“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

(In the last session Seth had commented favorably on trying some tests with Jane and me. An hour or so before this evening’s session, without telling Jane beforehand, I made a black ink drawing of the symbol below on a small sheet of paper. [This was to be our first “envelope test”.]

(Because it was another very hot and humid night we held the session in our large front room, where air circulation is better. Traffic noise was a problem once more; our windows of course had to be open, although the blinds were drawn. The quality of the air seemed to aggravate the noise, and quite often during the session Jane appeared to pause until the noise abated temporarily. I felt that the noise, being such a problem, was influencing the quality of the session.

Our main problem is simply Ruburt’s own confidence, or lack of it. This, in time, will not bother us. I spoke plainly in our recorded session, nor do I regret so doing. I am not only objective, I am also, perhaps unfortunately, given to bluntness.

I did say quite plainly that I would cooperate in any such endeavor that is conducted with integrity, and so I shall. When I spoke of terms, saying that my terms should be met, I was not, again, speaking of any impossible conditions; merely that spontaneity, trust and integrity be necessary factors in our endeavor.

My emotional response however was quite legitimate. I would prefer that some informal meeting be held if possible between us, as a preliminary to our venture. I do not necessarily stand on ceremony, but I do feel that some friendly discussion would be seeming under the circumstances.

I would consider it a gesture of courtesy if Dr. Instream acquainted himself with some of our material.

It is understandable that he becomes uneasy at times under such circumstances. It is an excellent idea that he has taken up his painting again, for this turns his awareness to other matters. We shall endeavor to handle our relationships with the outside world in such a way that your private situations are not bothered any more than absolutely necessary.

Ruburt has been somewhat uneasy at the thought of a test. To some degree this may affect our results. However, the very fact that he permitted the test to be conducted shows that his attitude is improving.

We are dealing here with something rather unusual, in that we are attempting to permit two personalities to exist side by side, so to speak. Ruburt is not in a deep trance state. I do not supersede his own personality. He allows me, in our sessions, to coexist with himself.

A deeper trance state would allow us to get less distorted results on such a test as this, initially, but our results will improve. And such experiments will be helpful in that the various layers of the two personalities, Ruburt’s and my own, will be seen in their operating procedures.

My only concern is that he is not frightened off. I believe however that our foundation is strong enough so that we can safely proceed in this direction.

Some similar experiments might be conducted with our friendly Jesuit, and she who dislikes the feline family.

(Here Seth refers to Bill and Peggy Gallagher, who have witnessed several sessions. Last week they agreed to participate in some tests. In the beginning the experiments would involve such simple procedures as having the Gallaghers, while at their home, focus upon objects Jane and I have not seen, at appointed hours during sessions held in our own home.)

Such experiments could be done on your own, and also in connection with our sessions.

On second thought I will make a few comments and end our session.