Chapter XVII: Psychic Phenomena and Spiritualism

Spiritualism wrongly named. Should be called necromancy
and the worship of the dead. This cult did not originate in
America. The practice long known in India. The facts recorded
deserve examination. Theosophists admit the facts but
interpret them differently from the “spiritualist.” The examination
confined to the question of whether the dead return.
The dead do not return thus. The mass of communications
are from the astral shell of man. Objections stated to the
claims made by mediums. The record justifies the ridicule of
science. Materialization and what it is. A mass of electric
magnetic matter with a picture upon it from the astral light.
Or it is the astral body of the medium extruded from the
living body. Analysis of the laws to be known before the
phenomena can be understood. The _timbre_ of the “independent
voice.” Importance of the astral realm. The Dangers of
mediumship. Attempt to get these powers for money or
selfish ends also dangerous. Cyclic law ordains the slackening
of the force at this time. The purpose of the Lodge.
Pages 147 to 154.

THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY.