This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Virginia, this 25th day of April, 1934, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [531], Associate 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 here, [531], - 11:47 - he has just laid aside his paper he was reading.
2. In giving information concerning this body, [531], it would be well that the body understand or have an idea of how such information may be given that there may be credence put in that which may be supplied as helpful information in the experience of this body, entity, soul, at the present (Comma between these). [See GD's notes re EC's punctuation correction, etc. in 531-2, Par. R1.]
3. Then, in seeking information there are certain factors in the experience of the seeker and in the channel through which such information may come. Desire on the part of the seeker to be shown. And, as an honest seeker, such will not be too gullible; neither will such be so encased in prejudices as to doubt that which is applicable in the experience of such seeker. Hence the information must not only be practical, but it must be rather in accord with the desires of the seeker also.
4. This desire, then, is such that it must not only take hold on that which is primarily the basis of all material manifestation of spiritual things, but must also have its inception in a well-balanced desire for the use of such information not only for self but for others.
5. Then there may come, as for this body in the present, that which if applied may be helpful in the present experience (New paragraph). [See 531-2, Par. R1.]
6. On the part of that channel through whom such information may come, there must be the unselfish desire to be of aid to a fellow man. Not as for self-exaltation because of being a channel. Not for self-glorification that such a channel may be well-spoken of. But rather as one desirous of being a channel through which the highest spiritual forces may manifest in bringing to the material consciousness of the seeker those things that may be beneficial in a spiritual and material sense to the seeker.
7. What, then, is the hypothesis of the activity that takes place during such an experience? Not merely that word telepathy, that has been coined by some untutored individuals; neither that a beneficent spirit seeking to do a service seeks out those ones and in an unseeming manner gives that from its sphere which makes for those experiences in the mind of the seeker, as some have suggested. For, if such were true at all times, there would never be a fault - if real developed spirits were in control. But rather in THIS instance is THIS the case:
8. The soul of the seeker being passive, and the soul of the individual through whom information comes being positive (as the physical is subjugated into unconsciousness) goes out on the forces that are in activity by being guided by suggestion to that individual place of the seeker. And the souls commune one with another.
9. Then, it is asked, what prevents the information from always being accurate, or being wholly of unquestionable nature? The fact that such information must be interpreted in material things. And that then depends upon how well the training of the physical-mental self is in picturizing, visualizing and wording that which takes place in such a communion.
10. Now for the body of this person so seeking, [531].
11. As we find, and as we have given, always the face of the guide or guard to each soul in its walks in the earth has its angel, its gnome, its face before the Throne of that which is the First Cause, the Creative Influence, God. And these are always ready to guide, to guard, if the soul will but put itself in the position in material things to be guided by spiritual truths. O that all men would know that the soul-body lives on, and is that which may be the factor to make a growth in materiality even! Not that it becomes separated in materiality, but if allowed by the will of the body to BE the guide it may oft guide aright.
12. Hence to this body that which has just sounded, and the consciousness has come to the physical self of [531] that there is being the attempt, and so those digressing effects in the physical have been made more aware.
13. The physical body, as we find, is as a shadow, as a shell, made up of those growths of the ego in the egg of the force or power that has emanated from the union of those plasms that have brought into materiality a dwelling place for physical organisms - as in all the forces in a physical body, and dwelling with same is the soul-body. The physical body has grown to such and such proportions according to the impulses, the environs, in its physical and mental make-up from pro-genitive activities in the physical. This is apparent. Yet all of these are changed often, but are the exception rather than the rule. Yet each soul, with that it accompanies in a physical body, is an exception and a rule in itself.
14. So with this body, as we find, there has been - through the physical changes that have come about at times - the intent and purpose of the mental (as its development has had its ideas and ideals set before it from time to time) to dig in and to see what has made and does make the wheels of human endeavor move in those given directions.
15. As intimated from the information apparent in the soul's sojourn and activity in the earth, there have been made certain inclinations and impulses on the part of this body-entity, [531] by name; certain impulses, certain intents, certain desires. These by the mere will of the body-physical may be altered considerably, yet the impulses - of course - lead on.
16. What have these to do, you ask, with the physical conditions that disturb the body? These have at times brought such strains upon the mental efficiencies of the body, the mental capacities of the body to keep coordination between them and not one take the place of the other, as to cause the inability for there to be perfect coordination between the mental and the physical forces of the body.
17. For, in each physical organism there are those conditions that enable the organ to reproduce itself, if it has the cooperation of every other portion of the body. When these suffer from mental or physical disorders that make for repressions in any portion of the system, then first dis-ease and distress arise. If heed is not taken as to the warnings sent forth along the nervous systems of the body indicating that certain organs or portions of the system are in distress, or the S.O.S. call that goes out is not heeded, then DISEASE sets in.
18. What are the disturbing factors, then, in THIS physical organism.
19. There has not been the response to those calls for aid in the physical functioning of the body, that in a portion of its inmost self desires that it be kept in as perfect accord as possible that it may not only shine forth as an example unto others but that the material success may be made; which is not always best, unless it be founded in that which is everlasting - and material success can NEVER be everlasting. Not that there is not to be the desire or the ambition to push ahead and be a man among its fellows, to be equal to ANY in the surrounding activity. Yet this should ever be tempered with the fact that NOTHING - NOTHING - may be done of self, but that there is ever behind it all that force or power that produced or caused or brought into being that first germ force which makes THIS body aware of its conscious existence in its present environs and surroundings! And to THAT force does the soul EVER owe a duty, an allegiance. To deny same is to one day bring that into experience which shows it has lost its hold upon that which is eternal.
20. In this body we find strains have been wrought on centers as in the solar plexus area, where there has been ever the dissemination (in a physical force, now, we are speaking of) those forces that make for the periods of activity in the organs of assimilation and distribution throughout the system of that assimilated, for the reproduction within itself of those necessary things to produce or to carry on reproduction, not only of its body-cell but of its body-being in the INDIVIDUAL self. Hence we have had these conditions arise in the physical experience of the body:
21. First there was the feeling at times of heaviness after eating, and the inability of a perfect digestion, followed more or less by the inactivity of the eliminations through the proper or ordinary channel of the alimentary canal; producing headaches at the base of the brain, pains through the shoulders, that come from a sluggish circulation through the whole body. What produced same? Incoordination between the sympathetic and the cerebrospinal impulses for their proper coordination through this physical body under stress and strain. BOTH physical and mental, as indicated.
22. We find also at times those periods when the eyesight and vision is not so keen; nor the ability to concentrate on those activities felt necessary in creating the proper relationships between its fellow man and its coordination of activities with its associates in the various activities or fields of association in the commercial world. These conditions arise from the bedrugging, as it were, from the poisons that accumulate from these inactivities within the system as we have indicated; by first those repressions in the solar plexus area by incoordination, or the carrying on of too GREAT a stress in the body.
23. Hence the body here, [531], must gain this concept: WORK, yes - but learn to play just as hard as you work! Learn to relax. And when there are the periods of turning within self for the communication with the inner self, the greater strength - physically and mentally - may come, for the activities to make the material successes as well as the physical and spiritual, from such periods of communion with self. Take stock of self; take stock of self physically and mentally, and harken to those things that are GIVEN thee. For, every soul has its companionate force in readiness before the Throne. And as this soul and its body is in that position of being a "sensitive" to such activities within self, it would do well to harken to those voices from within.
24. But, as the conditions have been created in the body and the disturbances are a fact in those activities of the various organisms of the system, and there have been those heavinesses as indicated in the various organisms, what NOW is to be done about these conditions - that they also may be made to become aware of this necessity? For they have, as it were, wandered astray and begun an activity within themselves, as to attempt to adjust themselves with a deficiency of activity.
25. Seek out, then, an instrument of the curative forces known as the osteopath, that is capable - through the proper manipulations, using the structural portions of the body as the leverage - of stimulating the secretions through the various activities of glands and centers and ganglia along the system to bring about a coordination of the activities of the physical forces within the system itself. And we will find that with a few adjustments - fifteen in number, as we find, would be sufficient - a balance will be brought about that will be the more satisfactory; if the precautions are taken as to its attitude, as indicated, in allowing self to relax - and to play as hard through those periods of relaxations as it works in those hours of determination to forge ahead in a commercial or material world.
26. We find, too, that the activities should be governed by the proper association of diet; for that upon which the body feeds it becomes. If the body feeds itself upon those things that are of the luxuries, or those things that bespeak of luxury in wines or those things that are as delicacies that are expensive to the physical pocketbook, do they not also become expensive to the mental and spiritual body? For, like begets like! And these things must eventually have their effect upon the human system, physically, mentally, spiritually. But those things that bespeak rather of a normal, well-balanced life, normal, well-balanced experience of a physical body, CAN and do bring TO the physical reactions those things likened unto themselves; STABLE things, yet well-balanced in their relationships as to the necessary forces that are to be created in the system.
