4/09/31 HLC's analysis of the reading:
MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL READINGS
This type of reading concerns an approach that is quite
different from either the purely physical or the life
reading. The emphasis as is easily seen is upon the
relation of the body with the mind and these in turn with the
spiritual forces of the entity. In understanding this type
it is well to remember that the mind (physical) acts as the
connecting factor between the physical body and the spiritual
forces. Now by spiritual forces the reading means the
internal entity composed of the spark of the Divine Creative
Energy, existing in every being, called the soul and the
attributes which this soul has acquired in its development
(indicated in a life reading). It should be the desire
of every individual to allow this inner essence to express
itself in the best possible manner through the physical mind
and body. Thus, the mental, physical and spiritual readings
are most concerned with the expression which this soul is
making through the mind and the body. An illustration may
help to clear this: Imagine for a moment that you are seated
before a table on which stands a lighted candle, a glass of
water and a small scrap of iron. The candle is the soul,
the glass of water the mind and the scrap of iron the body.
The light from the flame is shaded and dimmed as it passes
through the water and falls upon the iron. Now this type
of reading is concerned not with a study of any one of these
three objects but with action of one upon the other, how far
the candle is from the glass of water, how clouded the water
is, how close the iron is to the glass of water, etc. Our
attention is naturally drawn to vibrations and impressions
rather than to any detailed study of the mind, the body or
the soul.
Case [
4405]: In this reading the first point to consider is
the fact that the physical body was not present at the time
and in the place set. (We would appreciate it very much
if you will let us know just where the body was at 11:30
on April 4, 1931.) The reading given was based upon the
impressions and surroundings rather than upon the individual.
This prevented the answering of any physical questions. An
apt comparison might be drawn thus: If you enter a room,
move certain things, write on a piece of paper, leave a track
on the floor, etc., an individual skilled in the art of
observation could enter the room and trace your actions while
there and could go even farther and judge fairly accurately
the condition of your mind while there. Now on the
subjective plane the subconscious mind is able to detect
and interpret from impressions a great deal more. The very
words an individual speaks, the thoughts they think are left
as impressions in a given place. These together with the
individual's connection with objects and conditions, can be
interpreted by the subjective mind of one directed to the
person at a definite place. It was on this basis that the
reading was given. The body and the mind were not considered
but only the impressions they had left. (Just as if you wee
using a drop of wax from the candle, a damp spot on the table
and the impression of the bit of iron to reconstruct the
picture of these objects as they had been on the table.)
The first suggestion is that the mental, spiritual and
physical be kept on an even balance. As you can readily
understand the mental and spiritual forces of the body can
not manifest correctly if the physical is out of tune. Nor
if the mind is upset it can not be a good channel for the
influence of the spiritual forces on the physical body. This
is just a little different way of saying that a headache will
prevent one from playing a good game of bridge or reaching
any deep sense of meditation in prayer. It might be well to
mention in this connection that some individuals become so
accustomed to an ill body that they do not realize how much
it is hampering them. Let us begin then upon the physical
and bring it to a normal functioning. This may be done in
the average case through diet, exercise and avoiding those
conditions that tend to tear the body down. There must
be considered the relation of the mind to the body in this
connection, however. The average individual fails to realize
the influence the mind has over the body. Worry, negative
suggestions, harmful thoughts all become destructive agents
that attack the delicate parts of the physical body. It is
important therefore to work from both ends at the same time;
directly with the physical and with the mind.
The second paragraph indicates that the mental attitudes of
people around the young lady in question create combative
forces in the body. This may happen in a multitude of ways.
The time-worn example is the healthy man who starts out in
the morning feeling fine but after hearing throughout the
day suggestions from his friends that he is looking very
bad finally goes home a sick man. This may take many subtle
forms and be wholly unintentional in many cases. Negative
suggestions are always harmful. It is better to tell
an individual what to do, not what not to do. Points of
disagreement over matters that pertain to food, habits, etc.,
create destructive vibrations in an individual's mind. The
suggestion here is this: Try to give the person in question
something to work towards as an ideal rather than give the
idea as the end in itself. For example let us consider
the basic principle of all development: As human beings we
should strive to build our bodies and minds not simply to
make them beautiful but to manifest the Divine Creator who we
represent. The idea is how to build the mind and body, the
ideal the reason for doing this. This can be applied in the
little everyday things of life. One can eat spinach not just
because it is good for them but because back of this lies
a reason that is connected with an ideal towards which the
individual is to build and develop, a more beautiful body, a
more beautiful life to express a more beautiful God.
