Reading 3901-1

TEXT OF READING 3901-1 F 20

Text

Date: 3/26/1944 Sex: F Age: 20 ReadingID: 11532

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 26th day of March, 1944, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [3901], Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. (Notes read to and transcribed by Jeanette Fitch.)]

Time of Reading 3:30 to 3:40 P. M. Eastern War Time. …, Calif.

1. GC: You will go over this body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time; giving the cause of the existing conditions, also suggestions for help and relief of this body; answering questions, as I ask them:

2. EC: Yes, it will be better if you will keep quiet.

3. We have the body here, [3901].

4. As we find, there are disturbances that have been aggravating to the body for some time past. Unless there are measures taken to correct same these will, with the next cycle, gradually grow much worse; possibly causing the necessity for operative measures.

5. We find that there has been for some time past a suppression that has deflected the circulation through the liver and gall duct area. There has gradually grown disturbances, which with the inactivity of these organs in their proper relationship to the others, has caused an altered circulation - that attempts to eliminate poisons through the respiratory and perspiratory system which should be eliminated through the alimentary canal. Thus the functioning of these portions of the circulation towards the eliminations has been altered.

6. Hence the poor circulation through the extremities, causing undue amount of perspiration under the arms, in groins, hands, feet and the like that becomes very disturbing to the body. Thus toxic forces are necessarily caused that are beginning to produce at times improper digestion, headaches, and general disturbances through the functioning of eliminating organs. Kidneys are gradually becoming involved.

7. To correct these disturbances we find that corrections osteopathically should be made especially in the dorsal and cervical areas, to the 6th and 7th dorsal, then, on upward.

8. To aid the disturbances in the liver and gall duct area, there should be applied heavy Glyco-Thymoline Packs with an electric pad over same, at least two hours each day for five to six days in succession.

9. When these packs are removed each day massage gently, not severely, especially through the liver and gall duct area; not attempting to knead that portion of the body too much, but a brisk massage.

10. Also each day take internally two to three to five drops of Glyco-Thymoline in water.

11. At least twice a week use the sinusoidal machine that will in its application tend to stimulate flow of circulation through the liver and gall duct area.

12. This should be given about seven or eight times.

13. Then the body may through the osteopathic adjustments have the gall bladder and gall duct drained osteopathically.

14. Through these periods do not have heavy foods. Little of any character of pastry or pies of any kind. Not too much meats and no greases.

15. These we would do and we will bring better conditions for the body.

16. Ready for questions.

17. (Q) Is there a diabetic condition? (A) With this correction in the manner indicated, we find that the diabetic condition would be clarified though we will find with these tendencies that it would be well to take the Jerusalem artichoke once each week. Prepare one about the size of a hen egg, cooked in Patapar paper. Mix the juices with it and season to taste, eating of it - once each week with the regular meal. Do this for six to eight weeks and we will clarify and clear these conditions.

But as indicated, this is more a strain on the activity of the kidneys and the ducts of digestive forces, reflexly, and if these conditions are cleared generally we would save the body from much disturbance later.

18. (Q) Pain in right shoulder? (A) This is only reflex from the poisons.

Do these things indicated.

19. We are through with this reading.

Two copies to Self (One for osteopath. Please let us have the name and address of the one you choose.) Copy to Ass’n file ” under case number for indexing

(See directions [which were enclosed] for preparing Glyco-Thymoline Packs.

If you are unable to obtain Jerusalem artichokes on the market, they may be ordered from the John A. Salzer Seed Co., LaCrosse, Wisconsin for a few cents a pound.)

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 4/18/44 [3901]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce,

Herewith follows a report of my activities and condition after following the treatment outlined in my psychic reading given March 26, 1944.

I feel that the analysis of my condition is excellent.

I found an osteopath, Dr. Bernice Harker, 1246 N. Hayworth, Los Angeles, who is interested in your work, and who has read “There is a River”. She is giving me treatments twice a week. I have been to her five times.

Dr. Harker has no sinusoidal machine, but a doctor friend of her’s has one, and I go to him for this. I have taken three treatments on the sinusoidal machine.

The reading states, as to diet, “No greases”. How about butter, cream, avocados, in moderation?

Last week I applied the Glyco-Thymoline packs for six days in succession - two hours each day. After removing the packs I massaged gently for several minutes. I hope these packs were correctly applied. I used old bed linens - 3 thicknesses and over this I put a piece of rubber sheeting and then I placed the electric pad on top. I also took four drops of Glyco-Thymoline in a glass of water for each of these same six days.

I have not taken the Jerusalem artichoke, I thought I could get them here but have not located any. However, I shall write to the John A. Salzer Seed Co. as you suggested.

During and after the week of Glyco-Thymoline packs a rash broke out on my body. I imagine there were about a dozen small bumps similar to insect bites.

If in any way I have mis-interpreted my reading, I would appreciate your suggestions.

Thanking you sincerely, [3901]

P.S. Symptoms as described in last paragraph on first page of reading are still prevalent.

R2. 4/25/44 EC’s letter to [3901]:

Mrs. [3901] …, California

Dear Mrs. [3901]

Thanks very much for yours of the 18th. I appreciate very much your report on your activities and conditions.

Thanks very much for the address of Dr. Bernice Harker.

I feel, from the experiences we have had, if Dr. Harker follows the suggestions, while it may require a little while, a few weeks or months, the osteopathic treatments you know are only supposed to make proper adjustments in your body, and the body itself does the healing. It takes a little longer, but that is why osteopathy is so much better than medicines that often leave sediments that the system has to in some way take care of. Osteopathy closely administered, is close to nature’s way of taking care of it.

I suppose, and am very sure, why the application of the Glyco without the other properties that were to go through the system and have an effect on the activities of digestion, caused a rash. All of these are supposed to go together; not one taken one time, and one another time. I would take the artichoke, for these will change the digestive system and the activity of sugar in the system.

Thanks very much and hoping that you will continue on the improve, I remain

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce EC/gm

R3. 5/4/44 [3901]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce,

Here is the second report on my condition following my reading of 3/26/44.

The rash which accompanied the Glyco-Thymoline packs disappeared a few days after I finished the Glyco treatment.

I have completed the required number of sinusoidal treatments

• 8 - two each week. I had the last one yesterday.

Two weeks ago I was troubled by constipation for about three days. I believe this was due to my mis-interpretation of the reading by which I eliminated all fats and oils from my diet. This condition is much improved although I occasionally miss a day of bowel evacuation.

There was no mention of how long I was to continue the osteopathic corrections so I will continue these twice a week until told to do otherwise.

My general condition seems improved; I have more energy and vitality. The headaches are farther apart but my complexion hasn’t cleared, my shoulder hurts after heavy work like floor scrubbing or polishing, and my hands and feet perspire profusely.

I am sorry that I was not able to partake of the Jerusalem artichoke when I started the other treatments. I have eaten two - one last week and one this week. That means I have four more weeks before I finish them.

I should like to have a check reading as soon as it is convenient for you. If it is not too much trouble, could I please have two duplicates of the check reading? One for the osteopath and for the doctor whose sinusoidal machine I used.

Thanking you kindly for your sincere efforts to help me, [3901]

R4. 5/23/44 [3901]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce,

Again I send my tithe to help further the works of your organization.

I am so glad that you are helping people to understand what this war is all about.

May God bless you and the fine people working with you.

Sincerely, [3901]

R5. 5/24/44 [3901]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce,

Here is another report on my condition. My vitality has improved; I have more pep. My shoulder still pains me whenever I do polishing, scrubbing, sweeping. I still have excess perspiration in the extremities.

I have been troubled with constipation, but I believe I have fewer headaches. My complexion was much improved for about two weeks but is getting bad again - I suppose this ties in with the constipation.

I have three more Jerusalem artichokes to eat and will have finished the required number by my check reading. I will be at the above address during my reading. Thank you kindly for the date of the check reading, June 8, 3:30-4:30 EWT. It is interesting to note that both dates of my readings add up to the number 8 - March 26 and June 8!

Enclosed is a check for $10.00 for the check reading.

Please ask these questions at the reading:

1. There does not seem to be a great change in my body. Have I followed the instructions correctly?
2. Has the osteopath, Dr. Harker, made the proper corrections?
3. I am troubled with a strained feeling in my lower back around the pelvis. This formerly occurred only during menstruation. What is the cause?
4. Are you sure there are no psychological factors hindering my progress?

Mother [3349] has the pamphlet “Physical Readings” [See Par. R7 below] which I shall read again before my re-check. I would appreciate two carbons of the check reading. The weekly Bulletin is of much interest.

Thank you so much for trying to help me. May God Bless you, [3901]

R6. 5/30/44 EC’s letter to [3901]:

Dear Mrs. [3901]:

Thank you very, very much for yours of the 23rd. We appreciate your contribution to our work more than we know just how to tell you.

We hope we are adding a bit to a more perfect understanding of man’s relationship with the Creator.

We appreciate, too, your prayers and blessings. Without these we would not get very far.

Thank you again and with every good wish.

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce EC/wi

R7. 3/44 Harmon H. Bro’s article on the Physical Readings of Edgar Cayce prepared for the ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC., Virginia Beach, Virginia

P H Y S I C A L R E A D I N G S

A STUDY OF THEIR SOURCE, CONTENTS, AND PURPOSES AS A PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR THEIR USE

Prepared by Harmon H. Bro for the ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED, Virginia Beach, Virginia

You have asked a busy man to help you with your illness. The purpose of this study is to prepare you to make the most of his assistance. Like the twenty-five thousand others who have asked for physical readings in the last forty years, you may have heard that he performs near miracles in diagnosing and suggesting treatments for ailments beyond hope. And yet - like most of the others - you may find when you have finished with your own reading that the true miracle has come in the growth of your own understanding. That very growth of understanding, that larger comprehension of the source of our strength, is the unfolding theme of this study.

Then first, what ARE these readings? How are they given, to be so remarkably effective? Their history is the life-story of the channel through which they are given - a tall energetic man now in his sixties, named Edgar Cayce. And if you have not read his fine biography by Thomas Sugrue, THERE IS A RIVER (Published by Henry Holt and Co., N.Y.C., 1943.), you might well lay down this paper to do so. You will need to digest the book before getting your reading. For when you know the story of the first reading - given for Mr. Cayce himself, when you know about the Dietrich baby and Mrs. Cayce’s recovery from tuberculosis, when you have read the cases of the priest in Canada and the girl in Dayton, when you have LIVED through the growth of this work, your interest will have been tested. You will then be quite sure whether you wish to take all the steps expected of you as a “member of a research organization”: sending us a history of your case when you receive your reading, carrying out its treatments in full, and mailing us reports on the progress of your condition.

If you decide to continue, then you will be wishing you could come to Virginia Beach for your reading. We wish you could, too. In years past Mr. Cayce had leisure, and somehow most everyone found a way to talk with him about their reading. That is the best kind of preparation, personal and satisfying, because you can ask questions and sense the integrity of what and whom you are dealing with. Perhaps you would come to Virginia Beach on a Tuesday evening when Mr. Cayce is teaching his Bible class, and realize from the start the deeply spiritual - rather than spiritualistic - quality of his work.

But things have changed. Probably you, like most others, must have your reading while hundreds of miles away, Mr. Cayce’s “super-conscious mind” will not lose any details by having to hunt you up in Los Angeles or Bar Harbor or Tampa or Lansing. But you yourself may lose the experience of having touched “infinity” while you heard your own reading, if - like most of the hundreds who daily write, wire and phone for aid - you cannot be at the Beach for your appointment.

Here you would walk into his sunny study at ten-thirty in the morning or three-thirty in the afternoon and pick out one of the less squeaky chairs. There would be Mrs. Cayce, smiling as she puzzled over the pronunciation of names in the day’s appointments, getting ready to “take” the readings. And Gladys Davis would settle herself with a precious steno notebook, laughing in her radiant way while helping you feel at ease. There is a moment of quiet which you guess is for prayer and then it will have started, for Mrs. Cayce is giving the physical reading suggestion to her husband - who has stretched out and quietly gone to sleep.

“Now you have before you the individuals as I name them to you. In the order as I name them you will go over the body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time, giving the cause of existing conditions, also suggestions for help and relief of the body, answering questions as may be asked.”

Mr. Cayce repeats the suggestion in a slow, thoughtful tone, and then after a pause speaks decisively of you, “Yes, we have the body, […], present in this room.” It is a moment few people forget.

Now it becomes clear why - if one cannot be at Virginia Beach - it is so important to keep the appointment in exactly the place arranged beforehand, and to keep it in prayer and meditation. For Mr. Cayce actually goes to one’s body in a physical reading. In an undertone he names the state, then the town, then the street address, occasionally commenting as he goes:

3471-1. “Illinois - Chicago - Creiger Avenue - yes, that’s where the trees are.”

Then it would be you he has in focus next. Experience has taught us that it makes the reading harder for him if you are doing something else at the time - having just made the appointment to “give this fellow Cayce a fling and see what he’s worth.” Would you expect a physician to trail you around your home to make his diagnosis, or to find the answer to his questions while you patter with someone else? It is no surprise to hear at the beginning of a reading for a man in Wyoming:

3601-1. “Come back here and sit down.”

Or to an individual in Alaska:

3531-1. “Hurry up and get through talking!”

And to a man in his private apartment in New York City:

2524-5. “It is better to keep quiet than even to try to read.”

Meanwhile, as Mr. Cayce lies there speaking in his quiet, firm voice, you are surely wondering where on earth, or out of earth, all this information comes from. It is clear that the clinical-sounding diagnosis proceeds from you SELF, because the things he describes feel like you, act like you, look like you - those pains in the head, the catch in the lower abdomen, the occasional swelling of the knee joints

• you know them all too well. But how does this man get to your body and know what to look for, how can he pick out the root of the trouble more swiftly and surely than an x-ray? The readings explain that the source of this DIAGNOSIS is actually ourselves, and that it is accomplished not so much by Mr. Cayce’s great skill as by our own sincere seeking:

254-95, Par. 39-A: “When an individual seeks for personal or bodily aid, the source is part and parcel of that individual, and is read by and through the real desire of the seeker himself.”

294-202, Par. 11: “Who knows better than the individuals themselves that which has hindered them from being physically, mentally and spiritually in accord with the divine that IS life manifested in the body?”

Anyway, what is clear is that this diagnosis, coming from a man lying calmly still with his eyes closed, goes through your whole body, and that while it stops long enough to describe how you feel and where you hurt, it goes right on to the main job: what CAUSES your trouble. The reading always deals with the roots of an ailment; which is why, for example, many insanity cases may hardly touch on the brain but describe in detail an injury to the coccyx.

Is such a diagnosis thorough? It all may go by in such swift, technical language that you can only be thankful Miss Davis gets it noted down. But we who have worked with these readings for years can tell you what we have learned. The diagnosis is in a physical reading gives every bit of necessary information about the causes of one’s trouble. And it is as individual as your own body. Here are some partial examples of diagnosis which show their wide variation:

3526-1. (Deafness) “The pathological conditions have been brought about, as we find, from a catarrhal disturbance through head, in the antrum and in the areas about the ear where such disturbing congestions have been produced as to cause prolapsus of the Eustachian tubes. These have gradually drained the oils or fluids, as it were, in the inner ear. And there has been brought about this inability of discerning sound.”

3525-1. (High Blood Pressure) “Then, these are the conditions as we find them with this body: the blood supply is high in pressure. This is produced in greater part by pressures that exist in the transverse and descending colon, and by too much flesh for the body-functionings - as through the abdominal areas. These are the sources, then, of the disturbance - obesity, the plethoric conditions in colon, and the effects they produce upon the general system.”

3606-1. (Loss of Mental Control) “As we find, there are disturbances that are gradually becoming more and more aggravating to the physical and mental activities of the body. These are very definite as to their sources. In times back, jut before puberty, the body had an accident on skates and the end of the spine - the coccyx first segment - was injured. From this, as there came the menstrual periods, disturbances arose and reflexes to the medulla oblongata have been uncontrolled. These, then, are not in the form of spasms, but the loss of control of the reflexes of the body. To be sure, these occur the more often closer to the menstrual periods; thus in a manner they are associated or connected with same.”

3400-2. (Migraine Headaches) “Yes. Here we find some complication - the beginning of migraine headaches. Most of these, as in this case, begin from congestion in the colon. These cause toxic conditions to make pressures on the sympathetic nerve centers and on the cerebrospinal system. And these pressures cause the violent headaches, and almost irrational activities at times. These, as we find, should respond to colonic irrigations. But first we would x-ray the colon, and we will find areas in the ascending colon and a portion of the transverse colon where there are fecal forces that are as cakes.”

3539-1. (Neuritis) “In the activities through the body, through first cold, then congestion, a catarrhal condition has formed about the gall duct and liver. This has prevented proper flow of the secretions that aid in assimilating fats, especially, and proteins and such things. This has gradually put a strain on the body, with the poor eliminations, until we have at times extreme neuritic conditions through various portions of the body; at times in hands, in shoulders, but the more severe in the pains through the chest. These are still neuritic. For these are affecting the pleura of the lung itself, from poisons or toxic conditions around the aorta artery.”

It is clear that the diagnosis often includes a description of one’s aches and pains, about which there can be no fooling:

3535-1. (Anemia) “In the red blood supply there is indicated a deficiency in red blood cells numbering nearly twenty million. There is the inability of proper activity in structural portions, then, and the lack of supply of lymph. That is: he doesn’t rest as well as he used to! The circulation isn’t as good - gets cold in the extremities and the like. The energies in the lymph to supply leukocytes tend to make those weaknesses wherein if there is any long activity of walking, any undue exercise - especially as of raising the hands above the head or the like, the body has to rest because of shortness of breath and the feeling that all the middle portion of the body is being drained out.”

Such a diagnosis is priceless because there is no question about its accuracy; twenty thousand other cases certify it. Perhaps the neatest symbol of their reliability is the occasional letter Mr. Cayce receives from a hospital or clinic thanking him for his fine diagnosis of a patient just admitted and enclosing “the usual diagnostician’s fee”! It is difficult to explain to these institutions that Mr. Cayce has often never met the individual diagnosed.

But to be told what is wrong with your system is not enough. You want to know what to do about it. So the reading goes right on to suggest treatments. Describing the kinds of treatments the readings suggest amounts to discussing the many types of human healing. This information is no respector of degrees and titles, nor of schools of healing, nor of labels on bottles, nor of names for diseases. Each person gets the suggestions he NEEDS. In your case this may require the services of an M.D., but more likely those of an osteopath. Or you may need a neuropath, or a homeopath, or a physiotherapist; possibly a hypnotist, or perhaps a minister. If you can handle the treatments yourself, you will not be sent to anyone.

The physician, of whatever school, may be told what he would find in x-ray or blood tests, or which spinal adjustments to make, or what dosage to give, or how many colonic rinses will be necessary. Is the reading correct in these suggestions? Well, one doesn’t give instructions to thousands for forty years - instructions in minute detail - without either getting into a great deal of trouble or a great many requests for help! The answer is our daily mail bulges with requests for readings, and that numbers of these requests are from the very physicians who have administered readings in the past.

What will your reading tell you and your physician to do? The corrective measures suggested are so varied that all one can say in summary is that they usually employ simple materials. As a rule, several types of treatment are to be used together in each case. However, in the following cases only one of the suggested treatments has been extracted for an example:

3482-1. (Tuberculosis) “Also prepare a gallon and a half oak keg, charred inside - do have it charred. In this would be to put two vents, one for the inhaling of the fumes from pure Apple Brandy. Hence this vent should not enter the brandy, as only the gas from the brandy should be inhaled from the keg into the lung. This would be done once a day, or twice, or whenever there is felt the need of same. This is healing for the lung.”

3274-1. (Diabetes) “Do use the Jerusalem Artichoke at least once a week in the diet, but only cooked in its own juices - or mix the juices in which it is cooked with the bulk of the artichoke. That is, cook it in Patapar paper.”

3431-1. (Loss of Muscular Control) “Begin with the use of the low Wet Cell Appliance carrying into the body vibratorially the Chloride of Gold, in the proportions of one grain of Chloride of Gold Sodium to each ounce of Distilled Water - and use at least three ounces. The large nickel plate, through which the Gold Solution passes vibratorially to the body, should be attached to the umbilical and lacteal duct plexus - which on this body will be four fingers from the navel center to the right and three fingers up from that point. The small copper plate would be attached to the 9th dorsal.”

3426-1. (Coccyx Injury) “After at least four or five of the corrections have been made - not before, we would begin using for one hour each day the Radio-Active Appliance to equalize distribution of energies through the body. Use such periods for deep meditation.”

3601-1. (Skin Growth) “Use this mud as packs along the spine, along the neck - the whole spinal rea and the frontal portion of the body at just about the heart area.”

3428-1. (Nervous Incoordination) “At least once a week we would have a general hydrotherapy treatment, including first a mild cabinet sweat followed by a needle shower, and then a massage using this combination of oils:

Olive Oil (heated)…2 ounces, Tincture of Myrrh…2 ounces, Calamus Oil…10 drops.

Massage these oils into the spine itself, also in the areas especially of the ribs, around each rib, around the breast-bone or sternum, around the collar-bone, especially over the areas of the 9th dorsal, 11th dorsal and 12th, and throughout the sacral areas.”

3482-1. (Respiratory Disorder) “If there is a change in the climatic conditions, go where it is warmer but higher. Where there is pine and such environs would be well, such as near Asheville - but rather than in a colony be in the country.”

3539-1. (Neuritis) “Then begin with good osteopathic adjustments, giving special reference to the 5th and 6th dorsal and throughout the sacral area. The 3rd cervical also should be partially adjusted, not at each treatment - but a relaxing treatment one time, and an adjustment the next time. Have five or six of these.”

