This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 18th day of May, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [3009], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Dr. C. Haddon Soden.

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: (In locating the body - "That's beautiful shrubbery" - )
3. Yes - we have the body here, [3009].
4. As we find, there are disturbing conditions. These have been, as to causes, of long standing.
5. There have been times when improvements have come, and then apparently the lapsing - with some minor change - into the same disturbances.
6. These are not so much of an inflammatory nature in the present as they have been at times.
7. This condition as we find is the crystallization of most all forms of any foods that have certain potential elements or salts in them. And this causes the contraction and the hardening of the nerve tendons, and the sinew, especially in the extremities - as to become disturbing to the locomotion and to the general activity.
8. In the chemical forces of the body we find that the system is lacking principally in iodine.
9. Thus, as we find, these would be the most beneficial applications. Now, this will require patience and persistence. Then at times - just before the period for the sweats - the condition will apparently be more serious. But after the third of such sweats we find that improvements should come to the body, and the disturbance should gradually diminish in the severity.
10. Begin in this manner:
11. Take internally one drop of Atomidine in half a glass of water each morning before breakfast, for three days. Then take three drops each morning for two days. Then take four drops each morning for two days. Then take five drops each morning for two days.
12. This would be the first series, you see.
13. The next day, after completing this series, take an Epsom Salts Bath, in a saturated solution of Epsom Salts. Use at least fifteen pounds to fifty gallons of water, as warm as the body can well stand. Be sure there is an attendant, and that the body is massaged - especially in the limbs, - arms and hands and feet, - while it is in this bath. Remain in this as long as the body can without becoming too weak, - at least twenty minutes.
14. Then, when taken out of the bath, have a rubdown, - first with Pure Peanut Oil - along the limbs and along the spine, and then followed with a GRAIN alcohol rub; that is, dipping the fingers or the hands into the grain alcohol. This need not be too strong, though it may be 85% to 90% proof.
15. Rest then from all the applications for five days.
16. Begin then with the Atomidine, taking this time one drop each morning before breakfast for five days.
17. Then take five drops each day for five days. Then take ten drops for two days. Then, the next day, have the second Epsom Salts Bath, followed with the same type of rubs.
18. The Peanut Oil rub may be given daily, this would be well - but it is not necessary for the alcohol rub save when the pores of the skin have been opened from the prolonged steam of the Epsom Salts Bath.
19. After the second Epsom Bath, rest five days from the applications.
20. Then repeat the same as the second series.
21. After that the series of these may be farther apart, and not quite so much variation in the doses of Atomidine, see? that is, take a lesser amount, or the same amount each day for the period of time before the Bath, instead of varying the amount, and have a longer rest period between the series, see?
22. In the diet, - keep away from meats, especially such as beef or hog meat or the like; though fish, fowl and lamb may be taken in moderation, but NO FRIED FOODS OF ANY KIND!
23. Have a great deal of the juices, especially of such as lettuce, celery, carrots, beets, radishes and the like. And include with the beets the beet tops - these cooked, you see. These should be taken often, the cooked beets AND carrots.
24. If these are adhered to, we will bring bettered conditions for this body, [3009].
25. Ready for questions.
26. (Q) What drink, and exercise, should I adopt or give up to help my condition?
    (A) DO NOT take any carbonated drinks of ANY kind!
    Exercise as much as practical in the open air and sunshine, though it is preferable not to be directly in too strong rays of the sunshine, see?
27. (Q) What mental attitudes should I adopt or pursue?
    (A) That of ever being a channel of helpfulness to others. Remember, it is with what measure ye mete to others that it must be measured to you again. This applies spiritually, mentally, materially.
28. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 3/30/43 Letter: "I have read Mr. Sugrue's remarkable book about you. May I extend my deepest respects to both you and him, also your family.
   "I would like very much to have you give readings for both my wife and myself. She suffers from cerebrum arteriosclerosis, and I from arthritis of long standing.
   "For many years I have believed in psychic phenomena, but yours seems to be one of the greatest gifts since the time of our Lord Jesus."
   "P.S. Dr. Haddon Soden, an osteopath, tells me that you sent him a case."
