Genessano—Gentola̤, you perceive that you and we pass through what mortals term solid substances without experiencing any resistance. I recall that after my release from my physical body I thought it one of my strangest experiences of my new state of existence, and for a time I could not realize that I could pass through a wall or other substance as easily as through an open door. Newly freed spirits ever are greatly surprised upon finding themselves possessed of this ability. Indeed, Spirits of low planes of evolvement rarely realize that in order to enter a dwelling they need not await the opening of a door or window.
Gentola—I have observed and thought of it, but always there is so much that is marvellous in this new experience that I have not found opportunity to speak of it. Now I shall be pleased if some one will explain the matter.
De L'Ester—All so termed solids are composed of extremely minute particles of substance. Resolve the molecule into its most attenuated state and atoms result. All energy is atomic, hence substantial. Expressions of energy known as attraction, cohesion, gravity and others, are embraced within what your learned ones term Magnetism, and were it possible to comprehend what this term implies and involves, it might be possible to comprehend the Infinite. Atoms contain all qualities, and not only the atoms filling all space, but those composing so termed solids are each surrounded by an aura all its own. In Planetary language this aura is known as Rē, which signifies Spiritualized Substance. It is a quality of all things everywhere, and is so sublimated as to be incomparable to aught else. Yes, your learned ones admit the separateness of the molecule and the atom, but they fail to recognize the Spiritual quality of either. The Spirit body is, so to say, organized from the atomic aura of the physical body, its density depending upon the quality of the aura. The Spirit body of one on the very lowest sensual plane necessarily is dense and gross; hence, Spirits possessing such bodies find it difficult, perhaps impossible, to pass through walls or closed doors. Were your mortal existence on a low plane we could not use you for our present purpose; were it on a still more advanced plane both you and we would not occasionally be at cross purposes. It is not a flattering statement, but it is a fact, and you will not misunderstand me.
Gentola—Not in the least. I am very sensible of my imperfections, and am full of regret that my entire life has not been devoted to highest aims and pursuits. I am only a little reconciled to my own shortcomings through believing that I shall have endless time in which to amend them.
De L'Ester—So you will, and though we may not hasten the passing years, we all may improve each moment of that which possesses neither beginning or ending. Oh, yes, many persons are given to flippant mention of eternity and perfection. Only the Infinite can comprehend the one or possess the other, but through constant striving all may attain to loftiest heights of Spiritual unfoldment. Yes, through constant striving for higher unfoldment, both physically embodied and freed Spirits grow wiser, purer and stronger. Spirit bodies being organized from atomic aura, it follows that if the aura be sufficiently pure, even as wind may pass through the meshes of a gossamer web, so may the sublimated atoms of Spirit bodies penetrate any aggregation of grosser atoms.
Gentola—At what period of a child's physical existence is its Spirit body fully formed?
De L'Ester—From the moment of conception the formation of the Spirit body begins, but not until the midway period of gestation does the Spirit body assume a distinctive outline. From this period onward the Law of Being compels the atoms composing the Spirit body to arrange themselves in accordance with the Divine plan of organization. At seven months' gestation the Spirit body of a child is fully formed.
Yes, the qualities of both the physical and Spirit bodies of children largely depend upon parental conditions. So, also, if conditions are of a high order, children begin their mortal life journey well prepared for inevitable exigencies. If, unfortunately, conditions are of a low order, they must encounter mortal experiences handicapped from the moment of conception. Yes, this Law would seem to work an injustice to myriads of humans born under untoward conditions, but, to quote Professor Doiko, "Andûmana̤, creator and preserver, makes no mistakes." When humanity evolves sufficiently to realize the vital importance of conditions and the certain transmission of hereditary traits, children become well born and in time the peoples of all Planets do evolve to an understanding and observance of this, the most important law of the ever ascending planes of evolution.
What becomes of children prematurely born? As the doctor has not yet arrived I may briefly reply that the souls of infants prematurely expelled from the matrix, are by appointed Spirits borne to a Realm in which are conditions specially adapted to their requirements and development, where, at the full period of gestation, they, in a sense are born into conscious existence. Thenceforward until maturity, guardian Spirits continuously conduct them to the physical plane, where they are placed en rapport with their parents or with such conditions as are required for their growth and development, bodily, mentally, and to a degree Spiritually. Should the parents, especially the mother, have passed to the Spirit side, the child will be brought into contact with the family life of persons as nearly related as possible to its parents. Generally such children are attended by the Spirit Mother or one with a strong mother nature. It is a Law that children born prematurely or who otherwise have passed to the Spirit side, must become acquainted with mortal experiences; thus the unseen members of many families outnumber the recognized sons and daughters.
On the Spirit side are countless numbers of women who, in their last re-embodiment, did not fulfill the Law of their being; gladly they become guardians of children requiring a mother's care and love. Especially do such Spirits charge themselves with the care of waifs prematurely expelled from the matrix by ignorant, thoughtless or heartless mothers, who, on passing to the spirit side, are confronted by the unlooked for evidence of their ignorant or criminal folly. Yes, children prematurely born as the result of accident or of other unavoidable conditions, are subject to the same laws that govern children purposely thrust into the Spirit World. You are aware that your sister Emma was prematurely born, consequently, her form is rather diminutive and of a substance so refined as to remind one of that of a pure white lily.