This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 16th day of February, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [2881], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. 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:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [2881].
3. As we find, there are conditions the correction of which would make for much better conditions throughout the body; enabling the body to better, - spiritually, mentally, physically, - fulfil the purposes for which it entered this experience.
4. While the conditions as we find at present have not become acute, they are in a manner becoming constitutional; causing, from the nature of disturbances, nerve reactions that at times become frustrations in the better mental-physical reactions of the body.
5. These, then, are conditions as we find them with this body, [2881] we are speaking of:
6. The blood supply indicates an impoverishment in some directions; thus an irregularity in the supplying of energies to all portions of the body. A toxic condition exists owing to the poor eliminations. Some plethora exists in portions of the colon.
7. These produce a torpidity of the liver, an irregularity in the kidney activity - or to the whole of the hepatic or lower circulation an irregularity. The pneumogastric and hypogastric centers become aggravated at times; producing the nervous repressions, at other periods the nervous excitements; headaches, nervous digestion. The irregularities arise from these conditions.
8. These are not serious, then, in themselves at present, but may become serious later on, as there becomes more involvement in the organs, - as the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs naturally will become involved in same.
9. As we find, in making administrations for helpful conditions, - the hydrotherapy as combined with a certain character of electrotherapy would be most beneficial. The electrotherapy, though, should be only the very lowest form - and be creative in its activity to the body.
10. We would begin, then, with hydrotherapy treatments at regular periods. These we would have twice a week for the first series of about ten treatments, and then a rest period from them of about two to three weeks, and then another series of the treatments regularly - once a week, then - for two to three weeks. To have them spasmodically will not be as helpful or beneficial; in fact, may become irritating to the body.
11. These should include a mild sweat, and then a fume bath with witchhazel and rosewater; about two teaspoonsful of witchhazel and half a teaspoonful of rosewater to a pint of the boiling water for the fumes; followed by a thorough massage and rubdown.
12. This should be preceded, at the first treatment, by a colonic irrigation. This should not be attempted too much in the beginning; that is, at the first application. But ten days after the first have the second. Repeat these, about ten days apart (the colonics), until there is no indication of mucous in the discharges.
13. As to the electrotherapy, - use the Wet Cell Appliance as the Radio-Active is usually used; that is, making connections from the Wet Cell without other than a heavy charge of the Wet Cell Appliance, see? This would be using, then; to the 1 1/2 gallons of Water:

    Copper Sulphate......................2 1/2 pounds,
Sulphuric Acid C.P...................1 1/2 ounces,
Zinc....................................10 drams,
Willow Charcoal........................1/2 pound.

    Mix these thoroughly. Let them charge for at least a day before the connections are made to the body. Both of these would be nickel plates, see? These would be attached to the wrist and the opposite ankle; one day the right wrist and left ankle, the next day the left wrist and right ankle, and so on; for at least thirty to forty minutes, but not longer; preferably when the body is ready to retire.
14. This will make the body sleep or rest better. It will equalize the circulation, as will the body massage make for better eliminations. And, as we find, the colonics, with the other treatments combined, will make for more uniform or regular eliminations.
15. Be consistent with these. And at the period when the electrical forces are taken, DO use that period for the meditation.
16. It is necessary to recharge the Appliance at least every thirty days.
17. Do not leave the connections in the Appliance, or attached to the Appliance, when not in use.
18. Do keep the plates or connections, to the wrist and ankle, clean - or polished before and after using. These plates should be the same size; be very firmly but not too tightly attached.
19. Then the diet, - this would be an outline for the diet for this body, though this - to be sure - would not be all that would be taken, but merely as the character or outline:
20. Mornings - either citrus fruit juices or a whole grain cereal (preferably the juices and cereal not taken at the same meal, but one taken one day and the other the next); the yolk of an egg when the citrus fruit is taken (not the egg white); whole wheat toast, coffee or tea. But the coffee or tea should not be taken more than once each day, and the morning meal is the preferable time for same. Or, there may be crisp bacon with rice or buckwheat cakes, with a little honey or the like.
