214 THE CURIOUS LORE OF PRECIOUS STONES
tal impression in itself equivalent to that which -would have been induced by an actual and objective vision.51
The
proper use of the crystal is the prime factor in the art of scrying and
great attention is paid to this point by all those who treat seriously
of the subject. Among other things they recognize that freedom from
pain, or even from a sense of physical discomfort, is quite essential,
for the mind must assume a purely passive and receptive attitude, and
not be forced to take cognizance of bodily discomfort. Moreover the
nervous system must be in repose, for which reason a reasonable time
should be allowed to lapse after taking a meal, before trying for
crystal visions.52
An
author on "psychomancy" affirms that fixing the gaze upon a crystal
ball is one of the very best means of bringing out the latent faculty
of astral vision, and he finds a reason for this in the atomic
structure, the molecular arrangement of the material. He does not,
however, impart any definite information as to what special structural
characteristics render glass or rock-crystal particularly efficient in
this direction.53 The help that may be derived from
crystal-gazing by those who are striving to pierce the veil that
separates the "real life" about us from that spiritual life which is so
much more real for those who believe in it, is also admitted by many.54
"We
cannot refrain from citing here the words spoken by Sir Oliver Lodge at
Birmingham, Sept. 10,1913, before the British Association for the
Advancement of Science,
"Shepharial, "The Crystal and the Seer," London [1900?] pp. 11-13.
a Melville, " Crystale Gazing," London, 1910, p. 47.
K Atkinson, " Practical Psychomancy and Crystal Gazing," Chicago [1908], p. 46.
" See Leadbeater, " The Astral Plane," London, 1910, p. 14.
