“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

In terms of probabilities, therefore, you choose certain acts, unconsciously transform these into physical events or objects, and then perceive them. But those unchosen events also go out from you and are projected into these other forms. Now the behavior of atoms and molecules is involved here, for again these are only present within your universe during certain stages. Their activity is perceived only during the range of particular vibratory rhythms. When your scientists examine them for example, they do not examine the nature, say, of an atom. They only explore the characteristics of an atom as it acts or shows itself within your system. Its greater reality completely escapes them.

It seems as if an atom “exists” steadily for a certain amount of time. Instead it phases in and out, so to speak. It fluctuates in a highly predictable pattern and rhythm. It can be perceived within your system only at certain points in this fluctuation, so it seems to scientists that the atom is steadily present. They are not aware of any gaps of absence as far as the atom is concerned.

(Pause at 9:35.) As I have said frequently, time as you think of it does not exist, yet in your terms, time’s true nature could be understood if the basic nature of the atom was ever made known to you. In one way, an atom could be compared to a microsecond.

(9:41.) In those periods of nonphysical projection, the off periods of fluctuation, the atoms “appear” in another system of reality. In that system they are perceived in what are “on” points of fluctuation, and in that system also then the atoms (seem to) appear steadily. There are many such points of fluctuation, but your system of course is not aware of them, nor of the ultimate actions, universes, and systems that exist within them.

[...] (Pause.) Returning to the material on perception, there are changes in the positive and negative atomic charges, alterations of movement inside the atoms in the smaller particles (long pause), a change in pulsation rate. [...] To begin with, atoms do not just move within themselves because they move because they are atoms.

(Pause.) Each of the molecules or particles within the atom are perceptively aware of all the other particles within the given atom. They move in response to stimuli received from each other, and to stimuli that come from other atoms.

(“Do you mean changes in the atom such as the number of electrons and/or other particles, literally; or are you referring to the nonphysical content of energy within, or carried by, each atom? [...]

[...] Molecules are not within atoms; it is the other way around, molecules being composed of groups of atoms.)

Atom smashers do not smash atoms. They merely change the atomic parts that appear within your own system. If man ever learned to so manipulate the whole atom, then indeed would there be disasters that have never been imagined.

They will not be able to perceive these hidden portions of any given atom with the methods they are now using. I have told you in the past that the same atoms are utilized, that is the same given atoms are utilized both in your system and in other systems. [...]

[...] The black circle comprises the whole atom as projected through all systems. The blue circles are portions of the whole atom to be seen in various systems. The red circle then is the portion of the whole atom seen in our own system. [...]

[...] Now, energy within any atom expands, but within a space so small that it is almost inconceivable to you. The atom you see does not then grow larger in mass, or expand outward in space, and neither does your universe.

1. In Volume 1 of “Unknown” Reality, I wrote in Note 7 for Session 681 that atoms are “processes” rather than things. The classical conception of the typical atom as being composed of a neat nucleus of indivisible protons and neutrons circled by electrons is largely passé, although for convenience’s sake we may still describe the atom that way. (In those terms, the one exception is the hydrogen atom, which evidently consists of but one proton and one electron cloud, or “smear.”) For the simple purposes of this note, then, I’m leaving out considerations involving quantum mechanics, which concept repudiates the idea of “particles” to begin with. [...] What a heretical thought from the scientific viewpoint!) But each atom of whatever element is an amazingly complicated, finely balanced assemblage of forces and particles woven together in exquisite detail—one of the more basic examples of the unending and stupendous creativity, order, and design of nature, or consciousness, or All That Is.

For the terms of this discussion of the beginning of [your] world, I will deal with known qualities for now—the atoms and molecules. [...] It knows no limits (all intently). In those terms, the atoms dreamed the cells into physical being—and from that new threshold of physical activity cellular consciousness dreamed of the myriad organizations that could emerge from this indescribable venture.

[...] In that regard, however, atoms and molecules are stated, though you cannot see them with your [unaided] eye. [...]

Through their work with particle accelerators, or “atom smashers,” physicists have discovered that protons and neutrons themselves are composed of forces and particles that in turn are almost certainly composed of forces and particles, and so on, in an ever-descending scale of smaller and smaller entities and concepts. [...]