21. Noons - at least some portions of raw vegetables, and a soup or broth of such natures as not to carry too much fats, but the salts of cooked vegetables - though they may be seasoned with mutton, beef, fowl or the like, or they may include just the vegetables with rice, barley or the like.
22. Evenings - at least three meals during the week should include fish, prepared in varied manners, less of the fried than in other ways. Vegetables. Buttermilk - those of such natures will be beneficial. Not too much sweets. Be mindful of combinations more than other things to produce disordered conditions; that is, do not take too much of the vegetables that grow under the ground in proportion to those that grow above the ground, however these may be prepared. Have two above to one below, - in that ratio.
23. Do these, and we will find better conditions for this body, and the preventing of more serious conditions later on.
24. Ready for questions.
25. (Q) Am I in good condition considering my age?
    (A) Compare with that just given. Very good condition; it is not serious, but may become serious unless there are measures taken. They are irritating conditions, and aggravating conditions; and prevent coordination between mental and spiritual aspirations.
    Do these things indicated, for better conditions of this body, [2881].
26. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (See extra sheet of directions [which was enclosed] for Physiotherapist who is to give the colonics, the fume baths, the general hydrotherapy. We would refer you to: Dr. H. J. Reilly, R.C.A. Bldg., 1250 Sixth Ave., N.Y.C.
    See article [which was enclosed] explaining theory of the Wet Cell Appliance may be ordered to specifications, by sending the the extra sheets of directions [which were enclosed] to: Mr. A. M. Godfrey, Appliance Co., 2709 Lafayette Blvd., Norfolk, Va.)

BACKGROUND

1. 1/13/43 She obtained a Life Rdg. See 2881-1.
2. 2/15/43 Questions:
   1. Am I in good condition for my age? What is my general condition? 2. How much sleep do I need? as I do not wish to indulge or waste time? 3. How can I overcome the almost life long handicap of constipation? 4. What foods are definitely bad for me? Should I cut out tea & coffee? 5. Give me, if possible, a general diagnosis.

REPORTS

1. 3/18/43 Letter from [2881]: "This goes to you with great reluctance, because it seems to indicate I am not all I should be! Last Sunday I woke exhausted after a 15 hour sleep, something I cannot remember doing before. I pulled myself together, and did all I had to that evening in helping to put a chamber music evening over in the village. Monday was heavy with fatigue and finally I went to bed and sent for the family doctor who has known me since I was a girl, and brought all my babies. He found my pulse 54 and ordered only protein food and bed for three days. A metabolism test is to be made Saturday. I must admit I feel 'all in' and my mind is a bit 'vague.' Would you be kind enough to analyze this present 'state' and tell me how you interpret it. Could it be the result of 'sweat baths'? Dare I believe it is the last breath before a '2nd wind' is established and that I will be stronger than before, or is this 'fooling myself'?
   "I am alone - my husband has gone overseas again, and any advice or encouragement will act as a vitamin pill."
   In grateful anticipation,
2. 3/22/43 EC's ltr. to Mrs. [2881]:
   Dear Mrs. [2881]
   Glad to hear from you again, but sorry you are just overdoing your self, and letting your vitality run down so low. No, if you are getting the right sort of rubdowns with your sweats this should stimulate you and not retard - have the idea you are just going too strong.
   As for a check up - the 10th of April in the morning is the first open period we have.
   Since the book - There Is A River - has come out (have you read it?), am afraid we are getting too far behind with our appointments - for they are even now up in the later part of April.
   Believe if you will take it a bit easier and bust up on the B-1 vitamines you will soon be feeling much better. Was necessary to get the system cleansed thoroughly before would build up to real vitality.
   But let me know about the 10th - the morning period and make list of a few questions, if you wish me to try it then.
   But hoping you are even now feeling much better.