2. 4/07/43 Letter: "I have a great deal of faith in what you are doing, and having had automatic writings with my brother for about twenty years, I am fully convinced both of the genuineness of the writings and of the case for survival after death. Another time I hope to write you more fully, and later to have the other readings also."
3. 4/12/43 He submitted questions:
   1. What treatment should I undergo to get rid of, or improve, my arthritic condition? 2. What personal habits (food, drink, exercise, etc.) should I adopt or give up to help my condition? 3. What mental attitudes should I adopt or pursue (be optimistic, serene, pray frequently, how long, nature of devotion, etc.)?

REPORTS

1. 5/22/43 [3009]'s letter to EC: "I have received your letter of May 21st and the transcript of the psychic reading made May 18th for me by you at Virginia Beach.
   "It appears to me very remarkable. In the past I have used iodine with beneficial results; but a good many years ago. Hot Epsom Salt baths have also been recommended and taken, (though not often) with beneficial results.
   "Do you desire to have a doctor supervise your directions?
   "What do you mean by carbonated drinks? Is alcohol (wine, whiskey, etc.) in moderation bad?
   "Will write again later..."
2. 5/25/43 EC's letter to Mr. [3009]: "Thank you for your report of the 22nd. Yes, I think it would be most advisable to have the suggested treatments under the supervision of a doctor or a good hydrotherapist.
   "Carbonated drinks, I think, refers to any drink where carbonated water is used. Yes, I think any wine, whiskey or anything like that would be bad in a condition like yours, for it's bound to leave a residue that is hard on the system at best.
   "Do let us hear from you as to how you get along."
3. 6/03/43 Letter requesting a physical reading for his wife, Mrs. [3303]:
   "Now a few words about myself.
   "I have been taking a vaccine treatment for the past two years prescribed by Dr. John H. Richards of 44 East 76th St., New York City.
   "This vaccine is gotten from my feces which contain a streptococcus germ, which Dr. Richards regards as responsible for my arthritis.
   "In 1923 or '24 Dr. Richards treated me very successfully with a similar vaccine obtained in a similar way, but I was not entirely cured, and I brought the trouble back by going to a government Cavalry Camp, where I had to ride nearly all day.
   "Dr. Richards also has recommended a vitamin capsule containing 50,000 units. It is called Davitol [?]. I do not remember its exact formula.
   "Should I keep on taking: (1) the vaccine treatment, and (2) using the capsules? "I plan to start your treatment tomorrow, Friday, June 4th."
4. 6/05/43 EC's letter to Mr. [3009]:
   "Have yours of the 3rd. I am making the appointment for Mrs. [3303], but it is so far ahead, I do not know whether you would wish to keep this for her or not. But you can let me know about this, and fill out the enclosed blank. Be sure that you let us have the address at which she will be a few days before the time set for the reading and be sure that she is there at the hour set.
   "The time is the morning of the 20th of October, 10:30 to 11:30 E.W.T. I hope we may be the means of being of a service.
   "The medication you have had is quite interesting. I do not believe you will find it necessary to keep up this after you begin the suggestions made - if at all - not for very long any way.
   "Thanking you for your report..."
   P.S. "Please give Mrs. [3303]'s given name."
5. 6/10/43 Letter from [3009] to EC:
   "I will ease up on some of my previous treatments for arthritis, as I think too many treatments at the same time do not agree.
   "I have been some better and some worse. Will keep you in touch with events..."
6. 6/14/43 EC's letter to [3009]:
   "Thanks for yours of the 10th. Yes sir, I can fully appreciate your waiting so long for the reading for Mrs. [3303]. I wish it were possible for us to make an earlier period right now, but can't. But, should there be a chance to get it in sooner, I will certainly notify you, and will be glad to change it to an earlier period if possible.
   "Do hope you will soon be feeling much better. Yes, one can overdo. I will appreciate your letting me hear from you from time to time..."
7. 7/13/43 [3009]'s letter to EC:
   "I am up here with my wife. She is spending the summer here, but I will return in ten days or two weeks.
   "I want to ask you about two subjects: (1) about her, (2) about myself.
   "(1) You have her down for a reading on October 20th, but you said you would try to get her reading in before that time if an opening was available. Has one developed - an opening before October 20th? If so, please let me know and I will send the twenty dollars without delay.
