We are thus enabled to understand how those who have left this physical world may, although discarnate, be none the less as truly alive as ever, close to us and yet invisible, constantly in touch with us and yet beyond our normal ken.
This is the first and supremely important application of the hypothesis and it is impossible to over-emphasise it.
Of the more specific phenomena suitable for discussion here, I will first deal with Clairvoyance.
This is probably far from being a simple phenomenon of unvarying nature. There would appear to be at least four varieties and it is possible that as our knowledge of the subject increases we shall come to recognise still more.
The four at present distinguishable may be denoted as follows:—
(1) So-called "Etheric Clairvoyance." This is apparently no more than a heightening of the ordinary powers of vision.
(2) Perception of objects and contemporary events more or less removed in space from the percipient and invisible by ordinary means.
(3) Perception of non-material objects or events; as when a clairvoyant describes the appearance of a deceased person alleged to be present in "spirit form."
(4) Clairvoyance in time. That is to say the perception of future events—Prevision—or of past events—Postvision.