This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va., this 8th day of June, 1933, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [274], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [274].
2. In considering the mental and spiritual welfare, this may be in a manner the correlating of that which has been given for the physical body and for the mental and imaginative body.
3. Then, these are the conditions that are set before the body; and as to what the body in the present does with or about that given is a matter more for self-consideration and self-appreciation.
4. For, mental and spiritual must of itself partake of that which has been builded in the experience of the entity in ALL its application of that which has been gained, and that is approachable to the mental forces of the body through the inner self - which is that sought, that is obtainable to the consciousness through the intuitive or the psychic influences about the body, as well as through the application of those conditions of which the body is aware within the mental being.
5. First, then, in the physical we find there are changes coming about that are gradually making for more satisfactory responses in an ability of the body-physical to apply that which is known in self respecting its general physical welfare in the present time.
6. As this ability comes about, as it is known and will be experienced by the body, the more aware and the more alive the body will be in EVERY portion of its activity; or in the manifestation does it become alive; and alive means life manifesting in an expression of the spiritual influences in a material world, or the psychic influences in the physical being of an entity.
7. Then, in making the application of these things, we find these will build more and more to not only the ENJOYMENT of life and its manifestation, but to the greater ABILITIES in every sense to give out - which will become aware in the mental and material influences about the body.
8. We would continue, then, to make those applications of material and mechanical influences, in, of and to the body, that these physical attributes may become more and more aware of the ABILITIES, the opportunities, the obligations, the effects the body may create, may present, may use, in its experience.
9. For these followed will make for a much nearer normal manifestation in the whole physical being.
10. As to the mental body, then, we have given how the mental being has - through its various experiences in the earth's plane - made use of its abilities, sometimes for weal and sometimes for woe.
11. These, as we have pointed out to the entity, are now presenting themselves as urges in the mental influences; so that there are particular, specific and definite attractions in certain fields, certain lines of endeavor.
12. Weighed with that which is the experience of the mental being in the present, these now present themselves to be acted upon.
13. What, then, IS the entity to do with these impulses? How may the entity know HOW to apply, how to use these impulses that arise, to the greater development in the present?
14. It has been pointed out to each and every entity that the entity, the soul, is a portion - an effort of the Creative influence to make aware in a manifested form in the earth or material world of WHAT creative forces ARE! This is seen in the abilities of man as the representative of that influence made in the image, through its mental attribute, of that Creative Force.
15. Then, what should be the ideal? What should be the entity's activity, the entity's attitude, the entity's purpose, as in relation to that influence which manifests itself through an individual, that is termed (by man) the spiritual influence in his life?
16. To make the ideal, purpose, aim, less than an ideal presenting the concept of that Creative Force IN a material plane is falling short, to be sure, of a purpose.
17. To use such an influence, desire, aim and ideal, to make for that which is satisfying the individual purposes, without respect of its BEING a manifestation of the same character of love that brought the entity into being, or that creates for the companionship and relationship that is of the spiritual influences, as it manifests in Creative Forces in a material world, is to become selfish, self-centered, purposeless, in the spiritual sense, and self-indulgent in the mental self, and must - as we have pointed out to the body, in its experiences - bring that which makes for unrest, contention, strife, and the builded influence then becomes purposeless; for it must be disappointing, for it is not founded in Life - which IS CONSTRUCTIVE to the WHOLE, not for an individual.
18. But when one makes the purpose, the aim, the ideal, one WITH the fruits of the spirit, then these become the activities of the entity, the mind, the body of such an one. And there is given to such those opportunities, those talents, that they may be presented more and more to the material world in the manifestations of that which makes for those fruits of harmony, contentment, peace, understanding, brotherly love; and THESE make life worthwhile.
19. How, then, may these be applied in self? How does one reach those attitudes that self may be made more and more selfless, that more and more the fruits of the spirit may be manifested in the life of an individual, a soul, seeking to know the light, the truth, the way, that may be manifested by such an one?
20. As given, in self is that seed of the spirit - in Life itself.
21. The issues of life in the physical body are those tenements [habitations?] of the mental and soul being of a physical body.
22. Then, in meditation, in prayer; not in long-facedness, not in closing self to those things about self that make for a contentment in the material things of life, but let THOSE things be rather the effect and NOT the purpose of the mind!
23. So may one be joyous, being kind, being loving, being open-hearted, open-minded to those things wherein that in the word spoken, in the manifestation of the smile in the face, in the eye, to those that the self contacts, there is brought forth that from the hearts, the minds, the souls of those whom the entity contacts day by day!
24. Turn self INWARD then, at given periods, at specific times.
25. In the material world we find a set time, a period, for the accomplishing of, the carrying out of, the daily tasks that may add to the betterment of a commercial association in any given field.
26. We see definite periods set aside for the replenishing of the body with the fuels that may be consumed and assimilated by the body.
27. Foods of the spirit are as necessary to the mental well-being as the carnal forces of foods for the maintaining of an equilibrium in the physical body.
28. Hence, set a portion of self to those periods of communing with the inner self through meditation and prayer to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts; knowing there is a mediator that ever stands ready to make intercession, and He has given those promises that anywhere, any time that the soul calls, He WILL harken, He will guide.
29. And this communication gives what to the mental being?
30. As the carnal foods make for strength, physical vitality, so do the foods of the spirit make for STRENGTH in the Lord, strength in that Creative Force which we see so well manifested in the various ways and manners in and among men.
31. Be not unmindful that there is that way which brings self the awareness of His presence, God's presence, the Master's presence, and the better self that has experienced - through the eons of time - those relationships to the mental things that have presented themselves as problems, conditions, experiences; but He has promised, "I will stand in thy stead" in such conditions, if ye will but put your trust, your faith, in Him; for He IS the way.
32. Then, let that mind be in thee as was in Him, and after this manner pray in the meditations:
33. AS I OPEN MY MIND, OH FATHER, TO THY WAYS, WILT THOU EVER IN AND SHOW ME THE WAY THOU WOULD HAVE ME GO DAY BY DAY!
34. HELP ME IN ALL THINGS. MAKE ME STRONG IN THY MIGHT. LET THE LITTLE HINDRANCES OF BODY, OF ASSOCIATIONS, THE UNKINDNESSES IN INDIVIDUALS, BE TURNED MORE AND MORE INTO AN APPRECIATION OF THY LOVE MADE MANIFEST IN THY GIFT TO THE WORLD IN THE MASTER AMONG MEN!
35. SO LET ME LIVE, SO DIRECT ME IN THY WAYS, THAT MY WILL MAY BE THY WILL, THY WAYS MAY BE MY WAYS!
36. KEEP ALL THAT THOU HAST PROMISED, FOR I LOOK TO THEE AS THE GIVER AND THE FINISHER OF MY SOUL!
37. In such ways as this, then, may the inner self become more and more aware of the possibilities of the body's efforts, and as these develop there is shown day by day that manner in which those whom the entity contacts - the ways in which OTHERS - may know the way.
38. Not some great deed, but rather just being kind one to another.
39. For, as HE went about doing good - so may the kind word turn away wrath, so may the gentle look quicken the heart of the sad and make for the awareness that God is in His holy temple in thee; for thy body is the temple of the living God.
40. To present that body as a LIVING ensample is but a reasonable service.
41. And when these things that are shown thee make for such a cloud of witnesses that His love is manifest in the earth, what manner of man should one be?
42. Show forth his love in thy acts. Be not unkind. Speak not harshly of anyone, for in so doing - that thou givest out, that thou sayest, must return to thee in the way thou hast given it out!
43. Then, the spirit saith come; the flesh is weak; the spirit is willing.
44. Draw nigh unto Him, He will draw nigh unto thee!
45. We are ready for questions.
46. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to File

