in
Occultism, and the method and practice taught the initiates of the
occult brotherhoods and lodges all over the world. Let us consider it
here.

In the first place, without entering into a statement of the details of
the high occult teachings, we wish to inform you that the Basic
Principle of all such teaching and instruction is the fact that within
each of us, in the very center of the being of each individual - in the
very heart of hearts of the immortal Ego - is what occultists know as
the Flame of the Spirit. This is what you recognize in consciousness as
the "I AM" consciousness - that consciousness of being which is far
above the consciousness of Personality, or the things of personality. It
is that consciousness which informs each individual, unmistakably, that
he IS actually an Individual Being. This consciousness comes to the
individual by reason of his contact with the great One Life of the
Universe - it is the point of contact between the PART and the ALL.
And in this part of a man's consciousness, coupled with the sense of
BEING and "I," there resides a spark from the Divine Flame of Life and
Power, which is what has been called the WILL of man. Now, do not
mistake us and confuse this with the so called Will of personality,
which is merely a Desire, or else a certain firmness, which often is
little more than Stubbornness. This inner Will is Real Power, and when
once recognized may be drawn upon as a source of unending and unfailing
Strength. The occult adepts have developed the consciousness of this
Power Within, and use it freely. This is the result of years of
practice, and correct living and thinking. But, still, each and every
person may draw upon this source of strength within them to aid them in
life and to repel the thought-vibrations of the lower plane.
This consciousness may be developed by a realization of its existence,
and by a practice of bringing the idea in everyday consciousness, by
thought, meditation and practice. The very fact of having called your
attention to its existence has awakened within the mind of You who are
reading these lines a new strength and sense of power. Think a moment
and see whether you do not feel a dawning sense of Strength within you
that you have not realized so fully before this moment! A continued
recognition in your everyday consciousness of this Something Within will
develop your ability to manifest it. Particularly in an hour of need
will it spring to your assistance, giving you a sense of a part of
yourself crying out to you in words of encouragement: "l Am Here! Be Not
Afraid!"

It is very difficult to give you this method in written or printed
works, but if you will enter fully into a recognition of this Inward
Power you will find yourself developing a new power of resisting outside
influences that will astonish you.

When you come in contact with people who are seeking to influence you in
any of the ways mentioned in the preceding chapters of this book, or in
others ways, you will find yourself able to defy their mental attacks by
simply remembering the strength imminent in your "I," aided by the
statement (made silently to yourself): "l am an Immortal Spirit, using
the Will within my Ego." With this Mental Attitude you may make the
slightest mental effort in the direction of throwing out from your mind
vibrations, which will scatter the adverse influences in all directions,
and which, if persisted in, will cause the other person to become
confused and anxious to let you alone.

With this consciousness held in mind, your mental command to another,
"Let me alone - I cast off your influence by the power of my Spirit,"
will act so strongly that you will be able to actually see the effect at
once. If the other person is stubborn and determined to influence you by
words of suggestion, coaxing, threatening, or similar methods, look him
or her straight in the eyes, saying mentally "I defy you - my inner
power casts off your influence. Try this the next time that anyone
attempts to influence you either verbally or by Thought-Waves and see
how strong and positive you will feel, and how the efforts of the other
person will fail. This sounds simple, but the little secret is worth
thousands of dollars to every individual who will put it into practice.
Above all, put out of your mind all Fear of others persons. The feeling
of fear prevents you from manifesting the power within you to its full
extent. Cast out fear as unworthy and hurtful.

Not only the case of personal influence in the actual presence of the
other person may be defeated in this way, but the same method will act
equally as well in the matter of repelling the mental influence of
others directed against you in the form of "absent treatments," etc. If
you feel yourself inclining toward doing something which in your heart
you feel that is not to your best interests, judged from a true
standpoint, you may know that, consciously or unconsciously someone is
seeking to influence you in this way. Then smile to yourself and make
the statements mentioned above, or some similar one, and holding the
power of the Spirit within your "I" firmly in you mind, send out a
mental command just as you would in the case of the actual presence of
the person himself or herself. You may also deny the influencing power
out of existence by asserting mentally: "l DENY your power to influence
me - you have no such power over me - I am resting on my knowledge of
Spirit and its Will within me - I deny your power out of existence."
This form of denial may be used either in the case of absent influence
or personal influence. The rule is the same in all cases.

In repelling these absent influences you will at once experience a
feeling of relief and strength and will be able to smile at the defeated
efforts of the other person. If you feel sufficiently broad and full of
love for mankind you may then "treat" the other person for his error,
sending him thoughts of Love and Knowledge with the idea of dispelling
his ignorance and selfishness, and bringing him to a realization of the
higher truths of life.

You will doubtless have many interesting experiences arising from thus
repelling these attacks. In some cases you will find that the next time
you meet the person in question he will appear confused and puzzled and
ill at ease. In other cases the person will begin to manifest a new
respect and regard for you, and disposed to aid you instead of trying to
influence you to his way and desire. In other cases the person will
still have the desire, and will endeavor to "argue" you into doing that
which he has tried to influence you into doing by Mental Influence, but
his efforts will "fall flat," and without effect, particularly if you
give him "another dose of the assertion of the Power of the Spirit
within you.

In the same way you should call upon your Higher Self for aid and
strength when you feel yourself being affected by any of the great
Mental Waves of feeling or emotion sweeping over the public mind, and
which have a tendency to "stampede" people into adopting certain ideas,
or of following certain leaders. In such case the assertion of the "I"
within you will dissipate the influence around you, and you will find
yourself standing in a center of Peace surrounded on all sides by the
ocean of mental tumult and agitation which is sweeping over or circling
around the place. In the same way you will be able to neutralize the
unpleasant mental atmospheres of places, localities, houses, etc., and
render yourself positive to and immune from the same. n short, we have
given you here a recipe that may be used in any and every instance of
the employment of Mental Influence. It may sound simple to you, but a
little use of it will make you deem it the most important bit of
practical knowledge you may possess.
 

 

 

 

Compiled by Jedi Simon Foundation. Jediway Multiversal Language Research Department.
 Learn, Practice, Be. May the Force be with you. Things can only get better.