Notes on discussions I’ve had with readers:

Stephen on the Elohim and the “Belief Alchemist” scene.

Readers often ask me about my reference to the Elohim, and about the “Belief Alchemist” scene. These are important metaphysical–as well as plot–elements not only in Cathedral of the Sense, but in Trick of the Light as well.

The word Elohim came to me shortly after an experience I had when I was in my twenties. That experience led me to write White Light Train, Trick of the Light, and now Cathedral of the Senses. I don’t often talk about that experience, but I will say to those interested in knowing about it, that the way it is described in the novel Cathedral of the Senses is pretty close to the way it happened.

Since then I’ve recognized the power of the word and it has always led me to interesting people and experiences. The reason for not revealing more about this experience is not so much a mystical one as it is a private one.

In regard to the “Belief Alchemist” scene, I have been told that I have described a “ritual” that appears to be somewhat common in several practices and religions. I can honestly say that I just “made this up.” That is, I didn’t read about it anywhere. It just “came to me.” I have done the “Belief Alchemist exercise” several times and I can honestly say the results are positive.