This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the home of Mrs. Helen Storey, 2709 Lafayette Blvd., Norfolk, Va., this 4th day of October, 1936, in accordance with request by those present, through Study Group Committee of the Ass'n.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Esther Wynne, Hannah Miller, Frances Y. Morrow, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Helen Storey, Helen Ellington and Ruth LeNoir.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the Study Group Work of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. You will consider the outlines and plans for Group work as prepared and presented by Esther Wynne and Hugh Lynn Cayce, present in this room, and you will continue the discussion of group activity begun in rdg. of Sept. 13, answering the ques. which will be asked.
2. EC: Yes, we have the purposes, the aims, the desires of the presentation of the Study Group Work by those that have prepared the outline. Hence this is another approach.
3. In considering the outline, as we find, the ideals and the purpose of the Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., as are set forth should be more closely followed.
4. There should be first, as has been indicated, the preparation of an invitation for each and every member that has been and that is of every nature and character, but in the preparation of such invitation consider their own development, their own desires in relationship to the ideals and purposes of the Association.
5. Hence it should be rather as in THIS line, through the Study Group Committee, Esther Wynne and Hugh Lynn Cayce, OF the Association:
6. Presenting then that which has been found helpful in those Study Groups that have used or prepared the lessons for same. That the ideals and the purposes are that this Group may in some manner aid those seeking to know THEIR relationship to their Creator, and the manner of expressing or manifesting same in their dealings with their fellow man. And that the course as may be presented in this outline, that has been used by others may be used as a manner or way or means for this preparation, for this understanding. And not as that they as individuals become teachers, leaders, ministers or what not for the Association but for themselves and for THEIR God! If the study with this leads them TO that, WELL - but dictate not. For ye have Jew, Parthenian, Greek, and those of every cult, and they each have their ideal. But how few have found or know THEIR relationships to Creative Forces as may manifest through them as individuals! as has been presented to those who have used these outlines to know THEIR Maker, their Savior, their selves, their brother, the better! Ready for questions.
7. (Q) What explanation should be given regarding meditation for those who desire to join in the hour meditation from 2 to 3? Give an affirmation if needed.
   (A) As the paper or data upon meditation, as has been given, is to be a part of that to be sent each individual, then in the beginning this would be rather as a prayer, as a oneness of purpose, desire on the part of each that may take part. While they each may present their own petition in this way or that way, let it be rather as He gave, "When ye pray, pray in THIS manner." Let that be for the beginnings.
   And then let there be rather the growth of this as may be presented through these channels if so sought as the developments progress. For if they each that join are sincere in seeking to know their relationship to the Creative Forces, that they may know themselves the better, they WILL become seekers. And as has been given from the beginning, they that seek may find.
8. (Q) For how long should this hour meditation period be observed?
   (A) Each in their own way, but at least thirty minutes or the hour.
9. (Q) For how long at a period?
   (A) How long has it been given? Six months or a year? How long does it become necessary? Some will want to continue, some will be through in a few days; for it will be as the sower going forth to sow.
10. (Q) Consider the preparation of parallel pamphlets covering such subjects as follow for 30 minute parallel study of same for each group period: Dreams, Auras, Mental Telepathy and Power of Thought, Numerology -
    (A) (Interrupting) Leave off.
11. (Q) (Continuing) Astrology -
    (A) Leave off.
12. (Q) (Continuing) Palmistry -
    (A) Leave off.
13. (Q) (Continuing) Spiritualism, Spiritual Healing. Comment on this plan and suggest other subjects or indicate any that should be omitted during period of first twelve lessons.
    (A) Those as indicated leave off. Those additions that may be made may arise from questions naturally arising upon the various subjects that are being treated. For this will not be a one-man job, nor the two that have set themselves in order! There will be many others necessary to handle it, if handled properly!
14. (Q) Would it be wise to undertake in groups comparative studies of isms and philosophies as Yogi, Rosicrucianism, etc. Comment and suggest. The idea would be to point out good points, not to find differences.
    (A) This is preparation rather of individuals. Hence comparative studies, isms, cisms, Yogi philosophies and all would become a part of the preparation. For this will lead the individuals who join as a group to become missionaries, emissaries for something! For the world, for the people are seeking - seeking oft they know not what. Ye that have begun, then become greater channels, and ye will find that as has been given as to what portions of this or that land ye will become the more efficient in meeting the problems of those in those particular portions of the land.
15. (Q) Any other suggestions regarding parallel work in groups?
    (A) This is getting the cart before the horse, and may become confusing. Remember that you have begun for the PREPARATION of groups, and you haven't gotten to the groups yet!
16. (Q) Comment on the proposal to prepare a small pamphlet for general distribution on the Purposes of Group Work. Give suggestions for this if advisable.
    (A) This SHOULD be short enough to be in the letter that is to be sent to each and every old member, new member, present member of every nature - as has been suggested.
17. (Q) Please interpret the dreams had by [540] of 2638 Harrell Ave., Norfolk, Va., on Aug. 27 & 28th regarding the blessing that could come to Study Groups - directed to Esther Wynne.
    (A) This is as a vision of that which might or could come, or is what may be called the etheric activity of the proposed work that may be made a mental and material expression in material relationships.
18. (Q) Give advice and counsel for direction of the following groups: Group #2 [397]:
    (A) As has been indicated, the type of data and of study that would be the more comprehensible, the more sought for, and that they should follow. This then, rather than becoming - for this particular group - as a routine or as rote will offer for its membership a study of those phases of experience that become more acceptable in their own relationships. For unless every phase of human experience is answered in the life of the Christ, He is not their guide nor their light, nor their way. But that phase of the activities of individuals should be kept in that as has been given. We do not find the natures of any have changed.
19. (Q) Group #3 [473]:
    (A) This should be rather the studies that make for the answering of those problems that have become the stumblingblocks in the ways of denominationalism, schisms, cults and the like. For these seek to find an answer for each of these. Do not study their differences but rather their correlating of those activities in each as pertain to the tenets or lessons or truths (dependent upon the manner of presentation as to the term) as given through the lessons as compared with that of Jesus. And then the lessons from each faultfinder.
20. (Q) Group #7 [792]:
    (A) Practical application of the tenets that are set forth by the lessons in the EXPERIENCES OF each member of the group. For in this group practicality and NOT mere theory must be the answer for each individual.
21. (Q) Group #6:
    (A) This is a new combination, a new seeking, and quite a divided one at present. Hence the ideals of presenting the purposes of the group work and the lessons as presented should be rather in that line of knowledge as taught in Knowledge; Wisdom as may be presented in that as given, "First seek ye to know God and then the rest will be added in its proper order"; and as to how those suggestions, those experiences of those that have prepared such lessons may apply in the individual experience of each of those studying or applying same. This, to be sure, will make for the lives of many of Group #1 to be held up as patterns. And how some will find the light shining through without any shadow, and others very shadowy. But these are needed for those as represent or present Group Six in the present, for these seek - as the number indicates - to know WHY people think as they do!
22. (Q) Any suggestions for handling the introductory material for the Virginia Beach Group?
    (A) The preparations as we find that are being made in the mind, in the actions of those that may present themselves - first the approach from the varied angles and then as to what has been done. For in those periods of the activities there will be many questions as to what the Association and the Study Groups have done and are doing ABOUT making known that they have found helpful in their experience. Then the preparation would be not only of those authors, writers, lecturers or speakers that may be presented, but as to how many of the questions that are treated by the individual author are answered in the experiences of individuals who have sought or who do seek daily the information through those channels that the individual presents.
23. (Q) Any advice and counsel to Esther Wynne at this time regarding Group Work?
    (A) Again we would give that as has been given. Ye have been called, ye have chosen, ye are worthy. Just be faithful.
24. (Q) Any other suggestions regarding group activity?
    (A) As has been given regarding the activities of Group One, there falls - with the opening of the proposal to assist and aid others - a greater service that may be rendered.
    Let all count themselves not in themselves worthy but through the grace and the mercy and the glory and the promise of thy Brother, the Christ, ye CAN accomplish all.
25. We are through.

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-101 - "Study Group Work."

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