Edgar Cayce Readings, 4905-55

3/10/26 Booklet by Edgar Cayce [See 195-21, Par. R2]:
CAYCE INTRODUCTORY BOOKLET
Suppose you were to receive a letter in the morning mail that read something like this: "BUT I MUST SAY MY ATTITUDE REGARDING THE POSSIBILITIES OF MY RECOVERING MY SIGHT HAS CHANGED SINCE I RECEIVED YOUR SECOND READING, FOR UP TO THAT TIME I SEEMED UNABLE TO MAKE MYSELF BELIEVE THAT I MIGHT GET BETTER AND COULD NOT CAST OFF THE BELIEF IN THE NEGATIVE." I'm sure this, if you think of it at all, makes you wonder. What is it that would cause a person to write a letter of that kind? What are they referring to when they say, "My attitude towards myself is changed since receiving your last reading" - what do they mean by READING?
You, my friends, who are acquainted with me and the work I've been doing for years, will perhaps understand. You who have never heard of it may wonder what it meant. Now, I want to give to ALL of you a plausible reason why I am giving my whole time to the obtaining of data and towards the establishing of a place, institution, or home, where those who desire to use such suggestions, as may be made through these readings, for their own welfare, physically, mentally, morally or spiritually, may go, and KNOW that these are being carried out as consistently as is possible for man to do, and that their co-operation is being met with the co-operation of others who have gained an insight into the truths as are necessary for the building up of the body, as is found in the study of the phenomena as is manifested through these Forces.
Not that I have any cism, ism, or any cult to preach, to practice, to propagate; not that I have anything NEW, save in how the individual may find the truths, as are found in MAN, applicable to his or her individual needs, for I have nothing to SELL and am seeking only to be of help, and am asking the CO-OPERATION of others, for I am interested in INDIVIDUALS, in FOLKS, in PEOPLE, and to that extent that they, THEMSELVES, may know how God may manifest to them, individually, through their individual selves!
Not that I expect to write an autobiography of my life, nor do I expect to give in chronological order the various experiences and happenings that have impelled me to arrive at this conclusion, but sufficient that you may have a better understanding, if your are a regular thinker, of WHY MEN ARRIVE AT CERTAIN CONCLUSIONS.
I was born and reared on a farm in Kentucky. I attended the schools in the district and was considered rather dull, until I began to read. A woodcutter told me the first Bible Story that made a lasting impression. He said he was strong as Sampson! I wanted to know who Sampson was. He told me he was somebody in the Bible and that the preacher had preached about him at church the night before. I went to my mother with the story, and asked her to tell me about him. I asked my father to procure a Bible for me for my own, that I might read it, for its stories were fascinating.
By the time I was fourteen, I had read this through several times - understanding little; yet to my developing mind, this Book seemed to contain that something that my inner self craved. As I read of its promises, and the prayers of those who sought to commune with the One God on High, I felt that this must be true, and to me there came a peace, and then a PROMISE.
However, it didn't prevent me next day from missing my lessons as usual. That evening I had the same hard time with my spelling lesson. As I studied it, and each time felt that I knew it; yet when I handed the book to my father, and he gave me the words to spell, I couldn't spell them. After wrestling with this for two or three hours, receiving many buffs and rebuffs for my stupidness, something inside me seemed to say, "Rely on the Promise." I asked my father to let me sleep on my lesson just five minutes. He finally consented. I closed the book, and leaning on the back of the chair, I slept. At the end of five minutes I handed my father the book. I not only knew my lesson but I could then spell ANY word in the book! Not only spell the word, but I could tell on what page and in what line the word would be found. From that day on I had little trouble in school, for I would read my lesson, sleep on it a few seconds, and then be able to repeat every word of it. What this was I did not know. It was a wonder to my parents, my associates, and my teachers; yet I did not attempt to reason WHY this had happened, and to this day I do not know HOW to reason it, for my present position is a combination of many experiences, varying in their way and manner of presentation, seemingly necessary for the evolution of my mind.
I do not make any claims for myself. I DO claim that there is presented through these READINGS as may be obtained from time to time, while I am in an unconscious state, those lessons, those suggestions, that the individuals to whom these are directed, applying them in their inner lives, may gain a clearer, a more perfect understanding of their physical ills and of WHY they, individually, have certain urges from WITHIN, why they in temperament are entirely different from another of the same parentage, reared under the same conditions; yet their aspirations and desires are far from the same as the other. Now then HOW is this true, I cannot tell you - but I hope to give you enough instances where individuals have made this direct application and have been able to be benefited, physically, mentally and morally, for you to judge for yourself. At fifteen, I left school and began to work on the farm. I loved to read, but had access to few books, but read everything that I could get, my Bible and Sunday School leaflets the most.