BACKGROUND

1. 2/16/33 He obtained Life Rdg. 274-1, and on 4/18/33 Physical Rdg. 274-2.
2. 6/03/33 He wrote: "I should like very much to have a spiritual and mental reading for which I enclose M/O for $10. No particular questions, except, of course, how to develop mentally and spiritually, how to increase the powers of intuition, how to concentrate better and better, and meditate better and better, how to really live, to improve, and also in what particular way I am fitted to help others." Gratefully yours, [274]

REPORTS

1. 6/09/33 Mildred Davis, Sec'ty of A.R.E., wrote acknowledging his Active Membership, etc., then saying:
   "Mr. [274], it was my privilege to listen to a very beautiful rdg. yesterday morning - a real sermon - and as I listened I just wished that everyone could have heard it. It was your rdg., Mr. [274], and I hope it will strike a responsive chord in you as it did in all those present. I would like to know your reaction to it, if I may."
2. 6/10/33 EC's letter:
   The information gotten for you a few days ago was mailed to you. I hope this will prove to be just that necessary for your better development, and for gaining an understanding into that which you seek.
   We would not say that this is the usual type of reading, or information that comes with a request of the kind. Everything that has already been given for you must have been taken into consideration.
   Then, I hope that it does not become merely a beautiful line of thought, but something more practical, that will enable you to make personal application of all that has been given.
   This has been one of the most interesting features to us, through the years, as to how each and every individual reading seems to tie in, or to supplement or augment the information that may have been given to the same individual in some other line of thought, or on check information such as in the physical, or specific information regarding various appearances in the Life Reading, or questions on the mental and material aspects of an individual's experience. They tie, then, one with another; a thing that seems to be worth while, if it is considered as a whole.
   I am certainly very sorry that I didn't get to talk with you in person, or that you didn't get to come in and see me during the little while I was in New York. I would like to know you personally. It's too bad that it is impossible, or impractical, for you to be at our meeting here from the 15th to the 18th. We are always glad for our friends and fellow members to see and know the readings from the setting in which they are found.
   Hoping, though, that we may have the opportunity to meet you at some future time, and trusting this information has been of a service, I am
   Sincerely,
   EC:GD
3. 6/12/33 He wrote: "I thank you very much for the reading received Sat. and for your letter received this morning.
   "It was indeed my intention in desiring that reading to have a complete picture of myself in order to know how to develop from now on harmoniously and efficiently. And it is indeed a great pleasure to see that new reading helping me to understand in an active and constructive way the previous ones. And this is, in my case, another proof of what you said in your letter about the common ties of different readings.
   "This last one is truly a beautiful and uplifting line of thought, echoing in my mind and in my heart the admirable Emerson Essays.
   "It has fortified my faith, it has illumined my heart and set my mind.
   "It is as a blessing and you may assure Miss Mildred Davis, whom I thank for her kind letter of June 9th, of my deep appreciation of the reading in showing her this letter.
   "Again with my best wishes for the success of the Congress, I enclose my monthly contribution, and remain"
   Very gratefully yours, [274]
4. 6/29/33 He obtained Ck. Physical Rdg. 274-4.
5. 10/18/76: Copy of this reading sent to [274] upon request.

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