[Transcriber's note: The use of [a:] denotes the letter a/A with a
diaeresis below. I was unable to locate a utf8 equivalent. Original
spelling has been retained, my limited knowledge of ENTOESE left me
with little choice.]
JOURNEYS TO
THE PLANET MARS
OR
OUR MISSION TO ENTO
BY
SARA WEISS
Author of "Story of Decimon Huydas: A Romance of
the Planet Mars"
THE BRADFORD PRESS
45 BROADWAY NEW YORK
Copyright, 1903,
BY
SARA WEISS
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER PAGE
I. Interview with the Evon-Thia 1
II. Special Features of Mars 14
III. Ento, and Entoans 35
IV. Descriptive Features 53
V. Giordano Bruno 74
VI. Inidora and Genessano 103
VII. First Approach to Ento Sensitives 132
VIII. Spiritualized Man 166
IX. Meeting with Camarissa 177
X. Dr. Blank's Lesson 215
XI. In the Galarésa 249
XII. Europe and the Far North 284
XIII. Ento's Precious Stones 317
XIV. Dano and Vallo[a:] 370
XV. Re-embodiment 382
XVI. Concerning the Eskimos 434
XVII. Culmination of the Mission 473
EXPLANATORY NOTE.
In the Ento language, the accented A has the sound of [a:]h. The
horizontal line over E, gives it the long sound of a. The circumflex
over ŷ and û, closes them, and in certain words I takes the sound of
E. Thus, Info st[a:] tiv[a:] Zēnoss[a:]a oovistû is pronounced Info
st[a:]h tev[a:]h Zēnoss[a:][a:] oovistû. In English this signifies,
To the care of the gods until we meet again, and Info oovistû bears
the same meaning as the French expression, au revoir. Largely the Ento
language is a language of inferences, it expresses far more than words
indicate. Various movements of the hands convey subtle meanings, adding
to, or detracting from apparently simple statements, questions or
replies. Tylû is Ento for city; y and û being closed it is pronounced
Tilloo. The interjection, Loh[a:]û is Ento for the English word,
hail; a form of greeting, as Loh[a:]û, ēmano (Hail, friend!) and is
pronounced Lohowoo amano. These are simple examples of a language not
at all complex, but replete with charming expressiveness.
PREFACE.
To all who may be concerned in an endeavor to acquire information
relating to affairs beyond the range of physical vision we offer for
consideration what may be regarded as an incredible narrative of
journeys to, and explorations of the Planet known as Mars, and we
entreat that you shall not pass unfriendly judgment upon that which
may impress you as a merely imaginative composition, but which, in all
sincerity, is a statement of facts.
Desiring to, as far as practicable, simplify the relation of this
absolutely truthful narrative, of a not unexampled undertaking, I,
and others of the Evon-thia, have thought it well to present it in
colloquial form, as being more realistic than any other mode of
expression, and also we have thought it well, that only a limited
number of our numerous Band shall present themselves as actors, in what
may appear a fanciful drama.
We are aware that we might offer certain special pleadings, which, in
many minds, would induce favorable consideration of the unvarnished
relation of our varied experiences, but we prefer to leave to the
more or less enlightened seekers after truth, such verdict as their
inner perceptions may accord, not only for the facts and philosophy
involved in the narrative, but also for the services of our intrepid
conscientious and faithful instrument, who, during nearly two years,
devoted her time, her energy and such ability, as she alone of Earth's
sensitives, at this period possesses, for the accomplishment of an
object which long has concerned the denizens of our and other spirit
worlds, an object for which wittingly she became re-embodied.
With occasional brief interruptions, our journeys to the Planet,
astronomically known as Mars, but to its inhabitants as Ento, which
in the Ento language signifies "chosen, or set apart," extended from
October 6, 1892, to September 16, 1894. During this period, through a
rather rare phase of mediumship, which we term semi-automatism, the
objective, or soul consciousness of our instrument was controlled
to write certain observations and experiences, but through various
unavoidable conditions, the record was somewhat imperfect, fragmentary
and altogether too voluminous for the purpose in view. Hence, when
after quite two years, during which she gradually recovered from the
devitalized condition, to which her devotion to a most worthy object
had reduced her, she expressed her readiness to permit herself to
pass under my control for the purpose of revising the manuscript, the
contents of which she was almost wholly ignorant, I found myself a
little dismayed over the magnitude of our mutual undertaking, which
I well knew would tax our endurance to the utmost, and certainly,
only patient, persistent endeavor on the part of our instrument, and
myself, has resulted in what, at the best, we all consider a not very
satisfactory rendition of experiences as unique as ever have occurred
to one yet embodied in physical form. So unique, indeed, that she
shrinks from the probable, nay, the certain unpleasant criticism which
the presentation of not new, but unrecognized facts, may elicit, and
it is only through the persistent entreaties of friends on both sides
of life that finally she has decided to offer for publication the
rather sketchy narrative of our journeys to Ento. Possessing neither
a natural, nor a cultivated ability, for a pictured presentation
of form, our spirit artist, Aaron Poole, has found it difficult to,
through her automatism, represent even some of the simpler examples
of the Flora of your neighboring Planet, but I may assure you that,
though from an artistic standpoint, they are somewhat crude, they
convey a fairly correct idea of the form and color, of the species
of plant life they represent. Also, I may state that our mission to
Ento was undertaken for a specific purpose, the record of its various
features being a secondary affair, but of sufficient importance to
induce us to undertake the task, which to all concerned, has been
purely a labor of love. Largely, it has been written for the purpose of
affording our Earthians information which only through the mediation
of discarnated spirits can be obtained. To scientific inquiry, in
whatsoever direction, there is a limit beyond which the physically
embodied man cannot penetrate, but to freed, most exalted spirits from
whom we receive instruction, the depths of unthinkably boundless space
are accessible. To spirits less exalted as we are, the planets of our
solar system afford free fields of observation, and in some far distant
time you and we, dear reader, through loving service for Humanity, may
find ourselves so purified, through earnest investigation and lofty
aspiration, so learned, so exalted, that together we may journey beyond
suns and worlds of which your photographers catch imprints, as faint
as smiles on the white faces of your dear dead. And may we hope that
in reading of our mission to Ento, you may find some expression of
thought, some lesson which may aid you in ascending the heights, ever
leading toward exalted states of being, thus nearer to a realizing
sense of the all pervading, infinite spirit of an infinite universe. We
pray that it may be so.
To all who love their fellow man, to all who love truth, for truth's
sake, and who earnestly, prayerfully seek for it wheresoever it may be
found, we dedicate this narrative of loving endeavor.
Carl De L'Ester,
Counsellor and Guide of one of the Spirit Bands, in
Planetary language known as Evon-thia (for love's sake).
JOURNEYS TO THE PLANET MARS.
CHAPTER I.
INTERVIEW WITH THE EVON-THIA.
De L'Ester--Madame, we greet you, and rejoice to perceive that our last
prolonged visit to Luna has not proven detrimental to your health, but
hereafter we must endeavor to be more prudent. Now, I pray you, to
attentively listen to what I may say to you.
During the years of your present re-embodiment, for a definite purpose,
and toward a definite period, certain Spirits have occupied themselves
in shaping the unfoldment of your Mediumship, the anticipated period
has arrived, and with blended emotions, we, your Spirit friends,
question the momentous future, which we trust contains the glorious
fulfillment of a stupendous undertaking. Soon after your son Bernard
passed to our side of life, we informed you that you no longer would be
used for automatic writing, but that later on your Mediumship would be
manifested through an altogether different expression. We did not then,
and we do not now deem it advisable, to more than refer to this change
of phase, considering it best that, through your own experiences, you
shall grow into an understanding of what otherwise no one can make
plain to your comprehension. Our paper on Earth's Satellite nears a
conclusion; indeed, for the present, in that direction, to-day will
end our investigations. May we hope that your recent experiences have
proven sufficiently interesting to have awakened in you a desire for a
larger knowledge and a more comprehensive view of the wonders of Starry
Space?
We are aware that in the minds of Earth's thinkers there is a lively
interest relating to a world of our Solar System, astronomically
known as the Planet Mars. We, too, are greatly interested in the same
direction, and it is our ardent desire that we may use you as a means
through whom Earth's peoples may obtain a closer acquaintance with the
Planet, and through whom we may accomplish an aim very dear to our
hearts. We also are aware that your desire to acquire knowledge, at
even a sacrifice of personal ease, and other allurements, will induce
you to regard our proposal with favor, so I shall not urge you into
hasty compliance with our wishes. You carefully will consider the
matter, and we with some anxiety will await your decision.
