“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

(The 18th envelope test was held during the session. The test object is simply a drawing in black ink of the same symbol used in the first envelope test, of August 18,1965, in the 179th session. See that session for an explanation of the personal meaning this symbol has for us. I made the drawing for this evening’s test on white paper; the paper was thin and the heavy black ink struck through the paper rather clearly. See Volume 4.

I am going to let you find your own answers, but any such tests and examinations will be welcomed by me, as long as they are conducted in such a way so that our sessions are not disturbed. And I anticipate no difficulties here.

It would do no harm to purchase a thermometer, taking Ruburt’s temperature before, after and during some sessions. Anything that you learn is to your benefit along these lines, and will serve us all well. The thermometer could also be used of course to test any temperature changes occurring in a regular trance state. These are merely suggestions which I feel may be of benefit.

(It was now time for the 21st Dr. Instream test. As usual Jane spoke in a quiet voice, sitting with her hands raised to her closed eyes. Her pace was not very slow, however, although she took a few long pauses. Resume at 10:03.)

Do you have a test for me?

(As usual I handed Jane the standard sealed double envelope containing my drawing of the symbol shown on page 95. She reached out for it without opening her eyes, then sat quietly holding it in both hands. Momentarily, she laid her left hand flat upon the envelope. This is the 18th envelope test.)

(Break at 10:24. Jane was dissociated as usual, she said. Her eyes had remained closed. Her pace on our own test had been faster than on the Dr. Instream material.

(As stated on page 95, the black ink drawing struck through the thin test paper so that it was visible on both sides of the paper. This could be “neither side entirely vacant.” The test object is paper, and is connected with me since my name is on it, and I made the drawing. I was 43 until June 20 in 1963.

(We did not press Seth for an item-by-item interpretation of the rest of the impressions. I had prepared this test envelope for last Wednesday’s session but did not use it then; the session was witnessed by the Gallaghers and the test was shoved aside by other developments, notably the impromptu discussion between Seth, Bill and Peg. We ate during the course of the evening, but do not know whether this would be a “supper engagement, with two others beside Ruburt.”

Now. If tests of this nature are to be given at all, they should be given with some kind of regularity, so that Ruburt accepts them as simply another part of the sessions.

His confidence will then be maintained through the averages of our successes, which all in all will be quite good. Isolated tests do not work well, for they upset what he considers the normal circumstances of our sessions. When given they should follow our Dr. Instream material.

When the tests are given regularly we will automatically hit those evenings when conditions are excellent for reception. We shall of course also hit evenings when conditions are not so good, but these will not annoy you when you have successes under your belt.

(Tracing of the envelope front used in the 19th envelope test, in the 213th session for December 1,1965.)