036 Free Will, Psychic Boo-Boos, and the Linear Time Trap

Session 36 recorded on the evening of March 18, 1964, is notable for its candid exploration of channeling "distortions," a detailed examination of free will, and a compelling discussion on Seth's communication methods.

Session Overview: An Unplanned Lesson in Distortion

The session was convened with the anticipation of a witness, Bill Macdonnel, who ultimately failed to arrive on time. This unexpected event created an atmosphere of anticipation and anxiety that became the catalyst for the session's primary focus. Early in the session, a "glaring distortion" occurred when Seth announced the friend's arrival, which was immediately proven false. Rather than being a failure, this incident provided a practical, real-time opportunity for Seth to deconstruct the mechanics of communication, the nature of distortion, and the psychological factors at play in the channeling process.

Key Analysis and Insights

1. The Anatomy of a "Distortion"

The session offers a unique, transparent look at a misstep in the communication process. Seth meticulously breaks down the cause and provides guidance for handling such events in the future.

2. Guidance on Identifying and Managing Distortions

Seth uses the incident to establish clear protocols for maintaining the integrity of the material and managing the expectations of the participants.

3. The Nature of Free Will and Its Limitations

Interrupting the discussion of the distortion, the session pivots to a profound examination of free will, presenting it as a multi-layered concept.

4. Time, Foreknowledge, and the Inner Ego

The session tackles the apparent paradox of how the future can be known without being predetermined.

5. Seth's Teaching Method vs. Deep Trance States

Seth concludes with a detailed comparison of his chosen communication method with the more common "deep trance" state, revealing his pedagogical philosophy.

Seth expresses a strong preference for his own method, stating, "I thrive on flexible give and take." He views the active participation of his students and the challenge of potential distortions as a superior, though perhaps slower, educational process.

6. Personal Guidance for the Channel

Seth offers direct advice to Jane (Ruburt) to improve the quality of communication, linking her physical symptoms to the session's psychological tension.

• The ache in her shoulder was a "physical and nervous construction of his subconscious irritation" over the witness's failure to arrive.
• He strongly suggests she not read the material on the night of a session, as it makes her "overly involved" with the content on an intellectual level, which can "hamper the session itself."
• He clarifies the roles: "Your intellect is a good one but we need more than your intellect in these sessions... please give your intuitions freedom during sessions."

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This analysis is based on Session 36 of the Seth Material, as published by the New Awareness Network. For those interested in a deeper exploration of these profound concepts, we encourage the study of the complete Seth Material books.

Visit the New Awareness Network website and bookstore for more information and to purchase these works: sethcenter.com/the-early-sessions.

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