This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 2nd day of March, 1933, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [282], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. EC: We have the body, the enquiring mind, [282]; this we have had before, also those reactions and those conditions mentally and materially that are problems in the experience of the body-entity in the present.
2. Ready for questions.
3. (Q) Should body-mind attempt to develop powers for automatic writing as a means for expressing either his intuition or messages from guiding spirits or the universal forces?
   (A) When all conditions are considered, as we find, for the better development of the body in the present - and the mental and material consciousnesses that are innate forces within the activities of the body, the developments more along the line of that wholly accredited to intuitive influences would be better for this body than that in the broader term called automatic message.
   And, as we find, this would be the manner of procedure in such a development for the body:
   First, under the circumstances and conditions that surround the body, it would be well that an hour or period be chosen for such activities when there is quiet, and when the mental and material body may become perfectly relaxed.
   Then, enter into the silence with some form of rote that is rather in the form of a prayer, or as an affirmation to the inner self, that the forces or powers that may manifest through self at such a period may ever magnify the presence of not only constructive influence, but from the throne of grace and mercy itself.
   And such periods should be chosen as an exact period. Say (as an illustration), 10:00 to 10:30 o'clock in the evening, the period is chosen.
   Sit with a subdued or shaded light, with paper, pencil, or materials before self at a desk or table.
   Enter then in this silence, each evening, at this specific time.
   What is given, or that [which] as an impelling influence causes to write, WRITE; and do not re-read, but put away for at least the period until it is given from within to review or to go over that which has been given.
   We will find, this is as being of the intuitive or psychic influences from within self; but impelled by that of the higher influence, higher force that may manifest into individuals' experience that seek His face. And closes self to those influences that may interrupt or cause their own individual expression. But making self a channel for these influences.
   Do not grow weary if in turns with self nothing comes for perhaps days, or that much is given at one period in the beginning and little or nothing later. Be true to self, not to read nor HAVE read that written - until it is GIVEN thee to do so.
4. (Q) What will be the social and economic developments in the United States in the coming three or four years?
   (A) This, to be sure, depends upon the activities of those who have the impelling influence or force that directs them to interest, interfere, or work in such directions. And as to what is the guiding influence of those who do influence the activities in these directions.
   From the astrological conditions that are apparent, that have been oft spoken of, that are being spoken of, there is that impetus in the activities of unseen influences to act upon the mental abilities and capacities of many individuals and groups in trying to bring to the greater masses that of harmony and peace from the chaos that has existed so long in the experience of many.
   The greater influence, then, is for individuals to be led by the spirit of truth, and not seek SELF-expression; as the tendencies have or do become on the part of many who are worldly-wise to bring or accrue unto self that expression as of being self-important, and not giving credit where credit is due.
   As may be illustrated in those that would adhere to any given influence or accredit same to something, or create a something in their own minds or imaginations that is to be accredited with the power exerted, or the influence that is shown other than in the Spirit of the Creator or the Creative influence.
   Does this not (to do such) become worse than idol worship?
   But rather gives place to that influence that may be magnified in the lives of individuals, that leads the people to sin; even as Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, caused Israel to sin. Was it the lack of consecration? Was it the lack of sacrifice that caused Israel to sin? Rather that, "There is no necessity of seeking through those channels you have been taught, but I - I - will show you a better way. In the altar in Gilgal, in the altars in Dan - seek ye there, and not make the long journeys to the house that is only built with hands." But had it not been dedicated to a way, a manner, an ideal? THERE, ye seek!
   He, the Way now, hast given every man, "Not in this mountain, not in that house, but rather in thine own inner self must the Altar of thee Lord be set up." THERE ye shall offer thine sacrifices unto the LIVING God, putting from thine inner self those elements that may cause self to be led astray, in harsh words, in grudges, in selfishness, in all of those things that thine inner self would cause thee to be led from that "Serve the Lord, make known His paths, love thy brother as thyself."
   When, and as, such influences are magnified by individuals in the economic, in the social positions of the affairs of men in this land, there may be expected - then will there come - better conditions; even as He has given, "If ye will turn, even though ye have wandered far away, and come seeking to know my will, I will not turn from thee. I will be your God, if ye will be my people."
   Then, when this is magnified in the lives, in the hearts, in the activities of men everywhere, there may be expected to be poured out the spirit of truth. And the day will dawn when this shall come to pass, if ye - if each - that know, that claim to have put on the name of Him, will but be a channel today.
   For, heavens and the earth may pass - but His words will NOT pass away!
5. (Q) Is the book "A Dweller on Two Planets" by Phylos the Tibetan based on truth, especially in its forecast for the United States of pages 418 to 422? [GD's note: Pages different in later editions.]
   (A) As viewed by an entity separated from the whole, yes. As TRUTH, that may be implied by one that looks only to the Lamb, to the Son as a leader, no. Choose thou.
6. (Q) Where would it be best for body-mind and his family to live in the next three or four years, everything considered?
   (A) The present surroundings, the present conditions and the present environs are well.
   When it becomes necessary for changes, through the seeking, it will be given thee. Has it not been said, "Seeking His face, know ye not that He shall give His angels charge concerning thee, that shall bear thee up?" Believest thou? or art thou just wondering?
7. (Q) What are the faults or sinful habits of the body-mind?
   (A) Doubt. Unstable. Not that the purposes, the aims, the desires are lacking; but, the spirit is willing - the flesh-mind is weak.
8. (Q) Give suggestions for overcoming these.
   (A) None better than choosing an hour, an half hour, a twenty minutes of meditation, and seeking to be shown the way. Not just ANY way, but HIS way!
   For, did He not give, "Draw nigh unto me and I will draw nigh unto thee"? "I go to the Father, and I will not leave thee comfortless, but I will come to thee - I will give thee the words necessary in thine every experience, whether in the trials of temptations, in the desires of the flesh, heart, or in the spiritual activities of the day."
   He who gave this is nigh. Then harken; for these are words of Life - LIFE, the manifestation of Him, that He said, "I do nothing of myself, but the Father would have me do."
   Are we, as individuals, ready to be used? Then, blessed is he that is not found doubting!
9. We are through.

   Copy to Self
   Copy to File

BACKGROUND

1. See 282-4 on 2/24/33 answering questions about his mental, spiritual and material affairs.
2. 3/02/33 EC continued with answering the questions which he had submitted on 2/12/33.

REPORTS

1. 3/12/33 He wrote: "Many thanks. I firmly believe that these readings will play a very constructive part in my life, and that all the information will be of great help... On the 17th I will be at home all day, if you have not gotten my third reading before that."
2. 3/17/33 EC gave him a third reading, 282-6, answering more questions which he had submitted on 2/12/33.

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