1/04/84 GD's answer to Dr. Shealy's letter:
Office of the Secretary (Letterhead)
of Edgar Cayce Foundation and
ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT. INC.
Atlantic Avenue at 67th Street
P.O. Box 595
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Dr. C. Norman Shealy,
Shealy Pain and Health Rehabilitation Institute,
1919 South Fremont,
Springfield, Mo. 65804
Dear Norm:
Please forgive me for waiting so long to answer your letter
of Nov. 22nd. I certainly didn't intend to wait a month and
a half to write, but I wanted to be sure to read the little
book and compare its information with my known facts about
Edgar Cayce and his work.
Having just finished the book I must say right off that I did
not recognize Edgar Cayce in ANY of the statements claimed to
be coming from him. Neither did I recognize the picture on
the front cover. If this is the actual likeness seen by the
medium, D. Kendrick Johnson [who was also the artist], then I
must conclude that the so-called spirit entity was an
imposter claiming to be Edgar Cayce. It's certainly not the
first time. Many have been doing it for years. On the back
cover there's the statement that "Edgar Cayce Returns" is an
opportunity to learn more about Cayce and his work.
Actually, the best way to learn about his work is to read the
information Edgar Cayce gave, right from his readings
themselves - which are ALL available in the A.R.E. Library
which is open to the public. Apparently the author has not
done his own research into the readings, else he would not
have put so many mis-truths in the book.
I'm numbering your questions in your letter of the 22nd and
answering them Yes or No, sometimes elaborating by enclosing
actual quotes from the readings or facts about Edgar Cayce
and his work. The A.R.E. is simply trying to make available
the information in the Edgar Cayce readings, especially that
which has been found helpful. I admit that some of our
publications, through their authors, have misrepresented or
misinterpreted the information - stressing the sensational
which Edgar Cayce in his readings warned against. However,
many in all walks of life have found help, guidance and, in
fact, [as in my own case], "words of life", which have
enabled them to be better family members, friends, neighbors,
citizens and church members of whatever denomination. But I
don't need to defend "the work" with you, do I?
Now to the answer (my answer) to your questions:
Ans-1. Edgar Cayce talking in trance sounded just like Edgar
Cayce talking when awake. The voice never changed. It was
always Edgar Cayce's voice. In the few times when he
announced Michael, the archangel [See Jude 1:9], it was as
usual Edgar Cayce's normal voice RELAYING the message - only
more powerful. Quite a few times he relayed messages, i.e.
one time he broke into another reading announcing - in his
own voice - "John Drew would say - pay more attention to
those of the theatre, who would be interested in
reincarnation and the Life Readings" [not exact quote - I
won't take time to look it up - gdt].
Ans-2. On Dec. 31, 1923 in Dayton, Ohio, Reading
254-4 on
Edgar Cayce's work was given in which 5-Q was asked: In
order to develop the Cayce Institute it might be necessary
from time to time to have additional psychic readers. How
should the governing board of the Institute proceed to get in
touch with such people as may be required?
5-A came: The developing of psychic forces in the
individuals who contact the forces as radiated by the work
contemplated to be done by the research work, will develop
those now being brought in the earth and physical plane. For
relativity of forces bring all force, gravitation of those
elements necessary to perpetuate any given force of the
uplift or building nature. Be not afraid, for the developing
of many will be the guiding force in hundreds that will give
assistance to the people. It will be developed, then, in the
work itself. Choose those.
7/06/73 GD's note: Tonight I appeared on a panel with Drs.
Gladys and Bill McGarey at Furrs Cafeteria, 3030 E. Thomas
Rd., Phoenix, AZ. During the question and answer period
which followed, I was asked the usual question: "Did any
reading ever mention anyone else who would be able to carry
on Edgar Cayce's work?" As so many times before, I referred
to Work Rdg.
254-4, Par. 5-A which indicated that there were
those even then being born who would be able to help carry on
the work. Then, all of a sudden, I KNEW and spoke with great
conviction: "And YOU - you A.R.E. people here, and all over
the country in groups like this, who are living what Edgar
Cayce taught - are those who are carrying on 'the work'."
(There was applause, indicating a recognition of the truth of
this statement.)
