Apparitions are nonphysical or pseudo-physical visual manifestations projected from consciousness, thought, or emotion, possessing electromagnetic and chemical reality.
1964 · The Early Sessions: Book 2 of The Seth MaterialAI summary (single book)
In The Early Sessions, Book 2, Seth offers an in-depth and highly physics-oriented explanation of the concept of "apparitions." At the time, Bill (Mark) had witnessed Seth's apparition at the bathroom door and had begun making a sketch . Seth subsequently pointed out that what people usually call an "apparition" is not an illusory hallucination, but a real, "valid construction" composed of actual matter .
The following are the core discussions and distinctive aspects of the concept of "apparitions" in this book:
1. The personal constructive nature of apparitions and the mechanism of perception
Seth clarifies a core principle: a person can see only what he himself constructs. Therefore, the apparition of Seth that Mark saw was actually constructed by Mark himself .
Lack of shared cues: Under ordinary circumstances, people construct highly similar objects in their respective spatial perspectives through the cooperation of telepathy and many other factors, so that they "appear" to see the same physical object. In this apparition event, however, Seth deliberately "short-circuited" these cooperative factors and provided only the inner "idea data" to Mark alone. Therefore, neither Jane nor Rob could see it; only Mark, who received the inner cues, could construct and visualize it .
Translation of inner data: Outer construction is the translation of inner reality into matter. After receiving Seth's impression of "a higher intelligence beyond the ordinary realm," Mark translated this inner concept into the large forehead and skull in the apparition, and presented it in his sketch . Seth also acknowledged that he had momentarily paused at the door, and noted that Mark was very sensitive to material constructions from other levels .
2. The physical nature and material composition of apparitions
Seth emphasizes that an apparition is by no means a nonphysical projection, but actual matter composed of real atoms and molecules .
The consciousness of atoms and molecules: The atoms and molecules composing the apparition possess "capsule comprehension" and "generalized consciousness." Stimulated by Mark, they combined into a gestalt of physical construction .
Value fulfillment: The formation of the apparition also involves the "value fulfillment" of the atoms and molecules that compose it .
The reason for lack of continuity: Although the apparition is composed of legitimate matter, it cannot operate continuously and stably in physical space-time. This is because the construction lacks the larger data possessed by the complete self when creating a complete human body .
Animal perception: Although the cat (Willy) did not "see" the apparition, because of its special perceptive abilities, it did indeed "sense" the presence of the apparition .
3. The prevalence of apparitions and the tendency to rationalize
Seth points out that apparitions are far more common in the physical world than people imagine. Interestingly, the more complete the construction of an apparition, the less likely people are to realize that it is an apparition, because people always tend to seek various reasons to rationalize away its existence .
4. The relationship of apparitions to "fragments" and "afterimages"
Seth connects the apparition to the "fragments" that Jane and Rob had previously created at York Beach . He points out that if they encounter these previously created fragments again, the phenomena will no longer carry their original threatening quality, but will appear as "afterimages," representing their past fear of what these things signified .
In addition, the book records the phenomenon of "facial change" closely related to apparition events. When Jane stood at the spot where the apparition had appeared, her facial features underwent a real change on a plane about one inch in front of her physical face, becoming squarer and more masculine . Seth confirmed that this facial change was likewise a real materialization phenomenon , and mentioned that Session 46 would discuss Bill's perception of the apparition and the mechanisms behind it in greater detail .
1966 · The Early Sessions: Book 6 of The Seth MaterialAI summary (single book)
In The Early Sessions Book 6, Seth explores the concept of "apparitions" in depth, revealing their state of existence, conditions of perception, mechanisms of construction, and physical and chemical properties.
I. The State of Existence of Apparitions and Obstacles to Perception
Seth points out that so-called apparitions are not rare; they are in fact more or less constantly present. Many apparitions exist within their own systems, whether or not humans perceive them . However, in order to perceive these apparitions, specific conditions must be met .
