Concentration and the Acquirement of Personal Magnetism is a very important self-improvement book and I am sure its practical exercises will assist you in developing your personal magnetism to use as a powerful force in your personal and professional life.

–Harrison

CONCENTRATION AND THE ACQUIREMENT OF PERSONAL MAGNETISM

By O. Hashnu Hara

INTRODUCTION

IN giving this series of lessons to the public at a nominal fee, I believe I am really doing something that will be of great benefit to all who need a helmsman to guide the rudder of the good boat “Thought” to the harbor of Success. Thought, unorganized, is so much waste matter; Thought, ORGANIZED, is the greatest power in the world, greater even than the almighty Dollar, for it commands filthy lucre and bids grim poverty farewell – forever? It commands love, which filthy lucre can’t, and it commands all that makes life worth living. That it is necessary to undergo special mental training to produce this state of mental organization is very apparent, and that people desire daily more light, more knowledge, and for means to overcome their state of ignorance is, as sure as “eggs are eggs,” the reason why Personal Magnetism and the consideration of the Thought Forces have become such a cult. Personal Magnetism means health, happiness, power and success. Those who want these things and all they stand for, follow the rules I give you in these pages; read, mark, learn and inwardly digest each lesson, and if you do not live to bless the wonderful force known as Personal or Animal Magnetism; if you do not realize within yourself a new found happiness, because you realize that you are not the weak, downtrodden creature you have so long considered yourself, but a glorified, radiant, happy being; then, I say, my name is not… O. Hashnu Hara

THOUGHT AND THE BRAIN

LESSON I THAT a course of lessons fully illustrating the action of thought, explaining its composition, and the correct method of using it, would prove a boon to many students of the Occult and mental sciences, who find this a very great drawback to serious advancement, appear almost a certainty. The methods usually advocated seem to me very impractical; in the first place, how can a man who has never learned to control thought in everyday matters, such as banishing business worries when he comes home, or goes to bed, or in learning to control small habits, suddenly sit down and “concentrate on Spirit,” when probably his very idea of spirit is such as to awaken all his dormant fancies, and to call forth not one image, but hundreds? Then he fondly believes he is concentrating, until the utter absence of results proves that he has done no such thing, and he begins all over again. It is only what may be expected, and even a general attempt to simplify the matter would be welcome; but I have had so many letters and so many appeals from men and women who cannot master this one subject – quite the most important in the whole school of Metaphysical and Occult teaching – the door, in fact, which will open to them the whole vista held out in books, an entrancing vision of knowledge, of health, of happiness, and the unseen, which too often will remain in books, simply because the initial step is too difficult – that I have made a great effort to meet the demand in a popular and practical form. First of all I will beg of my pupils to begin at the bottom. Do not try to concentrate your thought on spirit before you are quite sure: First. As to what THOUGHT is composed of. Second. That you are able to concentrate your mind on some unimportant mundane matter, to the exclusion of all else. Third. Do not try to concentrate your mind for half an hour at a time, until you can concentrate for two consecutive minutes. Fourth. What spirit is. I advise the student to practice keeping his mind on one subject for a minute at a time, and then gradually increase the time from day to day. If you intended to train for, say, a foot race, you would not start with a twenty-mile walk after having been out of training for a long time. Nor if a little child is being taught how to read is he given a difficult scientific book to begin with. Yet men and women are put to a task far more difficult than these, without any preparation or gradual initiation into the processes employed. Take some subject you are very much interested in for the commencement, then for one minute hold this before your mind’s eye, try to see if it in your imagination, and if you fail, wait another hour or so then try again. By these means you gradually increase the elasticity of your brain, which, by continual exercises, can be expanded and made to perform tasks which were originally impossible. The next thing is to consider the part our brain plays in the matter of thought generation. Look upon the brain simply as a very delicate machine, a dynamo that generates thought as an ordinary dynamo generates electricity. The construction of this machine needs some consideration for it is known that certain parts of the brain are put to certain uses, and that a brain left dormant grows gradually incapable of anything much above involuntary action, and that if certain parts even of the brain are neglected they in turn become atrophied and are useless. The accompanying diagram shows the relative parts of the brain, and the work they do is as follows: Fig. 1 is the cerebrum, and consists of two hemispheres, which are separated by a very deep fissure. The cerebrum is composed of a thick layer of gray matter, surrounding white fibrous nerve substance. The gray matter is drawn up in to folds, or convolutions, and the whole is covered by a delicate membrane composed of arteries and veins, supported by tissue. ( Diagrams not shown ) This part of the brain is the seat of sensation, of will, of intelligence, and also of the emotions; if this part of the brain is injured, the power of manifesting mental faculties is more or less lost. Fig. 2 is the lesser brain, or cerebellum, and this guards and regulates the involuntary muscles and movements of the mind and body. I have always placed the subconscious mind here; it seems the most reasonable locality to apportion it to, for the subconscious mind is certainly an involuntary worker; it also depends very little upon the will of the emotions, for all the will-power in the world will not make it manifest if it is not in the state to do so, and the everyday working brain has quite enough to do to look after its own without taking on another function. Fig. 3, the pons varolli, and Fig. 5, the medulla oblongata, do not immediately concern us, although, of course, their own work is very important. Thus, if the medulla oblongata is destroyed, death at once ensues. From the under surface of the brain twelve pairs of nerves are given off, called the cranial nerves; each pair supply some sense to the body, generated by the brain machine, just as a dynamo turns out its streams of electricity. One pair of nerves supply the sense of smell; the next the optic nerves; the third pair move the eyeballs; the fourth supply the skin of the face, the muscles of the lower jaw, and the tongue; the sixth pair are supplied to the muscles which turn the eyeballs outwards; the seventh pair supply fibers to the muscles of the face; the eight pair supply the ear; the ninth pair are mixed nerves and they enable us to taste, and also supply the nerves to the pharynx; the tenth pair are very important mixed nerves which send fibers to her larynx, lungs, hear, stomach and liver; the eleventh pair are motor nerves which supply certain muscles to the neck; the twelfth pair are spending fibers to the tongue. So here we get a clear idea of our thought machine, a good thing to start with, since certainly no other kind of engineer would attempt to drive a machine of which he was absolutely ignorant. This direct arrangement from the brain center explains to a great extent how the form of concentration called mental healing can affect the body, and rebuild the tissues. For each pair of nerves will carry the message given to them by the brain, and it naturally depends upon the message as to the effect produced. Here we get the machine we have to work with, and having mastered the technical parts of it, we will now proceed to see how thought acts, and how concentration affects thought. It has long been a matter of consideration and study to me as to where the will really is located, and in this matter of concentration it is doubly important, because without that WILL man cannot possibly concentrate. It is the master of the Thoughts Machine, and I have found that the best way to meet the difficulty is to look upon the WILL as the OVER SOUL, that part of man which never dies, and which is carried on from incarnation to incarnation. I am assuming the theory of reincarnation to be something more that theory. It has been given to me to remember past lives, although only two or three; but even if one can remember any it surely renders the theory a fact. This OVER SOUL, or will-power, is the force which sets the brain in motion, and which determines what effect the thought generated will have, and also what strength; it rests within ourselves to decide the state we are to reach in each successive incarnation (after we have been through a certain number), yet if we seek the intelligent co-operation of the over soul we can, if we so desire, accomplish in one life what might otherwise take centuries to perform.

THE WILL: HOW THOUGHT TRAVELS –VARIETIES OF THOUGHT WAVES

LESSON II THE seat of WILL, or the over soul, may, I think, be safely placed in the NERVE AURA surrounding the brain. The exact nature of thought has not, so far as I have been able to discover, ever been fully explained. There is no doubt that thought is of atomic origin, else I do not quite see how, in accordance with Nature’s law, it could travel through the ether. In regarding the action of thought in the ether, we are too much in danger of regarding the ether as something outside ourselves, and thought as an unconsidered and unknown quantity, a mistake which must be rigorously guarded against. The ether permeates our whole body, and because of this wonderful invisible medium, thought, magnetism, and other know substances of a similar nature can attract to themselves matter from throughout the universe; thought, of course, having a greater power of attraction than any other substance. There is nothing in the world, which can prevent this attraction, no matter what may intervene between the thought and the object it seeks. The reason for this may be summed up in one word – ether. This acts as a conducting medium for the light waves which travel form the most distant planets and fixed stars, light which takes ten years to reach our little earth; and it acts as a conducting medium for our thought, whether we desire to send it to the other side of the earth, or to some far distant region in the unknown, or back, back into the long forgotten past, or forward into the yet unexplored future. I have frequently held forth respecting the nature of that invisible substance called ether, but for the benefit of new readers, at the risk of boring the old, I will repeat myself. The ether, then, is an invisible medium filling all space; scientists accept it as a necessity to account for the transmission of LIGHT through space where no ordinary medium, such as air, is to be found. It is said by scientists to be of a smooth, jelly-like substance, and by Rosicrucian’s it is looked upon as living flame: We are at present more concerned with the scientific standpoint of what is called the “aluminiferous ether.” As my readers can readily understand, there must be some substance to fill all space, or we could get light from sun or moon, or the far distant stars. This light travels through the ether by means of “waves,” that is, the tiny atoms, or particles, travel through space in a series of concentric (that is, from a common center) waves, each particle communicating motion to the next adjoining particle, and so on. Remember, too, that each particle, or atom, becomes, in its turn, a center of disturbance, sending out new waves. These wavelengths are exceedingly minute, and travel at an immense speed. They follow the waveform usual to water when, say, a stone is thrown in to cause a disturbance. There is the crest of the wave and the trough, and although the scientific method of measuring the length of these waves does not affect us at present, measured they are. We know that light travels through ether by means of waves continually spreading outward; that a RAY of light is really non-existent. Light travels in minute particles, or atoms, and THOUGHT is propelled through the ether and through space in a similar manner to light. You will consider the brain as a dynamo, only, of course, more powerful than any other known machine, and more delicately constructed. Man, as a race, is in constant danger of under-estimating the power of this machine, simply because he cannot CONCEIVE of such power. From the central point of the brain, where motion is so intense, it almost appears at a standstill, thought radiates outward, as light radiates from our central point of energy -the sun. We have seen, first, the machine, which generates thought, and secondly, the medium through which thought is propelled in its journey from one point of the globe to another. The NATURE of thought is such that it is invisible as far as ocular demonstration is concerned, but its POWER is such that it is manifested in our daily life on every hand. I assume thought to be of atomic origin, and, as I have already explained, the ether is a smooth, jelly-like substance with the property of transmitting atoms and molecules (a molecule is a group of two or more atoms) through space (which it entirely fills) at a terrific speed, the speed, of course, depending entirely upon the nature and size of the atom. Thought atoms are so infinitesimal that they probably exceed the highest known rate of speed, for the smaller the atom the higher and swifter the rate of vibration. Whenever anybody thinks, even on the most trivial matter, they at once set up a stress (or disturbance) in the ether, and all around them becomes disturbed. If the thought was feeble, the disturbance will be merely local, and affect nobody, although, if charged with anger, worry, or discontent, it will affect the thinker very much for evil. Such thoughts upset the ether, recoil upon the internal organism through the brain, and set up a state of irritation similar to the mental process, thus affecting not only the secretions of the vital organs, but surrounding the whole with a negative aura, which destroys the waves of love and good feeling which would otherwise surround that person. Then also, in a slight degree, these conditions will affect others in the immediate vicinity. They may experience feelings of depression, and the sensation of a cloudy atmosphere; but the thoughts are too unorganized to have a lasting effect, unless one is continually living with this species of thought emanation; it will not affect anybody seriously, EXCEPT the THINKER. He, or she, will at once show the work they have been unconsciously performing – bad digestion, sleepless nights, wrinkles, flabby cheeks, and the general inability to enjoy anything. These are the lasting results of such disturbance of the etheric substances. We are all anxious to obtain success in life, and to help others; but the life success must be so perfectly blended with the spiritual success, that the two are one, else neither will be very lasting. I am aware that certain people may take exception to this statement, but it is my firm opinion that true-life success embraces this dual aspect I have described. The law of vibration is always traveling from a higher to a lower rate and back again; it follows a free-path motion, and returns upon its journey laden with the errand it set out to perform. If you will look at the first diagram of this lesson, you will see a perfect circle, which we will call the sphere of spirit. At the mark “A” in this circle we see pure spirit, and at ‘B” we will place matter. Thus ‘A,” pure spirit is a rate of vibration which is intense – ( Fig. II not shown ) the swiftest possible. From this, spirit travels at a rate that grows slower and gradually slower, and, of course, denser, until it arrives at the base “B,” where it is practically at a standstill. This may be interpreted as the procession of spirit through the grosser shades of matter, until at “B” we find matter almost pure and simple; but from “B” back to “A” again this etheric flow grows swifter and swifter, until at “A” it again assumes its swiftest rate of speed, and, having shaken off the confining elements of matter, is again merged into pure spirit. We can trace this as the process of life. All life is spirit, and this diagram represents the entire period from the first separation of the individual from spirit, on its journey through life to the time when, having passed through countless incarnations, it is ready to return whence it came. The reason for this journey is not apparent; it is simply the law of Nature. Thus from “A” to “B” is the spiritual basis upon which we are all founded, and from which, by the slow processes of evolution, we attain the state of so much gross matter, the state in which quite nine-tenths of the population of the world are at present. Then, from here, man’s higher sense begins to crave a higher state of evolution, and at last realizes that he has it in his power to obtain this when he pleases. “We live in the state of development our thoughts create for us.” The higher our mental aspirations, the swifter and purer the rate of vibration we attain. If you live in the dirt you cannot expect to attract anything else; but if you are a child of sunshine, so will you be garbed in light, and draw to yourself all that is your by right. To retrace our steps a little, we will repeat that the brain center is a medium, a machine for manifesting and creating thought, as a dynamo, only, of course, more powerful than any other know machine, and more perfect. At the center of the brain, energy is so intense that it almost appears to be still and calm, and from this still center radiates outward thought, the quality and quantity of which depends upon the machine, which generates the power. The generating process takes place through the all-compelling action of the WILL or OVER SOUL, that part of man, which never dies. This action is helped, and often to a very great degree, by correct breathing, which has the most wonderful effect upon concentration of thought. The following diagrams will illustrate very clearly how thought will proceed under given circumstances. Thought will proceed under given circumstance. Thought is dynamic, or, properly speaking, kinetic; * but, of course, the words apply to the same thing. Under the compulsion of a strong and well-advanced WILL, or over soul, thought travels in a direct line towards that upon which it is concentrated. The more intense this form of concentration, the swifter and more direct the journey of that thought. Fig. 2 shows the action of thought when directed upon some particular point. From “A” to “B” we get concentrated thought traveling from the brain center, “A,” to the point it is intended to reach, “B.” This may be defined as organized thought, a substance of which the vibrations are almost as subtle as the transmitting medium, etheric waves. ( Diagram not shown ) From “A” to “C,” however, we obtain the action of thought as it is understood in everyday parlance, the vacillating, uncertain thought of the organized mind which follows a zigzag course, varying in strength, and finally filtering away, without ever reaching its goal. *Producing motion. Force of any kind as a motive power and its action.

THOUGHT WAVES – CONTINUED

LESSON III TO resume the consideration of the various kinds of thought waves we will now consider Fig. III (Lesson III), which shows the action of the brain when generating another kind of mind wave, when the thought field, which closely resembles the magnetic field, as known to electricians, is composed of lines of forces which are less concentrated because more scattered in area, since they radiate outwards to all points, still from the same calm center. But under the action of an organized mentality each line reaches the mark. Thus from “A” to the outermost circle on every side, which in this case we will take to represent the known universe, or perhaps better still, as the world, the thought rays travel in even quality, and with direct force. When the student sits from general concentration, desiring, or expecting some good thing which mankind or nature as a whole (because of his relation to nature) can give him, but without specifying any individual, then his thought follows the directions of this figure, and his brain machine just radiates the thought as the sun radiates light. It falls gently, and equally distributed upon all, and almost insensibly, often by what may seem the queerest chances, those on whom it falls are drawn to that center power, and the thinker, be if for business, or otherwise, realizes that his concentration has borne fruit. ( Fig III not shown ) Fig. IV clearly indicated the nature of thought sent in the general direction, but consisting of uneven and vacillating action, and will explain better than anything else why it is that some people have never achieved anything by the study of mental and spiritual science, or any other of the many methods of improving thought life. ( Fig IV not shown ) They are not the masters of the laws governing mental action, nor do they clearly comprehend the kinetic nature of this curious and powerful substance, or the methods of its propulsion through the ether. The third law of motion is, ‘that action and reaction are equal in force, but opposite in direction.” Here we are considering the action of somebody endowed with energy by natural or mechanical means. As an example, if you take an india-rubber ball and throw it against a wall, it will return to you with exactly the same force with which it struck the wall; and it’s just exactly the same with any other body, or mass of atoms (for do not forget that everything from a stone to the human body is built up of atoms. In some things, such as the human body, gases, electricity, or water, the atoms are in continual motion; in others, such as rocks, certain chemicals, etc., they are in a state known as “inertia,” that is to say, they are resting, waiting for some other substance to come along and wake them up, then, hey presto! They are as full of life and energy as anything else. Often the chemical action of smoke and atmosphere will make large buildings, which are apparently dead, or inert, really a mass of movement, every tiny particle of stone vibrating), they come back to you with exactly the same force you send them, or with which nature sends them, as the case may be. So that, say, the flinging of the ball against the wall is the action, and the force with which they meet creates the reaction, sending the ball back whence it came; at the same time if the ball strikes the wall so feebly that hardly any reaction is given, it will fall to the ground for want of momentum, or impetus (the force with which a body is driven or impelled). Thought rays (thought being a vibratory mass, as we have agreed) sent out through the ether with direct force, will return upon their center (the brain) with equal force to that which sent them forth. So, according to this law, thought goes out, charged with its duty, and returns to the starting point having fulfilled its mission, if the thinker is organized. So that thought goes out to perform an errand, and will return to you laden with just what you sent it for, IF YOU ARE MASTER. Thought is your SERVANT, and if properly used will always bring you what you send it for. In the realm of occultism the psychic forces, which are used by man, follow very much the same laws, which govern the natural, or partly material world, but so far from realizing this important fact man has sought for laws outside those he knows. It has been my experience that the occult is so simple it passes the comprehension of the man in the street whom looks for mystery where there really is none. Life in all its manifestations is simple, and is governed, as the ancients taught, by ONE life, ONE law, ONE word. It is the teachings that are complex, not the subject, and anything that can be done to simplify such teachings is most decidedly a step in the right direction. There is the old, old motto, used by Freemasons and others of religious and mystic persuasions, in hoc signo vinces (by this sing thou shalt conquer), and man has been speaking also of the esoteric societies and Masonic brotherhood, taken this to mean the sign of the cross. Yet how can a cross help us to conquer? I will tell you what it really means, it is not the cross, but the CHRIST which will help us to conquer, and it is not even the Christ who is but a myth to many, it is the Christ within ourselves, and until we recognize this great power of good within us we shall never conquer. It has always seemed to me that the solidity of our bodies has been a drawback to the mental acceptance of the occult truths we are tying to make a part of our minds, and that the idea that we have so many stones of flesh and blood, bone and muscle to support, keeps us form the realization of the mighty truth that we are all MIND and LOVE, so I am anxious for my pupils to get their minds clear of that and to believe and understand that they are as much spirit as anything else. The very materiality of the fleshy body is a hindrance to mental and physical development, but I do not wish you to deny your body, it is there all right enough, and a very great necessity, too; I only want you to grasp the fact that by recognizing the occult significance of “I AM LOVE,” or “I AM POWER,” you are admitting the fact that our entire body is permeated throughout with the etheric waves which act as a medium for all things throughout the infinite. So that you ARE love and power, and being all love nothing can ever really harm you if you understand the law. Your body is an animated magnet, and the space it fills in the atmosphere is just a greater center of attraction. Say so half a hundred times a day, think of all it means to you, “I am FORCE, the LAW OF LIFE. The law is manifesting in my body and can be tapped for use whenever I wish to do so.” There is a great power in words, not that the words themselves are of any value, but they can and do convey suggestions, and when you concentrate upon certain words you set up the conditions those words convey to your brain machine. You say the word LOVE; it at once awakens a certain train of thought, and as you think you set in motion vibrations which, ever reaching outward, bring you into mental contact with the best the world has for you, the best part of the men and women with whom you come into business or social relations, the best of mineral, animal, and vegetable kingdoms, and last, but not least, the best of the spiritual world and of YOURSELF. You MAKE yourself LOVE, and you are love; you simply radiate love as a stove or the sun radiates heat. So let that be your battle-cry; let it be your password to a better state, “I AM LOVE, LOVE FILLS MY ENTIRE BODY.” Even if it brought you no material benefit (which it will do), the experiment is well worth trying for the simple pleasure of seeing how everybody you meet will unbend to your influence, and how much loved in return you will become. It will be simply your mental body responding to the suggestion carried by the word love, and from the mental to the physical meaning of the little word not only mentally, but also physically. I have shown how thought does and should travel, and why it is capable of performing its journey through ether, but I only treated of this in a perfunctory manner, because I wanted to explain more fully in the lesson of thought fields, to which we are coming in our next lesson.

MAGNETIC POWER – THOUGHT FIELDS – POWER OF ATTRACTION

LESSON IV THE arguments advanced in this lesson are worthy of particular attention, because, in the first place, they will help us to a clearer understanding of the occult power of thought when properly directed and energized by concentration, and also because it clearly demonstrates the affinity existing between esoteric and physical laws. Before treating of the effects of radiant energy and thought fields, it will be as well to understand, first, what radiant energy is, and second, what a field is? To take the meaning of energy first, as distinguished from motion; energy is the term applied to any mass (or any body), which, when moving, strikes against another body and sets that also moving, and the power of the original body to move another is known as its energy, and measured according to the amount of movement it is able to impart. Radiant energy is the term applied to any mass or body of matter possessing energy of a nature that can be imparted to the atmosphere, or the medium, which surrounds it, and the speed with which this energy is transmitted depends entirely upon the ability of the medium to transmit energy, and not upon the force itself. Thus the thought atoms are in perfect sympathy with the medium, ether, and as a consequence ether is an ideal transmitter for thought waves. Remember that any substance or matter thus distributing radiant energy can set other masses of matter in motion, and this is an important part of our statement regarding the vibratory nature of thought. The ether transmits such wave motions in straight lines and there is no limit to the distance they can travel, they can go on indefinitely; but the point I am leading up to is what is technically called the field, and the explanation thereof. To return to my old method of illustration, I will ask you to look carefully at Fig. I. ( Fig. I not shown ) The center “A” is the mass that we know possesses the power of distributing radiant energy. Now all the space outside that mass or body, to the extent within which it is capable of acting in this way upon other bodies, so as to bring them to a similar condition to its own, is what scientific men call the field. That is to say, the space surrounding and in front of the mass forms the field. So that ‘B” in the preceding diagram represents that field; and the extent of the field depends altogether upon the force, or energy, possessed by the mass. The more force it has the wider is the field through which its energy is distributed. Think how the great brains of the world make their influence felt. Or think again how the sun’s energy pervades the vast space separating it from our planet. Taking the magnet sun as the best possible illustration of an object akin to thought energy, it is known that a magnetic field cannot exist without an inducing magnet, or current of electricity. Every magnet has what are called its poles, the term applied to the two ends, and these poles are called respectively positive and negative. Magnetism as a study is probably unknown to many of my readers, and a few words of explanation may help the student. The common magnet or lode-stone is found in Magnesia, in Asia Minor, and in other parts of the world. It has the property of drawing, or attracting to itself pieces of steel and iron, and also of invariably pointing to the north and south. Artificial magnets are made by rubbing a piece of steel on a lode-stone, when the iron will acquire the properties of the lode-stone. Dr. Gilbert, in 1600, found out that the attraction appeared to reside in a long-shaped magnet at two ends, and these two regions were called poles (Greek polos, from pelo, to move), so the magnetic pole is literally one of the points in a magnet, corresponding to the poles of the earth, the one pointing north and the other south; the poles are almost invariably at the ends. That portion of a magnet lying between the poles is less magnetic, and does not attract so strongly, and half way between the poles there is no attraction at all. The first law of magnetism is that “like magnetic poles repel one another, and unlike magnetic poles attract one another.” So that two north pointing poles will violently repel one another, but two poles, one north pointing, or positive, and the other south pointing, or negative, will attract one another. The earth is itself a magnet with its north pointing and south-pointing pole, and man is a magnet also; in fact all nature in its variety of forms and phases is composed of magnets, each atom and molecule having its positive and negative poles. The human brain has also its positive and negative aspects, and its poles are situated respectively in cerebrum and cerebellum, as the third diagram will show you (see Lesson I for explanation of brain division). Figure 2 shows the ordinary magnetic lives radiating from an ordinary magnet, the space filled with the lines being the magnetic field. ( Fig. 2 not shown ) Now coming to our immediate subject, Thought. You will readily understand how the THOUGHT FIELD can follow the same lines as the magnetic field. Here is the brain and the THOUGHT FIELD. Thus we get “A,” the brain, “B,” the thought lines the thought field. As I explained before, there must be a body, or mass of matter to distribute radiant energy, and unless there is the body or force to create a field – magnetic, electric, chemical, mechanical or thought, which you please – there can be no field. In the thought field the BRAIN is the mass of matter, the force that radiates energy and creates a “field;” in the feeble, unorganized brain this field is weak, and affects only a limited area. But the greater the personal magnetism, the more powerful and organized the brain, the greater the extent of its radiation, the wider its field, the more lasting its effects. And the generation of thought force, or mind, which I described in my last lessons, makes the advent of some great man or woman. Great, according to the sphere of their labor and their ruling talent. ( Fig. 3 not shown ) Thus, roughly, we have Christ, Buddha, Nero, Shakespeare, Boadicea, just a few names, with different qualities, yet all with sufficient force to have created energy enough to last through the ages! When two brains are working together for the purposes of telepathy, or healing, one must be positive, the other negative, and they create what is called attraction, for by means of the sympathy between them they set up a stress (pressure) in the ether, and the thought fields act in such a way that they are pushed together (by this I mean the thought lines, not the brains), and commingle and blend under the conditions described above. They exchange, or transfer their energy, the transfer always taking place from the one possessing the higher rate to the one possessing the lower. Thus one person acts as a transmitter, and the other as a receiver. The one is negative, and the other positive, otherwise they would repel instead of attract, since “like magnetic poles repel on another, and unlike magnetic poles attract.” That is to say, two positive poles would repel each other, but a positive pole and a negative pole would attract each other. So like minds repel each other, and unlike minds attract, or perhaps it would be better to say that the strong mind attracts the weak, and vise versa. ( Fig. 4 not shown ) Figure 4 shows how each brain acts upon the thought field of the other, and it should be remembered this action applies more particularly to the various processes of mental healing, success vibration, etc., etc.

CONCENTRATION AND METHODS – BREATHING

LESSON V WE must not forget that the attributes of the mass are possessed by the atom (that is to say, each atom contains in itself everything to be found in the mass), and that every atom of brain matter or of thought is acting upon each neighboring atom in the same way that one brain will act upon another, and that this is going on indefinitely, so that every object throughout the cosmos is continually affecting the space surrounding it in various ways, its temperature (thought HAS a temperature, and to the sensitive this becomes at once apparent, whether hot, cold or normal, and it is my opinion that a machine will soon be made showing the thought temperatures of people), and its effects upon the surrounding space, with its magnetic or electric qualities, and in the case of thought with its spiritual, material, good and mistaken qualities. It is because of the vastness of thought and its possibilities that the study of its laws is so interesting and so very complex. When a man makes a movement of his body, he at once alters the position of the ether, and sets up a stress or pressure; but when he thinks, he sets up a much more powerful stress; and when we consider the thinking which characterizes some minds, we can at once understand why they are like a rudderless boat in a stormy sea; they seem to be setting up all sorts of cross currents around them, and the result is a life of misery. When the organized thinker exercises mental power, he sets up an even stress, and, to use a simile, the wind only blows one way, and so this man is not literally devoured by his own conflicts. I do not think that any man would willingly attempt to make his life hell, when he can make it heaven to a very great extent. To show how deeply we are affected by the thoughts of others, consider a clever actress; she can play upon the feeling of her audience, move them to tears, horror, or laughter, just as she pleases, yet her mental state is only simulated; but for the time the greater number of that audience are really CONCENTRATING on the woman before them, and so are swayed by the emotions she depicts. So I get my pupils to concentrate on what they love to begin with. That is why, as a general rule, people who take up the new thought can route poverty quicker than evil of the body. They are fairly used to sickness, etc., but they can never feel satisfied with the continual grind of poverty. If you emit love, you will shake off that demon, hate; if you think only of success you will gain it; BUT if you give your heart to these things only you will succeed for a time only. Bear in mind that the voice of the Spirit must be obeyed also, and that before you can achieve earthly happiness you must be equally advanced in both spiritual and material things. Man is mechanical, and his development to a certain plane is also mechanical, but after that the mind man holds full sway, and we can become just what our minds conceive, ordered only by such laws of nature as are part of our being, and intended for our general enfoldment. It is true, as mental science claims, that we can overcome evil and substitute good, but we can never be quite free from nature’s laws, and the very mistakes we make are prime factors in our mental development. In the previous lessons we have been chiefly concerned with the projection of thought in a concentrated form, and passing on to the consideration of personal and creative magnetism, we will investigate the methods of concentrating our forces within. That is to say, instead of projecting our thought outward to either convey a message, bring back an answer, or to attract certain affinities we desire from the infinite, we are now thinking of turning our thought forces inwards, and must contrive to do so in such a manner that no outward radiation takes place whatever. I am assuming the student to be aware that all force comes from within, and that all spirit is also within; that I to say, there is no need to “prospect” outside the self. Within your own physical body are contained all your psychic forces, and also your spiritual body, whilst locked up in the memory of the past are all the teachings of spirit, all knowledge of life and so-called death, of love, of truth, of power, all that has ever been – you know it all; you have but to unlock the memory of past births and you will speedily find that before you is a store of knowledge such as you never imagined possible before. To a certain extent we are ordered by destiny, yet so far as the general events of each incarnation are concerned we are alone responsible for them. Each man and woman is a power in them, possessing all the potentiality of divinity. They need not seek for light from without; they have it all within themselves. This is the most difficult lesson the student has to learn; it is curious that he may read it in hundreds of books, be told it by as many teachers, but until he has arrived at a certain stage of development he cannot realize the fact for what it is worth. This method of inward concentration is the most precious of all and the most important. The processes I have indicated in previous lessons appertain more to the acquirement of material things than spiritual, but this method applies more nearly to the realm of spirit. I do not wish to be misunderstood. All thought, as all progress, comes from within, but under certain circumstances you project that thought, and under certain other circumstances it is turned inward, so that all the light of your reason is concentrated upon your soul. When we project our thoughts we send them outside ourselves, maybe to travel on some mission, or to heal the sick, to carry a message to a friend, or any other material object, good in itself, but not always of the highest piritual benefit – to the thinker. If you will look at Fig. I (Lesson 5) you will see the method involved. The outermost circle may be regarded as the limit of the brain; of course, meaning the machine, not the force generated. ( Fig I -Lesson 5 – Not Shown ) This circle I have marked “B.” “A” is the physical heart, the altar of the etheric centers of the body (according to the Rosicrucian teachings). Now the rays of thought, instead of being projected outwards, are turned directly inwards to the heart, and these rays, or vibrations, follow the direction of “B” to “A,” instead of from “A” to “B.” So that, like a dark lantern, there is nothing to be seen from outside, all the light is concentrated within. As in the ordinary form of concentration, do not try too much at first. This is even more trying than the other, because, unless a very ardent student of the occult, it is less interesting. At the same time, where true progress is desire it is absolutely necessary. As long as we learn from books and from lessons we are but novitiates, and the knowledge we obtain is second hand at best, but once we have really learnt how to concentrate we no longer remain in the outer temple, we are no longer dependent upon others, we know for ourselves. Study the foregoing diagram well; then, having gotten the idea firmly in your mind, sit down quietly and turn your thought inwards as I have described. I find that pupils are more likely to achieve results if they use some word or words in their concentration, and suggest the following: breathe deeply, but perfectly evenly and without effort, do not attempt to count the breathing, nor to hold it any length of time; let the whole process be quite natural and not forced. Deep breathing, that is to say from the abdomen, or rather from behind it, from the solar plexus, has a most curious and direct effect upon all efforts in the way of concentration, clairvoyance and kindred powers of spirit. As you breathe in, think; think, with every particle of your brain, “Love,” or “Wisdom,” “Life,” “Divinity,” but you must think it up with all your mind and continue to do so until you have taken it in its entirety. You must soak it in, and when you have got it, keep fast hold, and do not ever relinquish. When you think these words you are gradually molding yourselves into these conditions. Perhaps the best word of all is “Power”; it means so much, but you must clearly realize what you do mean, and you must not take up any side issues, nor let our thoughts wander from the inward focus I have described. That is why I gave the other forms of concentration first, because they are easier to master, and prepare the student for the heavier task now under discussion. Remember that your thought can mold your body, and that as you think so you will become, so that when you stop for ten minutes or longer in the contemplation of your prospective power, wisdom and love, you are actually growing into these things, and as long as you think them intelligently you are bound to become them. Now when you have accomplished this matter, try a little farther; but although you take all the lessons at once, you cannot do both these exercises at once, and you simply must take one step at a time. Sit as before, breathe evenly; now ask a question, make your mind blank, and listen for the answer. You will get a clear message in perhaps a month or two. Do not be impatient, you cannot hurry this thing; just listen as if you were waiting for a human voice to speak to you. Listen intently, and at last you will get an answer, either directly or an impression. It is very difficult for some people to make the brain a blank, and it is not at all easy to teach the process. I think, however, that the best way is to take it by degrees. Try to kill all thought for a minute at a time, gradually increasing the time, from day to day. In this way you obtain perfect control of your brain machine. You can eliminate thought altogether or think on any chosen subject at will, and you must not despair if you do not gain immediate results. You cannot possibly learn in a second, it takes time, and the longer you take to acquire your knowledge the more thorough it will be, and the results more lasting.