27. Also we will find these things will bring for those desires on the part of the body to budget its time, as it were, and to give to each element of its development those necessary periods of relaxation and recreation to keep a normal balance in its whole being.
28. Doing these things, as we find, will bring for this body, [531], in the present experience, a contentment. And contentment does not mean being satisfied; but know by the life the body lives, the things the body thinks it desires to do for those about the self that aid in its activity, it will bring those consciousnesses of a life worth while, an experience that can bring material and mental and SPIRITUAL comprehension and satisfaction.
29. Ready for questions.
30. (Q) What is the condition of my teeth? What treatment?
    (A) From the poison-accumulations in the system there is needed quite a bit of local attention. After this local attention has been given, with the proper adjustments it will be found that the balance in the system will keep these functioning for that purpose for which they are given to man in his experience in materiality.
    For, each soul should learn for itself - and for others - not to condemn; for that which is thine by right may only be discarded or lost by the improper attention to keeping coordination with the ideal that is set before thine soul.
    This for every soul.
31. We are through for the present.
32. You see, he lost contact by being disturbed - 12:27.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (4/25/34 GD's note: See letter [which was enclosed] to Dr. Dobbins, who has had experience with following the reading suggestions; or should you know of another osteopath whom you prefer, you could let him use this letter with the directions - in case you do not wish to show your whole reading.
    Or, it may be closer for you to go to Dr. Elisha T. Kirk in Media, Pa.)

BACKGROUND

1. 4/03/34 Letter from [531], seeking proof of E.C.'s ability:
   "...With further reference to the batch of correspondence you have from me, at this writing, since your name came to my mind, I withdrew from going to a physician, and ask of you if you can ascertain what the trouble is.
   "Yesterday and today have been two lovely days, calm, yet I have had somewhat of slight - very slight - dizzy spells, not altogether dizzy but no pep, no desire to work. For sometime past, and particularly on rainy days I have felt a pressing pain somewhere near the base of my brain, while often I get headaches and pains in the muscle in the back of my shoulders. I had some teeth removed some time ago, and possibly this contributed to ease the pain, I think I may have to pull another one. On the other hand, I believe that possibly my frequent headaches are due to some condition that the doctors have not been able to detect, while perhaps they are a sign of sinus trouble if any. All in all, is no fun, feeling depressed and rotten many days and the last two, are such that I have also a slight pain - would I call it neuritis or rheumatic on the left side of my body.
   "Some years ago I fell down and hurt my knee cap. It has never given me any trouble, but there is an internal condition that reflects all on the left side of my body, sort of a dull feeling, a feeling that there is something wrong somewhere - maybe the heart, who knows; but, there seems to be something wrong somewhere and these occasional headaches are a sure sign.
   "If I could only get a doctor who would take real interest in a case and from a purely scientific standpoint put into my system the medicine that would prevent any ill causes in the future, I would be satisfied; but somehow it seems to me physicians work on guess more than anything else.
   "I am afraid you will be reading too many letters from me by now, but I believe that all this will be forthcoming to me with that reading you are making, and it is my sincerest hopes that such reading will, as I hope, bring a new faith in life to me and be of that help which will prove your cause to me. Fair isn't it?..."
2. See 531-1, his Life Rdg., on 4/11/34 with prior and subsequent correspondence.

REPORTS

1. 4/25/34 GD's notes re. EC's punctuation correction, etc., in GD's shorthand notes on above reading: In writing my shorthand I usually made little side notes to fill in what I understood to be the correct interpretation or clarification, so that when I went to transcribe the reading I could be reminded of the voice inflection, etc., and thus better word the sentence to make the meaning clear. Sometimes words were IMPLIED, rather than being actually said, and I would make these side notes at the time so that I wouldn't forget.
