r, in whom
the _passive_ temperament is present, and to whom the soul-images
come by passive reflection, as things mirrored in a moveless
lake, are known by the following characteristics: Full and
lymphatic habit, pale or delicate complexion, generally blue
eyes, straight fine hair; small, plump, and cold hands; a high,
piping or feeble voice, and languid disposition.

These two types--of which there are many varieties--achieve their
psychic development by quite opposite means. The positive seer
works with effort, throwing out the soul-images by the power of
his will, perceiving them with more or less accuracy, and
thereafter turning them over in the mind, reasoning and
questioning concerning their import and meaning. The passive
seer, on the contrary, works not at all and makes no effort, the
visions coming slowly, almost imperceptibly, and in most cases
having a literal interpretation. The visions in this case are not
allegorical, emblematic, or symbolic, as in the case of the positive
seer, but are actual visions of facts just as they have happened, or
will transpire in the future. Of the two orders, the passive is the
more serviceable because the more perspicuous, but it has the
disadvantage of being largely under the control of external
influences, and hence is frequently incapable of "seeing" anything
whatever.

The positive type of seer exercises an introspective vision,
searching inwardly towards the soul-world whence the revelations
proceed. Of what nature these revelations are will appear in the
following pages. The passive type of seer, on the contrary, remains
_in statu quo_, open to impressions coming inwards towards the
perceptive faculty, but making no effort towards either outward
or inward searching. The success of each depends upon the
observance of that method which is agreeable to their respective
temperaments.

In regard to the qualifications which should supplement and
sustain the natural aptitude of the seer or seeress, the following
remarks may be of general service.

Self-possession and confidence in one's own soul-faculties must
be the firm rock upon which all revelations should rest. The purer
the intention and motive of the seer, the more lucid will be the
visions accorded. No reliable vision can be obtained by one whose
nature is not inherently truthful. Any selfish desire dominanting
the mind in regard to any thing or person will distort the visions
and render them misleading, while