This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 5th day of May, 1934, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [317], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, Mr. [317] and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes. We have the body, the enquiring mind, [317], present in this room; this we have had before.
2. In giving that which may be helpful to this body in the development of the latent and innate forces and powers, that may manifest through and in this body at this time, well that there be given that which may indeed enable the body-consciousness to reach a definite conclusion respecting psychic sources, psychic forces, and then may there be determined in self as to how and in what way and manner BEST to apply self in the light or in the circumstances of that which influences each soul in a particular experience or manifestation.
3. As we would find, the word psychic often is misconstruing, as to what is the source or force of activity of one that is controlled by such an influence in one's experience. And words are often misconstruing and misapplied. For, this word psychic does not mean - in its essence - any influence outside of self wholly being active or activating upon the soul or mind or body, but rather an influence outside of self acting with that attunement of self from within. Hence the more often do we find that the ATTUNEMENT of an individual wavers, or is incapable of interpreting or resounding to all the influences that may direct that individual at any given experience. For, there has been the determination by the individual that may receive the influences that to others might be wholly convincing, wholly satisfactory as to the source and validity of that which may come through. Yet to that individual doubting, or not living physically or mentally in such an environ as to make for a perfect ATTUNEMENT, what is there different in the ability of one TRAINED in producing a composition on the violin, piano, viola, horn, or an instrument that is merely to be worked upon by influences from without itself? but working WITH that which is existent. Or what is the situation between color when one has the gift (so-called) or is endowed with the abilities to combine colors upon the palette or to mix with the brush such as to bring forth a manifestation of beauty and a joy forever? The ABILITIES are within the object BEING a perfect channel of expression of that from without itself, but working WITH all the abilities of the object through which the forces or sources are working!
4. We find in nature the more perfect reflection of an all-wise, all-merciful providence that is a consciousness in the soul and mind of every individual; that "I AM, and outside of myself there exists those influences that may act upon myself - this I Am - as a sounding board, as a brush, as a palette, as a channel through which these influences may be brought into material manifestation." But it all depends upon the willingness of the self to become attuned to the infinite forces for expression. If the soul, the self, harkens to that which may be done by act, word or deed to others and becomes influenced by those that are themselves a mere expression of their own selves, their own I AM, how perfect can that instrument be for the expression of the infinitive in and through self?
5. That all find their own selves are in a certain or peculiar period of expression is true. For, all that seek may find for what they have been called into activity in the present. They may find what channel they may be in giving expression to the highest that may come through themselves, whether of the body-physical, the body-mental or the soul-body. It is also true that there are those who alter and waver as to the manners, the means of seeking that which may make themselves a channel of expression of the infinite.
6. Then what for this body, [317], with his own environ, his own soul development, would be the IDEAL manner of approach that there may be the greater blessings to those to whom the body, mind and soul would be of a service?
7. Know that the influence is without, but that the influence within is INFLUENCING and BEING influenced by the sources or powers FROM without! What is THY ideal? By what measuring stick would THOU, thyself, judge the sources of information, of aid? By what STANDARD dost thou judge thyself? Be not double-minded; nor use one standard for thyself and another for that which would be thy guide. Use not one standard for thy neighbor and another for thyself. For, all is ONE - and of one source. But what the self or thy guide or thy influence would do WITH that force or power should be the determining factor respecting same.
8. In entering, then, cleanse thyself according to that thou hast builded in thine own self. If there is to be correction in same as thine development and thine expression advances to the greater ideal, then thou wilt be directed in same.
9. OPEN thyself for instruction. Be WILLING to be used as a channel, a means for aid to others, irrespective of self. And there will come into thine experience that which will make thine psychic forces, thine psychic powers, become more and more perfect in the expression of that thou hast as thine own ideal.
