Telepathic Communication in Middle-earth

[Lomelinde]

Very interesting topic. I had always wondered about the scene you described in the last quote, the silent council and all. The only comment I can think to make at the moment is that Galadriel was a unique elf among the rest. She was an enchantress, or something to that effect, and could see into the hearts and minds of others with little effort. She was accounted among the Wise, which simply means that she was incredibly perceptive and had command of powers that few others possessed save perhaps the Maia and a few other elves (Elrond, Cirdan, Glorfindel come to mind). I don't believe that most elves had the ability to project their thoughts and ideas telepathically, or heart to heart would probably be a better way of putting it.

As for the other scenarios- the visions by the Hobbits and Saruman's abilities- I have no clue, but I'm really interested in finding out what others think.