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CHAPTER VIII

Homes, Clothing, Food

Homes

Spirit communications on homes are quite varied, ranging from no homes at all to elaborate ones. Some say they are built by thought alone, while others explain that materials are used. Perhaps this is an example of talking about what is known and experienced by a specific spirit, and that may depend on where one resides. There is agreement that habitations are the results of one's life and endeavors, and are used to identify the spirit.

Herbine (1917) says that houses are only for unevolved souls, while Petersilia (1892) counters that it is only the spiritual vagabonds in the first sphere that have no home. Hyslop (1918) states that spirits live in houses for a little while, then get rid of them. He goes on to cite one woman who had no house, but all the flowers she wanted. According to Peebles (1902), when homes are no longer needed, the atoms are dissipated and carried to a higher sphere where those materials form the nucleus of a more glorious house. He also says that spirits who have moved on can bequeath their homes and gardens to others, who may then adapt them as they wish.

Homes are as real to spirits as they are to us. They are like those on earth, but more dreamlike and beautiful. They vary from earth homes in that there are no climate concerns, insects, or uncleanliness (Peebles, 1902). Homes serve as a place to rest, recuperate, entertain and as a family and community center; they are a place of happiness and joy.

Spirits first live in houses constructed by others or in a community house for transients. As they grow in spirituality, they build their own dwellings (DeKoven, 1920). Homes can also be built especially for a person before they arrive in the spirit world. If the transition is sudden, the house is built while they rest. Furnishings can be selected by the individual, or the house may be already equipped (Kennedy, 1992).

Those in the spirit world that are still close to earthly life create homes and gardens that are similar to what they know. As the soul progresses and grows, so does the home become more beautiful and perfect. Gardens, surroundings, and furnishing improve and correspond to the mental state of the spirit.

Although there is some disagreement about the methods of constructing a house, most Spiritualist writers agree that creating by thought is often used. Homes in the lower spheres tend to be built mechanically, and those in the upper spheres by thought. Petersilia (1892) declares that since thoughts are real, spiritual things, homes are constructed within the mind. Raymond, the son of Sir Oliver Lodge, communicated that he lived in a solid house, but that things appear substantial and solid at first, then become transparent and vapory (Lodge, 1916). Peebles (1902) insists that homes can not be built from spirit substances by will power alone, that skills are needed. Only if the spirit has gained complete victory over matter can a home spring into being by the effort of will. When the house is no longer needed, it simply ceases to exist.

When materials are used, they vary from manipulating the ether to using stone, crystals, wood and brick. Sets of rhythmical vibrations can be used for construction (DeKoven, 1920). Material can be drawn from the atmosphere, and then concentrating on the image of what is wanted attracts the matter to it.

Homes can be a series of houses, each allotted to a certain kind of work (Owen, vol. 1, 1920). Some homes have separate rooms for contemplation and study. Peebles (1902) explains that societies in the spirit world are grouped according to the character of their lives, and that homes have multiples of six living in each one. The smallest subdivision is six people, with three men and three women.

Clothing

Spirit communication regarding clothing is just as varied as it is about housing. The nearer one is to earth, the more clothing is similar to what is worn here. Lodge (1916) mentions that a person can wear his own clothes for a little while, but that earth garments can not be worn for long. Clothing made by spirit workers is provided for those who are newly arrived to the spirit world. This is prepared ahead of time because they know when someone is coming. Spiritual clothing corresponds to the individual's spiritual and moral status, and may vary as the mental and emotional states change. The sphere one is in and changes in unfoldment, rank, and position may also cause the clothing to change (Peebles, 1902). The texture, color, style, form, shape, and fashion of clothing corresponds to the spirit's status and occupation. Lawton (1932) reports that in Summerland, the third sphere, clothing is a kind of second body, and portrays the inner attributes of the soul.

Clothing is not made of fabric, but from etheric matter. It is formed out of material sensitive to inner thoughts and emotions. Longley (1908) says that elements are gathered from the atmosphere and woven into lace and other fabrics; a garment can be changed by waving a hand over it. DeKoven (1920) maintains that you can wear whatever you prefer. No two garments are alike because they are the reflection of the inner spirit. Clothing responds to the inward expressions and feelings of the wearer. It expresses the true state of the spirit, so it is constantly changing and renewing itself (Leonard, 1927). Owen (vol. 1, 1920) goes farther to say that clothing can also change according to where you are on the grounds. All agree that clothing never wears out or gets soiled, and it does not need to be repaired or remade.

Garments are usually described as loose and flowing robes, with different colors and textures. Some appear as light, and become brighter and whiter as one ascends in the spheres. Hare (1855) described flowing vestments that are suited to the refinement of the body; they have phosphorescent principles that attract, absorb, and reflect rays of light.

Some accounts give specific information on clothing. Moses (1952) maintains that spirits of wisdom have auras and robes of sapphire blue; those of love wear crimson. Leonard (1927) says that women have their hair flowing about their shoulders, and they wear soft sandals that are usually rose colored. Men dress in coats, vests, trousers, hats, and sandals according to Crowell (1879). Most agree that children dress as they please, but others give specifics; one example is that girls 15-20 years of age must wear white with flowers.

Food

Again spirits give varied opinions and reports. Most agree that the more refined and developed the spirit, the less food is required. The variety and quality of food depends on the sphere one is in. Stead (1909) maintains that there is no need to eat because material conditions are different. DeKoven (1920) agrees by saying that food with a substance like snow is given to material spirits to revive them at first, but it is not necessary later. If a spirit wants to eat, one can be given what appears to be earth food (Hyslop, 1918).

Fruit is available in all spheres, but varies as to quality and type. Crowell (1879) says that in the second sphere food is given to each person in a quantity to satisfy, but not gratify. In the fourth sphere three meals a day are served in the dining room, with over 20 varieties of fruit and water and unfermented wine. Herbine (1919) maintains that the perfume of the fruit is enough for nourishment, but it can be eaten when desired. Others agree by emphasizing that the essence of the food, or absorbing nutrients from the atmosphere, is sufficient.

Randall (1917) addresses addictions by saying that if drugs, tobacco, and alcohol are in the nervous system, they are also in the etheric body, and the cravings for these must be overcome. Hyslop (1918) states that one can manufacture whatever is wanted, but after a little while the desire is gone. Alcoholics, however, may have their craving for years.

Conclusion

Spirit communications are much more varied on homes, clothing, and food than on physical surroundings and geography. Like buildings, homes can be built by thought alone, or by using actual construction methods and materials. Homes, gardens, and furnishings correspond to the mental state of the spirit. Most agree that when houses are no longer needed, they are either left for someone else just making a transition, or dissolved into the atmosphere.

Descriptions of clothing in the spirit world also vary, but there is general agreement that what is worn corresponds to the individual's spiritual and mental status. Like homes, clothes can be made by the thought process, and may be changed according to one's mood or intent. The type of food needed also depends on one's stage of spiritual development. Most of the writers agree that food is available, but there are a number of specific descriptions. Individual perceptions, both of the mediums and those in the spirit world, are no doubt a factor here.

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