HOW TO WEAVE THOUGHT CURRENTS

LESSON VI THERE are two distinct aims in the attainment of the power of concentration: First, to mold the consciousness into a new and better state; second, to attain the highest possible knowledge of things spiritual. Remember that habit is what you desire to cultivate, so that you are able to form your body anew, and to repeat the process almost involuntarily is the chief necessity for continual and regular concentration, for the more concentrated and single your mind becomes on any particular point, the more it tends to permanency, and in the same way, if you are irregular, you tend to suppress the thought power you ought to manifest. The cellular brain tissues are greatly changed by this process of correct thinking, and may be actually increased, whilst those that have been constructed by wrong thinking are caused to waste away. Every effort at right thought, or concentration, brings into play a new set of atoms which tend to build up the new tissues, and at the same time devour and destroy the old. There is absolutely nothing in the all world so plastic as the brain of man. It can be molded by the will or over soul of the owner or of someone who may have influence over him, and in this way a teacher, by applying the right impulse, may bring the pupil to a higher state of mind, and help him in the process of rebuilding his physical and mental system. When a man arrives at a state when he realizes how much his over soul can do for him he does not need a teacher to help in the molding process, but when, as very frequently happens, the spirit awakens in a man whose over soul is still more or less dormant, then is the guidance of a teacher more or less of a necessity. Often the searcher after truth doubts his own power and divinity and so long as he doubts he will obtain little benefit from the occult. It is the poor opinion of his own powers which keeps man in the background, and also that he forgets that every moment of his life he is fashioning the future, that is to say, that all his thoughts today may take material form tomorrow, or the day after, so that each time he fails to concentrate with earnest purpose, each time he omits the daily exercise, he is postponing his future happiness. The action of breathing deeply, which I have recommended, has the effect of quickening the circulation of the blood, and in some way acts upon the brain tissue, making sight, it the spiritual sense, hearing, and sense all more acute; and when you think some strong and positive thoughts as you breathe, it has the effect of sending this message to every part of the body, right along the nerves, arteries and blood vessels, until the whole body has taken up the chorus and is full of the power of your thought. Here again the value of concentration comes in; a decided message sent along your physical telegraph wire reaches the point at once and makes a firm and decided record, whilst a weak thought has no such effect. So that if you seek to overcome some bodily ill, get a clear grasp of the part that needs renovation, and then turn all your thought force inwards and send a strong message to that part. “I am strong, I am well, I am divine. All is life, and in my thought and mind dwells infinite life. I am making my future all along the line, and that future shall be perfection. I am invincible, nothing can harm me, and it is my intention to manifest my power right now in my body.” Do not say these words like a parrot; think of all they mean, think of all they put behind you, and of all they open up before you. You are making your future now, Now, and when you sit in concentration you are weaving your own fate – good, bad, or indifferent. Having learnt how to concentrate for a few minutes at a time, first on things mundane, then on the more difficult phases of spirit, make a habit of devoting a short time daily to the contemplation of your future prospects. When you begin to know the peace and calm which falls upon you after sitting in this concentration, you will begin to value it accordingly; at first it soon wears off, but as your mind becomes more and more organized so will the results last longer, and the time will come when you can take this infinite peace with you wherever you go, take it with you and bestow it upon others. In the natural course of events all the thought force, which I am asking you to conserve, is wasted, and so you achieve little success in either business or any other matter. When you desire business success you must concentrate all your thought force upon the matter that must succeed, and you must then name it aloud; in your thought, see it a success, and the expect that success to manifest. Now having done that, begin to weave your thought into power currents. See these currents traveling to the object and surrounding it on every side, until it is bathed in powerful currents of thought force which are more powerful and can travel faster than a flash of lightening, and are more deadly in execution than a strong electric battery; these in their turn act as magnets and attract all the good forces in other people who are brought into contact with the matter in hand, and they in their turn do all they can to foster its success. You many ask how to weave the thought current I have spoken of. ( Diagram not shown ) I strongly advise the use of the imagination to aid in this. The first ingredient is the power to concentrate; the second is to see in your imagination, your mind machine producing and generating a very fine and subtle fluid, full of this marvelous power; then, of course, you project it as directed in the first lesson, and let it follow the course given in the above diagram. “A” is the brain, “B” is the thought force that travels on its journey through the ether, and “C” is the object you desire to enfold with this mighty current of living mind stuff. Perform this exercise two or three times a day, and you will never fail, that is to say, as soon as you have got your brain into a sufficiently organized condition to carry out your orders. This ought to be the case in about two or three months, if you follow these lessons implicitly. You see, it is not a case of miracles, but simply as system of organized education, and the results are as sure as the Tower or London. Always regard thought as a substance. You can conceive very easily of the effect a flash of lightning would have if it played around any given object for a time, or better still, you know well the effect a current of magnetism has upon a bar of iron, and as I have told you again and again, your thought is more powerful than any of these things, and when you play it in the right condition around any given object, then you produce the same results; for as the flow of magnetism produces what it knows as induction that is to say, the transference of a magnetic or electric state from an electrified body to a non-electrified body, by proximity without contact.), so your thought force inducts its etheric substance into what ever you choose to play it upon. The analogies between the science of electricity, and, indeed, the whole realm of physics and the noumenal world of thought and spirit are curious, and the more one investigates the more certain it appears that the same laws govern both.

PERSONAL MAGNETISM – THE MAGNETIC WILL

LESSON VII THESE papers would not be prefect without some reference to the method of concentration used by the Indian adepts, who acquire the habit ONLY BY DEVOTING A LIFETIME TO THE STUDY. We in the West have not the time for this, nor do I think we shall benefit very much by the various methods of “killing thought” advocated by those who wish merely to make the mind blank to receive inspirational communications from what is the “unknown,” but I know that we can make our mind blank without any particular effort if we will not attempt to do too much at first; and we must also remember that strong healthy bodies are necessities for those who would take up the concentrating methods with any zest, for when we hold our mind to any given subject for any length of time, the grosser atoms of thought which have traveled to the spot or object concentrated upon, sink down back to the original starting place – in fact they filter away, and their place is taken by finer particles, causing a great mental strain upon the thinker, and unless there is strong health to back up the nervous strain, madness, or brain fever would be the result, but as long as the health is all right concentration will benefit, and not harm the student. Grow to the practice gradually, and you will gain all you need, and find all efforts crowned with success. It is not at all a bad plan to use a glass bowl of water when concentrating. Fix the desire in mind, and try to see the words spell out in the bowl; this method helps to fix the attention, and if a bowl of water is not handy, try a pencil and a piece of paper; the idea is simply to convey the message to the brain, through the retina of the eye, for this holds the image as does the sensitive plate used by the photographer. Sit when most convenient – it is almost impossible to have any fixed time. In any course of lessons written for general use it is almost impossible to give just the information needed by each individual, and if my pupils will explain their personal difficulties they will help me and themselves, for I will gladly write a full reply to all their requirement upon receipt of 2s. 6d. to cover time and stationary. The following brief rules may be remembered: If you want money, see it coming to you; let your concentration be general; have faith; expect what you want to come to you If you have ill health, do not think of the particular disease, which may trouble you, but concentrate all your attention upon the acquirement of perfect health; do no let any other idea come into your mind for the time being; say, “I AM WELL, PERFECT HEALTH IS MINE, pure vital blood flows through my veins, I am a perfect manifestation of the All Good, and in every part of my body there is nothing but life and live.” I have found this statement to bring relief even in the most obstinate cases, and it seldom fails. Talk nothing but health, sleep, dream, and EAT it, and you will very soon manifest it, for if people talked health half as assiduously as they discuss their pet ailments, the doctor would have to find a new profession! Do you think that because you have not immediate health that you are making a false statement; you are, by your mental attitude, preparing the “TOMORROW,” and so the statement is true, for if you say “I will be well,” instead of “I am well,” your are postponing the harvest of your thought. If your trouble should be some great sorrow let your statement run thus: -I AM LOVE, LOVE FILLS MY BOY, AND I AM FULL OF THE GLORIOUS AND JOYOUS RADIANCE ONLY LOVE CAN EMIT. ALL IS GOOD, AND I AM HAPPY.” Do not say this once but dozens of times, and allow the statement to sink in until you become the image of your ideal. In time you will become as radiant as the love you profess, and when this takes place you will find the world all right without any further effort on your part. Now I intend passing on to the subject of “Personal Magnetism,” and the question naturally arises. What is Personal Magnetism? Followed by the equally pertinent demand. What are its uses? Personal Magnetism is really many things. First it is organized will power; secondly it is health; thirdly it is the ability to amalgamate the will power and health, and aided by the desire to “obtain” certain objects, to so project the subtle and highly potent magnetic force thus generated in the body, as to attract people and circumstances – it means that every man and woman can become natural magnet they will persevere in their efforts to develop this force. As for its uses, they are many. This magnetic force is powerful to heal the sick, the greatest use which, in my opinion, it can be put. It enables the man or woman who possesses it to attract or repel at will, or to draw to themselves SUCCESS, MONEY, FAME, POWER, HAPPINESS (if they use it wisely)! Animal magnetism, then, is a very subtle substance filling the entire universe. It is subtler than ether, just as the ether is subtler than air, and air than water. As the vibrations of the ether permit light to travel, and the vibrations of the air sound, so the vibrations of the animal magnetism permit and cause other phenomena. This vibratory substance is sometimes called “od”or “odylic force,” but I prefer the term animal or personal magnetism, because it is so much simpler and easier to understand, whether it is to be used as a healing agent or for any other purpose. Every magnet has a positive and negative pole (the poles are situated at the two ends of an elongated magnet. These terms are generally accepted to mean – “Positive”-MORE, STRONGER, “Negative” – LESS, OR WEAKER. The first law of Magnetism is that like Magnet poles repel one another, and unlike Magnetic poles attract. So the positive attracts the negative, the negative the positive, the strong the weak. In man, the Magnet, his body and mind represent the two poles; we are taught by Helen Wilmans. The BODY is the negative pole, MIND OR THOUGHT POWER the positive. The positive mind, the mind that has been made familiar with its own unlimited power, can attract to itself, by an ordinary reasoning process Animal Magnetism, and increase and store this force for everyday use, and generate it according to necessity. It is intimately associated with your will power, your brain, your thought but for the cultivation you must follow the exercises give in a later lesson, and you will attain real life will throw off your years, off your cares, and gain such health and success as you desire – and more! The recognition of Universal Intelligence is essential. I want you to become strong Individually, to rest upon the knowledge of your own power; but do not forget this same power is but the reflected glory of the one Light, the center of all things. It is the custom of many teachers of Metaphysics to assert that a personal God is impossible, that God is an essence, and does not possess a personality. With this teaching many pupils are repelled who would otherwise be attracted to the Higher Thought. Science must always advance, and when I undertake the task of assimilating the metaphysical Deity with Theological Deity, I am going one step forward. Briefly the idea is this: It has been astronomically ascertained that the milky white is a gigantic belt of suns and worlds (of which our won Solar System is a very second rate affair, so far as size is concerned) which is continually revolving around, and is ordered by some unseen center of Gravity, upon which the whole depends. This, I am firmly convinces is “God”-the Father, a God of unlimited power. From this glorious Being radiates a powerful, subtle essence, which reach throughout the unlimited realms of space – and the name of this emanation is both Life and Love. Wherever there is substance or life, which it forever creates – there is set up a Holy Shrine, and the place assigned to that shrine in man, is, by Rosicrucian’s, assumed to be the physical HEART, which is the center of the physical body, as the Father is the center of ALL. Within the valves of the human heart this Holy radiance settles and finds a home, as a sunbeam might settle upon a flower, and from thence, at the dictation of man’s conscious will and thought, this Divine light can again radiate in infinite love, drawing to the man all he needs of health, or wealth, or happiness. For in this way he becomes one with the Father, an intimate and dearly beloved Friend. This definition may also be applied to the brain, if the student prefers that to the physical heart. Now FAITH in your power to achieve success in the use of personal Magnetism is a very large factor towards that success. The man, who has confidence in his ability, when wishing to transmit Magnetism, is going a very long way towards swift results; but the man who doubts his ability to exert this force simply wastes it. A state frequently seen in the idealistic mind is that of the dreamer who can formulate but never execute, simply because of either intense waste of Magnetic power, or because of prostration of the entire nervous system. A strong will must be normal, having complete control over every mental and bodily function, and to this end these lessons are intended. I am teaching you to assert your SELF to be an Individual Entity, instead of a knock-kneed invertebrate, bolstered up at every turn by all sorts of unhealthy, weakening devices. The Magnetic WILL can only be cultivated by constant practice, when instead of being the playing thing of Fate of Circumstance, you become the wirepuller, and order your own Circumstance.

PERSONAL MAGNETISM IN BUSINESS – SUGGESTIONS

LESSON VIII PERSONAL magnetism, then, means power, and the ability to exert that power over people, and even to a certain extent over circumstances, because the people we influence and come in contact with go a long way towards CREATING circumstances. The man or woman best able to exert this power belongs to what is known as the VITAL temperament. This, when analyzed, resolved itself simply into the temperament of perfect health and vitality; although it is very usual to make this temperament a matter of coloring (red, or auburn haired people, in fact), I don’t find it pans out this way at all, in fact, ANY coloring may be vital, provided the person has the energy and perseverance to cultivate the vital principles; and it’s purely humbug to put any hard and fast rule to this matter at all. The one thing that is certain, however, is that all want to cultivate that temperament that is desirous of obtaining POWER, TRUE LIFE and SUCCESS. Vital means LIFE or relating to life, and the vital temperament is used to describe those people who are in a state of PERFECT MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BALANCE. They enjoy perfect bodily and mental health, and the one is not developed at the expense of the other. They have clear, fresh skins, bright eyes, firm flesh, spirits buoyant, and the power of attracting other people very great. These, in a word, are the people who possess the greatest store of NATURAL animal magnetism. But the great point is that one and all can take on this characteristic, and so increase their stock of magnetic and electric particles that they BECOME VITAL! The vital temperament radiates magnetism. The invisible currents pass off in every direction from every part of the body, and so great is the force of this subtle power, that although invisible to the naked eye the camera can reveal it; and the HUMAN BODY and HUMAN MIND at once feel the impression, bodily as a thrill, or sensation of warmth, mentally as an invigorating shock from an electric battery, or as an overpowering desire to “go out and do something”! Such a temperament has the ability to influence every person (and animal) who comes in contact with him, but has a GREATER POWER THAN THIS. He can influence those with whom he does not come into actual contact until they are drawn to him, in answer to his thought. This man radiates his magnetic power in the spirit of UNIVERSAL LOVE. He recognizes the spirit, or the love principle in everyone, shedding his power from the storehouse I have described in Lesson VII upon mankind as a whole. The powerful magnetic rays issuing from his person draw to him, from out of the immense mass of humanity, all that can be useful to him. He sees within himself the Love Spirit; he mentally sees this spirit radiating outward from his body an essence of immense force, which finds a resting place within those hearts, or upon those minds, which he so lovingly recognizes. REMEMBER that the man or woman who minuses this power will surely find it turned backup on themselves to their undoing. WHEN YOU ATTRACT PEOPLE it is because you supply something they need, something they lack; your powerful magnetism fills an empty space. This is the secret which makes one public speaker a huge success, and another a downright failure. The one man has a great store of personal magnetism. He holds his audience enthralled; they listen to every word and are carried along by the mighty wave of his immense strength and MAGNETIC FORCE. The other man has none. His words fall flat. His listeners remain unmoved. Yet he may be a man of polish, of education, of rank, with the easy speech born of cultured ancestors; and the first man might be poor, uncultured, and of the people. But the first man knows his subject, believes in his power to attract, and by sheer will power carries his point. IN BUSINESS MATTERS the same rule applies: the man of force, possessing this wonderful power of attraction, carries all before him. He is the man who can convince the unwilling (and be it said, unorganized) customer against his will. He is the man who can draw to himself success and DOLLARS in equal proportion, and can climb to the topmost rung of the ladder. In the acquirement of this life, force applies to every grade of society and to BOTH SEXES. The next point for consideration is how to generate the force. To recognize your central spirit light is hardly enough; you must fan the flame, and generate fresh power, concerning the forces you already possess. Brain and nerve power are the secret forces. The brain is to be strengthened and developed and so are the nerves. SELF-CONTROL is the first factor to be observed. You, sir, who cannot keep your hands still; you, madam, who are forever patting your back hair, or pulling at your dress, or twisting your watch chain. You who startle at every sound, who fidget and fume and worry over trifles, who are nervous and irritable, giving way to passion, and being but the plaything of circumstance, to you, I say, learn to control self, for all these mannerisms are resulting in a continuous and serious leakage of magnetism, which if used aright would enable you to COMMAND SUCCESS. The “magnetic” people are fair with blue eyes, and pale or delicate skins. They are fidgety, nervous, often hysterical, and suffer as a rule from too great brain activity. Their mind is never at rest, they are continually worrying over trifles, and are of a cold, and often selfish temperament. By control you can overcome these leakages, and by overcoming, stop them. So, by nerve and brain development – recognizing the brain always as the nerve center, in connection with the ganglionic centers, at the base of the brain – you can control the leakage and waste of magnetism, and so become magnetic. The so called “electric” temperament, belonging to people who are generally dark in appearance, with sallow, or pale skins, having mental powers which are often sluggish, and a tendency to suffer from liver, laziness and similar complaints, requires plain, non-heating diet, very little meat – vegetarians are the healthiest; I never touch meat-regular hours, and last but not least, in addition to the exercises given in a later lesson, regular mental exercise; they need arousing, and their brain needs stimulation. They need nourishing, heat-producing foods (not necessarily meat), and they also require a time when they can be passive, forcing themselves to either less brain activity, or else to concentrate on one subject only. These two types can, however, by following the rules I shall give in subsequent lessons, become vital and live as they please, master of their conditions, instead of the conditions being master over them. The object of the descriptions of the various temperaments is intended to help the student in his knowledge of life and people, and to be used practically in the development of power. The successful man or woman is master, but cannot be master unless he or she has learned how to be all things to all men. When you have developed your personal magnetism you also develop your power of selection to an enormous extent, and you realize at a glance which battery to use for those you come into contact with, in business or society. Personal magnetism, once the power has been developed, resolves itself into sympathy, the act of supplying to others elements they lack. This you cannot supply voluntarily unless you are in a position to order and command your own forces. Any man who has complete control over this entire physical and mental organism can hold the world enthralled in time as he enlarges his sphere electricity, stimulate their brains, probe them with questions to make them think, and they will be glad to always do your commands, because you have shown them a new side to their nature. The magnetic people like to be soothed; some of them, too, do not care for things easily obtained; these people you must repel, show them the independent side of your nature, let them believe you would rather not have any dealings with them, only give in with decided reluctance. The more you draw back, the more eager they become. Others again need persuasion – help. By mental suggestions you can make up their minds for them. The mental rules are always as follows; dilute them, please, with three parts common sense, to one part rule or maxim. The physical rules will follow later. You are conscious of your own strong magnetic power, and you are aware that you radiate this power, or substance, as the sun radiates light. You have come into business intending to obtain success only, and you hold no doubt in your mind but that the other man will deal just exactly as you desire him to deal. When dealing with people in business or society, hold your mind firmly to the power you possess, look them squarely in the face, and command them, mentally, to fulfill your desires. Think, “I am a man of organized power; I desire to carry such and such a plan into execution. Your brain is negative to mine, and I demand that you shall do so and so. I am master; I will have what I want.” You can supply this same magnetic order when writing a letter. Hold the letter in your hand, or to your forehead, and will that it shall come to such and such an issue. Your magnetic battery exists within your own body; at the command of your will you can radiate and generate this force. Will power is vital thought, or mind. Magnetism, therefore, becomes a center of communication between gross spirit or matter, and refined, or etheralized spirit or matter. Spirit is the eternal, active life principle, manifesting in all matter, as well as through the various spheres of spirit. The force which moves the world, magnetism, may be represented in your mind in one word, suggestion or the command of will power, ending in either the spoken word or concentrated thought, is the weapon you must use through life, and that as your power so you can act by suggestion upon one man, or one thousand men.

BREATHING AND PHYSICAL EXERCISES

LESSON IX IN the physical exercises I give in these lessons it is as well to remember that very little good will result unless proper breathing exercises are indulged in, as well as the physical. Muscles alone are not the first consideration, and muscle does not really tend to promote personal magnetism. In moderation they are beautiful, but when overdone they transform the most perfectly formed man into a grotesque “something” that ought to be planed down with a carpenter’s plane to reduce it to its proper proportions. Let the muscles be lithe and supple, like steel and whipcord; let the lungs be perfectly developed, so that they can create healthy blood, which is vitality, and let both be equally blended. Dumb-bell exercises with heavy bells certainly tend to create muscle; but it is heavy, lumbering, useless, except for brute strength, so that the heaviest dumb-bells a man should use are 3 lb. Bells, and a woman 1 lb. Before commencing any exercises of a muscular nature, first learn how to control the breath. Very deep breathing is injurious, but most people exercise the lungs so slightly that they become atrophied – waste away for want of use, because they are never properly filled or emptied! Attitude is the first step of importance. You can’t breathe if you round your shoulders and let your chin sink forward on your chest. Stand erect, waist in (in front, please, I must be polite, I suppose; but when I say waist I mean abdomen), shoulders squared and held back, chest well out, head thrown back, chin in. Now, with your mouth closed, draw a slow, deep breath, (not too deep at first, for by violent breathing the lungs only become tender and bruised), hold it for a second, then as slowly exhale, or breathe out through the nostrils. There are three methods of breathing: from the abdomen, or solar plexus, from the rib and from the abdomen, or solar plexus, from the rib and from the upper chest. Begin right down in the abdomen – but gently, please – and raw the breath in through the nostrils so that the abdomen (don’t forget the abdomen is not the stomach, the two are quite distinct; the stomach is the bag or receptacle for one’s food; the abdomen, the thick fleshy wall which covers the intestines) is drawn in. In this way you force the intestines into action, awaken the solar plexus, and then slowly fill the lungs with fresh air, which in turn generates fresh blood, and fills every fiber and tissue of the body with new life – and ANIMAL MAGNETISM. This process done to excess will tire you, so be gentle at first, especially if you are one of those poor unfortunate wretches whose sole idea of breathing – if they ever think of it at all – is a little, quick, panting action which never fills the lungs once – nor empties them – and accounts so fully for pale cheeks, lifeless eyes, flabby flesh, and narrow pigeon breasts. Proper action, proper breathing, perfect development, control of will power, and the acquirement by these means of perfect health and animal magnetism, are within the reach of all. It may be urged that all people who possess this subtle power of magnetism, have not got perfect health. Agreed, but they have perfect will control, and as a rule are absolute masters of some one or more accomplishments; and their magnetism is very apt to evaporate apart from the said accomplishment. Just think how few popular authors; painters or musicians are interesting, or even attractive, apart from their works. No, you simply must have HEALTH, if you are to fulfill MY ideal of personal magnetism. Given that, you may be as ugly as sin, have no brains in particular, yet your health and your will power will win you recognition everywhere. It is not one bit of use starting muscular and physical development until you have learnt how to breathe. Practice this continually until you are master of it. Practice it in the open air if you can; best of all in the sunshine, when you not only draw in pure air, but the subtle magnetism direct which is given off by the sun, the center of magnetism for our wee Universe. Muscular exercises help us to make and store animal magnetism. The breathing exercises accomplish the same end. The lessons in concentration already given help to develop the WILL power, and added to these, you have to consider the question of perfecting the magnetic gaze. The magnetic gaze simply means perfect control of the nerves governing the eyesight, which must be strengthened to that “piercing” degree which can hold another person’s eyes, with or against their will. Coming now to the subject of physical exercises for the muscular development necessary to the storage of magnetism. Recollect that you must not only take the muscular exercise, but practice correct breathing at the same time, otherwise your pains are wasted. Stand erect, as directed above, take the dumb-bells and place your hands to your sides, then begin to inhale a long, deep breath – gently, though; no exertion – and as you inhale, slowly lift your arms above your head, till the dumb-bells clash. Count five, mentally, holding your breath the while; then slowly return your arms to your side, exhaling the breath as you go. Repeat this twenty times, but remember very little benefit will accrue if you forget the breathing and attend only to the exercise. This breathing and muscular exercise tends to strengthen the lungs and chest; and is, simple as it may appear, very valuable. Continue this exercise DAILY, with the breathing exercise. Now I will show you how to store magnetism for use. At the close of each spell of exercise, morning or evening as the case may be, or both, draw the breath in as directed before; then as you breathe, slowly stretch one arm at a time straight before you, clenching the hand (without dumb-bells) until every muscle is tense and rigid; relax each arm separately, then repeat with both arms. Making both tense and rigid. Now make each leg, the trunk and backbone, and the neck equally stiff, holding your breath meanwhile, then as you exhale, let every part of your body RELAX, so that you are limp. Let your arms sink to your side, your neck and body give way, LET GO everything, be limp as a rag, and so rest. It is not easy, this relaxing process, you want to relax the brain too, for otherwise it continues its hold on the muscles and sinews, and in spite of your efforts they remain strained and tense. Practice an arm at a time, let the fingers hang loose and helpless, then the wrist, and so on, until the entire organism is at your control, to become tense or relaxed as you please. But, when you tense your muscles, make them rigid – INHALE YOUR BREATH. When you relax your muscles, EXHALE YOUR BREATH. It’s no end easy to be limp when, like a pair of un-worked bellows, you have no air in your lungs; and it’s not at all easy to keep rigid with empty lungs. In the next lesson I give a diagram showing the principle muscles, and the best methods of developing them for our present purpose.

PHYSICAL EXERCISES – CONTINUED

LESSON X TO briefly recapitulate the point of the lessons already given, so as to clearly remember what personal magnetism is, and why the exercises are necessary, I will sum it up under the following headings: 1st Personal or animal magnetism is a subtle essence, the nature of which I have already explained. 2nd It is possessed to a certain extend by most people, but is so faint and undeveloped, it is of little use to them. 3rd MAN IS A MAGNET, and his strength or weakness depends upon his knowledge of the fact, and the development of his thought and will power in response to that knowledge. 4th Animal magnetism is develop by acquiring perfect self-control, and WILL development, and also is very largely dependent upon effect health. 5th It is not hypnotism. 6th By means of it, man (and woman) can attract people and business, and it is the true key to success in any walk in life! The diagrams of the muscular system of the human frame given with this lesson will show pretty clearly the effects of the various exercises given for developing personal magnetism. The exercise of last lesson, as you will readily see, acted upon all those muscles marked “A” in diagram 1 and 2, those of the chest, abdomen, arms and back. The breathing exercise taken in conjunction with this develops the lungs and sends new blood coursing through the entire body. In the directions for storage of the magnetism, given in the last lesson, remember the flexing of the body and muscles gives rest, the TENSING of the muscles CHARGES THEM WITH MAGNETISM, this magnetism courses through the blood, borne along the crimson tide until it is distributed evenly to every part, there to be stored and kept for use, unless wasted by worry, fear, fidgety ways, lack of self-control, or excess in any form. The next exercise I want you to take is the American “dry swim.” Stand erect, empty your lungs (exhale), and holding your hands to your sides, gradually sink down into the position of sitting on your heels; then slowly bring your arms to a horizontal position in front. Then slowly inhale, rising easily and gracefully on tiptoe, throwing the arms back as if swimming, and gradually sinking back on to your heels as before. Repeat this for twenty or thirty times. It is just grand. The blood tingles and courses through the body, and as the blood courses, so the magnetism flows through every vein. It is one of the most important, for every muscle is called into play. All the muscles marked “B” in both diagrams, the lungs, and in addition to the lungs, if you follow my directions for correct breathing, given Lesson IX, every organ of your body also does its proper work. You cannot be magnetic unless you enjoy perfect animal and mental health. Correct breathing is the basis of true health, and it helps the nervous system to throw off worry, etc., for mind and lungs together unite in either perfecting or causing injury to the entire organism. If the mind is depressed by grief, tormented by anxiety, or absorbed in sedentary meditations, all the bodily functions become weakened, and personal magnetism, so far from being stored to being used to order, LEAKS from every pore and is wasted. I can’t lay too much stress upon the necessity for proper breathing, or the fact that the exercises are useless, except to develop muscle, not magnetism, unless practiced exactly AS I SAY! The next exercise after the “dry swim” is as follow: Stand erect, inhale, then, without bending the knee, bend over until your fingers touch the floor, exhale as you rise to an erect position, they slowly inhaling, bend in similar manner to the left side, exhale as you come up, and inhaling again slowly bend to the right. This must all be done in a deliberate orderly method, taking about fifteen seconds, or twenty even, for each inhalation and exhalation, then, after tensing the muscles for the storage of magnetism, as taught in the last lesson. You do not require any further physical muscular exercises than these to develop animal magnetism and perfect health, but don’t fall into the blunder of thinking you can develop in a week. It will take from two to six months of patient, regular exercise, of not less than thirty minutes daily practice, before you arrive at anything like fitness. And in addition to this, you must guard the mental portals as well. Learn to practice concentration, to develop your will, to command your brain and its thought forces. In the next lesson I’ll show you the best method of controlling the nervous system and magnetic gaze.