7/31/73 GD's note: Again in Dallas, TX on
7/07/73, and in Virginia Beach, Va. on
7/17/73 I answered
thusly a similar question from the audience and received
similar response. From now on, when anyone asks me about
other psychics to carry on Edgar Cayce's work, I will give
this answer.
8/31/73 Hugh Lynn Cayce's memo to Gladys: "I have just read
your comment on 'those who are carrying on the work' in
connection with Bill and Gladys and again in Dallas. I think
it is an excellent answer."
Ans-3. The answer here is NO to each of the three questions.
Edgar Cayce did advise many of us in our own individual dream
interpretation readings that we were actually in
communication with our loved ones about whom we dreamed. He
said "love goes far beyond the grave". He did advise that we
not try to contact those who have gone on, but if a messenger
comes, receive him. In other words we should seek from our
God direct, "and if He sends a messenger, receive him!" He
indicated that more often than not, one who has passed on
does not suddenly have all knowledge, but only what he had
when he died.
I don't mean to indicate that Edgar Cayce did not receive
communications from those who had passed on, but I do mean
that the majority of them came to him in his waking or dream
state: there are literally hundreds of examples of these
scattered through the [
294] series (Edgar Cayce's conscious
dictating to me of his experiences through dreams or
otherwise). Some of them he dreamed while he was in the
trance state and while he was talking in the reading for the
individual who was getting it (and I was taking down the
reading); afterwards he would say - "I had this interesting
dream - Miss Gladys, take it down." There were many examples
of that: some of these dreams were interpreted in his own
dream interpretation readings some of which verified his
contact with or knowledge of conditions on "the other side".
Some of these experiences were beautiful, a few horrible -
but portraying another world.
The following short quote from a reading, thanks to Dr.
Wesley H. Ketchum in Oct. 1910, is the first (and possibly
the best) explanation of the source of Edgar Cayce's
readings:
Background
294-1 M 33 yrs. - No copy of the original reading
is on file. The only thing we have is the following excerpt
which was printed in THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sunday, October 9,
1910. (See complete newspaper article under
294-1 Reports.)
Dr. Wesley H. Ketchum explained that while Edgar Cayce was
under hypnosis, when asked to give the source of his
knowledge, he explained:
1. EC: Edgar Cayce's mind is amenable to suggestion, the
same as all other subconscious minds, but in addition thereto
it has the power to interpret to the objective mind of others
what it acquires from the subconscious mind of other
individuals of the same kind. The subconscious mind forgets
nothing. The conscious mind receives the impression from
without and transfers all thought to the subconscious, where
it remains even though the conscious be destroyed. The
subconscious mind of Edgar Cayce is in direct communication
with all other subconscious minds, and is capable of
interpreting through his objective mind and imparting
impressions received to other objective minds, gathering in
this way all knowledge possessed by millions of other
subconscious minds.
[See subsequent series of readings on EC's psychic work,
beginning with
254-1 on
2/13/11, besides subsequent readings
in the [
294] series. Also see
3744-3, Par. 11-A, 12-A on
10/09/23 in re source of EC's information.]
In Edgar Cayce's information regarding the Akashic Records
(from which he apparently obtained the Life Readings) he
explained that these records are not written words but are
activities on the skein of time and space, that may be read
by those who are able to do it. He said the clarity of the
information depends on the ability of the one so reading the
records to put into words what he sees.
Other so-called psychics, or others who criticize the A.R.E.,
do not seem to realize that those closest to "the work" (Hugh
Lynn and all the trustees, officers and staff in the past and
now) are attempting to follow the guidance laid down in "The
Work Readings [
254-1 through 254-116]" as to how the work
should be carried on. There are guidelines to follow on
almost any situation which confronts us. Charles Thomas
Cayce and the present trustees, officers and staff, are
continuing to follow these guidelines. We believe that this
is God's work; that we have been and will be guided to
continue it in the way He wants us to do it. Hugh Lynn was
guided through meditation, prayer and his dreams - which
Edgar Cayce said was the safest way to develop psychic
abilities - because "psychic is of the soul". In March 1977
when Hugh Lynn had his heart attack, while in the hospital he
had a wonderful dream which he told us at the next Board
meeting after getting out of the hospital. He dreamed he was
with his mother and father and all - he said ALL - of the
people now connected with the work as well as ALL of those
who had gone to the other side who had been active in
promoting the work; they all assured him that they were WITH
HIM and that the work would go on. Morton Blumenthal said,
"Hugh Lynn, it's like money in the bank; you can draw on it!"
