8/38 HEALTH CULTURE article by Dr. Thomas L. Garrett,
Consulting Psychologist:
FEARS, COMPULSIONS AND ANXIETIES
"Hypnotic suggestion is the means by which such displacements
are effected. The destructive thought, deeply rooted in
the subconscious, makes the individual neurotic. The
constructive thought, conveyed to the subconscious area by
the hypnotist, disburdens the mind of this thought and takes
it place as a component of the individual's personality."
By DR. THOMAS L. GARRETT [Author's photograph on original]
In last month's article I told the story of Phineas Quimby,
the noted Portland healer who diagnosed human ailments
through clairvoyant hypnosis. As I explained therein, Quimby
threw his assistant in to a hypnotic trance and asked him
what ailed this or that patient. The assistant, a farmhand
who lacked even an elementary school education, astounded
newspaper reporters and other callers at the Quimby clinic
by describing each ailment in the language employed by the
members of the medical profession.
THERE ALWAYS ARE SKEPTICS
It goes without saying, of course, that there are a number of
persons who feel that the Quimby story should be taken with a
grain of salt. We shall always have in our midst those who
laugh at or condemn that which they do not understand. As
Elbert Hubbard once said, "If a man is not up on a thing, he
is usually down on it."
And we always have with us those who, while admitting that
a thing might have happened in the past, will argue that it
could not happen again and that the man who made it possible
was endowed with a "freak" power that will never devolve
upon any other human in all the centuries to come. This, is
fact, is the way that many persons feel about Quimby.
CLAIRVOYANT HYPNOSIS
What they do not know is that hundreds of hypnotists have
been effecting similar results for many years. Quimby was
given considerable publicity because he was a pioneer in this
field and also because he was the healer of Mary Baker Eddy,
who later founded Christian Science. These other
practitioners go along from day to day diagnosing through
clairvoyant hypnosis and performing other remarkable results
without ever getting a line of publicity.
Now and then, however, a result is accomplished by this or
that hypnotist which becomes first-page news, as happened a
few weeks ago when the delivery of a baby was made painless
through the use of hypnosis.
THE WORK OF EDGAR CAYCE
A remarkable man who shuns publicity, but whose results
should be recorded on a sheet of deathless bronze, is
Edgar Cayce, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. For more than a
quarter of a century, Mr. Cayce has been diagnosing human
ailments by throwing himself into a hypnotic trance. He is,
of course, an adept at the art of self-hypnosis.
Moreover, his ability is even more amazing than that of the
great Quimby, the Portland healer, worker through the
subconscious mind of his hypnotized assistant, diagnosed the
ailments of those who visited his clinic. Mr. Cayce does his
diagnosing at a distance, "seeing," with the "eyes" of his
subconscious mind, the internal organs of persons who live
hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Learned physicians who have investigated Mr. Cayce's method
of diagnosing assert that he is the most remarkable human
that they have ever met. Most of them cannot account for
this strange faculty, but all of them, after a series of
tests, agree that his findings are dependable.
In some instances, Mr. Cayce's diagnoses indicate organic
deficiencies. In others, the trouble has a psychic origin.
In other words, there are cases where his subconscious mind,
"seeing without eyes", detects disorders which can be
eliminated only by contacting the subconscious mind of the
patient in question and displacing negative, destructive
ideas which are positive and constructive.
It is an axiom of the physical realm that no two bodies can
occupy the same space at the same time. When extended to the
world of the unseen, this axiom requires no revision. No two
thoughts can occupy the same space at the same time. And
just as it is possible to displace one body with another body
in the realm of physical things, it is possible to displace
one thought with another thought in the realm of
subconsciousness.
THE HARM FROM NEGATIVE THINKING
Hypnotic suggestion is the means by which such
displacements are effected. The destructive thought,
deeply rooted in the subconscious, makes the individual
neurotic. The constructive thought, conveyed to the
subconscious area by the hypnotist, disburdens the mind
of this thought and takes its place as a component of the
individual's personality.
The abnormal conditions which are produced by undesirable
thoughts are categorized as phobias, compulsions and anxiety
neuroses. The phobia, which is an unreasonable fear, hampers
the individual by making it impossible for him to perform
certain acts or by making him apprehensive when he faces
certain situations. The compulsion, which is an irresistible
urge to do a certain thing, makes him a helpless robot whose
behavior is akin to that of a inmate of bedlam. An anxiety
neurosis causes a deep, irrational concern about things which
normal persons either ignore completely or accept as
trivialities.
PHOBIAS
Claustrophobia, which is quite prevalent, is the name given
to the unreasonable fear of enclosed spaces. In many
instances it is traceable to a childhood experience in which
the patient in question was locked in a clothes closet for
breaking some rule laid down by a stern parent. However, it
has numerous other causes. In a case which came to my
attention a few weeks ago the victim had once been cornered
in a woodshed in a battle with a mad dog. In another case
the patient was an ex-miner who had once been trapped in a
shaft in a mine disaster. And only yesterday I heard of a
case where the patient's claustrophobia was traceable to his
witnessing the exhumation of the body of a man who had been
buried alive.
