(Excerpted from Dr. Scott Mandelker From Elsewhere: The ET Journal, May 1996)

Invariably after my lectures I'm asked about upcoming Earth Changes: what will happen, where it will happen, and of course, what we should do about these things. While I am in no way a prophet along the lines of those who make predictions, I could be considered one in the old Greek sense of the word, as "one who speaks out." I certainly have my own ideas about the future, but I really don't dwell long on such speculation. I do think it's important to consider what may be on the way, but it's essential to put this whole matter in proper perspective: regardless of what comes down, the work of service and developing consciousness remains eternal.

I must say, however, I was not always so calm and it has been a process (as with most of us) of getting a general outline of the basic prophecies, considering personal role and function during such tumult when and if it occurs, and then putting all of this in a balanced perspective. Such balancing, the question of "what to do?" is actually the work of recognizing priorities, which I used to frame as "saving your skin versus serving the world." Today, however, I don't think it has to be an either/or choice, since many people will choose to continue their service, remain here in the physical world, and withdraw to so-called safe spots. Regardless of what changes do happen, such as geological and social upheaval, there will be a growth of spiritual communities with like-minded people. This is already happening, and I am pretty sure it will accelerate in the next 5-10 years.

I must say I was quite shocked when I first read The RA Material several years ago and found their comment about "the coming planetary changes": "The changes are very, very trivial. We do not concern ourselves with the conditions that bring about harvest." (vol. 1, p. 67)

Indeed, it's quite easy to say that at ease in the safety of higher dimensions! Nevertheless, their comment reveals an important perspective, as the vantage point of those who consider themselves "humble messengers of the Law of One" whose main purpose is to serve human consciousness. In their view, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes are simply additional catalyst which may or may not be used to develop greater awareness on one's chosen path to the Heart of Self, which is the path of return to the Original Thought, the realization of all beings as one with the infinite Creator. Earth changes are considered the outer conditions associated with our planetary Harvest, actually the by-product of millenia of human disharmony, and appear somewhat inevitable as Earth moves through global graduation to the density of love and compassion. They are just part of our process.

When asked further (in 1981) exactly where Earth is in its movement into the new cycle, RA spoke from the perspective of Earth itself as it struggles to accomodate new cosmic energies while laboring under a dysfunctional civilization:

"This sphere is at this time in fourth-dimension vibration. Its material is quite confused due to the society memory complexes embedded in its consciousness. It has not made an easy transition to the vibrations which beckon. Therefore, it shall be fetched with some inconvenience." (vol. 1, p.93)

Interestingly, they note that this sphere is already in its new vibration. Yet massive "inconveniences" will affect all of us: Earth, humanity, and the many spiritual beings here to assist the birth of a new world. But how can we truly consider them just trivial? Why does RA treat them so lightly?

From the perspective of those who shepherd Earth's transformation (which happens to be the main galactic event which has attracted so many extraterrestrial races), geological upheaval is like planetary labor pains: not ultimately necessary, but inevitable in this particular family. The real service is not rendered by a focus on the pain, but rather by alleviating it as much as possible.

In the oldest Buddhist scriptures there is an interesting parable about the Buddha's own teaching: When a man is shot with an arrow, it doesn't serve him to ask where, when, and how the arrow was made--it's far better to simply take it out...

Earth changes are seen wholly as effect, the cumulative result of human disharmony leaving its mark on the body of Gaia. Likewise, the severity of the upheaval depends on the intensity of the cause. And as the quality of human consciousness constitutes the cause, so too does it offer the solution: the more love and light (which are potent vibratory energies) that we generate, the less the intensity of such inconveniences.

And thus enter the Wanderers, who in a very real way act as planetary boosters radiating harmonious vibrations which support Earth in its own transformation, mitigating the severity of geological disturbance. This seems to happen to some extent regardless of whether the ET soul has awakened to his or her cosmic origin--although the service is far more effective when they do pierce the veil of forgetting, since this refines self-alignment. Realizing ET identity is not ultimate (for are we not all the infinite Creator?), but it's an important step in the right direction. It represents a greater appreciation of truth, and esoterically, a potentially greater radiation of light.

But again, from our perspective, can we reasonably tell someone who's lost all their possessions in a typhoon that such upheaval is but trivial? This would seem to be the height of spiritual arrogance and callousness. How can you tell a family whose home was lost to earthquake that "this is catalyst for your increased polarity on the path of service to others"? It goes without saying we need to make an adjustment here to the realities of time and space. Upheaval generates pain, and the work of all who love is to comfort and support those in pain. Another term for Wanderers given by RA is "the Brothers and Sisters of Sorrow," and not just to be poetic. True sensitivity to sorrow never counsels spiritual chiding or in any way minimizes the personal experience of emotional loss.

As usual, it's up to each of us to set priorities, which will ultimately depend on the quality of our consciousness, the intensity of our commitment to service, and the ability to balance love with wisdom.

I have no doubt there will be Earth Changes continuing unabated for the next 15 years, until "the end of the cycle." I don't know exactly what they will be, although I am quite familiar with the terrain of current prophecy. Tough choices will probably need to be made, and sensitivity to inner guidance will be essential. Without a doubt, there were Wanderers in attendance at Sodom and in chaotic cities quivering in the last throes of Atlantis going down. For myself, I also know my priorities, which, like most Wanderers seasoned in recognition of origin and purpose, means doing my work till the end, wherever and whenever that may be. As usual, it is up to each of us to set priorities, which will ultimately depend on the quality of our consciousness, the intensity of our commitment to service, and the ability to balance love with wisdom. While love counsels self-sacrifice, clear wisdom does reject untimely martyrdom. With countless opportunites for discernment, service, and learning, we can look forward to a new world.