Now close your eyes, tranquillize your thoughts, and quickly we again
will visit Luna.
_October 4th, 1892._
De L'Ester--Yes, again we are with you, and are delighted to find you
fully recovered from your exhaustive experience of yesterday. Are we
to felicitate ourselves upon your having favorably considered our
proposal? You hesitate; yet in the past you have trusted yourself to
our care and guidance. Surely you safely may trust us for the future.
Medium--If I seem to hesitate, it is not that I fear trusting myself
to your care, but you are aware that this phase of Mediumship is very
devitalizing, so you will understand that I a little shrink from
incurring possible injury to my health. Then, too, if you may consider
it advisable, I should like to be informed concerning the proposed
undertaking. Since my early youth I have greatly desired to study
astronomy, but always circumstances have prevented my gaining more than
a very slight knowledge of this, to me, most wonderful of sciences, so,
as in the undertaking some astronomical features are involved, without
further hesitation I accept your proposal to attempt to make use of my
organism for what I feel assured is a wise and beneficent purpose.
De L'Ester--Madame, in our undertaking much is involved that will
be unfolded as we progress toward its fulfillment. Aside from the
principal object in view, we desire, and hope to give through you,
descriptive sketches of the geographical divisions, geological
formations, fauna, flora, race characteristics, social conditions,
religious beliefs and rites, government, educational methods, arts,
sciences, architecture, mechanics and other features of the planet
Mars. Certainly we fully understand the devitalizing effect of your
peculiar Phase of Mediumship, and I will not conceal from you that your
acceptance of our proposition may bring about possible undesirable
consequences which we cannot foresee, so again I say, we will not urge
you, but should you comply with our wishes to have you accompany us in
a series of journeys from Earth, to Mars, our gratification will be
boundless, and your experiences will be so unique that in any event
you will find no cause for regret. Friends who are known to you, and
others with whom you will become acquainted, will share with us the
responsibilities and pleasures of the undertaking. For the most part
these persons are interested in such sciences and pursuits as engaged
their attention while in physical form, thus they are specially fitted
for such purposes as they have been chosen to serve.
No, madame, we do not anticipate even a remote possibility of a fatal
disaster to your physical existence; but, through exhaustion, your
health might receive injury, so you will weigh the matter well before
positively deciding to devote yourself to what I may assure you is a
beneficent purpose. Should your decision meet our wishes, after the
first step shall have been taken we will expect you to be steadfast to
the end.
We, as well as yourself, have duties and occupations, and in the event
of your positive acceptance of our proposition, it will be necessary
that we shall make certain arrangements for the successful inception
and after-progress of our journeys and investigations.
You are not yet fully developed in your peculiar Phase of Mediumship,
and unfortunately you are extremely skeptical and over-cautious, which
renders you very positive, and doubtless there will be occasions when
it will be difficult to harmonize conditions; still, as you possess in
an unusual degree the graces of patience, perseverance and earnestness,
may we not expect that you will prove equal to such occasions as may
occur? Indeed, we feel assured that you will.
Medium--You know the conditions under which I consent to place myself
at your service, and in as far as my ability may serve, I shall
endeavor to meet your wishes.
De L'Ester--Your conditions are perfectly reasonable, and we promise
you that we faithfully will observe them. Shall we then consider your
decision as final?
Medium--Yes; and as I also shall have to arrange my affairs so as to
place myself at your service, I shall require a delay of two days. On
the 6th I shall be ready to accompany you.
De L'Ester--At what hour?
Medium--At 9 A.M.
De L'Ester--Let it be so, and remember that during the hours you may be
with us you positively must secure yourself against intrusion. This is
imperative. Do you understand the necessity for this requirement?
Medium--I do, and shall arrange for it.
De L'Ester--Then on the 6th day of October, 1892, our initial journey
will occur. Until then, adieu.
_October 6th, 1892._
De L'Ester--Good morning, madame, I am pleased to find you quite
prepared for our journey Starward. Accompanying me are George Brooks,
an Englishman, whom ere now you should have known; Agassiz, one of
earth's noted naturalists, and his close associate, Alexander Von
Humboldt, whose fame is not confined to Europe. Allow me to make known
to you these friends who are Members of the Band whom I have the honor
of directing.