Such extracts present a view of the range and types of treatments suggested. Where do the suggestions come from? The readings themselves have an explanation of these “suggestions for help and relief” in their insistence that Mr. Cayce serves as but a “channel” through which an individual sincerely seeking may obtain help. Which prompts us to ask - if Mr. Cayce is but the channel, where DOES the information come from? the readings remind us that the Bible speaks of being “willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (II Corinthians -5:8). One has only to witness a reading to be convinced that Mr. Cayce is in a very real way “absent from the body”. And the readings then confirm our surmise that the information necessary to help individuals does come from a Universal Consciousness, from the universal wisdom of the Creative Forces, or - as we usually say - God.

294-202: “First, then, in dealing with the whys and wherefores of the fact that the greater portion of that which has been given has proven beneficial to others in correcting and meeting the ills in their physical being - let’s turn for the moment to the individual entity, Edgar Cayce.

“Consider the fact that there was first his study, meditation and prayer upon His word, which brought that desire, that hope, that purpose to give self as a channel through which help might come to those who would in Him seek for the betterment of their physical forces and conditions. Then consider his vision, the spoken word: ‘ASK! WHAT SEEKEST THOU! WHAT DESIREST THOU TO DO?’ Then: ‘THY PRAYER HAS BEEN HEARD.’ The desire was that thee might be the ability to help others who were ill - especially children…

“As to discourse upon the sources of the information for human ills, then, and how or why such may be helpful to others: First there are those influences that arise in the minds of those who hear such. Then there is set in motion DESIRE, PURPOSE, AIM. Those that seek, then, attune themselves to that promise which was made to this entity, Edgar Cayce. The entity when in that state, that condition, when the physical self is laid aside, becomes the channel. Then only SPIRIT-MIND, as may attune itself with the purpose of the seeker, may give that which may be helpful.

“From whence comes the individual entity’s ability to cope with the problems? “Are ye not all children of God? Are ye not co-creators with Him? Have ye not been with Him from the beginning? Is there any knowledge, wisdom or understanding withheld if ye have attuned thyself to that Creative Force which made the worlds and all the forces manifested in same? Thinkest thou that the arm of God is ever short with thee because thou hast erred? ‘Though ye be afar off, though ye be in the uppermost parts, if ye call I will HEAR and answer speedily.’ Thinkest thou that He speakest of another, or to thee? Open thy mind, thy heart, thy purpose to thy God and His purpose with thee.

“As to why this or that type of information may be indicated to individuals through this channel… An individual who understands the pathology of a physical body is taken where he is, and is supplied that information which if applied in that condition existent will be helpful in his relationship to that which he worships.”

It seems a breath-taking assumption that the information given in your own reading CAN in part come directly from the all-comprehending consciousness of God. But how else might one explain such a tremendous depth of knowledge? The readings may on occasion tell an individual about the doctor who has just moved in down the street from his home and not even hung out his shingle. Or tell a woman in Baltimore that raw milk can be obtained within two blocks of her house. Or tell a lieutenant in Texas that there are three Elliott machines in Austin. Or tell a man that he can get the right mud for his skin either in Kentucky or in the northwest cow pasture of his own ranch in Wyoming. To summarize this unusual explanation of the source of the information which suggests TREATMENTS in those physical readings we may say:

294-202: “Hence those who seek in sincerity, in hope, in purpose, to KNOW, receive - only to the measure that they manifest their hope, their belief, their desire, in a God-purpose through a promise made to a man.”

Do the readings always provide a remedy for a disease, one asks in willingness to be further startled? They answer in terms of the Bible:

II Peter 3:9. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

I Corinthians 10:13. ”…God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

And the readings DO suggest for every condition for which one may seek help. However one may have gone so far along in life without dealing with the disease that only relief may be achieved, and not complete recovery. As in this case:

3516-1. “We find here a life well spent, yet there is the desire and purpose to hold onto same - even under the distresses of general disintegration. The body and soul are here being held together by will, and by the prayers of others. There may be help if there is still held that desire for life and activity. There is no healing of that which is spent. There may be ease.”

But even that ease is very real. In this case it came from the use of ultra-violet light through a green glass:

“This would be over those areas of the ribs, in the back, that there may be the greater flow and formation of the elements in the blood to create greater quantities of leukocytes in body blood plasm. For as the body wastes there is the greater necessity for more of the plasm that may cause coagulation in affected areas. Use the ultra-violet light with the green glass for at least a minute, once a day…”

But, you say, if we can attune ourselves to God through such readings for information about our diseases, why not just get cured at the same time and be done with it? The answer seems to be that we have to meet diseases for reasons, for our own growth. If the healing were done for us, if we had to exert no effort of understanding, achieve no realization of the source of our strength, what would be our soul’s gain? We would have well bodies but keep our troubled souls. For the readings, along with their marvelous accuracy and helpfulness, propound a hard teaching - “All sickness is sin.” The recognize, of course, many expressions of sin, which they see basically as SELFISHNESS. The source of one’s trouble may be just the sin of resentment.

1523-9. “For there have arisen the acute conditions not only from physical reactions but mental conditions that have been as resentments, which have been builded into the mental forces of the body. There are the physical effects upon organ centers - now finding reflexes in various portions of the body. These are indicated in the reactions from the toxic conditions of a cold, as well as the poisons from gum conditions that have settled in joints, as in hips, shoulders, head and neck.”

Or the sin which causes a disease may be at the other end of the scale, reflecting mistakes of a past life to be met now, in what the readings call “karma”. This individual, for example, is losing the power of voluntary movement:

3485-1. “For here we have an individual entity meeting its own self - in the conditions in regard to the movements of the body, the locomotories, the nerve endings, the muscular forces. What ye demanded of others ye must pay yourself! Every soul should remember not to demand of others more than ye are willing to give, for ye will pay - and, as most, through thy gills!”

But the problem of karma in disease is another study in itself. We may simply summarize the readings’ concept of the CAUSATION OF DISEASE in the following words:

3395-1. “Q. Is the ill health which I have been experiencing the past years the result of mistakes of a past life or is it due to something amiss in the present life?” “A. Both. For there is the law of the material, there is the law of the mental, there is the law of the spiritual. But whatever is brought into materiality is first conceived in spirit. Hence, as we have indicated, all illness is sin, not necessarily of the moment, as man counts time, but as part of the whole experience.

254-114, Par. 7-A: “For all disease is sin. Then what is necessary is to eliminate sin in the lives of the individuals. It requires oft the use of mechanical means of various forms, it is true; because that entity, that soul, is in that consciousness, and not in the consciousness that the Lord thy God is One.”

At about this point in explaining to people the probable contents of the reading they are going to get, we usually hear an earnest reminder, “This is all interesting and informative, but, you know, all I want in my reading is just to be told how to get well.” And that is exactly why we are asking you to read this study. YOUR reading may be one which tells you that to get well you must first set your house in order, getting your ideals straight, knowing why you live, knowing in Whom you believe. As this one did:

3359-1. “Begin with the spiritual attitude. First know in self what ye believe about spiritual things. Know who is the author of thy faith. As was given by the lawgiver, don’t look somewhere else. Don’t call on heaven, until you have set your own heart and mind aright. For lo, thy redeemer liveth in thine own activity. As ye find in self the manner in which ye would treat others, ye will find in self help, physically and mentally. This will change thy whole outlook on the purpose of life…

“Find that, and ye will begin then with the correct attitude… Don’t commence taking these medicines we suggest first. If it takes six months or a year to get yourself spiritually correct, don’t take a dose of the medicine until you are spiritually correct. It will do you more harm than it will good.”

It is to prepare you for such suggestions for treatment (or to warn you away!) that we ask you to study a bit before your reading. If you wish to get rid of an itch or cramps or headaches by paying a man in Virginia Beach to do it for you, now is the time to stop. If you are unwilling to face yourself and see what you really look like, turn back now. For your reading may well say:

3400-1. “Are you living the purposeful life that you would have others to see? This is not a questioning of you. The question is already in yourself. For each soul gives account for deeds done in the earth! To whom do they account? The divine within their own selves! And then do you wonder that you have aches and pains, troubles and worries? You are meeting your own self.”

Even if your reading does not say that, the very experience of having a reading is likely to make you take a long look at yourself from a new perspective. Be very sure before proceeding further that you are willing to do something about what you learn. Or you may be worse off than when you began:

2828-5. “The information will not do it for you. Did the Lord prevent Abel from being slain? Did He prevent Cain from slaying? Did He not say, ‘it is in thine own self to do’? So it is with individuals who may be warned or directed. It is within yourself to do or not to do.”

3433-1. “Q. If carefully followed, how long should it take for this treatment of my leg to have effect? “A. A year or two years or seventy years - what’s the difference! Is it building to use the time for constructive activities or for the gratification of self? If it is for the gratification of self, you’d better let it alone. If it is to be for constructive influences in the lives of others, begin. But begin by praying about it and making the promises

• then do KEEP the promises to your Maker.”

By now, by the time you have mused this far on the contents of these readings, Mr. Cayce will have come to that part of every reading when he says, “Ready for questions”. These are the questions about your condition which you have written on your appointment slip. As a rule, most of them - if they refer to your chief trouble - are answered in the main part of the reading, and Mrs. Cayce simply checks them off. Occasionally one has the experience of hearing these questions taken up and answered in their exact order in which they were written, before Mrs. Cayce has a chance to ask them! The prime value of these questions is in the detail which they secure on the original source or the special treatment of an ailment, even though all the NECESSARY information is given in the body of the reading. But while this “larger consciousness” has your body in focus, it is also possible to ask about other conditions, from baldness to your period of receptivity. It is a reassuring part of a physical reading to be able to ask questions you have formulated about your own physical condition. The measure of the answers you will receive is again shaped by the sincerity and purpose of your asking.

As Mr. Cayce wakens from his unusual nap he will probably ask his wife sleepily, “Did you get it?” The reading is over. Your body has been in the focus of a consciousness a good deal bigger than it has often faced. You may feel a bit worn out, perhaps, but in some way cleansed and lifted by the experience.

It is time - if you were sincere in asking for the reading

• for you to take Miss Davis’ transcript of it and begin doing EVERYTHING the reading suggests, in just exactly the manner it describes. We cannot urge you strongly enough to do just this part for a week, taking a couple of doses of that, skipping the other because it must be sent for, and postponing something else. As one reading humorously remarked:

3429-1. “These disturbances may be eliminated, as we find…But if you do it haphazardly, you will get only haphazard results! You must be consistent (and what woman is consistent!). You must be persistent (and most women are persistent!). Do be consistent and persistent in the use of these suggestions we will make, and we will correct these disturbances with this body.”

Nor should you start out and fizzle, unless you choose to suffer:

3433-1. “…fume baths…Glyco-Thymoline packs…massages…osteopathic corrections…Gold administered vibratorially…Unless all will be done, don’t begin any of it!”

