1623. How hardening [of the heart] appears
We read here and there that "the heart was hardened." A hardening does actually appear, is even felt-not of course, in the heart, because the heart symbolizes everything pertaining to the feelings. So it appears where principles lodge, and that is in the brain. When souls after their decease appear in the world of spirits, the brains of some appear as if they had hardened, as you may see described elsewhere [862, 958, 1023], so that the outermost crust is almost hard, or glued tight. This is viewed by a spiritual mental image, and thus shown clearly. This hard crust must be softened. Such is the case in the absence of belief. I was enabled to experience this same phenomenon, that is, of feeling hard spots at the left side of the brain, like rather large, hard lumps, which were the seat of a blunt, dull pain. I was told that these hard spots showed that there are still elements at variance with true belief. From this it is apparent that a hardness is actually produced in the organic substances when belief is lacking, and the greater the hardening, the less of conscience there is. Therefore, in those who have nothing of conscience, which condition shows itself in the form of anxieties, their brain after their decease seems to be hardened on the very outside. This must first soften, and this takes place along with excruciating pain. 1748, 21 March.