The capacity and mechanism necessary to project idea into physical matter is, therefore, present in the individual atom and molecule. I mentioned how the atoms and molecules combine to form cells, while each individual atom and molecule does not give up its own uniqueness, but forms rather a gestalt, so that a cell is indeed a psychic gestalt given physical construction through the capacity that exists within each individual component.

Each individual atom within its generalized consciousness has the capacity, in some degree, to construct its portion of energy into physical construction. It is extremely important that you understand this fact, and realize that the individual cells, for example, lose no individuality in this process, and gain immeasurably, the whole physical structure of the body being the result of this cooperation of cells which are themselves the result of the cooperation of atoms and molecules.

[...] It is because every atom and molecule contains within it condensed comprehension, inner, direct, codified comprehension, of the inner universe as a whole, that these atoms and molecules are capable of such varied combinations and variations.

I spoke in our last session of the cooperation existing between the cells of the body, and of the cooperation existing between the atoms and molecules that make up the cells and organs.

To simplify a great deal: In modern physics it’s said that atoms are processes, not things; that atoms and/or their constituents can appear as either waves or particles, depending on how we observe them; and that these qualities exist outside of our coarse world of space and time. Atoms are patterns of probabilities. It’s further said that our attempts to describe or visualize such nonphysical qualities inevitably cause us to misinterpret them; so the artist wonders whether the atom’s movement in more than one direction at once may not be perfectly “natural” in its own environment — some sort of ability quite separate from any play we may indulge in with words while trying to consciously comprehend it.

[...] Statistically, the position of an atom can be theorized, but no one knows where any given atom is at any given time.⁴

(10:22.) You are examining probable atoms. You are composed of probable atoms. [...]

(Slowly:) I told you once that there were pulses of activity in which you blinked off and on — this applying even to atomic and subatomic particles.¹ “You” assign as real — present here and now — only that activity that is your signal. [...]

[...] The molecules and atoms and even smaller particles, all contain their separate consciousness. [...] Now, although the cells maintain individuality and do not lose any of their abilities, in this formation into cells there is actually a pooling of individual consciousness of atoms and molecules into, and to form, an individual cellular consciousness. Here the consciousness of each individual molecule or atom, by this psychic gestalt, gains immeasurably. The combination of individual consciousness into a combination forms a new, enlarged, more powerful cellular consciousness that is capable of much more experience and fulfillment than would be possible for the isolated atom or molecule.

[...] And another small but interesting point: On your own plane, there is a subconscious storehouse of knowledge, whereby it is known in a condensed fashion, by all molecules and atoms, exactly which variant or evolutionary attempts have been made, with what results—and always with an eye out, so to speak, for circumstances that might fit forms once adopted with failure, or to attempt other forms for which present circumstances may not be right. I have said that, first of all, molecules and atoms and even smaller particles, have a condensed consciousness.

[...] The atoms and molecules possess a self-consciousness to some degree, as well as a generalized consciousness. The self-awareness of a human being is partially composed of the combination of self-aware individual atoms and molecules that compose it. [...]

The atoms and molecules that make up all physical cells are not basically bound by your time. [...]

[...] Now bear with me for a few moments, realizing as you do so that there is in reality no distinction between the atoms and molecules within your precious bodies and the atoms and molecules that fly about the room quite innocently and free; realizing also that there is great space between the atoms and molecules within your body, and that if some very small person were flying through they would find your bodies as large as a galaxy; realizing also that the skin that seems so solid to you is very open, indeed, and does not separate you so much from the universe, as it connects you with the universe; and that there is little division between the atoms and molecules in those knees and those legs and the atoms and molecules that form the floor upon which the legs and knees seem to rest. [...]

[...] Now I would like you all to sense the feeling of your consciousness, realizing as you do so, that there is within your tissues, and within the atoms and molecules that compose you, a great acquiescence. [...] Within each of your atoms and molecules is, indeed, a blessed and joyful acceptance of their own reality beyond questioning. [...]

[...] You can, with training, feel the miraculous knowledge and heritage that is within your atoms and molecules, be aware of the capsule consciousness within them for they have a knowledge of all the other life forms of which they have been part, and this you can admit to your consciousness. [...]

