This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 22nd day of April, 1944, in accordance with request made by the mother - Mrs. [...], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. (Notes read to and transcribed by Jeanette Fitch.)

TEXT

1. GC: You will give the physical condition of this body at the present time with suggestions for further corrective measures, answering the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body here. While there is much here to be desired, the body is gradually showing improvements. It is a long way from being in full possession of all the physical and mental reactions. There would be a gradual diminishing of the phenobarbitol.
3. There are the needs for the greater amount of prayer and the gentle massage.
4. We would begin the use of the Castor Oil Packs over the abdomen. Afterward, as the massage is given, there will gradually be attained better use of the body-forces. To be sure the massage is objectionable to the body at times because of tenderness in the area of the curvatures in spine and because of the tendency for drawing the limbs, and from the unbalanced condition in the pelvic bone.
5. Do not attempt to stand the body on its feet too often. Let this activity be a natural result of the equilibrium being brought; for as this is accomplished there will be the attempt to stand or move in the direction of being more erect.
6. Do these and keep close to those applications suggested.
7. Ready for questions.
8. (Q) What can be done to induce natural bowel movements and overcome constipation?
   (A) This will be gradually accomplished by obtaining better activity through abdominal area, the liver, and the activity of the alimentary canal, by the use of the Oil Packs and massage - gently given.
9. (Q) Is there any physical abnormality of the intestines?
   (A) Only the effect of sedatives and the lack of natural flow of the lymph that is dried by same and the tendencies for adhesions through alimentary canal. These are not abnormalcies under the existent conditions but will require very careful massage so that there is not too much strain given. The Oil Packs we would use at least two, three, four times a week, letting as much oil be absorbed as possible in this direction.
10. (Q) Is there any improvement mentally or physically not noticeable to us?
    (A) As indicated, there is a general improvement. Most of this is in the desires being created in the mental self by reflexes.
11. (Q) What causes her to fall into a deep unnatural sleep suddenly from which it is almost impossible to wake her?
    (A) As just indicated, the incoordination between the physical, mental and spiritual being. For it is the desire on the part of the mother that is even keeping the body alive.
12. (Q) When she breathes rapidly, then holds her breath, distending the abdominal wall, is she using this as a defense against pain?
    (A) The adhering through the abdomen. This is not bad for the body but it is bad for those who observe it.
13. (Q) The lower ribs protrude at all times.
    (A) This tends to dilate some, of course, and with the physical condition of the body it becomes more noticeable. This is not an abnormalcy.
14. (Q) The lips turn blue, she seems to be in a semi-conscious state following the repeated abnormal breathings.
    (A) All of these are those conditions arising from the circulation and the small quantity of blood rushing to the central nerve system and blood supply, leaving the superficial abnormalcy in the amount. Massage, of course, and suggestion, can keep the nearer to the correct reaction.
15. (Q) Are any foods responsible for the gas formation or mucous in the intestines?
    (A) As indicated, these arise from the lack of proper flow and distribution. No, those foods that are most easily assimilated, those nearer to being already predigested. These are the better foods for the body. The use of the Oil Packs and occasionally a small quantity of water used in an enema for the colon, so that it may be cleansed, would be most beneficial. This would relieve the tension, relieving the gas and removing the mucous.
16. (Q) Have any corrections as suggested in the reading been made?
    (A) Partially in some of the suggestions, but we should begin now as outlined, especially with the suggestion - you see, it has been more a matter of suggestion to the body, care, attention in love.
17. (Q) Has the treatment for the spinal curvature produced any relief to the body?
    (A) This has brought relief that should be kept up and mostly now by the use of the oils in the attempt to relieve tensions.
18. (Q) Are the treatments too severe?
    (A) Not too severe.
19. (Q) Should any adjustments be made to the neck osteopathically?
    (A) From the third cervical upward, yes.
20. (Q) Why does she usually object to even a simple massage of the legs and feet?
    (A) As indicated, the straining in the pelvis balance and this will gradually now be corrected.
21. (Q) Is it fear or pain she feels when I attempt to put her in a standing position?
    (A) Read what has been indicated as to how these should be allowed to be the natural results from the efforts of the body itself as it begins to improve. This is pain and fear.
22. (Q) Should she have the support of shoes at this time?
    (A) Not as yet.
23. (Q) One leg seems to be shorter than the other. Is this caused by a malformation of bone structure in the pelvic region, leg, or is it due to spinal curvature?
    (A) As just indicated, the balance in the pelvis.
24. (Q) What causes a periodic disturbance in the region of the vagina?
    (A) This is a portion of the alimentary canal tension or lesions, or adhesions. These will gradually diminish or be disseminated as the elasticity in regard to the bowel movement is brought to better improvement.
25. (Q) Should the oils suggested in the reading be used for the massages now?
    (A) As just indicated.
26. (Q) What can be done to reduce the thickened gum tissues?
    (A) The setting up of better drainages in the body. The circulation is above the diaphragm, hence it tends to thicken the activities above same. As these stresses and strains are removed this will become better. The changes in the circulation along the cervical areas will also relieve these tensions. For we must gradually create, by the massages and by the corrections, more normal reactions. As indicated, there is improvement but there's a long way to go. Coordination must gradually be established between impulses; that is, suggestions as they react upon the sympathetic system and the activity of the central nerve and blood supply - through the brain coordinating with lungs, heart, liver and kidneys.
    Do these in the manner given.
27. We are through with this reading.

