Chapter IV: Part 4

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_HANDCUFFS._--This is a cogent warning to you to get rid of an evil habit before it is too late. Little sins lead to great crimes, and no one desires to receive the attentions of the law.

_HARP._--Count yourself very fortunate.

_HAT._--This picture, if it is a lady's hat, signifies luck, but if a man's, it means that you may experience a slight misfortune.

_HATCHET._--This leaf-picture is a warning to take great care or you may experience danger.

_INITIAL._--In this important leaf-picture the initials should be carefully studied. If the initial is formed near the rim, the significance is one of good fortune. Initials most commonly found are those without curves. Such straight initials are--A, I, L, N, T, V, W.

_INTERROGATION MARK._--Signifies doubt. Be careful.

_KEY._--An important picture suggesting that you look deeper and more carefully in the cup for an initial, which, when you have found it, will unlock something that has been up till now a mystery. A closed book will be opened for you and past enigmas unravelled.

_LABEL._--This ticket-like picture, which must not be mistaken for an envelope, is the sign that you possess a dear friend who will one day be "tied" to you for life.

_LACE._--Denotes you will err on a very minor and fragile matter and make a false move on very flimsy grounds.

_LADDER._--If on the side of the cup a rise in your fortunes is indicated.

_LADY._--Points to the fact that you will shortly make a friend of one who will prove of great service.

_LINES._--These indicate journeys.

_LOCK._--This denotes that you can safely confide in your nearest friend. He or she will lock your secrets in his or her bosom.

_LOCKET._--A picture denoting steadfast loyalty on the part of a friend whom you have not seen for long months.

_LOOKING GLASS._--You are warned by this picture that the world sees you for what you really are. Your character is mirrored for your friends to gaze upon.

_MAN._--Denotes a visitor who will bring a gift if his arm is outstretched. If the symbol is clear he is a dark man; if vague he is very fair.

_MAP._--A symbol bidding you travel, for you will be sure of success wherever you go.

_MAZE._--A regular "maze of difficulty" confronts you, but with care you will find a way out of the labyrinth.

_MILESTONES._--You are about to win success after traveling a long and difficult road.

_MOON._--If shown as a crescent prosperity and fortune are indicated.

_MOTORCAR._--Denotes that you will achieve a rapid success.

_MOUNTAINS._--This majestic picture signifies an arduous, lengthy, and uphill fight against bad fortune. Set your heart to it, and toil on to the goal.

_MOUSE._--A reminder that the little irritation you are nursing is really a very trivial affair.

_NAVVY._--A token that you are very bookish, and fond of digging into abstruse treatises. You are reminded that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

_NECKLACE._--Grace and beauty of body and mind are here indicated.

_NEEDLE._--A single needle signifies you are able to withstand all the sharp pricks of circumstances. Several needles together mean quarrels.

_PENDULUM._--Great indecision and lack of character are here indicated.

_PENNON._--To decipher this small-pointed flag is a sign that someone on board a ship is thinking much of you.

_PENNIES._--They denote great carefulness in small details, which leads to ultimate prosperity.

_RING._--A very important symbol. Generally speaking, it always denotes marriage, especially if seen at the bottom of the cup, in which case search for an initial which will reveal to a man or woman his or her future life-partner.

_RIVERS._--These denote much peace of mind.

_ROADS._--If the roads appear in the clear they predict a speedy change of circumstances, usually for the better.

_ROBIN._--This bird always denotes hope. If you see it you can cheer up, as the trouble you now experience is about to pass away.

_ROCK._--A massive rock denotes great burdens. If there are a number of small rocks easy fortune and much happiness are indicated.

_ROCKET._--Another warning against high ambition.

_ROD._--If it is long and slender you will be very fortunate.

_ROOF._--If what appears to be the roof only of a house is seen the signification is domestic bliss.

_ROOK._--Great happiness is indicated.

_SAILOR._--Foretells that very shortly you will receive a letter from over the sea.

_SCALES._--This picture is the token that the friend you have weighed in the balance and found wanting is really true and just.

_SCEPTRE._--A sign of honor from royalty.

_SERPENT._--If on the side of the cup and appearing to be rising to near the brim you may take comfort in the fact that you will shortly receive some information which will be of use.

_SHEAVES._--A good omen of a bounteous harvest of prosperity.

_SHIELD._--A reminder that you have just escaped from a great calamity.

_SHIP._--A large ship with funnels and masts is a token of a long journey, usually on business.

_THIMBLE._--This homely picture denotes that industry and devotion to duty bring their own reward.

_THIN PERSON._--The figure of a very slender person is usually the sign of very prosperous days ahead.

_THISTLE._--This striking leaf-picture is a sign that you will only achieve success by plain living and high thinking.

_THORN._--This is always an excellent omen. Good luck and many friends are indicated.

_TONGS._--Suggests you are of a fiery nature, and will quarrel with your best friend.

_TONGUE._--Someone you are fond of who is far away is speaking about you.

_TOOL._--Any instrument of manual operation denotes that hard knocks may be coming.

_TRIANGLE._--This is a token of all-round prosperity in love.

_TRIDENT._--This is a token of success and honors in the Navy.

_WAGON._--A reminder that you are soon to undertake a long journey.

_WAITER._--This picture denotes that riches and married happiness will come to you.

_WALKING STICK._--A warning not to lean too much on your own efforts.

_WATERFALL._--Indicates the removal of many obstructions in your path to happiness.

_WEATHERCOCK._--This picture points to a friend who is unreliable.

_WEB._--Signifies you will one day be caught in the toils as the result of ignoring friendly warnings.

_WELL._--This denotes you are not dipping deep enough into knowledge.

WHEN WILL YOU MARRY?

It has long been held that an unmarried person can tell how many years it will be before he or she is married, in the following manner.

Balance a small spoon on the edge of a teacup. The spoon should be perfectly dry. Then, with the assistance of a second spoon, tilt drops of tea into the balancing spoon and count them, one by one. The number of drops it takes to upset the spoon reveals the number of years that will elapse before the wedding takes place.

LUCKY AND UNLUCKY DAYS

Most of us have discovered that certain days of the week, or even the year, are more favorable to us than others. But there are some people who have not made this discovery. To them, the indications given in this chapter will be of considerable interest.

_Friday--an Unlucky Day._--Fortunately, six of the seven days of the week are charitably disposed towards the majority of us. Here and there, a person may be found who affirms that Monday, Thursday or some other day never did him or her a kindness; but such a remark is not general. Friday, however, can be put on the black list, as it is a notoriously unlucky day. Most men and women cherish a superstitious fear of it, and this opinion has existed since the first Good Friday. Many will never embark upon any enterprise of importance; there are fewer marriages on this day than any other, and sailors are averse to sailing on Friday. Many are the tales they tell of vessels which put to sea on a Friday, and were never heard of again. If all the bank or financial crashes of the last century were counted up, it would be found that Friday supplied the greatest number. A lengthy list could be added to prove that Friday is a day of bad luck.

One good thing can be said for it, however--it favors its own: for people born on a Friday are not affected by its evil disposition.

_Unlucky Dates._--In an old calendar, astrologers indicated the following dates as unlucky. If any of them fell on a Friday, they were doubly unlucky:

January 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 17, 29--very unlucky.
February 26, 27, 28--unlucky; 8, 10, 17--very unlucky.
March 16, 17, 20--very unlucky.
April 7, 8, 10, 20--unlucky; 16 and 21--very unlucky.
June 10 and 22--unlucky; 4 and 8--very unlucky.
July 15 and 21--very unlucky.
August 1, 29 and 30--unlucky; 19 and 20--very unlucky.
September 2, 4, 21, 23--unlucky; 6 and 7--very unlucky.
October 4, 16, 24--unlucky; 6, very unlucky.
November 5, 6, 29, 30--unlucky; 15 and 20--very unlucky.
December 15, 22--unlucky; 6, 7, and 9--very unlucky.

These were regarded as perilous days to fall ill upon, to have an accident, to be married, to start on a journey, or commence any work.

What is most striking about this list is that the "thirteenth" does not appear on it at all, although most people will tell you that the thirteenth is the date they avoid more than all others.

_Lucky and Unlucky Dates depending on Birth-dates._--Much the most accurate way of determining which dates are lucky and unlucky is by using the portents displayed by the Signs of the Zodiac. To do this, it is necessary to know when the individual affected was born. The following is a list worked out on these lines:

Born--Dec. 22nd to Jan. 20th.

Born--Jan. 21st to Feb. 19th

Born--Feb. 20th to March 20th

Born--March 21st to April 19th

Born--Feb. 20th to March 20th

Born--March 21st to April 19th

Born--June 22nd to July 22nd

Born--July 23rd to August 21st

Born--August 22nd to September 22nd

Born--September 23rd to October 23rd

Born--October 24th to November 22nd

Born--November 23rd to December 21st

It should be noted in connection with the above figures that no birth-date is unlucky. Thus, should any particular reader find that his birthday is given as unlucky, he may transfer it immediately to the list of lucky dates. As an example, take the last line of unlucky figures, given above. They are Dec. 6, 11, 18 and 28, and they operate for people born between Nov. 23rd and Dec. 21st. Should a person born on Dec. 6th be consulting this list, the only unlucky dates in December for him or her are Dec. 11, 18 and 28.

THE LUCK OF FLOWERS

It has been a favorite pastime with maidens in all ages to try to foretell their future by the aid of flowers and plants.

One of the most popular fancies is provided by the four-leaved clover, the story of which is told in various legends. One runs to the effect that three beautiful sisters, Faith, Hope and Charity, came from over the seas, and wherever they walked three-leaved clovers, crimson, white and yellow, bloomed profusely. In their footsteps came another more beautiful being, whose name was Love, and in his honor the clover added a fourth petal to the trefoil.

In time, it became the talisman of love-sick maidens, who wore it in their shoe to ensure a speedy meeting with their sweetheart, wore it over their heart to frighten away evil spirits and to prevent being jilted. In the case of a quarrel, it served to effect a reconciliation.

Apart from its sentimental associations, a four-leaved clover has long been regarded as an emblem of good luck, and has been worn by those who believe in such things when they wished to increase their chances of good fortune.

_SPRING FLOWERS._--Naturally, many beliefs flourish around the flowers of the garden and the hedgerow.

If you chance to find the first flower of the season on a Monday, it means good luck.

If on a Tuesday, big undertakings are likely to be successful.

If on a Wednesday, it denotes your approaching wedding.

If on a Thursday, hard work with little profit will fall to your lot.

If on a Friday, unexpected wealth reaches you.

If on a Saturday, you may look out for misfortune.

If on a Sunday, phenomenal good luck will come to you.

_THE FIRST WILD FLOWER._--From the first wild flowers which you gather in spring, it is possible to discover the initials of your future husband or wife. If, for instance, they should chance to be daisies, violets and buttercups, then expect to find some suitable person with the initials D. V. B., but they may not be necessarily in this order.

If someone presents you with a yellow flower, then you may expect a gift of money directly.

If you can turn a bluebell inside out without breaking it, then your lover will be true as long as both of you live.

_THE PANSY._--If you wish to know your future destiny, pluck a pansy, which takes its name from _pensee_, a thought. Count the streaks or lines upon the petals.

Four streaks tell that your dearest wish will be fulfilled.

Five streaks stand for hope with fear.

Six streaks suggest a surprise.

Seven streaks tell of constancy in your lover.

Eight streaks, fickleness.

Nine streaks, a change and then riches.

Markings leaning towards the left denote trouble.

Markings leaning to the right denote prosperity.

Should the central streak be the longest, then Sunday should be chosen as your wedding day.

_THE DAISY._--One of the oldest of flower charms is to pluck at the petals of a daisy or marguerite. At first pluck, these words are said, "He loves me"; at the second, "He loves me not." These sentences are repeated alternately until the flower is deprived of all its petals. Whichever sentence was uttered last describes "his" affections.

_THE IVY._--

Ivy, ivy, I thee pluck,
And in my bosom, I thee put.
The first young man who speaks to me
My own true lover he shall be.

_THE HAWTHORN OR MAY._--Once upon a time, every porch was decorated with a branch of May to avert the evil eye and prevent witchcraft, but the idea has been departed from, and now it is regarded as a harbinger of ill-luck, and is rarely brought inside a house.

_THE MISTLETOE._--From very ancient times, this plant has been regarded with curious veneration. Probably it gained special fame, in the first instance, owing to the peculiar manner in which it grew. The Druids looked upon it as a plant possessing marvelous properties, and they esteemed nothing in the world more sacred than it. They gathered it when the moon was just six days old because the moon was then thought to be at its greatest power. This done, they sacrificed two young bullocks which were milk-white. After that, the mistletoe was cut into small pieces with the aid of a golden hook or bill and distributed among the people present. These took it home and suspended it in a prominent place to ward off evil spirits. From these associations, the mistletoe has become an emblem under which young people may kiss, without any evil coming to them through their act.

_HOLLY_ is used as a Christmas decoration because the Romans chose it to hang in their houses on the fast in honor of Saturn. Friends gave bunches of it to those whom they wished to endow with luck and happiness, probably because the prickly leaves symbolized the crown of thorns worn by Christ and the red berries the blood of the cross.

BIRTHDAY FLOWERS

Just as there are birth stones, so there are flowers which stand for each month of the year. By wearing the blossom named for your month, you may count on good fortune as the result.

_JANUARY._--The Snowdrop which is the emblem of purity, hope and gentleness.

_FEBRUARY._--The Violet, the emblem of modesty, kindness and faith.

_MARCH._--The Daffodil, the emblem of daintiness, sincerity and graciousness.

_APRIL._--The Primrose, the emblem of lovers.

_MAY._--The White Lily, the emblem of purity and sweetness.

_JUNE._--The Wild Rose, the emblem of love and loyalty.

_JULY._--The Carnation, the emblem of kindly thoughts.

_AUGUST._--The White Heather, the emblem of luck and the best of good fortune.

_SEPTEMBER._--The Michaelmas Daisy, the emblem of riches and happiness.

_OCTOBER._--The Rosemary, the emblem of remembrance and kind thoughts.

_NOVEMBER._--The Chrysanthemum, the emblem of faith and truth.

_DECEMBER._--The Ivy, the emblem of loyalty, fidelity and faithfulness.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

For many generations, certain flowers have been accepted as having definite meanings. Thus, a gift of any of the examples listed below, may be taken to infer whatever description is appended.

_CAMELLIA._--Beauty, loveliness.
_CANDYTUFT._--Indifference, lack of affection.
_CARNATION_ (Red).--Alas for my poor heart!
_CARNATION_ (White).--Disregard, disdain.
_CLOVER_ (Four-leaved).--Be mine.
_COLUMBINE._--Foolishness.
_DAISY._--Innocence, purity.
_DEADLY NIGHTSHADE._--Falsehood, untrue.
_FERN._--You fascinate me.
_FORGET-ME-NOT._--The same as the name.
_FOXGLOVE._--I bow down to you.
_GERANIUM._--To console you.
_GOLDEN ROD._--Be on your guard.
_HELIOTROPE._--I am devoted to you.
_HYACINTH_ (White).--Your beauty is recognized.
_IVY._--Faithfulness. I cling to you.
_LILY_ (White).--Sweetness.
_LILY_ (Yellow).--Gay, happy, joyful.
_LILY OF THE VALLEY._--Happiness will return.
_MIGNONETTE._--Your qualities are even greater than your charms.
_MYRTLE._--Love.
_ORANGE BLOSSOM._--Chastity.
_PANSY._--Thoughts.
_PASSION FLOWER._--Willing to suffer hardships for you.
_PEACH BLOSSOM._--I am captivated by you.
_PRIMROSE._--A token of love.
_ROSE._--A token of love, also.
_ROSE_ (Red).--Bashful, shy.
_ROSE_ (White).--I will be worthy of you.
_ROSE_ (Yellow).--Jealousy.
_ROSEBUDS._--A confession of great love.
_SWEET PEA._--Leave me and depart, or I leave you.
_VERBENA._--Pray for me.

COMBINATIONS OF FLOWERS

In order to convey definite phrases, lovers have long been used to resorting to certain combinations of flowers. A bunch made up of them has the meaning which we print below.

_DAISY AND MIGNONETTE._--Your qualities surpass even your great beauty.

_FERNS AND LILY OF THE VALLEY._--You are sweet and charming, and you fascinate me.

_IVY LEAVES AND YELLOW ROSE._--Your jealousy has put an end to our friendship.

_COLUMBINE, DAISY AND LILY._--You have played false and broken our friendship.

_PINK AND LAUREL LEAVES._--Your high qualities have been noticed by me.

_GOLDEN ROD, SWEET PEA AND FORGET-ME-NOT._--Danger is at hand, be careful. I go away but do not forget me.

SUPERSTITIONS REGARDING ANIMALS

_SERPENTS._--These creatures have been regarded from very different angles, according to the time and the country. The story of the serpent in the Garden of Eden has caused many people to detest them: but numerous are the references in histories which go to show that serpents and snakes have been reverenced. In ancient Rome, the serpent was a household god: at other times, it was regarded as a symbol of life and vitality, and it was frequently used as a medium for healing the sick. In India, this creature is looked upon as a mascot for time and wisdom. Thus, it is worn by fanatics as a part of their headgear, and people make metal replicas and wear them as rings, bracelets, etc. Clearly, then, serpents have found more favor than disapproval, and they may be counted as mascots, standing for wisdom, long life and good health.

_CATS._--Cats, the most domestic of animals, are regarded with mixed feelings. Generally speaking, they are supposed to be unlucky, though oddly enough a black cat is credited with good qualities when it takes up its abode in a house. This is due to the fact that, during the Middle Ages, black cats were supposed to be associated with witches and in league with the evil one. As a result, people treated them kindly and showered favors on them, not because they liked them, but because they thought that this treatment would avert bad luck.

The person who drowns or kills a cat may look for ill-fortune for nine years. Bad luck attends the vessel or ship on which a cat is found, but on no account may the creature be thrown overboard after the vessel has sailed. This would only make matters worse.

If a cat leaves a house, it is supposed to take the luck with it, and leave nothing but bad fortune behind. If a white cat enters a home, it announces trouble and sickness. A cat licking itself all over signifies fair weather, but if it merely washes its face, it means the approach of rain or storms.

_DOGS._--A dog howling under a window indicates death.

Dogs begin in jest and end in earnest.

A dog, a woman, a walnut tree,
The more you beat 'em, the better they be.

If a dog bark, go in: if a bitch, go out.

A dog will bark ere he bite.

_HARES._--If a hare crosses your path, you may look out for a disappointment. If it runs past houses, there will soon be a fire in one of them.

In the Isle of Man, hares are believed to be the spirits of old women, and on that account are shunned as articles of food. In other parts, those who wish to look beautiful for a week make a point of eating hare.

_BIRDS._--Robins are variously regarded in different parts of the country. Some people think them unlucky, possibly because of their association with the tragedy of the Babes in the Wood. But generally they are welcomed to a garden or house, which is supposed to be all the luckier for their coming. Robins that show signs of being friendly are considered to foretell a hard winter.

Woodpeckers and kingfishers are also lucky, and any suggestion of ill-luck is only possible when birds are deliberately killed after having built their nest and claimed the hospitality of a home.

The screech of a peacock is best unheard when luck is particularly wanted. The feathers of this bird, known to everyone by reason of their beautiful coloring, should never be taken indoors, as they are reckoned specially unlucky.

There is an old superstition regarding the cuckoo. Should a maiden, hearing its notes for the first time that season, kiss her hand to it and say:--

Cuckoo, cuckoo,
Tell me true,
When shall I be married?

she may tell the number of years which will elapse until her wedding by counting the number of times the bird cries "Cuckoo." She must reckon each cry as a year.

Another superstition relating to the cuckoo is that what you are doing when you hear its cries for the first time in any season is what you will spend most time at during the remainder of the year. Folk in the Channel Islands claim that they are sure to be fortunate if they jingle their purses and run a short distance when hearing the cuckoo for the first time in the year.

Owls, crows and magpies do not presage any good: in fact, many people would rather not meet them when anxiety is at hand. An old jingle says of magpies:--

One for anger,
Two for mirth;
Three for a wedding
Four for a birth.