Hydrophobia is the psychological term used to describe the
unreasonable fear of water, and thanataphobia is the name for
the unreasonable fear of death. Brontephobia is the dread of
lightning, agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces, and
hypsophobia is the dread of heights.
The other phobias to which the mind of man is heir are all
to numerous to mention. Suffice it to say, for the purposes
of this brief study, that there are phobiacs who fear cats,
phobiacs who fear smoke, and phobiacs who fear hypnosis.
COMPULSIONS
Any attempt to list the various compulsions which torture
mankind would prove abortive. One man suffers an
irresistible urge to kick cats, another just has to take a
bath every hour, and still another finds it impossible to
pass a fire alarm box without turning in an alarm. We could
categorize these urges and many more, but our files would
never be complete; year after year practising psychologists
learn about compulsions which have never been catalogued.
As for anxiety neuroses, they are positively indefinable and
baffling. The chief trouble, of course, is that the patient
burdened with feelings of anxiety does not know what he is
anxious about. The agoraphobe fears open spaces, and the
victim of a compulsion suffers an irresistible urge to do a
certain thing; but the victim of an anxiety neurosis is
afraid of something which he himself cannot name. Hence,
the psychologist who attempts to disburden such patient of
his feelings of anxiety finds himself in a position similar
to that of a conchologist who is seeking a certain shell of
which he has never been given a description.
PSYCHIATRY VS. HYPNOSIS
The only thing that makes the psychologist's task easier
than that of the conchologist referred to is the employment
of hypnosis. If he were to psychoanalyze the patient he
would have to ferret out the exact reason for the feeling of
anxiety. In using hypnosis, however, all he has to do is to
supplant such feelings with thoughts of confidence and
composure.
As for phobias and compulsions, they too, can be scotched by
hypnosis without any probing of the subconscious. Analysis
can effect a catharsis in a phobiac only if the analyst can
discover the origin of the fear, and it can relieve one of a
compulsion only if the analyst can learn the origin of the
urge in question. Hypnotic suggestion, however, like the
immortal six hundred, asks not the reason why nor awaits a
reply. It eliminates a phobia by simply displacing it with
the positive thought that there is nothing to fear, and it
disburdens a patient of a compulsion by assuring his
subconsciousness that he is free of the tantalizing urge.
In my next article, entitled "Hypnosis in Practice," I shall
present the records of several actual cases in which
hypnotists relieved patients of phobias, compulsions and
feelings of anxiety.
8/22/38 EC's letter to Dr. Thomas L. Garrett:
Dr. Thomas L. Garrett;-
829 Park Ave
New York, N.Y.
Dear Dr. Garrett;-
Just a note of thanks for your sending me a copy of the Aug.
Health Culture - also for the Article referring to the work
here. Appreciate your treatment of the subject, and
sincerely hope we may be able to be of a service some where
along the line. For what ever gift I may have hope to be
able to use it in aiding others relieve suffering humanity.
Thanking you and with all good wishes
Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
11/28/38 Mrs. [
1773]'s letter to EC:
Mr. Edgar Cayce
Virginia Beach, Va.
Dear Sir:
I read in a magazine [8/28 Health Culture article by Dr.
Thomas L. Garrett - See Par. B1 above] about your wonderful
work in relieving human ailments, even though many miles
away.
I am 38 years old. The mother of 3 boys.
For over a year I have been miserable. I feel sure the
underlying reason is a nervous condition that has resulted
in FEAR. Fear, mostly for myself, I am ashamed to say. But
I have tried - oh, so hard - to throw it off and be calm so
that we could all be happier and I could be a better mother
to my boys. They need me so. I don't think of much but my
physical condition.
If I could but have peace of mind and contentment, would not
the physical conditions right themselves? The more I try,
the worse it seems to get.
Could you - WOULD YOU - help me.
Sincerely Mrs. [
1773]
REPORTS
1/03/39 EC's ltr. to [
1773]:
Dear Mrs. [
1773]:
Do hope the delay in getting your reading did not work too
great a hardship upon you, that you have found the
information of interest and that with the application of
the suggestion that you will get results - don't put off
having the suggestions carried out - will be easy for one
making the examination to tell you whether the information
is correct or not. Know can we be of a help in any way
toward you understanding the suggestions please don't
hesitate to call on us - and be sure and let us hear from
you. For to be of a service is our sincere desire - talk
your reading over with Mrs. [
1100] also am sure she will be
glad to help if needs be.
