This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the Edmonds' home on Pennsylvania Ave., Norfolk, Va., this 17th day of Sept., 1933, in accordance with request made by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Minnie & C. A. Barrett, Esther Wynne, Florence & Edith Edmonds, Frances Y. Morrow, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Helen Storey and Ruth LeNoir.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the work of the Norfolk Study Group #1, especially that phase of it represented by the lesson "Opportunity" a copy of which I hold in my hand. As I call the number of each paragraph you will make such suggestions or comments as will enable us to make this lesson of real value to those who may study it. You will then answer such other questions as may be asked regarding this group's activities.
2. EC: Yes, we have the group as gathered here, as a group and as individuals; the work in preparation of the lesson Opportunity, and that in that prepared which may be helpful to those who study same.
3. As to the varied paragraphs that are presented here, we find these are very good in the manner of presentation.
4. In reference to that which has been suggested as to the experience, this should be changed even yet in the way of presenting same.
5. While, that (30) presented in the ideal and the effect of the activity in the mental experience of one so stating same is good, the manner, the wording in presenting of same would become confusing to many as to whether this is an influence from without or the raising of the self in the activities of the mental and spiritual forces from within. Hence this should be clarified.
6. Ready for questions.
7. (Q) Is there any need of going over each paragraph by number for correction?
   (A) Only in this, as we find, would there be changes in the present draft, other than some little variation in the punctuation.
8. (Q) Any special paragraph besides 30?
   (A) Only what has been given.
9. (Q) Please give the meditation for the next lesson, DAY AND NIGHT.
   (A) IN THY MERCIES, O HEAVENLY FATHER,

   WILT THOU BE THE GUIDE
IN THE STUDY OF THE MANIFESTATIONS
OF THY LOVE, EVEN AS IN
"DAY UNTO DAY UTTERETH SPEECH
AND NIGHT UNTO NIGHT SHEWETH KNOWLEDGE."
SO MAY THE ACTIVITIES OF MY LIFE,
AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THY LOVE,
BE A MANIFESTATION IN THE EARTH.

   Then, in the study of the thoughts, of the ideas, and along the ideals that have been presented in the lessons that have gone before, and in presenting this lesson, this thought - that there may be grounded in the heart and soul of each that which may offer for every soul, ever, the answer within self for that it believes:
   Knowest thou what thou believest?
   Dost thou present in thine own life day by day that thou professest to believe concerning the manifestation of God's activities in a material world?
   As recorded in the beginning, "the evening and the morning were the first day."
   What transpired in the first day?
   What transpired in the first night?
   When began the morning stars to sing together?
   When gathered first the sons of God to produce, or to bring about, the manifestations that man calls day?
   Is the Day significant of the life that is a span experience or existence in a sphere of activity when an entity, a soul, becomes conscious of that activity in or about self, or self's own associations during such an experience?
   Is Night the rest from such an activity? Or, as manifested in the material world, is Night only a change from one realm of a source of consciousness to another?
   Such questions have been sought since the foundations of the world.
   Or, does Day and Night present that experience sought in every soul that is given expression to as in days of yore, when it was said, "If a man die, shall he live again?" Live, or give expression, or manifest?
   From whence came man into the consciousness of Day and Night?
   What makes for the awareness, in the experience of each soul, of a change?
   Are such questions merely answered in the heart of each, as "the sun goes up, the sun goes down, and "there will be a big night tonight"?
   These are questions. These are basic truths.
   What thinkest thou?
   What wilt YE do with presenting these and all phases of that through which man, and the soul of man, passes in his experience of a consciousness in a material world?
10. We are through for the present.

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-54 - "Norfolk Study Group #1."

REPORTS

1. See Source File Key #262 for all current reports, supplements and professional commentaries re 262-54.

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