This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 17th day of August, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1662], new Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [1646].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [1662] and Mrs. [1661].

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of Mr. [1662], present in this room, who is primarily interested in study of the nature and laws of Spirit. Lest that study prove only theoretical, and to have no specific beneficial outcome, he has asked, and obtained consent of his spirit guides to devote himself to the practical work of healing. In connection with this healing work (as well as for his spiritual studies) he desires reinforcement of his present physical and mental powers, and seeks advice on that point. Then you will answer the questions he submits regarding same, as I ask them.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind; and those conditions physical, mental and spiritual as relate to this body's activity in this material experience.
3. Much may be given respecting the choice, the desire of the body in its willingness to be a channel through which greater spiritual enlightenment may come.
4. It is a choice that is well for the entity, for the body; for the peace and harmony that such may bring into the experience of the entity.
5. Then, we would approach each phase from its own activity and relationship.
6. As is understood by the entity, each must coordinate - one with another.
7. Then, in the practise and in the application of the fruit of the spirit we find that the desire and the purpose may be made a practical experience for the entity in its activities among its fellow men.
8. First - the physical body is the temple, the encasement of the mind and soul of the entity. It has its virtues, its faults, its weaknesses, its strengths. Yet, as is understood, he that is wholly - mentally, spiritually, in accord with the oneness of the Christ-Consciousness may expect and may live and may know within self the PROPER course for the activities to bring the best welfare for the body.
9. But that these may be fortified, that the mental self may be assured - we will point out the weaknesses, and how - materially, mentally - these may be strengthened that the higher spiritual and mental self may have then the better, the greater channel through which to magnify the spirit of truth that may indeed set not only self but others FREE in this material experience.
10. There are deficiencies in the blood supply in giving sufficient of energy for the physical being.
11. Each of these phases must be met in its own scope and sphere of activity.
12. Then, by following nature's courses - in that as there is given the mental body to feed upon, this or that spiritual or natural law, so does it apply same in its relationships to self as to others; also the material or natural laws respecting the physical body.
13. Keep same then clear, clean from those defects or deficiencies that would hinder in the natural processes of resuscitating and reviving its own self; supplying sufficient of energies; keeping a balance between the natural salts of the body itself so that the chemical reaction within same is purified.
14. Thus, not such a diet as to be contrary to natural laws, but that which is in keeping with the manner in which the body exerts self - so that there may be brought the better resuscitating influences and forces.
15. Upon the natural things, then, that replenish and supply energies - as in these; not as the only things eaten, but this as an outline for the activities of the body to preserve and maintain a balance:
16. Mornings - the natural answer to the call for the foods that supply the body; such as whole wheat, whole rye - either in their combinations or separately, but in their natural state or natural sources. Eggs. Fruits. All of these in their regular season are to be a portion of the diet; not as a conglomerate mass, not as combining cereals at the same meal with fruits - for these defeat then their purposes. Then when fruits are taken, do not take the cereals. When the cereals are taken, leave off the fruits.
17. Noons - a portion of this meal should be of raw vegetables.
18. Evenings - have the special or regular vegetables carrying the activities so needed, preferably cooked in their OWN salts rather than combined with other things - or such combinations as to be at variance one with another.
19. Little of meats, but when these are taken we find that fish, fowl or lamb would be preferable. Never fried foods.
20. Have sufficient activity between the meals so that the bodily energies have sufficient exercise to keep a normal balance, thus using up the energies as created by that which has been taken into the system for activity.
21. Do these, combining same with the seeking as would be a part of the regular activity to keep and maintain and build a better resistance in the influence of the physical forces of the body - in these activities through this material experience.
22. Then, for the body-physical-mental self - the Mind is the Builder. The attitude individuals maintain, as an entity, towards conditions, individuals and activities, creates that atmosphere for the supplying of energies from that which has been taken as the material for supplying the physical body.
23. Thusly: If one partakes of the fruit of the vine, or of cereal or of what not, and then holds the attitude of fire or RESENTMENT or animosity or hate - what can the spiritual and mental self do with such an attitude in those environs created by the attitude for such an assimilation or digestion in a body active in material forces!
24. Thus, as has been indicated, what would be the practical application of the mental self respecting conditions, individuals, influences about it of every nature!
25. First - patience, love, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness; speaking not of anyone in a resenting manner. For know, as He hath given, all power that is in the influence of an individual, a nation, a country, is only lent of the Lord as an opportunity for the individual according to that it has once purposed - or to carry forward that He hath willed respecting each soul!
26. For ye know, ye understand - all stand as one before Him. There are no ones above another; only those that do His will. What is His will? "Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, thy mind, thy body - and thy neighbor as thyself." This is the whole law - the spiritual law, the mental law, the material law. And as ye apply same, thus ye become the LAW! For as He, thy Master, thy Lord, thy Christ fulfilled the law by compliance with same, He became the law and thus thy Savior, thy Brother, thy Christ! for in Him ye find, ye see the example that is set before thee pertaining to the natural life, the mental life, the material life, the spiritual life. Not an extremist, and not a conservative - but one who met each experience in a manner in which there was NEVER a question in His Consciousness as to its purpose, His desire and the ability to be one with the purpose of the Creative Force - God!
27. Thus, as He is the water of life, as He is the bread of life, as He is the vine, as He is the sower - so in Him ye see, ye find thy example!
28. What then are His promises to thee? What relationship beareth He to thee? Thy Brother, thy Guide, thy Savior! For He took upon Himself the burden of all. And as ye read, as ye interpret the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th of John, know that these are to thee - not to just anyone, but to ALL - "whosoever loveth me and keepeth my commandments, to him will I come - and I will abide with him."
29. These are thy promises. Thus as He may act through thee in thy physical, thy mental preparation of thy body - which has been and is lent thee, thyself, thy entity, thy soul - ye may be the channel. For as He gave, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, my children, ye do it unto me."
30. Then oft in thy spiritual meditation enter into the holy of holies with Him, for there He hath promised to meet thee. For "if ye will open the door, I will enter and sup with thee." This is thy promise, this is THINE - "that ye may be glorified in me," saith He, "as I may be glorified in the Father." And thus is the love of the Father for His children fulfilled in thy activity.
31. These do not become then theory - they do not become speculative; but as ye do them, so is it measured to thee again. For greater love hath no man than that he lay down his own self for those that he loves. And that alone that ye give, have given - of thy body, thy mind, thy strength - do ye possess. Just as He - as thy Guide, thy Guard, thy HOPE - has given Himself; so are ye His.
32. So as ye expend your body, your mind, your purposes, your desires, to bring to others the consciousness of His abiding presence, so may ye KNOW His peace, so it may be thine as ye accept, as ye use, as ye apply same in thy relationships to thy fellow man day by day.
33. For as He hath given, God hath not willed that any soul should perish but hath with every temptation prepared a way, a manner through which the knowledge of His love, of His promises, may come to the consciousness of His children.
34. That thy choice has been and is to be used in a service of bringing healing to those that are without hope, that are in the throes of fear and doubt, is a NOBLE purpose, a noble desire! And His blessings, His promises WILL ABIDE WITH THEE as ye abide in His love day by day!
35. It is not, then, any great influence or force that may be set as to cause the welkin to ring. It is not with the sound of trumpet, nor with the shouting - but rather the still small voice within that brings the assurance to thee that thou art His and He is thine.
36. For as He gave, "My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit." And behold, He hath given His angels charge over thee, and they stand ever - as He - before the throne of grace and mercy, lest thou find thyself alone and doubt also.
37. But only as ye keep thy face towards His are His promises sure in thee.
38. Then, ye ask: What is the manner of procedure for the entity, for the assurance that thou art His and that ye have been indeed called!
39. As indicated, first - keep thy temple, thy body, in accord with the natural laws; that ye may keep that health, physically, that ye would give to others. And that ye give is not of thyself but of Him. For He is life. Life itself, then, in all its forms, its phases, is a manifestation of Him, the Maker, the Creator of all that is!
40. For as given of old, He is the Word - and He dwelt among men. And He became manifest to men.
41. So may He - in thy work, in thy prayer, in thy meditation, in thy TREATMENT of thy fellow men day by day - become manifest in their lives. For He increaseth in power, in might, as YE pour Him out in thy love for thy fellow man! by practising, daily, the fruits of the spirit!
42. Sow, then, the seed of same; leaving the results, leaving the increase to Him alone who may increase same.
43. Then not of thyself but that His power of the Christ, working in and through thee, may bring not only health but peace - and such peace as He promised; not as the world knoweth peace but as only those who walk and talk oft with their God!
44. WELL hast thou chosen! WELL-equipped thou may be; putting on then the whole armor of love, of faith, of hope, of charity. Thus may ye fill that place, that purpose for which ye came into the experience in this earth.
45. Let love, then, be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil. Cleave to that which is good - even as He. For He looked not upon men because of their estate but rather "who is my brother? who is my mother, my father? they that do the will of the Father, the same is my mother, my brother, my sister."
46. So as ye manifest in thy dealings with thy fellow man the fruits of the Spirit, thus do ye become physically, mentally, spiritually equipped for the kingdom of righteousness - which must be within!
47. Ready for questions. (No questions)
48. Now - may the blessings of Him who is able to keep thee, rest and abide with thee through the love as is promised thee in Him, Jesus the Christ!
49. Amen!
50. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    [Remarks: Most wonderful. Always had a height phobia, and had for years prayed and asked Jesus to help him overcome it - and had RESENTED it because He apparently had not. Hence the reference in the Reading to holding no resentment, etc.]

BACKGROUND

1. 8/01/38 Letter: "Our friend Mr. [1646] has discussed with us his recent visit with you, and as a consequence Mrs. [1661] and I would much appreciate having the privilege of calling to see you for a Physical Reading for her (with special reference to defective hearing), and a spiritual Reading for me. I might say that we have read the booklets of your organization and, as Friends say, feel united with you in your purposes and work."

REPORTS

1. 9/07/38 He referred his son, Mr. [1681], for Life Reading.
2. 11/18/38 See 1755-1 letter in re Mr. [1662]'s guide's advice in re EC work, etc.
3. 9/24/39 He referred Mrs. [2013] for Physical Reading.
4. 10/14/39 He referred Mr. [2026] for Physical Reading.
5. 1/17/40 He referred Mrs. [2025] for readings.
6. 3/28/41 He obtained his Life Reading - See 1662-2.
7. 1/10/41 Letter from EC: "It has been some little time since I have heard from you and Mrs. [1661]. I trust that you are both fine, have had a most pleasant Holiday Season, and though the world seems topsy-turvy you find that real peace within which comes from service.
   I wish it were possible for you both to visit us and see our changes in facilities to handle the records, that have been made possible by the help and good wishes from our friends. I do not know whether or not it is your policy to visit such groups at their annual meetings but I hope you will plan to be with US this year if at all practical. Our meetings are usually about the middle of June. Keep that time open for a visit to Virginia Beach, won't you?
   We are quite anxious to complete the interior of our new building, and to get the indexing work well under way by the time of that meeting; for naturally the research work is opening up more and more. This we hope to do by then if possible.
   If you have found our work of interest, and worthy of consideration, I'd like very much to have a great deal more of counsel and advice from you. I do hope you will find the time to drop us a line, and to come in and see us when at all possible.
   With all good wishes to you and Mrs. [1661], I am..."
8. 3/17/41 Letter to EC: "We appreciated receiving your recent letter, and are happy to know that your plans for handling the records have, finally, been consummated. We are wondering if Mrs. [1661] and I might have the privilege of calling to see you next week, on several matters that may possibly indicate two or three sittings. It would suit us very well to arrive on Wednesday afternoon, the 26th, for a little preliminary chat with you and Mrs. Cayce; and then have a period on Thursday morning. Further periods, if it seems - after talking with you - desirable to hold them, might then be arranged according to your convenience; in the meantime, we could stay at The Warner or in Norfolk.
   We hope the period on Thursday morning, the 27th, may suit you; if not, and you will name some other date, later, we shall try very hard to plan accordingly. With our regards to Mrs. Cayce..."
9. 3/18/41 Letter from EC: "Thank you for yours of the 17th - will be happy indeed to see you and Mrs. [1661], know of no one scarcely that would rather see and talk with than you two. Will reserve Thursday the 27th for you, and you may use whatever part or all of that day. Do come in and see us soon as you arrive. The Warner has changed hands, but there is a lovely place a bit nearer us, new, and some of our friends who were here last week end declare it a very lovely place the Essex House, it is at 16th St. and Ocean front.
   Looking forward to seeing you, and with sincere good wishes..."
10. 3/27/41 He obtained Physical Reading for his friend Mr. [2474] and Mental-Spiritual for his friend Mr. [2475].
11. 3/28/41 He obtained Life Reading for himself and wife - See 1662-2 and 1661-2.

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