Ravens are supposed to bring luck to the house where they build their nests, so it is unlucky to kill one.

It is unlucky to touch a yellowhammer in May, since there is the devil's blood in it then.

For a white pigeon to single out a house and hover round it is a sure sign of an early marriage or engagement in that house.

A cock crowing during the night-time means a bad illness for someone close at hand: if it crows during the afternoon, a visitor will arrive.

Sailors are not over-fond of seagulls, believing them to be the spirits of their dead mates, yet they are most indignant if anyone tries to shoot or kill one of them.

_OTHER ANIMALS._--A cricket singing within a house ensures good luck for all the household.

Kill a spider and it will surely rain.

See a moth on your clothes and you will get new ones.

A death's head moth indicates bereavement.

Pigs are unlucky creatures when seen singly.

To see a white horse and then, shortly after, a red-haired person, tells of approaching good fortune.

Moles are unlucky to find alive.

Of bees, the following rhyme is prophetic:--

A swarm of bees in May
Is worth a load of hay.
A swarm of bees in June
Is worth a silver spoon.
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth a fly.

Country people are still given to treating bees as if they belonged to the family. For instance, not a few folk tell the bees of the betrothal, marriage and other outstanding events happening in the home.

PROPHECIES REGARDING ANIMALS

(a) When black snails cross your path
Black clouds much moisture hath.

(b) When the peacock loudly bawls,
Soon we'll have both rain and squalls.

(d) Bees will not swarm before a near storm.

(e) When the cuckoo comes to the bare thorn,
Sell your cow and buy your corn.
But when she comes to the full bit,
Sell your corn and buy some sheep.

(f) Little bantams are great at crowing.

(g) Good luck for a grey horse.

(h) Let a horse drink what he will, not when he will.

(i) Trust not a horse's heel, nor a dog's tooth.

(j) Plenty of ladybirds, plenty of hops.

(k) Never offer your hen for sale on a rainy day.

(l) When the glow-worm lights her lamp,
The air is always damp.

(m) Unlucky to hear the cuckoo sing sitting.
Or to sit and see the first swallow flitting.

CRYSTAL GAZING

Before we start this chapter, will you just take a look at the following short list of terms used in crystal gazing and spiritualism? You will find that they will make what follows quite clear, and that they will be useful to refer to.

_SPIRITUALISTIC._--Belonging to the spirit world.

_SECOND SIGHT._--The power which all have (but few develop). The power to see the future and other things with the spirit eye.

_AURA._--The circle of thought which each one of us is unconsciously sending out by our characters and personalities.

_THE CRYSTAL._--Any object which helps to fix our attention; i.e., a crystal, a bowl of water, shining metal. There is nothing about the crystal that is magical by itself.

_PSYCHIC PERSONS._--Persons possessing second sight.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

It is believed that this portion of the book will be found particularly interesting because it is here that we touch upon spiritualism, perhaps one of the most talked-of subjects of today.

In crystal gazing we actually see many things happen which maybe have not happened as yet. In palmistry and astrology we see the signs but not the actual events. Another distinct difference is that in crystal gazing it is impossible to give definite instructions as to how to receive these messages or visions because there is no "how."

What we hope to do in this chapter is to show you that perhaps you possess powers of which you know nothing. Without making the foolish mistake of taking this subject too seriously, you will be able to interest and amuse your friends.

You may say, "But I haven't got this power--I could never see anything in a crystal."

Don't say that, and don't think it! We all have a little of this power sleeping within us. If we wish to improve it, we must use and practise it, but don't overdo the thing.

To understand crystal gazing even a little, it is quite important to know just a few simple facts about spiritualism (the study of the spirit world.) This second sight, or clairvoyance (call it what you will) is merely in its childhood as yet. A very short while ago we should have thought it a miracle for anyone to speak from New York to London along a wire. Now we think no more of it than we should of crossing a road!

So with the crystal. At present a few of us only are able to see, more or less clearly, those visions of the future. Who knows but that in some future time we shall consider this quite an ordinary and natural thing to do, just like telephoning, for instance.