When humans perceive apparitions, the conflict between intuition and intellect is a key factor. For example, in Session 68, Bill Macdonnel was able to see Seth's apparition for over an hour and sketch it because he allowed his intuition enough freedom; whereas Jane and Rob were unable to see it at that time because they tried to "intellectualize" the phenomenon and were too "picky" about what they allowed themselves to see . Seth also mentions that for those who do not wish to believe, even if he were to fully materialize directly in the center of the room, it would be attributed to collective hallucination or other causes rather than being regarded as evidence .
II. The Mechanism of Construction of Apparitions
Seth clarifies that for an apparition to manifest in the physical system, it must be constructed by the perceiver using the same mechanism by which all physical objects are constructed .
Pseudo-material construction and telepathy: The perceiver does not create the apparition out of nothing, but rather constructs this "pseudo material apparition" based on telepathic data received from the consciousness whose image is being constructed .
Identity of the method of construction: Whether the apparition originates from telepathic information (for example, receiving the thought "I want to say goodbye to my brother" from a dying brother far away and shaping his apparition in the bedroom) or reflects a survival personality, the method of construction is exactly the same. The difference between the two lies not in the process of construction, but in the source of the telepathic data .
III. The Physical and Chemical Properties of Apparitions
Although apparitions are a kind of "pseudo image" on the material level, they are not nothingness, but possess definite physical reality:
Electromagnetic and chemical characteristics: Apparitions have definite electromagnetic reality and chemical properties, and produce slight disturbances in the physical system .
Diffuse structure: Compared with solid physical objects, the chemical properties of apparitions are more diffuse. Seth uses "storm" or "cloud" as analogies: although they are not as solid as rocks, they still possess shape, certain boundaries, and the ability to move .
Perception by animals: Animals are able to detect such apparitions. They do not rely on magic, but respond to the chemical properties of the apparition, and thereby construct an image of the apparition in their minds .
IV. The Diverse Forms of Manifestation of Apparitions
Apparitions not only manifest as independent visual appearances, but can also present themselves by altering the form of existing matter. For example, during a session, Bill and Rob witnessed extremely significant changes in Jane's facial features, and Seth pointed out that this was also a form of apparition .
1966-1967 · The Early Sessions: Book 7 of The Seth MaterialAI summary (single book)
In The Early Sessions Book 7, Seth discusses the concept of "apparitions" from multiple angles. He emphasizes that there is no single explanation for apparitions, because there are many kinds of apparitions, and to some degree they are all real and valid .
First, Seth explains the origin of certain apparitions from the perspective of energy residue of post-death personalities. After physical death, although the connection between consciousness and matter is broken, it is not completely severed, and the personality lingers within the physical system for a period of time. If during this period the personality has not learned its lessons, it may sometimes engage in a psychic reliving and reenactment of past experiences. Although this will not cause the return of actual physical events, the energy used in the process of reliving can, under certain conditions, act as a trigger to instantly rebuild sense data. Seth points out that various kinds of apparitions can be explained through this manner of energy triggering and instant rebuilding of sense data .
Second, Seth elaborates on the different forms of manifestation and sources of apparitions in projections of consciousness:
Apparitions as projections of the self: In projections of consciousness, the individual himself may appear as an apparition within his own system or within another system .
Apparitions as strongly charged ideas: Certain apparitions encountered by individuals on the physical level may actually be "ideas of strong import." From the perspective of human concepts of time, these apparitions as ideas may belong to the past, present, or future .
Apparitions as visiting strangers: Individuals may also encounter genuine apparitional visitors, who are actual visitors from another system. When these visitors are perceived by the individual, they themselves may or may not be aware that they are being perceived .
In addition, Seth links apparitions and projections to "secondary constructions." He points out that individuals can form secondary projections or fragments, and exercise considerable conscious control over them during deliberate projections. These secondary structures (such as objects in dreams) not only possess a reality that surpasses imagination, but also possess fragmented consciousness that can develop further .