For two years, then, I labored on the farm. Then one day I decided to go to town. I went about the various shops - finally decided that a book and stationary store looked the best to me. I went in and informed the man I was going to work for him. He said he didn't need anyone, but I was sure that he did. So, Monday, I reported for work.
Two brothers owned this store, both wonderful men, but a little incident that happened the second morning I was there, that, as a lesson, has clung to me. I was busying myself, dusting off the stock, when one of the brothers walked through. He said, "Good morning! I see you are busy. Be careful, though. Don't fall off there and break something," and he passed on into his office. In a few minutes the younger brother came through. He spoke. "Good morning! I see you are busy. Be careful, don't fall and hurt yourself!" Just a little difference, but my, WHAT a difference! We are all prone to think first of ourselves, and when we find an individual interested in US we are interested in THEM, but if they are interested in THEMSELVES first, seldom do we find them interesting.
I remained in the employ of these brothers for four or five years. Finally, I decided to make a change. Selecting a wholesale book and stationary house, I wrote these people for their catalogue. This I memorized, word for word, so that I was able to repeat the whole thing through. Then I applied to this firm for a position. They wrote me their regular stereotype letter - didn't need anyone but would place my application on file and when they did they would let me know. I proceeded, however, to get letters of recommendation from every firm in our little city that bought goods from these people. Then I began to mail these, so that they would get at least two in each mail. The third day I received this wire: "Quit sending recommendations and report for work at once."
For several months I remained here, leaving to become associated with my father in the insurance business. A short time after this I began suffering from severe headaches. My physician seemed to be unable to locate the cause. Then, one day, I had a very severe attack. I was unconscious. A friend carried me home, as he found me wandering about the streets. For two days I knew nothing. When I became conscious again, I had not control whatever of my voice, and for twelve months or more I could scarcely speak save in a whisper. Everything was tried, but I seemed to fail in health. Among those who treated me was a hypnotist; not a physician, nor a highly educated man - just a plain business man who was interested in the phenomena of hypnotism. While under this influence, it was said I was able to speak, yet when brought from under it I could not. Successive attempts to hypnotize me seemed to "get on my nerves," and I was unable to sleep. So this was discontinued for the time; but this experience, being witnessed by many, had been written of in the papers.
A noted physician of New York visited me. The hypnosis was tried again - no results. Then I told him of my experience as a child, and that I felt sure I could make myself unconscious, for I felt within me the same condition taking place when being hypnotized as I felt when putting myself to sleep. He suggested then that this was why the hypnotist was unable to give me post suggestion. Can you imagine what that meant to my mind? When I think this over now, I wonder why I haven't been called many more peculiar names than I have.
My parents, having little or no faith in hypnosis, were afraid for me to try this physician's suggestion, so it went on for several months more. I was unable to even whisper now, and many declared I had galloping consumption. Then I pleaded with my mother and father to at least let this man, who had hypnotized me, try the experiment this specialist had suggested. They finally agreed. So, on a Sunday afternoon, this man came to our home. No one was present but my mother and father, and this gentleman. I laid on the couch and gave the first of what is now called "a reading." In a few minutes I had lost consciousness. They tell me I said (after this man's suggesting that I would see myself): "Yes, we can see the body. In a normal state this body is unable to speak, due to a partial paralysis of the inferior muscles of the vocal cords, produced by nerve strain, and is a psychological condition, producing a physical effect, and this may be removed by increasing circulation to the affected parts, by suggestion while in this subconscious condition." This gentleman then suggested that the circulation would increase and that I would tell him when the trouble was removed. In five to ten minutes, I am told that I said, "It is all right." Then he told me to wake up at a certain given time.
When I was conscious again, I knew I could speak. Was it a surprise to me? Yes and no. What cured me? I don't know. Was it not that same SOMETHING that was able to make my mind retain those words in the spelling book, now making my physical mind retain the impression, "It is all right?"
What did this new change that had come about cause me to feel toward the phenomena that had been manifested through me? Was I embarrassed by what other people said to me? Decidedly, and often I felt ashamed at being considered peculiar or different from others. This man, who had conducted this, felt that I should be able to tell of the condition of others. He asked me to try. To me, I was only unconscious for a few minutes. To him, I seemed to be able to tell what to do for others, the remedies to use for their physical ills, and WHEN these were applied apparently, he was very successful. What does HE think of it today? I'll quote to you a portion of a letter he wrote a few weeks ago. "Have Cayce tell me where the tie-up is in this little girl that produces the temperature in the system. I can't locate it."