THE MAGNETIC GAZE – NERVE CONTROL – PRACTICAL APPLICATION

LESSON XI IN the previous lessons I have show you how to develop your lungs and muscles, and so store health and magnetism, and in this lesson we must also consider how to gain complete control over the nerves, both of the body and those connected with sight. The magnetic, or would-be magnetic man or woman who cannot look another full in the face without blinking lacks the most convincing proof of their power. From the eye proceeds a constant flow of magnetism; it is with the eye “Lion Tamers” hold their captives in thrall; it is through the eye we influence people we come in contact with. A man instinctively trusts another who can meet his eye with ease, yet many people cannot do this from SHEER NERVOUSNESS. But before the student can claim a perfect control of all nervous or spasmodic action, he must be able to reserve his power of thus controlling muscular and nervous action under trying circumstances. Among friends, alone, or at one’s ease, nerve control is easy enough. Stand before the looking glass and practice gazing into your own eyes until you can do so steadily without flinching for any length of time. Imagine to yourself a constant stream of magnetism flowing from the eyes. Practice this upon other people; also force yourself to meet their gaze steadily, and never forget that you are the powerful factor, that you are the powerful factor, that you are the one to INFLUENCE, not be influenced. I could give you several exercises for strengthening the eyesight, but for the magnetic gaze I think you will find the above quite sufficient. It is not necessary really to go in for more than a few of these exercises. The basis of all this power is THOUGHT and WILL, and it is not necessary to waste hours in exercises when half an hour twice a day is ample. Learn to overcome all spasmodic nervous action and trifling habits. Be master of every part of your organization, through your will power. All the foregoing exercises tend to store up magnetism by giving complete control, so that not only the muscles of the body, but the MIND, the Central Telegraph Office of the body, holds every nerve in perfect subjection. Always ready for any emergency, perfect master of yourself and your circumstances, nothing can stand in your path but what your steady flow of magnetism will remove it – provided your object is a land able one. But one more rule. In the hand of every person there is one spot which is the magnetic center of the entire being, the little god of flesh, or mount, below the third or “ring finger,” called by palmists the Mount of the Sun, or Apollo. This finger has the most direct nerve connection with the heart, and forms, as I say, a direct magnetic center, the pad of flesh at the base forming the magnetic pole of same. So that when people shake hands with magnetic centers in close contact a strong magnetic current is established between them. This effect may be intensified if the mounts at the bases of the other fingers are also brought into as close contact with each other as possible, in this way bringing the minor magnetic poles also together. A handshake can be made to carry out the magnetic influence of eyes and person, by inducing polarization of the magnetic atoms by contact, which is exactly the course also followed by magnetic healers. A weak will does not signify a bad man, any more than a strong will signify a good man. But a weak willed man is essentially negative, and being so, is more likely to be infirm of purpose in questions of mortality. You have to long been brought up in the belief that you must be the slave of Fate and environment, that the tendencies at birth shape your character, and could not be eradicated. But the new thought comes to show you that you can both BE and do what you will. Age and sex do not count. The past is over – done with. But the present and the future are your own. Be positive; send the old negative beliefs flying. “Let your ‘I will have,’ wait upon your ‘I want.’” “I will have what I want” will thus carry you through life to a successful goal – to the realization of all your ambitions. It has been proved that the particles of an ordinary magnet possess the power of selection, that is to say they can attract to themselves anything within their own limited sphere of action. The magnet man, or, the contrary, has unlimited powers of attraction. Once he knows how to send out his demands, the supply will always be equal to the demand, when the demand is made boldly without any shadow of doubt or fear. Man too often limits himself unnecessarily – he does not demand enough. Big thoughts carried into action end in big results. Let your sphere of action be as side as possible and do not go round by the style to escape leaping the big, double blackthorn hedge. Another great fault is that people are too chary of giving; they argue that they have enough for themselves, but not enough to give away. Yet they are drawing upon an unlimited supply, the wealth of which is far in advance of the demand – they cannot ask too much, and they cannot give too much. The most fatal thoughts to success are those of economy, they freeze everything. Nature is lavish to the point of extravagance; it is man only who pinches and saves, and fears there will not be enough to go around, and so becomes his own utter damnation. If you want to know more of this law of supply and demand, Read Helen Wilman’s works on mental science.

DIET

LESSON XII THAT diet plays a large part in the acquirement of Personal Magnetism my readers will readily understand. I have laid down such stringent rules as to the necessity for perfect health, and diet has so much to answer for in the acquirement of perfect health, that too much consideration cannot be give to it. Naturally I do not advocate flesh food in any form; neither do I advise the so-called vegetarian diet. For perfect health and strength and the “staying” power boasted of by meat eaters nothing can beat a fruitarian diet. To prove this we need only consider the results of the great International walking race, held at Whitsuntide, in Germany (1902), when the competitors walked from Dresden to Berlin, a distance of 124 ½ miles. Thirty-two competitors started from Dresden at 7:30 a.m. on May 18th (1902), in bad weather. Of these men part were fruitarians and vegetarians (including the great Karl Mann, the world’s champion walker, of Berlin) part meat eaters. THE FIRST SIX TO ARRIVE IN BERLIN WERE FRUITARIANS AND VEGETARIANS, the third man, Martin Rehann, being only twenty years old. Of course Karl Mann was first, having done the distance in twenty-six hours fifty-eight minutes, and fresh as a daisy at the finish, whilst the meat eaters, well known and tried athletes, arrived utterly exhausted. George Allen, the English (Leicester) hundred-mile walker, is also a vegetarian, and we all know Eustace Miles. These cases are officially attested, and anybody who likes can verify the statements for themselves. Karl Mann only takes two meals a day, and he partakes of neither flesh, fowl, alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, etc., and when training, neither eggs, milk, cheese, butter, nor pulse. We personally, have two meals daily, the first at 12:30 p.m., the second at 6:30, working on the no breakfast plan, which I find splendid for health and a clear brain. The fruitarian diet is fine, and, to my mind, more satisfying than vegetarianism, to say nothing of what it save in household work. However, to the point – it’s no use preaching a fruitarian diet if I don’t give you practical teaching as to rules, quantities, etc. I read so much about the beauties of the diet, etc., in some fifteen or twenty American magazines, and not one practical hit, that I used to get quite made, and I firmly believe any number of people would turn from a flesh diet if they only knew hot to begin. The ordinary individual has a tendency to over-eat himself six days out of seven, and to prevent this tendency I advise that a pair of kitchen scales be requisitioned and the proper quantities duly weighed out – indeed this is imperative. I am allowing the same amount of nutriment for a woman as for a man, but at the same time the fair sex can from the day’s allowance knock of a quarter pound of dried fruit and half a pound of fresh fruit if necessary. Personally I think the idea that women eat less than men has arisen because they too often eat between meals and men haven’t the chance as a rule. Every adult requires from twelve to sixteen ounces of DRY food, free from water, daily. To supply this a quarter of a pound of shelled nuts and three-quarters of a pound of any dried fruit must be used. In addition to this from two to three pounds of any fresh fruit in season goes to compete the days allowance. These quantities should be weighed out and divide in half for the two meals, and will sustain a full-grown man in perfect health and vitality. The quantity of ripe fresh fruit may be slightly increased in summer, with a corresponding decrease in the dried fruit. When beginning this diet it is as well to use a little bread (whole meal) and plenty of eggs, milk, cream cheese, and cream, until gradually weaned from cereals. Occasionally Quaker Oats and such nut foods as Bromose may be used. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, plums, apples, pineapples, grapes, melons, currants, etc., can all be used in summer, and grapes pears, apples, oranges, bananas, etc., in winter. For the dried fruit raisins, sultanas, prunes, dates, figs, and plums, and for a change and stewing purposes we have splendid variety in Californian prunes, apricots, peaches, Bartlett pears, dried apples, bananas and plums. The nut foods are almonds, walnuts, hazels, cashews, pine kernels, peanuts (these can be bought ready shelled), sapricia, pecan, butternuts, hickory, brazils, (excellent for constipation), Japan peanuts, chestnuts, and Coker nuts. All these should be bought in large quantities – by FAR the cheapest way – and the diet will be found to pan out at from sixpence, one shilling to two shillings per head daily, according to the quality of fruit bought – surely not only a healthier, purer method of living, but infinitely more economical to those who consider such matters! To cook dried fruit, wash it thoroughly in clean water, place it in a dish with enough water to cover it, and soak ten or fifteen hours; then, leaving it in the water it has been soaked in, put it on the stove and let it simmer gently until cooked. When nearly done add sufficient sugar for individual taste. The fruit cooked in this manner very nearly resembles fresh fruit, with the full flavor and taste. English women don’t know how to cook dried fruit, and it enters comparatively little into their menus. The above is an American recipe and may be adopted for all the dried fruits, though the dried bananas may be eaten raw or steamed in an ordinary potato steamer and eaten with fresh or whipped cream. Some people advise regularity of meals. I advise only two daily, but it is best to eat when your are hungry. All the same you WILL be hungry if you follow the “no breakfast” plan, and able to relish your natural food with a natural appetite. Alcohol kills magnetism. You will find your magnetic and vital power doubled – nay trebled – by the simple pure food. You will enjoy health such as you never had before, double working capacity, and be able to look God’s creatures in the face without a blush.

MAGNETIC HEALING

LESSON XIII I HAVE shown how Personal Magnetism is largely a matter of health, and the correct storage and increase of the magnetism or electricity contain in our bodies, and the atmosphere upon which we draw to a certain extent for magnetic supplies, although it must be understood we already posses the force in ourselves. So far the use of animal magnetism for personal advancement has been the object of the lessons given, but there is another side to the questions, and animal magnetism for healing purposes occupies, in my opinion, a much more important position. Magnetic healing forms a wonderful means of alleviating pain, and the cures affected by a skillful healer are too numerous to mention. All nervous diseases, and a good many others, will yield to the treatment, which, needless to say, can only be given by one in perfect health, with a prefect flow of magnetism, and the knowledge of how to treat different diseases. This requires a certain amount of study on the part of the student, who should have a working knowledge of anatomy, and a good handbook (Furneaux’s is splendid) of physiology is very necessary. Some people say, I know, that I am something of a crank on scientific matters, but I know that until science is liked with metaphysics, the more traditional teachings of New Thought will be neglected by the masses. I advise you to thoroughly study the nervous and muscular system, to gain a good working acquaintance with the various organs of the body and their functions, and a knowledge of the symptoms of some of the diseases the flesh of man is heir to. In previous lessons you have mastered the art of generating magnetism in the body, and if you have followed the teachings and exercises I have given, you will have a store of magnetism to “give off’ for the benefit of others. If you want to include a flow of magnetism for healing purposes, place your hands together in a cone shape and breathe gently into them until they are moist, then rub them briskly together. Repeat this three times then you will have sufficient “flow” for healing purposes. Begin with the treatment of simple ailments, such a neuralgia, toothache, headache, and so forth and it is for these I will first give you instruction as to treatment. Always talk to your patient brightly, and try to instill confidence in his mind with regard to your methods. Stand behind him, and having first generated a flow of magnetism as directed, place your right hand at the base of his stomach and the left at the back of the head, and will hard that magnetism shall flow thorough the body. Then lift your hands above his head, and without touching him, make sweeping passes in a downward direction, from head to foot, shaking the hands to “throw off” as you finish each pass. Open your hands so that the fingers are slightly apart and curved inwards when making the passes. Then let the patient sit in an easy chair, the head must not rest against the back, or you can’t reach him, stand behind him, and treat him with what we call “contact” passes. The whole time you are manipulating the patient you must steadily WILL that the flow of magnetism from your fingers shall carry away the pain, and leave him free. First remember that your two hands are, for the time being, converted into delicate instruments, that in fact you carry an electro-magnetic battery in your fingers. Of this battery you must make your right hand the positive pole, the left hand the negative pole. Do not forget this in your treatments, for it is most important. Now, first place your right hand to the patient’s forehead (taking care to press the center of your palm between the eyes) and the left hand at the back of the head; now will earnestly that the magnetic current shall pass through his entire body. You will force this current through the brain from your positive hand, which generates the magnetism, to your negative hand, which, being placed at the base of the brain, carries the current right down the spinal column and through the medium of the cerebro-spinal nerves to all the principal organs of the body. Having done this you now place your hands firmly on the forehead, and stroke from between the eyes, back over the ears to the back of the neck, when the hands are removed and smartly shaken each time as if something sticky was adhering to the fingers. This is called the “throw off,” and carries away the magnetism charged with the pain, thus guarding against the danger of forcing the pain from one part of the body to another. Continue the treatment until the magnetism is gone, willing steadily the whole time that the pain shall vanish. Remember that the animal magnetism is a FORCE; it is not an effort of the imagination of a few occult cranks. It is a force acknowledged by scientists – French, German, American, and English – men whose names stand high in the world of science and of learning. Moreover, it is not a mere theory on their part, for the flow of magnetism form the human body has been successfully photographed, the camera revealing that which the eye of man could not see. Experiment has shown that this force can cure disease, which will not yield to rugs or even ordinary mental treatment. I have given simple instructions of using the magnetic emanations proceeding from the body for the cure of headache, and now I will show how to cure other diseases of the nervous system. Let it be understood clearly, however, that magnetic healing will not “set” broken bones any more that Mental or Christian Science will do so; if the Christian and Mental Scientists would take a more rational standpoint and admit certain limitations, they would, at any rate in England, make greater headway. A man who is suffering from a compound fracture of thigh, for instance, won’t fid it mended by the simple assertion that it isn’t broken. So with magnetic healing; but, mark you, once it has been set by the surgeon, magnetic treatment will cause it to heal up twice as quickly, for flow of newly vitalized blood to the injured part; and those of my readers who desire to take up this business as a means of livelihood should remember this, and recognize the value of the medical man as well as the mistakes he makes. The solar plexus is the nervous center of the body, which has the most direct connection with the emotions. Plexus means a network of nerves and blood vessels, and the solar plexus is situated in the abdomen just behind the stomach (not the intestines, be it understood), and is sometimes called the abdominal brain. The magnetic healer must not fail to recognize the value of this group of nerves, for a steady magnetic flow induced for ten minutes or so at this part of the body will do much to correct the trouble, no matte what it may be, from which the patient is suffering. Placing the right hand over the stomach in front, and the left hand at the corresponding spot behind, and send a steady flow of magnetism right thought from one to the other. It is as well to remember; too, that water or milk can be magnetized, and when given the patient to drink, or to bathe the affected part with, great relief, or even cue, can be brought about. I cured a bad case of erysipelas by sending the patient magnetized milk, which she both drank and used to bathe the face. To do this, pour the milk or water into a scrupulously clean vessel, induce the magnetic flow as already directed, and make passes with both hands over the vessel. Then place the right hand over the mouth of the cup or jug, stiffen the arm, and make the hand vibrate the muscles of the upper arm (this needs practice), sending a steady flow of magnetism into the liquid. You can always set into better “touch” with your patient by making him drink some magnetized liquid before treating him. In certain diseases the water may be hot. When treating for troubles, which arise directly from the nerves, place your hands on the seat of the pain and make the currents, pass right through form one side to the other. For such things as neuralgia, toothache, earache, etc., make the hands as hot as possible first. It is usual to give the patient a general treatment first of all before attempting to treat locally, and to do this you must proceed as follow: Prepare the magnetic flow, and then, having your patient simply garbed in his birthday suit, or a light, loose wrapper, place your right hand at the base of the brain, and pass the left slowly down the spine touching it very gently with the fingers, but sending all your magnetism into the spinal column and directing all your will power to this end. The patient should take long, deep breaths during the process, breathing from the abdomen. Now remove your hands and make passes from head to foot – these need not be “contact” passes (that is to say, you do not touch the patient); then treat the solar plexus as already described, and also the chest and lungs in the same manner. Next, to secure free action of the bowels, place your left hand over the solar plexus in front, and your right at the base of the brain; send strong currents through the body, and will that the bowels shall act freely. Follow this up by a treatment of from five to ten minutes of the liver, place the right hand over this organ, and then vibrate as I have told you for the magnetized water. Only practice can help you with this; you must go on trying until you can do it properly; but it is the most powerful movement you can use. This profession of Magnetic Healer is one in which money can be made by those who seek a means of livelihood, and can also be used as a means of alleviating much pain and suffering which drugs cannot move. I agree with the necessity for surgeons, but the physician would make more cures if he went in for rational health treatments instead of drugging his patients Those of my readers who seek the professional side of magnetism as a healing agent must practice continually, and ‘treat” everybody they can get hold of.

FURTHER LESSONS ON PERSONAL MAGNETISM

IN the preceding pages I have shown you how to cultivate Personal Magnetism and how, to a certain extent only, to use it. If you have followed the rules carefully, you will at least have learnt a little on how to concentrate your mind, and, beyond all else, to have faith in yourself and in your own Power. This is the groundwork, exactly as the ABC forms the groundwork of languages, but believe me, it is very little more; the true power of magnetism lies in the knowledge of how to apply it, and this I do not suppose one out of a thousand of my students can do on the strength of the previous chapters alone. You have studied the mechanism; you have learnt to believe in the power of one mind upon another; you have practiced your scales and five-finger exercise, and now you are ready to proceed to a “piece,” to play a tune, in fact! All true magnetic attraction consists of an interchange of magnetism between two centers. When all is given out and none coming in, the results is utter depletion, so far as the operator goes, and flatness – a gray drab effect upon the receiver, and is, moreover, absolutely a matter of impossibility to consciously create any effect upon the mind of another person without following certain cut-and dried rules which are imperative, if any definite measure of success is to be achieved. Of course you can make another person like you, or you can carry out small schemes, but you are only using the ordinary power of mental attraction, and not true magnetic attraction. This can only be accomplished when it is accompanied by: Intensity of purpose. The power of projecting mind images.A knowledge (working) of the true laws of polarity; and A correct understanding of what I choose to call the magnetic instruments. So that at once it becomes apparent Personal Magnetism won’t be really of much avail for playing monkey tricks, such as the American guinea courses extol, nor can it be used excepting by a perfectly organized brain, which organization includes self-control. To attract, you must be indifferent, yet intense of purpose and will. You must be patient, all time is at your command; there is no need for hassle, but you must understand that, once embark upon the purpose, whatever it may be, to let go means a weakening of the will force; it is as if the head boy of the class were dismissed to the bottom seat and decked out with the foolscap. Remember that human volition can carry all things before it, but it must be accompanied by faith and persistence. Also it is no use just thinking a thing, it is necessary to ACT; you must translate your thoughts into deeds. Never waste your efforts on things that do not matter; never fritter your forces away. To commence with number 4 conditions, under the old law that the first shall be last, and the last first, the correct magnetic instruments are: 1st The MIND 2nd The WILL power controlling the mental action 3rd The EYE 4th The power of touch, or contact 5th The human voice This last item is never considered in the usual lessons upon this subject, yet it is as powerful in its own sphere of action as the mental side of the question. The voice can carry magnetism, can stir up hatred or love, and influence the soul with passions or create coldness; it is the most readily used instrument of them all. But I would have you understand clearly that the conscious brain effort is placed first because it is the chief instrument, and because it is a part of all the rest. The inner gray matter of the brain records and registers thought images – thought images, be it said, which can be projected upon the gray matter of another’s brain, seized and registered by that brain as its own property, making it your unconscious servant, the doer of your bidding, of your will, the executor of your desires. And, all this without any hypnotic control or without speaking a word. The will power is the instrument which assists in the projection of these images and which is the leader, the captain of the ship. In some extreme case pure desire will accomplish the same end as conscious will effort, but to gain the true effect, the thought must be under the control of the organized will, and for really powerful results to be attained, the determination to succeed must be accompanied by indifference. For instance, supposing a woman loves a man devotedly, and the man doesn’t care a jot if she is alive or dead, that woman is the man’s slave, he is the center of attraction, not she; and he is the positive pole of which she is very poor negative. Now such a woman might try to project a thought to that man’s brain, and she could never reach it, she is in the wrong position at the outset, she is not master of herself, but her passions are master of her, and the consequence is she is quite powerless to influence that other person, however great her desire. By indifference you will understand that I mean you must be master of the desire, which impels your magnetic action, the desire must not be master of you. When you are indifferent you are invulnerable. The man, who goes to war praying that he may meet death, returns home with a whole skin. The man who has plenty of money can go to the race course and bet freely, he will win, it is a matter of indifference to him, whilst the poor beggar whose all depends upon winning will loose everything he has! Will power is the lever, which works the entire mechanism, but will power without the other instruments is no better than mere brute force, it is not magnetism The eye, which is the next instrument in power, will always directly stir the magnetic centers, but of course few people even look one in the eye. Lessons on Personal Magnetism are careful to instruct students to look at people between the eyes. Believe me, magnetism only passes when you look right into the pupil of the eye – a thing which possibly only occurs between lovers, and which with contact, is more than partly responsible for the thrills which they experience. The majority of people meet you eye without looking into it. When seeing to influence anybody, look directly into his or her eyes. Not many people can stand it, and like all magnetic usages it must not ever be abused. So far as contact is concerned, most of my students and others also know the value of this, and I need not enlarge upon the subject. Regarding the human voice, it can be directly charged with magnetism, and the sound waves created by it can transmit the message to be sent quite independent of any word effects. For instance, a woman might be talking a lot of drivel about a summer sale, and yet she may send some strong magnetic force, some powerful magnetic emotion upon the meaningless sound waves. Of course, to have the strongest effect the words and the emotion should tally, but whereas the mental images projected by the will power may carry any impression form good health to death, from hate to love, and so on, even to certain definite and concerted actions, the voice can carry emotion only, but the magnetic emotion properly directed can raise such a storm, such an absolute tornado of corresponding emotion, either in on e person or ten thousand people, as to make the uninitiated gasp. So to recapitulate the use of any five magnetic instruments, the mind is used for creating mind pictures; the will power is used for projecting those mental pictures upon the gray matter of another person’s brain; the eye is used for creating magnetic disturbances or explosions in the aura of that other person; the use of contact as for very much the same purpose, whilst the use of the voice is for the conveyance of any particular emotion. Now we come to number 3: The knowledge of the true working laws of polarity. As you know from my preceding pages, polarity stands for the positive and negative condition of the magnetic current. We all know that. It is necessary when teaching pupils music to make him play scales and exercises to render the muscles of the hand lissome, and to give him perfect control over them. Very good. In my pervious work I have emphasized the necessity for becoming positive – the imperative necessity, maybe for positive mind action. Let me tell you now that anybody who uses the positive polarity only soon becomes depleted. The law is that of the human heart, where the blood beats in and out, of the tides of the ocean, which come and go, of the seasons of the year, of night and of day. You cannot give all out and take in nothing. And the great law of polarity is this: first negative conditions, the taking in; then positive, the giving out. This is quite reasonable if you consider the ordinary laws of nature, we do not sow the seed and then plow the land, but plow the land first of all and sow the seed afterwards. Now I want you to understand the word receptivity as synonymous for a process of “drawing from,” or an inhalation of force, if you can understand that better. For impression, I want you to understand a “giving out,” and of the same force that you draw from. I want to make you understand this clearly, because the whole use of magnetism depends on this law, which is seldom or never properly understood. The main object preached by all teachers of magnetism is impress, impress, impress! You may take it from me that by giving out only impression results in a dull gray or drab effect, there is no play of color, no real display of power, no definite result. And all gray or drab magnetism is like any other drab effect, wanting in life, lacking that pulsating sense of color, which arrests the eye and warms the whole being of you. Of course the next question you will ask is how impress? When am I to use the one action and when the other. Well, I am coming to that later on. Sufficient for the time being, if you will realize the teachings of concentration. The universe is flooded with the power of Universal Attraction. The Rosicrucian’s speak of it as great white invisible fire – it is called the universal fluid, the astral light, the odic force, the living, pulsating ether of the ancients. It is enough to understand that this force, call it what you will, and floods the universe. It is in you, it is in me, it is in the space that divides us, no matter if that space is a yard, or if we are separated by half the earth. This, I think, you all understand; the point I want to emphasize is that this force collects at certain living centers in the body – the solar plexus for one, which is situated at the waist centers of the body. Some people have it in enormous quantities, others are lacking in it. It is the medium, as I have already explained, which carries our mental messages from one to the other. By my will power, my breath or my voice, or my touch or my merest glance, I can send my force magnetic from me. And by those same means I can draw your force away from you, draw it to me. If I only draw from you, you will become asinine, like an animal, passive sleepy. If I only send my force to you, I become limp, weary, inert, and lifeless. But supposing that I first draw your force from you to me, and at a given moment then proceed to impress my force upon you, alternating the process according to circumstances and conditions, the result will be that you feel alert, charged with new life, strangely excited possibly, thrilled as it were with some curious unknown emotion. You are receptive, my servant, you accept my thoughts, and you do not know they are my thoughts, you become as one with me, you are for the time being my servant. And I am quietly charging you with my magnetism, guided by my will, yet without suffering the depletion that would assail me if I had only forced my will upon you. For exercise you may commence this practice with breathing exercises only – and alone! Stand erect, in a proper physical culture attitude, waist in , chest well breasted upwards. Now imagine a person, or be content to draw in merely from the universal supply. Commence by inhaling slowly; as you do so, will that you draw in the magnetic force from without. You can draw it in with your hands if you like, taking it as if it were something sticky, something that needed a certain amount of muscle to being to you. In other words, a mere light gesture doesn’t convey the correct sensations to your brain center. Then breathe outwards, still slowly, and as you do it will your own magnetic force outwards and away from you to that other imaginary center. This is for practice only. You can do the same thing (without the gesture) when you are talking to people. It will not have much effect upon them; because of course it is magnetic breathing only, unaided by the brain, or imaginative side of yourself. I think you understand this now, and we can leave it pro tem. But you can and must practice it regularly. *********** Now there are two distinct methods of treating people magnetically. One is what we will call distant treatment, for want of a better name; the other is that treatment used when you are face to face with a person or persons. Curiously enough, the former is infinitely more powerful than the latter, and I will deal with it first of all, although the modus operandi in both cases is similar, somewhat, at any rate. It is not enough to sit down and will that a person shall do so and so, or to even follow up the will conditions with magnetic breathing. To begin with, you must have an absolutely clear conception of what you mean to impress. That impression must be of the nature of an emotion, and an emotion that is universal. This is the very basic soul essence of your message it must fail otherwise. It is not enough to just think of it in an abstract manner, you will accomplish nothing. You must absolutely become the emotion, flood your very being with it, and shut out every other sensation. Thus and THUS ONLY can you ever hope to arouse in that other person the sensation you desire. Sit down quietly by yourself, and by the aid of your imagination grow into the semblance of your emotion. Any emotion must be universal and freed from all restrictions. Something which is governed neither by rare creed nor language. Something which the savage and civilized alike feel and understand. Love, hatred, greed, generosity, fear, courage, health, sickness, passion, power, religion-these are all universal emotions, and with one of these, according to your desires, you must be so saturated that you are for the time being an embodiment of it, and of it alone. You are master of this emotion, you have put it on like an overcoat, and you can take it off as easily. You are really indifferent. The next condition still further calls upon our imagination, that wondrous weaver of pictures, of fantasy and fact. The next step is to see the person you would influence. This is not difficult to some, to others its acquirement is tedious, but if you have practiced concentration you should be able to do it well enough. You must see them mentally as clearly as if face-to-face. Every feature, color, and eyes – all must stand out clearly in your mental vision – Good! Now, feeling charged with your emotion, with the mental vision clearly before you, call him (or her) by name. As your voice goes out draw to yourself strongly the magnetic force from that person, as you have been taught, only remember that whereas in practice you draw the force in whilst you are inhaling, here you have to draw in whilst your voice is ringing outwards, and you man repeat two or three times, just as if you were calling him, and waiting for him to hear you. Good again! Now you have gone through three separate phases 1st You have created an emotion. 2nd You have created a mental image. 3rd You have charged yourself with the magnetism of the person you are acting upon and be doing this you have created a condition of receptivity in him. Could you be present with him in the flesh, you would find him restless, a little excited, with his thoughts crowded upon you. It is a very curious thing that the moment you build up a mental image of any person, that person immediately receives a mental image of you. Now you are ready to send your desire to the person, but do not forget that the desire must agree with the universal emotion, the message must correspond. As you transmit your message – aloud – send your magnetic force towards the person with all your will power. So far as the message goes you must understand that certain cut and dried laws govern this also. It should be as simple as possible. It should be capable of translation into a mental picture. It must be repeated steadily for any length of time necessary. It depends a great deal upon what the message may be. You will see from this that telepathy acts as a means of conveying magnetism. But at the same time this method of treatment is really quite apart from telepathy as usually understood, excepting so far as the thought images are concerned. The time required for treatment depends upon your natural ability. Say always, “You want,” for it is the very essence of magnetism that this law shall be observed. You must throw your thought across the screen of the other person’s brain, in such form, that the thoughts seem their own. Perhaps I ought not to speak so freely on these matters, but I know very well there are so few people who can fulfill the conditions or who will persevere, that I don not think there is very much harm done. Supposing you know somebody who is very unhappy, hopeless, and alone. Saturate yourself with the emotion of Hope, until you feel buoyant with life and joy. Call up the image of the person you want to influence, and then with the magnetic breathing, call them by name. Then send your message of magnetic hope: say, “You want to be cheerful, you want to feel happy; you have your heart full of hope you can sing, you can feel the joy of future success surge through your being.” This will have an altogether different effect to the same treatment delivered by the ordinary mans of mental treatment or magnetism. Of course I only take this as an instance. It is by no means the only kind of use to which magnetism may be put. You may want somebody to care for you, or not to care for some other person. You may want somebody to do you a favor, you may be seeking a situation, there are a thousand uses to which it may be put, but the method is always the same, and in the same order. Coming to personal contact, of course, although in the main conditions are the same, details differ. And it must be emphasized also that this method is applicable alike to individuals and to audiences. Actors and actresses can use it, lecturers and preachers, vocalists and reciters, barristers, in fact anybody dealing with the general public. Before you come into touch with either the person or the audience, get a clear idea of your plan of campaign. What is it you are going to do? What are your plans? I will give an instance, which really happened to a pupil of mine. He is a businessman, and a very big manta that, never mind what sort of business, for that would be telling. Anyway, he had to deal with four men in his own line of business who had been for years bitterly opposed to certain plans he wanted to carry out, and in no way could he influence them. She he came to me and I taught him what I have just taught you. To begin with, I made him treat them first from the distance, each man separately. For his emotional saturation I made him take Power. Then to each man he gave his ideal, in the form of a mental picture. Next he went to see them, intentionally. Before entering each man’s office he charged himself with magnetism from the man in question. Then, quietly talking to him all the time throwing this vivid mental picture upon his brain. One man capitulated of his own accord without my pupil even putting the question to him at all, and at a public meeting half a few days later the other three men climbed down gracefully, and through the proper use of magnetism gained a victory he had sought for years in vain. The great difficulty most people will experience in using my method of magnetic treatment, is what I call the emotional saturation. To a great actress, a Violet Vanburgh, an Ethel Irving, the emotional saturation is a part of their magic, it is easy, to average English manor woman who has been brought up to stifle emotion, to mask their real feelings until they are sometimes apparently without feeling, this assumption of an emotion is difficult. It is not any use doing it in milk and water fashion. If you assume the emotion of, say religion you must bring to yourself that intense sensation of awed reverence, as if in the actual presence of the Deity; if you assume the emotion of love, your whole being must pulsate with the tender passion, you become love personified, the sort of love is a state of being which must also be considered. There is a wide difference between the love of a mother for her child, and the love of a strong man for the woman of his heart, or the love of a proliferate for some woman who has claimed his butterfly passion. All these shades of difference must be vigorously observed, you must be an artist; you do not merely assume an emotion, you ARE that emotion for the time, every nerve and fiber of your body responds to the call your imagination makes upon it, and yet reserve to yourself the right to become instantly calm, normal, unwept by any form of brain storm. I am not saying it will not take it out of you a little, but as a matter of fact what you lose is infinitesimal if you follow the laws governing magnetic breathing, and properly charge yourself with odic force before you go any further in your efforts, and the emotional storm cannot touch you. This is one of the reasons why I am so very decided in my teachings as to the due observance of magnetic breathing and the proper use of magnetic polarity. It stands to reason that if you do not know how to create receptivity, or when to impress, you must be sadly handicapped in the use of this marvelous force, in fact leave out any one item, or transpose them even, and the result will be failure. Patience, before all things, and faith, the certitude of obtaining results, are essential factors of success, and again the old Biblical saying that with faith you can remove mountains. However return the correct method of dealing with people when using magnetism for what I will call “contact work” – i.e., a personal interview – it must be always remembered that whatever subjects of conversation may arise all the time you are charged with your emotional magnetism until the very air becomes electric (or magnetic) as it were with your purpose. Learn to talk platitudes whilst you are feeling a great emotion, and learn to talk also whilst your brain formulates the words without speech, which carry your secret will message. This is by no means an easy task, unless you appear pre-absorbed, which is a wrong attitude and not flattering to the person you have to deal with. I knew a man once who lost a large fortune through yawning at the wrong moment; and any apparent inattention on your part may do more harm than you imagine. Learn to smile and look interested, to talk lightly about current topics, all the while your body is something in a magnetic storm, and your brain hammers out its silent message with the ceaseless insistence which characterizes most forms of suggestion, and, speaking of suggestion, it is always a helpful addition to the use of personal magnetism, the way a word is put will often make all the difference to any result desired. To say to some people, “I want you to do so and so,” is to court refusal. To delicately suggest that it is their own special desire to do this particular thing, will generally result in their believing it is their desire. The whole use of magnetism in its more subtle and useful branches is that of transplanting your own desires to the brain of another in such form that they recognize them only as their own offspring. Constant practice will soon render this easy of accomplishment. Do not make the common error of over-doing it and growing weary. Personal magnetism is for use, like a pick-me-up, when needed. It can be overdone, and the effect lost. After warmth -cold; after night -day; after a magnetic storm of emotion -rest. A pupil of mine, a very dear lady (she is dead now) had a beast of a husband who was always straying away from her. I taught her how to bring him back, but I never could convince her that she must give it a rest. He came back and wooed her again as an ardent lover after a fifteen years’ coldness and practical desertion, but I never could make her alternate her treatment, and after a year’s renewed honeymoon he grew tired again, and once more strayed away form her. Magnetism appeals so much to lovers that I beg them to remember this law: You can make a man or a woman love you, bit if you go on digging it into their brain it grows FLAT, parrot-like and useless. You achieve your object, very good, give it a rest, do not think o magnetism, don’t be too everlastingly sugary, let him (or her) go a little, even alternate our treatment with a little judicious coldness or even neglect, then when there is trouble brewing, when the object of your affections grows doubtful, hurt even, uncertain of you, then, if you like, renew your treatment. Anybody who understands this law of magnetic polarity can hold a man or a woman a willing slave for always. Looks, age, talent; none of these things matter. But look, you never grizzle – never. Fire up if you must, be cold, be warm, be indifferent, but just take life smiling. The one who goes through life with a song and a smile has a constant magnetic flow. Tears and grizzles will break that flow, you are never magnetic when you grieve. You will get out of the world exactly what you put into it, so be understanding, be sympathetic, be sunshine, and be strong. Never mind what the surface “you” may be. Underneath, let the current of indomitable will guide you on to that which you desire. Once you have put your hand to the plough do not turn back – go on, fast if you can, if not go slowly, but go on. If you have begun a thing, if you have formulated a desire, regard it as already your own, for it is so indeed if you have the courage to continue. To recapitulate the order for personal contact: 1st Saturate with your magnetic emotion 2nd As you enter the person’s presence (with full lungs please) and speak the usual greetings, strongly charge yourself with magnetism from them, drawing it to you with your will effort, on the sound waves of your voice. 3rd Formulate your desires into speechless words, with all the force you are able 4th As you formulate charge the person with your own magnetism, the return current. 5th When you come to the point, which may not always be necessary (in actual words, in fact often it is quite unnecessary to formulate your desires into spoken words at all), but assuming that it is so, let the preamble to your request be an indrawn of it magnetism, that is to say, as your voice travels outward along the sound waves it creates your willpower, is drawing into you the necessary magnetic charges from the person you speak to, and then when you reach the crisis send voice, will, brain image all heavily charged with your own magnetism outwards to the person you are dealing with. You will be astonished at the effect, if a strong electric battery were played upon him he could not be more influenced, and it is very seldom indeed that such a charge will fail. Public speakers, and so forth, can use this power in the same way, of course much depending upon what their subject may be, but it’s no earthly use unless pre-charged with the correct magnetic emotion; that is your groundwork, and whatever your outward words or actions may portray, you must not lose sight of that for a moment. It must be felt, it must radiate from you with intensity that all can feel and understand without speech or action to explain your purpose. As my infant son says when he turns head over heels, or tries to, “that takes a bit of doing” – but whoever can do it is master of a force greater than any other force known to science as yet, master of a power one almost hesitates to use let your use of it be for good only, or believe me it will turn and rend you! O. HASHNU HARA