In other words, DO NOT ASK FOR A READING UNLESS YOU ARE MIGHTY SURE YOU WILL USE IT!

The task of securing a physician’s co-operation and collecting the materials recommended is not always an easy one. Happily, the experience of having the same treatments and materials turn up often in many years helps us to direct you to the people and articles you need. You will begin the treatments, looking for instant improvement, wondering, questioning, worrying… The readings must often remind us all to have FAITH - faith in promises like these:

John 16:23. “Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.”

Matthew 21:22. “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Then if questions arise after a few weeks or months that you cannot honestly answer, ask for a check reading, to see if you are properly administering the treatments. But DON’T ask for one if you haven’t done what has been suggested:

3381-2. “As we find, there has been little or nothing done about what has been given the body! The reading itself won’t help! It is the application consistently, persistently, conscientiously, prayerfully, that will help the body.”

We have seen HOW a physical reading is secured, here at Virginia Beach. We have considered WHAT a physical reading is likely to contain. And now, finally, suppose we ask this question - WHY is a physical reading given?

To get you well? In part. But well for what? You may apply, inhale, eat, relax, sweat and be adjusted all you wish, but unless you want to get well for a good purpose, you may as well stay sick. As the readings put it:

1807-6. “Do use the period of treatments as the period of prayer and meditation. Do keep the attitude of body-mind in those of more creative influences. Not only be good, be good for something! Do think of others - not altogether of self, but as to how the body may contribute most to that which is not only pleasure, but of creative forces and influences in the lives of others - also! This will change the general attitude, and if the applications are made, we will find better accord and better co-ordination for the body.”

Indeed, out of the long experience of securing and applying readings, we would say that you cannot get well physically, unless you make some progress spiritually:

3439-1. “A gentle massage to quiet the body would be well, with prayer - and not by those who do not live what they pray. Do not merely pray that John will be well, but well for what! Do not pray for the body to be well for what it can do for itself, but to be well for those whom he has aided and also hindered.”

3480-1. “For if ye would be forgiven, if ye would be healed, ye must forgive others, ye must heal others, in mind as well as in body.”

Those documents never weary of stressing the spiritual element in recovery from illness. Indeed about seventy-five percent of the thousands of physical readings contain religious and spiritual truths to be applied right along with high-colonics, glyco-packs, massages and apple diets. One individual, to take an unusual example, had colitis and cancer of the rectum, so severe that the reading said, “…operative measures will immediately make of the entity an invalid. Rather, one chance in a million of its ever being on its feet again, with untold suffering.” And yet this is what the information recommended:

3388-1. “All of these have been a strain and a drain on the system; yet the diet, with the mental and spiritual attitudes has helped. Do not disregard these attitudes - keep them

• they will be worth more to the mind and soul than all the medics that may be applied…the greater help may come through the holding of the correct attitude. Not that there should be a DENIAL of the condition existing, but the continual affirming and the RELYING on, and the realization of the ability of the Christ-consciousness to make whole.

“If this is seen and applied in the life by dealing with others, thee may come help. Not by bragging, not by boasting, not by denying, but rather by edifying all with whom the body comes in contact, and then living day by day in those things and in those ways that the spirit, or seed of the spirit of truth is manifested.

“Be patient, be gentle, be kind. Do not find fault with others. Be longsuffering with those who despitefully use you, and you will find that these attitudes will continue to bring greater help to the body. Do these things if the body wants to live the longer. Do these if he wants to have less pain the longer. If he wants to be very scientific materially, forget it!”

And it further appears - as many a parent knows! - that no matter how ill you are, the desire to be able to forget your tired, aching body in the service of others can do more to heal you than all the attachments, doses, tappings and thumpings, rubs and sympathy others can supply. Begin to look out for someone else, and your body begins to look out for itself:

3421-1. “…causing the inability for rest or even a concerted activity - unless the body finds itself needed for someone also. Then the body finds, as this occurs, the disturbance is retarded, or it fades - in the attempts of the body to exercise itself in help for others.”

Thus you see, the purpose, the WHY of a physical reading is a good deal more than simply to get you well. You might say

• as one girl did - “It woke me up to a lot of things.” And you may indeed find “a lot of things” when you can answer in your heart the one question the readings most frequently ask - taken from the 103rd Psalm: “Who healeth all thy diseases?”

3511-1. “For who healeth all thy diseases? It will require then that there be such an attitude in mind, in purpose, in hope, and in relationship to others, that each cell of the body may become attuned to the divine within. Each cell must become expectant, that there may be the renewing, the revivifying of the relationships that the soul-entity bears to the Creative Forces!”

3384-2. “For all healing, mental or material, is attuning each atom of the body, each reflex of the brain forces to the awareness of the divine that lies within each atom, each cell of the body.”

Is it any wonder, then, that the readings tell people to get acquainted with some of the ideas of Christian Science and Unity?

3430-1. “We find the better association would be with a nurse or a constant companion, almost all the while - or in regular periods, at least; one such as a student of Unity, or Christian Science. You see, these groups have something on the church - that the church has left out ordinarily. They trust in the divinity of the Christ, wholly set as a central theme of the mind. And this is needed in this particular entity individually, so that the personality may take on

• NOT the extremes of either - but the universality of the Christ-consciousness in the individuality and personality of this entity.

“Pathologically there are lesions in the lacteal duct area and in the 1st, 2nd, and a portion of the 3rd cervicals. These need physical applications. To be sure, such applications would be contrary to the teachings of either of these groups, yet if there would be help there must be the consideration of ALL phases. Remember, the Christ in person used water, clay, spittle and other ingredients for application in physical conditions. These groups would do well to learn this, or at least those who act as healers.”