One day a man phoned me at my studio (I was now a photographer), saying: "I have heard of what you, with the assistance of a certain man, have been able to do for those that are very sick. I have a little girl whose condition is said to be hopeless. Won't you come and see what you can say about it?"
I'll never forget my experience on that occasion, nor my inmost feelings. I journeyed over to the little city where this professor lived. He met me at the train with his carriage, carried me to his home, introduced me to his wife. Then they asked me if I'd like to see the little girl and examine her. How foolish I felt! I didn't know whether I wanted to or not. I knew I couldn't tell anything. I knew I had never studied anything of the kind and I couldn't understand what it all meant, (up to that time there had been very few individuals who has asked me to direct to try and help them) but I told him, "Yes, though I don't suppose it makes any difference." They led me into a room where a little girl, seven or eight years old, was sitting on the floor, with nurse attending her. She was rolling blocks about the floor. She looked as well as any I had ever seen, and I couldn't imagine what in the world I could say, or WOULD say, regarding such a perfect looking specimen of childhood. However, when I was conscious again (after having gone to another room and given the reading), I saw the father and mother in tears. The mother grasped me by the hand and said: "Oh, you have given us the first hope we have had in years respecting Amy's condition." But to quote you from the father's affidavit made some years later: "Doctor [...] treated her accordingly every day for three weeks, using Mr. Cayce occasionally to follow up the treatment, as results developed. Her mind began to clear up about the eighth day, and within three months she was in perfect health, and is so to this day."
You ask what was the result of this experience in my life? You ask if it meant nothing for this mother and father to thank me, over and over again, for the hope, for the help I had been? Yes, it meant a great deal - but I was all in a jumble. They were thanking ME and the me I knew certainly knew nothing about doctors nor their mode or manner of treating the sick, and I could not separate it, for as I know now, it is the PHENOMENA MANIFESTED AND NOT THE PHYSICAL MAN NOR THE PHYSICAL MIND that gives the information. Did many people talk to me concerning this? My! I was often almost distracted by them! Was I a medium and the Spirits speaking through me? If so, I was not conscious of it.
As time went on, again and again readings were given, under various circumstances and conditions, with many physicians of note present, many whose words in medical circles today mean much. What were their opinions of what they saw? As many and as varied as there are people. For instance, here is one.
A physician of the old school had witnessed perhaps a dozen. He examined many of the people - several of them were his own patients, and when someone asked him, "What do you think of it?" he said, "I do not know, but I certainly wouldn't want him to tell me I was going to die, for I know I would!" Yet, less than two months after making this remark, his sister being very ill with pneumonia, and having called in two other physicians, he finally came and asked me, "Won't you see if you can't help us?" Perhaps my meditation on that case has stayed with me vividly as any, for I could not bring myself to understand how a man could, studying as he had, holding the position that he did, trusting in the abilities of his associates, come to me, when they had failed, and risk the life of his loved one to what might be said by me when unconscious. True enough, the reading was given and followed out, and today, twenty years after, his sister is well and strong as one might well expect.
Finally, there crept in with this experience and talk, those who said to me, "Man, you ought to make all the money there is in the world! You ought to read the races! You ought to read the stock market! You ought to find lost people, lost articles - people will pay you almost anything for that sort of thing!" And I was all at sea. Half heartedly, I submitted to these experiences. Some with a great show of success, but almost immediately the after results were awful! Dreadful! and I began to find that even when I desired to put myself into this state I couldn't.
In the meantime, there was a relative of mine who had been ill a number of years. He was a middle aged man and I was but a boy. He asked me to see what I'd say of him. I did. Seemingly, then, on the improve, he sent for me. I will never forget! When I entered the room, he was lying there on his bed, and looking up, calling me the old familiar name, he said, "Old Man, I'm glad to see you! I want to talk with you." Motioning to the others in the rooms, he said, "I would like to talk to Old Man alone." When they had gone, he asked me to take a seat by his bed. Taking my hand in his, he said: "Now, I want you to tell me something. Do you or do you not know how you do this thing you do? How do you tell people's what's the matter with them? Where did you learn all of this? Here I have been sick a long time. I've been to the best people in the country, to the most expensive hospitals. They keep me there a week, ten days, two weeks - two to three doctors made examinations every day, ask me every question imaginable and then say, 'We don't know what's the matter.' Here you, a boy I've known all my life, knew your mother and father when they were children, have seen you practically every day of your life until the last two or three years, you walk in the room, don't ask me a question, lay off your coat, collar tie, and lie down there on the bed, seemingly go to sleep or something, then begin to talk about me, tell me how I feel, what hurts me, when it hurts me in what place, what causes it and what, if they will do, will help me, and this you tell to a man that I know doesn't know any more about such things than you. How do you do it? It isn't that you've gained the knowledge from him, I know. It isn't that you've gained the knowledge from me. Now, what is it?" And all the answer I could give was, "I do not know!" Then he says, "Old Man, God has given you something He has given to few people. You must consider well to what use you put this Gift he has given you. Do not abuse it, but USE it. Do not be ashamed of it as you have been, but help poor suffering humanity, such as I."
Again and again I find myself bewildered, at a loss - oh, that I had had some living friend who knew something of what was going on, that could have led and guided me aright! Would it have been different? Would It have been better? Someone has said, "Experience is a dear school, but fools will learn in no other." Is this true? Or, is it not true, we never learn anything in the physical sense except by experience? for the mental mind can only reason by comparison. The subconscious mind reasons from the experiences of the physical and soul minds. Hence covers a broader and greater scope. So, I studied, I thought, I tried to reason.
During those days I met many people in many walks of life. Some questioned, some sneered; some felt sorry, some sympathized. I tried to keep away from the work, and it was only by insistence that I would consent to given these readings; yet time and again there were individuals that said over and over, "It has given my child back to me." "It has given me new hope." "I see life entirely different," but could I make it compatible in my mind with the tenets of the church of which I was a member? What was I to say when my Sunday School pupils asked me concerning it? Was it in keeping with good judgment; was it consistent with ordinary reason? I wonder if anyone will ever know what trials and what torments I went through! Finally, I said, "I'll get rid of it all! I forget it! I'll go away somewhere else. I'll never mention it. I won't let people know anything about it." So, I moved to another State, still studying, trying to see if there was a grain of truth, or "could any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Not many months after this change, I received a wire from my home town, which read: "A ticket for you at the station. Come at once. A friend need you. It's a life and death case." I went, for I could not refuse such an appeal. I did not see this individual, yet a physical reading was given. The result of this is a matter of record with one of the research societies of Boston. Sufficient to say, perhaps, though this man was seemingly hopeless, having lost his mind, a year later he was elected or appointed master commissioner of the County, and Vice-President of a bank. Naturally, at this time, there was a great deal written in the papers, with some glowing, some scathing, headlines, and I was called everything from a thief and a liar to a second Jesus. I was persuaded, finally, by a group, to enter into a compact to try and help people, and on the side to try and corner the wheat market. It didn't take me long to find I was all wrong, for "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Yet, the time seemed to have come when this was to be brought closer home. True, I had given hundreds and hundreds of readings for other people, but when my own family were sick, did I rely upon it?
My wife was taken ill. After several months under the care of two; yea three, physicians, one of them called me to his office one morning and said to me, "Cayce, I'm sorry to tell you, but your wife can't possibly live another week. Everything possible that I know of has been done. You must know that she has tuberculosis. One lung has been choked - no air going through it for months. The other is now affected, and you must know from the hemorrhages, it is bleeding. With the high temperature, with the little resistance, she can't hold out. I will go whenever she wants me, for she will be hopeful to the last, but if there's anything in this 'monkey business' you're doing, you'd better try it!" Will anyone ever understand what it meant to a man to know that he was taking the life of one near and dear to him in his own hands, and that the very force and power that he has been wishy-washy with for years must now be put to a crucial test? Can anyone ever know what it meant to me, when I was conscious again?
The physician who had been called especial, on reading, took me aside and said, "Mr. Cayce, that was the most wonderful, most exact lecture I ever heard on tuberculosis? You say there is hope, but with the examination, and with the description even as you give, I can't see how!" Yet, though they told me that the suggestions for medicinal properties would not combine, one good man tried them and they did! It was given to her, with the many other suggestions as to what should be done, and she began to improve. This is now thirteen years ago. Perhaps she didn't ever have it, but at least she has never had a return of this condition, and is today in better health than she perhaps has ever been in her life, and since that period another child has been born to us. Now, my good friend, what would you say? Here was something that had come home to me. Here was something that I was forced to consider, seriously now and in earnest, for I was brought face to face with the realization that I was dealing with UNKNOWN FORCES, those I could not put my finger on and say THIS IS IT, but those elements that I saw, when they were APPLIED in the human physical body, brought physical results! Then, to be sure, I couldn't go on with these arrangements. Still studying, however, I turn again to my regular work. Again and again I am called to various parts of the country. Finally, there came to my mind this idea: If I had an institution where each and everyone might be given, to the letter, those things as prescribed for each individual, ALL could be cured! Then one day a friend came to me and said, "Listen! There are vast oil fields in Texas. You can tell where they are located. People that know of you and of the work that you have done, people that SEE the work that you do, will invest in it." I was eager to see an ideal developed, but again, was I doing the right thing?
Did it succeed? No.
Why? Just put all that I have told you before, and all that I will tell you concerning individual cases, together, and weigh them up and answer for yourself, for every question MUST BE answered by each individual for himself, for there is no greater law than the law of compensation, and with what measure we mete it will be measured to us again. Just why, when I was trying to realize an ideal, when I was trying to use those forces and powers that manifest through me for a purpose that was to me as ideal as one can well imagine, did I fail? This was hard to be understood. So, as I said, I ask that each study the phenomena and answer for yourself, as I have had to do, or if I'm all wrong, then tell me about it. However, I do know this was NOT followed as it should have been, and the results were NOT such as many associated with same were led to believe they would be. Was it the fault of the information, or was it the fault in the application of such information? Did those individuals that were associated at the time lose faith and confidence in the work of the phenomena? Perhaps some lost confidence in ME as a man. Perhaps many doubted, but to give you an insight as to how some feel about it, listen to this:
"Cayce, let me have the reading, if you please. I'm up against the real thing. I just wish that you were in my own home, that I might conduct this myself, don't you?" Or from another: "I give you here the title of Doctor, for without a doubt you are a doctor of a science I'm sure I don't understand and I believe there are few, if any, that do."
Now these two men were among the heaviest investors and they are hard headed business men, men of experience and men who have made a success among their fellow men. One of them is connected with the State Banking Department of his State. Then, my friend, it must be that these, at least, saw this as a mis-application of these forces, or else they wouldn't have desired such information in their own lives again.
Or to quote from another (and this one has had a reading for every member of this family, following same up from year to year. This is from his letter of January 3, 1926): "I don't know how to put into words, or to express our appreciation in thanks to you for the very wonderful reading just sent me, and too, the very promptness with which it was given. Cayce, we thank you, very, very much. Each reading makes me wonder - wonder, and think as never before. I'm pleased to report my wife and boy are taking treatment and couldn't be doing better."
Now, THAT SOMETHING that can make an individual THINK and WONDER, and THINK AS NEVER BEFORE, is not of an individual's making, for in this see the application being made direct for loved ones, and we see faith, confidence and co-operation, and it is NOT my individual self that is pleasing to this body, but the RESULTS from the application of truths obtained THROUGH these readings. One may know the truth, yet not applying same never gains the experience of its usefulness in the life. Truly was it said, "Men do not gather figs from thistles," and just as true, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing." We must be co-laborers with God, and we must not expect everything to be handed to us without effort on our part.
One day I was asked by a father and mother, whose baby was very ill, to give a reading regarding his condition. In this reading there was some substance to be given the child that the physician standing by said, "No, that would be poison." The father said, "but isn't what he has suggested an antidote for this poison alright?" "Perhaps so," replied the physician, "But why risk the poison, even though the child is going to die?" But when the mother was consulted, she said: "We must try it, for that offers a hope and the doctor doesn't." I remember mighty well that just two years ago, three doctors told me that I could not live without an operation, and three as good ones as are in the country, yet when Mr. Cayce told me of my condition, you know he told me to use something that appeared simple, yet it was certainly most effective and I never had an operation. WHY, then, shouldn't we do what he says?" It was tried, and though this was for a tiny, premature baby, the young man today is as well and strong as anyone might desire. Here we see faith, love and application.
Again, a very prominent man came to me some time ago. He had accidentally heard of some of the things that had been accomplished through these readings. He'd been in bad health for some time. Not much hope had been offered. In fact, he told me afterwards that someone had told him he was cheating the undertaker. I'd never heard of the gentleman until I received his wire, and of course knew nothing concerning his condition. The reading disclosed that many years before he'd been thrown by a mule and an injury from same produced a pressure somewhere that, added with general conditions, produced what was termed diabetes. (Let me say here, please, that rarely in a reading is any trouble called by a name.) Did this man believe this when he first heard it? He had forgotten all about the fall, but this being called to his mind, he remembered, and all his general feelings had been described so well he felt he must know whether this injury would show, as reading said it would. So, with another examination and X-rays, the proof lay before his eyes. Medicinal properties were also suggested. Some thought that these would aggravate rather than assist, yet the test of both schools of treatment as suggested, applied to the body, proved most beneficial, and while others suffering from the same condition have passed on, this man is enjoying, apparently, excellent health today.
Just one more. Some years ago a man came into my home one evening. He said, "Cayce, I've been hearing about the things you do. My brother-in-law has a little girl that is in a very bad shape. I wonder if you can help her."
"I do not know," I replied, "but I'll try."
The reading showed after effects of infantile paralysis, and the inability to use one of the lower limbs. An outline of a treatment was suggested that would cover a period of fourteen months, after which she would be well. It was followed, and she IS well.
Some time later, this man, who was a mine owner, received an injury while in the mine. He sent for a physician and myself to come and see him. We went. In those days, it was seldom that I had a stenographic report of what was gotten, for I do not know what is said in these readings until I see the report, or until I am told of same by one listening - but I'll never forget what this doctor said to me as we were returning home that evening. He said, "Cayce, you're the biggest fool I ever saw! I certainly can't understand you. You made the biggest mess of this possible. This man was your friend. He believed in you, but here you go to work and tell him that this injury is causing a curvature that will slowly act on his kidneys, or produce "lazy kidneys" you call it, and that if he doesn't get this corrected he will go blind in a few years. Now, that stuff all bosh! And that's the last you'll hear of one of the best friends you have ever had."
I DIDN'T hear any more from this man for several years, but one day I received a letter, and he said, "I have been trying to locate you for some time. I MUST come and see you, for just what you told me years ago would happen DID happen, and I DID go blind, just as you said I would. The doctors finally got together one day to take my eyes out. They said it was necessary if I was to live at all, but I told them no, if I was going to die, I'd die with my eyes in my head. As I lay there in the darkness and thought over my past life and all the things that had happened, I finally came round to the day when you and the doctor came down to see me at the mine, and I remember you had said something about this. I sent for my wife and I asked her, "Didn't we make a copy of what that man, Cayce, said about my eyes some years ago?" She hunted it up, found it, and along with telling me what was going to happen, there was the suggestion that if this DID happen, what to do. I sent for another man, talked to him about it, asked him to try it. He did, and NOW I CAN SEE! I don't even wear glasses except when I read, and I owe it all to you."
What would you say about this? One thing, you may be sure I have a REAL friend.
I'm thinking many questions arise in your minds. Let me see if by past experience I can't answer some of these.
First: "If this is true, why haven't I heard of it long ago?" perhaps you'll ask.
This, I believe, is the reason, my friend: True, for two or three years there were a great many papers that carried articles concerning the phenomena, especially at the time it was reported to the Research Society, but most of these were of such a nature that one couldn't blame people for not believing them, and those who wrote to me at the time did it in about the manner that they would write to a fortune teller. You must remember also that for a great many years, even while these articles were being written, I didn't believe in it myself, for as has been said, "Man would deign to make of it a pageant, stage its directions as follows: Array of great ones, The army marches by Fanfare of trumpets. Enter the King."
Man's pageants pass and fade, but God works in slower and more secret ways. He blows no trumpet, He rings no bell. He begins from within, seeking His ends by quiet growth, and by a strange power that men call weakness, a wisdom mistaken for folly. Man has one answer to every problem - force; but that is not the way of God." Then, why shouldn't I have dreaded publicity, until I was very sure that I could give an answer for the faith that lies within? Then you remember, too, I was seeking often through some other means to obtain monies to establish an ideal place, and when such things are associated with those things that to the masses are questionable, do you wonder that people don't know about it? As, as I remember, a man said before a society many years ago, "Yes, I have witnessed many of these readings of Cayce's. I have heard him tell remarkable things. I have made examinations when I KNOW he could not have known anything regarding them, and have found conditions just as he gave, and the suggestions for improvement not only reasonable, but beneficial, when tried. But I'll never believe it, gentlemen, until he quits making pictures and takes this up as a business."
My good friends, THIS IS MY BUSINESS. Do you want to know whether or not these things I have told you are true? Then, won't you see the data and reports we have on file, since I have made this a business, and convince yourself?
Second: "Have any scientific men ever investigated this? If so, what are their reports, and why haven't we seen them?"