10. It is true that some in their physical bodies are an expression of those things that will bring to man the glory and knowledge of the Father. And do not find fault with those that use same for that expression. Do not find fault. For, hast thine Maker found fault with that in nature that has altered from expression to expression its own manifestation? Art thou greater than thine Maker? Art thou a judge among men? WHO made thee a judge, other than of thine own purposes, thine own desires?
11. In such an attitude may there come - if the body, mind and consciousness will set self aright respecting such an attitude - the better, the greater development, the greater aid, the greater channel for expression.
12. For, as there is self, there are the powers and influences without thee. Get together! Know that in cooperation with the DIVINE that is CONSTRUCTIVE you may be a blessing in ANY channel that is pointed out to thee, that becomes a consciousness, an awareness in thee.
13. Do that. Ready for questions.
14. (Q) How can I best fit myself to work with Mr. [440] on the static eliminator?
    (A) We find no better way than that which has just been given.
15. (Q) What can be done to raise the quality of my automatic writing generally?
    (A) This would apply in just that manner, as well as in ANY case. For, read as has been given. There is self, there is the force without thee. What seekest thou? Art thou opening thyself to any, or art thou one that has set a standard, an ideal? Like begets like, whether in the mental, spiritual or physical realm. What seekest thou? Answer that in self, and we may find that as ye seek ye may know. This to every soul: Once to every soul is given the knowledge that thou hast a definite purpose to perform in everything that has come under thine own consciousness. What hast thou done about it?
16. (Q) Give me an affirmation that will bring the highest forces.
    (A) FATHER, AS I SURROUND MYSELF WITH THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE CHRIST SPIRIT, WILT THOU BE THE GUIDE. SEND THOU, O GOD, THAT INFLUENCE INTO MY MIND, MY HEART, MY SOUL, MY BODY, THAT WILL MAKE AND CREATE THE BEST IN ME, THAT I MAY USE THE ATTRIBUTES OF MY MIND, MY SOUL, MY BODY, FOR THY GLORIFICATION.
17. (Q) Along what lines can my writing be of the greatest service, spiritual, technical, pre-history, or what?
    (A) Rather, as we would say, what dost thou imply by "or what" Or what! For, hast thou a director that has been a teacher - as thou mayest have - among the sages of old, would thou expect him to deal with technical problems of the every day life? Rather as a teacher of spiritual things. How readest thou? What has been given? Like begets like in the spiritual, the mental and the physical realm; but be rather guided as He will guide thee. In the approach of every one, ask: "Shall I, in the light of divine providence, be used as a channel for such information?" And don't EVER override thine own conscience, for it will turn again and smite thee! Learn that! LEARN that, each and every one of you!
18. (Q) Who, of those on the earth plane, can best help me with their presence?
    (A) Those that are naturally, by their intuition and their development, in accord and in attune. This does not mean those that are always wanting to pat the body on the back and say, "Go to it and I'll stand behind you and see your belly beat blue!" But rather that which is constructive. Did the Master, the Teacher, lead, or did He follow? Did He give constructive influence, or was He dilatory about finding fault where fault existed? Self-exaltation damns more souls than anything save vainglory and selfishness!
    Then, those who have as their ideal that as thou hast. Be willing for the greater influence to sweep from thine mind the cobwebs of tradition but fill it not with the dust of confusion.
19. (Q) How can I avoid getting incorrect answers?
    (A) No one way while remaining in the flesh! For, there is ever the trial, the test, the gradual growth. And there are faults, but use those faults as stepping-stones - and be guided by the greater influence that is thy ideal.
20. (Q) Is it well, before a higher state of development has been reached, to ask blind questions?
    (A) As indicated, seek first in the light of divine guidance, "SHOULD it be asked?" Then the answer will be yes or no. And don't override thy conscience, nor thy ideal!
21. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to for Mr. [440]
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 317-6 on 10/17/33 and subsequent Reports, in re Boys' School, Mr. [317]'s psychic development, etc.
2. 4/10/33 Mr. [440] wrote EC to give another rdg. to Mr. [317] to help him regarding his automatic writing.

REPORTS

1. 5/10/34 Mr. [317] and his wife, Mrs. [267] told EC they thought this was a wonderful, helpful reading.
2. 6/20/34 See 5752-4 in re Mr. [317]'s & others' automatic writings.
3. See subsequent notations under 317-4 Life Rdg. Reports.

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