Medium--Gentlemen, I indeed am pleased to make your acquaintance.
Agassiz--Madame, our acquaintance _is not of to-day_, and our mutual
friendship dates further into the past than at present you are aware
of. Through the immutable Law of Attraction, humans are as links of an
unbreakable chain, and real friendships are as enduring as eternity.
Von Humboldt--As no words of mine would add force to this statement, I
shall only say that I am, and ever will be, your friend Alexander Von
Humboldt.
George Brooks--And may I add that as all humans are akin I not only
am your devoted friend, but, after a fashion, am your brother George
Brooks.
De L'Ester--And it has been arranged that George shall assist you in
your flights through space, and that I shall take upon myself the
responsibility of conducting our observations and investigations. To
each member of our Band has been allotted some special duty, thus no
confusion can occur, and from time to time Spirits of our Spheres, and
of other Planetary Spheres, for certain purposes, will join us. When
desirable, further explanations will be offered you.
Ere we begin our journeys to another world, we will turn our thoughts
toward the Infinite One, in whom we indeed live, move and have our
being.
Earnestly, humbly, prayerfully, we turn toward Thee, Thou Eternal,
Infinite Intelligence, who art the All Pervading, All Knowing Energy,
controlling every atom of the Universe. Ever Thy children are seeking
after truth. Ever they who blindly grope their ways through mortal
existence, unconsciously, are striving to draw nearer to a realization
that Thou art. Oh, Thou Dual, yet indivisible One who art the All and
in All, as now we are entering upon a mission of loving endeavor, with
loftiest aspirations, and with perfect trust we offer ourselves for
loving service, well knowing that in Thee are the issues of all things,
and that Thou wilt give Thy angels charge concerning us. Amen and amen.
Madame, you now will close your eyes and endeavor to render yourself
passive. That is well. Now, with utmost assurance, rest upon George's
outstretched arms. Have no fear. Remember our promise. Gently, gently,
George. Upward, upward now, and outward on this wondrous magnetic
current we glide. Swiftly as thought traverses space, so swiftly we
journey toward Mars, which, like a great ruddy jewel, enmeshed in gold,
gleams yonder in space.
Now that we are nearing the Planet, we slowly will descend to such an
altitude as will enable you to observe how varied is the scenery, and
how very similar it is to portions of our Earth World.
A little lower, George. Madame, do you now see clearly? And are you not
at all alarmed?
Medium--I see quite distinctly, and am not at all alarmed.
De L'Ester--Truly you are a courageous woman.
Through personal observation you will learn that the geological
formations, natural divisions, atmospheric conditions and other
features of Mars are very similar to corresponding features of our own
Planet.
The same may be said of its fauna and flora, which will surprise you
by their familiar appearance. We will remain at this altitude, and as
we pass slowly onward we desire that you shall closely observe such
views as may be presented. We do not at present wish to discuss them,
but should they suggest to you questions which may be relevant to our
purpose I shall be pleased to attempt replies.
Medium--Then may I ask which of the two Planets, Earth and Mars, first
came into existence? And also I should like to know how Planets are
formed.
De L'Ester--So much is involved in your questions that I cannot now
afford you a comprehensive reply. So I may only say that we have
been made to understand that Suns are, so to say, magnetic stations
or centres of magnetic energy, and in so far as exalted spirits of
highest spirit spheres can determine, in their relative positions and
functions, they are eternal and unchangeable, also, they affirm that
the elements, not only of Suns, but of all bodies of infinite space,
are homogeneous. That periods arrive when through magnetic attraction
of elemental substances Suns become surcharged and their pregnant
energies exhibit inconceivable activity, casting into space the
extremely attenuated elemental substances of which worlds are made.
We, as well as those Wise Ones, are aware that during incalculable
lapses of time, Infinite, Intelligent Law brings order out of chaos
and formless aggregations of atoms become observable bodies of
incandescent matter. That cycles upon cycles elapse, during which
cooling and condensation proceed, and these gaseous bodies contract
to the measurable dimensions of globes. In this manner Mars, and much
later Earth came into the family of our Solar System, and in the course
of time about either Planet a crust was formed, encompassing their
super-heated masses. Numberless cycles added unrecognized years to
the ages of the infant Planets. Continuously their confined energies
burst forth with tremendous force, rending the gradually thickening
crust and casting into space masses of incandescent matter, some of
which formed satellites of the Planets. Others, not projected with
sufficient force, were drawn back within the mass of such Planet as
had cast them forth. No, I do not mean to say that all satellites
of Planets have their origin in this manner, and at another time I
shall speak to you of this matter. Backward, as the ages flew, the
surfaces of Mars and Earth were upheaved into mountain chains, anon
these were engulfed within fiery abysses whose measureless energies
tumultuously threatened to burst asunder the entire surfaces of the
young Worlds. But time flies on tireless wings, and at last atmospheres
for them become possible; not beneficent atmospheres, but such as
heralded the possibilities of a later time, when dew and rain would,
like blessings, fall upon the hot bosoms of the new Worlds. The lapse
of time from the beginning of the formation of a Planet to a period
when the crust has cooled and thickened sufficiently to have become
somewhat stable, when natural forces have made it possible for, so to
say, the _generation_ of an atmosphere, is inconceivable, and quite
as inconceivable is the time that must elapse ere the cooling of the
atmosphere and consequent condensation and deposition of moisture shall
have made life conditions possible; truly, my friend, only the Infinite
Mind is equal to such a conception. Understand, please, that I am not
indulging in mere speculation. In a simplified and perspicuous manner
I am trying to convey to you such facts as may furnish brief replies
to your questions. I wish you to learn that World building is not only
a process of bygone ages, but that far off in the depths of space
innumerable Worlds are now being formed, just as this Planet and Earth
have been formed. As the primitive history of one corresponds with
the primitive history of the other, I shall say that in the earlier
ages strange conditions prevailed. Geographically the surfaces of the
two Planets changed, as change the forms in the kaleidoscope. Oceans
and Seas were being deposited, and from their depths Continents were
upheaved, only to disappear beneath unquiet billows, leaving isolated
Islands or Archipelagoes to mark their subsidence, and from the heated
waters dense vapors arose enveloping the new Worlds as in winding
sheets.
As it is not possible to compute the ages, much less the years,
during which Mars and Earth passed through the various stages of
evolvement, up to the period when either Planet became sufficiently
cool and stable, the waters of a suitable temperature and atmospheric
conditions favorable to a degree that life in its earliest expression
became possible, necessarily I must remain silent in relation to that
matter. But in this connection I may say that the formative history
of one Planet is the formative history of all Planets of all systems
of Worlds. First, a nebulous condition of substance, which, through
natural activities or laws, gradually contracts into measurable
dimensions. Secondly, a somewhat spherical, gaseous body extending
in all directions into space. Thirdly, a positive, individualized,
observable body in a highly incandescent state, followed by such
gradual evolvement as your geologists well understand. In a fragmentary
and simplified fashion I have as concisely as possible replied to your
_second_ question. As to the first, such authorities on our side of
life as are known to be unquestionable, declare that the Planet Mars is
incalculably older than Earth. That during the ages when our globe was
almost wholly incandescent, Mars' crust was measurably solid and cooled
and its earliest life expressions were teeming in its tepid waters. The
interval elapsing between the earliest appearance of life on Mars and
the period when it became possible for the earliest life expressions
to appear on our Planet is not to be computed through years or through
centuries of years, the duration of such an interval is inconceivable.
We desire that you shall understand that _we do not propose_ that this
shall be an astronomical, geological or other scientific work, but in
so far as we may be able to use your organism we shall touch upon such
recognized sciences as may subserve our purposes of comparing degrees
of knowledge attained to, in the same direction by the peoples of two
Planets, Mars and Earth.
Medium--I should like to know how the lowest life forms of a new Planet
originate, where do they come from, and what are they?
De L'Ester--Truly a large question, to which I must make a very
brief reply. Your scientists declare that protozoa are the first,
consequently the lowest, forms or expressions of life. The statement
to a degree is correct, but as the life, the active principle of the
cell, relatively is as great as the active principle of a universe,
one cannot accurately designate it as either high or low. Life, the
imponderable potentiality of the universe, is a unit, expressing
itself in every atom, in the formation of every cell, floating in
the tepid waters of new Worlds. It is as truly _substance_ as is
the cell _brought into form_ through its intelligent activity. It
is the Infinite, Intelligent Energy, permeating all that is. It is
the Infinite Spirit whose countless manifestations we recognize, but
whose nature is beyond the conception of angels or of archangels.
_It is that which we term GOD._ On all Planets sufficiently evolved
life expressions first appear in cell formations. In these cells, for
which scientists have various names, are _all the potentialities_
necessary for the evolvement of all forms of animal and vegetable life.
Through the ceaseless activity of Infinite, Intelligent, Immutable
Law, these germ cells, step by step, are evolved from lower to higher
planes of expression, _and this is a truth, the cells containing the
potentialities of the human animal are unlike those containing the
potentialities of the mere animal_. Infinite Intelligence makes no
mistakes, and in the primordial cells are _all_ the possibilities of
_all_ specific orders of animal and vegetable life. In every direction
life expressions strive to advance on straight lines, and however
thwarted and baffled, go forward with invincible, intelligent energy
toward definite ends. But the subject is inexhaustible, and we must for
the present defer its further consideration.
We are now resting in space, about one English mile above Mars'
surface. Freed spirits see where mortal vision perceives naught. As you
now are, to a degree, liberated from physical limitation, you perceive
that all your senses are enlarged and intensified, and you will not
find it difficult to carefully observe the view presenting itself, and
to describe what you may perceive.
Medium--I cannot realize that I am gazing on the planet Mars, for it
is so strangely similar to our own far distant Earth, I see cities
and towns, some near by, others in the dim distance. There are Lakes
and streams of shining water and there are wide spreading plains over
which I see some animals moving, but I do not see them very distinctly.
Directly beneath us are fields of waving grain and meadows green with
verdure, with here and there clusters of many bright hued flowers.
Away off yonder I see what appears to be moving trains of railway
cars, but the motive power must be different from that in use on our
railways, for I do not see either steam or smoke, and the locomotive
is quite unlike any I have seen. What direction is that? South? Well,
far Southward I see a considerable body of water, and on it, moving in
all directions, are large and small vessels, some with sails, others
without any visible motive power. But, dear me, what is that moving so
swiftly through the air? An air transport? How very wonderful, but I
see neither sails, balloons or any propelling power. I wonder how they
rise, and what keeps them from falling? George, it is very impolite in
you to laugh at me. Of course I am excited; so would you be were you
in my place. Oh, that one over yonder town is slowly, slowly dropping
down, and now it has landed on a great platform and passengers are
alighting and others are entering, as one might enter a railway car.
Now it is ascending with a sort of undulatory movement, dipping and
rising like a bird in flight, and now it has risen to quite a height,
and is going toward the South. Cannot we go nearer to one of the
strange conveyances? I am very curious to learn more about them. How
they are constructed, and what their motive power is, and what sustains
them in the air, and what--George, if you do not stop laughing at me
you will let me fall. De L'Ester, do tell me something about them.
De L'Ester--Patience, patience, madame. Your curiosity is quite natural
and commendable, and in good time shall be gratified, but as this is
an experimental trip we do not think it prudent to hold you longer. As
you grow accustomed to unusual conditions gradually we will prolong
our journeys, but now we must return you to your Earth home, and if we
may find you sufficiently vitalized, to-morrow, at the hour of 9.30,
we again will come for you, and we promise you that your experience of
to-day is but the beginning of a series of the same, which will greatly
add not only to your pleasure, but to the profit of many, for whose
benefit our journeys have been planned.
Now, Earthward, George. Yes, the sensation of moving with such
tremendous velocity is peculiar. To move so swiftly as to experience a
sensation of immobility is quite beyond the conception of mortals, who
cannot conceive the fact of an ever-present now in a spaceless universe.
Here you are in your quiet room, and none the worse for your starward
journey. Now you are in your normal state and I have something to say
to you.
For a reason that later on you will appreciate, _you are not to read
what your conscious self has been made, and will yet be made to write_.
Do you understand? Then at the conclusion of each journey put away
whatever may have been written, and in some coming time together we
will read it, and then you will comprehend why I make this request.
May divine and loving influences guide and guard you. Au revoir.