When you speak of the period of elapsed time, are you speaking about the time-frame in which the actual interaction with the Blessed Realm occurs; which would exclude the time-frame in which techniques are employed in order to reach the state where interaction occurs?
Yes, the "induction phase" (don't know if that is the proper word btw) only lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
It is my belief that certain conditions (seems more appropriate than limitations) are placed upon us, when we journey to the Blessed Realm. The manner in which the journey is accomplished is of no consequence. However, as you have observed that your time-perception differs greatly from my own, these conditions must also vary with the individual. The single control factor being that we cannot physically abide within the Blessed Realm.
Yes, I understand your point about that it is forbidden to go there physically. A certain Númenorian king and his followers experienced that very clearly
- but as far as I remember, before the actual acting up on this trespass by the Valar and Ilúvatar, they were camping quite merrily on the shores, albeit only for a short while.
I was wondering whether it is allowed to mortal feär to dwell in the blessed realm - it is all over the lore that they can not dwell there after death. Is it disallowed in general, but with (as you say) some sort of loophole for the case of "spirit travelling"?
I am unsure what it is. But my own feeling is that the fact that we *can* enter there, and are welcome even, is not because of a loophole but because of some specific ability or doom that is laid upon us. In this case, it could be that it is indeed unusual; for reasons known only to the Valar, some exceptions are made. In the lore, this is seen with Tuor and Eärendil.
And here I have to be a little careful: I am not suggesting that this lends any specific status or reason for pride. For that would immediately neutralize it. In other words: I feel that it is an assignment. A task.
It is, to me, like this:
"If you can do this, good! It means that you have the make-up or talent that makes you suited for this job. Like everything, it is a gift from the One. Use it, and use well. For a good purpose". If someone would not use it well, I think they would quickly use their ability to travel there.
In "The Book Of Lost Tales 1", The Cottage Of Lost Play, it is said that the children of the Fathers of Men came to Valinor, by way of the Olore Malle. That some became enamoured of the beauty the resides there, and did not return to the lands of Men. Also, it is said in the earlier myths concerning the death of Men (which can be found in BoLT 1) that some Men were granted the grace of abiding within Valinor.
Yes, I know. This is one of the things that Tolkien seemed to shift his opinion in over time. So I have no idea what truth is in this case ..
From what I recall from my study of "Morgoth's Ring", the biggest difference between Elves and Men (when speaking of Fear and Hroar) is the connection between the two. Elvish Fear are of a greater degree than the Fear of Men. The connection between their bodies and spirits is, for the most part, more intimate and harmonious. The Fear of a Faded Elda, can create a new form in which to clothe itself, from the memories stored within that particular Fea.
...
Yes, indeed. The elvish feä is more intense, and has a stronger grip on their hroa.
Oh yes, something else that came to mind when thinking about the passage of time over there ... all reports speak of this "terrible intensity" of the undying light in Aman.
Maybe this is somehow related to the rather mysterious fact that one single blossom of Laurelin can be as bright as the Sun - so imagine what Laurelin itself must have been like!
I have experienced that, when approaching the Moon-flower, it's intensity actually seems to dwindle as soon as you approach it. It is obviously bright enough to light the whole Moon, but as I approach it, it is just a shiny, lovely flower drifting in a chalice. It is radiant, but nothing like something that can power the whole Moon.
Similarly, when I am at the mound of the Trees, I see Laurelin as very bright. Almost unapproachably bright even - but by far not as bright as a thousand Suns would be.
It is as if there is some sort of inverse relationship with some aspects of the blessed realm. Things seem more intense from afar than they are from up close. In our everyday experience, light, heat, sound, gravity: they all lessen as the distance grows.
In Valinor, it is as if there is no such weakening over distance. Or much less. The light of the Trees does indeed diminish when travelling far away from them; but it does not diminish as steeply as if they were ordinary lights.
The only factual analogy that I know of is in particle physics (quantum chromodynamics), where there is something called "Color force" (physicists have this way of being poetic
). This force binds quarks together, and it grows exponentially stronger when the particles are further apart. Thus it binds quarks very, very well together. So well, that they cannot be separated into single quarks.
Maybe this is related to how (I perceive) that time flows over there.
In Valinor, I do not only experience time as quite slow; but everything has a mellow, soothing, unchanging quality to it. The air feels only slightly warm, in a pleasant way. The light of the Trees is comfortable: Telperion's light is even liquid (I never approached Laurelin that close yet) like silvery dew or rain. It feels cool to the touch; I can hold droplets of it in my hands.
