This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th St. & Ocean, Va. Beach, Va., this 10th day of January, 1932, in accordance with request made by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Esther Wynne, Hannah Miller, Florence Edmonds, Edith Edmonds, F. M. Freeman, F. Y. Morrow, C. W. Rosborough, M. L. Rosborough, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Mildred Davis, Helena Storey, Eloise Potter, and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the group gathered here who seek guidance in preparing the lesson on KNOW THYSELF. We pray that we may receive that which we need to guide us in our work at this time. Please answer the questions each will ask.
2. EC: Yes, we have the group - as a group, as individuals - gathered here. As the group comes as a unit, so may each receive - through their desire to give out - that that is necessary for the lessons that may awaken in others seeking the light. Each should know this: That as is self's own ideal is the standard by which the will is controlled or measured. WHAT IS THY IDEAL? then, would be the next lesson. Ready for questions.
3. (Q) [2112]: Where can I find a record of my work in spreading the glad tidings to those in Mt. Seir during my appearance at the time of the Christ?
   (A) There is in the common version of the incident of the woman at the well, the sister of the entity, which gives, "YE say in Jerusalem is the place of worship, OUR fathers say Mt. Seir." The answer was, "The day will come when neither in Jerusalem nor in the mount, but in each individual's heart." As for the tidings as given by the entity in that period, there may be found a record in that of Josephus, as well as in the stories that are among the writings of one Bartimaeus in the Jewish history, page forty-five. In this there is given as the variation of how, or what effect is had upon those of that particular peoples, that is the mixture of the Edomites and the Jewish peoples left when the first of these were carried into captivity. With the return of those first under Zerubbabel, and the dispersing as happened by Sanballat and Loti [?], as teachers in Seir, these were then called the Samaritans, and SEIR - where Jeroboam had builded an altar - was chosen as the place for these peoples to worship. With the teachings, now, of the man of Nazareth to these peoples, began with this household Selmaa [See 2112-1] and Nina [?], and Nola [?], with the changes in the peoples of the establishing of groups nearer akin to those of the synagogue, or that of what would be termed the daily or cottage prayer meetings see? These will be found, or as reference to these, in that given. Josephus makes one reference. Those in the others are among the stories in Jewish literature. The intent, as is seen, is to influence the different effects had upon individual minds by the teachings of this man, teacher, leader.
4. (Q) [288]: Is the interpretation and lesson correct, which I have written on the vision presented through me on the morning of Jan. 9, '32?
   ([[88]'s vision of Saturday morning, January 9, 1932 - about 6:30 o'clock.] I appeared in the midst of a group of people, packed close together, standing, dressed in white and blindfolded. Each one was trying to take off their bandage and put it on someone else. Just having arrived, I did not have a bandage over my eyes - and realized that they were all approaching me with the intention of putting one on me. Reasoning with myself, I knew that if I resisted them they would overcome me by their great number. So I withdrew myself mentally, closed my eyes and separated myself mentally from them, at the same time saying the little prayer on Knowing Self. As I did so, I used my hands as wings and slowly began to rise. The others were prevented from touching me by my state of consciousness. As my feet rose a little above their heads, I could see them clamoring and reaching, trying to catch hold of my feet. I rose higher and higher, getting lighter and lighter, and it became easier and easier for me to transcend space. As I passed through each plane of development my form changed, and I became transparent. Finally I reached my goal and stopped moving. I was a round ball, and reminded myself very much of the full moon - as it looks to us from the earth. I could see myself and feel myself - my consciousness was in me (the ball), all around, and everywhere. Then I MELTED - evaporated, the same as smoke or a cloud, and became one with and a part of the whole universe. The most wonderful, pleasurable, and ALL-INCLUSIVE feeling came through me that I have ever experienced. It is impossible to put it into words.)
   (A) In part, correct. Better, in the interpreting of vision, that is evident in itself of being emblematical, that there be sufficient of collaborations of events as IS affecting individuals seen. Then a more nearer the interpretation may be had.
5. (Q) What is the deeper significance of this dream?
   (A) Better wait and see! [See above dream.]
6. (Q) [2673]: Is this an open group, and may I become one of the group at this time?
   (A) The open group had best be sought as from the individuals. To make one with that the group seeks is different. In seeking, ye shall find. Know that there are the openings ever for those that seek to know His face, for those who will wait upon the Lord. Be not overanxious. WAIT ye on the Lord. In seeking, do not seek something afar, nor yet something new; rather that there are the proper ideals, the proper valuations of that ALREADY in hand. In using the opportunities in hand comes the understanding of larger, better, greater things; for whom the Lord loveth, to him is given in hand that which, if used, brings understanding and peace.
7. (Q) [379]: Are my dreams ever significant of spiritual awakening?
