As many people know, there's been a tremendous influx of extraterrestrial (ET) souls incarnating on Earth in the past 50 years. To identify these souls, we now use terms such as "Walk-ins", "Wanderers", and "Star People", and many of us are familiar with their stories. Unfortunately, our familiarity often prevents us from seeing the larger picture. Actually, this interdimensional transfer of ET souls is simply one part of a much greater galactic event -- a planetary initiation. From this vantage point, individual spiritual awakening is simply a consequence of the transformation of a single planet, in a single solar system. Although Earth is intimately related to the larger galactic whole, the significant changes in consciousness we're witnessing are simply due to being "at the right place at the right time". Of course, this is a great opportunity for all those souls presently incarnated on Earth.

A prediction is made in some New Age sources that "after the transition to the new Earth density [around 2010 A.D.]", the planet will glide into a realm of compassion, kindness, and social harmony. Many predict our imminent acceptance into a benevolent Confederation of Planets, an integrated body of worlds all devoted to the way of love. It's said that many more ETs will then live among us -- fully conscious of their origin, and still holding their "native powers". They will work side by side with the (much smaller) human population -- building, teaching, and lending their technologies for reconstruction. Other sources state that our planetary mother, the long-suffering Gaia, will soon be liberated from her role as schoolroom for destructive, immature souls. Clearly, many wonderful things are expected in the near future. Aside from the "terrorizing aspects" of some UFO contacts (i.e. abductions), the basic tone of UFO/ET matters is really one of optimism and hopeful expectancy.

It's oft been repeated that ET souls -- be they Walk-ins, Wanderers, or Star People -- are simply "here to help". But who, and what are we really helping? Considering myself a Wanderer (i.e. ET soul from birth), I've often mused about the irony of "coming here to help" only to be rebuffed or scorned by those whose suffering was the basic reason for our coming. It's now becoming clear, however, that ET souls are really here to help the Earth, and not necessarily the Earthpeople. Of course this doesn't suggest becoming misanthropic (although it's not unusual among veteran Wanderers, the "long-contract folks") or coldly indifferent to human need. It simply implies that the planet itself requires and has requested this infusion of higher density energies brought from elsewhere, The increased numbers of ET incarnates in recent years -- many of whom are children who won't begin "active service" until after 2010 A.D. -- also points to Gaia's accelerating need for love and light.

Then for what purpose is all this assistance coming? In metaphysical terms, what seems to be happening is the birth of a planet into a new realm. But how can we believe this when we gaze upon the blatant social ills around us, the cultural decay of nations and glaring evils of geopolitics? From this worldly, materially-oriented view things indeed look pretty bad, and actually they're "getting worse". However, this may only be the decay of an old order, the surfacing of multitudinous sins of aberrant humanity, and, ultimately, the final power-grab of the self-serving on our globe. Could it be that the galactic energies now coming to Earth are amplifying the potency of such heart-center expressions as unconditional love, understanding, and truth, and within such a "charged psychic climate", everything of the opposite polarity must fall aside? Like the typical healing crisis of an individual, the fevers and deep-seated corruption of humanity must first rise to the surface before they can be cleared.

In the midst of a new birth, with severe labor pains and rampant confusion, there's certainly a need to maintain planetary stability. In fact, the increased heart-energies of love and compassion streaming to Earth -- being absorbed and integrated by the planetary body -- must also be anchored by a resonant core of awakened humans, a radiant body of individuals able to circulate and channel these energies. Thus the presence of ET souls, who act as incarnate transmitters, broadcasters, and ampifiers in what is essentially a global, metaphysical balancing act. It matter not whether Starpeople or Walk-ins teach, organize, become public, or even recognize their own ET identity -- since their very presence offers a living, crystalized energy source that partakes of, and actively assists the global transformation. Of course, clearly seeing our origins and purpose can ameliorate emotional pain, and access more intelligent service to others -- but it's not entirely necessary for rendering intrinsic service to the planet. I've often joked with my good friend -- another ET soul in search of a career -- "all a Wanderer really needs to do is just show up!"

Hopefully, this perspective gives solace to those struggling to find their most fruitful line of service, but it also opens a window to a larger view. ET souls really do come here to "help the planet", and the term "New Age" means "a New Age for Earth", first and foremost. It doesn't really matter who those New Age inhabitants are (ET transfers or native, evolved souls), nor does it matter how many are left -- how many "awaken" in the next few years -- beyond the minimum population needed. Living souls evolve freely throughout the infinite cosmos, and there are countless places to go. All we need do is seek to truly radiate the clear light of love, wisdom, and unity -- offering help when service is requested, in the best spirit of detachment, kindness, and intelligent goodwill.

Scott Mandelker, Ph.D. is the author of a new book entitled 'From Elsewhere: The Subculture of Those Who Claim to be of Non-Earthly Origins' (Being ET in America). This excellent work which investigates the "Wanderer" and "Walk-in" concept through case studies is available at your local bookstore, or by writing the author who also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, 'From Elsewhere: The ET Journal" at Universal Vision, c/o Scott Mandelker, Ph.D., 2130 Fillmore Street #201, San Francisco, CA 94115. -- Editor