Letters from the Light: an afterlife journal from the self-lighted world

by Elsa Barker, Katherine Hart (Editor), David Patterson Hatch

Does life go on beyond the grave? As we approach a new millennium, a growing body of evidence suggests that it does. Letters from the Light, originally published in 1914 under another title, takes up this age-old question from a unique perspective - that of a man who has undergone "the great change" and has crossed the threshold we call death. Written through the hand of Elsa Barker, an established author in her own right, Letters presents a kind of "astral travelogue" that describes - often eloquently, sometimes humorously - life in the "invisible" world. David Patterson Hatch, a former judge, a writer of books, and a "profound student of philosophy," explains his motivation for writing the letters:. "This is a materialistic age. A large percentage of men and women have no real interest in the life beyond the grave. But they will all have to come out here sooner or later, and perhaps a few will find the change easier, the journey less formidable, by reason of what I shall have taught them. Is it not worthwhile?"

276 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

American author Elsa Barker was born in 1869, in Leicester, Vermont, to Albert G. and Louise Marie Barker. Her first jobs were as a shorthand reporter, a teacher, and a newspaper writer. In 1901, she was the associate editor of the Consolidated Encyclopedia Library. From 1904-1905, she worked as a lecturer for the New York Board of Education, and from 1909-1910, she served on the editorial staff of Hamptons magazine.

Throughout her life, Barker contributed poems, short stories, and articles to various magazines. Her twenty-year career as a novelist began in 1909 with The Son of Mary Bethel. Her first volume of poetry, The Frozen Grail and Other Poems (1910), followed soon after. In 1942, Barker won the Lola Ridge Award for her poem "The Iron Age." She also achieved success with three books of "automatic" writing: Letters from a Living Dead Man (1914), War Letters from the Living Dead Man (1915), and Last Letters From the Living Dead Man (1919). In this trilogy, Barker claimed to channel the words of a Los Angeles lawyer named David P. Hutch, who died in 1912. Other publications include a one-act labor play, The Scab, which was produced in New York and Boston in 1904-06, and Stories from the New Testament for Children (1911).

Barker lived most of her adult life in New York City. From 1910 to 1914, she lived in Paris and London; at some point during her residence, she apparently studied under Carl Jung. She also lived on the French Riviera from 1928-1930. When she died on August 31, 1954, she was one of the last surviving charter members of the Poetry Society of America.

Reviews

[Sverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an edited reissue of the 1914 edition, Letters from the Living Dead Man, by Barker, being the first of three books "DICTATED" to her by a newly deceased acquaintance. Barker's other works were varied and included children's literature. The first question a reader could ask is whether these letters were composed as a ruse by Barker. After reading this book and looking into Barker's history it would seem that at least for the most part this work is a genuine communication from beyond the veil. The second question in the reader's mind might concern credibility. Is this the dictating entity having his moment of playing the guru persona, saying what he thinks we want to hear, or is it more genuine? Again, for the most part he seems to be relating "personal experiences" with candor and humility which gains the reader's respect. That he does not continue to elevate his position by establishing a system of his "Truth" to gain fame and status through Barker also lends credibility. A third question might be about temporal relevancy. It being almost a century since this communication took place, is it still useful today? Are there more recent missives which bring us a more valid contemporary view of the otherworlds?

From decades of research on this topic, from scores of sources, I must say that these letters--again, for the most part--pass the test for relevancy and authenticity when compared to newer contributions. In fact, many newer works are often tainted by the medium's more or less obvious attempt to elevate him/herself to chelaship. An imprint of such self-glorification is the inclusion in the messages of opinions which lean towards mandating exclusivity. And frequently it reveals prejudices in agreement with the medium's "earthly" opinions. Startling prophecies about the future are also the bane of so many presenters (e.g. consider all who have recently jumped on the "2012" bandwagon). I must say that these letters offered through Elsa Barker, by the alleged spirit of her recently deceased friend, Judge David Patterson Hatch, seemingly are quite untainted by such downfalls.

As for the overall contents it presents more Swedenborgian perspectives on heaven and hell than is fashionable in modern mediumistic sources. The theme of his message to us on this side is twofold: 1. That in this world don't be too attached to wealth and things, addictive habits and self-aggrandizement, because those traits may follow us to be distractions in the next world, and 2. That in the afterworld not only will we get what we deserve but we will also often get what we expect. As for materialists and atheists, after arriving on the other side many can expect a long, unproductive, comatose unawareness until they get roused or awaken to the fact that life does go on. He relates that we don't die but continue on in different dimensions on multiple levels until--for most souls--choosing to return once again to earth. This book can be a very valuable guide for open-minded seekers about life after death and what our priorities should be while in this earthly existence. For the materialist it can be an interesting journey into subconscious reverie which may contain some gems of wisdom along with the spiritualistic foolishness.

Follow up volume: Elsa Barker "War Letters from the Living Dead Man: With an Introduction"

[Pam Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book -- so much so that I bought the series. It came at an intense time when the most frequent topic of conversation with my best friend was death. We were both seriously involved with metaphysics and I was delighted to read about what had been only philosophers' perspectives. While I never got the chance to read it aloud to my friend who lived in a different state, I know she embraced the perspective presented in LETTERS FROM THE LIGHT. When I think of her, I see here in a place similar to what the judge described.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters from the afterlife channeled via the Judge. Was an entertaining read channeled as letters through the author which appeared to be aimed at confirmation of the afterlife.

The purpose of the book was to help the transformation from our physical body into the resting state. Interesting note about the "magic of wood burning" and its ability to help our soul.
"The object in writing these letters is primarily to convince a few persons-to strengthen their certainty in the fact of immortality, or the survival of the soul after the bodily change which is called death."
"If one demands to know what purpose there is in life, tell him that it is this very evolution of the Master out of the man. Eternity is long. The goal is ahead for each unit of sufficient strength , and those who cannot lead can serve."

"The power of the creative imagination is stronger in men wearing their earthly bodies than it is in men(spirits) who have laid off their bodies. Not that most person know how to use that power; they do not. The point I wish to make is that they can use it. A solid body is a resistive base, a powerful lever, from which the will can project those things conjured by the imagination. That is why Masters retain their physical bodies.
"The joy of the struggle. That is the keynote of immortality, the keynote of power."

[Claudia Joy]

Refreshing!!!!! We all need a window into the change where we must rest, this gives us a glimpe.