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Fall presents us with an intense time of transition and change in the physical system. It is a condition that is also reflected  in the personal lives of many people. As the shades in our physical environment shift from green and gold to brilliant reds and yellows, and as temperatures move from the balmy to the brisk, our cultural conventions shift from the abandon of summer vacations and outdoor activities to the practical aspects of school and traditional work routines. It struck me the other day that if our outer processes and activities are truly reflective of our inner environment then there is something to be learned from this cyclical process of change that we walk through each and every year of our physical existence.

For myself, the season usually leads to reflective thoughts concerning the nature of my current life situation and the outlook for future evolution. Almost without conscious plan, the months of September and October find me engaged in a process of introspective review that highlights the personal accomplishments manifest in my physical experience. I also make note of the probabilities not taken, and, during most years, embark on a search of my ideals for the next step toward achieving personal value fulfillment. The goal of this reflection ultimately being to chart some course of physical action for the foreseeable future, and to consciously place life objectives into the wider reality charged with the desire and expectation necessary for “future” manifestation.

While such a process occurs during other times of the year, this late summer and early fall introspection seems an “inevitable” course of activity for me. Though the process is immensely valuable in the charting of my life plan, being one that does not accept the suggestion that ANY life activity or cycle is inevitable or predetermined, the question that has occurred to me over the past week or so is a whopping: “Why?” Why does this process seem to occur every fall? What is there in the nature of my psyche or the nature of the human condition that stimulates such cyclical unplanned inner activity, seemingly driven only by a change in seasons? Is it a character of my beliefs? Is it inherent in some aspect of the accepted cultural belief system of which I am unaware? Is there some “natural” inner law at play?

Ultimately, as expected, Seth provides some measure of explanation. In The Nature of Personal Reality, Session 668, I found the following summarization:

“I am speaking to you both individually and for the book here: Any point in your present is a potential point of great creative change, but because of the rhythms spoken of, it is easier for changes to occur in certain cycles.”

I think that it is safe to surmise that the rhythms to which Seth refers apply to the wider aspects of our physical system, since this material flowed from a broader discussion concerning the present as point of power, even though book discussion preceding these comments involves certain aspects of dream communication. Earlier in the session, he indicated that there are certain periods “... in which the soul and the flesh meet under optimum circumstances” (ibid) and that there are fluctuations in energy as it affects the physical system both individually and en masse. Moreover, “[a]s there are better times than others in your sphere of activity for sending rockets … to the moon, so there are peak periods when the self and the soul (or entity) coincide” (ibid). Thus, though all “presents” are powerful and creative, some windows provide “better” opportunities for communication and action than others. It is my contention that we encounter reflective cycles—personal, small group, and cultural—as a natural component of the human experience, simply because our greater selves are better able to communicate with us under certain conditions. It is within these periods of interaction with inner, soul based processes and “direction” that we can affect, or at least stimulate affectation, of great changes in our lives.

These reflective rhythms seem, then, to represent an inherent characteristic of entity consciousness moving from the wider realty into physical experience in response to our pursuit of value fulfillment. Though operating under a cosmic timetable that we may not completely understand, our repetitive introspective cycles deserve our attention because they provide tremendous opportunity for directed change, influenced, in Seth’s terms, by “interior illuminations” flowing from the inner self. So, perhaps the answer to my question is simply that the cycle I experience each fall is experienced simply because the “time” is right for my greater awareness to communicate with the outer me more clearly. It is a time during which “… the magnified intensity of the entity can flow” (ibid); a time when creative decisions can be made and new strengths may be experienced through “enhanced” inner communication.

I believe that the key message here is to welcome these repetitive cycles with open arms and to move into the experiences with delight and excitement. It seems to me that Seth is suggesting that the information and insights we receive during these periods represents an intense stirring of the creative pot that can lead to manifestation of physical experiences and desires with a greater ease and confidence than during other periods in our lives. In my experience, when these cycles are embraced rather than resisted, we are provided with an opportunity to move in greater harmony with our wider awareness and plant the seeds for our future using an enhanced understanding of our inner desires. A process that may ultimately lead to an explosive move toward the achievement of our ideals. So, if you also experience a “natural” reflective cycle during this time of year, move into the process with excited anticipation, and take comfort in the idea that the work undertaken in these months may serve to intensify the realization of your life’s desires. If this season is not a period of natural reflection, pay attention to those times of seeming internal unrest that lead you to contemplate the nature of your life’s condition. The inner stirrings may be providing a sign that “someone” close to you is trying to make contact.

Now to our publication: In this issue of Perspectives you will find other contemplative thoughts concerning the nature of reality. Brent Marchant, free lance writer from Chicago, IL, discusses some thoughts on co-creation, Kelesyn Winter, co publisher of WellSpring journal, offers some insights concerning beliefs and natural hypnosis, and Serge Grandbois, who gives voice to the entity Kris, provides a Sethian perspective on war and peace. Also in this issue, Bob Terrio, of Bob Terrio Creations, shares some thoughts on a hero, and Sue Watkins, former ESP class member and prolific writer, offers another wonderful personal memory of Jane Roberts. Sue’s new book, Speaking of Jane Roberts, is featured in this catalog. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of these volunteers. Their creative, informative and stimulating contributions provide the foundation for this newsletter. Please join us in expressing our deep gratitude for their support.

The promotional pages of the newsletter reflect our continued expansion of the Brass Ring catalog. We have added some new titles and are also offering special pricing on selected items, so please take some time to explore the catalog listings in detail. Our product line includes the works of leading authors and traditional publishers, materials produced over the years through the talents of the former SNI staff, and unique offerings by new writers and small publishers devoted to expanding the boundaries of human potential. We hope you find something of interest.

Classified announcements promoting the creative efforts of our readers are contained in the news and information section on page 3. We suggest that you check this section to locate activities in your area and to learn about items of special interest. If you are aware of other activities and events that provide an opportunity for our readers to connect around new thought ideas, or have a desire to promote your personal efforts, please let us know. We will publish relevant submissions in future issues of Perspectives as space, interest and financial considerations permit.

Mary and I want to offer a heart felt thank you to all of our advertisers and customers for their past and continuing patronage of this publication and our bookstore. Without their psychic and financial support we would not be able to produce this newsletter. We sincerely enjoy preparing this publication and the opportunity it provides to gather information, share ideas and to connect with individuals of like mind. We hope that you find value in the material presented in these pages and will continue to support the growth of our store as we explore the boundaries of human potential.

Michael Steffen
Vice President, The Brass Ring Bookstore