[...] Even the atoms and molecules within your skull realize that they have a greater heritage than you know. [...]

[...] Probabilities involve the atoms and molecules, therefore, and the cells. [...] Your bodies are probable-constructs (hyphenate that if you want to), in that they exist only because of the atoms’ appearance at certain points of probability. At other levels the atoms do not exist at those same points, and your bodies there (Jane leaned forward for emphasis) are not the same physical constructs. [...]

Scientifically, with all of your instruments, you are thus far able to perceive the atom’s presence only in the field of your own system of probability. Since you perceive physically through the body, which is atomically structured, then of course your sense perceptions lead you to block out recognition of other probable stimuli or reactions. [...]

[...] The EE units² within matter, within the atoms and molecules, are aware of the probable fields of action that are possible. [...]

The atoms, while behaving properly within the system, and seeming to adhere to its rules and assumptions, nevertheless actually straddle probabilities. [...]

In conventional terms, atoms are regarded as the submicroscopic entities making up all objects and substances in our world. Each atom consists of a nucleus of protons, neutrons, and other subatomic particles, around all of which move a complicated system of much lighter electrons. (An atom of hydrogen, however, is made up of but one proton and one electron.) All is in balance: The number of positive charges on the nucleus equals the number of negatively charged electrons. Note 24 for Appendix 18 contains a short discussion of the particle-wave duality involving the components of the atom. [...]

[...] Before the emergence of the atom … oh, dear … as an analogy, you could say that the dead hole we’ve been talking about emerges as an atom in another universe. But it’s the stage before the appearance, or the stage from which an atom comes.

Atoms combine to form molecules. If the assembled atoms are all alike, an element results; if two or more different kinds of atoms combine into molecules, a compound is created.

[...] Something to do with atoms. The slow thing, represented by those drawn-out sounds, is in the center of the atom. [...]

In actuality, since all atoms and molecules possess the potentiality to form in so many varieties, and since the atoms and molecules possess their own generalized consciousness, there is basically a strong inner cohesion and relationship between all cells and molecules, regardless of their patterned structural formation, and the human structure is connected to all other such psychio-physical constructions.

The self will truly utilize the atoms and molecules; the consciousness will travel by this method. The particular physical body will then be known for what it is: a cooperative psychic gestalt, a psychio-physical structure formed together by the inner ego, utilizing atoms and molecules that are in themselves living and conscious.

[...] This of course includes the consciousness also, that is inherent in the separate molecules and atoms that compose the cells.

[...] Because the cells and molecules in general have consciousness, because they contain within themselves a capsule comprehension of the universe as a whole, and because they contain the ability to form into an almost infinite variety of form, there is a kinship between every atom and molecule, a basic enduring connection, regardless of the separate appearance which is seen using the outer senses.

[...] The life of its atoms and molecules and cells is translated into other living natural forms. [...] Even the atoms and molecules have their own fine vision and appreciate their environment in their own way. [...]

[...] But the body is composed of living, responding atoms and molecules. [...]

It is more than the combined consciousness of its atoms. [...] We know now that the consciousness behind each atom and molecule gave physical construction to the atom and molecule. [...]

As the physical atoms and molecules combine to form cells, and the cells to form physical organs, and as they do not lose their individuality in so doing, and as the atoms and molecules themselves actually gain and share in higher perceptions because of this gestalt, so do the basic components or fragments of an entity constantly form new and varied personalities; and these in turn form entities of their own.

On your plane each atom and molecule contains the potentiality for any physical construction whatsoever. Each atom and molecule contains, as I have said, a generalized consciousness, in which all of the basic laws are known, and also a limited but definite self-awareness.

This self-awareness in each atom and molecule determines what sort of cell or combination that the particular atom or molecule will form. [...]

[...] Using energy, you manipulate existing atoms and molecules into a certain pattern which you then, and others like you, recognize as one particular object.

[...] You simply have not constructed of the atoms and molecules any pattern which you call an object, and which you recognize.

Objects then are really arbitrary designations given to certain arbitrary divisions of atoms and molecules as a whole. [...]

[...] There are of course different methods of construction suitable for various fields, and in some instances the same atoms and molecules can be utilized by inhabitants of more than one field.

2. For those who are interested: As soon as Seth mentioned the “psychological activity” of atoms and molecules, I was intuitively and strongly aware of connections between his statement and at least two principles of modern physics. [...]

The uncertainty principle, or the principle of indeterminacy (advanced by Heisenberg in 1927, and part of the theory of quantum mechanics), sets definite limits to the accuracy possible in measuring both the motion and position of atoms and elementary particles simultaneously; more importantly to my mind, for the purposes of this note, the uncertainty principle maintains that there is an interaction between the observer (with his instruments) and the object or quality being measured.

I doubt if physicists in the 1920s were concerned about the psychological activity of atoms, molecules, or particles, although it seems that Heisenberg came close to Seth’s idea when he considered the free behavior of an electron emitted by a light ray. [...]

[...] The atoms and molecules within those chairs and couches are quite alert, though you do not grant them the quality of life. [...] The atoms and molecules that make up a chair play a different kind of ring-around-the-rosy, and are involved in constant motion, forming a certain pattern that you perceive as a chair.

[...] Those organs are themselves composed of atoms and molecules with their own consciousnesses. [...]

[...] It does not bother you one whit that the physical substance of your body is made up of completely different atoms and molecules than it was composed of seven years ago, [say], or that your familiar hands are actually innocent of any smallest smidgen of matter that composed them [even in recent times past].

[...] Again, the very senses that make such a deduction are the result of the behavior of atoms and molecules literally coming together to form the organs, filling a pattern of flesh. [...]

[...] Two months ago a prominent East Coast newspaper carried a long article about the “turmoil” and “confusion” in which modern physics finds itself because of recent discoveries on atomic and subatomic levels. Many of these new facts contradict respected old facts, and are leading to previously unheard of, or rejected, questions having to do with internal structures for such near-dimensionless processes as the electron, which moves about the atomic nucleus, and for the various “heavier” particles that make up the nucleus itself.

[...] The structures are formed by organizations of consciousness, or CU’s. You have the most intimate knowledge of the nature of a cell, for example, or of an atom. [...]

Give us a moment … There are shapes and formations that appear when your eyes are closed that are perfect replicas of atoms, molecules, and cells, but you do not recognize them as such. [...]

There are ways of identifying with animals, with atoms and molecules. [...]

You may not be aware of the conscious nature of each atom in your body, or of the gestalt consciousness formed by those atoms as they build into cells, but it is not necessary for them, or for their own awareness of themselves, that you give them that recognition. [...]

Energy as it comes through your plane is individualized; and indeed, irregardless of any other theories, all energy contains some consciousness, in simple or more complicated gestalt fashion, as I have mentioned that atoms and molecules so possess a limited consciousness, and a generalized subconsciousness which contains within it a capsule comprehension of the universe as a whole.

[...] It should be apparent that psychic identity is no more dependent upon physical permanence, certainly when you consider that even a chair retains its form as a chair, even though it is actually not one thing or object, and that no atom or molecule remains the same within it.

[...] No one atom or molecule within the fetus will exist within the adult, and yet the bits of energy that have formed together to form the pattern of the fetus know the capacity and limits of their own nature, and know therefore the potentialities and limits of the pattern which they have made.

[...] There is a basic unit of consciousness that, expressed, will not be broken down, as once it was thought that an atom was the smallest unit and could not be broken down. [...]

[...] It combines with others of its kind, forming then units of consciousness — as, mentioned often, atoms and molecules combine.

[...] There are millions of them in one atom — many millions. [...]

[...] Even your atomic structure, then, is poised between probabilities. [...]

[...] As you should know, like all other atoms and molecules, its atoms and molecules had capsule comprehension, generalized consciousness. [...]

I have also said that all constructions are composed of atoms and molecules, but their action may be at such different speeds that you are not aware of them on the physical plane. [...]

The construction of the apparition was formed, therefore, by atoms and molecules. [...]

[...] Such an apparition however is composed of legitimate matter, and involves value fulfillment on the part of the atoms and molecules that compose it.