Materialized Apparitions: If Not Beings from Another Life, What Are They

I have given this brief sketch of Bertha as I shall have occasion to allude to her hereafter, for I am greatly indebted to her for much that I have learned about materialization. She has taught me that the ability to communicate intelligently depends upon the use these beings can make of our aromal emanations, or magnetism; that frequent association with us is necessary to enable them to gain control of material elements, and that where the relations are harmonious they gather strength every time they come in contact with us.

From a feeble and almost unintelligible whisper, Bertha now speaks in clear tones, with little or none of the German accent of the medium, and very often, no matter where I am placed, comes across the room, and pulls me up with both hands; or, if there is a vacant chair beside me, sits down and begins to talk, apparently not noticing those around her.

At a Thursday afternoon séance, held last spring, she came out very lively; and after a cordial greeting I said, "You are feeling strong to-day; can you not do something to interest us?" She hesitated a moment; then leading me into the middle of the room, looked up laughingly into my face and said, "I will show you how we dress the forms in the cabinet."1 Stretching out her bare arms, turning them that every one could see that there was nothing in them, she brought the palms of her hands together, rubbing them as if rolling something between them. Very soon there descended from her hands a substance which looked like very white lace.

She continued this until several yards of it lay upon the carpet, and then asked me to kneel down, saying I was too tall for her to work easily. She then took the fabric and made a robe around me, which appeared seamless. On being reminded that there were no sleeves, she took each arm in turn and materialized sleeves. Putting her hand on my head she said, "You have not hair enough," and, rubbing her hand over my head, materialized a wig. This I could not see, but put my hand up and felt of it, and those who were near me said it was in keeping with my own hair and quite an improvement.

Removing the garment, she rolled it into a compact mass, manipulated it a few moments, and it was gone! In materializing and dematerializing this fabric, her arms, which were bare to the shoulders, were stretched out at full length, precluding the possibility of any deception.

Thursday afternoon, Oct. 2, I visited Mrs. Fay's séance with some friends from New Bedford and Cincinnati. When Bertha came out I introduced her to my friends, and asked if she would be kind enough to show them how to make lace. She stepped forward and asked for my handkerchief, which she placed between her hands, manipulating it much after the manner of starching fine fabrics. It was easy to see that the material in her hands was rapidly increasing in volume, and soon the lace began to descend; but instead of being only one piece, there were two, one dark red, and one white, both falling at the same time, each piece about three quarters of a yard wide.

When she had completed it, she held one end, while I took the other and walked across the room, stretching it out to its full length, between three and four yards, so that all could see it; and while it was so held, the controlling spirit shut off the light, showing that the lace was brilliantly illuminated. Bertha then gathered it in, rolled it up and dematerialized it on my shoulder, the light remaining on my coat for nearly a minute after the lace had entirely disappeared.

These things are not new; they are as old as the history of man, and are of common occurrence in India at the present time. They have no possible connection with what is known as sleight-of-hand, or legerdemain. Louis Jacolliot, Chief Justice of Chandenagur, French East Indies, in his able work on Occult Science in India, thus points out the difference: —

"Every European has heard of the extraordinary skill of the Hindoo Fakirs, who are popularly designated under the name of Charmers or Jugglers. They claim to be invested with supernatural powers. Such is the belief of all Asiatic people. When our countrymen are told of their performances, they usually answer, 'Go to the regular magicians; they will show you the same things.'

"To enable the reader to appreciate the grounds of this opinion, it seems necessary to show how the Fakirs operate. The following are facts which no traveller has ventured to contradict: —

"First.– They never give public representations in places where the presence of several hundred persons makes it impossible to exercise the proper scrutiny.

"Second.– They are accompanied by no assistant, or confederate, as they are usually termed.

"Third.– They present themselves in the interior of the house, completely naked, except that they wear, for modesty's sake, a small piece of linen about as large as the hand.

"Fourth.– They are not acquainted with goblets, or magic bags, or double-bottomed boxes, or prepared tables, or any of the thousand and one things which our European conjurers find necessary.

