“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

Nevertheless it was surprising to many that these two stayed here during the flood. To some it seemed quite foolhardy. In one manner of speaking, however, Ruburt and Joseph were quite prepared. Since the Bay of Pigs, they had kept a small pantry of stocked food, pure water in old wine jugs, candles, and a transistor radio. But they were not “looking for” a disaster.¹

Before Ruburt became involved in psychic work he wrote a [short] novel, Bundu² in which nuclear destruction had taken place. For reference he read up on requirements for survival. Later, at the time of the Bay of Pigs, the necessary supplies were purchased. Quite as a matter of course, household habits were such that those procedures were maintained almost automatically. There was always a stock of candles and food and water. No stress was laid on these provisions. When the flood came, however, Ruburt and Joseph found themselves, in that way at least, prepared to go without help from the outside world if necessary.

All of this had to do with past conscious decisions and responses to situations that, in your terms, no longer existed at the time of the flood. Yet the pattern of reaction was clear. They had decided to face any great crisis together in their own territory.

This, again, deepened their intimate sense of relationship with nature, and encouraged their tendency to go along with it, to survive within its context rather than combat it. With this set of beliefs, attitudes and background, their decision to stay was highly predictable.

They knew there was a third story to the house they lived in. Therefore they planned to move our manuscripts, Ruburt’s writings, and Joseph’s paintings upstairs if the need arose. Other elements were also involved. For one thing, of course, they lived (and still do) on the second floor. The crisis brought many of their attitudes into critical awareness. The situation did become so serious that for a while they did fear for their survival.

(9:51.) In those few moments they saw their life situation clearly and brilliantly in symbolic focus; for they were isolated, with nearly ten feet of water rapidly ascending, and carrying with it the odor of fumes that could be combustible. They had told no one in authority of their decision to remain, and had instead closed all the curtains so that others would not be aware of their presence. At the moment of their fear, help from outside was impossible.

Helicopters could not land. They found themselves alone with the Seth material, their paintings, and other manuscripts of Ruburt’s. They had been using a mild version of self-hypnosis to produce a calmness and reduce any panic. But it was Joseph who suggested that Ruburt “tune in” to discover what could be learned about their situation personally.

The crisis would be over by five o’clock, even though the news media would not realize it. As soon as the information was received both of them felt more at ease, and the panic that had at least threatened, vanished.

Despite all natural personal problems, they had taken their stand. The waters receded as Ruburt had predicted. They were forced to face the aftermath. Joseph helped physically as the other tenants returned to their apartments. He worked at the quite physical labor involved. Both Ruburt and Joseph threw open their two apartments. A couple was given shelter in one apartment while Ruburt and Joseph confined themselves to the other. Here they found themselves in daily intimate contact with others in a way not usual for them. This particular situation made clear to them important insights that were invaluable. It also showed them that through their own relationship, they still did interact with others. Period, and take your break.

(10:17. “I was getting a lot of other stuff, too, but it doesn’t belong in the book so Seth didn’t say it,” Jane told me, “about different people we met during the flood thing.” Since she had spoken quite steadily throughout her delivery, I began to speculate about some interesting questions: Was it possible for her to experience two channels “at once” from Seth? If so, what were the mechanics involved? Or even if her awareness had alternated between the two, why hadn’t this interfered with her spoken material?

(“I don’t know how I got it,” she said. “In between, I guess, but that doesn’t say much.” Actually, how many channels were involved? For Jane added that she’d also had information about herself available — again, “in between….” She was unable to be more specific. Resume at 10:40.)

For a short period of time after the water receded, there were excited radio recommendations: Clinics were set up and the populace was told that tetanus injections were imperative.

Again Ruburt “tuned in,” altered his state of consciousness, and was told not to take them. Joseph was not to have them either. The unconscious knowledge was given (pause), and statements of each body’s condition. Both were safe as long as shots were not taken. In this case Ruburt and Joseph acted in direct contradiction to authoritative radio statements, and held their own despite the fact that others in the immediate environment rushed off to the medical centers. They placed their lives on the line. Only an hour later the radio announcements completely changed; people were told that they did not need shots, and that indeed the inoculations could cause severe reactions.

Only a few days before it took place, Ruburt was offered a television engagement in Baltimore, and refused it.³  Their car was submerged. Income from Ruburt’s classes was lost, yet these side effects were chosen quite in line with Ruburt’s and Joseph’s conscious beliefs, habits, and practices.

In a highly materialistic society, the loss of an expensive home and other material possessions is a matter of great practical and symbolic nature. Many individuals therefore sought out that experience. (Long pause.) Many also found themselves reacting with a heroism they did not realize they possessed. A sense of community unity was born, a deep feeling of companionship that had not existed earlier.

3. Jane said to the program director who called her: “I’m sorry, but I can’t be on your show, I feel very strongly that I should be right here in Elmira these days.” And when she heard herself say this, she was quite mystified….