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The visions in this podcast series are those of Kate, the love interest of the author of "Approach to Reality." When I read this book recently, after seeing it mentioned by you, it seemed to mirror my own life situation in an uncanny way. I am grateful that you are doing the Vision series and that you mentioned that book.

On the "Approach to Reality" book cover there is a note from the publisher stating that Kate's visions would be published as a separate book. That note aroused my interest. because both Kate and A.J. Peterson in "Approach to Reality" are described as having been heavily influenced by Idries Shah, and Kate is the source of the visions described.

When searching for the visions book by author Kate Thomas (a pseudonym for Jean Shepherd), I saw that she wrote an autobiographical trilogy: Signals from Eternity: The Autobiography of a 20th Century Mystic, The Destiny Challenge: A Record of Spiritual Experience and Observation, and Beloved Executioner: An account of training for Seership. These books seem to be out-of-print. quite expensive used, and only available from a few libraries worldwide.

Mr. Dennis, I wonder if you are familiar with the Kate Thomas trilogy, and if so, whether you could direct me to further information about those books or to a possible source for the material. Her son Kevin Shepherd publishes philosophical material on several websites, but I have been unable to locate contact information for him.

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Hello Neil - thank you very much for your comments and observations (and for sharing your own investigations into the elusive 'A.J. Peterson' - yes, you are correct in all you have said. I first read 'Approach to Reality' about 20 years ago. It intrigued me at the time (especially the 'visions' part), yet I left it. Then in 2024 I came back to the book for a re-read and felt it was timely to give more exposure to these visionary experiences, as the book is almost unknown. Yes, I am aware that the author is Kate Thomas (the 'love interest' in the book). I have all her trilogy also. 'Signals from Eternity' is the first in the trilogy; and 'Beloved Executioner' is the second one. However, I would say that these books are quite 'pedestrian' in nature and deal with Kate's early years, her failing marriage, and all the (quite boring) details of her interactions with a community of people involved with Meher Baba. In all honesty, I could not recommend these books as they are not in the same league as 'Approach to Reality.' The third book 'The Destiny Challenge' is where you would find the material of Kate's visions - this book is a huge 1000 pages, and deals with her life in detail, her visions, and her disputes with the Findhorn Association (etc, etc). All these books are out of print. I bought the first 2 books (along with 'Approach'), about 20 years ago and paid pennies for them. I bought 'The Destiny Challenge' only about 2 years ago and found a cheap 2nd hardback for a very reasonable price. If you search, you may still find cheapish 2nd hand copies. Yes, Kate (Jean Shepherd) was heavily influenced by Shah in her earlier days (around the time of her visions), yet this relationship did not continue further into her life. I know nothing about her son, and have no further information than I have related here. I suggest we take what we can from what was left us, and benefit from what is available. Thanks again, and I'd love to hear any more thoughts from you. All best wishes - Kingsley

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Wow. Two days ago had a dream about what is behind the moon. the Crystalline structures of the mind and all the dark obsidian fistulas and conduits that resonate

the elementals are even more obvious now in the transition into the world of chaos.

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Any comment that includes the phrase 'dark obsidian fistulas' deserves a salute from me ;-)

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thank you. I am honoured by your comment.

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A magical journey through mushroom-night with the sound of a SpaceDidgeridoo. Reminiscences like Altered States with William Hurt.

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Intriguing film ... 'Altered States' based on the life of maverick scientist Dr. John C. Lilly (see my 'Ghost in the Machine' video episode on Lilly)... and directed by maverick British film director Ken Russell ... starring the brilliant under-rated actor William Hurt - what more do you need? ;-)

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Jan 25Edited

Out of the Blue…🙏

Summary courtesy of China’s DeepSeek

The text describes a vivid, surreal experience of a semi-sleep state filled with intense imagery and sensations. The narrator perceives a large, inactive shape beside their bed, which they describe as a "shell" filled with magnetically charged energy particles. These particles flow out like a volcanic eruption, saturating the narrator's essence and activating their brain. They experience being inside their brain, witnessing luminous chambers and explosive particles that open up new spaces, filling them with a magical substance.

Throughout this ordeal, two comforting Beings guide the narrator, explaining that they are acting as a filter or drain for impressions from specific individuals. These impressions, described as "red" impulses, are dangerous if activated but eventually disperse into manageable pockets. The narrator feels on the periphery of a larger flow, only taking in what is necessary.

The experience intensifies with an internal "dance" linked to the cosmos and the physical body, accompanied by sounds, perfumes, and colors. Vivid images emerge, including an elephant, a red flower, a strong ox, a serpent, and a dazzling blue Krishna lodged in the heart. Later, the narrator is plunged into a cosmic dance connecting with elemental and mineral kingdoms, experiencing explosive heat and clarity that opens new layers of existence. They communicate with inhabitants of this realm, including a dark, beautiful Being and elemental spirits, accompanied by a muted, infra-red musical note. The experience is both terrifying and transformative, blending physical, spiritual, and cosmic elements.

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