   With every good wish
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
3. 7/05/43 Mrs. [2881]'s ltr. to EC:
   CLIFTON SPRINGS SANITARIUM CLIFTON SPRINGS NEW YORK
   PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO & WHAT THIS MEANS
   Dear Doctor Cayce -
   Seeing this "Heading" will not surprise you any more than it surprised me to find myself here - But so it is. I came two weeks ago Saturday -
   Something strange got into us around June 6th - I felt weak - My son said that during the night I groaned & moaned - seemed to be going through something - but he could not wake me up -. He was down just prior to leaving for Camp Devens where is now. -
   I managed to keep up til the 10th when I had to play on W. N.Y.C. To show what therapeutic music is - I played softly while some one spoke - and also accompanied a violinist & played two solo numbers. To show what is given in hospitals - This went well - & some good comments came to W.N.Y.C. Once this was done I took to my bed - & the result was that the family doctor sent me here. I don't feel my old self - I feel a bit strange & detached - and not vigorous. Two weeks of resting have not brought me back - & I still feel "floating" -. What DOES THIS MEAN? Could it be a transition to an added Sense? IF you know what I mean - PLEASE see if you can solve a problem that really baffles me - & tell me what to do.
   My family is scattered. My husband returned from his 3rd African Duty Trip - while I was ill - & left for San Francisco immediately after I came up here. Both sons are in service too -
   Many weeks ago - on a Sunday - I believe on Palm Sunday - I was knocked down on a Fifth Ave. Bus - from the 3rd or 4th step - when the motor was stopped suddenly. It was a bad fall - knocked me out for a second & the pain in one leg was terrific - My arm which shot out to grab on to some thing must have been "jerked". Having just come from Emmet Fox I promptly tried to demonstrate & overcome & I thought I did. I pulled myself together - & went on - never even mentioned it - to the family - where I was going - I went to an osteopath to be checked up - & the Bus company paid me for some treatments - Could THIS hot poultice we use be partly hot. My arm is painful at times & the back of my head was very tight & heavy before I came here. - It's better - but frankly I'm not as I should be & want to -. My music could now be of real use - & I want to get completely rebuilt & renewed.
   Please advise me - and if possible explain -
   Warm thanks - and affectionate greetings from [2881]
   Mrs. [2881]
   [2772]'s friend & patient New York address - ... St.
   P.S. Should I stop smoking - would that self control lead to some thing good? - It's my one "indulgence."
4. 7/07/43 EC's ltr. to Mrs. [2881]'s:
   Mrs. [2881] Clifton Springs Sanitarium, Clifton Springs, New York
   Dear Mrs. [2881]
   Yours of the fifth came at a time when it is just impossible for us to make an appointment even for a check reading for several weeks. Consequently, I do not feel that it is right in keeping your check, so I am returning same and hoping that you are going to find relief with the doctoring that you are doing there at the Springs.
   I know this is very bad - we would like to have it different but I'm only one person and every single period for more than six months has been promised to someone and, of course, each person feel their's to them is the most important. Hoping though that you will come along nicely and do let us hear from you and how you are getting along.
   Kindest personal regards.
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
5. 7/10/43 Mrs. [2881]'s ltr. to EC:
   CLIFTON SPRINGS SANITARIUM CLIFTON SPRINGS NEW YORK
   Dear Dr. Cayce -
   Your letter came this morning & the promptness of this reply - will show how much your letter meant to me - altho the contents were not encouraging. However - here is the check returned. - Keep it &, when you can, give me the physical check up & analysis I requested. You say 6 months - but perhaps because it is a "re-check" or an old one - you may be able to do it sooner. -
   I had hoped to be able to go to the "Congress" - but as you know it coincided with the "go over" of both my youngest boy [...] - who went to Camp Devers - & my husband who went to San Francisco -: & also with my own break down.
