_Vague Pure Affection._--Fig. 8 is a revolving cloud of pure affection,
and except for its vagueness it represents a very good feeling. The
person from whom it emanates is happy and at peace with the world,
thinking dreamily of some friend whose very presence is a pleasure.
There is nothing keen or strong about the feeling, yet it is one of
gentle well-being, and of an unselfish delight in the proximity of
those who are beloved. The feeling which gives birth to such a cloud is
pure of its kind, but there is in it no force capable of producing
definite results. An appearance by no means unlike this frequently
surrounds a gently purring cat, and radiates slowly outward from the
animal in a series of gradually enlarging concentric shells of rosy
cloud, fading into invisibility at a distance of a few feet from their
drowsily contented creator.
[Illustration: FIG. 8. VAGUE PURE AFFECTION]
_Vague Selfish Affection._--Fig. 9 shows us also a cloud of affection,
but this time it is deeply tinged with a far less desirable feeling. The
dull hard brown-grey of selfishness shows itself very decidedly among
the carmine of love, and thus we see that the affection which is
indicated is closely connected with satisfaction at favours already
received, and with a lively anticipation of others to come in the near
future. Indefinite as was the feeling which produced the cloud in Fig.
8, it was at least free from this taint of selfishness, and it therefore
showed a certain nobility of nature in its author. Fig. 9 represents
what takes the place of that condition of mind at a lower level of
evolution. It would scarcely be possible that these two clouds should
emanate from the same person in the same incarnation. Yet there is good
in the man who generates this second cloud, though as yet it is but
partially evolved. A vast amount of the average affection of the world
is of this type, and it is only by slow degrees that it develops towards
the other and higher manifestation.
[Illustration: FIG. 9. VAGUE SELFISH AFFECTION]
_Definite Affection._--Even the first glance at Fig. 10 shows us that
here we have to deal with something of an entirely different
nature--something effective and capable, something that will achieve a
result. The colour is fully equal to that of Fig. 8 in clearness and
depth and transparency, but what was there a mere sentiment is in this
case translated into emphatic intention coupled with unhesitating
action. Those who have seen the book _Man Visible and Invisible_ will
recollect that in Plate XI. of that volume is depicted the effect of a
sudden rush of pure unselfish affection as it showed itself in the
astral body of a mother, as she caught up her little child and covered
it with kisses. Various changes resulted from that sudden outburst of
emotion; one of them was the formation within the astral body of large
crimson coils or vortices lined with living light. Each of these is a
thought-form of intense affection generated as we have described, and
almost instantaneously ejected towards the object of the feeling. Fig.
10 depicts just such a thought-form after it has left the astral body of
its author, and is on its way towards its goal. It will be observed that
the almost circular form has changed into one somewhat resembling a
projectile or the head of a comet; and it will be easily understood that
this alteration is caused by its rapid forward motion. The clearness of
the colour assures us of the purity of the emotion which gave birth to
this thought-form, while the precision of its outline is unmistakable
evidence of power and of vigorous purpose. The soul that gave birth to a
thought-form such as this must already be one of a certain amount of
development.
[Illustration: FIG. 10. DEFINITE AFFECTION]
_Radiating Affection._--Fig. 11 gives us our first example of a
thought-form intentionally generated, since its author is making the
effort to pour himself forth in love to all beings. It must be
remembered that all these forms are in constant motion. This one, for
example, is steadily widening out, though there seems to be an
exhaustless fountain welling up through the centre from a dimension
which we cannot represent. A sentiment such as this is so wide in its
application, that it is very difficult for any one not thoroughly
trained to keep it clear and precise. The thought-form here shown is,
therefore, a very creditable one, for it will be noted that all the
numerous rays of the star are commendably free from vagueness.
[Illustration: FIG. 11. RADIATING AFFECTION]
_Peace and Protection._--Few thought-forms are more beautiful and
expressive than this which we see in Fig. 12. This is a thought of love
and peace, protection and benediction, sent forth by one who has the
power and has earned the right to bless. It is not at all probable that
in the mind of its creator there existed any thought of its beautiful
wing-like shape, though it is possible that some unconscious reflection
of far-away lessons of childhood about guardian angels who always
hovered over their charges may have had its influence in determining
this. However that may be, the earnest wish undoubtedly clothed itself
in this graceful and expressive outline, while the affection that
prompted it gave to it its lovely rose-colour, and the intellect which
guided it shone forth like sunlight as its heart and central support.
Thus in sober truth we may make veritable guardian angels to hover over
and protect those whom we love, and many an unselfish earnest wish for
good produces such a form as this, though all unknown to its creator.
[Illustration: FIG. 12. PEACE AND PROTECTION]
_Grasping Animal Affection._--Fig. 13 gives us an instance of grasping
animal affection--if indeed such a feeling as this be deemed worthy of
the august name of affection at all. Several colours bear their share in
the production of its dull unpleasing hue, tinged as it is with the
lurid gleam of sensuality, as well as deadened with the heavy tint
indicative of selfishness. Especially characteristic is its form, for
those curving hooks are never seen except when there exists a strong
craving for personal possession. It is regrettably evident that the
fabricator of this thought-form had no conception of the
self-sacrificing love which pours itself out in joyous service, never
once thinking of result or return; his thought has been, not "How much
can I give?" but "How much can I gain?" and so it has expressed itself
in these re-entering curves. It has not even ventured to throw itself
boldly outward, as do other thoughts, but projects half-heartedly from
the astral body, which must be supposed to be on the left of the
picture. A sad travesty of the divine quality love; yet even this is a
stage in evolution, and distinctly an improvement upon earlier stages,
as will presently be seen.
[Illustration: FIG. 13. GRASPING ANIMAL AFFECTION]