The first thing to get hold of is this: we have not one body but two. An earthly body and its exact copy in a spirit body. By this I do not mean the soul, but rather our earthly body with all its features just as before, is copied in a spirit of ether body. This may sound difficult, but just try to grasp the idea.

In spiritualism there are two of each one of us; one an earthly you, the other (dwelling usually in your earthly body) a spiritual you. But sometimes this spirit body escapes from its earthly prison, maybe, during sleep, sometimes when we look into the crystal, and sometimes in what is called a trance or artificial sleep. It is then (when the spirit body is free) that visions of future things are seen, and maybe premonitions (or feelings) of the future are felt.

Our spirit body, with its ten thousand times more clear-sighted eyes, sees things which are invisible to the earthly eyes. This body is able to travel swiftly from place to place, although it always keeps a link or connection with its earthly double.

When a person goes off into a trance, this is what has happened. The earthly body sleeps while the spiritual body roams about the future, past and present, or perhaps visits distant places. It is, of course, able to speak with other spirit bodies, and thus get information about other folk who have "passed over," as the spiritualists call death.

Now perhaps you can better appreciate the wonderful stories which you hear about mediums (people who pass into these trances), who have spoken--or are alleged to have spoken, for the verdict of science is "Not proven"--with the voices of folk long dead, and whom they have never seen.

While everyone does not actively possess this power of releasing his spirit body, we all have it. That this is true can be seen in several ways. Have you never had a presentiment or feeling of evil to come, a strong feeling which it took all your determination and common sense to drive away? Anyway, you will have frequently heard other people saying, "I had a feeling that so-and-so would happen."

That feeling is explained by this wandering of the spirit body; for a short time we have had our spirit eyes freely opened, and have gained a glimpse of the unknown. As our spirit eyes are as yet undeveloped it is but a glimpse, then down falls the thick curtain, and the mystery is once more hidden from us!

Just as some children learn to walk more easily than others, so do some people learn to walk with their spirit body and to speak the spirit language more quickly than others.

Which seems very natural, doesn't it?

Let us briefly refresh our minds with the absolutely necessary facts which you must know to understand the first steps in fortunetelling by the crystal. What we are going to say next will then be more readily understood:--

_FIRSTLY._--We have not one body but two, an earthly and a spiritual body.

_SECONDLY._--Though normally contained in the earthly body, it is possible for the spirit to escape from its prison, and pass from place to place at a speed greater than light. This occurs during sleep, the artificial or forced sleep of the trance, and also when one gazes into the crystal.

_THIRDLY._--We have four eyes. Two earthly eyes, and two very much keener spirit eyes. It is with these spirit eyes that we see the future and the past in the crystal.

_FOURTHLY._--Each one of us is sending out thought-waves at this moment. These are known by spiritualists as our aura. It is found in different colors, which depend on our characters or the thoughts leaving us. Certain reds show rage, for instance.

WHAT THE CRYSTAL IS FOR

The first thing to get hold of is that there is nothing magic or in any way wonderful about the crystal itself. It is merely a means of fixing the attention of our earthly eyes, so that we may see the more clearly with our spirit eyes.

Now for a few hints upon actually looking into the crystal.

When you gaze into whatever object you have chosen, your earthly body and earthly eyes pass into a more or less sleepy state, thus enabling your spirit body to escape. That gives us our first point to remember.

Here it is: When you look into the crystal, whatever you do don't worry about whether or not you will see anything! Try to think steadily of what you wish to see; this will at first seem hard, but practice will help you, and practice makes perfect.

Then remember to keep any glare of light from the eyes; it is wise to sit with one's back towards the light. Let your surroundings be quiet and peaceful; there must be absolutely nothing which may catch your attention and so take it off the crystal. If, for instance, a noisy bus or other vehicle were to pass during the time in which you were making your attempt, it would probably disturb things very much.

One should never be discouraged if nothing whatever is seen at the first few attempts. A puppy cannot at first see out of its eyes, and it is the same with a beginner in crystal gazing; his spirit eyes may take some little time to open, while others, more fortunate, may find theirs open almost at once. Never strain the eyes in an unwinking stare. Let them wink and blink quite naturally. To do anything else would be sure to take your attention from the picture which you wish to see.