And is it any wonder that the readings so often send us to the Bible for strength in meeting our distresses?

3512-1. “Do not begin the physical applications until the spiritual body has been renewed. Begin with this: Read the 30th chapter of Deuteronomy, knowing that it is meant for self. Read Exodus 19:5. Then study, know by heart, but most of all by application personally, the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th of John. Apply it; not just as theory, but in the hopes, in the words, in the acts, in the wishes, in the desires of the body.”

For the readings remind us that our bodies are the temples of the living God, to be cared for with healthy respect and understood in that larger perspective:

3492-1. “For thy body is the Temple of the Living God. Use it as such… Sacrifice therein thine own appetites and offer to Him those praises, those honors due for that which He has given to thee… We would make these material applications we have given thee. But don’t do it until you have prayed very oft, or it will do more harm than good!”

3545-1. “As those lessons are learned, there may come healing even where physically there is apparently no help. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Yet spirit and mind may build the flesh to beauty, to health, even when racked with pain.

“For when man has learned that the physician must be the physician to the soul as well as to the body, he will have begun to find the meaning that the Great Physician gave to His ministry in the earth. As He indicated, which is easier to say - ‘Son, thy sins be forgiven thee’, or ‘rise, take up thy bed and walk’?

“LEARN the meaning of such!”

Perhaps you have some time to wait before you get your reading. Part of that time might well be spent in considering these ideas about the source of strength, the source of the health you seek. If it seems long before your turn - well, have you prayed? Prayed just to recover, or to be able to serve? Has your praying been so full of asking that you have not had time to listen for the voice, that small voice, which guides, which reminds, which comforts, which points the way?

You came seeking one who could do miracles. Yet the readings tell us that the miracle is really in the seeking, in your own heart and its new purposes. You have asked a busy man to help you with your illness. He will serve you. And you will be helped, if - IF you are seeking the aid of God.

294-202: “The results through the years Speak for themselves. As to whether there has been A remitting of human ills, This has come to those Who have in their seeking, Put God first.”

R E L A T E D P U B L I C A T I O N S

BOOKS

THERE IS A RIVER - The Story of Edgar Cayce. By Thomas Sugrue. An inspiring biography and thorough survey of this work - “the first thing to read”. Published by Henry Holt & Co., 1943…3.00 A [[Search for God Study Groups|SEARCH FOR GOD]] - Thoughtful essays compiled from the readings of Edgar Cayce by the Department of Study Groups of [[A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment)|the Association]].....................1.00

PRINTED BOOKLETS

EDGAR CAYCE, HIS LIFE AND WORK - Mr. Cayce’s own account of the development of his ability, and a statement of the program of the organization which studies and presents his work. (This booklet contains application blanks for membership in the Association, necessary before reading appointments can be made)…$ .25

MEDITATION - A compilation of ideas given through Mr. Cayce on the need for meditation, with helpful suggestions. (This is the first chapter of the book A SEARCH FOR GOD.)…$ .50

MIMEOGRAPHED BOOKLETS

PHYSICAL CASE STUDIES - Complete reports on cases of individuals helped by information secured in the physical readings. Each…$ .25

Appendicitis, Arthritis, Common Cold, Epilepsy, Intestinal Fever, Scleroderma, Streptococcus.

ONENESS OF ALL FORCE - A compilation of extracts presenting the basic philosophy of the readings…$ .50

LIFE READINGS - A study - similar to PHYSICAL READINGS - of readings on vocational guidance and self-analysis, helpful in preparing for their use…$ .50

Send orders to: THE ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC., VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

R8. 6/8/44 See 3901-2.

Background

Background

B1. 11/27/43 Letter: “We are so pleased over my mother [3349]‘s diagnosis that I wish to obtain one also.”

B2. 1/17/44 Questions submitted:

1. Please explain to me the cause of excess clammy perspiration of my hands and feet and how to stop it. This condition has been with me since early childhood.
2. A urinalysis taken last year revealed a mild diabetic condition. Do I still have it?
3. How may I be rid of the pain in my right shoulder which did not seem improved after 6 mo. of chiropractic adjustments?
4. What will prevent my lips from chapping? They are daily growing worse with the loss of much skin.
5. Have I any vitamin and mineral deficiencies or food allergies? My vitality is often low.

B3. 3/29/44 [3901]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce,

Enclosed is a check for my tithes since January first of this year. I am sending it to your organization because I believe it is doing a great deal to bring God’s truth to the people on earth.

Please use the money in whatever way you see fit.

Most sincerely, [3901]

B4. 4/8/44 EC’s letter to [3901]

Mrs. [3901] …, California

Dear Mrs. [3901]:

I am in receipt of yours of the 29th. Thanks.

I know there are no words that I can say that will adequately express my appreciation for the consideration you are giving our feeble undertaking. I only hope and trust that we may prove to be worthy of the consideration that you are giving this little group.

I trust that you are receiving the weekly letter. If not, let me know. If you are, let me know what you think of it, because it is for just such of our members as you.

Thanks a lot and do let us hear from you, and with every good wish, I remain

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce EC/gm

Mentioned Entities

Purpose, Osteopathy, Prayer, Soul, Glyco-Thymoline, Healing, Virginia Beach, Meditation, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Gertrude Cayce, Jerusalem Artichoke, John (Apostle), Massage Therapy, Thomas Sugrue, California, Entity (Cayce Term), Gladys Davis, Miracles of Jesus, Colon Hydrotherapy, Creative Forces

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 3901-1, ReadingID 11532.