Perhaps it is because the phenomena itself is so entirely different from most of that which has been under investigation. Yes, I have met several of these men. Perhaps their attitude can best be explained by the experience I had with an internationally known investigator, who died a few years ago. He came to my home one evening without any warning whatever. He told me who he was and the position he held in the scientific world, and that he had exposed more fake mediums than any other one man, and he was there to expose me. He wished to know my "modus operandi." The Lord knows I didn't know what he was talking about, but when he asked to see my cabinet, my dark room, I had an idea of what he was driving at. I had to tell him that I had no dark room, except to develop my photographic plates, in my regular work, that I had no special formulas, and I had just as soon lie down in the middle of the road and give a reading as anywhere else, that it did not matter who was conducting the readings (that is, who was talking to me) while in this unconscious condition, for I did NOT know what was said and I certainly did not profess any special powers for myself. His answer was, "This is not what I was led to believe it was. Aren't you a spiritualist? Don't you claim to get this information from someone who has passed into the Spirit world?"
"No," I answered, "I'll be very glad, Doctor, for you to see this, conduct one yourself, if you desire, and then tell ME what it is, for it is, for I certainly do not want to fool myself, neither do I wish to fool my fellow man. Doctor, I can give you the names of several people. Ask them what it has meant in their lives. Here is my wife. Just three days ago the physician in charge told me I had better try the 'monkey-business' that I had been doing. Here is the report. Examine her yourself. Watch the results."
Then, with a good deal of bluster (for he seemed somewhat disappointed), he asked me what I read, where my library was, and I pointed out to him the few books and magazines that I was able to possess. He left as hurriedly as he had entered.
The next morning he was in my office when a gentleman came in from a distant city who had made an appointment for that day. He said nothing. Apparently, he was studying everyone associated with the work - my father (who conducted the readings at that time), the young lady who wrote the reports, and the man who was making the request. When the time was ready, I asked him if he would not come in and listen. No, he would sit in a chair opposite the door of the room where the couch was upon which I reclined while giving the reading.
When we were through, for several minutes, he seemed to be entirely lost in thought. Then, rising, he asked the gentleman, who had presented himself for the reading, how he had heard of me. His reply was:
"From a friend who says this man has helped him."
"What did you tell this man about your condition?" the doctor asked.
"Nothing whatever," replied the man.
"Well," said the doctor, "did he tell you how you feel?"
"Yes, sir," said the man, "better than I would know how to tell you myself."
"Then, if I were in your place," replied the doctor, "I would certainly follow the suggestions he has offered. I came here to investigate this case. This man is NOT a fake, for he does not claim anything, and if you gain by the suggestions he offers you, you haven't lost anything but gained everything, if you respond to those suggestions."
Taking me aside, the doctor said: "Cayce, this is something entirely different from what I had expected to find. I have investigated several of the cases you told me to look up, but, my friend, if you NEVER do another, other than the professor's little girl, you haven't lived your life in vain. Keep your feet on the ground! You are not associated with the right people here. Keep your faith where you put it in childhood, and I believe you will go far! I will want to see you again." He never did.
Perhaps this man had seen in this father and mother that faith that makes men truly wise, that faith with which no hope is too high, no dream too holy to be fulfilled. It is, then, to the creating of such faith, such hope, that this work must be dedicated.
With such an experience, can you blame me for saying, "Not me! I can't do it!" when others have approached me with, "If you will give yourself to this group, let US conduct this in OUR way, we'll give you and your family so many dollars and cents?"
Third: "How may I get a reading?"
Now, the readings are divided into two distinct classes. First is the physical, which relates to the physical and mental conditions of the body. To obtain one of this character, I believe, by experience, it is best that one come and ask for it, see how it is obtained, hearing what is said. Then the study of that as is transcribed from same is usually worth a great deal more. We have found, however, by experience, that there are three conditions that are absolutely necessary for one making such a request to obtain results through the application of information in reading.
First: There must be the sincere desire of the person wishing the assistance (or of one responsible for the physical and spiritual welfare of that individual).
Second: There must be sufficient faith in the work and report of same to carry out the suggestions as given, to the letter, as far as possible.
Third (and most important of all): There must be the sincere belief in the divine forces innate in each individual.
If it's impossible to come, the person may write. We then set a day and hour for this reading. The person must be in the place as is given as their address, and we must have the full name, not initial. As these requests come in, we take care of them as soon as we are able (for I am limited in my work - have found that I am able to give only two of these readings each day). This is the manner of operation: At hour appointed, I repair to my office, where, reclining on a couch, I put myself into an unconscious condition, much the same as the first five minutes I slept on my lesson when a child. Someone suggests to me that I will have before me the individual we are to read on at the time, and will tell the conditions as exist and what should be done for the relief of same. A stenographer, sitting by, takes down everything that is said, a copy is made of same and given to the individual, or sent, as the case may be. At the present time my wife acts in the capacity of the conductor and gives these suggestions. How befitting, don't you think, for she to be acting in that capacity, one to whom the application of the suggestions has perhaps really meant life? How sincere and earnest, then, she must be in her part of the work.