   Is there a hotel at Virginia Beach I could stay at - and could I join one of your classes that read & study the Bible - and could I take the Electro-Therapy you prescribed with Hydrotherapy & which alas I did not take -. That was a real error -. If this were possible - would this not be a good move - & step in the right direction -? The time for my coming would have to be left undecided until I know when my oldest son returns for his few days "leave" from the Marine Base where he is stationed. What would be the proper time for me to allow for a visit to Virginia Beach - so that one complete "course" could be taken. If this does not seem the thing to do - Could I come & place myself under your direction - & continue the "rest" I was sent to get here. -?
   Forgive the "mixture" of these remarks - & understand - & believe it is the deep & eager seekings of a soul that does not want to go astray. With warm greetings
   Gratefully [2881]
6. 7/14/43 EC's ltr. to Mrs. [2881]:
   Mrs. [2881] Clifton Springs Sanitarium, Clifton Springs, New York
   Dear [2881]
   I have yours of the tenth. I am returning the check, and you asked to make an appointment - the first possible chance for a check-up is the afternoon of the 27th of September. But you will have to let us know where you will be at that time. That makes it rather hard to work this in even when there are vacancies and we do not know where you are at the time and it is so much better when the individual knows the information that is being attempted. Our experiences have been that where they are not aware of it, it is not very satisfactory.
   I hope you will make us a list of questions, also to ask at the time and you may clear any confusion that may be in your mind at the time. It is too bad that we are so busy that we can't take care of our old members and you who are so vitally interested. Maybe it is a good thing and maybe it is not so good; possibly people should learn to rely somewhat on themselves - I do not know.
   Thanking you, though, for your letter and hoping that we may be of a service.
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
7. 7/43 Postcard from Mrs. [2881]:
   POST CARD CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
   Dear Doctor Cayce,
   Thank you for your letter - I am putting down the date - & will be in Virginia Beach the day - or even two before - this time all will be as it should - with warm regards & thanks [2881]
8. 7/17/43 Mrs. [2881]'s ltr. to EC:
   CLIFTON SPRINGS SANITARIUM CLIFTON SPRINGS NEW YORK
   Dear Doctor Cayce:-
   The present situation can honestly, and without exaggeration, be called an emergency. Indeed, when you give me the diagnosis I earnestly beseech you, I believe you will discover this to be the truth. That a woman of 51, whose sincere aim throughout her life has been to be of service, constructive and increasing in amount, not "fading" in worth - To whom idleness has seemed a crime - who sincerely wanted to do and be what God destined her to be, should suddenly after a period when her life seemed healthier, to collapse, is a mystery. I feel as tho an unknown power of evil had gotten hold of me and I am no longer a functioning human. I have gone to pieces. I actually have had 3 convulsions in my sleep. I was not conscious of them. That is what got me here. My family think it is due to exhaustion from overdoing, and insufficient food. I claim overeating causes sickness, and meat is not for man. I may have been fighting the ... evil longer than I realize, but it is only in the last 4 or 5 months that looking back I recognize any. As I wrote you, the big collapse came at night, around the 4th of June.
   What is this? How can it be conquered? Is it to be conquered? If not, I am ready to go, and would do so if I knew a quick infallible way out. Could you in looking over my "Life" analysis see what the answer is. Four weeks here have had no effect. Indeed, I feel more gone. Surely knowing all you know, you know why I am turning to you again. Once I am stronger I will come to Virginia Beach, and if you think I could learn there some rules and methods that would overcome what has attacked me, I will come. I understand Essex House is a pleasant, quiet place to stay, but if you know a better place I will go there. The time of my coming, if you see the reason for it, will have to depend not only on my strength but on my son's furlough, which is still indefinite but next month.
   God's answer to "Why am I here?" "What is Thy will for me?" How can I triumphed over what has attacked me, would be treasured.
   With gratitude, [2881]
   P.S. The doctor here, too, says he does not think that it is lack of food that caused the physical condition. He says more protein might have made the body heavier and given added resistance.