   (A) As is experienced by the entity, there are dreams and visions and experiences. When only dreams, these TOO are significant - but rather of that of the physical health, or physical conditions. In visions there is oft the INTER-BETWEEN giving expressions that make for an awakening between the mental consciousness, or that that has been turned over and over in the physical consciousness and mind being weighed with that the self holds as its ideal. In visions where spiritual awakenings, these most often are seen in symbols or signs, to the entity; for, as the training of self's consciousness in a manner of interpreting the visions would be in expressions of eye, hand, mouth, posture or the like, these are INTERPRETED in thine own language. When these are, then, in symbols of such, know the awakening is at hand.
8. (Q) [2673]: In what way can I best serve?
   (A) Much might be said to the body as to manners or ways. Much may be gained by the body, by the entity, in considering that as was said to the young ruler; not gifts, but SELF is that necessary to be used in aid to others; not my will but Thine be done in me! Use me! as Thou seest fit; not as I WOULD be used, but as Thou seest fit! As the body consciousness and mind lends a stability to others, then doubt not self; for to doubt self is to create that of a negative force that brings upon its RETURN to self discontent - see? For, as ye seek, ye SHALL find! Faint not at the long tarrying, nor be not unmindful that He that is faithful unto the end shall wear the CROWN of life.
9. (Q) [303]: How may I learn to know self as I am known?
   (A) Being able to, as it were, LITERALLY, stand aside and watch self pass by! Take the time to occasionally be sufficiently introspective of that, that may happen in self's relation to others, to SEE the reactions of others as to that as was done by self; for true - as it has been said - no man lives to himself, no man dies to himself; for as the currents run to bring about the forces that are so necessary to man's own in these material things, so are those forces in self active upon those whom we act upon. Being able, then, to see self as others see you; for, as has been given, "NOW we know in part, then shall we know even as we are known." Then, in Him so let thy life be in Him, in thought, in deed, that "Ye that have known me have known the Father also" may be truly said of self. Stand aside and watch self pass by!
10. (Q) What definite work may I do as an emissary or missionary?
    (A) As the opportunity, day by day, is given, be not unmindful of speaking when there is the opportunity; not that self becomes offensive, no! Kindness has NEVER been offensive, will NEVER be offensive to anyone! The kindly thought, the kindly act - for "He that gives the cup of cold water in my name shall not lose his reward." This is oft interpreted as reward for self. Rather is it the knowledge that comes from a true within, that "His Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit" that ye are KNOWN of Him AMONG men. In this manner may the body act as the missionary, as the emissary. That there may be harsh words, there may be slight remarks oft, is apparent - but be so CLOSE, that you can smile with those that would make of thy acts puns, even. Be able to make them with them, yet so kindly that they heap coals of fire upon the heads of those that laugh.
11. (Q) [307]: Explain the subject of the second lesson, "Know self as I am known."
    (A) As each gains, through their own meditation or prayer, that they may be known among men even as they are known with Him, this TAKES on an import. Would ye act before thy God in the manner ye act before thine brother? Love one another. "A new commandment I give, that ye LOVE one another." In THIS manner may each see themselves as others see them. Let not thy words and thy actions be so different that they are not children of the same family. Let thy deeds, let thy words, be in keeping with that others see in thee.
12. (Q) Give the best means by which I may know myself as I am known?
    (A) By measuring self by that standard that is thine own ideal.
13. (Q) Explain more fully my work as a light bearer to others.
    (A) As the body-consciousness goes about giving that as is received day by day, so does the body become a bearer of tidings to others, so that, as the body is seen and known among others as one that bears tidings of that as HAS come, is passing, will come to pass among men. In the thoughts, in the acts, keep self in attunement with the ideal, and you'll always know what's passing on in your own self!
14. (Q) Is there any message to the compilers?
    (A) Be patient with those that are lax, but be positive EVER. Keep thine own counsel oft, and counsel oft with others. Be sure each gives of themselves in the lessons from week to week, for in this is the HOPE of the lessons becoming the light to many in many a place, many a land; for there is being made such as has not yet BEEN made in the whole of meditating in group or cooperation of a body.
15. (Q) [404]: What must I do in order to know self better?
    (A) As self meditates upon the various activities of self, as to how oft self becomes the impetus of another's activity, then there may be seen that self is understood, or NOT understood, as the ACTIVITIES of self have been. How oft in thine own self hast THOU been that, that IMPELLED another to look within themselves as to whether they were in accord with that that HE would have them do? How OFT hast thou made another think better of themselves? Not LAUD themselves, but think BETTER of themselves? In this may one see self; for in magnifying Him self sees self as OTHERS may see self in self's activities.
16. (Q) [560]: Upon awakening I remembered the following: Was it imagined or a dream or a realization? I seemed to realize that I was in a boat, suspended quite high from the deck, seemingly in a hammock which rocked to and fro over the side of the deck. I realized there was an ocean beneath and if I was thrown out what the result would be. Then the words came, "Not my will but Thine, O Lord, be done." I then saw, as it appeared to me, in the heavens a beautiful white-robed angel. Please interpret.
