The Night-Side of Nature; Or, Ghosts and Ghost-SeersCrowe, Catherine
Religion
The Night-Side of Nature; Or, Ghosts and Ghost-Seers
Crowe, Catherine
Ghosts; Parapsychology
Thus far the instances I have related seem to resolve themselves into
cases of simple clairvoyance, or second sight in sleep, although, in
using these words, I am very far from meaning to imply that I explain
the thing, or unveil its mystery. The theory above alluded to, seems as
yet, the only one applicable to the facts, namely, that the senses,
being placed in a negative and passive state, the universal sense of the
immortal spirit within, which sees, and hears, and knows, or rather, in
one word, _perceives_, without organs, becomes more or less free to work
unclogged. That the soul is a mirror in which the spirit sees all things
reflected, is a modification of this theory; but I confess I find myself
unable to attach any idea to this latter form of expression. Another
view, which I have heard suggested by an eminent person, is, that if it
be true, as maintained by Dr. Wigan, and some other physiologists, that
our brains are double, it is possible that a polarity may exist between
the two sides, by means of which the negative side may, under certain
circumstances, become a mirror to the positive. It seems difficult to
reconcile this notion with the fact, that these perceptions occur most
frequently when the brain is asleep. How far the sleep is perfect and
general, however, we can never know; and of course, when the powers of
speech and locomotion continue to be exercised, we are aware that it is
only partial, in a more or less degree. In the case of magnetic
sleepers, observation shows us, that the auditory nerves are aroused by
being addressed, and fall asleep again as soon as they are left
undisturbed. In most cases of natural sleep, the same process, if the
voice were heard at all, would disperse sleep altogether; and it must be
remembered that, as Dr. Holland says, sleep is a fluctuating condition,
varying from one moment to another, and this allowance must be made when
considering magnetic sleep also.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account