–Harrison

The Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

By Theron Dumont

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preliminary Greeting Chapter 1. Personal Magnetism Chapter 2. Mental and Physical Poles Chapter 3. The Mental Phase Chapter 4. The Physical Phase Chapter 5. Physical Magnetism Chapter 6. Generating Nerve-Force Chapter 7. Distributing Nerve-Force Chapter 8. Nerve-Force Exercises Chapter 9. Projecting Nerve-Force Chapter 10. Mental Radiation Chapter 11. Mental Attitudes Chapter 12. The Mental Atmosphere Chapter 13. Magnetic Currents Chapter 14. The Direct Flash Chapter 15. Exercises in the Direct Flash Chapter 16. The Positive Aura Chapter 17. The Direct Command Chapter 18. The Magnetic Duel Chapter 19. Corporeal Magnetism Chapter 20. Magnetic Self-Defense

Preliminary Greeting

I take pleasure in presenting to many American students who will acquire possession of copies of this book, these practical lessons on the art and science of Personal Magnetism. These chapters contain the gist of the lessons taught be me, in classes, and to individuals, in my courses of personal instruction conducted by me, here in Paris, for the past eighteen years. In my personal class work, of course, I adapt the instruction to the special requirements of my individual students, which I cannot do in the case of general lessons in printed form. But, notwithstanding this, I feel that I have condensed into these pages the essence of my methods, and principles of practice, so that any student of average intelligence may readily grasp, assimilate, and apply the same with success, at least, I feel that if the student does not accomplish this, it will be his or her own fault, not that of myself. In introducing this book, I with to express my obligations to Mr. L. N. D., an American student of mine, here in Paris, who has kindly transformed my rather stilted “guidebook English” into the plain, simple form desirable for a book designed for the general public. I feel particularly indebted to him for supplying the idiomatic, American “man on the street” terms, thus reproducing the conversational style which I use in all my lessons in French, but which my “book English” rendered impossible in this case without the kindly assistance of this worthy gentleman. With hand on heart, I send to my new American audience the sincere regards, and most earnest wishes for success, of Their solicitous teacher, Theron Q. Dumont — Paris, France, August 26, 1913

Chapter 1

Personal Magnetism

It is a strange and almost amusing fact that there should be at the same time, on the part of the general public, such a general acceptance of the existence of personal magnetism, on the one hand, and such an ignorance of the nature of this wonderful force, on the other hand. In short, while everyone believes in the existence of personal magnetism, scarcely anyone possesses knowledge of the real nature of the same, much less a working knowledge of its principles of application. A belief in the existence of a personal power, influence, or atmosphere, on the part of certain individuals, which enables the possessor to attract, influence, dominate or control others, has been held by the race from the earliest days of written history. Many of the oldest writings of the race contain references to the strange, mysterious power possessed by certain individuals, which enabled them to attract or influence others. And, following the course of written human history along the ages, we may perceive a constant reference to this strange power of the individual, so generally acknowledged and at the same time, so little understood. Coming down to the present age, an age in which great attention has been devoted to the study of psychology and psychic subjects in general, we find that while the old belief in personal magnetism has been strengthened, there exists, at the same time, very little general knowledge among the public regarding the real nature of the force or the best means of using and employing it. But this lack of knowledge just alluded to is confined to the general public. In all ages there have been a few advanced individuals who have thoroughly understood and employed the force of personal influence. Not only have the occult students of the past possessed this knowledge, and have passed it on to their successors, but many of the greatest men of history have acquired a thorough knowledge likewise, and have employed it in advancing their own interests. In some cases, individuals of this last mentioned class have received direct instruction from occult teachers, but in many cases they have stumbled across the existence of the power within themselves, and then advanced in their knowledge of the subject by careful investigation and study, accompanied by constant experimentation. Many of them, in their writings or sayings, have testified to their knowledge and us of this most wonderful power. It is difficult even to correctly define the term “personal magnetism,” so little are its principles understood by the masses of the people. The dictionaries give us but little help in the matter, so vague are their so-called definitions. Perhaps the best definition is the following: “the strong, peculiar, but little understood power, force, or influence, exerted by certain individuals, in varying degrees, by the means of which other persons are attracted to, controlled by, dominated, or influenced by the individual possessing the power; a form of mental influence exerted by certain individuals over those with whom they come in contact.” The principal objection that I, personally, have to the above otherwise fairly good definition, is it implies that only certain individuals possess personal magnetism, the implication being that the remainder of the race are devoid of it. This, in my opinion, is a sad mistake. The truth is, each and every individual is in possession of a certain degree of personal magnetism; that each person may increase the degree and strengthen the power by knowledge and practice. Even the most “un-magnetic” person possesses personal magnetism, perhaps even to a considerable degree, but is generally so ignorant of the nature of the force of the means of its employment, that he or she actually repels other persons instead of attracting them. For, do not fail to note this fact, personal magnetism, like material magnetism, may repel as well as attract – it has its positive as well as its negative side. Many very repellent persons are really manifesting a high degree of personal magnetism in a negative form, and are driving away persons from them in the same manner that others attract persons to them – it is all a matter of the use of the power. The fact is that every person generates and throws off a certain degree (varying among different individuals) of personal magnetism, which affects the minds of other persons coming within the field of its influence. Not only does each person emanate and project a certain amount or degree of personal magnetism, additionally, each person is also constantly surrounded by a field of personal magnetic influence – a personal atmosphere, so to speak. This personal atmosphere affects to a greater or lesser degree other persons coming within its field of influence. This personal atmosphere varies greatly in degree of strength, extent and general character, among different individuals. The average person has but a weak personal atmosphere, which extends but a short distance on all sides of him, while the strong characters of the race are surrounded by a widely spread personal atmosphere of great, power, especially when they are aroused by any strong emotion, feeling or desire. The personal atmosphere of those strong individuals, who are generally recognized as leaders of the race, usually extends great distances from the person, and is fairly saturated with strong dynamic magnetism, which impresses itself strongly upon those coming within their field of influence. But even the weaker individuals of the race, or using personal magnetism unconsciously, exert at least some degree of influence upon those around them. It requires but a moment’s thought to recognize that some persons emanate an atmosphere of good-cheer, brightness, and happiness, which affects in a desirable way all persons with whom they come in contact. Others, in the same way, are surrounded by an atmosphere of gloom, pessimism and discouragement, which adversely affects persons coming near them. These things are too common to even excite interest among the average persons, but in this phenomena may be found the key to the higher forms of personal magnetism. We are so accustomed to regarding personal magnetism as meaning only the positive, attractive phase, that it comes as a shock to some of us to be told that the repelling personal atmosphere is equally “magnetic” – that is, magnetic in the wrong direction. This should cause no wonder, when we remember that even the physical metallic magnet repels, under some circumstances, as strongly as it attracts under others. There are, it is true, certain individuals who seem neither to attract nor repel, but this does not affect the general rule. These neutral individuals are usually of weak magnetism, and weak character – that is to say they have no strong motives, aims or desires, or strong cast of character or personality. Each faculty of the mentality is neutralized by some other faculty of equal strength, and the result is a neutral condition akin to lukewarm water- neither hot nor cold. It follows, naturally, that such persons exert but a neutral influence, and have but a weak neutral personal atmosphere. They neither attract nor repel – they simply “bore” persons with whom they come in contact. Some may raise the question that if, as I have said, each and every person is possessed of personal magnetism, then why should any one bother any more about the matter, or study the subject of personal magnetism at all. Such a question (and it is frequently raised, for that matter) causes a smile to manifest on the features of those who have knowledge of the subject; so childish does it seem to them. While it is true that each and every person is possessed of personal magnetism to some degree, it is equally true that the majority of persons have but a weak magnetic force, and that often of a negative or undesirable character. And, it is a fact positively known to those who have mastered the subject, that even the weakest and most negative person may so develop his or her personal magnetism as to gradually acquire the same degree and character of magnetism as that possessed by many individuals originally far in advance of them in magnetic influence. One may completely change the character of his personal magnetism, from negative to positive, from undesirable to desirable, by careful study and practice along the lines, which I shall lay down in this book. Moreover, it is possible for any person possessing sufficient will, perseverance and determination to develop from a puny state of magnetism into a condition of giant magnetic powers. But this latter requires determination, constant practice until a certain stage is reached, and an indomitable will. While any one may easily increase his or her degree of power of personal magnetism, and still more easily change the character of one’s personal atmosphere, the higher prizes are reserved for those who will persevere to the end, and continue faithful in the exercises. This, of course, is true not only of personal magnetism, but also of every other thing worth having. There is no royal road to anything worth having. We must work for what we get. The prizes are not for the weaklings and triflers, but for the persistent, earnest individuals who will “hang on” until they succeed. In this little book, I give you the key to the secret of personal magnetism, but it will still remain for you, yourselves, to determine just what degree of success you shall attain. I give you the best tools, and instructions as to how to use them – but you will have to do the rest yourself. This I will say, however, success must and will be yours if you will follow the instructions carefully, persistently and perseveringly. That is all I can do for you – the rest is in your own hands.

Chapter 2

Mental and Physical Poles

Some of the writers on the subject of personal magnetism have fallen into the error of considering that the entire secret of personal magnetism is to be found in the phenomena of telepathy or transference of thought. These writers, however, have been so carried away by the wonderful facts of the mental phase of personal magnetism, that they have entirely overlooked the other phase, i.e. the physical pole of the magnetic personality. This second phase is just as important as is the mental phase, and the person who wishes to cultivate and develop personal magnetism must give this second phase the same careful attention and practice as the first phase. There are two distinct phases or poles of personal magnetism, (1) the mental and (2) the physical. Do not fail to note this fact, for your success will depend upon the coordination of the force of both poles. To many, this idea of there being a second or physical phase of personal magnetism will seem strange, so accustomed have they grown to hearing the teachings that personal magnetism is a mental phenomenon pure and simple. But as we proceed in our study of the subject in this book, I hope to thoroughly convince you that this second pole of personal magnetism really exists, and that it is equally potent as the first, or mental phase or pole. A man is a dual organism, with both mental and physical phases of manifestation, both mind and body, so is his personal force composed of two distinct phases or poles, each coordinating with the other in the work of manifesting energy and creating effects. Some persons have more mental magnetism, while others have more physical magnetism, but the individual who really manifests the highest degree of personal magnetism is the one who is developed along both poles of activity, both phases of magnetism – physical as well as mental. The mental pole or phase of personal magnetism depends for its force and energy upon the ability of the mind to create thought-waves and to project them beyond the limits of the brain, into the personal atmosphere of the individual, and even beyond the range of his own personal atmosphere when necessary. When accompanied with the physical magnetism generated by the other pole of magnetic activity, this mental magnetism strongly affects other persons coming within the field of action of these thought-waves. But without a good supply of the physical magnetism, these thought-waves fail to have sufficient strength to produce marked results. It would seem that the physical magnetism were needed to give “body” to the mental magnetism, just as the mental magnetism is needed to give color, character or “soul” to the physical magnetism. The two phases of magnetism must work together to gain the best effects. It was formerly very difficult to convey to the mind of the student the facts regarding the mental phase of personal magnetism, so strange did the whole thing appear to him. But in these days, when there has been so much written and taught regarding telepathy, thought-transference and mind-power, the average person is so well posted on the general subject that he may readily understand the special features of thought-power as manifested on personal magnetism. So it is not necessary, now, to first give the student a thorough education regarding the general subject of telepathy, in order to lead him up to the special subject of personal magnetism. In this book, I shall take it for granted that the student knows something of the subject of telepathy or thought-transference, and accordingly I shall not take up space and time in traveling over this old familiar ground. But, nevertheless, I think it advisable to point out to you some of the latest facts discovered by science in connection with the transference of thought. Science has discovered that the human brain, in the processes of thinking, actually generates and uses up a certain amount of energy in the area of the brain tissue. The generation and employment of this energy produces heat, and actually increases the temperature of the brain areas, as may be proven by the use of the delicate registering instruments. Found in every well-equipped brain is as much an actual force as is electricity or the ordinary magnetism of the lodestone, and is governed by much the same general laws and rules. And, like electricity or ordinary magnetism, it is not confined to the point at which it is generated, but, instead, it may be, and is, diffused to points beyond. In other words, the thought energy of the brain of a person extends beyond the limits of his brain, creates a thought-atmosphere around him, and registers an effect upon the brains of others coming within his field of energy. The discovery of radio-activity in certain newly discovered elements of matter, notably in the case of radium, has led science to investigate the matter of the possible radio-activity of other substances. The result is most surprising, for advanced science now announces that every substance is radioactive, that is, every substance is constantly radiating energy of force from itself. This discovery serves to harmonize the previously separated facts regarding thought-transference, etc., and it is now accepted as a fact that the human brain is strongly radioactive, and is constantly sending forth streams of radio-energy. The same laws, which govern the radium, are now perceived to govern the brain action. This simplifies the matter, and brings the subject of thought-transference into the general field of science, and out of the realms of mysticism. The subject is now taught and studied, on a scientific basis, in the principal universities of the world, and new discoveries are constantly being made regarding it. The physical pole of personal magnetism is not to be found in the flesh, blood, or bones of the body – for these are but the crude machinery by which the higher parts of the human organism moves and acts. Instead, it is to be found in that most wonderful part, or parts, of the organism, known as the nervous system. This nervous system is just as wonderful in its way as is the brain, and its effects in personal magnetism are just as important. We are so apt to think of the nerves as being a part of the “body” of the person, that it is somewhat difficult for us to get the idea that the nervous system is really as much a part of the mental system as is the brain. In fact, the nervous system is composed of almost exactly the same kind of matter, as is the brain. The nervous system, moreover, generates energy of a kind very similar to that generated by the brain. For that matter, advanced science really considers that the brain and nervous system are but parts of one and the same thing, governed by the same general laws, and to be considered in connection with each other. And, the student of personal magnetism soon comes to accept this view, when he sees the important part played by the great nerve centers in the work of personal magnetism. Therefore, although I call the magnetism of the nervous system by the term “physical,” and that of the brain by the term “mental,” I do so merely in order to make an easy line of distinction for the purpose of teaching and study. At the last, however, they are really but parts of one and the same thing – merely two poles of the same source of energy. The nervous system of the human being is really a most intricate mechanism. Its main feature is the spinal cord which runs along an opening in the spinal column or backbone, and which is directly connected with the brain matter in the skull. From the spinal cord emerge many sets of nerves, in pairs, which branch out in smaller filament, these in turn branching out into still smaller, and so on, until each and every part of the body is supplied with a direct connection with the main nerve trunk. Other great cables of nerves descend into the trunk of the body, apart from the spinal cord system, although connected with the latter by nerve links. In different parts of the body are to be found great masses of nerve-substance, being matted knots or tangles of nerves, these centers being called plexus or plexuses, the principal one being the “solar plexus” which is situated right back of the pit of the stomach, and which plays a very important part in the life of the person, so important, indeed, that a severe blow struck directly over it may cause the death of the person. The nervous system not only conveys messages from the different parts of the body to the brain, but also serves to convey the energy of motion to the various parts. In short, there can be no motion of any part of the body unless the impulse comes over the nerves. When the nerves governing any part of the body are paralyzed, that part of the body becomes devoid of motion. So you see, the nervous system is a part of the great energy-producing system of the body – as much a part of it as is the brain. Remember this, always, for it is one of the keys to the secrets of personal magnetism. When you remember that this nerve-energy spreads itself beyond the limits of the body, just as does the energy of the brain, then you may begin to see what I am “driving at” in announcing the second pole or phase of personal magnetism, namely the “physical” pole, which, in reality, is the phase of magnetism generated and radiated by the nervous system, particularly by its great centers of plexus. I think that you are now beginning to get the idea, although I have carefully avoided technical scientific terms and have expressed myself in the simplest form.

Chapter 3

The Mental Phase

The mental phase of personal magnetism depends upon two coordinated manifestations of mental power, as follows: (1) the holding of certain mental states until the mental atmosphere becomes charged with the vibrations of the particular mental states; and (2) the conscious projection of the mental current from the brain centers, by the action of the will of the individual. I shall now proceed to describe these two mental phases of manifestation in detail. It is a fact known to all students of the subject that the character of the mental atmosphere of any individual depends entirely upon the character of the mental states held by him. The mental atmosphere of the hopeful, expectant individual is composed of vibrations of a hopeful, cheerful character, which tend to impress and affect other persons coming within the field of activity of his personal atmosphere. Likewise, the mental atmosphere of the gloomy, depressed individual is composed of vibrations of a gloomy, depressing character, which impresses and affects individuals coming in contact therewith. And, in the same manner, all of one’s mental states will become manifest in his mental atmosphere, and accordingly, will affect those with whom he comes in close contact. The truth of the above statements will become apparent to anyone who will give the matter a moment’s careful consideration, remembering at the same time the impressions created upon him when he has come in contact with different individuals. He will remember that some individuals have left upon him the impression of gloom, inefficiency, failure, etc. Others have left with him a feeling of suspicion, distrust, and uneasiness. Others still have given him the impression of cheerfulness, friendliness, confidence, and good will. The atmosphere of some persons is such that it causes us to let them alone, and to take no stock whatsoever in their business propositions. Others, instead, imbue us with confidence and trust, and give us the feeling that we would like to do business with them. Some persons leave upon us the impressions that we have been in the presence of a snaky thing, and we often can scarcely repress a shudder of disgust and dislike while others create in us the impression that the other person is a good friend and can be depended upon as a helper and comrade. Why? It is not from anything these persons have said, for, as we all know, some of the slipperiest persons are often the best and smoothest talkers; and some of the best and most dependable persons are often very reticent, and even “short” in speech. The reason lies deeper that words. It is the “feeling” that we experience when we come in contact with persons, rather than any report of the reason regarding them. And this “feeling” is caused by the registry upon our sensitive brain organism of the thought-vibrations of the other person’s personal atmosphere. Not only are these things noticed in the person himself or herself, but even the very residences, stores or other places frequented by the individual are also affected by the continuous influence of the thought-vibrations of his or her personal atmosphere. Did you ever notice how some houses produce upon you a feeling of sadness or woe, or worse; while others seem to carry within them an air of health and good cheer, happiness and content? This is often true although the house may have been unoccupied for some time. So strong do the mental vibrations of the atmosphere of the person or persons formerly inhabiting them. In the same way some offices and places of business are so saturated with the vibrations of the personal atmospheres of their occupants, that one is forcibly impressed by the same upon entering the door. A man may disguise his thoughts by his words or his facial expression, but the mental vibrations of his personal atmosphere will frequently “give him away.” These are facts, which should require no further proof – your own experience should be proof enough to satisfy you but you should make mental note of this fact, and carry it in mind as we proceed. Many persons leave but little impression upon us, for the reasons that their mental states are so varied, inconstant and fleeting that they neutralize each other, and fail to impart a definite shade of thought-color to the personal atmosphere. The strongest personal atmospheres are those of persons of strong feelings, desires and emotions, good or bad, for such have strong and constant mental states which impress themselves forcibly upon their personal atmosphere, so strongly, in fact, that one who notices these things cannot fail to perceive them. A moments thought will inform you that if these things be true – and true you will realize they must be when you give the matter a moments’ careful thought – then one should be very careful to avoid harboring mental states of a character likely to inspire undesirable feelings in other persons. And, at the same time, one should endeavor to cultivate mental states of a character likely to awaken feelings of a desirable character in those with whom we come in contact. In fact, a great portion of the following chapters will be used to teach how to cultivate just such mental states so as to rate the desired effect upon others, for in this lies one of the great secrets of personal magnetism. One need not despair if he has been creating and carrying around with him a personal atmosphere of an undesirable kind. For these things may be remedied, and one may entirely change the character of his mental states, and thus transform his personal atmosphere from the very worst to the very best. These things require work, perseverance, and patience, it is true, but the reward is so great that it pays anyone to devote his attentions and time to it. The principle is very simple, indeed, but it requires determination and dogged will to obtain the best results, particularly in cases where very undesirable conditions have existed. The second way in which the mental phase of personal magnetism operates, i.e., that of the conscious projection of the mental currents from the brain centers, by the action of the will of the individual, also demands work on the part of the student who wish to create a strong personal atmosphere. The principle of this second form of mental action consists in the use of the will in a conscious projection of thought-currents. This is true in the case of stimulating the personal atmosphere, and also in cases in which one endeavors to produce an effect upon the mind of some other person in whose presence he may happen to be. While it is true that the character of the mental states of the person will color and give character to his personal atmosphere, which will, of course, produce an effect upon the other person or persons in his field of action, it is likewise true that the effect of such mental vibrations may be enormously increased by the use of the will in the direction of the conscious projection just referred to. The mental states produce and create the mental atmosphere, it is true, but the will serves to project them forth with force, and to generally energize the atmosphere and increase the effect. It is just as if you had created a great store of mental magnetism in your brain, and given it the proper quality and color by the character of your mental states. This would naturally create a personal atmosphere or aura around you, which would be felt by others. But then imagine the increased strength and effect that would arise from the use of your will to project and force outward from your brain these mental vibrations. You will see at once how such an action of the will would tend to energize and increase the vibrations of your mental atmosphere, can you not? It would be like turning on an extra force of the power, would it not? Certainly it would, and you may gain this effect whenever you wish to do so, by using the methods, which will be given you in this book as we proceed. Again, you will see, by a little thought, how much stronger will be the effect upon any special individual, if, in addition to the vibrations of our personal atmosphere, we add the force of a special current of mental force directed steadily and pointedly at his mind, by an effort of our will. Do you see the point? You first affect him by the effect of your energized personal atmosphere, and then just when he is in the proper receptive condition you discharge at him a psychic rifle-ball which hits him right in the bull’s eye of his mind with enormous force. At first thought, this may seem to you like very strenuous proceedings, and one which would require the outlay of a great amount of will power on your own part. But, this is not so, for the thought-currents are very responsive to the action of the will, and the main thing is to hold the will firmly to the task, and the thought-currents will flow out over the channel thus made for them. It is like holding a rifle properly aimed, and then letting the force of the powder drive the bullet home; or, again, like holding the nozzle of a hose pointed exactly where you wish the current of water to go, and lo! When the water is turned on, it flies straight to the mark, long after it has left the tip of the nozzle of the hose. The strong men of all times have employed the will in this way in the direction of creating a strong personal atmosphere, and also in the direction of producing strong impressions upon those who they wished to affect. In many cases they have not fully understood the character of the forces set into operation by themselves, but they understood the “how” part, even if they did not grasp the “why”. The next time you come into contact with a strong individual, watch him or her, and see if you cannot almost see the operation of this direction of mental force of which I have just spoken. But, far more important than even studying others, is that of cultivating the art of doing the thing for yourself, and this is what I am trying to teach you to do. And you will succeed in it, too, if you will enter into the work fully with heart and mind. Get in earnest about it, and the power will develop in you to bring about success.