    (A) As seen, an emblematical vision of self's own awakening to the conditions about self, those associated with self, and the source of help and aid as may come through the combined efforts of those as indicated by the character of the group, and by the character of the hammock or boat as seen. In a sea, or maze, are many. As the white light of truth is made manifest in the hearts and souls of many, will peace, harmony, contentment, joy of service come to all.
17. (Q) [993]: Please explain the message of the dream I had the last part of December, in which there was a beautiful white horse climbing up the side of a high wall. I seemed to be looking down upon him, and as he came nearer I became afraid and put my hand upon his head, and as I did his head became that of a man.
    (A) As indicated, there is, has, will come to the consciousness of the entity, in the service being given upon the wall of faith, those messages time and again of the various effects had upon the minds, the bodies of individuals in their various stages of attunement or development, and oft these may become confusing; yet - as seen - with the touch that comes from the closer associations of self and those that aid, or would aid in these closer communions for those that are suffering in body or mind, or in the various vicissitudes of their experience, these become more gentle - as their awakening that they, TOO, may be the SONS of God!
18. We are through.

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-9 - "Study Group #1".

REPORTS

1. 1/16/32 Discussed at A.R.E. Board Meeting: Voted on and signed at A.R.E. Board Mtg. on 7/02/32:
   ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC.
   Virginia Beach, Virginia
   STUDY GROUP CHARTER [See Study Group #1, [262] series]
   The ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED in accordance with its aims and purposes as set forth in its charter granted by the State of Virginia in July, 1931, "To conduct and carry on psychic and scientific research...to conduct study groups and classes", grants to the NORFOLK STUDY GROUP NO. 1 all rights and privileges as an official Study Group functioning in accord with the ideal of the Association to be of service to mankind.
   All members of the NORFOLK STUDY GROUP NO. 1 are herewith recognized as active members of the Association, with all the privileges of such memberships.
   The Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, further extends to the Norfolk Study Group No. 1 its deepest appreciation of their work and assistance in organizing other study groups.
   7/02/32
   H. H. Jones President
   Mildred Mary Davis Secretary
2. 6/17/33 Charter for Norfolk Study Group #2 see under 397-1.
3. 11/24/33 Charter for Norfolk Study Group #3 see under 473-1.
4. 11/24/33 Charter for B'ham Study Group #4 see below:
   ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED,
   Virginia Beach, Virginia
   C H A R T E R
   g r a n t e d t o
   Study Group No. 4 - BIRMINGHAM
   The ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED, in accordance with its aims and purposes as set forth in its Charter granted by the State of Virginia in July, 1931: "To conduct and carry on psychic and scientific research... to conduct study groups and classes," grants to Study Group No. 4 - BIRMINGHAM, all rights and privileges as a regular study group, functioning in accord with the Ideal of the Association to be of service to mankind.
   Study Group No. 4 - BIRMINGHAM, is herewith recognized as an Active Unit of the Association, holding a group Active Membership carrying with it all the privileges of such a membership.
   In the spirit of true fellowship, Study Group No. 4 - BIRMINGHAM, is welcomed as a unit of this Organization.
   11/24/33
   ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC.
   Mildred Mary Davis, Secretary
5. ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED,
   Virginia Beach, Virginia
   C H A R T E R
   g r a n t e d t o
   STUDY GROUP #6 - NORFOLK
   The ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED, in accordance with its aims and purposes as set forth in its Charter granted by the STATE OF VIRGINIA in July, 1931:
   "To conduct and carry on psychic and scientific research... to conduct study groups and classes," grants to Study Group No. 6 - NORFOLK, VA., all rights and privileges as a regular study group, functioning in accord with the Ideal of the Association to be of service to mankind.
   Study Group No. 6 - Norfolk, is herewith recognized as an ACTIVE UNIT of the Association, holding a group Active Membership carrying with it all the privileges of such a membership.
   In a spirit of true fellowship, Study Group No. 6 - Norfolk is welcomed as a unit of this Organization.
   ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, I n c o r p o r a t e d
   March 21, 1934
   Mildred Mary Davis, Secretary
6. 1/20/34 A charter was issued to New York Study Group No. 5. [R. N. Ladd's]
7. 5/05/34; 262-61, Par. 30-A, 31-A.
8. 1/15/35 See Norfolk Study Group #7 rdg. 792-1.
9. 4/13/38 Virginia Beach Group #8 was formed.
10. 10/21/34 See Washington, D.C. Group #9 rdg. 705-1.
11. 10/20/34 See Washington, D.C. Group #10.
12. 2/19/35 See Washington, D.C. Group #11 rdg. 835-1.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation