on to the
patient, on the part of the healer. The patient is told that he will get
well; that his organs will function normally; etc., etc. But the student
of the present lessons will readily see that the only virtue in the spoken
words consists in their power to evoke and induce the mental image of the
desired condition in the mind of the patient. The mental picture thus
evoked produces a corresponding effect in the astral body of the patient,
and sets into operation the materialization of desired results. In
addition, the words produce a strong mental picture in the mind of the
healer himself, and thus give form and strength to his psychic vibrations
which are being poured out toward the patient. This is really the secret
of suggestive treatment.

The many cults of metaphysical healing, in America and Europe, lay great
stress upon what they call "affirmations," which are but statements of the
patient of his or her faith in the healing power of God, or of Mind, or
Spirit, or Principle (different names are used). The patient naturally has
confidence aroused, and as naturally begins to picture the desired
condition; this in turn reacting upon the astral body, and this upon the
physical body or organ. In addition, the healer's mind is also set to work
in the same way, and sets into motion the healing psychic forces in the
way just mentioned. You will notice that the same principle is always
involved and set into operation and manifestation.

There is no particular virtue in the form of affirmation used by the
healer or patient, except the important virtue of being able to arouse
strong mental pictures of restored health, proper functioning, etc. There
is of course this also: certain forms of affirmations or mental statements
are better suited than others to the particular wants of certain persons.
For instance, a very religious person will be aroused better by
affirmations and statements filled with religious sentiments and ideas;
while a person of a purely scientific turn of mind will receive more
benefit from affirmations in which the precise physiological functions are
specifically mentioned; while the person who is fond of mystery and
strange ceremonies will be better served in the affirmations or statements
taken in the form of some magical incantation, etc. The difference,
however, lies in the mind of the patient, rather than in the words
themselves. Words are merely invokers of ideas--symbols of ideas. In
themselv