Chapter 4

The Physical Phase

The physical phase of personal magnetism depends upon two coordinated manifestations of nerve-force, as follows: (1) the generation within the nervous system of a plenteous supply of nerve-force; and (2) the conscious projection, by the will, of that supply of nerve-force into the personal atmosphere, and even to a greater distance under special conditions. By “nerve-force,” as used in the above paragraph, I mean that strange, mysterious form of energy, which controls all physical movements, and yet, at the same time, appears to be something higher than physical itself. It is akin to electricity or magnetism, in its real nature, and, like these forces is impossible to define. Nerve-force is something far different from the matter of which the nervous system is composed. The nervous system, from spinal cord to the most delicate nerve filament, is at the best but a system of wires, relays, etc., over which the nerve-force travels, or, else complicated reservoirs in which the nerve-force is stored. The ordinary nerves serve as wires and cables over which the nerve-force travels to move the parts of the body, which we will to move, or which our subconscious mentality desires to move. Certain parts of the brain are great reservoirs of nerve-force, as are also the great groups of nerve-matter called the plexus, prominent among which are the solar plexus, and the sacral plexus. The ordinary textbooks of physiology pass over the question of the real nature of nerve-force, for their writers do not possess the secret. They dispose of the question by saying: “As in the case of electricity, while we fully recognize its existence and its power, nevertheless we do not know its real nature.” And, so, the student must go back to some of the old occult writers of the past ages, and their followers in the present age, in order to get the secret. All occultists, ancient and modern, have recognized the existence of a mighty subtle force of nature – one of nature’s “finer forces” – which is most potent it its effects and activities, but which, nevertheless, defied all power of analysis or definition. The reason that science has never been able to classify nerve-force is because, like electricity, it is in a class by itself, and is different from any other form of force – so different that it cannot be classified with other forces. Science, in some cases, has endeavored to treat it as a secretion of the nervous matter, but that is a folly akin to that of the materialistic philosopher who tried to define mind as “a secretion of the brain,” just as the bile is a secretion of the liver, the gall a secretion of the gall-bladder, etc. Such attempts at definition cause only a smile on the face of the wise. The occultists, on the contrary, while not attempting to define nerve-force (recognizing it to be in a class of its own) nevertheless have discovered the source of its origin, and have given us valuable information as to its use. They have given it many names, as for instance: “vital force,” “vital energy,” “life force,” “vital fluid,” “vital magnetism,” etc., and in the case of the Orientals, the terms “prana,” or “akashic energy” have been applied to it. But under all of these different names, the occultists have always meant the one and same thing, i.e., nerve-force. The name I use in describing it, ‘nerve-force,” is employed simply because it is found specialized in the nervous system, and not because of any idea that it originates there. Indeed, as you shall see in a moment, it has a far higher and more elementary source of origin. The old materialistic school of physiology has attempted to show that nerve-force, like the bodily material, is derived from the food we eat, and is created by chemical combustion of the latter. This, however, is only partly true. While it is true that there is a certain amount of nerve-force in fresh food (having been gathered there during the life of the plant of animal of which the food formed a part), and while it is true that a certain amount of this nerve-force is taken up by the system of the person eating the food, particularly if the food be fresh, nevertheless, the amount of nerve-force so absorbed is comparatively small, and is far too little to supply what is needed by the individual to run his physical organism. And, even the small part so obtained is not derived from the chemical combustion of the food. Food chemical combustion results in giving bodily heat, but never in creating nerve-force. The true source of nerve-force is the same as the source of electricity, namely the universal ether that fills space. Like electricity, also, this force is available to human wants only when it is associated with. The atmosphere is charged with nerve-force, which is taken up and absorbed by the nervous system, and stored away in its great reservoirs, from whence, in turn, it flows over the nerves when required, by the physical or mental needs of the individual. But, you naturally ask, how does the body absorb the universal nerve-force – through what channel does it enter the system. The answer is plain, viz.: In plant, animal, and human life, the nerve force is breathed into the system. In other words, the process of breathing, in its higher and lower forms, is not alone that of extracting oxygen or other elements from the air, but also that of extracting the universal nerve-force at the same time. When this is understood, it will be more easily understood why the living thing perishes so soon if the process of breathing be interfered with. The understanding of this secret of nature throws a much-needed light upon the important part played by breathing, in the life of all creatures. Before proceeding to a further consideration of the process of the absorption of nerve-force from the atmosphere, especially in the case of the student of personal magnetism, I ask you to consider another important question in relation to the physical phase of personal magnetism, namely, that of the projection of nerve-force beyond the limits of the nervous system. You will remember that the average physiologist maintains that it is folly to hold that nerve-force can possibly pass beyond the limits of the nervous system containing it. He holds that, like electricity on the wires, it cannot pass except over the wires of the nerves. But, is this true even of electricity? I positively assert that it is not. The veriest novice in the study of electricity is aware that electricity will often leap from one conducting substance to another – jumping the gap in the shape of a spark – and then flying along the new channel. Again, even without the spark, electricity and magnetism will often affect other substances by what is known as “induction,” without the actual contact of the two conducting materials. This is so common that it is a wonder that the question is ever raised. And, what is true of electricity and magnetism, in this respect, is likewise true of nerve-force, for it will not only often leap over the barriers of the nervous system, but will, and constantly does, affect other nervous systems by a kind of “induction.” Not only is the phenomena of personal magnetism a proof of this transmission of nerve-force, but the phenomena of ‘human magnetism” (as it has been called) in the direction of “magnetic healing” another proof – a proof, moreover, that may be obtained by any individual in his own experience. Moreover, the experience of every individual will bear ample and generous testimony to the fact that certain persons, flowing over with vigorous nerve-force, will so radiate the energy that it is actually perceptible to those shaking hands with them, or even coming into their vicinity. These individuals fairly radiate health and vigor, and exert a positive healing and invigorating effect, on those with whom they come in contact. In a similar manner, is manifested a lack of sufficient nerve-force, by those unfortunate individuals who go around unconsciously absorbing the nerve-force of others, and, in extreme cases, becoming actual vampires sucking the vital forces from those around them. Who of you have not met this last class of persons, and have not noted how depressed and weakened one is after having been in the company of such persons for some time? The average person does not need any further proof in this case, beyond that afforded by his or her own experience. It may be asked that if the nerve-force is inherent in the universal ether, and obtained from the atmosphere, why all persons are not equally endowed with this energy. The answer is that the life-habits of individuals differ, and just as one is physically strong and robust, and another weak and delicate, so is one individual strong in nerve-force, and another weak in it. Moreover, a change in the life habits of the person will inevitably result in a change in the amount of nerve-force absorbed and retained by him or her. In fact, one of the purposes of this book is to instruct you how you may increase the nerve-force within yourself. While the object is the increase of your personal magnetism, you will find that at the same time your general health and vigor will improve. In addition to the amount of nerve-force being determined by the life habits of the individual, it is also true that the individual may, by the proper exercises, so “energize” his nervous system that he will largely increase the degree of activity of his nerve-force, and may render it far more available for his requirements. It isn’t only a question of securing a plenteous supply of nerve-force, but also of having the same in an active condition, and in such a form that it may be readily available for the requirements of everyday life.

Chapter 5

Physical Magnetism

You will remember that when you have come in contact with any of the strong characters in any walk of life – the great preachers, lawyers, statesmen, orators, businessmen, etc. – those whose success depends upon the strong effect they produce upon other persons, – you have been conscious of a feeling that they radiate strength and power. You actually felt the power coming from them. And, you will also remember that this power did not seem to you to be mental power, or intellectual strength, alone – it seemed, instead, to have much of the physical in it. So strong is this power in the case of some of the world’s great characters that they seem to be personified will power – mighty centers of vitalized energy, affecting all with whom they come in contact. In order to realize the difference between this power and pure intellectual strength and ability, you have but to remember another class of gifted persons, namely, the great students, writers, etc., and other men who have developed great intellectual power. These men as a rule are not “magnetic,” as the term is generally used. They do not radiate or throw off force, and the element of physical magnetism is almost entirely absent. They seem to be centers of great intellectual energy – but nothing more. I am not now speaking of individuals in whom both the intellectual and the physical are well balanced and combined, but instead, of those individuals who are distinctly “mental” or intellectual. A moment’s thought will recall many examples of the type to which I refer – the teachers, preachers, lawyers, and students whose intellectuality is well developed, but who lack that “something” which impresses persons. Another appeal to your memory will show you; also, that the “magnetic” person is almost always possessed of that indefinable something, which we call “strength” and energy. He may not be a stout, large person – he may even be a scrawny, lank individual, of slight frame and small stature – but even in the last case he will be “wiry” and like a coiled wire spring, full of latent energy. The magnetic person is never the weak, flabby, jellyfish type. I have seen these thin magnetic persons on their deathbeds, weakened by disease, but even in their last moments they gave one the impression of keen spring-like strength. The other type of magnetic person, the stout type, also gives the impression of power and strength – a something within which stores and radiates strength and power. Is this not so in your own experience? Did you ever see a great leader – a magnetic personality – who did not convey the idea of “strength” in the physical sense? I think not. Now, remember, that I am not claiming that physical nerve-force alone constitutes personal magnetism. Far from this – there are many men who possess and radiate physical nerve-force who are not personally magnetic in the full sense of the term. The combination of mental magnetism, and physical magnetism is needed to produce the full phenomenon of personal magnetism, remember. But, I do insist that mental magnetism without its physical counterpart is like a mind with a body – it lacks substance and effectiveness. The occultists inform us that in the personal atmosphere of the individual – his “aura,” they call it – there is to be found not only the vibrations of his mental states and character, but also the vibrations of his physical magnetism, or nerve-force as I have called it in this book. They state that to those who have developed psychic or clairvoyant power, these nerve-force vibrations may be seen extending from the body some two or three feet in either direction, the whole aura having an egg-shape, hence its name. It is said to have a faint violet color – something like a pale electric flame – and to quiver and vibrate in a manner similar to the motions of heated air arising from a stove, or the ground on a hot summer day, so familiar to every observer. They also claim that when a strong person is using his will, this nerve-force, carrying with it his mental magnetism, may be seen shooting in great sheets or flashes from him to the other person or persons. I do not claim to posses this psychic vision myself, but the testimony of many of my psychic friends agree in this matter, and are in accord with the writing of the older occultists. And, at any rate, anyone experimenting with personal magnetism will be convinced that nerve-force or physical magnetism does act in just the way described, though it remains unseen by the eye of the ordinary person. Another important bit of information furnished by the occultists which is fully verified by my own observations and experiments, and which in fact forms one of the foundation pillars of my system of personal magnetism, is that concerning the part played by nerve-force in the phenomena of telepathy, hypnotism, mental influence, and similar phenomena in which the mind of one person acts upon the mind of another – this of course being one of the main features of personal magnetism. I allude to what may be called the “vitalizing” of the thought-waves by the current of nerve-force, which is projected at the same time with it. Thought-waves unaccompanied by currents of nerve-force lack force and effect, and are like cold mental power devoid of life and activity. You will grasp this idea better by reference to a common occurrence, for instance, you have heard many a sermon, speech, or recitation delivered by a person having marked intellectual ability, and filled with good sound thoughts, – and yet the delivery seemed dead, dull, colorless and lifeless, did it not? It lacked the life, vigor, and vim of the delivery of some other speaker of even less intellectual power, did in not? And, you have noticed that the personality of some admittedly intellectual personage lacked “life”; while some other less gifted personality fairly radiated life and strength, and consequently, magnetic power. Well, this represents the difference between plain thought-waves, and thought-waves accompanied by strong nerve-force. The one lacks “body” and vitalizing force, while the other possesses this in abundance. Think over this carefully, until you “get it” – for in it lays one of the two great secrets of personal magnetism. A person in whom nerve-force is actively present, and who has consciously or unconsciously acquired the art of combining it with his thought-waves, will send forth words or thoughts fairly charged with dynamic force, reaching and affecting those with whom they come in contact. Like a high-power explosive shell, the nerve-force drives the thought-wave like a bullet to this mark, hitting the bull’s eye with a tremendous impact, and making a powerful impression on the mind of the other person or persons. There are persons whose words seem fairly alive, so vital is their action upon the minds of others – these persons have strongly active nerve-force or physical magnetism used in connection with their mental currents. They flash out this combined force toward their audiences of many persons, and the latter are fairly lifted off their feet by the power. The great leaders of men have had this nerve-force largely developed and actively employed. When they spoke, the other persons were almost compelled to do the bidding of the strong person. Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte were two marked examples of the use of this power, but, as a fact, every man who sways moves and rules other persons, is an example worthy of study. The student should, if possible, manage to be thrown in contact with this class of persons, so that he may see, or rather feel, for himself, the effect of this mighty force emanating from these individuals. He will then better realize just what part nerve-force plays in the matter of personal influence, and personal magnetism, and then be more firmly resolved to develop it in himself or herself. There are some persons who seem, naturally, to absorb, store up and effectively use their nerve-force of physical magnetism. Such are very fortunate, for they are saved the trouble of cultivating the processes referred to. But those who do not possess this gift, naturally, may by practice and perseverance develop it in themselves. Nay, more, they may, eventually, even surpass the naturally-gifted man, for the latter does not understand the source or nature of his power, and is apt to neglect or abuse it, while the person who develops it in himself, according to rule, and with a full understanding, has the thing “on tap” as it were, and can always recuperate from an over drain on a nervous system. Knowledge is power, and a cultivated and developed faculty is often far more effective than a similar faculty present at birth, and not understood or worked for. Beginning with the next chapter, I purpose giving you plain, simple directions for the increase of your nerve-force, the storing up of the same, and the conscious projection of it to vitalize your mental currents. The process is quite natural, and does not partake of any mystic ceremonies or anything of that sort. It is based on purely physiological principles, and is in full accord with natural laws. When you have once acquired the art and science of the absorption and storing of nerve-force, you will be surprised that you have never thought of it before. When you acquire this power, you will be conscious of being a center of an enormous energy, and will also be made aware of your power by the effect upon other persons. Not only in the matter of personal magnetism, I mean, but also in the matter of imparting the vibrations of strength and energy. You will notice that other persons will be conscious of something in your handshake and touch that will surprise them. They will not understand just what affects them, but they will be conscious of some strange feeling pervading them. The best plan will be for you to keep your secret to yourself, and to avoid any impression of being out of the ordinary. You wish to create confidence, not fear – and the strange and mysterious causes fear rather than confidence. So keep your own secrets.

Chapter 6

Generating Nerve-Force

By reference to the first paragraph of Chapter IV, you will see that I have separated the physical phase of mental magnetism into two coordinated manifestations, the first of which i.e., the generation within the nervous system of a plenteous supply of nerve-force, I shall now describe. The word “generation,” in this connection, only imperfectly conveys the idea of the actual process of acquiring nerve-force within the nervous system, for the process is one of “absorption” and “distribution,” rather than one of “generation.” But as the latter term conveys a simpler picture of the process, I have thought well to use it in this connection, particularly as many of the old occult writers have used it, in this sense, before my time. This process of nerve-force generation may be said to consist of two distinct, yet coordinated phases, viz.: (1) the absorption of an extra amount of nerve-force from the atmosphere, by special forms of breathing; and (2) the distribution of the same to the great centers of the nervous system which act as reservoirs of nerve-force. I shall now proceed to consider these two respective phases, in their proper order. The first phase of nerve-force generation consists of the absorption of an extra supply of nerve-force from the atmosphere, by means of special forms of breathing. All persons constantly absorb nerve-force from the atmosphere, in the ordinary process of breathing, the amount differing with the individual, or rather, with his habits of breathing. You will have noticed that the vigorous, strong individual, nearly always breathes fully – that is, deeply and regularly – while the weak person will breathe only partially and irregularly. There is a very close connection between full, regular breathing and general physical health and strength, but I shall not touch upon this phase of the subject here, for it forms no part of this special instruction. I merely drop a hint, which the wise will take advantage of. Without wishing to lead you into the subtleties of Oriental psychology, with its complicated forms of breathing for psychic and spiritual development, etc., I must call your attention, at this point, to the philosophy underlying some of the Oriental breathing practices, for the same is based on the soundest scientific principals. The Oriental philosophy teaches that each mental and physical state of the individual is represented by a special rhythm of breath, the rhythm and condition always being found together. The mental or physical condition will invariably manifest the particular rhythm of breath, which belongs to it; and, likewise (and this is one of the occult secrets) the deliberate assumption of a particular rhythm of breath will speedily result in the manifestation of the appropriate physical or mental condition. You have but to consider the subject for a moment, to see that when you are frightened or angry, you breathe with a different rhythm than when you are calm and peaceful. Each emotion, up and down the scale, has its own appropriate rhythm of breath, which invariably manifests at the same time. Moreover, different physical conditions like wise manifest in coordinated breath-rhythms. Keep a close watch on yourself, and those around you, and you will soon see that the above statements of facts are strictly correct. You will wonder why you never noticed the phenomena before. A little less known, even, is the correlated fact that the deliberate assumption or “acting out” of the particular breath –rhythm related to a particular emotion, will result in a speedy experiencing of the emotion itself. This also may be tested out on yourself. You will find that a few moments’ anger-breath or fear-breath (if well acted out, or assumed faithfully) will result in you soon experiencing a feeling of anger or fear, as the case may be. Likewise, you will find that the deliberate assumption, on your part, of the breath-rhythm of peace, calm, self-control, will be sufficient to induce that particular state of feeling in you. There is a big hint in this last sentence, by the way, for that is exactly what the Oriental sages do to induce and maintain the mental state of philosophic calm for which they are noted. In this connection, let us remind you that when you are endeavouring to control your temper, and to maintain your pose, under extreme provocation, you will find that you instinctively strive to control your breath-rhythm, which shows a marked tendency to fly off into a state of rapid panting and gasping. And, so long as you can maintain your steady controlled rhythm of breath, you will maintain your poise and self-control. Well, to make a long story short – to get right down to the gist of the subject of the absorption of nerve-force through controlled breath-rhythm – let me say to you (1) that there is a breath-rhythm which nature uses to restore nerve force to the depleted system, after a great demand upon it in the direction of either a strong mental or emotional strain, or after a severe physical strain; and (2) that a deliberate assumption or “acting out” of this particular breath-rhythm will result in your being able to quickly absorb a greatly increased supply of nerve-force for the purpose of use in personal magnetism – to render you full of physical magnetism, in fact. Do you catch this point? If not, reread the above paragraph, several times, until you fully grasp the importance of the statements therein contained – for they comprise exactly on e-half of the philosophy of nerve-force generation – and much more besides if you are able to grasp it. You naturally ask, at this point: “What is this particular breath-rhythm which nature uses to aid us in recuperating, and which nature uses to aid using recuperating, and which may be assumed with such wonderful result?” Very well, let me answer you by asking you another question, namely: “How do you breathe when you begin to recuperate just after a sever emotional, mental or physical strain, when the characteristic first panting breath quiets down?” If you will consider carefully, you will answer that you generally begin by one or two long drawn out sighing breaths, followed by a period of calm, deliberate, slow, deep breaths. You may not have noticed it, but these last calm, deep breaths are marked by a slow but regular rhythm – as regular, indeed, as the slow swing of the pendulum of a large clock, or the accompanying “tick” thereof. You will find that this slow, regular rhythmic breath continues for some little time, until you feel refreshed and reinvigorated, when the breath will drop into the normal “everyday” rhythm, and the task is over. Well, this is exactly the breath-rhythm, which, if properly assumed and well “acted-out,” will result in drawing to you a greatly increased supply of nerve-force from the universal storehouse of the same, i.e., the atmosphere around you. I ask you, student, to pause at his point, and reread the preceding paragraph. Consider it carefully, roll it over in our mind, until you fully grasp its tremendous significance, and fully make it your own thought. For in those few lines is condensed a statement of wonderful truth, which, if taken advantage of, will transform you into a very giant of physical magnetism. Do not proceed with this reading, until you have fully grasped the importance of the information just given you. But do not imagine that you can jump at once into this great power. You must first gradually acquire the exact rhythm for yourself – for I can do no more than to indicate it to you. I cannot say, “Breathe in just so many seconds; hold the breath just so many; and then breathe out just so many,” and so on, as many teachers have done – some who should have known better, for that matter. For each person has his or her own particular breath-rhythm of this kind, the difference arising from mental or physical formation and characteristics. The following is the rule – the only rule – in this matter: “Ascertain, first, the precise breath-rhythm which nature has given you for use in moments of recuperation after extreme mental, emotional or physical strain; and then, second, practice the same voluntarily by assuming, or acting out the mental and physical conditions producing it, until the rhythm becomes fixed in your memory, so that you can easily reproduce it, instinctively, when you wish.” Read this rule over until you thoroughly understand it. You will find it somewhat difficult to assume or act out the conditions producing the rhythm, at first, unless you happen to be a natural or well-trained actor. But keep trying, until you master it. Practice will make perfect, in this as in everything else, remember. Mentally place yourself in the same vibrations as when you were under some great strain of mind, emotion or body, in the past; and you will find that the same will be followed by an acting-out of the period of recuperation, with its accompaniment of appropriate breath-rhythm. Each student will manage this in his, or her, own way, and will get the result, if persistent, persevering effort were made. You will find that the first indication of the recuperating breath-rhythm will usually be a long drawn out sigh, followed by a moment of rest, which, in turn, is followed by an easy, though deep, slow, deliberate succession of in-breathing and out-breathing, in perfect rhythm, which will be accompanied by a feeling of increased strength and vitality, of mind and body – delighted to experience is the feeling of “relief” and fresh vigor, vitality and vim which results from this breath-rhythm. In practicing this recuperative breath-rhythm for the purpose of resting, gaining strength, or increasing your store of nerve-force, do not fall into the too-common error of artificial rhythmic breathing. Do not make the mistake of trying to count the seconds of the breath; or to make the breaths extend neither over a particular time, nor to exactly match each other; or to retain the breath any special time; nor to count time between breaths; or anything of that kid. Forget all about the artificial standards, and give yourself up entirely to a peaceful, calm feeling of relief and recuperation, which nature will bestow upon you if you will create the right conditions for the manifesting of her power. Do not be artificial – trust nature to “run the thing” aright and leave everything in her hands. Do not bother at this point, to wonder just how many times a day you must practice this exercise in order to gain physical magnetism and absorb nerve-force. That point will be covered in a latter chapter, in connection with the accompanying process of nerve-force distribution – the sole thing before you now is to learn how to produce this breath-rhythm, and to practice until you can produce it at will, easily and naturally, without effort or strain – instinctively, in fact. Until you accomplish this, there is no use of your bothering yourself about the succeeding stages. And, now a word about practicing this step. Do not overdo the thing – make hast slowly. It is a matter of growth and development with you, and you should not try to rush things too rapidly. Let nature proceed to make the process instinctive, and do not fall into the mistake of pulling up the roots of our plant in order to see whether it has grown overnight. It will grow. Never fear. You will know when you are on the right track, and will be aware of your progress, by reason of your increasing sense of vigor, vitality and vim. Remember, finally, that the secret of the whole this is that you have discovered how nature recuperates the system in times of extreme necessity; and have then learned how to draw upon this sources of energy at will, thereby increasing the supply far above the ordinary. It is just as if you had discovered a bottle containing the elixir of energy which kind Mother Nature uses to recuperate you in times of need; and then you had learned that you could partake of the elixir, daily, or whenever you felt like it; and were consequently enabled to increase your energy and vitality far above the average. The comparison or figure of speech is not exaggerated – for in this secret you have indeed discovered the elixir of vitality, vigor and vim; that is, if you use it aright.

Chapter 7

Distributing Nerve-Force

In the preceding Chapter I have given you general instructions regarding the first phase of nerve-force by means of certain forms of rhythmic breathing. I now proceed to the general instruction regarding the second phase of nerve-force generation, namely, the distribution of the absorbed nerve-force to the nervous system, and particularly to the great reservoirs of nerve-force. This process of nerve-force distribution naturally follows directly after that of nerve-force absorption, the two being coordinated phases of one of nature’s recuperative processes. Just as is the process of the recuperative breath-rhythm, nature’s way of restoring to the system a fresh supply of nerve-force to replace that used in the extra-ordinary mental, emotional or physical strain preceding it, so is the process of nerve-force absorption another (or twin) method of nature to distribute the absorbed nerve-force to all parts of the body, strengthening and invigorating, vitalizing and stimulating, each and every part of the body, and at the same time storing up in the great reservoirs of the nervous system a reserve supply of nerve-force for times of future need. Again you ask: “What is nature’s way of distributing the absorbed nerve-force, as above stated, which also is the way in which you state students of personal magnetism may distribute their absorbed nerve-force or physical magnetism?” As in the case of the previous question, I answer, “Go to nature herself, and discover her method.” Let us then do so. Investigating nature’s method of distributing physical magnetism or nerve-force, what do we find nature doing just after the person is exhausted by mental, emotional or physical exertion – that is, in addition to the peculiar breath-rhythm. Answer: We find, accompanying the long deep sigh preceding the breath-rhythm, and also, following the rhythmic breathing, a tendency to “stretch” the muscles of the body. Not only do we notice this phenomenon at such times, but also it is to be observed when we awaken in the morning with a yawn, followed by an instinctive stretching of the muscles. We observe the same thing after we have used up nerve-force in listening, reading, studying, etc. – in fact, in any action, which has required concentrated attention. It is always the yawn, the deep sigh, the measured breath, and, finally, the stretching of the muscles. Now, do not dismiss this matter with a trifling jest, or an amused smile – for this stretching of the muscles in one of nature’s most important offices. It is nature’s own favorite way of distributing to all parts of the body the nerve-force being absorbed into the system. It is nature’s own way of sending a vitalizing and invigorating current to the places in which it is needed. And, moreover, if we will take her seriously; examine the meaning of her process; and then intelligently apply the same in our work of developing physical magnetism, we will have gained an important secret of nature, and one which we will not be willing to part with, once it is applied and turned to account. In the first place this “stretching” is something far more than a manifestation of laziness, weariness, or fatigue. It is an instinctive action resulting from nature’s recognition of the need of a fresh supply of nerve-force, and her rush to supply the needed energy. Do not mistake and confuse causes and effects in this matter. You will notice, in cases of complete “stretching,” a twofold motion, viz.: (1) An extensions; and (2) a tensing or contraction of the muscles, in the direction of drawing in the extended limbs or parts of the body. Now note this, both of these motions are forms of “tensing” or contracting the muscles. The extension movements result from the tension or contracting of the opposite set of muscles. The principal muscles of the body are arranged in opposing sets, one being used to push out, and the other to draw in, the limb or portion of the body. You may always count on the presence of these opposing sets of muscles. When in the process of stretching you first extend, and then draw in the limbs, you rally are tensing both of the opposing sets, in turn. For what purpose? Let us see. Nature’s purpose in tensing the opposing muscles, in the above stated case seems to be that of “squeezing out” something from the muscles. And that is exactly what it is – a squeezing out of something. Of what? Of the old, stale, weakened nerve-force of physical magnetism. Why? – To what end? To the end that the supply of fresh, vital, strong nerve-force or physical magnetism may rush in to take the place thereof. This is equally true in the case of the brain exhaustion, nerve-exhaustion, or muscle-exhausting – for the brain cells, the nerves themselves, and the muscles are kept vitalized and invigorated by the same form of energy, coming from the same source. Moreover, the fresh supply of nerve-force pouring into the muscles and cells, from the great nerve-force reservoirs of the nervous system, leave the latter more or less depleted, and cause them to call for a fresh adequate supply from the universal source. In short, the stretching process sets into operation the whole machinery of the distribution of the system’s supply of nerve-force, and results in the whole nervous mechanism being give a new impetus. This is the secret of the personal magnetism adept’s method of distributing a fresh supply of physical magnetism or nerve-force to all parts of the system, at will – thus rendering himself a veritable dynamo of physical magnetism, if he so desires. But there is more to this method of the student than mere ordinary “stretching,” I assure you. The ordinary stretching is simply an elementary form of nerve-force distribution. I shall call your attention to an extension of, and improvement upon, the elementary method. You have probably heard of that from of calisthenics generally known as “the tensing exercises.” Well, in that system you may find the seed of a much more efficient system. The tensing system of calisthenics is taught for the purpose of exercising the muscles – only this and nothing more. It has been found to bring about the greatest results, and to greatly develop the muscles and benefit the general system. Why? “Oh just exercise,” replies the physical culturist. But we know better, for while we realize the benefit obtained from these sensible exercises alone, we also understand how such a rational course of exercise must result in greatly invigorating the entire system, by distributing the nerve-force, and as a consequence bringing about the absorption of a fresh supply to the great reservoir centers of the nervous system, do we not? We have three decided points of advantage over the “tensing exercise” school, as follows: (1) We precede our tensing exercises by rhythmic breathing exercises, thus bringing to our reservoirs a fresh supply of magnetism or nerve-force; (2) we proceed leisurely and almost “lazily,” our idea being that of “stretching” as opposed to the idea of vigorous exercise by tensing, the latter being held by the “tensing exercise” school; and (3) we understand the real reason for the tensing, and hence are able to apply it intelligently, instead of in a hit-or-miss style. The addition of the rhythmic breath, of course, gives a new and novel impetus to the work of nerve-force distribution; in fact the latter cannot be perfectly performed without the former. This the ordinary tensing exercise practitioner almost entirely misses, except in so far as he becomes fatigued by his vigorous exercise, and is forced to breathe rhythmically, as a consequence, thereby unconsciously obtaining at least some of the benefits of the rhythmic breath. The ordinary tensing exercise student, once given our key of the rhythmic breath, is enabled to attain results impossible to him before. He sees a great light, as a consequence. My students of personal magnetism proceed about the exercises for distribution of nerve-force, or physical magnetism, in an entirely different manner from that of the ordinary practitioner of the tensing exercise systems. The latter work themselves into an exhausted condition, under the belief that their muscles will become better developed by such vigorous exercise. As a consequence, many of them wear out as much as they acquire, of muscular development. My students, instead, pursue anything but a strenuous course of exercising in tensing. Instead of moving vigorously, they proceed slowly, calmly and almost “lazily” in tensing the muscles, in turn extending and then drawing in. They keep before them, all the time; nature’s own processes of “stretching,” and model their movements entirely upon the same. In this way, as a consequence, there in no exhaustion or using up of nerve-force or tissue to any marked extent, but, on the contrary, there is a constant taking in and distribution of magnetism from the centers to the parts, and consequently a marked increase in vigor, vitality and vim. The difference can be understood perfectly only when one practices my exercises for himself or herself. Finally, it follows that a much greater effect is obtained by one who practices any form of exercises, understandingly, and with full knowledge of the “why” as well as the “how” of the thing – of the theory as well as the practice. When one knows just what he is about, and just what he wishes and expects to obtain, then he has gained half of the battle. Lacking this knowledge, he wastes energy and effort, and does much that had better be left undone, while leaving undone much that should be done. Verily, “knowledge is power” in this case, as in many others. It is somewhat amusing, though sad, to see these “tensing exercise” people using themselves up in vigorous exercising, and, at the same time, losing nine-tenths of the benefits gained by those practicing the “lazy” stretching exercises, accompanied by the rhythmic breath, as taught to my students.

