This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce in Selma, Alabama, in the Fall of 1921 or Spring of 1922.

Present: Edgar Cayce; L. B. Cayce (?), Conductor; Harriet McSwain (?), Steno.

TEXT

1. EC: We have a body here, that when it is in a normal condition, is good both physically and mentally. Especially is this so spiritually when in a subconscious state. It is beyond the ordinary and is capable of communicating with others that are attuned to the same plane, whether present, at some distance or in the beyond.
2. In the physical body we find some conditions that are abnormal in the ordinary body that to this body are normal under the present condition. Particularly is that so of the eyesight or the reflections or impressions to the sensory organism in the reflex to the brain or sight giving sense. Again we find an abnormal condition that can be assisted to correctness in the sensory organism or the ear drum in itself. Because of the sympathetic nature of the body itself, nature attempts to protect the physical brain action, and forces the circulation to carry too much building force to the cells, giving sound to the brain themselves until the sounds become defective.
3. We also find that this nervous tension which is here through the sympathetic self of the body, has produced high blood pressure over the whole system when the body is exerted to any high tension or specific duty combined with a mental strain.
4. This again in its action on the sensory nervous system through the secondary cardiac plexus produces an abnormal condition in the throat. The tendency to swallow often and drink water is caused by this.
5. These are not conditions that would tend to destroy or eliminate the physical or mental capacity of the man, but they hinder his activities among his fellow men in making them understand the potential facts of the man himself.
6. To reduce the nervous tension to the body, he should take systematic exercise to the whole system, that is take exercise himself.
7. Also apply to the body electrodes of a cold electrical nature, such as we find in wet cells [Wet Cell or Radio-Active Appliance?] as used by telegraphers, that gives off apparently no resistance to produce the spark, but we find applied to the body through the plate and allowed to remain on the body through the state of rest, at night asleep, will carry that into the system which will add to the nerve energy in the body.
8. The exercise should be that which is above the waist, hands on the hips and backward motion of the hands. Also give plenty of exercise to the whole system. This will relieve the tension on the plexus at the 5th cervical, 3rd and 4th cervical and 5th and 6th dorsal.
9. If we do this, we will find that the body will be relieved of this condition.
10. (Q) How many cells?
    (A) One cell. This should be applied to the body at the arm pits, under the elbows and under the knees, then on the 5th day, apply at the 6th dorsal. [5/28/26 Ltr. see under 599-4 Reports in re wrong application on 5th day.] Apply the metal plate to the body itself and this will relieve the eyesight and the hearing and throat trouble.
    It would be well if the body would train itself along the subliminal line.
    Go into silence, that is sit for an hour, not so long at first, begin with ten or fifteen minutes, then increase to an hour, sit well up in the chair with both hands on the knees and relieve the mind of everything. Don't think about anything, but leave the mind blank. Let the spiritual come in and take possession of the body. Then he will see and hear from those that he is attuned with. Sometime they will be at different places and different persons. Do not fool with those that are not of a spiritual nature. In this way he will develop himself along this line.

BACKGROUND

1. GD's note: This man was known to EC; he had a problem of deafness, was interested in psychic things and anxious to develop his own psychic powers; Protestant background. It is probable that the rdg. was conducted by Mr. L. B. Cayce, taken down stenographically and transcribed by Miss Harriet McSwain (sp.?), as it is written on the Bank stationery and Harriet worked for the Bank (I think she was sec'ty to the President of the Bank, Mr. H. C. Armstrong - who had gotten a rdg. on the Bank's business - See 4964-1). Harriet was the stenographer for several rdgs. in Selma, Ala., during this early period. [She was a friend of Alfred D. Butler who also conducted rdgs.]

REPORTS

1. 6/22/22 See 599-2.
2. 4/20/24 "Mr. [779] tells me he is the ... agent for your book ([3744] series, PSYCHIC PHENOMENA THROUGH THE SUBLIMINAL). I told him I wanted one of the first sent... I feel that I am making some progress along the subliminal...
   "When writing to me, Brother Cayce, just put your box number and not your name outside of envelope. My wife is a great handicap to me in every way, as well as a great trial."
3. 7/20/24 Ltr. to EC from [599]: Letterhead - International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Drop Forgers and Helpers
   Dear Sir:
   Yours of June 25th in hand. Was more than glad to hear from you. Since you and L. B. Cayce left Selma I have had no one I could talk to. Have not heard from him since he left here. Don't see [779] often. Am having a lonely time while waiting for the coming out of your book. Business is dull in railroad lines. Say, a half brother of mine brought back to my mind a yarn or yarns I used to tell when about three to five years old about catching wild animals in traps. My folks frightened me with a man who could mock a dog and stopped me from telling about the traps and animals. Since brother brought it back to my memory, I can see the ...? of wolves now in the trap made entirely of logs. Can see the marks of their teeth on the logs as plain today as then. I have been able lately to get some intelligent answers by means of tables am just about able to get little more than identification of the one visiting. Have been much surprised at who comes. Some friends, loved ones, relative, and some with whom I hardly had a speaking acquaintance. Some have been over there many years others just a short time there. One of these I learn that I am living in my 13th body now. That my last body was a pioneer not an Indian as I had supposed from the traps of my sub or super conscious recollection. I had to abandon the use of my batrey [battery] on account of my wife but hope to be able to resume to it again soon. Have had noises yet sufficient to prevent me from understanding spoken words from over there. As to my opinion of your work. When in the subconscious state you are in touch with all truth directly or indirectly. I have no way of telling. But the fact is there is no truth withheld from you and the only conclusion is that this is sanctioned by the author of all truth, our Creator. In our Saviours' day people clamored for a sign. Today, they want mystery, costly apparatus, pomp and ceremony. I think your work is the greatest thing on earth along that line and that you are doubly blest in that you are able to hand an unresponsive world. Revelations as true and truly as the prophets of old. And my wish is that nothing hinders your work and growth between now and the next great change. I would to goodness I could talk with you face to face. Hope to again some time. Am always delighted to hear from you. Yours truly
   ...? Selma, Ala.
   P.S. Please excuse this paper, all I could find.
4. 10/05/24 Ltr. to EC:
   Dear Sir:
   Yours of Aug. 2 to hand. Was delighted to hear from you. Have not seen [779] in a long time. Am yet anxious get your book Mr. Cayce. I believe the students of the unseen forces are near some very vital and important information. It is one continual surprize to me. I sometimes have a great meeting with those over there, and at times the meeting is a failure. According to the first reading you gave me, I can see & communicate with those attuned to the same plane only. I was told once that there were thirty-eight old friends and acquaintances present. My son who has been over there about twenty-five years told me he could hear my thoughts regardless of distance.
   I could learn faster if I could think of the questions to ask. But because of ignorance I am unable to ask what I should know. If I was clear of this head noise, I could hear or rather understand their words and they would volunteer the information. I got to use my battery a short time, but was forced to give it up again. When I get money enough I aim to ask for another reading as perhaps there should be some changes in the treatment. I wish we could spend a few hours together as I am very lonely. Have not been in the old studio in a long time. Think Williams [Mr. J. B. Williams who bought Cayce Art Studio] is doing fairly well. Can't see why you did not stay here. Please excuse this paper it is all I have today. Write soon. Selma, Alabama. Regards to L. B.
5. 2/23/25 Ltr. to EC: Am having trouble with my teeth. Just at present several dead ones to come out. I think your astrology readings are very interesting and that they throw much light on human character. I am able to get the number of incarnations of some people but no details.
   Have written about enough unless it was more interesting. And don't forget me when you get that printing done.
   With best wishes for the work. You and yours. I am yours truly. ... Ave., Selma, Ala.
6. 3/02/25 EC wrote him about the Ipsab which had come through the rdgs. for ailments of the gums; also offered to give him a Life Reading.
7. 3/28/25 Mr. [599] ordered some Ipsab to try, and sent a $25 donation requesting the Life Reading.
8. 4/04/25 See 599-3, his Life Reading.
9. See subsequent readings.
10. 11/26/25 "I am using the battery you prescribed, also the pyorrhea remedy [Ipsab] you sent me at Montgomery, with good results."
11. 1/31/26 Letter see under 599-3 Reports indicating wife died suddenly on 12/25/25 and that she had come to him: "It was the greatest surprise of my life when I found that my wife was attuned to the same plane as me."
12. 2/25/26 See 599-4.
13. 4/20/26 "Have almost daily communion with those in the beyond."
14. 4/23/26 EC's ltr.: "Yes, I saw your wife a few nights ago in dream, and I am sure that there will be many more times that I may be able to gain something from her counsel and advice."

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