Edgar Cayce Readings, 2830-1

Time and Place: 10:45 to 11:05 A. M. Eastern War Time. New York City.

TEXT

GC: You will go over this body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time; giving the cause of the existing conditions, also suggestions for help and relief of this body, answering the questions, as I ask them:
EC: Yes, we have those impressions and those anxieties and the conditions here, of this body, [2830].
As we find, there are disturbances that prevent the better physical functioning of the body. These are rather accumulations of disturbances arising from old conditions; results from operative forces as well as the disturbances which produced the condition in the body.
These, then, are conditions as we find them with this body, [2830] we are speaking of:
The blood supply indicates effect of toxic pressures upon the sympathetic nervous system, so that headaches, as well as the muscular conditions and those in the joints, - as knees, ankles, shoulder, wrist at times, - are the result of those pressures produced by these toxic forces in the body.
This produces a tendency toward acidity. And this superacidity tends to cause excess uric acid. This, as combined with congestions and conditions arising from alterations in the activity of the glandular forces as related to eliminations in functioning of the organs of the pelvis, as well as that circulation between liver and kidneys, causes these to become at times rather distressing.
With the activities of the mental body, these become aggravating conditions in the nerve forces of the body. These cause irregularity in the pulse, cold conditions in the extremities at times, and at others a feeling that unless there can be something loosened - either in mind or body, or those things about it - that it will explode within itself. These are mental reactions to the disturbance. These are neuritic, and arise from conditions in colon and from those conditions that have been indicated.
The effect upon the nervous system is more to the sympathetic, in areas; and, as we have indicated, the effect upon the activity of the organs themselves is to disturb the reactions in the body; nervous indigestion, the tendency for the lymph and the disturbance through the face, throat, antrum and the like, to give an uneasiness - more than a direct or organic disturbance. The same is the effect upon eliminations, heart's activities, kidneys, irregularity in these at times.
In making for corrective measures, first we would prepare the body, as it were, by taking a whole bottle of Fletcher's Castoria, but in very broken doses; about half a teaspoonful every half hour until there is thorough activity through the alimentary canal.
When this has acted thoroughly, we would begin taking a heaping teaspoonful of ENO SALTS each morning before any meal is taken, for five days.
THEN begin with hydrotherapy; beginning with a colonic irrigation.
And each week, until at least eight or ten treatments are given, have a little steaming, - this more of fumes than of dry cabinet sweat, see - and with the fumes of Witchhazel.
Follow each of these with a good oil rubdown, with this combination:
With the colonic, if the quantities of mucous are not removed by the taking of the properties for the preparation, then after the eighth or tenth massage and sweat, have another colonic irrigation.
In consideration of the diet, - do not take too much roughage, but keep the leafy vegetables. As to cabbage, only use the red variety. Lentils, spinach, mustard or the like, - these will be well. Do not attempt to take too much of such as spinach, but this mixed with other greens would be preferable for the body.
Use fish and fowl rather than other characters of meats.
Eggs and milk also should be portions of the diet.
Doing these, we should find all of the response as to the general feelings, and especially the attitudes that the body has; that is, sympathetic reactions should be good.
Do these, and we will bring better forces for this body.
Ready for questions.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file
(See extra sheet of directions [which was enclosed] to the hydrotherapist. We would refer you to Dr. H. J. Reilly, R.C.A. Bldg., 1250 Sixth Ave., NYC., who has had considerable experience with following directions given in Readings.)

BACKGROUND

10/19/42 [2830]'s letter:
Statement of my condition which leads me to ask assistance through Mr. Edgar Cayce, and The Association for Research and Enlightenment.
I have always considered myself a healthy person, with a good deal of natural vitality. My bringing-up was a very healthy and sound one, and I have always had a strong constitution. This has probably led me to take liberties with it, and to tax my strength to the utmost. Because I rarely have colds, and keep going when others drop out, I have not been very sensible about care of myself. However, there always seemed some good reason why I should be doing just the kind of thing I was engaged upon, and I did not feel that I should spare myself.
At the end of five years of social work in Philadelphia, I was about thirty at the time, I began to have severe headaches. They would begin in a spot behind and above my right ear, a severe pain as if someone had pressed a nerve, and would spread till that whole side of my head ached. When I reached New York and tried other work, the headaches continued, there seemed to be some connection with the menstrual period, and the doctor who saw me then diagnosed a thyroid condition. The headaches disappeared to some extent, however, with a new and congenial job, and a more normal life. They returned later on with some violence, and a few years ago, at the time of the illness and death of my mother, were almost continuous. At that time, I developed symptoms of neuritis in my right arm and side, and there was a feeling of congestions and inflammation in my right cheek, although that sinus was clear, and I had not had a cold. A doctor at that time prescribed rest and a sedative, and again referred to the thyroid condition, aggravated by the strain and over-exertion of that time. At that time I first began to feel the sensation of irritation in my right side about where an old appendix operation scar was located. Rest and somewhat more normal conditions relieved me somewhat, but anxiety and nervousness had given me a kind of chronic constipation.
Since that time my story is one of trying to find some way to come to terms with my difficulty. I have worked hard, but no harder than I wanted too, and certainly this present occasion is one to make me feel that I must spend all I have in the way of strength. Three years ago I was in very bad shape and in constant discomfort. At that time I had an operation for tumors. When I recovered from that, I found that my tendency to the headaches, the neuritis, and the inflammation of the side were still there, and needed only a little extra exertion, a little extra strain to go right into action and make me quite miserable. I discovered that if I ate the leafy vegetables, the raw fruit with skins on that seemed advisable to improve my elimination, the increased activity produced a very sore feeling in my right side, with the same kind of headache following. If I persisted in the diet, I was in agony in about three days, and nothing helped but the return to the blandest sort of diet which promptly slowed down my elimination.
At present I am working hard, but no harder than many around me and not as hard as some. I keep in moderate comfort by steering a careful course with a wary eye on that touchy spot in my side, taking as much rest as possible, doing only what I consider the essential things. What I am wondering is, namely:
1. Is my present condition directly due to the past fifteen years in which I have spent my physical heritage rather recklessly? 2. Or is this slowing down of my vigor and ability to adjust myself the penalty for being fifty-one? 3. Or is it due directly to some physical mal-adjustment which may be righted?
I have always had great faith in the simple things, and the simple methods, diet and common sense being better, in my estimation, than complicated remedies. I should like, as much as is possible to learn how I may so direct my daily life, that I can attain the most efficient possible condition of health. Doctors have helped me, and my present physician is most conscientious and sympathetic, but she cannot, apparently get to the root of this difficulty. She has thought that I must have an allergy to certain kinds of food, but a careful check leads me to believe that the condition is a physical one more far reaching than that. I should be happy to think I can escape this pain just by not eating spinach, even though I am very fond of spinach. There is so much opportunity right now to do so much that needs to be done, I can not be patient with my infirmities, and I should like some help to get rid of them. Perhaps it is something in my attitude or habits that needs changing. If there is nothing really wrong anywhere, then I'll just go ahead as well as I can, and regard my condition as just one of the handicaps I have to take on. I certainly am no worse off than lots of other people at that.
[2830]

REPORTS

10/26/42 [2830]'s letter:
..., New York City
Dear Mr. Cayce:
I've just returned from the country and find your letter and the reading waiting for me. I appreciate your friendly note very much and I have read the instructions with great interest. I believe they will be helpful and I shall certainly carry them out very conscientiously. There are many details that agree with what I have perceived only vaguely before this. I will get in touch with the hydrotherapist as soon as possible and start on the prescribed routines. Just as soon as there are any results to report, I shall write to you again. Then we can decide what is the next step to take.
Would it interest you to know that through your help I have rediscovered the Bible and read it every day. In this world of frightful suffering and destruction, there is much to perplex anyone who would work for a better world. How far we have wandered from the simple loving fellowship that Christ taught us! We are all looking forward with interest to the publication of There Is A River. Some misinterpretation is inevitable, but I believe it will be an inspiration to many. I have been ...? aware of Divine Guidance in even very small things at times, and of Divine Benevolence on many occasions. Thank you for making me more aware of my close relationships to the Divine Spirit.
Sincerely, [2830]
11/27/42 [2830]'s letter:
Dear Mr. Cayce:
Your friendly and helpful letters have been very welcome. I have waited to write to you until I had been taking the treatment a little while, and until I had a few minutes of peace and quiet in which to think about it all.
The more I consider the reading and study its language, the more remarkable it seems to me. Many things are explained by it, some of which I mentioned and others that I did not. By the way, I would be interested to know whether anyone in Virginia Beach saw the little summary of my condition which I sent, before the reading.
Now I am half way through the treatment as outlined. In general I feel an improvement. Certainly I am somewhat less inclined to nervousness and am a little less continuously tired. The reading says, and I am also aware that my condition is the result of long existent causes aggravated by recent circumstances, so that I am prepared to wait for a slow change and not to expect miracles of speedy cure. I still have painful neuritis, occasional headaches, numbness in the right side, and soreness in the colon in the region of my old appendix scar. These I am hoping will pass as my system becomes better adjusted through the massage.
Dr. Reilly is a pleasant person, as you say, and his establishment is beautifully run. It has a very friendly and soothing atmosphere which is medicine in itself to tired nerves and discouraged spirits. The girl who gives me the massage is very sympathetic and interested, and I have told her about the readings. I am sure they are all eager to help and they make one feel welcome and comfortable, even if they are, like everyone else in New York, rushing from one job to another as fast as possible.
Now I am up here in the country where I love to be, for a four day's rest. And I am really trying to rest, though there is a great temptation to go out and rake leaves out of the gutter, or saw up some sticks for the kitchen stove. We have been so continuously busy at the office for many weeks that I have had no chance to catch my breath, and I am afraid that now I am using up my little bit of new strength as fast as I get it.
It rained most of the night, but at daybreak it changed to snow, and now the ground is lightly powdered with white. I think I'll go out and rake those leaves after all, - just for a little while. I love every minute I spend out of doors in the woods. God seems near and there is beauty everywhere. It seems easier to think and to act reasonably here, and all sorts of difficulties assume their true proportion.
When the treatments are finished, I shall give myself the pleasure of writing to you again, not only to report on the success of this work, but to discuss the next step. I have been, for the past year or so, experiencing a period of mental and spiritual self-inquiry which makes me feel sorely the need of guidance. The first step seemed to be to achieve sound physical health so that there might be no obstruction to my intellectual faculties, and so that I might not be misled by an unstable body into ill-considered action. I feel that I am at the point of change in my path, - and I shall need advice. In the meantime I can only pray for health and wisdom to perform each thing as it comes. May God bless you and keep you in your path of service and devotion.
Sincerely [2830]
1/06/43 [2830]'s letter:
..., New York Dear Mr. Cayce:
A happy New Year to you and may you and all of us be given the strength to meet what lies ahead of us, and to live our days in the ways of God!
I have been eager to write to you for some time, but while Christmas is always a very happy time for me, it is also a turbulent period, with a good deal of stress and strain. No matter how far ahead I start to plan, the last days are breathless. However, things are settling down a bit now and we are starting a new year.
First let me thank you for the book, - A SEARCH FOR GOD. I have been reading it through carefully but as quickly as possible so that I may understand the whole idea as completely as I can, then I will go back and study each chapter thoroughly by itself. It is all very interesting, and I know it will be helpful. Is this part of a study plan? As an editor, I am of course interested in how it was written, - and by whom, but as a human being striving to lead the best kind of life that is possible to me, I am even more interested in who LIVED it.
My treatments at Dr. Reilly's were finished just before Christmas. I am sure they have done a lot to improve my condition. I still have pain at times, and I am not very strong but I FEEL more alive. The reading gave me hope, which was perhaps its most important contribution because I was getting very discouraged, and when it outlined such simple and logical causes for my distress, I felt that I had something I could go on. I had been to so many good and conscientious doctors who had tried hard to help me. Everything they suggested helped a little for a while, but soon I was back where I was before, and was slowly getting weaker and sicker and less able to cope with the strenuous routine of my daily life.
The first improvement under the treatments was in the condition of my nerves, and as they steadied I felt a great sense of relief. Some of the other difficulties told about in the reading were slow in disappearing but I have made real progress. Since my condition is apparently due to troubles of long standing, I think it will take me some time to get back to rigorous and well-balanced health, and I shall try not to be impatient. I will use the various suggestions in the reading as the basis for a continued plan of daily living and hope to attain the condition of usefulness to which I aspire. I am sure that with this help, and with the comfort and inspiration that I have found in the spiritual contributions of your group, I can make some very definite progress. I am now waiting and praying, in anticipation that the next step will be made clear to me, and that I will find the strength to take it. I understand that you are planning to come to New York this month. It would be a privilege to meet you, if your time is not too fully occupied. May the blessings that you have brought to others comfort and strengthen you through these disturbing times.
Sincerely [2830]
2/20/43 [2830]'s letter:
Dear Mr. Cayce:
It seems more appropriate to write to you from this peaceful place, and, although I have had you and the association's work very much in my mind, I have really been waiting till I could get up here before I did anything about it.
Now I am here for a three day rest, - the sun is shining brightly but the ground is covered deep with snow, and we had a hard time getting through the little dirt road that leads past my cottage. No car except that of the postman will pass today and it is all very still and serene. Perhaps here I can write the kind of letter that I want to write.
Both meetings in New York interested and helped me very much, and I was glad to have an opportunity to see you and to speak a few words with you. All your friends must hope, as I do, that the trip did not exhaust you too much. It must have been an ordeal, and yet full of renewed inspiration at certain times.
I want now to apply for a life reading at some time in the next few weeks when it is convenient for you to arrange one for me. My affairs need some straightening out, and I feel very much the need of guidance and instruction. Miss Judy Chandler, to whom I applied at your suggestion, has given me most generously of her time and hospitality and I am grateful to her for advice. I have been reading the writings on the subject of the life readings prepared by the association, and am studying to fit myself for the reception of whatever direction is vouchsafed to me. Then I receive word from you that this reading can be arranged, I will at once confirm the date with you, and send my check to the association. At that time I will also send a few questions that I should like to ask. These need considerable thought and self-searching on my part and I am getting them into shape slowly. As you will probably remember, I can leave the office and go to some quiet place during the reading period. That also I can manage when I know the time of reading.
I am happy to say that my health continues to improve. I am following the general outline as it was worked out for me, and have felt a return of strength and hope. This is very important to me as I realize I can do little in the way of service, if I am handicapped by an ailing body. Later, if it is possible I should like to arrange for a check reading on my condition, - when I have had the time to recover as fully as possible. However, at the present time, the life reading seems very important to me so that is what I should like to prepare for.
This letter seems to be chiefly composed of I and ME. But you will understand and forgive me if, in the first stages of this experience, I am pre-occupied with my own problems. I do feel that I can serve better in the world when my own house is in order. For the power that is manifest through you that I hope will guide and instruct me, I give thanks, and for the spirit of devotion that leads you to make this possible for me, I am deeply appreciative. May God keep you in his loving care.
Sincerely [2830]
3/08/43 Letter:
In asking for this Life Reading, my chief motive is to look for guidance in the conduct of my life, in such a way that I can be of the greatest service in God's purpose. As I have been pondering the questions I would ask, I realize that the answers to some of them have already been given me, particularly in regard to the general conduct of my life and the acquisition of that inner serenity and stability of which I feel a lack. These then are the questions that I now ask:
1: Can I be of the most service by remaining in my present position at ...?
2: If I am to stay on at ... what instruction and warning do I need in regard to my conduct?
3: If I am to go elsewhere, for what kind of work am I best fitted?
4: Is it right for me to regard life in the country and service in it as an ultimate goal?
[2830] New York City
For Life Reading March 10th, 10:30 - 11:30 A.M., Eastern War Time. Born January 19th, 1891, in New York City.
3/10/43 See 2830-2.
7/43 See letter under 2830-2 Reports.
10/10/43 See letter under 2830-2 Reports.