In summary, in the sessions of this period, Seth regards apparitions as concrete manifestations of the mobility of consciousness. Whether triggered by energy residue of post-death personalities, projections of the individual's own consciousness, concretization of strongly charged ideas, or visitors from other systems, apparitions all represent the interaction and manifestation of nonphysical consciousness within the physical system or between different systems .
Mike's commentary (Chinese)Mike's commentary
《未知的实相》解读 · Chapter 7207 related passages in this chapter
In Seth's philosophy, "apparitions" (also referred to as "specters," "ghosts," or "pseudophysical images" in some translations) are not illusory hallucinations, but are actually existing, "valid constructions" composed of actual physical matter or energy . They are concrete manifestations of the mobility of consciousness, belonging to the "initial or latent forms" that exist beneath the general structure of physical matter perceivable by humans, not yet fully emerged into physical reality .
Seth points out that so-called apparitions are not rare; they actually exist more or less constantly within their own systems, whether humans perceive them or not . Whether they are energy residues of survival personalities, unconscious telepathic projections of living people, or visitors from other systems, apparitions represent the interaction and manifestation of nonphysical consciousness between different systems .
II. Key Elaborations
1. Personal Construction and Perception Mechanism of Apparitions
Seth elucidates a core principle: an individual can only see what they themselves construct . For an apparition to appear in a physical system, it must be constructed by the perceiver using the very same mechanism used to construct all physical entities . The perceiver does not create it out of thin air, but rather translates and shapes this "pseudo-physical apparition" within their own perspective of space based on telepathic data received from the consciousness of the entity being constructed .
If the cooperative factor of telepathy is "short-circuited" and only a specific individual receives the inner cues, then the apparition can only be constructed and visualized by that single person, while others cannot see it . For example, Mark (Bill), upon receiving Seth's impression of a "higher intelligence beyond the ordinary realm," translated this inner concept into the massive forehead and skull of the apparition . Seth also acknowledged that he had momentarily paused at the doorway, noting that Mark was highly sensitive to physical constructions from other planes .
Furthermore, when humans perceive apparitions, the conflict between intuition and intellect is a key factor. Those who allow sufficient freedom to their intuition are more likely to perceive apparitions, whereas those who attempt to "intellectualize" or find reasons to deny them will fail to notice them due to being overly critical .
2. Physical Nature and Electromagnetic/Chemical Properties
Seth emphasizes that apparitions are by no means nonphysical projections, but are entities with definite physical reality, electromagnetic characteristics, and chemical properties .
Consciousness of Atoms and Molecules: The atoms and molecules that make up an apparition possess "capsule comprehension" and "universal consciousness." Under the stimulation of the perceiver, they combine into a gestalt of physical construction, involving their own "value fulfillment" .
Diffuse Structure: Compared to solid physical entities, the chemical properties of apparitions are more diffuse, resembling a "storm" or a "cloud." Though not solid, they possess shape, boundaries, and the capacity for movement, producing minor disturbances in the physical system (such as temperature changes and air disturbances) .
Animal Perception: Animals (such as cats) are able to perceive such apparitions. They do not rely on magic, but rather react to the chemical properties of the apparition and construct its image in their minds .
Reason for Lack of Durability: Because this construction lacks the grander data possessed by the "whole self" when creating a complete human body, it cannot operate continuously and stably in physical space and time .
3. Main Types of Apparitions
Anxiety Residues of Survival Personalities (Obsessive Ghosts): Some ghosts are thought-forms projected by deceased "survival personalities" due to lingering deep anxiety . They exhibit obsessive, repetitive behaviors, similar to a person having a nightmare who returns to the physical environment to resolve unfinished problems and release energy . Such ghosts themselves are completely harmless, and their personalities are safe and sound .