Hoping to have been of a service
Sincerely, Edgar Cayce [signed]
1/17/38 [39?] Mrs. [
1773]'s letter to EC:
..., Mich.
Dear Mr. Cayce,
Thank you for your very kind letter of the 3rd.
The reading arrived on the 3rd. I immediately went to
Dr. Thompson & have had seven treatments so far. Inasmuch
as the reading did not state how often the treatments were
to be given, he suggested three times a week for a couple
of weeks and then a longer time between treatments. Do you
think that all right?
I am taking the Codiron tablets as suggested.
The Radio Active appliance arrived on the 14th. I have
used it each day since. If I find it impossible to use it
in the P.M. [A.M.?] will it be all right to use it before
retiring at night?
Mr. Cayce, how long do you think it will be before this
disturbing state of mind gives way to calm and confidence.
The tantalizing thought that I might do something harmful
to someone particularly my own family, constantly reoccurs
to me. I argue with myself, how perfectly ridiculous it is,
nevertheless it always come back. That particular chain of
thought probably originated a couple months ago, or a little
less, when I heard of a woman who became demented and tried
to harm her own children.
I have mentioned this particular fear to no-one but somehow
feel you would understand & advise me. If I could only
completely forget it, I would be so thankful.
Mrs. [
1100] and I had a very pleasant conversation on the
telephone. She is so very encouraging and assures me to
carry on and all will be all right.
Any further suggestions you may have for me will be
appreciated.
Sincerely, Mrs. [
1773]
1/23/39 EC's letter to Mrs. [
1773]:
Dear Mrs. [
1773]
Thank you for yours of the 17th - wish I knew why one feels
drawn closer to some people than others. Think I know just
how you must feel at times about all of you - but think you
are on the right track. Am sure you find Dr. Thompson a
very lovely man and an excellent Dr. Did he find the
unbalance as suggested in the structural portion of the body?
Be sure and ask him this and let me know - am sure the period
he has suggested is correct. Would keep up the cod-iron and
the Appliance - and my I suggest this Mrs. [
1773] when you
are using the appliance and resting - use that period for
your prayer and mediation. Read will say the 30th of Deut -
or the 23 Psalm and meditate as to just what these mean in
your own experience. Fill your mind with the promises of
GOD and all that fear will soon disappear. Many such
passages will help you to realize how close HE is to you and
that you have no fear with HIM nigh.
Please don't think me a nut on the subject of the Bible - but
feel you will find it a very practical every day experience
and that it applies to you now - in your daily life - and
life will be much more beautiful. And to your usefulness to
your family, your friends will be much better - the joy of
living will be yours for HIS promises are yours.
Thanking you - and see and talk with Mrs. [
1100] when ever
you can have her introduce you to Mrs. [
480], a very lovely
young lady, a friend of ours - she has a new baby [
1788] - am
to give a life reading for him very soon - am sure you will
love her.
With all good wishes - and please write at any time.
Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
2/02/39 Mrs. [
1773]'s letter to EC:
..., Mich.
Dear Mr. Cayce -
Thank you for your very kind letter of the 23rd.
I can't answer your question as to whether Dr. Thompson
found the unbalance as suggested in the reading.
Dr. Thompson has been out of the city for two weeks and I
am now informed that he will be gone for perhaps three
months. He has an assistant taking care of his practice.
I have had treatments from this new man.
I inquired of him if he had found any unbalance in the
structural part of the body. He said he wouldn't say so.
I am enclosing $10.00 for a check reading. Can you let me
have it as soon as possible? There has been no improvement
in my condition as yet. In fact I seem almost more disturbed
than ever.
Have tried so hard to relax and meditate, as you suggested,
but only become more tense and doubtful of everything.
Mr. Cayce, in that article by Dr. Garrett some time ago, he
wrote something about the possibility of contacting the
subconscious mind & replacing destructive negative thoughts
with positive constructive thoughts. Is such a thing
possible? I have wondered about this. What do you think
about it?
I do hope that I am not imposing on you too much but somehow
feel free to talk to you. Am so terribly anxious to be free
from this under current of morbid thoughts & have normal
reactions.
These are a few questions I would like to have answered in
the reading -
Who is suggested to give the osteopathic treatments during
Dr. Thompson's absence and how often should I take the
treatments.
Am I using the radio-active appliance correctly and is it
all right to use it before retiring when it is inconvenient
to use it in the P.M.
Have I entered my menopause?
Continuing the treatments as outlined in the reading, how
long before I should have definite mental improvement?
Are the ductless glands affected?
If you can give me the check reading before a letter could
reach me just wire me collect and I will be here at the
designated time. Otherwise I am enclosing an air-mail stamp
for your reply.
Sincerely, Mrs. [
1773]
2/04/39 Observe tomorrow afternoon three-thirty four-thirty
at home Otherwise advise.
2/05/39 See
1773-2.
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation