Spiritual Experiences (Odhner) n. 1183

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1183. And when those angels could not restrain themselves from such thoughts, even when urged to stop, they were finally removed from their habitation-in fact, to a greater distance off, a little toward the left. They had turbans such as women wear on their heads, but beautifully wound. Now when they had gone some distance-looking perhaps, I realized, for a different Lord, or a different heaven, where, as they were told, they might work more restfully than in this heaven-something golden appeared in front of them, at which they were jubilant, for everything they saw had a golden, radiant splendor. Besides this they saw other beautiful things and artistic objects which greatly delighted them, as well as beautiful women. But they were told that all these are only the products of fantasies, and could therefore not entertain them for long. Presently they were let into a dark chamber, and now they are hoping to come back. As yet I know no more. 1748, 6 March.

1183 1/2. I was also shown how they work. They do not work in gyres or circles like the rest, but by seemingly linear back-and-forth motions, yet streaming. The reason for this, I was told, is because they bring in what must be thought and spoken, and at the same time, what must be answered. For they think they possess the whole person, and control him or her by their own power, even if they do not deny the Lord's higher rule. Thus they consider the people on earth as nothing but their instruments for operating in the world, and therefore completely disdain and reject them as trash when they cannot make use of them as slaves, and flattering them for the sake of their services. They are concerned only with themselves and care nothing for others. And because they bring in both thoughts and answers, their action is back-and-forth in this manner, but streaming.


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