Paragraph 1 page two [Par. 4] emphasizes the idea of the
freedom of the will. The forces directing these readings,
whatever be the source of the information always stress
the fact that man has a will which is supreme and can, if
exercised, control any condition or circumstance regardless
of the influence. It is true, of course, that one can give
way to this influence and that until it is weakened to such
a point that one drifts with the stream, but always with each
new trial there is set before one the best and the worst way
and within each there is the power to choose.
Par. 2 on the same page [Par. 5] brings out the existence of
a strong will that rebels against any control. (The reason
for this could be pointed out from a life reading.) This
must be guided and not allowed to become a force that will
carry the body into extreme conditions. A strong will in
attempting to manifest generally produces anger or moods.
Neither must be curbed and directed or serious effects on
others will result in the future. It is just as if you found
at the top of a hill a new spring bubbling forth. If you cut
the way down one side it will bring water to a valley that
needs it while if you turn it down the other side it would
wash away something that another has builded. It is a
powerful force that will bring much good or much pain to
those about the person. Guide and direct it that the result
will be helpful.
In the third par. on this page [Par. 6] there is a very
beautiful expression of an old, old saying. Seek God while
the mind and soul are at rest, understand that He moves
and lives in everything that is about us but first seek Him
within onesself. If we can see Him in beauty of the sky, in
the wind, in the green things growing; if we can hear that
small voice within and thrill to the knowledge that in us
is a spark of the Divine Life Essence then in the times of
trouble the way will be open for an understanding of why
this and that is necessary in the whole great plan of the
universe.
In the next par. [Par. 7] discussing the life work of the
individual there are both some general and specific points
to be considered. First the individual traits should be
studied. Abilities and capacities which are latent within
often are overlooked at first and only revealed through close
attention to little actions and mental twists. A career in
some field of interest to the entity would be possible in a
general way but the information is more definite, "that would
give beauty, strength, and service to others -" Then two
definite points to consider - the use of the hands - and
ministering to those mentally or physically ill. Two
definite suggestions come to me at this time, osteopathy
and nursing. The first of these should, I think, be given
careful consideration from these suggestions here. An
artistic career is possible but I would feel that a
close study of the individual would be necessary to guide
absolutely correctly in this case. (I am of the opinion that
a life reading would show some connection in the past with
medicine or some phase of treatment.)
In the last par. before the questions [Par. 8] is a summary
of many of the points I have tried to bring out in this
explanation. It may be stated like this: Keep the physical
fit and the mental in tune that the spiritual forces may
guide and direct all things in the life. In making the
statement that the mental and spiritual life are one I
believe the idea is just this. If the mind is clouded
and filled with distortions the spiritual forces will not
penetrate through to act upon the physical. Thus the mind
and the spiritual vibrations must be in harmony in order that
the effect on the physical will be helpful and the expression
of the individual life to those about him will be uplifting
rather than destructive. One must seek first to know of this
inner spirit force which is part of the Creative Essence and
is seeking to manifest in our lives. Once we awaken this and
build the mind to that point where it reflects it, life will
become a more interesting, a more important process than it
is to the average person. How can this be done? Look for
the beautiful in all that is around you, seek that which
is alive in the cloud in the breeze, in each tiny speck of
earth. Meditate upon the unity of all that is and look first
within yourself to our connection with the Divine Creator.
Prayer and meditation, two terms that should be synonymous,
are ways to this realization. Clear the mind, strengthen the
body and begin to seek understanding.
The questions are self explanatory I believe.
(Any questions that you may be interested in asking about
this explanation which, I hope, may be of help to you I will
be more than glad to try and answer. In such cases indicate
page and paragraph.)
[HLC]
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation