The following is based on my understanding of time, the function/experience of the octave as a whole, and the comments Ra has made about the present moment. I think there are underlying metaphysical concepts to discern when considering the harvest. Ra could easily explain the following in one breath, but instead, they imparted a philosophy that when viewed as a whole, the concept of harvest could be understood clearly and accepted by a person in their own time. By giving specific answers to specific questions, through free will, we interpret the answers differently as our understanding of the material as a whole, grows. Understanding can't be taught. They only answer what was asked of them and let us piece together the information, coming to our own conclusions. I believe that the harvest is occurring now, as Ra has stated in 14.14. I've gone to great lengths to detail the misconceptions of harvest in my other thread that is to be read in conjunction with this one. Here is the link.. http://www.bring4th.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=3231
Ra also agrees that understanding the present moment will lead you to an understanding of the harvest....
Ra is giving us advice to study the spiritual philosophy of what they present in the Law of One, so that you may better understand the present moment, the unity of creation. When you understand the present moment you will have a better grasp of 'time', which will lead to a better understanding of the mechanics of space/time and time/space. In other words, you will be able to understand how the harvest occurs over a period of 'time'..and that it is not instant involving end-date scenarios popularly reflected everywhere else.
Firstly, in 16.21 and 16.22, Ra establishes the concept of the octave as a circle of being that never ceases but exists in the present. In 16.22 it's said that in third density, when removed from space/time which is where we are now, it may be seen how our linear incarnations are viewed as a cycle of completion which exists as one present moment all together. Throughout the material, Ra repeatedly refers to our 'past' and 'future' as illusory. They also cite this reason as to how they are able to travel to any part of our past/present/future to alleviate distortions. Third density then is a microcosm of completion within the the octave, which also exists as a timeless moment as a cycle of completion. This is how the higher-self is able to offer its perspective in a collective fashion, because it has access to all of an entities present moments up to sixth density. Because everything exists simultaneously as a present moment, communication across 'time' simultaneously becomes possible. And again, in 10.12 Ra refers to third density as a time/space accumulation of present moments. It's clear, that third density exists as one moment. Below, I'll detail how the other densities also exist in the present.
Third density is for the purpose of making The Choice. This density is the interaction of polarity so that one may choose which path to embark upon. The unique experience of this octave was to provide a split so there is a stark interaction of polarity, and is why Ra says the choice is the axis upon which the creation turns.
They also say the experience of third density is not necessary, which means it's irrelevant because the split of positive/negative created by third density all ends up as one in 6d and on up. The creator chose to do this for a better understanding of itself, but it's not necessary. The octave experience is the working backwards towards a greater accumulation of present moments that at the octave level, is experienced as one moment or a timeless state. It is a state of timelessness, but all can be known Ra says. Densities 1-2 and 4-7 experience time differently. The other densities are different in that there is only the present. 57.33 clarifies the distinctions between space/time and time/space, and Ra explains how in the higher densities the differences are only for working in a polarized fashion. Ra says in sixth density they don't have a history as we understand this concept, and that their learning remains graven in the present. As I understand it, to the sixth density entity for instance, there is no ability to ever visit your 'historical' experience of sixth density because you are always progressing forward. Your experience in higher densities is solely evolutionary and a refinement back towards the creator.
Why is it that in the higher densities they exist in a more ingrained present state? It involves an understanding of the choice. When you make the choice and you are harvested, you are removed from the illusion of third density and embark on a path of learning and refinement of that choice. You no longer exist in a positive/negative illusion..you either exist in positive or negative. Again, this is why third density is the axis upon which the creation turns, because we choose whether or not we move along the positive path, or the negative path. This split of polarity is the function and experiment of this particular octave, therefore, it is the axis upon which the creation turns.
So third density is an illusion of polarity interaction. Our experience here allows us to move in multiple directions, creating 'past' events and 'future' probabilities as the dramas play out. In this illusion of third density, we create situations, occurrences, and events that have ramifications. These events move us into a new set of circumstances which must be worked out and understood. We cause ourselves karma and our polarization sways. Do you see how we create reality..we create 'past' and 'future' situations that can vary and create different results? When a person makes the choice, you polarize positively or negatively and you are harvested by leaving this illusion. The higher densities no longer exist in any kind of illusion. So they are existing in an acutely realized awareness of polarity and service. The higher densities aren't really moving along naively, rather an entity is refining their polarity and working back towards what it already is; the creator. In this way they have no 'past' that is affecting their 'future', because they exist in a more fully realized present awareness, and they are ever moving forward in the present.
65.12 - This vortex may be very small, but to turn one’s back upon it is to forget the infinite possibilities of the present moment.
In the above, Ra is clearly stating that we exist in the present. We have a 'past' and a 'future' because third density exists as a cycle of completion as the octave does. Third density seems to be a unique density because of both polarities existing here, the choice, and the infinite possibilities of reality creation. The higher densities can look into third density because they exist outside of the illusion of choice. In the higher densities you either exist in the positive or negative polarity, or at a point of mid-sixth density where polarity unifies. So this polarity interaction of third density is what creates 'past' and 'future' events involving possibility/probability outcomes and the realities that they create.
As I understand it, in the higher densities you have your incarnational experiences themselves for the purpose of learning, but there is no 'past' or 'future' because you exist outside of the realm of choice, and you are always moving forward in your present moment experience. So there is no reality creation in the higher densities as much as it is simply a path of learning and refinement. Again, third density is variable and unpredictable because of the freedom of choice, hence an infinite realm of 'past' and 'future' probabilities, but everything always hinges on the present as stated above in 65.12. Learning and interaction in the higher densities 'remains graven in the present', because it is constant refinement of the choice..there is no movement in another direction other than the potential of switching from negative to positive. You may lose polarity because of mistakes, but you are always moving forward in the present.
So in third density, when we make mistakes, incur karma, or simply do not learn lessons to be learned, our mistakes of the past may be alleviated in the next incarnation or in other possibilities/probabilities. This isn't so with densities four, five, and six because they exist solely in the present. Should errors be made in those densities (cause distortion), which seems to involve interaction with third density as teachers/learners, they must try to alleviate those distortions as best as possible by working with other possibilities/probabilities of third density itself. A higher density being can't go back to its 'past', because they are always moving forward. This is why Ra, having made mistakes with the Egyptians, returned to impart the Law of One once again to Don, Carla, and Jim. In 1.1 .."However, we then felt the great responsibility of staying in the capacity of removing the distortions and powers that had been given to the Law of One. We will continue in this until your, shall we say, cycle is appropriately ended. If not this one, then the next. We are not a part of time and, thus, are able to be with you in any of your times." By working with our other 'times' (possibilities/probabilities), they alleviate their own distortions. Because third density is a cycle of completion, we can alleviate our karma in a future incarnation before the cycle ends.
So to recap, all of third density is combined as one moment. If you've ever entered into a deep state of meditation, you understand the feeling of being present, and its difference in relation to 'normal' time. We are in essence, trapped inside this illusion where the passage of time/history occurs until we make The Choice. This is why in 17.2 it is stated that.. "We cannot offer shortcuts to enlightenment. Enlightenment is, of the moment, an opening to intelligent infinity. It can only be accomplished by the self, for the self. Another self cannot teach/learn enlightenment, but only teach/learn information, inspiration, or a sharing of love, of mystery, of the unknown that makes the other-self reach out and begin the seeking process that ends in a moment, but who can know when an entity will open the gate to the present?"
Making the choice is to once again break free from the cyclical illusion (many incarnations involving past/present/future), which begins and ends in a moment. In this way, you step through the gate to the present which is fourth density. This is why you make contact with intelligent infinity when you polarize having made the choice, because you have tapped the potential of positive or negative polarity that exists within the octave. So contact with intelligent infinity is also stated as the gate to the present, because if you don't make the choice you'll continue in another illusion of past/present/future experiences.
This is how I visualize space/time and time/space functioning in relation to the present moment: Visualize both hands on the face of a clock aligned at 12 o'clock. When you incarnate, the minute hand represents space/time by moving around one revolution, and ending at 12 o'clock. The hour hand, representative of time/space, has only moved to 1 o'clock. Do you see how time/space moves slower related to space/time? This is why we incarnate at the time of harvest, and we can easily do what we have to do without the harvest passing us by. It is argued that because the harvest is a 'mechanical' function related to the rhythms described below, it will be instant.
To say the harvest occurs instantly in space/time, meaning death in an instant when the harvest approaches in time/space, misses the point entirely if you understand the concept of the present moment. Because once you've made the choice within the incarnation, which is contact with intelligent infinity, you've been harvested in the metaphysical sense, you've made the choice and stepped through to the present metaphorically, and is why there have been examples given where entities were capable of harvesting themselves. 'The harvest is now' from this perspective makes more sense. The harvest mechanic approaches and is available in space/time for however long that may be.
The timing of the harvest cycles described in 9.4 is a rhythm. It seems to be an outward/inward pulse. If third density is but one moment metaphysically speaking (a moment in time/space), and the pulse is coming our way in time/space, reflected as crossing the galactic plane in space/time, those moments intersect and those that can be harvested, are. There are three opportunities for harvest as it pertains to the cycles and this pulsing rhythm, but third density is always ready and waiting as one moment. Confining the harvest to irrelevant conceptions of past/present/future time is to overlook the understanding of the present moment. The harvest is but a moment in time/space, yet we don't experience it that way in space/time or third density as a whole. This is how the harvest can be gradual because it was stated that the harvest occurs in time/space. There is no loss of 'time' in space/time, as if the harvest is passing us by as we live here incarnate. I've described how with the clock face example above. That moment of intersection is fixed within the octave, it will not slip away. The material clearly supports the view that as the harvest is occuring in time/space, we will continue to live out our lives as long as is viable. This makes sense because there is a lot of catalyst available for the choice to be made, especially as the veil thins. Upon death, which is the transition to time/space, the harvest occurs.
If you understand the concept of the octave and the present moment, we've already made the choice, we've already been harvested in all densities, and we've already turned back towards the creator. When Ra says in 16.22..
...they are giving a metaphor for the movement back towards the Creator as they learn and understand the nature of the Self, just as we try to do, to exist more and more in the present. Because the closer you move towards the Creator, you move ever closer to a state of timelessness existing in the eternal present. In other words, the more you become that which you are, the more realization and awareness of beingness is attained. Thus, you experience more and more wholeness, more present awareness. The light that you are becomes less and less distorted, manifesting the pureness of being. Consciousness is presence. The more conscious you are, the more present you are.
To worry about whether or not the harvest will occur in the future, is to step outside of the present moment, and it misses the metaphysical realizations entirely. The harvest is not "coming", it is now. Live in the present. It is one of the main messages Ra seems to be imparting.
All of this is intuitive perception informing intelligence. The greater teachings can't be understood directly. My perspective of a year ago changed when I grasped these intuitive concepts that Ra has imparted throughout the material, and is why the Law of One can't always be reduced to definitive statements in regards to harvest. I hope this helps.
Ra also agrees that understanding the present moment will lead you to an understanding of the harvest....
Quote:70.22 Questioner: I am sorry to ask such stupid questions, but I am trying to determine something about space/time, time/space, and this very difficult area of the mechanism of evolution. I think it is central to the understanding of our evolution. However, I am not sure of this and I may be wasting my time. Could Ra comment on whether I am wasting my time in this particular investigation or whether it would be fruitful?
Ra: I am Ra. Since the concepts of space/time, or physics, and time/space, or metaphysics, are mechanical they are not central to the spiritual evolution of the mind/body/spirit complex. The study of love and light is far more productive in its motion towards unity in those entities pondering such concepts.
Ra is giving us advice to study the spiritual philosophy of what they present in the Law of One, so that you may better understand the present moment, the unity of creation. When you understand the present moment you will have a better grasp of 'time', which will lead to a better understanding of the mechanics of space/time and time/space. In other words, you will be able to understand how the harvest occurs over a period of 'time'..and that it is not instant involving end-date scenarios popularly reflected everywhere else.
Firstly, in 16.21 and 16.22, Ra establishes the concept of the octave as a circle of being that never ceases but exists in the present. In 16.22 it's said that in third density, when removed from space/time which is where we are now, it may be seen how our linear incarnations are viewed as a cycle of completion which exists as one present moment all together. Throughout the material, Ra repeatedly refers to our 'past' and 'future' as illusory. They also cite this reason as to how they are able to travel to any part of our past/present/future to alleviate distortions. Third density then is a microcosm of completion within the the octave, which also exists as a timeless moment as a cycle of completion. This is how the higher-self is able to offer its perspective in a collective fashion, because it has access to all of an entities present moments up to sixth density. Because everything exists simultaneously as a present moment, communication across 'time' simultaneously becomes possible. And again, in 10.12 Ra refers to third density as a time/space accumulation of present moments. It's clear, that third density exists as one moment. Below, I'll detail how the other densities also exist in the present.
Third density is for the purpose of making The Choice. This density is the interaction of polarity so that one may choose which path to embark upon. The unique experience of this octave was to provide a split so there is a stark interaction of polarity, and is why Ra says the choice is the axis upon which the creation turns.
Quote: 76.16...The prelude to choice must encompass the laying of the foundation, the establishment of the illusion and the viability of that which can be made spiritually viable. The remainder of the densities is continuous refining of the choice. This also is greatly lengthened, as you would use the term. The choice is, as you put it, the work of a moment but is the axis upon which the creation turns.
They also say the experience of third density is not necessary, which means it's irrelevant because the split of positive/negative created by third density all ends up as one in 6d and on up. The creator chose to do this for a better understanding of itself, but it's not necessary. The octave experience is the working backwards towards a greater accumulation of present moments that at the octave level, is experienced as one moment or a timeless state. It is a state of timelessness, but all can be known Ra says. Densities 1-2 and 4-7 experience time differently. The other densities are different in that there is only the present. 57.33 clarifies the distinctions between space/time and time/space, and Ra explains how in the higher densities the differences are only for working in a polarized fashion. Ra says in sixth density they don't have a history as we understand this concept, and that their learning remains graven in the present. As I understand it, to the sixth density entity for instance, there is no ability to ever visit your 'historical' experience of sixth density because you are always progressing forward. Your experience in higher densities is solely evolutionary and a refinement back towards the creator.
Why is it that in the higher densities they exist in a more ingrained present state? It involves an understanding of the choice. When you make the choice and you are harvested, you are removed from the illusion of third density and embark on a path of learning and refinement of that choice. You no longer exist in a positive/negative illusion..you either exist in positive or negative. Again, this is why third density is the axis upon which the creation turns, because we choose whether or not we move along the positive path, or the negative path. This split of polarity is the function and experiment of this particular octave, therefore, it is the axis upon which the creation turns.
So third density is an illusion of polarity interaction. Our experience here allows us to move in multiple directions, creating 'past' events and 'future' probabilities as the dramas play out. In this illusion of third density, we create situations, occurrences, and events that have ramifications. These events move us into a new set of circumstances which must be worked out and understood. We cause ourselves karma and our polarization sways. Do you see how we create reality..we create 'past' and 'future' situations that can vary and create different results? When a person makes the choice, you polarize positively or negatively and you are harvested by leaving this illusion. The higher densities no longer exist in any kind of illusion. So they are existing in an acutely realized awareness of polarity and service. The higher densities aren't really moving along naively, rather an entity is refining their polarity and working back towards what it already is; the creator. In this way they have no 'past' that is affecting their 'future', because they exist in a more fully realized present awareness, and they are ever moving forward in the present.
65.12 - This vortex may be very small, but to turn one’s back upon it is to forget the infinite possibilities of the present moment.
In the above, Ra is clearly stating that we exist in the present. We have a 'past' and a 'future' because third density exists as a cycle of completion as the octave does. Third density seems to be a unique density because of both polarities existing here, the choice, and the infinite possibilities of reality creation. The higher densities can look into third density because they exist outside of the illusion of choice. In the higher densities you either exist in the positive or negative polarity, or at a point of mid-sixth density where polarity unifies. So this polarity interaction of third density is what creates 'past' and 'future' events involving possibility/probability outcomes and the realities that they create.
As I understand it, in the higher densities you have your incarnational experiences themselves for the purpose of learning, but there is no 'past' or 'future' because you exist outside of the realm of choice, and you are always moving forward in your present moment experience. So there is no reality creation in the higher densities as much as it is simply a path of learning and refinement. Again, third density is variable and unpredictable because of the freedom of choice, hence an infinite realm of 'past' and 'future' probabilities, but everything always hinges on the present as stated above in 65.12. Learning and interaction in the higher densities 'remains graven in the present', because it is constant refinement of the choice..there is no movement in another direction other than the potential of switching from negative to positive. You may lose polarity because of mistakes, but you are always moving forward in the present.
So in third density, when we make mistakes, incur karma, or simply do not learn lessons to be learned, our mistakes of the past may be alleviated in the next incarnation or in other possibilities/probabilities. This isn't so with densities four, five, and six because they exist solely in the present. Should errors be made in those densities (cause distortion), which seems to involve interaction with third density as teachers/learners, they must try to alleviate those distortions as best as possible by working with other possibilities/probabilities of third density itself. A higher density being can't go back to its 'past', because they are always moving forward. This is why Ra, having made mistakes with the Egyptians, returned to impart the Law of One once again to Don, Carla, and Jim. In 1.1 .."However, we then felt the great responsibility of staying in the capacity of removing the distortions and powers that had been given to the Law of One. We will continue in this until your, shall we say, cycle is appropriately ended. If not this one, then the next. We are not a part of time and, thus, are able to be with you in any of your times." By working with our other 'times' (possibilities/probabilities), they alleviate their own distortions. Because third density is a cycle of completion, we can alleviate our karma in a future incarnation before the cycle ends.
So to recap, all of third density is combined as one moment. If you've ever entered into a deep state of meditation, you understand the feeling of being present, and its difference in relation to 'normal' time. We are in essence, trapped inside this illusion where the passage of time/history occurs until we make The Choice. This is why in 17.2 it is stated that.. "We cannot offer shortcuts to enlightenment. Enlightenment is, of the moment, an opening to intelligent infinity. It can only be accomplished by the self, for the self. Another self cannot teach/learn enlightenment, but only teach/learn information, inspiration, or a sharing of love, of mystery, of the unknown that makes the other-self reach out and begin the seeking process that ends in a moment, but who can know when an entity will open the gate to the present?"
Making the choice is to once again break free from the cyclical illusion (many incarnations involving past/present/future), which begins and ends in a moment. In this way, you step through the gate to the present which is fourth density. This is why you make contact with intelligent infinity when you polarize having made the choice, because you have tapped the potential of positive or negative polarity that exists within the octave. So contact with intelligent infinity is also stated as the gate to the present, because if you don't make the choice you'll continue in another illusion of past/present/future experiences.
This is how I visualize space/time and time/space functioning in relation to the present moment: Visualize both hands on the face of a clock aligned at 12 o'clock. When you incarnate, the minute hand represents space/time by moving around one revolution, and ending at 12 o'clock. The hour hand, representative of time/space, has only moved to 1 o'clock. Do you see how time/space moves slower related to space/time? This is why we incarnate at the time of harvest, and we can easily do what we have to do without the harvest passing us by. It is argued that because the harvest is a 'mechanical' function related to the rhythms described below, it will be instant.
To say the harvest occurs instantly in space/time, meaning death in an instant when the harvest approaches in time/space, misses the point entirely if you understand the concept of the present moment. Because once you've made the choice within the incarnation, which is contact with intelligent infinity, you've been harvested in the metaphysical sense, you've made the choice and stepped through to the present metaphorically, and is why there have been examples given where entities were capable of harvesting themselves. 'The harvest is now' from this perspective makes more sense. The harvest mechanic approaches and is available in space/time for however long that may be.
The timing of the harvest cycles described in 9.4 is a rhythm. It seems to be an outward/inward pulse. If third density is but one moment metaphysically speaking (a moment in time/space), and the pulse is coming our way in time/space, reflected as crossing the galactic plane in space/time, those moments intersect and those that can be harvested, are. There are three opportunities for harvest as it pertains to the cycles and this pulsing rhythm, but third density is always ready and waiting as one moment. Confining the harvest to irrelevant conceptions of past/present/future time is to overlook the understanding of the present moment. The harvest is but a moment in time/space, yet we don't experience it that way in space/time or third density as a whole. This is how the harvest can be gradual because it was stated that the harvest occurs in time/space. There is no loss of 'time' in space/time, as if the harvest is passing us by as we live here incarnate. I've described how with the clock face example above. That moment of intersection is fixed within the octave, it will not slip away. The material clearly supports the view that as the harvest is occuring in time/space, we will continue to live out our lives as long as is viable. This makes sense because there is a lot of catalyst available for the choice to be made, especially as the veil thins. Upon death, which is the transition to time/space, the harvest occurs.
If you understand the concept of the octave and the present moment, we've already made the choice, we've already been harvested in all densities, and we've already turned back towards the creator. When Ra says in 16.22..
Quote:"In an overview such as an entity may have, removed from the space/time continuum, it may be seen that in the cycle of completion there exists only the present. We, ourselves, seek to learn this understanding."
...they are giving a metaphor for the movement back towards the Creator as they learn and understand the nature of the Self, just as we try to do, to exist more and more in the present. Because the closer you move towards the Creator, you move ever closer to a state of timelessness existing in the eternal present. In other words, the more you become that which you are, the more realization and awareness of beingness is attained. Thus, you experience more and more wholeness, more present awareness. The light that you are becomes less and less distorted, manifesting the pureness of being. Consciousness is presence. The more conscious you are, the more present you are.
To worry about whether or not the harvest will occur in the future, is to step outside of the present moment, and it misses the metaphysical realizations entirely. The harvest is not "coming", it is now. Live in the present. It is one of the main messages Ra seems to be imparting.
All of this is intuitive perception informing intelligence. The greater teachings can't be understood directly. My perspective of a year ago changed when I grasped these intuitive concepts that Ra has imparted throughout the material, and is why the Law of One can't always be reduced to definitive statements in regards to harvest. I hope this helps.