   "(2) About myself: I cannot take the hot Epsom Salt bath and rub up here, as there is no one to administer the rub in this locality. That is due the day after tomorrow.
   "I have not followed your directions entirely and have not experienced great improvement - hardly any. But I am not blaming your treatment - rather myself.
   "For instance, I have taken the vitamins prescribed for me by Dr. Richards pretty regularly and also the streptococci injections, though much less regularly. I have also not taken the vegetable juices as prescribed, because difficult to obtain, though I have, (especially lately), eaten a great deal of beets and carrots; no pork products, a good deal of fish and chicken, and very little meat.
   "I have taken Alka Seltzer nearly every morning, as I feel very lazy and it wakes me up and gives me a bowel movement.
   "Will try to follow your directions better in the future. But I want to ask for MORE SPECIFIC instructions from now on:
   "For instance, I have come to the point where you say: After that, the series may be farther apart, and not quite so much variation in the doses of Atomidine; that is, take a lesser amount, or the same amount each day for the period of time before the bath, instead of varying the amount, and have a longer rest period between the series. [3009-1, Par. 25]
   "Could you make these directions more specific?
   "I swim in salt water here every day, except when it rains. I will be here until the twentieth of July at least, then back to Philadelphia."
8. 7/17/43 EC's letter to [3009]:
   "Thank you for yours of the 13th. I hope you have a pleasant stay there and return feeling much better. No, Mr. [3009], there hasn't been the least opportunity to advance Mrs. [3303]'s appointment. I wish I could, but the appointments are just getting farther and farther ahead. I am making them for next February now and that doesn't allow me a day off for rest. Then too, I and my helpers, my wife and secretary, will have to stay well all that time. We should but the requests are so numerous that I can't allow for that possibility even.
   "I can appreciate the situation about the baths where you are. But you will undertake them soon as practical. I feel sure they will help you."
   "As will the following of the outline given you all the way, as to the series of Atomidine and baths, this means you take them less frequently, provided you have gained the use of yourself better, and where it had given the variation in the dosage of Atomidine, make it just the one drop each day for five days. Leave off five and then take again the same way. The swim in salt water should be good for you. I feel sure it is, as the sun bath is when you can get it, but don't take the sun bath too much. Know it is different there from what would be here, but just don't get too much sunburn.
   "Do hope you are feeling better soon. Do let us hear from you..."
9. 8/02/43 [3009]'s letter to EC: "'You cannot serve two masters.' I am applying this to myself, not you.
   "For some months past I have been taking both the treatment which my doctor in New York (Dr. John H. Richards) prescribed, and what you told me to do.
   "I think I had better give up one or the other treatment, don't you?
   "I showed Dr. Richards your letter written during your 'sleep' and he said that there was nothing in it which could possibly hurt me, but he said he had absolutely no confidence or belief in that sort of thing.
   "In fact, he said he did not believe in the miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ - in a word, he did not believe in the supernatural in any way at all.
   "To me, it is really quite shocking, to put it mildly, for I have believed in God and in His Son Jesus Christ, and I still do.
   "In a word, this Dr. Richards, who is one of the most highly thought of doctors in the city of New York, and who is, besides, the son of a clergyman, is a complete atheist, skeptic, or whatever you want to call him.
   "And yet he realizes the supreme powers of nature; and of the moon and realizes besides, that we (and he) knows almost nothing. He has not though, the faith of a cat. "So then, what?
   "I am inclined to give him up. I know that in the past his vaccine treatment nearly cured me. Also that the vitamin capsules which he gave me, strengthened me very much. What do you advise?
   "In a letter over several weeks ago, you suggested that I reduce his (Richards) treatments by degrees. Does that still stand? And if so, which treatments; (1) the vaccine treatment, or (2) the vitamin treatment, or both?
   "I am sorry to take your valuable time and energy with such a long letter, but I want to do the right thing, both by you and for myself..."
10. 8/12/43 EC's letter to [3009]:
    "I have yours of the second. I note what you have to say about your condition and what the doctor says. You are correct, I think, but you will have to choose one or the other. I do not believe that they will work together.