HOW TO BEGIN

The best thing to do is to try these various methods, and then see for yourself which is the most successful in your own individual case.

Here are a few means you might try, in order to test this for yourself.

Use either a (1) crystal, (2) a polished object, (3) a bright coin, (4) a sparkling gem, or (5) ordinary glass in the shape of a sphere or ball. There are others, but they are not important.

In conclusion, it will be of interest to know just what you may expect to see when, and if, your spirit eyes open. Probably a misty, fogged appearance will first be seen in the crystal. This will remain for some little time, until finally the scene or person (whatever it may be) will appear. The latter may be faint and dim, or it may be clear-cut like a good photograph.

The clearness or otherwise will depend among other things upon the keenness of sight of the spirit eye. It will also be influenced by the degree of quiet, and upon the absence of anything likely to disturb the searcher in the realms of the future.

THE MOON AND THE LUCK IT BRINGS

People of all ages have looked upon the moon as a provider of good and bad luck, and most of us have probably noticed that it has influenced our actions, at times. Here are some of the beliefs that are centuries old.

If you see a new moon over your right shoulder, it means that you will experience good luck all the month.

If you have money in your pocket and you meet the new moon face to face, turn the money over and you will not run short of money that month.

It is unlucky to see the new moon through glass. If you do, go out of doors, curtsey three times to the moon and turn some silver in your hand. This will break the spell which will be cast over you if you do not do as directed. There is one little point, connected with this superstition, which has set us thinking. What of all those individuals who wear glasses? We do not know the answer.

There is a strongly prevalent idea that everything falling to the lot of man when the moon is waxing will increase or prosper; but things decrease and do not prosper when the moon is on the wane.

Irish colleens were wont to drop on their knees when they first caught sight of the new moon, and say, "Oh, moon, leave us as well as you have found us." And, long ago, Yorkshire maidens "did worship the new moon on their bent knees, kneeling upon the earth-cast stone."

If the full moon known as the Harvest Moon appears watery, it is an ill sign for the harvest. (The Harvest Moon is due about the middle of September.)

If the moon shows a silver shield, be not afraid to reap your field: but if she rises haloed round, soon we'll tread on deluged ground.

If the moon changes on a Sunday there will be a flood before the month is out.

A Saturday moon, if it comes once in seven years, comes too soon.

A fog and a small moon bring an easterly wind soon.

In the waning of the moon,
Cloudy morning: fair afternoon.
Pale moon doth rain; red moon doth blow,
White moon doth neither rain nor snow.
When the moon's halo is far, the storm is n'ar (near).
When the moon's halo is n'ar, the storm is far.

It has long been a custom for girls to go to the nearest stile, to turn their back on the first new moon after Midsummer and to chant these verses:

All hail, new moon, all hail to thee.
I prithee, good moon, reveal to me,
This night, who shall my true love be.
Who he is and what he wears,
And what he does all months and years.

If she were to be married in the course of the next twelve months, the moon answered her questions during her sleep of the same evening.

In many parts of the country it is supposed that, on Christmas Eve, the moon will help maidens to find out when they are to be married. The plan is for a maiden to borrow a silk handkerchief from a male relation and to take it and a mirror to some sheet of water, while the night is dark. She must go quite alone; but the sheet of water may be an unromantic pail, full to the brim, stationed at the bottom of the garden. As soon as the moon shows itself, the maiden places the flimsy piece of silk in front of her eyes, and, by holding the mirror half towards the moon and half towards the water, it is possible for her to see more than a pair of reflections. The number of reflections are the months which will ensue before her wedding bells ring out.

We recently came across the following information in a document quite three hundred years old:

"The first, second and third days of the moon's age are lucky for buying and selling; the seventh, ninth and eleventh are lucky for engagements and marriage; the sixteenth and twenty-first are not lucky for anything."

The same document affirmed that:

"A baby born before the new moon is twenty-four hours old is sure to be lucky. Anything lost during the second twenty-four hours of the moon's age is sure to be found. All things begun on the fifth twenty-four hours will turn out successfully. A dream experienced on the eighth twenty-four hours must come true."

FORTUNETELLING BY MEANS OF PLAYING CARDS

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Everybody's Book of LuckChapter IV: Part 4

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