Well, he went busily ahead doing what he knew to do. People
did rally around him, and he certainly felt the influence of
"the powers that be". He foresaw and helped to plan the
reorganization which has taken place since his death. I have
had dreams of Hugh Lynn which assured me that he and his
father are still active, and hordes of others "over there",
helping us to continue in the way we should go.
Well, enough of this. I didn't mean to do anything but
answer your questions, but I've poured out my heart to you.
Forgive me.
Ans-4. No list of names to carry on his work; just the
reference (in my Ans-2 above) that there would be many, and
that they would develop in the work itself [In
254-4 on
12/31/23], which has certainly been true.
Ans-5. No, a Dr. Kammutt never came through Edgar Cayce; at
least he didn't announce himself, or Edgar Cayce didn't
announce him - as he did with the few who did have their
message relayed to us by Edgar Cayce.
Ans-6. I'm sorry.
Ans-7. Page 42, last paragraph - NOT TRUE! No spirit entity
ever "temporarily assumed control of his voice box." It was
not "Edgar's many spirit friends who actually 'authored' the
messages that came through his mouth". According to Edgar
Cayce's own readings [
294-1 and others] his subconscious mind
was in touch with all other subconscious minds and obtained
the information that way. Sometimes he would get it right
from the subconscious mind of the individual on whom he was
giving the reading - i.e., explaining what caused the
condition and when, because the subconscious mind of the
individual obtaining the reading had stored in it everything
that had happened to him from time immemorial!
Page 43, paragraph 2 - "Cult - Cayce worshippers" - NOT TRUE!
We don't try to keep anything secret. All his readings are
available which if studied will show that only a few messages
came through other entities and when so it was announced by
Edgar Cayce in his own voice that this message was being
relayed from so and so. Edgar Cayce got it from their own
subconscious minds and announced it, giving them the credit
for it. I'm sure the majority of times the subconscious
minds which were read did not even know they were being read!
Page 43, paragraph 3 - I disagree heartily. The myths are,
as some claim, that all of his information came through other
entities. EDGAR CAYCE'S READINGS THEMSELVES DO NOT
CORROBORATE THIS!
Dear Norm - I am enclosing a copy of your letter with the
questions, just in case you did not keep a copy because I've
answered them all by number and they wouldn't make sense
unless you had before you the wording of your questions. I
assume you have another copy of the little book to refer to
when you read my answers; if not, I'll rush this one to you.
I'm sorry I've had to be so negative about the whole thing,
but I can't in good conscience go against what I know to be
true about Edgar Cayce and his readings.
Love and blessings, [signed] Gladys Gladys Davis Turner
P.S. It is always a wonder to me that the many
spiritualists, who have through the years sent us messages
from Edgar Cayce, do not seem to realize that Edgar Cayce is
still interested in the carrying on of his work and is fully
able to communicate with any of us who are so closely
associated with the work. And we are open and ready to
receive any message from him. We do not SEEK to communicate
with him, because we were taught better than that, but if he
comes (and mostly it is through our dreams), we are GLAD and
accept his advice or commendation with gratitude. As for me,
every day as I work with the readings I am reinforced, and
the extra times - in dreams, the stillness, etc., make him
very CURRENT. But GOD is over all; He communicates too!
1/20/84 Dr. Shealy's reply to GD:
SHEALY PAIN & HEALTH REHABILITATION INSTITUTE tm (Letterhead)
3525 South National
Springfield, Missouri 65807
Telephone (417) 882-0850
Ms. Gladys Turner Davis
A.R.E.
P.O. Box 595
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Dear Gladys:
Thank you so much for your recent comments which are of
considerable interest to me and confirm my own suspicions.
Our love and best wishes.
Sincere, [singed] Norm C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
CNS/jet h