The individual on receipt of the reading, then, must find in the information given how same applies in his or her individual condition and life, and go to work to carry out those suggestions as are made. Just to the extent that the application is made, the results come; for, my friend, this condition exists, much as a physician said before a group of other physicians who gathered to listen to one of these readings: "Gentlemen, if you are here to DISPROVE the phenomena you see manifested, you can do so by the very words that are transcribed, but if you are in earnest and are really seeking to know something of those forces of which we know little or nothing, but from which APPLY the information as given, you will find one of the greatest things you have ever witnessed, for I have witnessed more than seventy-five of these readings, and 100 per cent of them, gentlemen, have proven this man spoke the truth."
The next class of readings is that as has been termed (by the readings themselves) Life Reading. For this, it is necessary that we have the full name given at birth, the date of birth, year, month and day, and place. The information as given in these is:
The characteristics of the individual.
The abilities of the individual; and how he may attain to same in the present life.
The influence of Universal Forces; as are manifested in the individual in the present plane through urges.
The former appearances in the earth plane; and the influence same bears on the present life.
Then, to give you an idea of what others think of THIS class of reading, I will quote from recent letters: "I believe you occupy a unique place in your talents and your work for doing good, and I hope your life and health will be given you for many years. Of course, you will have much to combat, but that should not give you much concern, but rather you should concentrate on lines that lead to greater opportunities and longer friends. If a man honestly disagrees with you, then he can be convinced. If he dishonestly disagrees with you, then it is only death that will convince him that he will pass on. I feel sure you are just entering on a missionary journey that will mean much to mankind, for with such information as you give to an individual, with such a panorama of his life before him, he will surely take stock and improve his remaining years."
Or to quote from another: "Wonderful lessons I have learned, and now I must come back to my teacher and tell him. You've taught me more than all the schools I've ever attended, and your words, awake and asleep, have pushed me ten years farther along, and SAFE."
Or from another, "If our work, through you, enables us to bring a little clearer understanding into the world of the Why and How, then isn't that truly a test worthy of many sacrifices - so many of which I know you and yours are enduring? Only yesterday afternoon, I remarked that I could not find one cause for regret or unhappiness and I thought to myself, God has truly blessed me. I still think He has, but following that afternoon came a terrible stormy night, followed by a fierce morning - then the reading - a calmer period and the lake became quiet again."
My friend, are these worth while? Then come and see.
Fourth: "What is the cost of all of this?" you ask.
As I have said before, I have nothing to sell. I am not a doctor, nor a professor. I do not treat in any way, manner or form. I have little or nothing of this world's goods, yet I believe it was truly said, "The silver and the gold is mine, sayeth the Lord, and the cattle on a thousand hills," and my first and last attitude towards the phenomena is: If it be the Lord's work, it WILL succeed. If it is not, it has no right to succeed, nor any place in man's life. Those, however, who seek assistance through these forces surely know that the physical man must be supplied with the physical needs. Therefore, we depend upon those for whom readings are given for contribution sufficient to take care of the needs of the hour, and for the propagation of the truths that do mean, and have meant, so much in the lives of so many. Freely ye have received, freely give.
Fifth: "Then what is your purpose? What are you trying to do?" you ask. I'm sure you have realized, my friend, from the various experiences I have related to you, that my ideas and ideals as regarding the phenomena, as is manifest through me, have changed somewhat through the years of my experience with same, from that of little thought of same to a consciousness of a something taking place, to the realization of help and assistance to individuals who are sick and afflicted, physically and mentally; to the knowledge that I should give myself to the assistance of my fellowman in every way possible.
It has been given in various readings that Virginia Beach, Virginia, or vicinity, is where such phenomena might receive from nature's surroundings the greater impetus for its propagation. Then, with the aid and assistance of those associated and interested in same, my wish is to have a PLACE where those who desire to have their physical ills treated according to information given in the readings, may have same carried out under the supervision of those who, for themselves or others, have gained a knowledge of how such information may be applied to an individual. Not in a haphazard manner, but rather seeking to apply the Truth as is gained through the phenomena, as it applies to individual cases, and perchance through same gain that which may be of assistance to all mankind.
The truth is evident: Man is a Co-laborer with God in the material or physical world, and as God's forces, God's laws, are better understood, we can apply same in Man's life, that Man may live better and render a better SERVICE to his fellowman. Would you like to have part in such service. Then come, let us reason together.
Would data of the Association's findings be of interest to you then let us hear from you.
Sincerely, EDGAR CAYCE

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BACKGROUND

REPORTS