Chapter 8

Nerve-Force Exercises

I shall now instruct you in the direction of certain forms of exercise designed to generate nerve-force, or physical magnetism, both in the phase of absorption and that of distribution, according to the general principles set forth in the preceding chapters. Absorption. The exercises, themselves, are designed to give a free and full distribution to the nerve-force or physical magnetism, but the student must always remember that before the nerve-force may be distributed it must first be absorbed. The absorption, of course, is performed by means of the breath-rhythm, according to the instruction already given you. IMPORTANT: Remember that every series of distribution exercises must be preceded, and followed, by the practice of the rhythmic breath for a few moments. It will also be found beneficial and useful to interject a short period of rhythmic breathing in between these exercises, from time to time. You will soon discover the need of this, from your own feelings. After you have gained familiarity and ease in practicing the distribution exercises, you will find yourself becoming very sensitive to the inflow of the nerve-force during the breath-rhythm exercise, and in a short time will know by your feelings exactly when you need to absorb more nerve-force during the exercise. At this point I wish to again remind the student that one of the main features of my nerve-force exercises is that of the entire absence of artificiality, and the presence of “naturalness.” I do not give set forms of breathing, to be practiced just so often, for so many minutes at a time. Instead, I give the general principles of the method – the “why” as well as the “how” – and then bid the student to be governed entirely by his own instincts in the matter of the duration of exercises, and frequency of the same. After a short time the student will fall into the natural habit, just as he does into the habits of eating and drinking, and he will know exactly when he should practice nerve-force generation, and how long he should continue the exercises. Keep the words “Be Natural” before your mind, and you will make no mistake. Never overdo the exercises, or force yourself to perform them when you do not feel like it. Avoid anything approaching artificiality in the matter. Sometimes you may go a long time without practicing and again you may feel the need of the same very often – in either case follow nature’s urgings. Again, you may feel like taking but a moment’s exercises at a time – like taking a sip of water, while on other occasions you will feel like taking a long spell of exercise – like taking a deep draught of water when you happen to be very thirsty – follow nature in both instances. STRETCHING EXERCISE. I will begin by calling your attention to a form of exercise which consists of intelligent simple “stretching,” but which form of exercise will be found very beneficial. There are a variety of forms of this exercise. I will give you a few general forms, and you may then enlarge on these, and invent combinations, variations, etc. I. Lying on your back, extend your arms upward over your head, to their full extent – stretch them out easily but thoroughly as far as they will go. Then slowly pull them in. Repeat several times. II. Stretch the arms sideways from the body – out and then in, several times. III. Stretch the legs in the same way, several times. IV. Stretch the neck several times. V. Stretch the hand and fingers, by moving the hands backward and forward from the wrist, clenching and unclenching the fist: opening and closing the fingers. VI. Stretch the feet and toes, in the same general manner as in the case of the hands and fingers. VII. Turn over and lie on your stomach, with the face down on the pillow or floor, and repeat the above exercise in this position. This will bring into play a number of muscles not employed in the former position. VIII. Rise to your feet and stand with the legs spread out, the feet several feet apart, with arms extended upward and outward. This will bring your body into the general shape of the letter “X.” Then rise to your toes and stretch upward as if you were trying to touch the ceiling. Repeat several times. You will be surprised at the feeling of rest and renewed strength, which will come to you as the result of the practicing of the above simple stretching exercises. And yet, simple as they are, these exercises perform a great work. You must not lose sight of the fact that when you tense these muscles, in the act of stretching and then contracting the limbs, you really “squeeze out” the old, worn out, depleted magnetism, and absorb in its place a fresh supply of vigor, vitality and vim from the great reservoirs of the nervous system. Carry in your mind the idea of the sponge, which in order to absorb fully a supply of fresh water, must first be thoroughly squeezed out. The process of the absorption and distribution of nerve-force is very close indeed to the process of the squeezing-out and refilling of the sponge. The following “tensing exercises” are really but an extension of the stretching exercises, more elaborate and complicated, but embodying the same principle. They are useful in energizing the several parts of the body, which are not actively energized by the simple stretching exercises. Shoulders and Chest. Stand erect; feet close together; arms at sides. Then draw forward your shoulders, as far front as they will go. Hold the position a moment, and then slowly press the shoulders back as far as they will go. This will tend to energize the shoulders and chest. The chest may also be energized by taking a few deep, full breaths, which will inflate the lungs and thus extend the chest. The shoulders may also be energized by raising them upward in a “shrug” and then slowly lowering them to original position. Arms, Wrists, and Hands. Any simple exercise, which will extend and then contract the arm-muscles, will serve to energize the arms. Twisting them first one-way and then another will do likewise. Twisting the wrist and moving the hands loosely backward and forward from the wrist tends to energize several very important muscles and nerves in this part of the body. Clenching and unclenching the hands will energize the hands and fingers. Spreading out the fingers fan-shape and then drawing them together will energize the fingers thoroughly. Legs, Feet, and Toes. Follow the general idea of the arm and hand exercises, just mentioned, in the case of the legs, feet and toes. “Squatting” energizes the thighs. Raising up the toes and then lowering to original position energizes the calves of the legs. The “standing-still run” is a good general leg energizer. Neck. Move the neck forward, as far as it will go, then backward, as far as it will go; then sideways, to the right, as far as it will go – then to the left in the same way; then twist to the right as far as it will go, then to the left in the same manner. These are splendid neck energizers. There are important nerves running through the neck, which are energized by these exercises. Twisting and Bending. What may be called “a twisting” of the different parts of the body serves to energize the parts very well indeed. In the same way, “bending” exercises are good. Not only may the legs and arms be twisted easily and effectively, but the entire trunk of the body may be equally effectively twisted by standing erect with feet, say eight or ten inches apart, toes out, and arms hanging easily by the sides; then easily twisting the body to the right, the neck, trunk and thighs being carried as far as they will go; then twisting to the left in the same manner; repeating several times. Bending the body to the right, then to the left, then forward, then backward, is a good energizer. In a Nutshell. The foregoing exercises might be elaborated into a book by itself – but what’s the use? I have given you in a nutshell the main elements of the exercises, and you may do the elaborating yourself. In fact, I can sum up the general principles of the exercises in three words, viz.: STRETCHING, TWISTING, And BENDING. Think over these three words, and you will see that if you will apply them in every possible way to the various parts of the body, you will have a whole system of tensing exercises at your command, without purchasing expensive textbooks on the subject. And, also, remember that in any and all of the so-called “tensing exercises” systems is to be found the best possible principle of nerve-force distribution – always, however, remembering to include the rhythmic breathing according to my previously given instructions. Now, get to work and exercise your ingenuity in devising variations and combinations of the “stretching, twisting and bending” principles. This will energize your mind as well as your body. Energizing the Solar Plexus. The Solar Plexus lies exactly behind the pit of the stomach. It may be energized by practicing a “drawing in” of the abdominal muscles. This may prove a little difficult at first, but a little practice will make perfect. Draw the abdominal muscles “inward and upward” several times at each exercise. The Sacral Plexus. The Sacral Plexus is another important plexus, or great center of nerve force. It is located in front of the lower part of the spinal column – in the region of the hips. It may be energized by a special stretching, bending and twisting of that particular region of the body. In case of impaired vitality or general weakness, a little extra energizing of these two plexus may be found very advantageous and beneficial, as they directly affect large regions of the body, and important organs.

Chapter 9

Projecting Nerve-Force

At the beginning of Chapter IV, I stated that the physical phase of personal magnetism depends upon two coordinated manifestations of nerve-force, namely: (1) The generation of nerve-force; and (2) the conscious projection, by the will, of that supply of nerve-force into the personal atmosphere, and even to a greater distance under special conditions. I have instructed you regarding the phase of nerve-force generation. Let us now consider the second phase, i.e., that of the projection of the same. Of all of the mental forces of the individual, the will is the most powerful, and at the same time the one least understood. It is hard even to define the will. Enough for our purpose to realize that it is the power within the mind whereby man is able to do things. Not only does man do the ordinary things of life by means of the will, but also he is able to do some extra-ordinary things when he learns how. The old occultists fully realized the mighty power of the will of man; and their teachings convey some very valuable information on this subject. One of their teachings was that by the use of his will man is able not only to project thought-waves from his mentality, but that he is also able to consciously project his physical magnetism, or vital energy, in the same way. The discoveries of the most advanced students of the subject, in our times, verify the old teachings of the occultists in this respect. The system I am herein teaching is therefore based not only on the advanced discoveries of modern science, but also upon the world-old teachings of the ancient occultists. Truth knows no special age or time – it is the property of the ages. The average man projects his physical magnetism, or nerve-force, into his personal atmosphere, or aura, more or less unconsciously – just as he walks or breathes, for that matter. He has naturally acquired the habit, and does not concern himself about the matter – in fact, he is usually unconscious of and ignorant of the process itself. The differences in the degree of physical magnetism projected or radiated by such persons is determined solely by the degree of nerve-force generated by them, in absence of any special power of projection. There is a second class, however, the members of which, while not fully informed of their power to project physical magnetism, nevertheless, by their habitual use of the will in the direction of impressing others, powerfully, though unconsciously, direct waves of the nerve-force outward, so that their personal atmosphere becomes well charged with it, and their influence is felt by those coming in contact with it. In this class of individuals will be found the active, energetic, masterful men in various walks of life, who direct others rather than are directed by others, who give orders rather than receive them. These men generally radiate enough physical magnetism to make itself felt by those with whom they come in contact, and are generally felt to be “strong men.” But even these persons do not manifest the greatest amount of physical magnetism. The third class of persons is that composed of individuals who have acquired a greater or less knowledge of fact that physical magnetism may be projected beyond the limits of the brain or body, and who have learned, at least in a degree, the art of so projecting it by the use of the will. These individuals range from those who have acquired merely a glimpse of the truth, up, by degrees, to those who may be spoken of as Masters of the Art. This last named class of persons are those whose power is readily felt and acknowledged, and who leave their impression upon those who come in contact with them. The projection of the physical magnetism, by the will, is, in a way, a very simple procedure, consisting of two processes, as follows: (1) The belief in, or realization of, one’s powers to so project the force; and (2) the actual willing or commanding the force to be projected. At first it may seem somewhat strange to learn that “belief” has anything to do with this matter, but a little consideration will explain this general law of psychology. It is this way: The will never acts in a direction, which the mind believes impossible. One never tries to reach the moon, because his mind refuses to believe that he can do it – but the child, believing that it is possible, will use his will to move his hand in that direction. The disbelief acts as a brake on the will – do you see the point? But, you may say, the belief of the child does not enable him to reach the moon. Certainly not, but it caused his will to operate so as to move the hand. Belief does not necessarily render accomplishment certain – but it removes the barriers of disbelief, the latter preventing any accomplishment by the will. There are many things that we would be able to do if we could only believe that we could do – but disbelief acts as a brake and a barrier to the efforts of the will. Realization of one’s power will often gain half the battle of accomplishment for him. In the case before us, the one needs only to believe enough to make the attempt. Then, each time the attempt is made, and one perceives a result, the task becomes easier for the next time. And, at last, the sense of full realization of the power of the will dawns upon the person, and after that the rest is easy. The second process, i.e., the actual willing, or commanding, by the will, is simply what the words actually say. How can you “will” or “command” the physical magnetism to move into your personal atmosphere, and energize it? – Will it obey me? – you ask. Certainly it will. And the willing or commanding is simply effort the same that you employ, instinctively, when you will or command that your hand be raised. What makes the hand rise? It has no power to raise itself, neither have the muscles any such power in themselves. It is only when you WILL it to move, that things begin to move. The mere willing sends a current of nerve-force over the nerves, and into the muscles, and the hand rises. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? And yet it is one of the most wonderful things in the world – only we have grown so accustomed to it that we fail to note the wonder of it all. The command of the will to the physical magnetism acts in the same manner as the command of the will to the hand. Now, right here, is a point to be remembered. You do not merely say to the hand “raise up.” Try it on your own hand – say to it “raise up” without actually willing it to rise, and nothing happens, it is only when you accompany the command with the mysterious effort of the will, that movement occurs. I cannot tell you how to move your hand by willing – all that I can say is that you must WILL it to rise, and you will understand exactly what I mean. Well, then WILL the physical magnetism to flow out into your personal atmosphere, just as you will the hand to rise, and the thing happens. But, you may say, you can see the hand move, and know whether your command has been obeyed, while you cannot see the physical magnetism flow. Certainly, but you can feel the magnetism flow, and thus be certain of it. The flow of physical magnetism soon becomes perfectly apparent to a person, and he is as certain of his radiation as he is that he is radiating heat on a warm day. It is one of those things which cannot well be explained, but which is readily understood by those who experience it. Try it yourself, and you will soon become conscious of the flow of nerve-force from you, into the field of your personal atmosphere or aura, to a distance of several feet on all sides of you. You will become aware of the effect of your physical magnetism upon others who come in contact with you. You will be able to perceive the reaction and response to your strong magnetic influence on them. They will, unconsciously, let you know that they feel the power of your presence, and acknowledge your strength. You will find a puzzled expression on the part of some of your old acquaintances and associates who will be dimly conscious that there is something different about you, which they cannot explain satisfactorily to themselves. Do not, however, make the mistake of informing them, for this will invite unpleasant comment and criticism, and will also tend to make persons assume a defensive attitude toward you – and even an offensive one, perhaps – in self protection. You will also become aware of the healing and strengthening effect of your magnetism upon delicate and sick persons who come in contact with you. Such persons will feel strengthened by your presence, and will dislike leaving you. You may experience some difficulty in preventing them from attaching themselves to you, and seeking to live on your magnetism. But when you learn the art of using the mind-force, or mental magnetism, you will be able to shake them off when necessary. In the meantime, you may do much good by giving these persons magnetic treatments, either by consciously directing a stream of magnetism towards them – by the use of the will – or by the use of the hand. Your magnetism will flow freely out of your hands, and will invigorate weak persons, tend to remove painful conditions, etc. A little experience will make you a “magnetic healer” if you should so desire. In this matter of hand shaking, you will notice strange things. Persons who take your hand will be impressed by something strange and powerful about you, for your magnetism will flow out toward them and through their body, sometimes in a most marked manner, but more often in an easy current. You may project your physical magnetism in a direct current, quite a distance from your body, by the simple effort of your will, when once you have learned the little points of practice by repeated trials. I shall not speak at this place of the use of the physical magnetism in connection with the mental currents, for that topic will be taken up in a later chapter, or chapters rather. But do not wait until that time to practice – get to work and practice with the physical magnetism, now, so that you will have it well in hand when you receive the higher instruction regarding the mental currents. Plant your feet firmly on each step of the ladder – then you will not slip when climbing. Do you see the point?

Chapter 10

Mental Radiation

Leaving for the moment the phase of physical magnetism, or nerve-force, and entering into a consideration of the other phase, namely, that of mental magnetism or thought-force, let us first take a general glance at the report of the most advanced science of the day, upon the subject of the phenomena of mental radiation. It will be well for you to feel fully convinced of the reality of this phenomenon, before you undertake to manifest the power. This not only to maintain consistency and mental honesty on your own part, but also that you may rid yourself of any doubt or unbelief in the matter, the result of such doubt or unbelief being to interpose a barrier or brake upon the will, as we have stated in a preceding chapter. Listen to the following words from the pen of one of eh world’s great scientists, Professor Ochorowicz, who has created such a wonderful stir here in Paris by his demonstrations of practical psychology, mental photography, etc. Professor Ochorowicz says: “Every living being is a dynamic focus.” “A dynamic focus tends ever to propagate the motion that is proper to it. Propagated motion becomes transformed according to the medium it traverses. Motion tends always to propagate itself.” “Therefore, when we see work of any kind – mechanical, electrical, nerve, or psychic – disappear without visible effect, then, of two things, one happens, either a transmission or a transformation. Where does the first end, and where does the second begin?” “In an identical medium there is only transmission. In a different medium there is transmission. You send an electric current through a thick wire. You have the current, but you do not perceive any other force. But cut that thick wire and connect the ends by means of a fine wire; the fine wire will grow hot; there will be a transformation of a part of the current into heat.” “Take a pretty strong current and interpose a wire still more resistant, or a very thin carbon rod, and the carbon will emit light.” “A part of the current, then, is transformed into heat and light. This light acts in every direction around about, first visibly as light, then invisibly as heat and electric current.” “Hold a magnet near it. If the magnet is weak and movable, in the form of a magnetic needle, the beam of light will cause it to deviate; if it is strong and immovable, it will in turn cause the beam of light to deviate.” “And all this from a distance, without contact, without special conductors.” “A process that is at once chemical, physical and psychical goes on in a brain. A complex action of this king is propagated through the gray matter, as waves are propagated in water. Regarded on its physiological side, an idea is only a vibration, a vibration that is propagated, yet which does not pass out of a medium in which it can exist as such. It is propagates as far as other vibrations allow. It is propagated more widely if it assumes the character, which subjectively we call emotive. But it cannot go beyond without being transformed. Nevertheless, like force in general, it cannot remain in isolation, it escapes in disguise.” “Thought stays at home, as the chemical action of a battery remains in the battery, it is represented by its dynamic correlate, called in the case of the battery a current, and in the case of the brain – I know not what; but whatever its name may be, it is the dynamic correlate of thought. I have chosen the term ‘dynamic correlate.’ There is something more than that; the universe is neither dead nor void.” “A force that is transmitted meets other forces, and if it is transformed only little by little it usually limits itself to modifying another force at its own cost, though without suffering perceptibly thereby. This is the case particularly with forces that are persistent, concentrated, well seconded by their medium. It is the case with the physiological equilibrium, nerve force, psychic force, ideas, emotions, and tendencies. These modify environing forces, without themselves disappearing. They are imperceptibly transformed, and, if the next man is of a nature exceptionally well adapted to them, they gain in inductive action.” Various other eminent scientists have testified to the general resemblance of the brain to an electrical or magnetic battery or cell group. Professor Bain has said: “The structure of the nervous substances, and the experiments made upon the nerves and nerve centers, establish beyond doubt certain peculiarities as belonging to the force that is exercised by the brain. This force is of a current nature; that is to say, a power generated at one part of the structure is conveyed along an intervening substance and discharged at some other part. The different forms of electricity and magnetism have made us familiar with this kind of action.” Professor Draper tells us that: “I find the cerebrum is absolutely analogous in construction to any other nervous arc. It is composed of centripetal and centrifugal fibers, having also registering ganglia. If in other nervous arcs the structure is merely automatic, and can display no phenomena of itself, but requires the influence of an external agent – the optical apparatus inert save under the influence of light, the auditory save under the impression of sound – the cerebrum, being precisely analogous in its elementary structure, pre-supposes the existence of some agent to act through it.” Dr. haddock says, in connection with his consideration of the idea that thought may be communicated though ether –vibrations: “The ether is accepted by science as a reality, and as a medium for light, heat electricity, magnetism, etc. The nervous system is certainly comparable to an electric battery with connecting wires. Communication of thought and feeling without the mediation of sense perception as commonly understood, is now established. Inanimate objects exert, now and then, ‘strange influences.’ People certainly carry with them a personal atmosphere. The representation of the condition of these facts by a psychic field, compared to the magnetic or electric field, becomes, therefore, if not plausible, at least convenient. As such a ‘field’ exists surrounding the sun, so may a ‘field’ be assumed as surrounding each human individual. ‘We have already strong grounds for believing that we live in a medium which conveys to-and-fro movements to us from the sun, and that these movements are electro-magnetic, and that all the transformation of light and heat, and indeed the phenomena of life, are due to the electrical energy which comes to us across the vacuum which exists between us and the sun – a vacuum which is pervaded by the ether, which is a fit medium for the transmission of electro-magnetic wares.’ By means, then, of a similar theory applied to mind and brain and body, we may find reasonable explanations of many otherwise insoluble mysteries of life, and, which is of more importance, deduce certain suggestions for the practical regulation of life in the greatest individual interest.” Haddock also approvingly quotes the following from Dr. M. P. Hatfield, an authority with whom I, personally, am not familiar: “The arrangement of the nerve-envelopes is so like that of the best constructed electrical cables that we cannot help thinking that both were constructed to conduct something very much alike. I know that there are those who stoutly maintain that nerve-force is not electricity, and it is not, in the sense that an electrical battery is the same things as a live man; but nevertheless nerve-force is closely allied to that wonderful thing that for the want of a better and clearer understanding we agree to call electricity.” Haddock adds: “All states of body and mind involve constant molecular and chemical change. The suggestion arises that the brain, with its millions of cells and its inconceivable changes in substance, may be regarded as a transmitting and receiving battery. The brain being a kind of battery, and the nerves conductors of released stored-energy to different parts of the body, by a kind of action similar to the actions of electricity and magnetism, it is suggested that, either by means of the ether, or of some still finer form of matter, discharges of brain energy may be conducted beyond the limits of the body. If the nerve-track corresponds to wires, this refined medium may correspond to the ether-field supposed to be employed in wireless telegraphy. As electrical movements are conducted without wires, or other visible media, so may brain-discharges be conveyed beyond the mechanism of the battery, without the intervention of nerves – except, as they may constitute a part of the battery. Generally speaking, such discharges would originate in two ways: by direct mental action, or by mental or physical states – perhaps by a combination.” In the above quotations, there will be found constant reference to vibrations in the universal ether. That there is a place, and plenty of room, in the scale of etheric vibrations for the vibrations of mental-force, may be seen by a reference to the following quotations from eminent authorities: Professor Gray 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.” Professor Williams has said: “There is no gradation between the most rapid undulations or trembling that produce our sensation 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 word 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 there are organs fro taking up and sensifying these movements.” A recent writer in the “London Post” says, “The knowledge we gain by experiment brings home to us what a miserably imperfect piece of mechanism our bodies are. The ear can detect the slow-footed sound vibrations that come to us at the rate of between 40 and 40,000 a second. But the whole of space may be quivering and palpitating with waves at all sorts of varying speeds, and our senses will tell us nothing of them until we get them coming to us at the inconceivable speed of 400,000,000,000,00 a second, when again we respond to them and appreciate them in the form of light.” Another writer, an American psychologist, carries on the tale from this point, as follows: “The first indications of warmth comes when the vibrations reach the rate of 35,000,000,000,000 per second. When the vibrations reach 450,000,000,000,000 the lowest visible light ray manifests. Then comes the orange rays, the golden yellow, the pure yellow, the greenish yellow, the pure green, the greenish blue, the ocean blue, the cyanic blue, the indigo, and finally the violet, the highest degree of light which the human eye can register, and which occurs when the vibrations reach the rate of 750,000,000,00,00 per second. Then come the ultra-violet rays, invisible to human sight, but registered by chemical media. In this ultra-violet region lie the ‘X Rays’ and the other recently discovered high-degree rays; also the actinic rays which, while invisible to the eye, register on the photographic plate, sunburn one’s face, blister one’s nose, and even cause violent explosions in chemical substances exposed to them, as well as acting on the green leaves of plants, causing the chemical change of transforming carbonic acid and water into sugar and starches. These forms of ‘dark light,’ that is, light too fine to be perceived by the human eye, are but faint indications of the existence of still higher and finer vibrations – the ‘finer forces of nature.’” Oh, yes! There is plenty of space and room in Nature’s scale of forces, for the vibrations of mental energy, nerve-force, and personal magnetism, which combines the two. I trust that the foregoing statements of scientific fact have cleared your mind of any lurking doubts on the subject.

Chapter 11

Mental Attitudes

In a preceding chapter, I have stated that the mental phase of personal magnetism consists of two coordinated manifestations of mental power, the first of which was “the holding of certain mental states until the mental atmosphere becomes charged with the vibrations of the particular mental states.” Let us now consider what are these “certain mental states” which are to be held. In the first place, these “mental states” are not so much any set of particular thoughts, but rather are stated mental attitudes in relation to oneself and the outer world of men. A man’s mental attitude, if firmly defined and as firmly held, impresses itself upon everything around the man. His looks grow to conform; his voice; his walk; his general appearance; all grow to reflect his inner states of mind. Moreover, his mental atmosphere becomes so charged with certain vibrations that those who come in contact with the man actually feel his mental attitude, and adjust themselves to it. Who of us cannot recall the “so meek and humble,” Uriah Heep mental attitude manifested by some persons of our acquaintance? Who does not remember having actually felt the sneaky, foxy mental attitude of certain other persons? And who can forget the bold, masterful, mental attitude of certain successful men in our field of business acquaintance? Each of these classes is possessed of a mental atmosphere, which reveals itself at once to us, when we meet them. I need scarcely urge upon you the importance of producing in yourself the most desirable kind of personal atmosphere. And, as I have said, the mental atmosphere is the direct result of the mental attitude of the person, and reflects the same inevitably. Of course, the mental attitude of a person is composed of a variety of beliefs, opinions, views, ideals, etc., and must of necessity be of a somewhat mixed character. In the case of the majority of persons, the personal atmosphere lacks force and character because of a lack of any particular mental color. But, in the case of the strong individuals of the race, it will be found that there is always a strong fixed mental attitude – a strong desire which colors all the thought; a powerful ambition which gives tone to all the rest; or a firm resolve which fires the entire mental character. This strong vibration is carried out into the personal atmosphere, and its influence is felt, and men react thereto. In a general way, mental attitudes may be divided into two classes, viz.: (1) positive and (2) negative. It is difficult, at first, to give the keynote of each of these two classes of mental attitude, but I call your attention to the words of an American writer, in this connection who well says: “That which tends to render one strong, is positive; that which tends to render him weak, is negative.” I do not think that I can improve on this definition, and I advise you to adopt it, and to measure your mental attitudes by that standard. By all means cultivate and develop the positives, and restrict the negatives, in your mental make-up so that, in the end, your mental attitude may be “positive” instead of “negative” – strong instead of weak. An interesting thing about the cultivation of a mental attitude, is that not only does the improved mental attitude tend to impress itself upon others with whom you come in contact, but that it also tends to impress itself upon your own mentality, so that you gradually become more and more fixed in the mental attitude. Mental attitude resembles yeast, in the sense that if you insert a single bit of the ferment in your mind, it will begin to work, and grow other cells, until it finally fills your entire mind. It tends to reproduce itself. This is true of both desirable and undesirable mental ideas, but – and remember this well – here is a most hopeful and encouraging fact: a positive idea will tend to kill a negative one, so you see Nature is fighting on your side. The best way to kill and destroy negative mental ideas and attitudes is to plant a good crop of positive in their places, and then encourage the fight – the negatives will go under surely. It is like pouring fresh water into a basin of dirty water – in time the water will become clear; or, again, like flooding a room with sunshine – the darkness will be destroyed. Let us take a little glance at the principal positives and negatives in the list of mental attitudes: Positives: courage, masterfulness, activity, initiative, dynamic thought, self-esteem, assertiveness, continuity. Negatives: fear, slavishness, sluggishness, waiting-for-orders, static thought, self-distrust, retreativeness, fickleness. This list might be extended much further, but I think that you will have caught the idea by this time. Run over the list of the strong positive qualities of the strong men of your acquaintance and endeavor to reproduce them in you. Run over the list of weak, negative qualities of the weak persons you know – and endeavor to “cut them out” of your mental attitudes. In this work of building-up of mental attitude, remember this: “This mind grows to resemble that upon which it feeds,” and therefore, you should “feed” your mind with the very kind of ideas, which you would like to have your mental attitude reflect. For instance, if you desire a mental attitude of Courage, Determination, Masterfulness, Success, etc., you should read stories in which these points of character are brought out; you should frequent the company of this kind of persons; you should constantly hold in your mind the IDEAL of the things you wish to develop in your mental attitude, and you will find that you will naturally find in the outer world the material things corresponding to them. And, remember this, avoid the opposite and negative books, persons and thoughts, as you would poisonous snakes. It is astonishing how quickly the mind will respond to the steadfast holding of the POSITIVE IDEAL, and the stimulating environment of POSITIVE things. In a short time, there will be set up an instinctive habit of mind, which will select the positive things from its environment and will also reject the negative things. Train your mind to select the right kind of food for itself, and it will soon acquire the habit and perform the work instinctively without any special supervision on your part. Moreover, there will be developed in your mind that which that gifted American writer, Prentice Mulford, once called “The Attractive Power of Thought,” by means of which you will draw to yourself the things, persons, books, etc., which will supply you with the particular kind of mental food best fitted to the IDEAL you are carrying in your mind. I shall not discuss this last wonderful phenomenon, but ask you to remember and apply the fact, nevertheless, for it is one of the great forces of nature. Finally, I advise you to sit down and make a careful, full, and honest chart of your mental characteristics, positive and negative. Then, place a plus sign before the positives, and minus sign before the negative. Then every day run over your plus list, and fix in your mind the idea that these positives MUST be developed; and the negatives MUST be restarted. The development of the positives will come about by the holding in mind of the ideal of them – thus they will develop and increase, like a self-multiplying cell. The negatives may be restricted by developing their opposites – for; this is the application of the law that positives kill out negatives. Upon these two great fundamental laws of practical psychology, one may build a character at will. I will repeat them once more, so that you will fix them in your mind. I. Feed your positive qualities by ideas of the same kind, in thoughts, books, persons, environment, etc. II. Restrict or kill-out your negatives, by developing their positive opposites. And, now, for a wonderful plan of developing a positive mental attitude. This plan has been successfully practiced my many of my students, some of whom stand high in the list of the world’s great men. It is this: Build up for your own use, an IDEAL PATTERN of that which you wish to be. Map out exactly the characteristics, which you wish to be yours. Then picture, in your mind’s eye, an individual possessed of just these qualities – a complete model, or pattern, of that which you wish to be. Then hold that pattern or model, constantly in your imagination. See it ever; think always about it; view it from the inside and the outside; get fully acquainted with it. And, gradually you will begin to grow like your ideal. The IDEAL will begin to materialize in your own character, and your mental attitude will be that of your model. Do not pass by this rule, because of its simplicity. It has worked miracles for others – why not for you? If you will persist with this plan, your mental attitude will become positive and fixed, and your personal atmosphere will be charged with the strong, positive vibrations, which will proclaim you as a master. Let this idea be yours, in studying the following chapters, and remember that in this way you can get the best results from the special instruction, which is to follow this chapter.

