This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 24th day of October, 1933, in accordance with request made by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, L. B. and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: Psychic phenomena of every kind is so closely associated with the many varied concepts and ideas of spiritualism or spiritism that there seems a need for this Association to present its findings through this channel on this subject. You will please advise us in regard to the preparation of such a paper and give at this time such data as will clarify that already received and be in keeping with the ideals of our work.
2. EC: Yes. In preparing that which may be presented through these channels as the concept of the Association regarding Spiritism or Spiritualism, isn't it rather well that the varied phases or concepts of manifestations that are accredited to psychic influences, occult or mystic forces, be separated or designated by those seeking such information? that there may be the proper stress or proper accent upon the varied or numerous phases of such phenomena, and how same has played a part in that which has been left or presented to the various groups of a thought or purpose? THEN there may be gained through these channels the proper relationships, the proper conditions.
3. For, to begin: For, were one to take any form of phenomena that may present itself, this would be ONLY the concept of an individual influence; unless there was then the reaching into the realms of the unknown (from the finite mind) and correlate that which has been presented in that taken as Scripture, whether from the Christian viewpoint, the Jew, the Parthian, or the various isms or schisms that have been presented through the ages. For, the philosophy presented by Confucius, Tao, Buddha, Brahma, the concept reached by any of these, is necessary for the finite mind to gain the proper concept of how same has influenced, does and will influence, the mind of man as it has delved and does delve into the regions of the mind.
4. What, then, would be the approach? As is seen (from that we have presented through these channels, or here and there a reference made), there must have been a beginning of matter as it is conceived or recognized in the material earth. For, the influence of such forces must be as well applied to the associations or beings of Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, the Sun, the Moon, or any of the constellations or other worlds. Hence the proper approach, the proper concept or proper conception of questions would be:
5. HOW DID THE INFLUENCE KNOWN AS SPIRIT MOVE UPON THE VARIOUS MATTERS THAT CAME INTO EXISTENCE? AND HOW DID THE INFLUENCE MANIFEST ITSELF UPON THE BEINGS THAT SEPARATED INTO THE VARIED KINGDOMS THAT INHABIT SUCH AS THE EARTH?
6. For (This explanation, not a question), when the proper concept is gained, there may be found that which is as applicable to the gaseous forces that constitute the Sun as to that which constitutes the single cell in the great bodies of water upon the earth, or to that which constitutes the formation of that which becomes organic matter in stagnant water and becomes pests to the human family.
7. When we are dealing with Spirit, Spiritism, Spiritualism, we must deal with same from the first principles. Hence we begin with that as the first question.
8. When that is answered, WE will give you the next question to ask.
9. The forces gathered here may be used in gaining this concept. As ye seek, ask first if all these are present: Lamech, Confucius, Tamah, Halaliel, Hebe, Ra, Ra-Ta, John.
10. We are through.
    [EC said on waking, "Did we get anything?"]

BACKGROUND

1. 10/09/33 See 5756-9.

REPORTS

1. 10/24/33 See continuation in the afternoon reading, 5756-11.

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