Seth Spills the Tea on Aging, Dream Revenge, and Interior Design
Session 99, recorded on the evening of October 21, 1964, is part profound metaphysical lecture and part hilariously specific lifestyle advice.
Why We Get Old (Spoiler: It's a Focus Problem)
Seth kicks off by tackling a question from Jane (whom he calls Ruburt): why do our physical bodies deteriorate? He humorously notes his amusement that Jane first got his diagnosis of a harmless ganglion on her wrist verified by a family doctor. He quips, "I would, nevertheless, appreciate Ruburt taking me at my word sometimes."
The core of the discussion is that matter itself has no inherent reason to break down. Physical reality, Seth explains, is a kind of performance—an intense concentration of energy.
"Existence within the physical universe involves the most intense self-hypnotic trance, where attention becomes riveted and focused along certain lines while other realities are of necessity closed out of one’s perception and comprehension for a certain while."
According to Seth, this trance is at its strongest in adulthood. In childhood and old age, the focus is weaker. As we age, the "whole self" grows restive and begins to withdraw its psychic energy from maintaining the physical body, turning its attention to other realities. The ego, being the part of us most committed to the physical "play," is the last to accept the curtain call, which leads to its bewilderment at the body's decline.
Dream Drama and Subconscious Subterfuge
The session also clears up a confusing dream interpretation from a previous session, where it appeared Seth incorrectly predicted that Jane’s friend, Marie Tubbs, was in childbirth. Seth explains that dreams are complex and multi-layered.
The dream’s symbols had a literal meaning that was missed: the "vessel" was a ship from Marie’s recent cruise, and the "breaking bag of water" was a symbol for unexpected winds during her trip.
But here’s the funny part: Seth reveals a layer of "childish revenge." Jane’s subconscious, feeling a bit betrayed that her high school writing buddy chose motherhood, twisted the valid information about the trip. As Seth puts it, Jane’s subconscious "took childish revenge by changing the symbolism of vessel as ship, into vessel as womb, container of life." This turned the dream into a psychic prank, giving her friend another (unwanted) child in retaliation.
Home, Health, and Corporate Espionage
As usual, Seth peppers the session with practical and personal notes:
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For those whose curiosity is piqued, we strongly encourage you to study the Seth books. You can find The Early Sessions and other profound works at the New Awareness Network's website and bookstore: sethcenter.com/the-early-sessions.
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