"Fifth.– They have absolutely nothing in their possession save a small wand of seven knots of bamboo, as big as the handle of a pen-holder, which they hold in their right hand, and a small whistle, about three inches long, which they fasten to one of the locks of their long, straight hair; for, having no clothes, and consequently no pockets, they would otherwise be obliged to hold it constantly in the hand.

"Sixth.– They operate, as desired by the person whom they are visiting, either in a sitting or standing posture, or, as the case may require, upon the marble, granite, or stucco pavement of the veranda, or upon the bare ground in the garden.

"Seventh.– When they need a subject for the exhibition of magnetic or somnambulistic phenomena, they take any of your servants whom you may designate, no matter whom, and they act with the same facility upon a European in case he is willing to serve.

"Eighth.– If they need any article, such as a musical instrument, a cane, a piece of paper, a pencil, etc., they ask you to furnish it.

"Ninth.– They will repeat any experiments in your presence as many times as you require, and will submit to any test you may apply.

"Tenth.– They never ask any pay, merely accepting, as alms for the temple to which they are attached, whatever you choose to offer them.

"I have travelled through India in every direction for many years, and I can truthfully state that I have never seen a single Fakir who was not willing to comply with any of these conditions.

"It only remains for us to ask whether our more popular magicians would ever consent to dispense with any of their numerous accompaniments, and perform under the same conditions. There is no doubt what the answer would be."

Whether the forms or articles exhibited are considered as objects invisibly brought into the room, or created from the atmosphere, they are alike astonishing manifestations of an occult power. It does not simplify or explain these singular phenomena to deny their relation to beings of another life, and refer them to a supposed power in man, the laws of which are unknown to us. We have to deal with them as we would with any of the natural manifestations of life.

To assume that these things are not honest, – that these beings, who come to us claiming to be our friends and relatives, are deceiving us, playing on our credulity, – is to decide the question without evidence.

CHAPTER IV.

MATERIALIZATION AND DEMATERIALIZATION UNDER TEST CONDITIONS

At Mrs. Fay's, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 1885, previous to the séance, Mrs. Fay came into the room under the control of "Auntie," and requested that four ladies should be selected by the audience to go with the medium to her dressing-room. The request was complied with, and the ladies returned with Mrs. Fay, still under control, and stated that they had dressed her entirely in dark clothes; that there was not one particle of white fabric about her, except the little collar around her neck. The control then asked me to take a light into the cabinet, and all were requested to examine it and see that there was no possible chance for a confederate, or the concealment of drapery. This was done to the entire satisfaction of all present.

Mrs. Fay was not allowed to leave the room, but, as soon as the audience was seated, went directly into the cabinet. She had not time to take her seat before a form, dressed in white, came out into the room. This was followed by several others similarly dressed.

Then the light was lowered, and a tall female form came out, dressed in brilliantly illuminated garments. A white handkerchief held against this drapery had the appearance of a dark object. This figure walked about the room for a few minutes, and vanished within three feet from where I sat, and at least eight feet from the cabinet.

Then, in the middle of the room, on the carpet, appeared a small light, not larger than the palm of my hand. It gradually grew larger, until it assumed the tall, angular form of "Auntie," the control, who, in her hoarse voice, greeted us with, "Good afternoon, all: I thought I would see what I could do." She then addressed the audience in one of the most forcible speeches I ever listened to, stating her reasons for putting her medium under test conditions, ending by saying that she respected an honest skeptic, but had no patience with those who accept anything without good, substantial evidence.

She returned to the cabinet, and many forms came out and were recognized. Bertha came, and, stretching out her arms at full length, that all could see there was no chance for deception, she materialized between her hands a piece of cambric, about three yards long and one wide, brilliantly illuminated. After all who desired to do so had examined it, she gathered it up, and, passing over to where the light was the strongest, held it up, laughingly remarking that there was enough to make a dress, proceeded to make it up, materializing sleeves, and then put it on and walked round the room. Taking it off, she dematerialized it in the presence of all.

Returning for a moment to the cabinet, she came back, and, kneeling on the floor, with the fingers of the right hand made circular movements on the carpet, with each of which it was plain to be seen that the light was increasing. She continued this until she had materialized another large piece of fabric. This gave great satisfaction to all, except one visitor, who, from some cause, was a little disturbed, and had the kindness to ask me if I had been in the habit of practising sleight-of-hand. His intimate friend, who came with him, had the good fortune to be close to Bertha, and had witnessed all that had occurred. He rose, of his own free will, and stated to the audience that he had been investigating the subject for thirty years, and that this was the most wonderful and convincing thing he had ever seen.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, Mrs. Fay was again put under test conditions. The audience was large, crowding the room and making it so warm as to materially interfere with the manifestations, especially with those spirits who had not been accustomed to materialize. The illuminated forms and drapery were well shown. In the light séance, Bertha came and pulled me up from my chair. She complained of the closeness of the room, saying that she could not do much. She materialized a carnation in my hand, and I called Mr. Whitlock to witness it, whereupon she took both of his hands and made a flower in each.

Emma, one of the controls, soon came out, dressed in a rich white figured satin dress, which all in the front row were allowed to inspect. Mr. Whitlock obtained a pair of scissors, and, with Emma's consent, cut quite a piece out of her dress. The damage seemed to be soon repaired. Mr. Whitlock, in searching for the place where he had cut the piece out, lifted the skirt, which gave Emma a chance to play the coquette, and this created considerable amusement. Mr. Whitlock persevered, and I think is able to state whether he succeeded in spoiling the dress.

A fine-looking form, claiming to be a German chemist, and the control of Dr. Thomas, came out, and magnetized or medicated a tumbler of water, sparks of light flashing freely from his fingers into the water, which was then given to a lady from New Haven, Conn., – with what effect I cannot say, except that she complained that it tasted bitter. I saw this manifestation for the first time several weeks before, and, I confess, was rather amused with it. While speaking somewhat skeptically of it to a friend who sat beside me, I was surprised when the form came across the room and asked me to take the magnetized water. I had been suffering for some weeks, and, to do the Doctor justice, I must say I was almost entirely relieved.

Mr. Whitlock's father came to him, – a fine, robust form, with a strong individuality that could not well be mistaken. Mr. Whitlock and his wife testified to the likeness. This was followed by the appearance of Dr. J. R. Newton, the widely-known healer, some time deceased. Mr. Whitlock and I went up and greeted him. I shook hands with him, and had time to study his face well: there could be no mistake; it was a wonderful likeness of the Doctor.

The séance, although held under unfavorable circumstances, was full of strong, convincing points. To the above statement, Mr. L. L. Whitlock, Editor of Facts, appends the following: —

"At the above-named séance, held on Nov. 13th, the following-named ladies were asked by Mrs. Fay to examine her clothing before she entered the cabinet, viz.: – Mrs. Joseph Harris, of Dorchester, Mass.; Mrs. A. Smith, of Lynn, Mass.; Mrs. J. D. Lillie, Boston; Mrs. M. A. Estee, East Boston; and Mrs. L. L. Whitlock, Providence, R. I.

"They stated that she had nothing white about her person, except a piece of ruche around her neck, worn as a collar. The cabinet was also thoroughly examined by all who desired.

"My father, Rev. Geo. C. Whitlock, LL.D., who passed to the spirit-life about twenty years ago, was very perfectly materialized, so much so that Mrs. Whitlock, who often sees him clairvoyantly, but never saw him in earth-life, recognized him before I saw him, my attention at the moment being attracted by conversation in another direction.

"We will not attempt a description of this séance, as Mr. Brackett's report is substantially what we would have written. Our experience with the dress above mentioned was wonderful, and to us as incomprehensible as was our lace experience at Mrs. Fay's séance at Onset Bay last summer, a description of which we published in the September number of Facts.

"One thing is certain: I had in my hand a piece of brocaded white satin, which I know I had cut from the dress of which Mr. Brackett speaks, and that, while I was kneeling before the form, the hole which I had made in the dress did disappear, and that I used my senses, of both sight and feeling, to convince myself of the facts.

"Over sixty forms appeared, most of whom were recognized by friends."

CHAPTER V.

AN UNEXPECTED SÉANCE

At an interview with Mr. W. C. Tallman, Mr. W. A. Hovey, and Rev. M. J. Savage, the question of obtaining private séances, in the interest of the Committee on Psychical Research, was discussed, and it was considered desirable to make arrangements with Mrs. H. B. Fay for that purpose. I was selected to consult with her, and, if possible, obtain her consent.

As several gentlemen who intended to join us were not present, Mr. Savage was requested to see and inform them of the conditions agreed upon; the result of his interview to be forwarded to me by letter at Mrs. Fay's, on Thursday, before the séance held on that day. These conditions were very simple, and ought to have been satisfactory to any reasonable person. They were the result of the long experience of Mr. Tallman, Mr. Hovey, and myself, made heartily in the interest of the Committee. There was no difference of opinion, Mr. Savage fully endorsing them.

The letter was duly received, and, without stopping to read it, I informed Mrs. Fay that I was ready to talk with her. She replied that she should leave the matter entirely with her control, and if I would lay the letter on the mantel, near the cabinet, Auntie, the control, would probably speak about it. This letter was a long one, – some four pages, written by a member of the Psychological Society, in reply to Mr. Savage. I placed it under a heavy music-box, within a few inches of my head, where I am certain it remained undisturbed until I took it away. Its contents, which reversed the arrangements agreed upon, were not made known to Mrs. Fay until after the decision of her control. As I did not then know what it contained, and in my subsequent interview with Mrs. F. made no allusion to it, Auntie's knowledge of it seemed very remarkable.

As the séance drew near the end, a spirit to whom I am greatly attached called me up to the cabinet; and while I was conversing with her, Auntie's voice broke in, saying, "Mr. Brackett?" I said, "What is it, Auntie?" She replied, "I will see you to-morrow."

I called on Mrs. Fay the next day, and, after talking with her on other matters, and finding that she did not seem disposed to allude to the appointment, I reminded her that I came on business. She asked, "What is it?" I replied that Auntie had requested me to meet her. She rose without a moment's hesitation, saying, "We will go to the cabinet." This was a surprise to me, for I fully expected that Auntie would take control of her medium, and talk to me through her, as she had often done before.

As Mrs. Fay stepped behind the curtain, Auntie came out, fully materialized, greeting me cordially, shaking hands with me, and expressing pleasure at meeting me; then, in a clear and forcible manner, discussed the question of the proposed séance, going freely into detail, showing conclusively that she understood both sides, and closed by saying that she did not propose to submit her medium to such conditions as were required by the letter, at the same time expressing a willingness to do all she could for Mr. Savage personally. Bidding me Good-bye, she dematerialized directly in front of me, so near that I could have laid my hand upon her as she went down. The curtains were apart, and I could see Mrs. Fay standing just beside the cabinet; but, in order to make me more certain, if possible, of that fact, she reached out her right hand, which I took in my left, preventing the curtains from closing; and while thus standing, no less than six fully materialized forms came out and greeted me.

During all this time Mrs. Fay may have been under partial control, but was not entranced, and talked freely with me about the forms, often describing them before they were visible to me.

These forms were substantial, varying in height and shape, and distinct from each other. Most of them conversed freely, showing quite as much individuality and intelligence as some of my acquaintances to whom forms sometimes appear, – persons who think they are wise in treating these forms with coldness and distrust, all of which is reflected back to them.

It is easy to understand why such persons are disappointed in what comes to them; but it is not easy to understand how any intelligent investigator, who has given the subject any considerable attention, should come to the conclusion that the forms are automatons, and that our friends from the other side never take possession, or control them, as they would a trance-medium; that they are merely effigies,2 or lay figures, built up to mock us, and play with the most sacred feelings of our natures; and, what is more diabolical, that our spirit-friends are near by, enjoying the base deception! If this view is correct, what a fearful amount of lying there must be in every séance! Such a conclusion would be impossible from what passed before me at this sitting.

As I gazed with delight upon this sudden and unexpected manifestation, bathed in a mellow light which made all the surroundings perfectly visible, I could not help feeling a regret that my Psychical friends had shut themselves out from such evidence by requiring arrangements to which no intelligent control would submit. Here, under strictly test conditions, which precluded any possible doubt, was crowded into a small space just the information which I am sure that some of them are honestly endeavoring to obtain.

These things may be nothing but a mere phantasy of the mind; what is claimed as exact science, a humbug; and life itself only a delusion; but those whose lives are rounded into a full consciousness of an individual existence may prefer to consider them in a different light. The same perception which enables us to recognize one must be conceded to the other.

If, in the search after facts relating to the more subtle forms of life, the testimonies of thousands of honest and intelligent persons are to be disregarded, we might as well abolish our courts. Judge, jury, and witness become nothing but ridiculous actors in a farce played in the name of Justice.

CHAPTER VI.

SÉANCE WITH MRS. CARRIE M. SAWYER

Among the strong points in evidence of the genuineness of these manifestations are the marked individuality and constant variations that appear. The séances with the same medium will be found to differ widely; no two of them are exactly alike. Sometimes they will be exceedingly good, and at other times almost an entire failure. If they were in any way due to confederates, or to personation by the medium, such variations would not be likely to occur.

Again, the séances with one medium differ essentially from those with another; so much so that each medium may be said to have a phase of mediumship distinct in itself. The forms may appear quite different in outward shape, when coming through one medium from what they do in coming through another. The mental characteristics will, however, as I have found, be retained in both instances. This has often led to confusion and distrust with those who visit different séances. The tendency is very strong to give precedence to mere outward appearance, without reference to character.

In no case is the old adage, "A little learning is a dangerous thing," more applicable than to the study of this subject. The shallow investigators, the touch-and-go people, will, in most cases, find themselves left in bewilderment and doubt. These things are not to be settled by witnessing one or two séances. Nor is the character of the manifestations, as expressed through any medium, to be determined without considerable experience.

From statements, and especially from the impression I received on my first interview with Mrs. Sawyer, I was led to expect much from her séance. My first séance with her was a disappointment, there being nothing except the delightful interview with little Maud, one of the "cabinet spirits,"3 to attract the attention of any one familiar with these things. It is due her to say, in explanation, that it was her first séance in Boston, and held under unfavorable conditions.

On the 11th of August, I again visited her séance, in company with Mrs. Fay. The day was very hot, with a close, moist atmosphere, rendering the séance-room very uncomfortable. The only wonder was that, under such conditions, there could have been any manifestations whatever. I was seated on one side of Mrs. Fay, and a friend of hers on the other. This trio, so to speak, drew the fire of the whole séance; the only strong and decided manifestations appearing on that side of the circle.

Auntie, Mrs. Fay's control, stood behind us, invisible to all except her medium, occasionally making remarks in her hoarse, unmistakable voice. Coming, as the voice did, out of space, with no organized being in sight to produce it, the effect was at times startling.

A very sprightly spirit came briskly up to Mrs. Fay, extending her hands, and leading her up to the cabinet, where they conversed for some time. This was followed by what claimed to be Bertha. She came very lively, greeting me cordially. The form was very like, and the expression of character assuring, but, owing to the unusually poor light and hasty interview, I prefer to withhold conclusions for the present. More decided in its character was another spirit that followed soon after. There was a centre-table between me and the cabinet. This spirit, instead of coming into the middle of the room, passed to the left, moving the table out, and coming directly to me. This brought her more in the light, where I had a better opportunity of seeing her. Both of these spirits appeared to be the exact counterparts of those who had come to me so often at Mrs. Fay's, but who at other places exhibited a great deal of variation. Was the close resemblance due to the fact that Mrs. Fay was sitting by my side? The question is an interesting one, suggesting further experience.