Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church

                                               Kything and the Spiritual

Kything is an ancient way of entering into a spiritual relationship with our fellow humankind, with animals, and the Divine. Simply put it means “The art of spiritual Presence,” a description used in the title of the book, Kything by Louis M. Savary and Patricia H. Berne.

The word “kything” is an ancient Scottish word that means to “ appear without masks” In other words, it means being a person of authenticity and honesty.  The word kythe or “kithe” as it is sometimes used is related to the words “kith” and “kin.” In other words kything involves those who are related or have a very close relationship and who can be open and honest with each other. However, it is also possible to kythe with someone who is unknown to the person initiating the kythe.

According to Swedenborg appearing just as one is without pretenses or disguising intents or thoughts is the only way spiritual angels can present themselves to each other. This, in the ultimate sense and operation, means complete honesty in an angelic sense and, in the natural world, kything is a method of developing spiritual presence or communion with another person without the necessity of speaking out loud. The communion takes place on a plane of existence we call the “spiritual world.” 

Kything is not channeling though it does imply spiritual contact with another person whether the person is present or not, or whether the person is living or not.

On the other hand, kything is not mind reading, telepathy, or any of the similar techniques that are popular today. It also is not related in any way to hypnosis, magical thought, witchcraft, occult practices, or similar notions. It is a kind of prayer and meditation. One may kythe with the Lord as well as with another person.    

To participate in a kythe requires honesty, as already said, and also sensitivity, intentional presentation of love, and willingness to risk being surprised by joy, wonder, and love returned. This is what many people experience when a successful kythe takes place.  

If you are interested contact the church for information.  The class is currently cancelled for the summer and will resume in teh fall.

Periodic additions will be made to the above explanation so please check the website for the continuing story of the history and application of kything.