In 'Practical Psychomancy and Crystal Gazing,' William Walker Atkinson offers a meticulous examination of psychomancy the psychic ability to glean information about objects or people by means other than the known senses intertwining it with the art of crystal gazing. Atkinson, an influential figure within the New Thought movement, delineates practical methodologies purportedly enabling individuals to harness and develop these latent faculties. Written in the florid prose characteristic of early 20th-century esoteric literature, the text's comprehensive and systematic approach situates it within the broader cultural fascination with the occult and paranormal phenomena of the era, reflecting a societal urge to marry mysticism with the burgeoning field of psychology.Atkinson, a prolific writer and attorney by trade, was known for his contributions to the New Thought philosophy, an ideological framework that posits the mind's potent role in shaping reality. His interest in mystical subjects, such as the ones detailed in this work, was fueled by a blend of personal experience and the zeitgeist of the time, which saw an explosion of interest in spiritualism, theosophy, and related metaphysical concepts. 'Practical Psychomancy and Crystal Gazing' is both a product of Atkinson's profound engagement with these ideas and his desire to make them accessible to a broader audience.The book is recommended for readers with a keen interest in historical perspectives on psychic phenomena and those drawn to the exploration of the mind's untapped powers. Atkinson's clear delineation of practices bordering on the arcane, presented in this manual, offers a fascinating window into the New Thought movement's epistemological underpinnings. It appeals not only to those intrigued by esoteric traditions but also to anyone curious about the psychological ethos and spiritual quests of the early twentieth century.

William Walker Atkinson (18621932) was a prolific writer and an influential figure in the early 20th-century New Thought movement. A lawyer by trade and a pioneer of the self-help genre, Atkinson explored themes of mental power, personal development, and the subconscious mind, all of which are evident in works such as 'Practical Psychomancy and Crystal Gazing.' Atkinson wrote under several pseudonyms, including Theron Q. Dumont and Yogi Ramacharaka, which allowed him to approach topics from varied cultural and philosophical perspectives. He was a proponent of mind over matter, believing in the potential of thought to affect physical realityan idea central to his written work. His instructional writing style blended pragmatic instruction with metaphysical overtures, allowing readers to engage in exercises meant to enhance mental abilities and psychic skills. Atkinson's influence extended to future generations of self-help authors, and his books continue to be cited for their early contributions to topics such as the law of attraction and mind-body philosophy.