In the early stage of the development, mediums very often see colours of various shades and hues in space before them. They are unable to tell whether or not these colours have any definite shape or outline; they seem to possess an odd, irregular shape of their own; something like a large blot of ink. At this stage also
many psychics see faces of friends and relatives, either living or dead, just as they are falling asleep or as they are awakening in the morning more usually the former.
They also see many strange faces. These may be mere vague images or clearly outlined. Instead of the faces they may hear voices, speaking and the first thing which these voices generally say is the name of the subject himself. After this the voices may become more and more clear and intense, but such phenomena should be permitted only at stated times, because if they are allowed to develop whenever they may be experienced,
trouble may result. Many odd and grotesque figures and shapes may present themselves to the mind’s eye at this stage of development. These shapes may be highly coloured or may be almost colourless, seeming to be made of the air itself, yet soaiehow separated from this in outline. Many of these images are symbolic, though as a rule a few of them are recognizable. More often tbey represent curious patterns and figures, such as roses, circles, outlines of patterns such as may be seen on the wallpaper and occasionally weird and horrible images
flash into the mind, to be gone again the next instant.

Unpleasant experiences

If these manifestations develop an unpleasant character at this time they should be checked instantly. The subject may do this in several ways. First of all he should build up his physical health. Second, he should see to it that he obtains plenty of sleep. Third, he should exercise his brain as little as possible on anything of this unpleasant character. Fourth, he should keep busily occupied in material, practical things and leave
himself no time to ponder and dwell upon these unpleasant occurrences. Fifth, he should avoid by all means
day-dreaming and never allow the mind to become passive or absent-minded. He should cultivate his objective attention and interest, in short, and focus his whole personality, as it were, between his eyes, so as to have it under thorough control. If he does this, and refuses to sit for development for a short time, he will find that these early unpleasant symptoms (should they develop) will soon wear off and this advice holds good at any stage of the development of mediumship.