    Two copies to Mother - Air Mail Special Delivery - (one for Dr. Dick)
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Two under case number for indexing

BACKGROUND

1. See 3398-1.

REPORTS

1. 8/02/44 Mother's letter to EC: "Some day I hope to be able to send a complete report on [3398]'s recovery.
   "At present I'm confused. It is so easy to profess faith when everything goes well but oh! so hard when trouble strikes.
   "When I'm confused it is because I feel so helpless to aid [3398].
   "[3398]'s improvement is very slow. I'm willing to wait and work for her. But am I doing all I can for her? Am I doing or following the directions correctly?
   "About a month ago [3398] had a severe attack which appeared to me similar to an epileptic fit. Never have I seen anything so severe or horrible to watch. It didn't seem possible for her little body to withstand the strain. When I called Dr. Dick she said I should not give [3398] any sedatives unless she had one attack after another.
   "These attacks are occurring more frequently. Each Saturday I take [3398] to Phila. for treatment by Dr. Dick. The rest of the week I treat her. Now here is a confusing observation. These attacks occur Sunday or Monday. Are they the result of the trip?
   "If the treatments are being carried out correctly why should the attacks be more severe?
   "Saturday [3398] had her treatment in Phila. About 10 P.M. she woke looking very frightened, the skin all over her body was fiery red, covered with sweat. I finally quieted her. She slept until 5 A.M. Sunday morning when she woke jerking, throwing herself with great violence; the mouth and eyes were drawn to one side, breathing difficult. This was repeated 3 P.M. and from 7 P.M. continued until at 10 P.M. I gave her 1 1/2 grains of Phenobarbital. This eventually quieted her. I was so distressed but I had to disregard Dr. Dick's orders. I called you for a check reading and found you were out of town.
   "Please Mr. Cayce give my [3398] a check reading. My prayers are for wisdom. God has given me strength and patience that often surprises me myself for it is not an easy task. But to be uncertain as to treatment is torture when [3398] needs my help.
   "My opportunity to work to bring health and release for what surely must be a beautiful mind and soul is humbly accepted but I need your help. You show me what to do Mr. Cayce and as long as God wills me to live I'll do it." Sincerely [...] POSTSCRIPT to above letter: "Mr. Cayce this is a thought that has often come to me. Would a Life Reading for [3398] or for me help me to understand and work out [3398]'s physical readings? If so I would like either or both. I was never very interested in my own because my life is [3398]'s.
   "Every doctor who has handled [3398]'s case points out to me that I am wrong in giving all my energies to [3398] when there are so many in the world who would use my help but why should I or who is to say that one is more deserving of help than another.
   "At times I wonder if I am failing [3398] because I'm failing others. That is why I suggested a life reading.
   "But nothing Mr. Cayce will make me stop working or carrying on the fight for [3398]'s chance to enjoy the beauties of the world in which she lives.
   "So you see perhaps I'm just a hopeless case.
   "I would greatly appreciate an answer.
   "Please send it to ... Rd., ..., N.J. as I'll be here until Sept. 11th." Sincerely, [...]
2. 8/18/44 EC's letter [3398]'s mother: "Pardon me for not replying to yours of the 2nd sooner, but I have been away, not feeling good myself. In fact, I am not able to get back to work yet.
   "I do hope that you are going to find that [3398]'s condition is improving nicely. It will be most interesting to have the full report, if we can just see her gradually improve, overcoming and meeting these disturbances, things that so many have said so much about.
   "Keep us informed from time to time, and you know that if it is possible for us to try to be the means of real service, we are more than glad to try to do so. But at the present time, it is impossible to make any appointments, until I get my strength back.
   "May His strength and love keep you patient, and may your faith never falter.
   "With every good wish," Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
3. 8/25/44 Letter from mother of [3398]: "The strain of deciding what to do to help [3398] when she is in distress is very great.
   "In the last 6 years I have called in doctor after doctor hoping their knowledge and experience would guide me. "Dr. Winkelman insisted the only thing I could do was to administer phenobarbitol, increasing the dose as the attacks increased in severity. This treatment carried us along with [3398] holding her own but making no forward progress.
   "Your original reading was like a light from heaven. Today I'm right back where I started from. In the last month [3398] has had more attacks and far greater in severity than ever before. The Castor Oil Packs and massages have been given faithfully. That is why I asked for a P-3 [Third Physical Reading]. Now I've started the phenobarbitol again. What else can I do? I can't just stand by and see her suffer. Dr. Dick said I was not to give the phenobarbitol, Dr. Winkelman says give it. I have no reason to have faith in one doctor more than another. The drug gives her peace for a while. That I can't deny her. Especially when Dr. Winkelman claims [3398] could die with one of these attacks. Forgive me if I seem rude but I feel as if I have been dropped in the middle of a stream. Every serious case used as an illustration in your book has repeated Ck. Rdgs. If I gave the treatments and [3398] improved or even remained the same I would continue with the same stubborn persistence I have always had about her recovery. But I must admit to me it is a cruel test of faith to see the attacks gather in greater intensity. Are the treatments wrong? Am I administering them incorrectly? When I went to see you I was determined in my own heart and mind that if God were directing me to you money would not enter into your decision. I was determined not to cry. I did not want you to help me through pity. To me the facts were sufficient. If you consented to help [3398] after hearing these, then I would be sure I made the trip with God's help. You consented, and no one will ever know how I felt. I don't remember what I did or said after the reading. Until I or [3398] pass on to meet our God nothing will stop me from trying to help her. My greatest fear is that something I might do for her will be wrong for her. When and if you can find strength and time to help her I would appreciate it."
4. 8/30/44 Mother's letter to Mr. Cayce: "God reads our hearts. I pray you can read mine for words cannot express my humble gratitude.
   "Today the doctor said he could hear air passing through [3398]'s left lung. He feels she is out of danger.
   "I am waiting for your reading with hope in my heart.
   "If the inclosed check is not sufficient please let me know.
   "To attempt the reading when you were under a physical strain was more than I could ask."
5. 8/30/44 Note to [3398]'s mother from Mr. Cayce's Secretary: "As much as he wanted to, Mr. Cayce was unable to get the Check Reading for [3398] this morning. He is quite worn out and a reading for himself warned that he must get away from the office in order to rest and follow the treatments outlined for him. Consequently, he left this afternoon for the country and is going to be in a place where he won't be disturbed and can have the quietness he needs while carrying out the physical applications required to rebuild his strength. However, he plans in a week to begin readings where he is, provided we can get the information to him a few days in advance. Mrs. Cayce and Mrs. Fitch (the steno. who takes down the readings) are with him.
   "The last thing Mr. Cayce told me was to tell you that he would attempt [3398]'s reading next Wednesday morning, 6th. So, I shall send him the necessary data in plenty of time to reach him on Tuesday. If there is any change in the address at which [3398] will be, or any particular question you wish to have added, be sure to write or wire me by Friday of this week - or I should say Saturday, because you probably won't get this in time to answer before that.
   "I do hope that [3398] is not suffering now and that the Check Reading will offer some helpful suggestions. We are much concerned over Mr. Cayce's health and we are trying this new method suggested in his own reading, which we hope will bring him back much stronger and better able to carry on." Sincerely, GD
6. 9/07/44 Note to [3398]'s mother from Mr. Cayce's Secretary: "I am very sorry that Mr. Cayce was unable to get [3398]'s check reading yesterday. Again he has been forced to leave the office in order to get some rest and to follow a course of treatments which he could not get here. I'm so glad [3398] has passed the crisis and am hoping she will continue on the improve now. If you keep up the treatments with Dr. Dick I am sure you will be doing everything possible to help her.
   "Since we did not get the check reading and you are 'even with the board' on your account here, I am returning herewith the check for $20 which you sent recently.
   "With kindest regards and very best wishes, I am,"
   Sincerely, GD
7. 9/26/44 Mother's letter to Secretary: "It isn't a desire to insist on the 'impossible' but your notice - requested that no one ask for a check physical unless there is no progress.
   "If there was progress you would have had a detailed report on [3398] long ago. When Dr. Dick was preparing to speak at the Congress she told me she was at a loss as to what could be said about [3398]. She has not treated [3398] for three months.
   "If you recall in the original reading this statement was given: 'This entity-soul is all purposeful in the lives of many. Keep it in His care.' I feel [3398]'s cure, in the face of medical predictions, will be the means of saving many.
   "Perhaps you think it strange that I still believe [3398] will get better in the face of the last few months.
   "I don't really believe Dr. Dick believes she can help [3398] and I feel that until she does her efforts will not bring results.
   "From the very beginning I've tried to make Dr. Dick feel the same as I do but she has the doctor's point of view, facts in the form of results before one really believes.
   "I feel the interpretation of the reading is incorrect, or the treatments are wrong.
   "A check reading is so necessary for [3398].
   "Please don't deny her this chance.
   "The attacks are so severe that I have no choice but to give her phenobarbitol.
   "[3398] is so sweet and gentle, developing physically but just holding her own. If you could but see her I know you would leave no stone unturned to help her.
   "From the bottom of my heart I pray you will try to get a check reading for her as soon as Mr. Cayce is able to give it to her.
   "I realized when you [M.V. did this] helped me to fill out the necessary papers you were confused when I refused to place her father's name on the papers.
   "He fought for years to have [3398] put away and refused to support her.
   "Finally four years ago he left me and when three years had passed I got a divorce on desertion.
   "I work and must depend on my mother to care for [3398] when I'm away. Mother has been wonderful but is getting older and carrying [3398] is no easy task.
   "[3398] will be eight the 19th of December. When I think that in this world there is a man who could help her to walk to talk, who could lift the cloud over the mind. I think you will understand the hopeless feeling I get when [3398]'s reading was dismissed.
   "If this were for me alone I wouldn't have the courage to ask for it in the face of all the suffering in the world today. No one could radiate such goodness as [3398] does and not be one of God's chosen children."
8. 10/03/44 Gladys Davis' letter to [3398]'s mother: "I am very sorry to tell you that Mr. Cayce has been unable to resume readings for anyone. We are having to cancel many appointments from day to day for people who have already waited over a year for their readings. We are deeply concerned over Mr. Cayce's health. We have no assurance that he will be able to continue the readings any time soon. In fact, his own last check reading, which is the only one we've been able to get now for almost two months, has said that the very force used in obtaining a reading is using up nerve energy which he does not have in reserve. It is going to be necessary for him to refrain for some time from giving readings, in order to build his own strength sufficiently to be able to help anyone at all. For many months now he has forced himself to work beyond his strength, in his great desire to help others. Now it is necessary that he help himself before he can help others.
   "We do not know just when Mr. Cayce will be able to return home. He is following a very strict line of treatment which his reading outlined and which the doctors feel is his only hope, as they do not - from their own medical findings - know of anything that will rebuild nerve energy once it is destroyed. At last it is necessary that Mr. Cayce prove the value of the readings in his own case. We know it will work, but we also know that it takes time.
   "I am sorry to have to be so pessimistic in regard to your getting a check reading for [3398] but it is better for you to know just how things stand. Please let us hear from you in two or three months. Your appointment would not have been denied if Mr. Cayce had been physically able to give the reading. Your only hope, I feel, is in following the advice which you have already obtained from the readings.
   "With very best wishes, I am," Sincerely, Gladys Davis

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