When we hear the word “clairvoyance,” we often think of the ability to perceive objects and entities on planes of existence other than the physical. To Theosophists, the word may conjure images of thought forms, of the human aura, of devas and elementals, all of which surround us at every moment, invisible to most—save for those who possess the ability to see them. The ability is considered to be a form of “extra-sensory perception.” Extra as a prefix probably comes from the Latin exterus, meaning “outward” or “outside.” Thus the term “extra-sensory perception,” implying a phenomenon that is outside that of sensation, seems misleading if by it we are referring to the ability to see auras or thought forms—after all, when someone who has this gift sees such things, is that experience not an aspect of their sense of vision, however attuned that sense may be to things not normally seen? Theosophy teaches that all humans will one day reach a point of development at which this faculty blooms; in other words, it is a perfectly natural and normal aspect of our sense of sight, albeit one that is currently dormant in most people.
The word “clairvoyant” is derived from French: Clair- (“clear”) + voyant (“seeing.”) In Theosophy, it is said that the faculty of clairvoyance is linked with the opening of the “third eye” center, located in between and just above our physical eyes. It is cautioned that the student should not become preoccupied with the development of such abilities, that such development will occur naturally in due course, and that to pursue the development of psychic abilities for their own sake is to take a misstep on the Path—one that is potentially dangerous to true spiritual progress.
What does it mean to “see clearly?” Is the term strictly limited to the ability to clearly see objects on the astral or some other plane? From day to day, how clearly do we see that which lays before us? In our lives, can we view each situation from a wholesome, impersonal and balanced perspective? Or is our vision clouded by our personal goals, prejudices, and beliefs? When we make decisions, are we motivated by our perception of what is best according to our individual preferences, or are we acting in the best interests of all involved? Even if we do intend to act in the service of another, how do we know that our intention is truly in alignment with what is best for that person? Can we see the needs of others clearly? Can we see the world clearly? Even if one can see a person’s aura, does that ability automatically confer the power to clearly see the meaning in that dance of color? Is there a whole level of clairvoyance that is truly “extra-sensory,” or outside the realm of mere sensation?
To my understanding all types of observation have to be trained. For instance: it takes training to be able to distinguish different types of grass from each other. Those of us who aren’t blind in the ordinary sense of the word can all see the grass. But most of us would be stumped when trying to distinguish between different types of grass.
Similarly Blavatsky claims that only trained psychics or clairvoyants are reliable for practical purposes. In other words: psychics may be able to see auras, but the ability to interpret them in such a way that they do the subject justice may not be there.
But no – from a theosophical perspective I don’t think there is a type of clairvoyance that is extra-sensory. Just beyond the physical senses.
I think that perhaps I should have worked on this piece of writing a bit longer, developed it more. I seem to have been taken literally in the questions I posed in it, both here and in my blog on the Ning site. What I’m trying to hint at is a way of looking at “clairvoyance” in more of a metaphorical light.
For instance, there is the kind of vision that perceives an accident taking place, and the kind of vision that foresees the possibility of an accident, prompting measures to be taken to prevent it; the kind of vision that surveys the outward signs of all of the world’s problems, and the kind of vision that is sensitive to the inner causes–one that can see wholesome solutions. It is the latter, more metaphorical kind of “vision” that I have attempted to speak to in this writing–and the development of one’s spiritual awareness to a point at which one gains this “clear sight,” the ability to see behind the outward appearance of things. Although I am not talking about precognition or what I would consider “psychism,” there is an element of intuition that goes hand-in-hand with this other kind of “clairvoyance”–something I would link with the development of buddhi, rather than the third-eye chakra. What I’m steering towards is a way of re-framing “clairvoyance” as something that is deeper and more meaningful even than being able to see thought forms, auras and devas. Even someone who can see such things may lack this kind of vision–and someone who cannot see such things may be able to do far more with this kind of vision than one who can see auras.
To me, this aspect of ourself, which truly cannot be named/labeled, comes to the perceiver as he/she simply becomes conscious of the power of believing. Whether we are consciously aware of it , or not, all individuals become exactly what they believe themselves becoming; not what they think of themselves becoming. Those who think do not grasp the power of “believe”…….but that is the path. Silence is golden.
So, Clairvoyance or Cosmic Consciousness or third eye or one eye, I personally feel that it is vibration-perception and I am a beginner each moment of my life. It is interesting fun though — attempting to put into words something that cannot be labeled. Or maybe we shall not need words one day, as, even now we accept into our lives, those people and events we vibrate with, whether we consciously take responsibility for doing so or not.
A gentleman was in New York City for his first time and upon leaving his hotel he haled a cab and jumped in the back seat. He asked the cabbie, “how do you get to Carnegie Hall”? The driver turned around and said, “practice, practice, practice”.
Individually and collectively, what we practice manifests. Joy.
I began my journey of development as a Clairvoyant Psychic, Medium call me what you will many years ago, through early stages, I saw clear defined and vivid visions of both evvents and scenario’s around an individuals personal life, however my trust ,faith and beleif in this allowed me to accept more clearly the steps that were to follow, whereby I now ann fully in tune and able to converse with Spirit people as I would if I were to hold a physical conversation with you, thismost certainly is not any form of ESP it is a natural stage of development that all mankind can achieve if they so desire.