   Evangeline Adams, when she did my horoscope 15 yrs. ago, said "Resign yourself never to achieve success or to be happy." I have tried hard to prove her wrong. Was she right? Is it not to be? Then I want to go at once.
   My mind seems gone. I don't recognize what is, and don't remember the past clearly.
9. 7/21/43 EC's ltr. to Mrs. [2881]:
   Dear Mrs. [2881]
   Have yours of the 17th. Me thinks at times the grand rush so many put me to for emergency readings will snap what little gumption I may possess. But, don't you give up, not yet, you have too much to live for, those wonderful boys and all.
   Will do the very best we can, and do hope we may be the means of help - you should have done the whole matter when it was given you first, but let's hope it will yet be all right.
   Hold on tight to the hand of Jesus and you need not be afraid.
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
10. 9/19/43 Mrs. [2881]'s ltr. to EC:
    Dog and Duck Farm Pleasant Vallley Road Redding Ridge, Connecticut Dear Doctor Cayce -
    The "Time approacheth" - & in a week I will be at Virginia Beach - indeed - I'm preparing for it already - and look forward to an experience I will always cherish & remember. I only hope I'm not going to ask too many question. The past summer has been an experience in itself - I don't know where it went - & almost feel as tho I haven't really lived it. No doubt you know what this means - I feel as tho I were going thru a metamorphosis & at the moment were neither "Fresh fish nor fowl" - I am counting on my consultation - not only to explain - but to advise & direct so that I can live this winter constructively as an awakened human should -
    I reach Norfolk Sunday morning - & will phone you at noon after church -
    With a warm greeting -
    Faithfully - [2881]
    I have thought of you so often - this may not be the only letter I sent.
11. 9/27/43 Questions submitted in person:
    1. How is my health? Will using the Wet Cell Appliance bring me the physical strength I need, or should something else now be added? Should I repeat course? 2. What is the one thing I am meant to do? (at Reilly's? When begin it?) 3. If I am to stress interior decorating, and to use my music in doing so, as my Life Rdg. indicated, please advise just how I should go about it? 4. How can I best help my daughter, [...]? 5. Is she where she should be? 6. What shall I concentrate on this winter? 7. Where am I bound? What should be my destination? 8. Why do all these ideas on clothes keep coming to me, that seem to be adopted by fashion and used, and I never have any connection. 9. Why have I not been able to get remuneration from these ideas? Is it meant that I should? 10. Why do these thoughts of philosophy come to me, when I don't know what to do with them nor how to use them? Should I write these down and try to get them published? If so, how should I go about it? 11. Why has the World Peace opportunity come to me, and how can I best use it? 12. Why was I born where I was? 13. Why is it that my family cannot or will not recognize the value of anything I do, because I am not receiving financial gain from it? 14. Should I attempted to get financial returns from my efforts and thus win their recognition, or try to disregard their opinions?
    15. Should I continue my efforts to unite the various peace movements, getting them to agree on plans for peace? How may this best be accomplished?
12. 9/27/43 Remarks by Mrs. [2881]: "My father and mother are from a wealthy Jewish family - no religion was ever taught to me - my father does not even believe in God - he never showed any commendation or interest - real interest in my life - it has made me extra careful to give my children love and affection. I married a Christian, because I needed that - I have these wonderful thoughts on philosophy - no outlet."
    The life on many is like passengers on a night train which is going through glorious country; some are in drawing rooms, some in uppers, some sitting upright in daycoaches - but all asleep.
    Man's attitude to religion and God must change, as his attitude did on the weekly bath.
    No job is too small to matter if well done. For example, the small job of turning a crank, that the darkie does in a Southern railroad station, under a coach on an enormous express train. If it is not well done, the whole train suffers - so much depends on him. It is not how much but how well, whether it is in practising the piano or sleeping. Eight or nine hours half asleep do not do nearly as much good as two hours of thorough relaxation in sleep.
13. 9/27/43 See 2881-3.

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