Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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ALLAN KARDEC
"Yes; there are spirits who give you strange signs and words, and prescribe certain acts, with
the aid of which you perform what you call 'conjurations;' but you may be very sure that such
spirits are making game of you, and amusing themselves with your credulity."
554. Is it not possible that he who, rightly or wrongly, has confidence in what he calls the
virtue of a talisman, may attract spirit to him by that very confidence; for in that case it
would be his thought that acts, the talisman being only a sign that helps to concentrate and
direct his thought?
"Such an action is quite possible; but the nature of the spirit thus attracted would depend on
the purity of intention and the elevation of sentiment of the party attracting him; and it rarely
happens that one who is simple enough to believe in the virtue of a talisman is not actuated
by motives of a material rather than of a moral character. At all events, such practices imply a
pettiness and weakness of mind that would naturally give access to imperfect and mocking
spirits."
555. What meaning should we attach to the qualification of sorcerer?
"Those whom you call sorcerers are persons gifted, when they are honest, with certain
exceptional faculties, like the mesmeric power or second-sight; and as such persons do things
that you do not comprehend, you suppose them to be endowed with supernatural power. Have
not many of your learned men passed for sorcerers in the eyes of the ignorant?"
556. Do some persons really possess the gift of healing by merely touching the sick?
"The mesmeric power may act to that extent when it is seconded by purity of intention and
ardent desire to do good, for, in such a case, good spirits come to the aid of the mesmeriser.
But you must be on your guard against the way in which facts are exaggerated when
recounted by persons who, being too credulous or too enthusiastic, are disposed to discover
something marvellous in the simplest and most natural occurrences. You must also be on
your guard against the interested recitals of persons who work on credulity with a view to
their own benefit."