Theos-Talk Archives (January 2005 Message tt01000)

Hi Perry,

Bouncing off some of your thoughts---

> 
> It could be memories the reader is telepathically picking up from 
the subject as I think could be the case with the TV psychic John 
Edwards, rather than it actually being a deceased friend or 
relative. He is a classic passive medium.
> 
Alleged discarnates appear in only a tiny fraction of the thousands 
of Cayce readings. But after examining many of them I conclude that 
the past life readings are generally implausible and appear to be 
based on "readings" of what people wanted to hear-- such as that 
they knew Jesus in a past life. Or that they lived in Atlantis, or 
knew Cayce, etc. Edward is probably a deliberate faker whereas 
Cayce appears not to have been. After all, he did only medical 
readings for 20+ years before the spiritual and "historical" 
material started coming through.

> I am sure CWL did have some level of clairvoyance as have many 
others including Geoffrey Hodson.
> 
Not I. Evidence seems substantial for distant viewing in 
the "physical plane" but how could we ever confirm alleged 
encounters with invisible entities? 

> 
> Past life readings is another area that can have different occult
> rationale, this could be tapping into astral shells and then 
risking the danger of becoming a passive medium.
> 
The greater danger for the sincere "clairvoyant" is tapping into the 
wishes and fantasies of the person who is getting the reading.

> 
> I think this is why HPB and the Adepts always discouraged blind 
belief and hero worship.
> 
With all due respect I suggest replacing "always" with "sometimes" 
since words and actions encouraging same are easy to find along with 
their opposites. HPB and Olcott promoted a cult of the Mahatmas 
pretty feverishly in the early 1880s before realizing what awful 
consequences would ensue. I mean that the Shrine Room, for example, 
was the height of poor judgment and if any Masters encouraged such 
shenanigans they were as lacking in wisdom as HPB, Damodar, et al. 
At least the Founders recognized the mistake of sensationalism and 
changed course, but the lines had been laid down for all the 
subsequent "contactees"-- Judge, CWL, Bailey, Prophets, etc.-- to 
follow. And so they have.

Cheers,

Paul