   Often, as in this case (531-1, a Physical Rdg.), I would hesitate at certain points, not being sure of my own interpretation, or whether I should write in this way, that or the other: For instance:
   Case 531-1 - last line of 2nd paragraph: "in the experience of this body soul entity at the present." I was hesitating, wondering whether I should hyphenate the body-soul-entity. Frequently the readings referred to the soul body, the body mind, etc., just as we would say physical body or mental body. I had gotten in the habit of hyphenating body-mind when referred to in that manner. But here being confronted with body-soul-entity, I was in a quandary. Edgar Cayce in the reading, in a voice aside, said: "Comma between these." It answered the question that was in my mind.
   Often this was the case, but several times it occurred in the reading 531-1.
   Always I'd keep in mind several lines of my shorthand notes above and I'd insert in parenthesis where I thought a new paragraph should start. I'd wait until several lines were completed and then consider where, above, the thought was changed somewhat as to warrant a new paragraph. This time (as well as many others) Mr. Cayce beat me to it: (5th paragraph on first page)
   "Then there may come, as for this body in the present, that which if applied may be helpful in the present experience. (New paragraph)
   "On the part of that channel through whom such information may come, there must be the unselfish desire to be of aid to a fellow man." 4th paragraph, 1st page:
   "This, then, is such..." I was hesitating, trying to decide what to put in parenthesis as the explanation of "This", when Mr. Cayce said, in an aside voice, "Desire. Parenthesize this, too." He answered the question in my mind. When transcribing my notes I, therefore, began the 4th paragraph, 1st page:
   "This desire, then, is such that it..." etc. Last paragraph on page 2: "These have at times brought such strains upon the mental efficiencies of the body, the mental capacities of the body ..." I was hesitating, wondering if it would be correct to write "mental efficiencies or capacities" when he interrupted my thought by saying: "No, both of these - one does not take the place of another." Next to last line in 3rd paragraph on 1st page:
   "Hence it must not only be practical (the information - put this in parenthesis, too), but it must be rather in accord with the desires of the seeker also." All of my explanatory notes (to myself, in shorthand) were put in parenthesis, so he was telling me to put this explanatory note in parenthesis, too. So, when I wrote the sentence on the typewriter, it appeared thus:
   "Hence the information must not only be practical, but it must be..." etc.
2. 4/28/34 Report from Mr. [531]: "I was going to send you a telegram to say 'very, very good' - that is the 'reading' is well done, and for that matter, your beginning as to the 'laying aside his paper' is correct. Then, too, the end is correct, and your analysis has been possible due to my being at that time, like, say 'away from earth'. For a period, all in front of my eyes (closed) was a violet blue, and the thoughts you had seemed to 'sound', seemed to come to me, but I could not speak or express them." [See entire letter under 531-1 Reports, also 5/1-2-3/34 letters.]
3. 4/30/34 See 254-73 re sources of EC's information and the great strain under which he is placed in seeking help for others.
4. 5/02/34 See 531-3, a Mental-Spiritual Rdg. answering questions.
5. 5/08/34 Letter:
   DR. C. HADDON SODEN 12 SOUTH TWELFTH STREET PHILADELPHIA
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Sir:-
   Through Dr. Frank P. Dobbins of New York City, Mr. [531] came to my office for treatment this morning.
   I am following your instructions as per data from Mr. [531]. Yours very truly, C. Haddon Soden, D.O.
   CHS/NJ
6. 5/10/34 EC's letter:
   My dear Dr. Soden:
   I am in receipt of yours of the 8th with reference to Mr. [531] being referred to you by Dr. Dobbins of New York City. I appreciate your taking care of this case.
   The type of work in which I am engaged, Doctor, may be somewhat new to you. I would like to assure you, however, that it is not new to many of your profession, as Dr. Andrew T. Still in person investigated this many years ago. Dr. Hildreth of the Still-Hildreth Sanatorium has has several cases in his institution. Dr. Percy Woodall of Birmingham has possibly had hundreds of cases under his care. Dr. William A. Gravett of Dayton has reported on more than 75 such cases. Dr. M. L. Richardson of Norfolk has several under his observation and care at present.
   Should you desire to see any literature, we shall be glad to send it to you, and I assure you that we realize it is only by the sincere cooperation of those to whom individuals may be referred that we may be a channel of blessing and help to some individuals.
   No doubt, the individual case you have is not an unusual one, but we have had many that are.
   Thanking you, I am, with all good wishes,
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce EC:MD
7. See subsequent correspondence under 531-3 Reports.
8. 1/03/35 See 531-4, Mental-Spiritual Rdg., giving health advice.
9. 3/24/35 See his Ck. Physical 531-5.

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