Chapter 12

The Mental Atmosphere

Following the consideration of the first manifestation of the mental phase of personal magnetism in the preceding chapter, we naturally reach the second manifestation of the same, namely: “The conscious projection of the mental current from the brain centers, by the action of the will of the individual.” This “conscious projection,” in turn, may be said to consist of two forms of manifestation, viz.: (1) the projection into the personal atmosphere; and (2) the projection of a direct current, under special circumstances, into the mind of another person, for the purpose of direct influence upon him or her. Let us consider these two forms, in turn, beginning with the first named. As to the nature of the process whereby one may project his mental currents into his personal atmosphere, I would say that the method is almost precisely identical with that whereby one projects his physical magnetism, or nerve-force, into his personal atmosphere, as fully set forth in Chapter IX. As in the case of physical magnetism, is found that the average person colors his personal atmosphere by the character of his mental states, or rather by the predominant color of his mental attitude, without any special effort on his part. The degrees of color – not its particular kind, remember, but its degree of force – depends upon the degree of mental activity of the person. The person of inactive thought, ideas or feeling, will have an almost colorless personal atmosphere, while the person of the active mind will display a marked degree of thought-color therein. We find here, also, the second class of persons, who, while not fully understanding the nature of the power, or the processes of projection, nevertheless manifest a high degree of thought color and power in their personal atmosphere. This strong color and power results from the fact that such persons are usually individuals of a high degree of feeling or idealism – that is to say, they experience strong feelings, on the one hand; or else have strong mental ideas of anything in which they are interested – or perhaps both strong feeling and strong idealism. The strongest color and power manifested by persons of this class, is found in persons who take a strong interest in things. This strong interest really combines the two elements of feeling and attention, respectively. Feeling is a strong mental element; and attention, you will remember, is a direct application of the will. So, it follows, that such persons must strongly project their mental states into their personal atmosphere, although unconscious of the same, and without a deliberate employment of the will for this purpose. But, here, as in the case of the physical magnetism, the strongest and most powerful effect is produced by the individuals who understands the process, and who consciously and deliberately project their thought into their personal atmosphere, where it joins and is vitalized by their physical magnetism, so that its full effect is manifested upon those who may come within its field of influence. The process of using the will in the direction of projecting thought-color and power into the personal atmosphere is practically identical with the use of the will in the case of physical magnetism, or nerve-force, as described in Chapter IX. In other words, it consists of two phases, viz.: (1) belief in one’s power to so project; and (2) the actual projection by the will. I have informed you fully regarding the part played by “belief” in this process of projection, and shall say nothing more on this subject here. The use of the will in the matter of projection, here also, consists of the actual willing or commanding of the thing itself. The mental currents are very obedient to the will, and in fact, depend almost entirely upon the will for power to move and act. And, do not forget this, for it is important, the will is moved largely by desire. If you will strongly desire that your personal atmosphere be colored by your thought currents, and will at the same time picture the thought currents flowing out and filling your personal atmosphere, you will have little left to do in the direction of the conscious use of the will. This because, in the first place, the will naturally operates along the lines of stung desire; and second, because the forming of the mental picture will result in the use of the attention, and the attention, as I have said, is a positive and direct action of the will in the direction of focusing its power. So, you see, by following this plan, you are really setting into operation the power of the will itself, although not by direct command. You may also use the direct command to the will to project the thought currents, just as you use the same to lift your arm or close your eyes. There is one other important point, though, which you must make note of and actively employ in your work of building up and maintaining a strong positive personal atmosphere. I allude to the process of intermingling and combining the two elements of personal magnetism, i.e., (1) the physical magnetism, and (2) the mental magnetism. While there is a natural combination and intermingling of these two, without any special effort on your part, nevertheless, an enormously greater effect will be obtained by a distinct mental process on your part, in which process is combined the several uses of the will above referred to. This special process consists of three distinct mental operations, as follows: (1) You must earnestly desire the combination of the two elements of personal magnetism, the physical and the mental forces. You must create the strongest kind of desire for this combination. This desire must be stronger than a mere “want” – it must be fanned up to the stage of an actual “longing” or “craving” for the combination in question. (2) You must use the imagination, actively, in the direction of forming a mental picture of the mingling of the two forms of magnetism, just as you would picture the combination of two clouds, or two currents of water in a lake, flowing in from two different sources. The stronger and more vivid you can make this picture, the stronger and more effective will be the result. I have explained that these mental pictures require the use of the attention, and that the attention is due to a direct and concentrated use of the will. Therefore, the will is actively and powerfully employed in this process and the result is correspondingly effective. (3) The direct command of the will itself, in the direction of “willing” the currents to coalesce and combine. These three phases of the use of the will, combined, will prove very effective in the direction names. A little practice will enable you to perform all three of them, at one time, almost automatically. You will see, by a little thought, that the process just described, is practically that used when you perform any conscious, voluntary motion of the body. Let us see: You wish to raise your hand. What processes are involved? Three, as follows (1) Desire – you wish to raise your hand; (2) mental picture – for almost unconsciously you form the image of the raised hand; and (3) the direct command of the will, which is the final mental effort. The combination of the two forms of personal magnetism, the physical and the mental, works along two lines of action namely, (1) the mental magnetism gives color and character to the physical magnetism; and (2) the physical magnetism gives vitality and acting force to the mental magnetism. It might be said, almost, that the physical magnetism gives the body and moving force to the combination, while the mental magnetism gives the “soul” to it. Each re-doubles the efficiency of the other, by the power of combination. The occultists inform us that the personal atmosphere is composed of certain colors, depending upon the particular quality of mental states that happen to be predominant in the combination – each mental state being said to have its own color. I shall not take up this phase of the subject, but merely mention it because of its general interest in this connection. The occultists also inform us that, when the combination of the two elements of magnetism combine, the mental magnetism takes on a deeper and more pronounced color and hue, and appears also to solidify and become denser; and that the physical magnetism seems to be rendered doubly active, its increased energy being evidenced by tiny sparks and dancing glittering atoms. It seems to be like the combination of two different chemicals, each tending to increase the potency and activity of the other, and the two combining in the production of particularly potent and active new thing. From the same sources, we learn that the aura or personal atmosphere of the person who uses the will in the direction of forming the potent combination of the two forms of magnetism, seems to be almost alive, so filled with energy is it. It is said that when it comes in contact with other persons – particularly when the owner is using his mind to impress and influence the others – the aura will reach out and actually enfold the other persons within its field of energy, seemingly trying to embrace the person and hold him subject to the vibration of its owner’s mind. When you learn to produce this combination effectively, you will begin to notice that you will almost unconsciously affect and influence other persons with whom you come in contact. You will notice that they will begin to take on your moods and general feelings, and that they will fall “in tune” with your mental vibrations, generally. If you are enthusiastic about anything, they will begin to manifest enthusiasm. And so on, each of your mental states registering an effect upon the other persons. Moral: Hold only those mental states, which you wish other to “take on.” And, keep your inner opinions and designs well to the back of your mind, by an effort of the will, and show only what you wish to be sensed by others, for remember your thought currents will have become wonderfully dynamic and powerful.

Chapter 13

Magnetic Currents

The magnetic energy of the person, formed by a combination of his physical and mental force, like all other forms of magnetic or electric force, tends to run in currents, and to be transmitted in waves. The personal atmosphere of the person is, in fact, composed of many waves of magnetic energy, circling around the confines of his aura, a constant wave-like motion being maintained, and a rapid rate of vibration always being manifested. It is these waves of magnetic energy which, when coming in contact with the mind of other persons, set up a corresponding rate of vibration there, and thus produce a mental state in them corresponding to that of the person sending forth the magnetism. As I have already stated several times, the physical magnetism gives the “body” and energizing quality to this personal magnetism, while the mental magnetism supplies the quality of color or character to it. At this point I wish to digress for a few moments in order to make clear to your mind the important fact that in charging the mental atmosphere with the combined mental and physical magnetism, it is not necessary to make two distinct and separated efforts of the will. In describing and explaining to you the process of sending for the currents of physical magnetism, and mental magnetism, respectively, I have been compelled to take up each phase separately, and describe the action of the will in the process of projecting each of these phases of personal magnetism. And, if I were to say no more on this point, the student might be left with the impression that in order to fully charge his personal atmosphere with the combined waves of physical and mental magnetism, he would have to first charge it with one kind of magnetism, and then with the other. This is not correct, for a combined effort of the will is all that is required, as you shall now see. It is possible to combine the mental picture of the two forms of personal magnetism, the physical and the mental, into one image or idea in the mind. It is also possible to combine the two into the desire or inclination to project the energy. And, it is equally possible to combine the projection of the two into one effort of the will. It is a simple thing – as simple as that of twisting two silk threads; threading them into the eye of a coarse needle; and then taking stitches with the needle. Think of the physical and mental magnetism as two twisted threads inserted into the eye of your needle of will, and then think of your passing these threads together into the fabric, by simply pushing the needle through. This illustration will enable you to form a clearer mental picture of the process. You will find that after a little practice you will instinctively combine the two threads in the eye of the needle of your will. At first you may find it easier to first think of the physical magnetism, and then of the mental – so to speak, threading first the one thread and then the other. But after very little practice you will find it easier to take up the two threads at once, giving them a little twist together, and then passing both of them through the eye of the will-needle at the same time. Remember, then, learn to “twist together” the threads of the two kinds of magnetism, so that the will may push them both through at the same time. You should keep the personal atmosphere well charged at all times, by projecting magnetism into it several times a day. No special times or number of times is absolutely necessary – you must use your own judgment and feeling in this matter. You will soon learn to feel when your magnetic aura is weak, and when it is strong. These things come to one by practice and actual experience, and cannot very well be taught except through actual experience. You will soon learn what it is to “feel” the condition of your magnetism, just as you now feel heat or humidity, or the reverse thereof. If you are about to come into contact with others whom you wish to influence; or, on the other hand, if you are about to come in contact with others who may want to influence you; you should charge yourself well with magnetism – that is to say, you should generate and project into your personal atmosphere a large amount of magnetism, which will thus render your aura strong and positive, instead of weak and negative. The principal thing in battle is to be fully prepared for any emergency, and this rule is applicable to the case of the uses of personal magnetism in your dealing with other persons. Remember, then, to combine the idea and image of the combined magnetism when projecting or charging with personal magnetism – the two twisted threads in the needle, remember. Now, to return to the subject of magnetic currents: The currents of magnetism not only constantly flow around within the limits of the aura, but also often push forward toward other persons who attract the attention of the person. In such cases, the aura seems to stretch out toward the other persons, and even to envelop them in its folds. Remember, I am now speaking of the involuntary action of the aura or magnetic currents, not of the conscious and deliberate projection of the currents from the mind to the other mind. There is an almost automatic action of the aura or magnetic currents in the way just stated, when another person arouses the interest or attention of the person. Of course, if you insist upon the strictest scientific interpretation of this apparently automatic movement of the currents, I must admit that even in such cases the will of the person is the direct cause of the projection. For, it must be remembered, that in the mental acts of interest and attention there is a non-deliberate action of the will – an automatic action, so to speak. The will is called into operation the moment the attention is attracted – in fact; the attention is a positive act of the will. And, consequently, the will sets into motion the magnetic currents in the direction of the object of attention. So, you will see, when you are conversing with another person, or addressing a number of persons, you are really sending in their direction a series of currents of personal magnetism, the vibrations of which must affect them unless their own vibrations are of a more positive nature. In fact, very many men of the greatest personal force, whose personal magnetism may actually be felt, employ the force in this manner, and make but little use of the “direct flash” methods of immediate concentrated magnetic force, which you will be asked to consider in the succeeding chapters. Their general store of personal magnetism is so great – their personal atmosphere so charged – that mere contact with it produces the result. But while the above general method of magnetic influence is very effective, provided the individual has learned to sufficiently charge himself, it still remains that the method is that of the shotgun, as compared to that of the rifle, and uses up much power while a smaller amount would suffice. Everything points to the value of a concentrated force, rather than that of the scattered energy. At the last, however, the best method is that which employees both the shotgun and rifle methods – the rifle bullet going right to the mark, surrounded by a cloud of flying shots which completes the work, and renders success certain. So, therefore, when you become interested in the “direct flash” methods in the succeeding chapters, do not lose sight of the important part in personal influence played by the general effect of the magnetism of the aura. Before I leave this subject, I wish to explain a certain bit of phenomena, which has puzzled many students of personal magnetism. I allude to the apparently unconscious use of magnetic power, which we so often witness. For instance, you may be thinking intently of some other person, without any conscious intention of influencing them in any manner, and yet, when you meet the person afterward, or hear from him, you will find that your magnetic currents have influenced him, often very markedly so. This is puzzling, when you remember that you made no effort to influence the person by the “direct flash” method, and when you remember that the person was far removed from your personal atmosphere or aura. What is the answer you ask? The explanation is this: By your concentrated attention and interest, you have actively (though unconsciously set the will into motion, and the result is that there has been projected toward the other person a current of your magnetism – a great stretching out of your personal atmosphere in his direction – and he has been affected by it just as if he had been in your presence. Of course, the other person will not be greatly affected by your currents, unless these happen to be charged with great physical magnetism, and strongly colored by your mental status. But, nevertheless, there will always be some influence exerted, unless, indeed, the other person is more positive, magnetically, that are you, in which case he will not be affected in the least. So you see, we not only are constantly surrounded by an aura or atmosphere of our magnetic currents, but are also more or less unconsciously sending forth currents of our magnetism into the aura of others, which exert more or less influence upon them. In the same way, the currents of others are constantly reaching our aura, and exerting more or less influence upon us, unless we happen to be more positive than they, in the matter of our vibrations – or (note this), unless we deliberately use an effort of the will in the direction “shutting the door” on these outside vibrations.

Chapter 14

The Direct Flash

We now approach a phase of the general subject of personal magnetism, which is highly important, as well as most interesting to the student, because of its striking and startling features. This phase consists of the deliberate, conscious projection of personal magnetism into the aura of another person, or persons; or into the atmosphere of a crowd of persons. This method has been called the “direct flash,” because it resembles the flash of the electric spark, rather than the diffused discharge of a steady current of electricity. The “direct flash” is the method employed in projecting a positive influence in the direction of others – a mental command backed up by the combined physical and mental magnetism. The method is: (1) The forming in the mind of a direct command accompanied by a mental picture of the desired action on the part of the other person; (2) the mental gathering of the two combined forms of magnetism into one force; and (3) the deliberate discharge of the “flash” by the will. You have been fully instructed regarding the first two phases of this “direct flash” method; and you have been given general information which will enable you to comprehend the third phase, i.e., that of the “deliberate discharge of the ‘flash’ by the will.” That is to say, you understand the forming of the mental picture, and the projection of magnetism, in connection with the gathering up of the two forms of magnetism; and you likewise are acquainted with the power and action of the will in the work of projecting magnetism. All you need to compete the instruction regarding the method of using the “direct flash” is a little further instruction regarding the use of the will in projecting this “deliberate discharge.” And this further instruction I shall now give you. The key to the “direct flash” consists in the deliberate action of the will in projecting or “flashing” into the mind of the other person a certain direct statement or command, backed up by all the magnetic forces within you. This comes easily and rapidly as the result of a little practice. And, moreover, you may practice in private, standing before your mirror, until you acquire the mental mechanical ease, which is necessary. Let us now begin with some concrete examples, rather than continuing the general consideration. In other words, let us now “get down to brass tacks,” in the matter. Preliminary Exercise. Stand before your mirror; gaze positively and firmly at your own image therein, just as you would gaze toward another person. In fact, you must try to imagine that you are really gazing at another person. Then, send that imaginary person – pictured by your reflected image – the message: “I am stronger than you!” Now, try to get my exact meaning, as I proceed. You must not rest content with merely thinking or saying the words of the magnetic command above given – you must cultivate and develop an actual willing the command, just as you would will the raising of your hand, or the clenching of your fist. You will find it necessary to cultivate this power of so willing, for your belief will not at first coordinate with the will. You could not very well will your hand to be lifted, or fist clenched, unless you actually believed that the thing itself were possible. In the same way the little child has to first learn the possibility of his using his will, deliberately, in performing physical actions. He first sees others performing certain actions, and the idea gradually dawns upon him that he, too, may do them. Then he begins to use his will, awkwardly at first, in directing the muscles as required. In the same way will you have to develop your ability to use your will deliberately in the direction of this form of personal magnetism? But by a little steady, earnest practice before the mirror, you will soon master the mechanism of the thing – the rest will be all a matter of practice upon persons. In sending the message, “I am stronger than you,” you must accompany the effort of the will (by which you send forth the thought-command) with a strong mental conviction that your are stronger (magnetically) than him, and also with the belief that he will be impressed by this fact and will accept your statement. You must get yourself into the mental attitude of demanding that he accept your statement, not that you merely request him to do so. In this form of magnetic influence there is no such thing as “requesting” – it is all a matter of “insistent command” – do not forget this. When you merely request, you usually take second magnetic position, giving to the other person the first place. But when you command, you take the first place, yourself, and push him into the second. In practicing before your mirror, remember this, and endeavor to raise yourself into the first position. You will know when you have done this, by the peculiar feeling of superior magnetic strength that you will experience. After having mastered the above exercise to your own satisfaction – that is, until you have thoroughly acquired the feeling of mastery, and magnetic superiority, when you send forth the flash of command – you may proceed to the following, which is based upon the first, and results from it. I mean, that you are now in a position to practice this second stage of the exercise before the mirror. You will feel like beginning to try your power upon other persons, but you would do better to wait until you have thoroughly mastered the mechanism of magnetism before the mirror. This second stage of the preliminary mirror exercise is summed up in the word of mental magnetic command, which you address to the imaginary person represented by your reflected image, viz.: “I can command you to act.” This, as you will see by a careful consideration of the words, is really a tremendously powerful statement, and it will require a great exercise of our power of belief, and mental imagery, to get yourself into the proper mental state, so that the will may travel easily on its path to enforce the command. Remember, that in order for the will to be able to move smoothly over its channel, so that it may reach the mark, it is necessary that you clear away any obstacles that may remain in your own mind. It is enough for the will to have to fight and break down the obstacles in the mind of the other person, without also being called on to combat and overcome the obstacles in our own mind. So, you must get yourself in the proper mental state, before you can hope to influence others. When you send forth the mental command to the reflected image, you must concentrate a tremendous power of meaning in the statement, “I can command you to act.” The statement must be accompanied by the full force of your own conviction and belief that you can so command, and that you will be obeyed. And, in order to do this, you will have to arouse in yourself the full consciousness of your own magnetic force, so that you can fairly feel it vibrating in and around you. You will have to re-read these instructions several times before they will become perfectly clear to you. In fact, you will have to begin practicing, and then re-reading them between exercises, before you will get the full meaning. The meaning will gradually unfold into your understanding, as you proceed with your practicing. It is just as if I were giving you directions as to mastering the art of skating – you would not really grasp the full meaning of the instructions until you began actually practicing on the ice – and each time you would refer to the book, you would perceive a new meaning to the words. So it is in the case before us – you will understand the instructions fully only when you begin the actual practice. Now, after you have gotten to the point in the mirror-practice where you are able to actually feel that you have sent forth to the reflected image the command that you are stronger, thereby forcing the other person into the second magnetic place – and also that you can command the other person to act as you will, thereby placing him in the subordinate capacity of action – you may proceed to try upon the reflected image some special commands in the same spirit. Now do not fall into the error of supposing that all this mirror-practice is merely “child’s play.” If you do, you will be making a great mistake, for it is anything but play or idle pastime. It is the learning of the mechanism of the “direct flash,” before you start in to run the machine in earnest. It is like the period of preliminary practice in anything, which precedes the actual performance. It is the rehearsal, which must precede the play. Do not fail to faithfully perform the rehearsal exercises, before you begin to manifest your magnetism in earnest. You must fully acquaint yourself with your magnetic machine before you begin to run it in earnest. The preceding practice exercises may be followed by a similar practice of sending forth “flashes” of anything that you may wish to actually send to other persons later on. You may supply these commands for yourself, or you may practice on the following excellent commands, all of which are likely to be used by you in your actual manifestation of personal magnetism. These commands may be varied, of course, to suit your tastes. They must all be delivered before the mirror, in exactly the same manner as I have already stated: “Look at me!” “Give me your full attention!” “Come this way!” “Go away from me – let me alone!” “You like me.” “You love me” “You feel like doing as I wish you to do!” “You want to please me!” ” You will agree to my proposition!” “Get out of my way!” “You are attracted toward me!” “I fascinate you!” “I am your MASTER!” “Come! Be quick, and do as I tell you!” “You are receptive to my wishes!” “You are responsive to my will!”

Chapter 15

Exercises in the Direct Flash

And, now, having mastered the preliminary mirror-exercises, you re ready to begin your experiments on real persons. But, here, too, you must crawl before you can walk and run. You must begin with the simpler forms of magnetic influence, before you can accomplish the more complicated or difficult tasks. But, you have now emerged from the kindergarten stage, and are ready to practice in earnest. If you have faithfully followed the instructions in the mirror-practice, you have mastered the mechanism of magnetic influence, and are ready to “run the machine” in pubic view. But do not for a moment lose what you have gained in the mirror-exercise. Hold tight and fast to the “technique” you have acquired, and do not for a moment fall into the error that you must now begin all over again. The thing for you to remember, always, is that you are really but carrying the mirror-exercises forward on a higher scale, in a broader field. And you will find some interesting work ahead of you. Take my word for it. First Exercise. I shall now give you an exercise that is almost always given to beginners, by the best teachers of magnetism. It consists of the process of causing a person ahead of you, on the street, to turn around as if he had heard some one call out to him by name. The process is very simple. You have but to walk some little distance behind the other person, on the street, park or other public place. Concentrate your fixed attention on the person, gazing at the lower back part of his head. And sending him first a strong flash of magnetic force, this being followed by the “direct flash” command; “Here you! Turn around,” just as if you were actually calling out aloud to him. You may even whisper the words so softly that no one else can hear them – this may help you to put force into the command at first, but you will soon outgrow the need of the same. At the time you send the flash command you must actually WILL that the person will around in your direction. Put all the magnetic force within you, in this effort. You will find that in some cases the other person will turn his head almost at once, and look inquiringly behind him in your direction. In the majority of cases, however, he will take a longer time about it. He will be apt to first grow uneasy and restless, and begin by glancing from side to side, as if looking for some one; then he will almost (but not quite) turn his head around; then, finally he will glance backward somewhat furtively and suspiciously. No two persons act precisely alike in this respect; and, then, again, the same person will act differently under different conditions. There are certain times at which the conditions seem to be more favorable than at others, for various reasons, as you will discover for yourself. You will find, in this as well as the following other exercises that the best results will be obtained while the other person is proceeding idly along, without his attention being directed particularly in any direction. When the attention is free, the mind is more open to outside influences. When the other person’s attention is firmly fixed on anything else, it will be found difficult to influence him to any marked degree. This is the result of an established rule of psychology, and will be found to be operative in all cases, as for instance, if you call a person when he is preoccupied either with deep thought, or else when his surroundings-he will probably not hear you call him, though under other conditions he would turn readily. The same rule is, of course, operative in the case of magnetic influence. Second Exercise. When in church, theatre or other public place, or even in a room full of company, fix your gaze at the lower back of the head of some person in the place, and send him the “direct flash” command: “Here, you! Turn around and look at me!” Using all the magnetic force within you, and putting the force of your will back of the command. You will notice the same peculiar result as in the preceding exercise, i.e., the fidgeting in the seat, the uneasiness and restlessness, the final quick turn of the head in your direction, followed by the confused expression of countenance. In both of these cases, you should maintain a calm, uninterested gaze ahead, apparently not noticing the person. It is not well to have persons get the idea that you are experimenting upon them, at any time. There is no power so potent as the silent, reserved power. So keep your own counsel, and do not scatter and weaken your force by talking about it to others – far less by boasting about it. There are certain good psychological and occult reasons for my admonition regarding keeping your own counsel, and not dissipating your energy by talking about it, or revealing it to others. I shall not say more on the subject at this time – but I want you to remember what I have said, and to heed it. Third Exercise. This is a variation of the first exercise, and consists of making the person ahead of you turn to the right or to the left while walking ahead of you. This may follow your exercise of making him turn around. When he approaches another person, send him a flash to move to the right, or to the left, as you will. You may also command a person in like manner when he is approaching you. You will be surprised at your success in this direction, after a little practice. In the case of a very sensitive subject, you can cause him, or her, to zigzag in a comical manner. Do not overdo this, however, or you may defeat your own object, besides being unkind to the sensitive person. Fourth Exercise. This is a variation of the second exercise, and consists in making the seated person, in front of you, turn and glance to the right, and then to the left, as you will. During the exercise, which may extend over some time, you may obtain some very marked results from the experiment, in some cases. As before, I caution you against going too far with the experiment, lest you be noticed by others, and also, because it is not fair to the subject. Fifth Exercise. In this experiment, you command the other person to drop his cane, or umbrella, etc., or her fan, handkerchief, etc. In short, you cause the other person to perform some little muscular action under the control of your will. Sixth Exercise. The above exercise may be varied by sending passing persons various commands while you are seated at your window, or on your porch, etc. You may put in an interesting hour in sending flashes to the passing crowd, one at a time, of course, and then noting the percentage of successes. You will find that the percentage will vary; but the general degree of success should slowly but steadily increase, on the average. Do not make the tests too complicated, but send the flash to perform some very simple motion. You will be surprised to discover what a large percent of the persons will glance in your direction, even though you have not particularly commanded them to do so. This latter result occurs because of eth general attraction that they will feel toward you, by reason of the influence of your magnetic wave. Seventh Exercise. While I have advised you to look directly at the other persons, in sending the flash, this is not absolutely necessary after you have fully acquired the “mechanism” of the flash. In fact, after a short time, you will be able to obtain the result even though your eyes are turned in another direction. It is not your eye that influences them, but merely that by gazing intently you manage to firmly concentrate your attention and will in their direction. You may try the experiment of gazing straight ahead of you in a public place, or on the street, and then flashing the command to the other person to look at you, and you will find that you will meet with quite a large percentage of success, particularly after you have succeeded with the gazing plan of procedure. Eighth Exercise. After having mastered the above exercise, you may proceed to a still higher form of magnetic influence, namely, that of influencing the speech of another person. You proceed in this case in the same general manner as in the exercises just given. When a person is speaking to you, you may “put words into his mouth” by a strong mental command, or magnetic flash. Do not try to make him say a whole sentence – at least at first. Rather begin by waiting until he pauses in his speech, and then strongly will a certain word to him – a word that will naturally fit into his sentence – and he will be very apt to repeat it. After a little practice you can make him repeat an absurd word, or to stammer, halt and stutter in his speech, if you so will it. After still more practice, you may succeed in causing him to repeat a whole sentence, or even more, to express the thought you have put into his mind; or to ask some question which you have willed that he should ask. You will readily see by this time, that a constant practice along these lines, will result in your acquiring the power to will and magnetically influence another person to do many things, in response to your will, and silent command. In fact, a constant development along these lines will make of one a very giant in magnetic power, whose results are proportioned only by the degree of magnetic force of other persons, or the degree of persistent practice and development on his own part. But I wish to caution you, at this point, against using this power for any unworthy purpose. This caution does not arise from merely a moral motive on my part, but from knowledge of certain psychic laws which cause a “reaction equaling the action,” and which will bring sorry results to you if you violate the rule. So long as you use your newfound power for purely scientific experiments, or legitimate purposes of human association, all very well and good. But never prostitute your power to accomplish unworthy or criminal ends, lest you become involved in a storm of your own raising – or enmeshed in a web of our own weaving. There are certain psychical laws, as well as physical laws, which must not be broken – and this is one of them. This is particularly true of the case of a person using the power for the purpose of influencing the other sex in an immoral direction. All the old occult writers’ caution particularly against this practice. So heed the advice, and do the right thing only, with your power.

Chapter 16

The Positive Aura

Now that you have mastered the technique of the mechanism of the “direct flash,” you are ready to proceed to the actual demonstration and contact with the general public. But, before taking up that phase of the subject, I think it well to ask you to consider the matter of the creation and maintenance of the positive aura. I have purposely postponed the consideration of this phase of the subject, until we reached this particular point in the instruction, because, in order to properly create and maintain the positive aura, it is necessary that one understands the mechanism and technique of the “direct flash,” for he will need to manifest the same power in the case of the positive aura. But, now that you have mastered the technique or mechanism of the “direct flash,” you are ready to receive the instruction regarding the positive aura, and we may as well proceed to consider it at this very point. I have already given you instructions regarding the cultivation of a desirable personal atmosphere, or aura, and need not repeat here what I have already said elsewhere. But, a moment’s consideration will show you that there will arise certain conditions or occasions in which you will find it very desirable to be able to influence a number of persons en masse – the crowd as a whole – rather than to send the “direct flash” to each of the individuals separately. Of course, the crowd will be influenced by your general personal atmosphere, but you now need something more positive, and more to the point. And the “positive aura” is what you must acquire to satisfy this requirement. The positive aura is simply the general personal atmosphere, but directly and positively charged by a concentrated effort of the will – the same effort, in fact, as that made in the case of the “direct flash.” Let me illustrate the “positive aura” by means of several stories from real life – the experiences of several students of mine. These personal experiences will give you a better idea of just what is needed than would pages of general instruction on the subject. The little stories are not fiction, remember, but are “taken from life,” and are bits of human documents from the lives of real people, all of which have come under my personal observation and consideration. Several years ago, in Paris, I had a student whose real strength of character was marred by her abnormal self-consciousness, shyness, timidity, and sensitiveness – in fact; in the word “sensitiveness” you have the keynote of this young woman’s personality. She was a young artist of far more than the average talent, and her charm of manner rendered her company sought after by a large circle of friends. This lady complained to me that she suffered from the actual rudeness, nay, and almost positive brutality, of the crowds of persons thronging the busy streets of some of the principal thoroughfares of Paris. She complained that she was jostled here and there, and pushed rudely aside by the passing throng. Moreover, she was treated rudely in the shops, the superficial veneer of politeness of the average Parisian shop-clerk scarcely concealing the underlying contempt and veiled sneer of these “cheap” satellites of the ubiquitous shop-keepers of this charming city. My first thought was that the young woman had worked herself up into a state of imaginary wrongs, the result of her highly sensitive organism and shrinking disposition – in short, I thought that she was suffering from a state of morbid self-consciousness, with its frequent accompaniment of imaginary persecution, etc. So I determined to test out the matter, and ascertain for myself just how much truth was in the case. Making a slight change in my personal appearance, by means of a simple disguise once taught me by another of my students, a celebrated detective of Paris, I followed the young lady for several hours when she was on a shopping expedition. Much to my surprise, and, I may add, much to my indignation, I found that all that she had told me was correct. I could scarcely control myself at times, and more than once felt like chastising some rude fellow with my cane, so brutal was the conduct of certain individuals calling themselves “men.” There is a certain class of Parisian men, well dressed and with a veneer of polish, but boors and cures at heart. These men seem to take a special delight in jostling young women, almost pushing them off the sidewalks, at times, and in other ways earning a good caning at the hands of real gentlemen. Well, these curs seemed attracted to this sweet young girl, just as flies are drawn tot a bit of sugar. They exceeded themselves in their display of rudeness and cowardly insolence, and all the while the girl was free from any outward appearance that would attract such curs naturally. I saw at once that there was some inner cause operating. Moreover, I noticed that the young woman was also pushed aside rudely by hurrying businesspersons, who never glanced in her direction, but who thrust her aside as if she were an inanimate thing instead of a person. Again I found an inner cause. In the same way I found that she was treated exactly in the way she had complained of in the shops, by the clerks and shop-men, although she was a liberal customer, easily suited, and giving but little trouble. Here again, the inner trouble was apparent. I went home and carefully diagnosed the case, and laid down a course or treatment. I sent for the young woman and told her that her trouble was a case of ‘ingrown sensitiveness, and overgrown modesty” – in short, that she had surrounded herself with an aura of self-depreciation and morbid sensitiveness. This aura practically invited persons to “pick on” her, to crowd her to the wall, to push her in the gutter, and to generally slight, snub and covertly insult her in the shops. Her aura was not only negative, but also actually attractively negative – that is to say, so negative that it actually attracted more positive natures in the direction of imposing on her weakness. (This is far from being unusual – it is a rule of the psychic as well as of the physical world, among animals as well as among men) I immediately began teaching this lady the technique of the “direct flash” before the mirror (exactly as I have taught you), her flashes being invariably along the lines of positivism and strength. She would flash out “I am positive – far more positive than the crowd around me;” “Get out of my way, or I will walk over you;” “Clear the path for me, you vermin,” and other exaggerated demands intended for the street crowds. In the same way she would flash out the command to the shop-people. “Come, now, I demand respectful attention;” “Lively, now, attend to my wants;” “I am a princess of the blood, bow to me, you underlings,” etc. You will note that I purposely exaggerated the mental demands and flashes, because she needed an exaggerated positive mental attitude in order to overcome her natural and acquired handicap. In a short time she had acquired the technique perfectly and had developed a mental attitude and general personal atmosphere of a princess. Then she proceeded to “try it on the crowd,” by means of the “positive aura.” The result was marvelous. From the moment her feet touched the sidewalks, her progress was that of a princess, persons instinctively moved out of her way, some even slightly bowing as they did so. The rowdy gentlemen (?) moved far away from her. And in the shops the queen of England could have received no more humble service or careful attention. The cure was complete, and has remained so. The young lady has long since laid aside the “Princess Royal” manner, and now simply maintains an aura of positive self-respect and self-confidence, and a demand that she be accorded the proper consideration. Another case is that of a young student of mine – an American, the son of a prominent businessman. This young man was well educated, polished, and moreover, possessed of a all the requisites of a successful salesman, except that of inspiring a feeling of friendship on the part of those with whom he came in contact. He was called upon to approach prominent businessmen in connection with his work for his father, and while he was able to present his arguments logically and forcibly, he was nevertheless handicapped by the fact the he repelled friendship, rather than invited it. In desperation, he made the trip across the Atlantic to consult me, and to beg a cure for his serious psychic trouble. His cure was very easy. I simply put him through a course of the mirror exercises in the “direct flash,” until he had mastered the technique; and then had him saturate his mind with the mental image and idea of: “You like me – you like me very much;” “You feel attracted toward me;” “You are my friend, and wish to show your friendship for me,” etc., etc., etc. All these ideas were but variations of, an improvement upon, the simple idea of “You like me!” Well, this young man began to radiate such an atmosphere of likeability, friendship, etc., that he made friends right and left, even without tying – it was in the air around him, it seemed. His old trouble disappeared like magic – he was made over into a new man. And, yet it was all very simple, you see. Mere child’s play, when one has the secret, as you now have. The young man insisted upon presenting me with his check for $1,000, although I had charged him but one-tenth of that amount, for my time and trouble. I could go on in this vein, reciting case after case coming under my own experience, but I think that the two cases I have mentioned will give you the general idea of what I am trying to teach you, without my taking up more time and space at this point. The rule is general – it is for you to apply it to the particular requirements of your own case. Find out your weak spots of personal atmosphere, and then proceed to build up the opposite qualities of mind and character. Find out your negative points of attracting, and then proceed to build of their opposite positive qualities, just as the two students, just mentioned, did with such marked success. Read over carefully this chapter again, and again, until you get the point fixed in your mind. The rest is merely a matter of practice.

Chapter 17

The Direct Command

Having by this time acquired the technique of the “direct flash,” by your mirror-practice; and having, also, mastered the art of cultivating the positive aura, you should be able to manifest what is known as “the direct command,” without much additional instruction. By “the direct command” is meant the flashing of a direct command or demand to the mind of another person, backed up by the concentrated power of both your mental and physical magnetism. Do you see now why I have first taught you to acquire the technique by means of the mirror-practice, and have then next taught you how to generate and maintain the positive aura? Certainly, you have seen the point! A moment’s thought will show you that the “direct command” is really a combination of the methods of the mirror-practice, and that of the positive aura. The mirror-practice taught you the technique, and the practice afforded by the positive aura methods have served to give you ease, self-confidence, and an almost instinctive use of your magnetic powers in the direction of influencing other persons. You will also see the part played in your development by the special exercises in the direct flash, which I gave you in a preceding chapter. You now begin to see why I have led you to the present point by degrees, do you not? The “direct command” is really a high form of the “direct flash,” and is the method whereby the latter may be used to the highest degree of effectiveness. In the “direct command” you flash your command to the mind of the other person, mentally, of course, but in exactly the same way that you would make an actual command by spoken words, if the conditions admitted of the same. You form the words of the command in your mind, carrying with it as strong a mental picture as you can create, and then mentally flash the command to the other person with as much magnetic force as you can muster. You will find it an aid to effectiveness, in the case of a contemplated demand upon some particular person, for a certain thing, to practice it before the mirror, using your own image as a “target” – just as you did in the exercise previously given you. You will find that a rehearsal of this kind will tend to increase your power at the time of the actual manifestation or command. It is impossible to give you specific instruction for the carrying out of this program in special cases, for each person will have his or her own special requirements, the same depending upon the special circumstances of the case. All that I can do is to give you the general rules to your own particular cases and requirements. The general rules I have already given you. Perhaps I can illustrate the application of the same by citing a few cases, which have actually come under my own observation and experience. One of the most interesting cases of the kind that I have ever met with was that of a professor in one of the American universities. This man, a specialist in his particular line of scientific research, and a thorough master of his own particular subject, commanded a large audience of readers of his books and magazine articles, but, at the same time was almost a failure in his class work, owing to his inability to gain and hold the attention of his students. He came to me, in Paris, and explained his trouble. I gave him my short course in mental influence, etc., and drilled him well along the lines laid down in this book. I made him practice before an imaginary roomful of students, sending them a strong direct command of “Give me your full attention!” “Steady, now, your attention-your full and complete attention to my words!” and “That’s right, you are giving me your full attention – now hold it firmly fixed on me!” and a similar stock of direct commands. These commands were directed commands were directed first to the “bell-wethers” of the class – those natural leaders who are to be found in each class, and then scattered among the class at large. The professor told me that, after a number of these imaginary classroom scenes, each face being distinct and plain, and that he could almost see the flash of his command reaching them. When I thought that he had mastered the general principles, and acquired the technique, I dismissed him, and he returned at once to the university in America. I received several letters from him during the following year, and he testified to the complete success of the plan when put into actual effect. From the first day of his return he obtained and held the attention of his class, and today he is one of the best personal instructors in his university, or elsewhere for that matter. In this case he applied the direct command to special individuals of the class, but the principle was the same as in the case of a single special individual, and differed from the positive aura method. Another case was that of a promoter, now of international reputation, who formerly was unable to “close” many of his plans, owing to a lack of something in his mental makeup, he thought. He could evolve plans, which attracted the attention of prominent men and others, and he could also manage to fascinate them by his general talk regarding hi enterprises. But he found it most difficult to induce them to take the final step o “coming in,” or signing the contract, or entering the subscription, as the case might be. I labored with this man, experiencing much trouble in overcoming his fixed and stubborn idea that there was, “something wrong” with his mental makeup. Finally, after a long period of careful drilling before an imaginary “prospect” (this term being applied to prospective customers) he began to feel that he had the missing element, after all. From that moment he was filled with new courage, and threw new life and energy into the exercises. So powerfully magnetic was this man, and so high a degree of concentrated force did eh generate, that I could actually feel the force of his power while present in the room directing the exercises. I actually, myself, felt like subscribing to some of his stock, and am sure that had he approached me on the subject it would have required the exercise of my full power of self-protection and resistance to have overcome his magnetism. When this man finished his instruction at my hands, he at once plunged into the floating of a new great enterprise, and carried the same to a most successful conclusion. He “closed” nearly every “prospect” that he approached, and soon dropped all the smaller “prospects,” and devoted his entire attention to the “large fish.” I do not feel at liberty to state here the exact words of the “direct command” used by him, for he paid me a large fee for my services, and the secret should be his own, under the circumstances-but this I will say, that his direct command was a straight out from the shoulder mental DEMAND upon the “prospect” to “come in.” Another interesting case was that of a now well-known actress, who lacked “fascination.” She was a magnificent actress, of fine presence and a thorough knowledge of her art, but for some reason her acting seemed to lack soul. She came to me to learn how to influence her audience by personal magnetism, but I saw at once that her art, if fully exercised, would be sufficient to carry her audiences with her. Her trouble lay in the fact that there was a certain “fascination” lacking. I set her to work, training her so that she would actually fascinate the actors playing with her, and an air of reality would be thus created. She progressed rapidly, so quick were her perceptions. When she left me she was able to throw such a degree of fascination into her voice and manner, that the actor playing with her would be fairly swept off his feet; the result being that the audience would catch the same by a kind of mental contagion. She simply hurled mental direct commands at the actors, while reciting her lines, and while approaching them. Her success is now assured, but I cannot resist the temptation of mentioning that she has had the greatest trouble with her “leading men” in her companies-they all insist and persist in falling in love with her, and she has had to change them frequently to get rid of their unwelcome attentions, for her heart is “taken” elsewhere. I fell that I am justified in calling the attention to another case – that of a leading statesman who took my instructions by means of a series of letters, several years ago. This man wanted MASTERY. He got it. I gave him the cue, and keynote, and he did the rest. So masterful did he become, by the employment of my suggested direct commands, that he dominated all who came near him. In fact he carried the thing a little too far-he grew to be regarded as dangerous and tyrannical, and powerful interests conspired against him. He is in temporary retirement at this time – but he is really but biding his time. It is impossible to remain in this man’s presence for any time – particularly if his attention is directed toward you – without acknowledging him to be a MASTER. I now ask you refer to the last pages of the chapter on the “direct flash.” You will find there a number of sentences given as practices before the mirror. Study over these sentences carefully, and you will find therein a strong hint of the idea, which you should weave into your own direct commands. Students of mind, under my direction, have effectively employed all of these sentences; in actual practice-and all of them have the germ of success in them. You may use them singly, in combination, or as a general pattern around which you may weave your own ideas. Practice each of them, until you catch the spirit, and you will then have no trouble in creating your own commands in the most approved style. You will notice the DIRECTNESS and POSITIVENESS of each of these commands – these are the two essential qualities to be observed and used in this work of the direct command. Put all your magnetic force behind them, and flash them out right to the point-squarely into the mentality of the persons whom you wish to influence.

Chapter 18

The Magnetic Duel

The laws of personal magnetism are in accord with the other laws of nature in recognizing the universal fact that there are various degrees of power, and that, all else being equal, the stronger power will prevail over the weaker. But, it is likewise true that the individual, by a superior knowledge of the art of science of defense and offense, may often triumph over a superior degree of strength in the other person. This fact is as true of personal magnetism as it is of physical strength. The skilled magnetic individual may overcome his stronger adversary, just as the skilled boxer may overcome a stronger man, or a skilled fencer may disarm and defeat a much stronger opponent. The conflict between the opposing magnetism of individuals is to be seen on all hands everyday. In fact, it has been well said that two persons never meet but that there is at least a preliminary trial of magnetic strength. At any rate, no two persons ever meet, whose interests are in the least opposed, but that there occurs a little tilt of magnetic strength – sometimes a quite strenuous test, in fact. And in these tests there always is one triumphant and one defeated. It is true that the circumstances of the case sometimes affect the result, and the defeated today may be the victor tomorrow, but the fact remains, that for the time being, at least, there is always one on top and the other underneath at the finish of the magnetic duel, be it slight or serious. One has but to recall incidents in their own experience to recognize this fact. Oliver Wendell Holmes recognized this magnetic duel, in one of his books, when he speaks of “that deadly Indian hug in which men wrestle with their eyes, over in five seconds, but which breaks one of their two backs, and is good for three score years and ten, one trial enough – settles the whole matter – just as when two feathered songsters of the barnyard, game and dunghill, come together. After a jump or two, and a few sharp kicks, there is an end of it; and it is ‘After you, monsieur’ with the beaten party in all the social relations for all the rest of his days.” Dr. Fothergill, a well-known English Physician, now deceased, once wrote a little book upon the subject of the will. The good doctor was a close student of personal magnetism, although he did not choose to use the term itself in his writings, because of the narrow code of professional ethics then imposed upon the medical profession in Great Britain. I have personal magnetism, in theory and practice. I therefore take great pleasure in quoting from him on the particular subject now before us, as follows: “The conflict of will, the power to command others, has been spoken of frequently. Yet what is this will power, which influences others? What is it that makes us accept, and adopt too, the advice of one person, while precisely the same advice from another has been rejected? Is it the weight or force of will, which insensibly influences us, the force of will behind the advice? That is what it is! The person who thus forces his or her advice upon us has no more power to enforce it than others; but all the same we do as requested. We accept from one what we reject from another. One person says of something contemplated, ‘Oh, but you must not,’ yet we do it all the same, though that person may be in a position to make us regret the rejection of that counsel. Another person says, ‘Oh, but you mustn’t,’ and we desist, though we may, if so disposed, set this latter person’s opinion t defiance with impunity. It is not the fear of consequences, nor of giving offence, which determines the adoption of the latter person’s advice, while it has been rejected when given by the first. It depends upon the character or willpower of the individual advising whether we accept the advice, or reject it. This character often depends little, if at all, in some cases, upon the intellect, or even on the moral qualities, the goodness or badness, of the individual. It is itself an imponderable something; yet it carries weight with it. There may be abler men, cleverer men; but it is the one possessed of will who rises to the surface at these times – the one who can by some subtle power make other men obey him The will-struggle goes on universally. In the young aristocrat, who gets his tailor to make another advance in defiance of his conviction that he will never get his money back? It goes on between lawyer and client; betwixt doctor and patient; between banker and borrower; betwixt buyer and seller. It is not tact, which enables the person behind the counter to induce customers to buy what they did not intend to buy, and which when bought, gives them no satisfaction, though it is linked therewith for the effort to be successful. Whenever two persons meet in business, or in any other relation in life, up to lovemaking, there is this will-fight going on, commonly enough without any consciousness of the struggle. There is a dim consciousness of the result, but none of the processes. It often takes years of the intimacy of married life to find out with whom of the pair the mastery really lays. Often the far stronger character, to all appearances, has to yield; it is this will-element, which underlies the statement. ‘The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.’ In ‘Middlemarch’ we find in Lydgate a grand aggregation of qualities, yet shallow, hard, selfish Rosamond masters him thoroughly in the end. He was not deficient in will power, possessed more than an average share of character; but in the fight he went down at last under the onslaught of the intense, stubborn will of his narrow-minded spouse. Their will-contest was the collision of a large, warm nature, like a capable human hand, with a hard, narrow, selfish nature, like a steel button; the hand only bruised itself while the button remained unaffected.” If you will substitute the term “magnetic force,” for “will,” “will power,” etc., in the good doctor’s words, you will see how perfectly he was in accord with the teachings contained in this book. The student who has carefully studied the foregoing pages will have acquired sufficient knowledge of the theory and practice, the method and the technique, of personal magnetism, to be able to carry himself or herself though a “magnetic duel” with credit to himself or herself, and credit to myself, the teacher. But remember, that there is as much in adroitness, and skill, as there is in mere strength of magnetism. Carry in mind the tactics of the good boxer, or good fencer – try to reproduce (in the magnetic duel) the guards, the feints, the unexpected stroke, the rushes, the overpowering stroke, etc. It will not hurt you to purposely engage in some of these conflicts, as good practice preparing for the day of a real test of power on some important point. Assert your will a little, and strive to have your own way in small matters, particularly if you are opposed therein by others. The skill and practice, together with the self-confidence you will gain will prove useful to you in the hour or need. In addition to the general and special instruction regarding the use of positive magnetism in relation to other persons, I now offer for your consideration the following special “flashes,” for use on special occasions, especially in cases of the “magnetic duel.” You will find these flashes of great use to you on such occasions, particularly (as is generally the case) where the opponent does not know the secret of his own natural power of magnetism, and is not versed in the art and science of using it. Study over these carefully – for they are valuable, and represent the result of years of experience and practice. Here follows the list just spoken of: “My magnetism is stronger than yours – it is overpowering you.” “My magnetism is beating down your guard – you are weakening.” “I am more positive than you – you are negative and are beginning to retreat and give in to me.” “You are beginning to feel afraid of me, afraid, afraid, afraid of me.” “Retreat, retreat, retreat, I tell you – I am forcing you backward.” “I am scattering your forces – I am dissipating your energy – I am breaking your magnetism to bits, by the power of my own force.” “I am standing on the solid rock of power – your feet are on sand, and are slipping way from you.” “GET OUT OF MY WAY – I COMMAND YOU TO GET OUT!” “I am crowding you back, off your feet; move back, I tell you – BACK, out of my way, I tell you!” You may get the spirit of the above by carefully reading them, repeating them to your image in the mirror, throwing full fore into the words, and the expression into your eyes. Then you will be able to flash them out to others when the occasion arises, with ease, power and effect. You need not be bound by the precise words that I have given you, providing you catch the spirit behind them. You may use your own words – the very words that you would like to actually utter to the other person, if you prefer. The thing to do is to get the feeling and meaning into his mind. In a succeeding chapter, entitled “Magnetic Self-Defense,” you will find full instruction for defensive flashes, and “guards,” which are to be used in connection with the above offensive ones, in the magnetic duel. Beat the opponent off by neutralizing his magnetism, according to the advice given in the next chapter, and then plunge in your own mental weapons of attack. The following constitutes a broad-sword mental weapon, which may often be used with the greatest effect: “I am pouring into you a strong concentrated current of magnetic power. Which is overpowering you and conquering you, and bending you to my will. My magnetism is far stronger than is yours, and I know how to use it to better advantage than do you. I am overpowering you – I am conquering you – I am bending you to my will. I am MASTERING you, steadily and completely. I shall command you to do as I will. You MUST do it, and do it now. Surrender, I tell you – surrender now – SURRENDER to me at once. You MUST, and you SHALL. I am breaking down your resistance. You are giving up – SURRENDER NOW – SURRENDER AT ONCE.”

Chapter 19

Corporeal Magnetism

Before concluding my instruction regarding the subject of the projection of personal magnetism, I wish to have a few words with you on the subject of what may be called “corporeal” magnetism. By “corporeal’ is meant, “pertaining to the body.” I use the term “corporeal magnetism” to indicate and designate the conveyance of personal magnetism by means of physical contact, as, for instance, by the touch of the hands, lips, etc. It may be objected to that this term is needless, inasmuch as I have already considered the phase of physical magnetism, or nerve-force, in connection with the general subject of personal magnetism. But, I answer; by “corporeal magnetism” I mean something different from mere physical magnetism, or nerve-force. The new term is far more inclusive, for, by “corporeal magnetism” I mean the projection of the combined personal magnetism (physical and mental) to the other person, over the channels of the nervous system of both persons, instead of through the ether as in the case of the ordinary projection of personal magnetism Note this distinction: Under the head of physical magnetism, I explained to you how magnetic healing treatments might be given by the use of the hands, the physical magnetism passing over the nervous system of the healer, making the leap between the finger-tips and the body of the other person. But, in “corporeal magnetism” not only the physical magnetism or nerve-force, is so projected to the other person, but at the same time is also projected the mental magnetism. In short, the entire process of the projection of combined personal magnetism is performed, but the magnetism flows along physical channels, instead of across the ether, to reach the other person. I trust that you clearly perceive this distinction, before we proceed further. That there exists this phase of personal magnetism, called “corporal magnetism” cannot be doubted by the careful investigator. On all sides we may see evidence of the phenomena of this phase of personal magnetism. In the handshake of the person is often conveyed the strongest kind of personal magnetism – in the touch of the hand is often found the strongest kind of emotional vibrations. In the kiss, and the contact of the cheek, are often to be found the most active form of emotional vibrations, as almost everyone knows. In short, by bodily contact there may often be conveyed the most dangerous forms of sexual magnetism – and other forms of magnetism. I do not intend to say much regarding sexual magnetism in this book, but I would not be doing justice to my students if I failed to at least mention some plain facts, in passing. I need scarcely remind my student of the powerful sexual emotions often aroused by a kiss, or touch of the cheek, or even the “holding of hands” – this knowledge is common to the race, although few understand the real nature of the phenomena. Enough for me to say that the libertine generally realizes full well the powerful vibrations, which may be conveyed in this manner, although he does not understand the scientific facts of the case – he has the practice well defined in his mind, although he does not understand the theory. Young persons, especially young women, should be taught the danger of this form of magnetism, and should avoid allowing the physical contact which makes the same active. The “holding hands,” the thoughtless kiss, pressure of the cheek, embrace, or close physical contact, all afford and furnish a “direct line” for the passage of this form of magnetism, i.e., the sexual magnetism conveyed through corporeal channels. The unprincipled person, of strong passions, soon learns that by close physical contact he may often convey his emotional vibration to the young woman, and thus arouse reciprocal vibrations, which may sweep her off her feet, and into his arms – often to her utter ruin and disgrace. This is not a pleasant subject, but I feel that I would not be true to my students if I failed to point out this dangerous force, and to caution them to guard against the employment of the same against them. Leaving this phase of the subject, I now wish to call the attention of my students to the use of corporeal magnetism in the ordinary use of the hands, as in shaking hands, etc. Here is a subject worthy of the closest attention on your part. Strongly magnetic men, and those who have studied this subject, frequently employ this method of projecting personal magnetism in making their preliminary moves in the direction of influencing other persons by personal magnetism. Who has not experienced the magnetic handshake of individuals of this kind? And, on the other hand, who has not been conscious of the feeling of repulsion inspired by the cold, clammy, snake-like handshake of other types of persons? You have also probably noticed that many men whose business it is to influence you in any direction, such as politicians, preachers, promoters, salesmen, etc., have a habit of placing their hands upon your shoulders, during the conversation – or laying their hand lightly on your arm while speaking to you – in some cases, giving you a final pat on the back as they urge you to “sign right here, and close the thing up.” Have you realized that this is a form of corporal magnetism, and that the result is often very effective? Look out for these fellows in the future, and neutralize their magnetism according to the rules given in the next chapter of this book. If you choose to employ these methods yourself – well, that is your own business, and a matter for yourself to decide. It is a very strong method of conveying corporeal magnetism, I assure you. In shaking hands with any person whom you may wish to influence, you should throw into the clasp the strongest possible kind of personal magnetism, physical and mental, according to the rules already given you in this book. Give the person the direct command at the moment of the clasp, throwing it into him by means of the nerves of the hand and fingers. (A little practice, in the direction of shaking hands with yourself will be of great aid to you in this matter). Send him a mental message just as you would if you were merely looking at him. When you meet a person with whom you are acquainted, the handclasp is the natural thing, and it gives you a splendid opportunity to get in a powerful preliminary flash of personal magnetism, accompanied by the strongest possible direct command. When this is performed properly, it will serve to get the other person in exactly the right psychic conditions to receive your further direct commands, and to yield more readily to your magnetism. It is your “advance guard” preparing the way for the grand charge upon the breast-works of the enemy. Use it well and half the battle will be won at one stroke. Always be hearty in your handclasp – not rough or too strenuous, for no one likes to have his hand tightly squeezed or bruised – always remember the word “hearty” in this connection. Beware of the lifeless handshake – throw feeling into it, and make it be alive and vital. Shake hands as if the other person meant something to you, and hold on to his hand for a moment, and then let go as if with reluctance. Seek out some strongly magnetic person, used to meeting people – some successful politician, for instance – and let him shake hands with you. Notice how much interest and feeling he puts into his clasp – and then take notes from his methods. A good magnetic preacher, meeting his flock at the church door as they pass out, also will give you a good example. Study them and “catch the motion.” When shaking hands with a person who you wish to influence, you should throw into the handclasp the direct command, which you wish to impress upon him. If you wish him, or her, to like you, your direct command should be along those lines, for instance, a strong “You LIKE me!” If you wish to assert your positivity over his power, you should get to work at once with a very strong positive “I am stronger than you,” or “I am far more POSITIVE than you!” or some other statement of the same general kind, such as I have given you in the preceding chapters. In fact, you may use nay or all of the statements previously given to you, in this form as well as in the ordinary phases of the direct command. In concluding this chapter, I wish to call your attention to a phase of the phenomena of corporeal magnetism, which is often overlooked by teachers of the subject. I allude to that form of magnetism, which is projected by mere “nearness” of the bodies of persons, even though direct contact may not be had. Good salesmen and others often know this from their own experience, although not understanding the real cause. They know that by sitting near to the customer, they can get a better magnetic effect than if compelled to sit at a little distance. The result of the “heart to heart” talk often results from this nearness. In the same way, the gestures of the hands of a speaker, coming in close contact to other persons, often serves to convey the magnetism to them, although no actual contact is had. The hands, particularly, are very effective instruments for the conveyor of corporeal magnetism, for the nerves of the fingers are very sensitive, and readily convey and project the magnetism with great concentrated force. The use of the fingers of the mesmerist is but one example of this fact. You will also notice that the majority of effective orators and speakers have a way of making passes and waves at their audiences. The good solicitor or promoter usually employs his hands in this way. Remember, I do not say that these people are always conscious of the facts behind their gestures – they often are ignorant of the same, and use their hands instinctively, having acquired the movements through habit. But the facts remain, and those who learn the secret of the force and its employment, and thereafter use it consciously and deliberately, are placed at a great advantage over others who do not possess this knowledge. And, mark my words, there are thousands of the worlds greatest men who have learned this secret, taken lessons in its use, and are now employing it actively. You may now join their ranks, if you care to do so.

Chapter 20

Magnetic Self-Defense

And, now, having acquainted you with the various forms of the manifestation, projection and use of personal magnetism – having taught you not only the theory, but also the practice; not only how to acquire the technique, but also how to effectively employ the same – I will conclude by calling your attention to the defensive side of the question. In boxing or fencing, you have not mastered the art fully until you are able not only to attack, but also, how to defend – not only the art of aggressive action, but also the science of defensive action. And, so it is in the case of personal magnetism, you must not only know how to use the force in the form of projection, but you must also know how to defend yourself against the projection of the force by others. It is true that the careful and diligent student of these lessons will gradually develop such a power within himself that he will scarcely ever meet individuals more powerful than himself. But, still, there are always the very strong individuals to be reckoned with, and I want you to possess the secret of dispersing and dissipating the magnetism of such persons, so far as effect on yourself is concerned, by the methods known to all advanced students and practitioners of personal magnetism. This defensive science is far simpler than you would think at first, although to be effective in the same you must first have learned how to project effectively. I may sum it up in a few words – heed them carefully. The secret is this: In defending one-self against magnetic projection in any or all of its forms, you have but to project toward the other person a strong DENIAL of his power to influence, affect, or master you. That is the whole thing in a nutshell. Now for the details. But, right here, I want to remind you of a very important fact, and that is in this denial you do not really destroy or lessen the power of the other person, in general. You only neutralize his magnetism so far as it affects yourself, or those whom you wish to protect. In other words, instead of destroying his weapons, you merely turn them aside, and cause them to glance off, leaving you, and yours, harmless. To use a familiar illustration from the field of electricity, you render yourself a non-conductor, and the force glances off you without affecting you in the slightest. Remember this illustration, and you will have the idea firmly fixed in your mind. You may render yourself immune not only from the direct flash, and direct demand or command, of others, no matter how strong they may be; but also from the general contagion of the mental atmosphere or auras of others. By proper concentrated effort, along these lines, you may render yourself absolutely immune from the force of the personal magnetism of others, if you so desire. Or, if you prefer, you may shut out only certain individuals from your field, and allow the beneficial magnetism of others to enter it. In truth, you are your own MASTER, if you but exert your power. As to the methods to be employed, you have but to use those you have already learned in these lessons, by merely changing the mental attitude and statement or command. For instance, instead of projecting the direct command that you are stronger than the other person, and can therefore influence him; you have but to calmly DENY his power over you, and defy him to affect you in the slightest. As a matter of fact, that mental attitude is far less strenuous than the aggressive form of magnetic projection. It requires merely the interposition of your magnetic shield of defense, and his power will glance off without affecting you, even though he is most strenuously projecting it. There is of course the other plan of fighting aggressive magnetism with aggressive magnetism – this is the real magnetic duel in its plain form, and may be used when desired. But if you merely wish to repel the aggression of others, you have but to use the defensive plan of the DENIAL, as I have just told you. In forming the mental statement, which accompanies all forms of the use of mental magnetism, as you have seen, you merely express (mentally) in a few, strong positive words, the idea you wish to reach the other person’s mind. Well, so it is the case of magnetic self-defense. You simply mentally state in a few strong words that you deny the power of the other person. You will find, as you experiment, that in the very words “I DENY,” there is a mighty dynamic power of defense. It is the mental idea behind these words, which, figuratively wipes out of existence the other person’s magnetism, at least so far as you, yourself, are concerned. It is the great SHIELD OF DEFENSE. Let the full meaning of the word “DENY” enter into your mind – you will find it contains a new meaning and strength, when considered in this connection. Now, right at this point, before proceeding further, I ask you to turn back over the leaves of the preceding lessons, and make note of the numerous statements given to accompany the positive aura, the direct flash, the direct command, etc. Then from within your own mind, the denial of these statements (if they are projected by another person), and you will find that you possess instinctively the power to frame such statements of denial, easily. Practice a little, imagining that another person is hurling these flashes or commands at you, and that you are interposing the shield of denial in each case. You will be surprised, and delighted, to realize how easily you can repel the strongest of these assaults. You may then begin to practice by throwing yourself into the presence and company of the strongest magnetic persons you know, and then see how easily you can repel their power – and how free, calm and serene you now feel in their presence. There are two things to be remembered in this connection – I have already told you them, but it is well to repeat them in order to fix them firmly in your mind. I ask you to consider them in the following paragraphs. In the first place, as I have told you, this defensive process merely enables you to throw off and render yourself immune from the aggressive magnetism of others – it does not enable you to master them or to compel them to do your bidding. In order to accomplish the latter, you must beat down the guard of the other person; protect yourself at the same time; and then carry the day by a direct magnetic assault upon him. You can do these things if he fights you with the weapons of aggressive magnetism only, but if he DENY your power, he is immune, and you cannot affect him; just as if you DENY his power, you are immune – in case both DENY, then the battle is drawn, and neither win. The Denial is not a weapon of aggressiveness – it is merely the shield of defense. Remember this! Of course, if you use both shield and sword, you will have a double advantage, providing he does not also use the shield. For if you can repel his magnetism, and at the same time use your own – then he is at your mercy. But if he knows enough to also use his shield – then the battle will be drawn, and neither will win a decided victory. Do you catch the idea? Think over it until it is plain to you. The second point I wish to impress upon you, in this connection, is the fact, already stated by me, that you do not actually destroy or weaken the other person’s magnetism, by the use of the shield of denial. His magnetism remains just as strong, and just as much in evidence, as if you did not use the shield – the only difference being that by using it you render his weapons powerless against you, or those you may wish to protect; and thus create immunity for yourself, and your protégés, by interposing the shield of defense. But you do not impair the power of the other person against others whom you do not directly shelter behind your shield. Do you get this point? Think over it until you get it clearly. When you repel the magnetism of one of the persons who have been using it without knowing the nature of his power (and there are many who so use it – the majority of persons, in fact) you will be amused to see how “broken up” such a person becomes. He will become bewildered at his failure to influence and affect you, and will often become embarrassed and, in some cases, actually entangled in the currents of his own magnetism. It may even happen (it often does, really) that such a person will become so confused by his apparent loss of power, that he will lose his assurance and consequently his ability to attack. In such cases, he becomes an easy subject for a magnetic rush or broadside on your own part, which will quickly drive him into a disastrous retreat. Of course, if he has a scientific knowledge of the subject, he will not be so taken off guard, but, recognizing your knowledge and power, he will pass it off with a smile, and relinquish the attack. And, now, good student, we part company for the present. I am glad to have had the honor of giving you this instruction, in these lessons, and I trust that you will so conduct yourself that you will be a creditable pupil of mine, and do me honor by your accomplishments and attainments. I have supplied you with the weapons of both aggressive and also of defensive personal magnetism, and have taught you how to employ both of them so as to get the best results. It is now “up to you” to make the best use of these weapons, according to the rule and principles which I have laid down for your guidance. In parting, I wish to again impress two important rules upon you, and these are: (1) Practice, practice, practice, until you have every detail of the instruction so well learned, and so fixed by habit, that you can and will use them instinctively, just as you now walk, or breathe, or speak. (2) Keep your own secrets, and do not dissipate and scatter your influence by hinting of your secrets of your power over others. There are many good reasons for this rule – some reasons that do not appear on the surface, by the way. Remember the old Italian proverb: “Il bocca chiusa, non c’entra mosca” – that is to say: “Into the closed mouth, no flies enter.” Heed the spirit of the proverb. Au revoir, my magnetic friends – we shall meet again, in due time. Theron Q. Dumont