"Pseudophysical Images" Unconsciously Projected by the Living: Living people, in their daily lives, can also project outward pseudo-substantial forms identical to themselves due to intense longing or desire . If the desire is extremely intense, a portion of the stream of consciousness may even transfer into it, allowing the subject to momentarily perceive the environment in which the pseudophysical image is located .
External Visitors and Intense Ideas: This includes actual visitors from other systems, as well as the materialization of ideas of intense importance encountered on the physical plane .
Transfiguration: Apparitions can also manifest by changing the form of existing physical matter. For example, when Jane stood in the spot where an apparition had appeared, her facial features underwent a real, more square and masculine change on a plane about an inch in front of her physical face .
III. Evolutionary Context
Seth's explanation of the concept of "apparitions" shows an evolution and deepening from "micro-physical construction" to "multidimensional transformation of consciousness":
The Early Sessions Period (1964–1967): Focused on the physical construction and perception mechanisms of apparitions. Seth analyzed in detail the case of Mark witnessing and drawing his apparition, emphasizing that apparitions are composed of atoms and molecules, and exploring the translation of telepathic data, personal construction, and the electromagnetic and chemical properties of apparitions . During this period, apparitions were viewed as "pseudo-physical" manifestations of consciousness in physical systems , and it was mentioned that Session 46 would discuss Bill's perception of the apparition and the mechanisms behind it in greater detail .
The Seth Speaks Period (1970–1971): Integrated apparitions into the grand framework of the reality of life and death. Seth systematically classified "obsessive ghosts" and "unconscious pseudophysical images of the living," pointing out that while humans are unaware of other realities when awake, they also appear as "ghosts" in other realities during sleep or astral projection, thereby breaking down the absolute boundary between life and death .
The Nature of Personal Reality Period (1972–1973): Expounded from the perspective of the externalization of beliefs and mental images. It points out that the body has an invisible, nonphysical structure composed of sound, light, and electromagnetics, in which thoughts and mental images, as "incipient images," gather energy, eventually manifesting outwardly as perceivable visual appearances . Meanwhile, the conscious mind plays a key role in this process; the universe, like the mind, is constantly expanding, and energy is never lost—whether in physical form or nonphysical projection forms, they are all expressions of conscious energy at different stages and dimensions .
The Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment Period (1979–1980): Elevated apparitions to the height of cosmic evolution and the transition of consciousness. Seth pointed out that in the early stages of the universe's formation, physical matter did not solidify instantaneously, but went through a gradual manifestation process from "formless intentions" to "shapes not yet fully materialized" (i.e., the state of apparitions), with dreams being the ultimate source of all these projections .
IV. Relationship with Related Concepts
Relationship with "Fragments" and "Afterimages": Apparitions are closely related to the "fragments" created by an individual. When an individual encounters a previously created fragment again, these phenomena will no longer possess their original threat, but will appear as "afterimages," representing past fear of the meaning those things stood for .
Relationship with "Secondary Constructions": The vast majority of apparitions are called "secondary constructions" because the full consciousness of the personality is not within them; they are automatic projections and are usually completely unaware of the psychological effects they cause in others .
Relationship with "EE Units (Electromagnetic Energy Units)" and "Mental Images": Mental images are the embryonic forms of apparitions. By attracting ee units and gathering energy within nonphysical structures of sound, light, and electromagnetics, they eventually form apparitions that are not yet fully materialized on the borderline of physical matter .
V. Representative Original Quotations
"What are usually called 'apparitions' are not illusory hallucinations, but are actually existing, 'valid constructions' composed of actual physical matter." — The Early Sessions, Volume 2
"For an apparition to appear in a physical system, it must be constructed by the perceiver using the very same mechanism used to construct all physical entities." — The Early Sessions, Volume 6
"The electromagnetic intensity of a thought or emotion determines the intensity, clarity, and permanence of the form." — Seth Speaks
"These intentions hover on the borderline between the nonphysical and the physical, slowly taking shape, 'flickering like lights, and then stabilizing into shapes not yet fully materialized.'" — Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment, Volume 1