    "Of course, I am not going to tell you to give up your doctor, but I think if you would give this treatment that was adjusted for you a chance, that you will get some results. Especially, if it answered to something within you that makes you feel that it might be you that it is talking about and, evidently, it did, on your asking for an appointment for Mrs. [3303].
    "Let me know what you decide to do and let us know if it is possible for us to be of a service in any way..."
11. 9/15/43 [3009]'s letter to EC:
    "Some weeks ago you were kind enough to set a date, the 20th of October, for a reading for Mrs. [3303], but I did not send my check at the time. I now enclose here with said check to the order of the Association, and I hope that you have reserved the date for Mrs. [3303]'s reading.
    "In some ways I seem to have improved slightly.
    "I will write you again about it.
    "I trust that your health is good..."
12. 2/27/50 Albert E. Turner's letter to [3009]:
    "Recently I attended Study and Prayer Group meetings at Norfolk and Virginia Beach while spending a week at the Association for Research and Enlightenment at Virginia Beach. Meetings were most inspiring I ever attended. "Hugh Lynn Cayce, as you know, the son of Edgar Cayce, asked me to try to organize a Study and Prayer Group in Philadelphia, where there is none, in spite of the fact many large cities have groups. Gladys Davis, recorder for Edgar Cayce from 1923 to 1945 also urgently pleaded that I organize such a group.
    "It is my understanding that while Edgar Cayce was here on earth, you had readings, and for this reason I am writing you to ask if you would join us in Service to others. Main purpose of the group will be Prayer Healing and also study of the psychic readings of Edgar Cayce and their applicability to living today.
    "We will meet every Tuesday night at 8 P.M. in central Philadelphia in a place not yet selected, to be convenient to all. Prominent Prayer Group and Healing Ministers and members of the A.R.E. will be leaders in our meetings.
    "If you have any suggestions as to meeting place, would appreciate. In the meantime, let me know your desires and I will keep you posted as to first meeting date and place..."
13. No date of reply: "I am sorry to tell you that Mr. [3009] is deceased." [...], Secretary
14. 7/25/75 Report from A.R.E. member, Josephine R. Bird:
    "A few months ago I mailed you a report on the results of my treating myself for arthritis with 'suggested therapeutic regime.'
    "Briefly, the arthritis began in October, 1973 with discomfort in my wrist. The first week in March, 1974 my arm and shoulder were very painful; the discomfort in the wrist had abated. In June, 1974, I went to the hospital with acute discomfort and a kidney infection. The osteopathic doctor there treated the infection successfully, put my neck in traction and prescribed butazolidin alka and two muscle relaxants, valium and norflex.
    "The butazolidin caused a skin rash and the other medicines caused me to feel 'dopey,' so I discontinued all of them.
    "The doctor diagnosed my case as arthritis, the worst kind. He told me there was no cure, but that I could be made comfortable with medication.
    "I did not accept this, so ordered all the books on arthritis that I could find and became a member of A.R.E. In October, 1974 I began the suggested treatment in the file on arthritis. I still had much discomfort and my activity was greatly curtailed. By March, 1975 the pain and discomfort, and tingling in my hand was all gone. The right shoulder, forearm and fingers were involved. I am now able to do any work I ever did, and I am profoundly grateful for this reprieve. Not knowing of any doctor within reach to help me with this, I studied all the information I had, decided to follow the Cayce reading, 3009-1, as to the Atomidine, Epsom Salts baths and peanut oil rubs.
    "I am still following the recommended diet for arthritics, do yoga exercises, and am under the care of a very good chiropractor.
    "For about four months I have been treating my scalp with a massage of one-half teaspoon of crude oil followed by a cleansing with a 20% solution of grain alcohol, and then an olive oil shampoo. Prior to this, my hair was coming out by comb-fulls. I presume this was caused by the prior ill health. Or was it too much Atomidine?
    "About the middle of April I was thrown by a horse. About a month later, all of a sudden severe pain was back in my right shoulder and forearm. I had one neck adjustment by the chiropractor, and the discomfort gradually subsided.
    "The last discomforts were the first to go. The first discomfort, that in my wrist, is not quite gone, so I am taking some Atomidine again, a lesser amount, according to reading 5361-1."

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