Edgar Cayce on

Health, Healing, and Rejuvenation

John Van Auken

Living in the Light

Virginia Beach, Virginia USA
 Copyright 2016 John Van Auken

ISBN-13: 978-1532723490
ISBN-10: 1532723490

JohnVanAuken.com
[email protected]

Living in the Light

P.O. Box 4942
Virginia Beach VA 23454 USA

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John Van Auken is the Director of the

Edgar Cayce Foundation
 CONTENTS

List of Illustrations
About Edgar Cayce, "The Father of Holistic Medicine"
Foreword: Experiences with these Concepts
1. Why Live?
2. The Fundamentals of Holistic Health & Healing
3. Rejuvenation: Rebuilding Our Bodies
4. The Mechanics of Healing and Rejuvenation
5. The Glands and the Two Nervous Systems
6. Diet and Foods for Health & Healing
7. Exercise and Rest
8. Therapies, Tonics, and Devices
9. Metaphysical Concepts and Methods of Healing
Illustrations
Resources for Further Study & Assistance
 List of Illustrations

Central Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System:
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Circulation System for Blood
Circulation System for Lymph
Lymph System Detail
Endocrine Glandular System (Female)
Endocrine Glandular System (Male)
Spiritual Centers of the Human Body
Spinal Column
Spinal Cord: Grey & White Matter
Vertebrae Detail with Spinal Cord & Nerves
Colon (Large Intestine)
 —Disclaimer—
Nothing I wrote in this book should replace cooperating
with educated, licensed healthcare practitioners. Self
diagnosis and prescription by only reading health material is
not a good approach to health. Learn all you can but then
consult with licensed healthcare professionals. These people
have spent years in education and study; many have years
of experience with human health. What you find in this book
to be helpful should be used in cooperation with an
educated, licensed healthcare practitioner.
–John Van Auken
 —About the References in this Book—
Throughout this book you will see references in
parentheses of a number followed by another number, like
this: (262-26). These refer to the specific location of this
material within the volumes of the Edgar Cayce files. The
first number replaces the name of the person or persons
seeking the information in an effort to provide some privacy.
The second number identifies the sequence in their specific
series of discourses. In my example, 262 is the number for a
group of persons seeking spiritual information, and -26
reveals that this is the 26th discourse in the 262’s series of
questioning Cayce.
Also, when Cayce raised his voice for emphasis his
stenographer put those words in capital LETTERS. When you
see capitalized words in the middle of a sentence know that
he intended to put emphasis on that word. Normally today
we would italicize such words but she capitalized them.
His discourses are often referred to as “readings,”
because it felt as if he were “reading” a person’s mind, body,
and soul, or their “Book of Life” or Akashic Record.
The readings are available on CD-ROM, in printed books,
online at the Cayce website, and in the files at the Edgar
Cayce Center. The Center is located on the roughly 5-acre
campus of the Association for Research and Enlightenment
at 215 67th Street in Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451, U.S.A.
The website is EdgarCayce.org. The central phone number is
757-428-3588 or toll free 800-333-4499.
 About Edgar Cayce
In 1979, the Journal of the American Medical Association
credited Edgar Cayce with initiating the American holistic
health movement.
–JAMA 1979:241(11):1156.
Most every day for over forty years of his adult life,
Edgar Cayce would lie down on a couch with his hands
folded over his stomach and allow himself to enter a self-
induced hypnotic/meditative state. Then, when provided
with the name and location of an individual anywhere in the
world he would speak in a normal voice and give answers to
any questions about that person or their life in general.
Questions as diverse as, "How can I remove a wart?" and
"What are the secrets of the universe?" were asked. His
responses to these questions came to be called "readings"
and contain insights so valuable that even to this day
individuals rely upon them as practical help for maintaining
a well-balanced diet, improving human relationships, and
overcoming life-threatening illnesses – including such far-
reaching inquiries about the origin and destiny of the body,
mind, and soul!
These "readings" were written down by a stenographer,
who kept one copy on file and sent another to the person or
persons who had requested the information. Much of this
information was given from the 1920s through the 1940s.
Subsequent to this time period many have added and
update new findings and research reports and are a part of
the body of work maintained by the Edgar Cayce Center.
Edgar Cayce never wrote a book. But many books have
been written about him. And though Cayce died nearly a
century ago, the timeliness of the material is evidenced by
approximately a dozen biographies and more than 300 titles
that discuss various aspects of this man's life and work.
Further details about his life and work are explored in such
classic works as There Is a River (1942) by Thomas Sugrue,
The Sleeping Prophet (1967) by bestselling author Jess
Stearn, Many Mansions (1950) by Gina Cerminara, and
Edgar Cayce: An American Prophet (2000) by Sidney
Kirkpatrick.
Words that are fairly common in today’s lexicon, such as
meditation, auras, soul mates, and holism derive from Edgar
Cayce and his readings.
I have read most of the readings and much about Cayce.
And I have had the good fortune to have lived and worked
with his sons, many of the people who received readings
from Cayce, and many of the early supporters and
employees of the organization. And I have incorporated his
advice into my personal life.
Cayce was a fascinating man. He was born on March 18,
1877, and reared in the small community of Hopkinsville,
Kentucky. He quit school after eight years to work on the
family farm. Eventually Cayce took up photography as his
trade.
In addition to being a devout member of the local
churches wherever he was living, Cayce faithfully taught
Sunday School and held to the basic tenets of Christianity.
He even entertained the thought of becoming a minister,
but his lack of education and finances forced him to turn in
another direction.
Indeed, in the early years of his “readings” he found
himself concerned about possible conflicts between his
religious beliefs, the teachings of the church, and the
phenomenon that he was experiencing. In time, he came to
feel that his gift was a manifestation of God’s will and
reinforced, rather than ruptured, his religious beliefs.
Because of this acceptance, he continued with his readings.
He would give over 14,000 readings during his adult
lifetime.
 Under the influence of a self-induced hypnotic-like
trance, Cayce would diagnose illnesses and suggest
treatments ailing individuals.
During a trance he would often use long medical terms
that were normally used only by physicians. Upon
awakening, he could hardly pronounce the words much less
understand their meanings.
Edgar Cayce's first spiritual encounter occurred when he
was only a toddler. He often spoke of "invisible playmates"
who would visit him, (Thomas Sugrue, There Is A River, p.
37). He also claimed to have a visitation from a "shining
lady" who said he could have anything he desired. He
responded that he would like to help people, especially
children (p. 23). On one occasion, when he was having
trouble studying his school lessons, this "shining lady" told
him to lay his head on the textbook and rest. He obeyed and
quickly fell asleep. After a few minutes he returned to
consciousness and knew the entire content of the volume,
(p. 19).
At the age of 20, Cayce mysteriously lost his voice. He
consulted several doctors, took numerous prescriptions, and
finally resorted to home remedies. But nothing worked.
A traveling hypnotist attempted to cure the malady, but
failed. A friend, Al Layne, suggested that Edgar undertake
an effort of self-hypnosis, whereby he could diagnose his
own illness and prescribe a cure. The experiment was
successful! (pp. 121-122)
Cayce lost his voice on several other occasions. Each
time he would slip into a trace and get a "reading" on
himself and cure the problem. Layne was ecstatic. He
encouraged his friend to go into business as a trance
medium. Convinced that he could help others with so-called
incurable ailments, Cayce began scheduling readings.
Edgar Cayce's fame spread. On October 9, 1910, an
issue of the New York Times’ headlined declared, “Illiterate
Man Becomes a Doctor When Hypnotized. Strange Power
Shown By Edgar Cayce Puzzles Physicians.” The article
piqued the interest of its readers and within weeks
thousands of letters poured into Hopkinsville from people
seeking medical help.
For twenty years the so-called "sleeping prophet"
offered help to those in need.
But the use of his extra-sensory powers would soon be
altered when Art Lammers, a wealthy printer and student of
metaphysics, approached Cayce for a reading. Lammers was
not concerned about health, however; he wanted to know
about the future. He wanted a “life reading!” Lammers
drilled the unconscious medium about the end of the world,
creation, the lost continent of Atlantis, the path of salvation
and a host of other religious-type subjects, (p. 234). Cayce
responded. He proclaimed the world to be a pantheistic
manifestation of God, announced that reincarnation was the
secret of ultimate reconciliation of man to God and that
Jesus became the first perfected man by being reincarnated
some thirty times! Though these revelations flew against the
teachings of his church, Edgar Cayce eventually accepted
the discourse as true.
Others sought life readings (as apposed to health
readings). Some wanted to make contact with the spirits of
soldiers who had been killed during World War I or II. The
spirits manifested themselves through Cayce's vocal cords.
They brought messages of hope and assurance that Heaven
awaits mankind. His life readings not only looked into the
past but into the future. In history, for example, the Cayce
readings gave insights into Essene Judaism that were
verified a decade after his death. In world affairs, he saw the
collapse of communism nearly fifty years before it
happened. He spoke of legendary Troy as though it was truly
an ancient city, long before its ruins were discovered in
Turkey. Repeatedly, science and history have validated
concepts and ideas explored in Cayce's psychic information.
 In the field of psychology, he has often been compared
to Carl Jung. In the realm of education, he stands with Rudolf
Steiner. Dr. Richard H. Drummond, one of the world's most
renowned theological scholars, called the Cayce information
on spirituality "the finest devotional material of the 20th
century."
There was a time when mainstream healthcare in the
United States did not recognize any connections between a
person’s body, mind, and spirit. Today, holistic health is
mainstream!
In 1931, Cayce and his family, and a band of his
supporters founded the Association for Research and
Enlightenment (A.R.E.) to be a depository for his readings.
Each reading was categorized and filed for future reference.
The headquarters are located on roughly five acres in
Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Center operates a 50,000-
volume library of metaphysics, houses an extensive research
on metaphysics, health, and history. On the campus today
are a holistic health center and spa, an accredited university
with a Master’s Degree in Transpersonal Psychology and
Leadership, and a conference center offering lectures on a
daily basis. Visitors are welcome. The Edgar Cayce web site
has become so popular that it receives some 100,000
visitors each month! That’s more than Edgar Cayce saw in
his entire life. Online courses are available as well as a huge
health database. The web site is EdgarCayce.org. In addition
to the web site events and seminars are occurring around
the world through a network of outreach programs.
The Edgar Cayce Center keeps the memory and work of
Edgar Cayce alive and expanding. Copies of more than
14,000 of Edgar Cayce's readings are available to the public
and have been filed along with any follow-up reports. This
material represents the most massive collection of psychic
information ever obtained from a single source.
—by Lyle E. Davis and John Van Auken
Edgar Cayce
Edgar Cayce’s last name is the French version of the English
name Casey, and is pronounced the same, kay-see.
 Foreword
Experiences with these Concepts

What you are about to read contains some of the finest

concepts, methods, insights, and approaches to health,
healing, and rejuvenation available for nearly 100 years –
longer if we consider the ancient origins of holistic healing. I
mean this sincerely and have seen the positive effects on
living people that I’ve known including myself.
However, I have also witnessed these remedies and
practices not working. Why? That is the question that
challenges all of us to answer. Over many years I have
interviewed professional healthcare people (MDs, nurses,
and licensed practitioners), each having had much
experience applying the Cayce health methods. Most every
one of them shared their successes and failures. Almost to a
person these professionals shared with me that the same
approach for the same ailment that has worked on so many
does not work for everyone. Their conclusion is that healing,
that is, real recovery from degeneration or serious illness
depends on some factor or factors associated with the
individual seeking improvement.
Therefore, you must proceed with an attitude of testing,
observation, and evaluation of each concept, method,
ingredient, and activity given in this book. Be honest with
yourself and your body and those you may be striving to
help. But you must also be aware that a doubting mind and
attitude will inhibit anything you’re trying. I realize how
paradoxical this is – I have lived with that paradox myself.
But I also know firsthand that understanding the condition
and treatment needed to maintain, heal, and renew the
body can only become clear by pursuing the effort honestly,
objectively, with hope and expectancy. The Edgar Cayce
readings encourage testing these ideas personally and
deciding for yourself if they are helpful.
And do not ignore our highly educated, licensed
healthcare practitioners in a cooperative course of action.
They have not only spent years of education and training
but have passed often stringent licensing tests and
requirements. And many of them have years of experience
with patients having different conditions and circumstances.
Many are open to cooperating in our endeavor to be healthy.
Yes, they do have set protocols (official procedures and
rules) that they must work within, and lawyers hold them
responsible to these set protocols. But as long as you are not
doing something they know to be harmful, they will usually
cooperate with you in your holistic efforts.
 Chapter 1
WHY LIVE?

I suppose at sometime or another every soul must ask

themselves this question. And it is a question to which we
have a good answer, so before we seek our health, healing,
and rejuvenation, let’s explore this rather heavy question.
According to Edgar Cayce’s channeled wisdom this
incarnation is intentional and it is an important opportunity
for our souls. Cayce’s readings encourage us to “keep the
physical fit, the soul will never die. Keep the physical fit that
the soul may manifest the longer.” (294-7) He gives two
reasons, (1) Keep the physical fit for through the physical
other physical beings benefit from our presence in their
lives. This is the theme of the popular old movie It’s a
Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Life
without us would be much different for our friends, family,
coworkers, and those we meet casually over the course of a
lifetime. Our presence adds to the lives of others. And when
our better selves are most often expressed our presence
enhances their lives!
Cayce’s volumes reveal another reason for us to live and
live as best we can, (2) This life is an opportunity for our soul
to grow and having grown in love, wisdom, and
understanding to live beyond this life in the next life to
come, the spiritual life. And Cayce’s teachings include
previous life experiences by our immortal souls and that
these previous-life experiences affect our present life. As we
look around the world we see advantages and
disadvantages in the birth and upbringing of souls, these
are a result of souls prior activities and decisions. This new
life is an opportunity for souls resolve karma and change of
patterns of thought and behavior. This is true for each soul
and each may also play an important role in helping other
souls resolve their karma and change some of their patterns
of thought and behavior.
This life is important and intentional, thus we should
strive to live it as best and as long as we can.
The Scriptures state this clearly and Cayce’s readings
often refer to these two words in the Bible: “Choose Life.”
(Deuteronomy 30:19) And classical lore states, “Where there
is life there is hope.” This statement is often credited to
Roman orator and statesman Cicero (106-43 BC). Logic
suggests that if Cicero’s statement is true then “Where there
is hope, there should also be life.” Hope is a key ingredient
for a healthy, purposeful, karma-resolving incarnation.
The healthier we are, the better and the longer we can
contribute our soul growth and to the lives of others.
Here’s another example from Cayce:
“Q: Please advise just how she can manifest in the earth
plane to be the best channel for good?
“A: Make the body fit for the channel first! Then the
spiritual may have the opportunity to manifest through. The
physical must be fit, and [then] the spiritual forces may
manifest the better.” (295-3)
See how important physical health is. It is important for
our soul’s sake as well as our personality’s. And it is
important to other souls too. They need us more than we
often know, and they need our better selves.
Sister Mary Rose McGeady (1928-2012), former
president of Covenant House, the Manhattan-based home for
runaway teens, also found the best reason to live: “There is
no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a
fundamental difference in someone’s life.” And Cayce
supports this view: “The entity may find in the present that
helping others to help themselves will bring joy, peace,
happiness, contentment, and a life much worthwhile.” (431-
1)
If we are not physically fit then it is difficult to do good—
or at least as much good as we could. We can have money,
power, and fame, and yet we must have physical and mental
health if we are to contribute.
—Staying Alive and Healthy—
The portion of our being that is composed of matter (i.e.,
flesh, blood, and bone) is so substantial and present that it
is difficult to believe that thoughts and attitudes can directly
affect our physical bodies. And yet our medical researchers
tell us again and again that there is much evidence to prove
that the state of mind, the attitude and emotions, and the
expectancy of patients profoundly affects their health and
healing. Oh, yes – genes play a big role for sure. Our bodies
have a genetic disposition toward specific strengths and
weaknesses. No one is attempting to deny that. We are
simply adding the evidence that even identical twins with
the same genes can have different physical conditions, and
that this is due in part to their disposition toward life and
health.
—Mind Over Matter—
“Mind-body medicine is now scientifically proven,” says
Herbert Benson, a cardiologist and associate professor of
medicine at Harvard Medical School, who is considered a
pioneer in the field. “There are literally thousands of articles
on how the mind and brain affect the body.” (Alternative
Medicine by Catherine G. Davis, Twenty-First Century Books,
2012, p. 14)
And Cayce’s perspective agrees, the mental state
influences the physical condition. Consider this reading:
 “Q: In the reading of June 3rd, it says my mental
condition is paramount. Explain this in the light of how I
may help my physical ailment...
“A: The explanation in this is as this: In every physical
being, the whole body is made up of the atomic forces of the
system, with the mind of each atom, as it is builded,
supervised by the whole mental mind of the body, varied by
its different phases and attributes, for, as is seen in its
analyses, an atom of the body is a whole universe in itself, in
the minutest state. The attitude, then, of all the attributes of
the mind toward self, and the forces as manifest through
same, become then paramount. As to any healing in a body,
or any application of any source, nature, character, kind, or
condition, is only to create that incentive IN that same
atomic force to create the better condition in a body.” (137-
79)
As personal a part of our being as we feel about our
bodies, they are actually atomic structures in which our
minds and personalities function. For the most part, the
atoms operate according to physical laws. It has been
estimated that there are seven billion billion billion (a seven
with 27 zeros after it) atoms in the human body. Roughly
65% are hydrogen, 25% oxygen, and 10% are carbon
(roughly). These numerous individual atoms (protons,
neutrons, and electrons) have a little consciousness of their
own but they are supervised by the greater mind
functioning through the brain, the master organ.
—Placebo Effect—
When a mother kisses her child’s hurt, the child feels
better, yet there is no medical reason for this reaction. The
application of a sterile bandage creates an expectation of
healing, yet there is no medical influence. When a “fake” pill
is given to patients in a controlled experiment, some 32
percent of them recover, yet they received no medication.
This is called the placebo effect or placebo response. It is
believed that recovery is simply because the person has the
expectation that it will be helpful and this expectation
creates a physical, chemical response inside their bodies.
Medical research has shown that “placebo effects rely on
complex neurobiologic mechanisms involving
neurotransmitters (e.g., endorphins, cannabinoids, and
dopamine) and activation of specific, quantifiable, and
relevant areas of the brain (e.g., prefrontal cortex, anterior
insula, rostral anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala in
placebo analgesia). Many common medications also act
through these pathways. In addition, genetic signatures of
patients who are likely to respond to placebos are beginning
to be identified.” (New England Journal of Medicine: 373:8-9
July 2015)
—Expectancy—
Here’s Cayce again:
“Q: Any further suggestions for the physical and
spiritual improvement of this body?
“A: Keep the attitude that as the physical body is the
manifestation of spiritual life and influence, it is to be used
in a constructive manner as to bring hope and cheer into the
lives of others. This is a reasonable service, as an
appreciation, as a duty, as an opportunity for expressing the
divine in self. Be expectant in the opportunities.” (808-13,
my emphasis)
And as our bodies need good food to maintain health, so
do our minds and souls. According to Cayce:
“One that fills the mind, the very being, with an
expectancy of God will see His movement, His manifestation,
in the wind, the sun, the earth, the flowers, the inhabitant of
the earth; and so as is builded in the body, is it to gratify
just an appetite, or is it taken to fulfill … that will the better
make, the better magnify, that the body, the mind, the soul
has chosen to stand for?” (341-31, my emphasis)
Along with an expectant attitude comes the power of
hope.
—Hope—
 We have already quoted Cicero’s statement of life and
hope but there is more to hope in ancient lore than we may
know. For example, in mythology, Hope was the only
influence that did not leave Pandora’s Box and was retained
when she resealed her terrible “gift” to Epimetheus. (Note:
Pandora’s “box” was actually a “jar” in the original but has
been misquoted over the centuries.) Here is the original:
“Only Hope was left within her unbreakable house, she
remained under the lip of the jar, and did not fly away.
Before [she could], Pandora replaced the lid of the jar. This
was the will of aegis-bearing Zeus the Cloudgatherer.” –
Hesiod’s poem: Works and Days, (lines 96-99, ca. 700 BC)
In the 6th century BC, Theognis of Megara wrote: “Hope
is the only good god remaining among mankind; the others
have left and gone to Olympus.”
We also have this often-quoted observation from
Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Man (1733): “Hope springs
eternal in the human breast.” Of course many of us would
modify this statement because we’ve seen too much despair
and depression among humanity lately. The world is severely
challenged by hatred and polarization, leading to much fear
and doubt about humanity’s future.
But here’s Cayce again, and he said this at the 8th
Annual Congress of the A.R.E. in June 1939, just three
months before the start of World War II—a global war that
affected the entire planet: “Today, hope; today, desire. Today
those things that would make you afraid are far, far away.
Shadows and doubts and fears will arise in your experience,
but keep before you the light of all good consciousness, of
all good and perfect service to Him; and you will find that
the shadows of doubt and fear will fall far behind. Let those
things that cause the doubts and fears be far removed from
you, through just the little kindness, the little service you
may do here and there. For as you keep your mind, your
body, in service that His kingdom may come in the earth, so
will joy, peace, and harmony come into your experience.”
(262-121)
Many kindred souls have written wonderful thoughts
about hope. Here are some of my favorites:
“With God all things are possible.” —Jesus Christ,
Matthew 19:26
“What gives me the most hope every day is God’s
grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the
strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a
surprise to God.” — Rick Warren, author and pastor (1954-)
“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.” —
Robert H. Schuller, televangelist and writer (1926-2015)
“I always entertain great hopes.” —Robert Frost,
American poet (1874-1963) He also said: “In three words I
can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
And finally the former president of the Czech Republic, a
deep thinker, caught the truth about genuine hope in this
statement: “Hope is definitely not the same thing as
optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn
out well, but the certainty that something makes sense
regardless of how it turns out.”—Vaclav Havel, writer,
philosopher, and statesman (1936-2011)
In fact, this is exactly what got me into the wonderful
Edgar Cayce material so long ago when I was 16 years old: it
made sense.
—Diet and Exercise—
Of course Edgar Cayce did not ignore the needs of the
physical organism. He taught:
“The physical organism is constructed in such a way and
manner that if the balance is kept in the diet, in the normal
activity, and the mental forces replenished, then the body
should readjust itself, re-facilitate itself; making for not only
resuscitation and revivifying of the necessary influences, but
carrying on and reproducing itself.” (1040-1)
With the proper assimilation of the nutrients needed to
build and maintain our bodies and the elimination of toxins
that build up in our bodies, our amazing physical vehicles
will renew themselves for healthy incarnating.
Of course it is good to keep in mind that we are
naturally, normally celestial, soul beings temporarily
manifesting as terrestrial, physical beings – and Cayce
stated this clearly: “Spirit is the natural, the normal
condition of an entity.” (816-10) Spirit! Spirit is our natural,
normal condition? How difficult is it to feel that truth when
so profoundly associated with a flesh and bone body! It
helps if we have ever known a pet well and seen it alive and
well but then observed its body dead: What is no longer in
our pet’s body? It is that pet’s spirit that we knew so well
and loved. If we have seen a human alive and then dead,
what has left the body? The spirit of the person that used
that body has left.
Spirit is our natural, normal condition. And our spirit
enters our baby body and leaves our dying body. The spirit
lives on, the body is left behind.
This incarnation is an important opportunity for our
spirit/soul and the spirit/souls of those with whom we share
this physical life. With this in mind let’s learn how to gain,
regain, and maintain physical health for soulful purposes!
 Chapter 2
The Fundamentals of Holistic Health & Healing

When I first came across Edgar Cayce’s material on

health, healing, rejuvenation, and the destiny of the body
(which too many of us assume to be only death), I was
amazed at what I found and excited to begin using his
approach in my life and the lives of my family and friends.
As a boy, I had heard preachers speak of miracle healing but
I had never realized how natural it could be until I read
Cayce’s material. Edgar Cayce presents a vision into what he
calls, "continual life," life that continues when it is in
harmony with the forces of Nature. When life is being lived
mindfully and is lived in a balance manner, it cooperates
with the universal life forces. Then the whole being hums
along healthfully. When a body and mind are in cooperation
and coordination with the natural forces in the body and the
environment, then there is a rhythm that runs smoothly,
bringing nourishment and rejuvenation. But when it is in
contention with its various systems and subsystems, then it
is at dis-ease with itself and its surroundings, and if left that
way too long it leads to disease.
In the Cayce approach, the best way to overcome illness
and disease is to preserve or restore a balanced, coordinated
condition throughout the whole system.
 However, if the body has developed or inherited
problems, Cayce almost always approaches these with an
attitude of re-creation, revitalization, revivification, and
rejuvenation. There are no limitations, save those we put
upon ourselves and upon the forces of Nature. For Cayce,
the life force is that we call “spirit.” Spirit is the élan vital,
the Yoga kundalini, the "glow of life" that makes one virile
and vibrant. The lack of it makes one lifeless and weak,
vulnerable to all manner of illness.
The flow of spirit or the life forces through a body is
dependent on the condition of the electrochemical soup of
that body. It depends on the mental attitude toward health
and healing. And it depends upon the openness to spirit,
that essence of life throughout the infinite universe and
through all of Nature. When the infinite life force is flowing
through a finite, individual life, then that individual is very
likely to be healthy and of sound mind, living life
purposefully and contributing to the lives of others.
Cayce considered the mind to be a very important
player in health and wellbeing, stating that the thoughts
and attitudes of the mind inside that body affect the
physical just as the condition of the physical affects the
mind. The right thoughts, the right attitudes inside a clean,
properly nourished body make for the ideal flow of the life
force. This is the holism presented by Edgar Cayce. Body,
mind, and spirit work together for health and healing. We
cannot have wellbeing if one of these is out of sync with the
others. When we seek to achieve or maintain health and
rejuvenation, we need to coordinate the condition of our
body, mind, and spirit. The three work together. Of course, if
we improve one, then we positively affect the others. But we
cannot have the body chemistry right while the mind’s
outlook is negative. And medical people will tell us that if
the person does not have the spirit or will to live, then no
matter what they do for the person the outcome will be
negative. Body, mind, and spirit working together for the
greater good of the individual is holistic health and wellness.
—A Holistic Approach—
Each of us is a spirit with a mind incarnate in a physical
body. Therefore, awareness of the mental and spiritual forces
is as important as attention to physical foods, exercises,
medicines, and therapies.
Here’s one of Cayce’s statements on this:
"Bringing normalcy and a revivifying of purposes,
desires or ambitions – the body WHOLE must be taken into
consideration; that is, the physical, the mental and the
spiritual attributes of the body." (1189-2; Note: His
stenographer explained that when his voice rose in volume,
she then recorded the word in all-capital letters to give the
word emphasis—as in the sentence where the word WHOLE
is in capital letters because he raised his voice when he said
it.)
Here are two more Cayce statements:
"These bespeak of something innate within self that
bespeaks of the abilities of the soul, mind, and body to
revivify and rejuvenate itself as to an ideal." (578-2)
Holding an ideal purpose for regaining health and living
life is key to moving the body toward that goal. More on
setting and living by an ideal will be explained on page 32.
Here’s another Cayce insight:
"To be sure, as it has been indicated again and again,
there is that within the physical forces of the body which
may be revivified or rejuvenated, if it is kept in a
constructive way and manner. This requires, necessarily, the
proper thinking, the proper living, the proper application of
those influences in the experience of an entity in its
associations with everything about a body." (681-2)
His approach is clearly body-mind-spirit, thus holistic by
its very definition.
—Cayce’s Causes for Illness—
Here are Cayce’s primary causes for illness:
• A diet lacking the nutrients needed to maintain a
healthy body;
• Poor assimilation of the nutrients needed by the body;
• Poor eliminations of the toxins that build up inside a
body;
• Improper acid-alkaline balance in the body (mostly due
to too much acidity);
• Incoordination of the nervous system of the body (the
cerebrospinal or central nervous system and the
autonomic nervous system which is composed of the
sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems – more
on these later);
• Imbalance in the circulatory system of the body. The
circulatory system or cardiovascular system is an
organic system that permits blood to circulate so it may
transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones,
and blood cells to and from the cells throughout the
body to provide nourishment, fight diseases, stabilize
temperature and pH (the acid/alkaline balance), and
maintain a stable and relatively constant condition of
health. The circulatory system is comprise of two
separate systems: the cardiovascular system that
distributes blood and the lymphatic system that
distributes lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting
white blood cells throughout the body;
• Malfunction of the glandular system of the body,
especially the endocrine glands that generate the
powerful hormones that send messages directly through
the blood stream to various cells and organs for ideal
functioning and/or adjusting to changes in the
environment;
• Of course he includes infection: this is the invasion and
multiplication of harmful agents such as bacteria,
viruses, and parasites that are not normally present in
the body;
• Overexertion from too little rest, inadequate sleep,
insufficient recreation, and not enough renewal time
(both physically and mentally).
To this list Cayce adds these usually not considered causes:
• Despair and heartache to such a degree that the person
entire system is affected negatively;
• Too much anger, hatred, and other dark attitudes and
emotions;
• Karma – yes, Cayce considers that the soul may be
carrying a negative influence that occurred early in this
incarnation or even prior to this incarnation. Even Jesus
was asked by his disciples why a man was born blind:
“Did he or his parents do something to cause this?” Now
since the man was born blind that would indicate that
the cause occurred prior to this incarnation. (John 9:2)
As you can see from this list Cayce covers a wide range
of causes for illness and disease, many we already know
about and consider but some that we do not normally
regard. And in most of these causes there is clearly a
preventative way to avoid the problems or recover from
them.
Let’s take a brief look at our body, mind, spirit
arrangement.
—The Body—
For true healing and health to occur one must take into
consideration all subsystems of the total body. Within a
body, Cayce strives for overall improvement in a balanced
and coordinated manner, never focusing on just one portion
of the system but seeing the system as just that, an
integrated system! The body is an organism that functions
as a singular whole. It’s parts (atoms, cells, tissue, organs,
etc.) are woven into the fabric of the whole—not
independent of the whole. Now we are speaking of the ideal
healthy state. One can function reasonably well missing a
part or having a malfunctioning part, but even in these
cases the contribution of that part must be accounted for by
supplements or other parts that assume the role played in
the overall functioning of the organism.
—The Mind—
Beyond the body Cayce insist that true healing and
wellness must include the condition and activity of the
mind. Especially when attempting to improve the body.
During eating, exercising, receiving treatment, and taking
supplements or medications one must be positive,
expectant, and mindful of why they are doing what they are
doing and how it is going to contribute to their health and
wellbeing.
"Keep the mental and the spiritual forces active during
the applications; not done as rote! Know within self
something is being accomplished through the applications."
(1158-1)
The key word in this last Cayce statement is “within.”
The coordination of body-mind-spirit begins within us. As
most doctors confess, the ultimate decision for health is
within their patient. One can apply all the miracles of
modern science, psychology, or mystical religion but unless
something inside that person is stirred to live, to rejuvenate,
little may be accomplished.
—Spiritual Forces—
As much as God has been bashed my humanity’s
religious dogma, prejudice, segregation, hatred of others,
wars to kill others, and so on, the spiritual forces must be a
part of our approach to healing and health. This is not so
much religious as it is spiritual. One does not have to believe
in God but one has to believe in spiritual forces or the life
essence seen throughout the universe. Often called the élan
vital, kundalini, ch’i, and life energy, Edgar Cayce referred to
them as the spiritual forces, teaching that they are the
healing forces. He never backs off of this principle. Here’s
one of his comments:
“In the present there may be gained within self the
raising within self that consciousness of the at-onement with
the spiritual forces that may revivify, regenerate, arouse that
of health and happiness even under the adverse conditions
in materiality.” (618-3)
Bringing ourselves into “at-onement” with the life
forces, the spiritual forces, is required. Think of our body as a
musical instrument. In the case of illness it is out of tune.
When it is healthy it is in tune. Consider the universal life
force as an orchestra, and we are an individual instrument in
that orchestra. When we tune ourselves with the universal
essence of life, then we are in harmony, causing the
symphony without and within to sound ideal.
An orchestra tunes itself to a very particular frequency,
usually 440 hertz, a note known as A 440. The note is
played by the oboist, and the rest of the orchestra tunes
their instruments to match it. The oboe leads the tuning
because of all the instruments in the orchestra it is least
affected by humidity or other weather conditions. Cayce
indicates that the spiritual essence of our being is least
affected by the chemical soup and electrical vibrations of
our human body and our circumstances. Therefore, to get
into harmony and perfect pitch, we need to feel the
frequency of the infinite spirit of life! Then we must tune our
instrument (our body) to that frequency.
In this instruction we just read Cayce declares that this
will work “even under the adverse conditions in materiality!”
Thus, nothing physical can stand in the way of revivification,
regeneration, and arousal of our health and happiness –
except ourselves. This is not to say that under all
circumstances this will be easy. Life is often difficult.
Surroundings are often not ideal. But if we truly strive to
tune our instrument to the life force within us, then little by
little, day by day, we will get on the right pitch, the right
frequency.
Cayce adds that these forces are natural not
supernatural as some would teach. And they are open to all
souls, no matter what culture, race, nationality, or belief
system they hold, or even if they have no belief system. The
infinite life force flows to any who open themselves to it and
attempt to tune themselves to its life-giving, life-sustaining
vibration. There is one requirement: quietness.
"The revivifying forces ... are the NATURAL sources of
energies through quietness within any given activity that
makes for strengthening for resistances of every nature in a
physical body." (587-5)
Of course Cayce encouraged the enlistment of the
Creator of Life, the Source of Life, which we called God.
However, his view of God was much bigger than that of most
religions and people. He saw a Universal Consciousness and
Life Force that collectively sustains all beings, all
emanations of life – minerals, vegetables, animals, and
humans (even discarnate beings, such as angels, fairies, the
elementals). The only religious principle he held to was one
Universal Consciousness (one God) and that all emanations
from this original One were family! Everyone, everything
belonged to one family, despite the many attempts to teach
otherwise. He encouraged us to see others as we see
ourselves, to love others as we love ourselves. On the
surface there are differences. And there are different
motivations and moral standards, but within the core of
everything and everyone is a central essence that is from
the same Source of Life.
With this in mind, we will now look at his teachings to
include God in our health restoration and maintenance.
Consider this teaching of his:
"The revivifying influences will give your inner self that
which will create, that which will build in the body, as you
hold to that you know within your self – that He, the Giver of
all good and perfect gifts, is renewing your strength and
your life within you; and that you will USE same in His
service so long as the days are given unto you for your
activities in this material world. And we will find STRENGTH
being built in your body as the stamina of steel! And, as the
vital forces renew your vitality in your body, USE your
mental self." (716-2)
From Cayce’s perspective God’s service is to help bring
about harmony, cooperation, and coordination throughout
the whole of the creation. The spirit of love and caring is the
right vibration and the right attitude for bringing ourselves
into God’s service. Thus the two great commandments of
love God (the Life Force, Source of Life, and Creative Forces)
and love one another (the emanations from the One Source)
are key to our being in “His service,” as Cayce stated in that
reading.
For Cayce, God is not so much a personal being as an
infinite, eternal Spirit from which all beings have emanated
and in which they have their existence. We may often feel
alone, disconnected, and left to ourselves, but if we can
grasp even a tiny sense of our unbreakable connection to
the Life Force of the infinite, eternal Spirit, then our healing
begins! I am not saying that we will not have to do some
specific physical and mental work to improve, we will, but
with this connected awareness to the Source of life, our
efforts will have better results.
—Healing and Health Comes from Within—
This is perhaps the most difficult concept for us to grasp.
Despite the applications of medicines, hi-tech machines,
foods, and physical manipulations, the body actually
receives its ultimate healing and wellness from the forces
within it. All these other elements are simply catalyst or
stimulants to encourage the bodily forces to bring about a
healthy condition.
“From whence comes the healing?” Cayce asks,
“Whether there is administered a drug, a correcting or an
adjustment of a subluxation, or the alleviating of a strain
upon the muscles, or the revivifying through electrical
forces; they are ONE, and the healing comes from WITHIN!
Not by the method does the healing come, though the
consciousness of the individual IS such that this or that
method IS the one that is more effective in the individual
case in arousing the forces from within. But the METHODS
are NOT ideals. The IDEAL must be kept in the proper
SOURCE." (969-1)
Here Cayce is commenting on the truth that the method
is not the miracle. Yet, he acknowledges that the method is
critical because of the belief system, the mind-set of the
individual, and that must be considered when deciding what
method to use. As Cayce once explained, a quinine
consciousness cannot be healed of malaria with anything
but quinine – for that person has set the condition for
healing and recovery in their mind! (5211-1) Nevertheless, it
is not the quinine that is the healer, but the mind within the
person that believes quinine is the healing substance for
them. The source of healing is within us.
Now this is not to say that a very persuasive person,
such as a doctor with a good reputation and powerful skills
of persuasion, could not change a patient’s mind, and
thereby break through their mindset. Or that loved ones
cannot affect healing just by their trusted presence. It can. I
have seen it change an ill person almost immediately upon
the entry of the loved and trusted presence.
If we realize this, and become mindful, meaning
consciously aware, of our inner thoughts, beliefs, and
attitudes, then we can make significant changes in our
overall condition. In many cases we know what we need to
recover!
—The Right Ideal and Purpose—
If we came to Cayce for guidance, he would not
immediately tell us to pray, meditate, or seek a dream; he'd
first tell us to set an ideal, a standard by which we could
measure the value of whatever we do or intend to do. The
ideal is like a pole star by which we guide our lives and
decisions. Rather than letting the circumstances of life rule
us, we set the direction, the purpose and the ultimate
condition sought; then everything moves toward realizing
that Ideal. Even when circumstances are hard against us,
we, like the captain of a great sailing ship, tack against that
wind, ever moving toward our ideal, even if we have to do it
in a zig-zag manner (tacking against the wind) – and when
the wind eases or changes direction, we'll be in a better
position than if we had simply let the circumstances (the
wind currents) of our life take us wherever they would.
This is the power of an ideal. It helps us understand why
we do something, what we desire to realize or become, and
gives us a measuring rod by which to judge the elements of
a decision or activity that better lead to the ideal.
Cayce: "Begin to PLAN as to what the body will DO when
and AS the improvements come. Not only be good, be good
FOR SOMETHING! Hold to that which is Truth!" (572-5)
Here’s how Cayce says our minds use our ideals, and
somewhat surprisingly, he says our desires often knock our
ideals off track:
“The mind uses its spiritual ideals to build upon. And
the mind also uses the material desires as the destructive
channels, or it is the interference by the material desires
that prevents a body and a mind from keeping in perfect
accord with its ideal.
“Thus, these continue ever in the material plane to be
as warriors one with another. Physical emergencies or
physical conditions may oft be used as excuses, or as
justifications for the body choosing to do this or that. Ought
these things so to be, according to your ideal?
“Then, the more important, the most important
experience of this or any individual entity is to first know
what is the ideal – spiritually.
“Who and what is thy pattern?
“Throughout the experience of man in the material
world, at various seasons and periods, teachers or ‘would-be’
teachers have come; setting up certain forms or certain
theories as to manners in which an individual shall control
the appetites of the body or of the mind, so as to attain to
some particular phase of development.
“There has also come a Teacher who was bold enough to
declare Himself as the Son of the living God. He set no rules
of appetite. He set no rules of ethics, other than, ‘As you
would that men should do to you, do you even so to them,’
and to know ‘Inasmuch as you do it unto the least of these,
your brethren, you do it unto your Maker." He declared that
the kingdom of heaven is within each individual entity's
consciousness.” (357-13)
And again:
"First, know what is you own ideal. Not as to what others
may do for you, but what is the ideal way of individuals to
live among themselves? What do you believe as to those
things pertaining to the relationship of self, as an individual,
to the Creative Forces or God? What manner of expression
should self give as in its relationships to same? In whom
have you believed? What is the source of your faith, of your
hope? And then, so live, so act among others, that you are a
living example of that you believe." (1755-3)
Cayce was asked for help with this:
“Q-5. Will you give further enlightenment to help
accomplish this desire?
“A-5. The basis of every entity's activity should be the
placing of an ideal in the experiences of self. Not an idol, not
an idea, not a position even that may be attained in the
earth's experience by earthly activities; for to attain that
which is wholly desired in the mental abilities of an entity is
to become stale and self-centered. Then, naturally, the
retrogression would ensue.
“Hence, the attaining of that which makes for the better
and greater development in the earth's experience is to be
wholly dependent, in the mental-spiritual activities, upon
the will of the Creator, or Creative Forces, that may manifest
through every activity of self; making self then a channel
day by day in the direction that is set as the ideal of the
soul, not of the mental mind.
“Each activity is a manifestation of the forces that
emanate from the universal, or the consciousness of the
living God! Individuals' activity upon that, by their
construction of same, makes it hell or heaven!
“Then, each soul should see more and more
constructively in regard to the most destructive influences
in an activity! One that does not accomplish this loses, or
besets self to self’s own undoing!” (270-31)
And again he warns:
"Do not let, or allow, disappointments to persuade or
misdirect the intent and purpose as it is innately manifested
in your experience." (1968-2)
Of course, for Cayce the ideal would be in the spiritual
forces, for they are the source of health and healing.
"Life is the manifestation of that Divine which is
worshiped as God. Hence each soul-entity is a portion of
same, with that privilege through the experiences in
materiality to manifest an ideal and thus grow in grace, in
knowledge, in faith, in hope, in love; that the entity, the
soul, may be one with the Creative Forces – that should be
the ideal of every soul." (1082-3)
And again:
"Put your ideal in those things that bespeak of the
continuity of life; the regeneration of the spiritual body, the
revivifying of the temporal body for SPIRITUAL purposes,
that the seed may go forth even as the Teacher gave, "Sin no
more, but present your body as a living sacrifice; holy,
acceptable unto Him, for it is a reasonable service." (969-1)
—The Right Mental Attitude—
Two people can do exactly the same things toward
rejuvenation and wellness, and get different results. So
often, the influencing force in these cases is their attitude.
One is hopeful and expectant, the other doubts or feels
unworthy. Attitude is a powerful, unseen influence in the
outcome of any activity.
"To be sure, there should be rather that expectant
attitude of the body ... for unless there is the expectancy,
unless there is hope, the mind's outlook becomes a drag, a
drug on one that is being attacked from within by the dis-
eases of a physical body." (572-5)
"DO NOT become morose. Do not doubt the abilities of
those influences in the spiritual life to meet the needs of the
body physically, mentally, spiritually, and we will revivify
these things." (458-2)
"Nothing save self stands in the way of the entity
MAKING or becoming a channel of blessings to many! For
the entity may be assured, for the entity will find, nothing in
heaven or hell or earth may separate you from the
knowledge and the use of the I AM PRESENCE within, save
selfishness – or self!" (440-20)
"Hence mind over matter is not to be lightly spoken of,
nor is there any disparaging remark to be made as to the
ability of the body-physical to be revivified, resuscitated,
spiritualized such that there is no reaction that may not be
revivified." (1152-5)
"For HE hath shown the way – not by some mysterious
fluid, not by some unusual vibration, but by the simple
method of LIVING that which is LIFE itself. THINK no evil;
HEAR no evil. And as the Truth flows as a stream of life
through the Mind in all its phases or aspects, and purifies
same, so will it purify and revivify and rejuvenate the body.
For once this effacement urge is overcome, then may there
begin the rejuvenation." (294-183)
Notice “this effacement urge” and how it fits with what
our society has been learning about poor self-esteem.
Critical experiences form our beliefs about ourselves, and
usually occur early in life. What we saw, heard and
experienced in childhood, in our family, in the community,
and at school have a profound influence on the way we see
ourselves. Sometimes negative beliefs about ourselves are
caused by experiences later in life, such as workplace
intimidation, abusive relationships, persistent stress or
hardship, or traumatic life events. Becoming mindful of any
such impact on our self-esteem is important to healing the
vibrations of our body and removing negativity and stress in
our minds and thoughts.
"Mind IS the master, yet physical conditions need the
activity of those impulses through same that may
regenerate or revivify the abilities for reproduction of self
through the afflicted or disturbed areas of the body." (2529-
1)
"It may appear long, but – keep that attitude of being
the channel through which more love of the divine nature
may be given, even as ye would be SHOWN that towards the
ways and manners for the helpfulness in the material
physical body." (1199-3)
"The destruction of the blood forces [is] by
SUPPRESSION of self in a mental manner. Hence, the
necessity of directing and interesting self in a FAD, or even a
FANCY, and keeping self interested in same, as well as
correcting the physical conditions." (5554-2)
See how the physical corrections need to be made but
the mind and its interests in living must also be involved in
and excited about living!
Rejuvenation!
 Chapter 3
REJUVENATION
Rebuilding Our Bodies

—The Body can Reproduce Itself—

Among the many amazing concepts in the volumes of
Cayce’s channeled material are discourses on the human
body’s wonderful restorative powers. In this chapter we
review some of these teachings.
"Q: Is it possible for our bodies to be rejuvenated in this
incarnation?
"A: Possible. The body is an atomic structure, the units
of energy around which there are the movements of atomic
forces that are ever the pattern of a universe. Then, when
these atoms are made to conform or rely upon or to be one
with the spiritual import, the spiritual activity, then they
revivify, then they make for constructive forces." (262-85)
"The physical organism is constructed in such a way and
manner that if the balance is kept in the diet, in the normal
activity, and the mental forces replenished, then the body
should readjust itself, re-facilitate itself; making for not only
resuscitation and revivifying of the necessary influences but
carrying on and reproducing itself." (1040-1)
"The body should in its elements be able, as it does
continually, to reproduce itself; making for not only
revivifying or resuscitating forces but keeping nominally
alive." (1038-1)
"If there will be gained that consciousness, there need
not be ever the necessity of a physical organism aging ...
seeing this, feeling this, knowing this, ye will find that not
only does the body become revivified, but by creating in
every atom of its being the knowledge of the activity of this
Creative Force ... spirit, mind, body are renewed." (1299-1)
"How is the way shown by the Master? What is the
promise in Him? The last to be overcome is death. Death of
what? The soul cannot die, for it is of God. The body may be
revivified, rejuvenated – and it is to that end it may, the
body, TRANSCEND the earth and its influences." (262-85)
If we accept the principles in these statements, then
health and a long life are a matter of applying these
principles in our bodies, minds and spirits. For Cayce, all
three of these aspects of our being have to be in cooperation
and full activity with one another before true healing and
rejuvenation can take hold.
—The Seven-Year Cycle of Renewal—
According to the Cayce readings, the body rebuilds itself
in its entirety every seven years. Therefore, no matter what
problem we have, if we would apply ourselves to changing
it, and work patiently throughout the seven-year cycle, our
bodies would have rebuilt every cell according to this new
ideal, this new goal, this new hope.
"Every seven years there is performed an entire renewal
of the whole structural or anatomical body." (887-4)
"In this particular body ... the system will produce that
which will enable the body to continue without any let-down
for a period of another cycle to three cycles. Then, before
there is any real let-down in the abilities of the body, there
should be at least twenty-one more years of activity." [7
years per cycle, times 3 cycles, equals 21 years] (1064-1, an
adult, but age at time of reading was unknown)
 Research has found this 7-year cycle to be mostly true.
Investigation into the renewal cycle began in the 1950s;
long after Cayce had passed on in 1945. The research took
on even more intensity around the year 2000, and in 2005
Nicolas Wade published his attention-getting article in the
New York Times, “Your Body is Younger than You Think”
(August 2, 2005). In this article he presented much of what
has been discovered concerning the body’s process of
sloughing off old cells and generating new, fresh cells. Wade
also showed how our DNA stays the same as it was when we
were born but constant dividing to make new cells explains
how aging occurs. In other words, aging is not a cellular
problem per se, it is a DNA issue. And on July 14, 2007
National Public Radio (NPR) presented the show, "Atomic
Tune-Up: How the Body Rejuvenates Itself." On June 24,
2013 Science Update published "Bombs and Brain Cells," in
which we learned that a small population of our brain cells
remain permanently young, renewing themselves
continually. The research team estimated that we generate
around 1400 new neurons every day. However, for some
unknown reason yet to be discovered the newborn brain
cells do not appear to live long and there are more dying
than being born – thus aging occurs.
—The Genetics of Aging—
Take a Brief University Course with Me
Research has discovered that a major cause of aging is
what they call “oxidative stress,” meaning DNA, proteins,
and lipids are damaged over time by oxidants. Oxidants
result from metabolism, which is the chemical processes by
which cells produce the substances and energy needed to
sustain life. Oxidants generate “free radicals,” which are
atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of
electrons. Free radicals are the unstable molecules that react
with other substances in our bodies that damage cells or
create abnormal ones, such as cancer cells. Free radicals are
unavoidable and are created naturally so our body can
perform its everyday functions. They are necessary for some
processes.
Fortunately our bodies naturally produce another
category of compounds called antioxidants. This is why we
hear so much about supplements that are antioxidants, such
as vitamins A, C, and E and the minerals calcium, zinc,
magnesium, and selenium.
In a healthy body oxidants and antioxidants maintain a
balance. If this ratio shifts towards pro-oxidants then we
have oxidative stress. This oxidative stress may be either
mild or severe depending on the extent of shift. It remains
the cause of disease and aging. Much research is being done
on this topic and as more reports are publicized we may
come to have a clearer understanding of how to keep our
bodies healthier longer.
An interesting discovery has already added much to our
understanding. Inside the nucleus of a cell our genes are
arranged along an entwined double-strand of molecules of
DNA called chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes
are stretches of DNA called telomeres, which protect our
genetic information while making it possible for our cells to
divide and produce new cells.
Telomeres maybe compared to the plastic tips on
shoelaces because they keep the ends of our chromosomes
from fraying or sticking to each other. Surprisingly, each
time a cell divides the telomeres get shorter. When they get
too short, then the cell can no longer divide. This shortening
process is associated with aging, cancer, and a higher risk of
death. So telomeres also have been compared with a bomb
fuse ("Bombs and Brain Cells" Science Update).
For example, in white blood cells telomeres are about
8,000 base pairs in newborn bodies to 3,000 base pairs in
adult bodies and then as low as 1,500 in elderly bodies.
During cell division an average cell loses 30 to 200 base
pairs from the ends of its telomeres.
 Cells normally can divide only about 50 to 70 times.
While telomere shortening has been linked to the aging
process, Geneticist Richard Cawthon and colleagues at the
University of Utah and others cannot yet determine whether
shorter telomeres are just a sign of aging – like gray hair – or
actually contribute to aging.
Scientists have been able to use telomerase in the lab
to keep human cells dividing far beyond their normal limit,
and the cells do not become cancerous. If we use enzymes
that add nucleotides to telomeres to "immortalize" human
cells, then we may be able to mass produce cells for
transplantation, including insulin-producing cells to cure
diabetes, muscle cells for treating muscular dystrophy,
cartilage cells for certain kinds of arthritis, and skin cells for
healing severe burns and wounds. An unlimited supply of
normal human cells grown in the laboratory would also help
efforts to test new drugs and gene therapies.
Human lifespan has increased since the 1600s, when
the average lifespan was 30 years. By 2012 the average U.S.
life expectancy was nearly 79. Reasons for the increase
include sewers and other sanitation measures, antibiotics,
clean water, refrigeration, vaccines, and other medical
efforts to prevent children and babies from dying, improve
diets, and provide better health care.
Some scientists predict that the average life expectancy
will continue to increase, although many doubt the average
will ever be much higher than 90. But a few say vastly
longer lifespans are possible. Geneticist Richard Cawthon
says that if all processes of aging could be eliminated and
oxidative stress damage repaired, "one estimate is people
could live 1,000 years." Now that takes us back to Old
Testament ages: Adam lived to be 930, Methuselah 969, and
Noah 950!
—Oxidative Stress—
Leonard Smith, M.D., a gastrointestinal, vascular
surgeon developed the following guide:
 "There are many different processes and substances
that damage cells and contribute to oxidative stress
including:
•Toxic chemical compounds and pollutants in your body
•Hydrogenated fats
•All kinds of pollution, including air, water, and food
•Oils that have been heated to very high temperatures
[as in deep-fried foods]
•Cigarette smoke, directly inhaled or secondhand
•Dehydration
•Too much sugar
•Too much animal protein in your diet
•Geophysical stress like living near power lines or waste
dumps
•Microbial imbalance, including bacterial, fungal and
viral infections
•Preservatives in your food
•Drugs (over the counter and prescription)
•Artificial food colorings and flavorings
•Plastics and phthalates
•Chemical cleaning supplies
•Chlorinated water that you drink, shower in or swim in
•Alcohol
•Pesticides in your food
•Radiation exposure
•Psychological and emotional stress
Your body generates free radicals every day, but you don't
have to let free radical damage cause premature aging and
disease!" (Source: BodyEcology.com)
—Understanding Inflammation—
Chronic Inflammation
Our amazing bodies naturally become inflamed in
response to injury or infection, revealing this in the form of
swelling, heat, redness, and pain. The process includes
increased blood flow with an influx of white blood cells and
other chemical substances that facilitate healing. This is the
body's way of getting more immune activity into an area
that needs to fend off infection or heal from injury. And it is
an important and natural function of our bodies.
However, there is another kind of inflammation that is
not healthy and is a cause of aging and disease. It is called
chronic inflammation. It is often imperceptible because it is
a low-level inflammation that wears on our body over time.
Now one’s genetics plays a part in one’s body being inclined
to chronic inflammation but so does a sedentary lifestyle
(little to no exercise), too much stress and toxins. The food
we eat also has a huge impact on our body’s state of
inflammation. Some medical researchers believe that the
single most important thing we can do to counter chronic
inflammation is to stop eating refined, processed, and
manufactured foods – eat real foods, as fresh as possible and
with the least amount of processing. And guess which foods
are anti-inflammatory – fruits and vegetables!
—Detoxing Our Bodies the Cayce Way—
A new baby’s cells are filled with vitality and little to no
toxins. In a baby’s body life is flowing with a sparkle. If the
child is nursing on mother’s milk then even its poops don’t
smell! How clean is that? Wouldn’t it be nice to at least have
some of our own baby-body purity back? Edgar Cayce says
we can get close to that!
Our bodies are amazing but they do need some help
from time to time. Two features of a healthy body are proper
assimilation of the nutrients needed to feed its cells and the
elimination of toxins that build up in the body. This is
especially true if the body is not being active, because in
that case fluids and toxins pool in the body and do not get
to our elimination systems.
—Our Elimination Systems—
We have 4 systems devoted to elimination of toxins and
dross. They are:
•Skin & Sweat Glands
•Lungs & Breath
 •Digestive System & Bowel Movements
•Urinary System & Urine
As we can quickly see if we are not properly functioning
in any one of these systems then toxins and dross back up in
our body and we begin to decline in health and freshness.
Eliminations in the Edgar Cayce teachings were very
important to health!
6 Quick Tips for Improving Eliminations
1. Crew our food! Sounds natural but it is not. Cayce was
clear about how crewing food prepares it for easier
digestion. For example, saliva contains the enzyme amylase
that breaks some starches down into maltose and dextrin.
Thus, digestion of food begins in the mouth, even before it
reaches the stomach. Saliva and crewing also creates the
"bolus," a soft mass of chewed food that makes digestion
easier and more complete. Here is one example from Cayce’s
files: “"For each and every body there should be the
thorough mastication [chewing]. For if this is done the
activity of the glands in the mouth and the salivary glands is
such as to keep the throat and the bronchi in a much
healthier condition. Bolting food or swallowing it by the use
of liquids produces more colds than ANY ONE activity of a
diet! Even milk or water should be CHEWED two to three
times before taken into the stomach itself, for this makes for
the proper assimilation of the lacteal activity in the system;
and when being acted upon by the gastric flow of the
hydrochlorics in the duodenum area, it is better assimilated
and gives more value in the whole of the body." (808-3)
Note: Hydrochloric acid is found naturally in human gastric
acid.
2. Do not mix so much fluid with the food by drinking
while eating. This allows the powerful digestive fluids to be
at their full strength when processing ingested food.
3. Eat Real Food. I know this sounds surprising but too
much of our ingested meals are processed. Processed foods
often contain what is known as "empty" calories. Calories are
a way of describing how much energy our bodies get from
eating a food. The term empty calories applies to food such
as solid fats and those with added sugars that provide little
or no nutrition. Many of us eat far too many processed foods
that provide little real energy. It is better to eat foods that
Nature created and as fresh as possible.
4. Eat liver-healthy foods because the liver removes
harmful material from the bloodstream and plays an
important role in proper digestion. The liver-loving foods are
leafy green vegetables like leafy lettuce and spinach,
cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and
avocados, lemons, grapefruit, walnuts, garlic, and even
green tea. Purifying the blood system is an important step.
Here’s Cayce:
"The body rebuilds itself CONSTANTLY, through what?
The BLOOD supply!" (683-3)
"In the blood supply of this body – as in most bodies –
lies the life and extenuation of life, the abilities to create
and to eliminate from the system destructive forces, as well
as within same create constructive, resuscitating, revivifying
forces within the body." (443-2)
"Gradually, as the strength and resistance and the
bloodstream becomes renewed and revivified, the
eliminations and the drosses become less and less a portion
of the problem." (1173-1)
5. Hydrate! We hear it all the time but how many of us
actually drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day as Edgar Cayce
recommended (that’s 48 to 64 ounces). And he wanted us to
"crew" the water so as to mix our saliva with it before we
swallow.
6. Reduce stress, inactivity, and emotionally disturbing
TV, movies, thoughts, and situations. We each have a free-
will and can make better choices for our health. Nothing
truly stands in our way but ourselves. Of course habits and
patterns of behavior are difficult to change. Whatever it
takes we can with patience and persistence overcome or
change our daily experiences for the better.
Cayce wanted a balanced life, meaning going out into
life and the lives of others while also budgeting time to go
within to tune to the renewing forces of the Spirit within us.
He wanted recreation with rest, study with reflection,
selflessness with self-discovery, knowledge with application.
Using these we should find ourselves healthier and happier –
even a bit younger!
What is important for our purposes here is that our
bodies know how to renew themselves. If we hold a mindful
awareness of this process and can maintain a balanced ratio
in our bodies between oxidants and antioxidants, then we
can improve every 7 years and thereby build and maintain a
healthier body.
There will be some specific therapies for improving the
functioning of our elimination systems later in this book.
 Chapter 4
The Mechanics of Health, Healing, and
Rejuvenation

Since our souls live in and express through these

physical bodies it is a good idea to get to know these bodies
and how they best function. Cayce conveyed volumes on
how the body operates best. Let’s look at some of his
teachings on this important subject.
—Balance and Coordination are Required—
"To be rejuvenated, the body must be kept in a
condition of construction; to ever find that the heart, the
digestive organs' combination of elimination and
assimilation, the hair, the scalp, the nasal, the eye, the ear,
the throat, the bronchi, the lungs, the structural forces of the
body work as a UNIT, or as ONE! And then we may find, and
do find, the body BUILDING, ever." (681-2)
"There must be kept a body-balance." (681-2)
"There is more than one manner of eliminating the
conditions, but inasmuch as there needs to be the reviving,
the revivifying and the coordination of the vibratory forces
through the body – we find these as we will give would be
the more preferable ways and manners for making for the
corrections to be of a permanent nature; thus revivifying the
whole of the body." (1196-1)
 "There may be created that balance of cooperation and
coordination throughout the physical forces of the body,
revivifying those disturbances to a constructive activity,
rather than a tearing down; and creating those balances in
the coordination of the mental with the spiritual for the
material activity." (1173-8)
"As there is the revivifying of the whole system, this
[ailment] should take on a different condition, as the
GENERAL condition is helped, see?" (366-3)
—Ionizing and Re-Ionizing—
Before we go any further we need some understanding a
little about electrolytes, which are ions, and the process of
electrolysis. We don’t need a deep college-level course but
jsut enough to comprehend Cayce’s teaching. Besides,
electrolytes are very important to our health. So let’s begin
with a section from Philip Schatz Anatomy and Physiology
textbook:
“The body contains a large variety of ions, or
electrolytes, which perform a variety of functions. Some ions
assist in the transmission of electrical impulses along cell
membranes in neurons and muscles. Other ions help to
stabilize protein structures in enzymes. Still others aid in
releasing hormones from endocrine glands. All of the ions in
plasma contribute to the osmotic balance that controls the
movement of water between cells and their environment.
Electrolytes in living systems include sodium, potassium,
chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphate, magnesium,
copper, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, and
chromium. In terms of body functioning, six electrolytes are
most important: sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate,
calcium, and phosphate. These six ions aid in nerve
excitability, endocrine secretion, membrane permeability,
buffering body fluids, and controlling the movement of fluids
between compartments. These ions enter the body through
the digestive tract. More than 90 percent of the calcium and
phosphate that enters the body is incorporated into bones
and teeth, with bone serving as a mineral reserve for these
ions. In the event that calcium and phosphate are needed
for other functions, bone tissue can be broken down to
supply the blood and other tissues with these minerals.
Phosphate is a normal constituent of nucleic acids; hence,
blood levels of phosphate will increase whenever nucleic
acids are broken down. Excretion of ions occurs mainly
through the kidneys, with lesser amounts lost in sweat and
in feces. Excessive sweating may cause a significant loss,
especially of sodium and chloride. Severe vomiting or
diarrhea will cause a loss of chloride and bicarbonate ions.
Adjustments in respiratory and renal [kidney] functions
allow the body to regulate the levels of these ions in the
ECF." ECF is an abbreviation for extracellular fluid.
(Source:philxschatz.com/anatomy-
book/contents/m46414.html)
Okay, that wasn’t so bad was it? Basically, electrolytes
are minerals in our bodies that have an electric charge. They
are in our blood, urine, and bodily fluids. Maintaining the
right balance of electrolytes is important to our blood
chemistry, muscle action, and bodily processes. Sodium,
calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate and magnesium are
all electrolytes. And these are found in our foods and liquids.
Levels of electrolytes in our bodies can become too low or
too high. That can happen when the amount of water in our
bodies changes, causing dehydration or over-hydration.
Dramatic changes may occur as a result of medicines,
vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or kidney problems. Problems
most often occur with levels of sodium, potassium, or
calcium.
Those of us who have had children know how quickly
their little bodies can become ion depleted – we go to the
store and buy a bottle of liquid with electrolytes to replace
the electrolytes lost through dehydration, vomiting, or
diarrhea. Unfortunately, modern products are often
contaminated with ingredients that harm more then help,
such as dextrose, salt, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners
and food color dyes. Buyers beware for most ALL of the
popular brands for electrolytes sold in our grocery stores are
filled with these! (Even the National Football League uses a
brand derived from petrochemicals and using color dyes.
These dyes have been found to inhibit mitochondrial
respiration, which is the powerhouse in our cells to convert
nutrients to energy! Fortunately, there are products made
with some wisdom and their electrolytes come from calcium,
magnesium, and bicarbonate, with vitamin B6 – important in
the absorption of magnesium. These nutrients and
electrolytes are often added to purified water, carbonated
water, or mineral water. For more on this go to:
paleoedge.com/best-and-worst-electrolyte-drinks/
As we read on we are going to find Cayce focusing on
ionizing the blood and even the nerve forces in our bodies.
Hopefully, we now have a better understanding of what he is
seeking and how he gets the ionization from our foods,
beverages, and other means, such as fresh air.
However, we begin with the importance of our blood
chemistry and how it is the main source of renewal and
extension of life!
—The Blood—
Here we repeat his insight into how important the
condition of our blood supply is:
"The body rebuilds itself CONSTANTLY, through what?
The BLOOD supply!" (683-3)
"In the blood supply of this body (as in most bodies…)
lies the life and extenuation of life, the abilities to create
and to eliminate from the system destructive forces, as well
as within same create constructive, resuscitating, revivifying
forces within the body." (443-2)
"Gradually, as the strength and resistance and the
bloodstream becomes renewed and revivified, the
eliminations and the drosses become less and less a portion
of the problem." (1173-1)
 —Re-Ionizing the Blood—
"Q: Have I sufficient magnetism?
"A: This rises and falls easily, owing to the lack of
ionization through the system. Hence the low electrical and
vibratory form of activity necessary in the body." (1811-1)
"This re-ionizing of the bloodstream, the revivifying of
the flows to the internal as well as the external circulation,
should revitalize these [weaknesses of the body]." (1299-1)
"The use of the Radio-Active Appliance would RE-IONIZE
the system, if this is used of evenings before retiring. Not
AFTER retiring, but BEFORE retiring; while the body
meditates use the Appliance." (189-4)
More information on the Radio-Active Appliance is
coming in the Therapies chapter but for now know that it
has nothing to do with nuclear energy. It is more like a radio
wave device than nuclear fission!
"There must be kept a body-balance, then. Hence,
ionizing of the energies from all the radial forces about the
superficial circulation – as may be taken by the activities
that come from electrical emanations about self – is helpful.
But if these are passed as the equalizing from one extremity
to another, and then the exercises, so much the better!"
(681-2)
"Each day we would use the Radio-Active Appliance for
one hour, attached to opposite sides of the body; right wrist,
left ankle; left wrist, right ankle. This is to create – by the
body-vibrations, that are brought to activative forces of
forcing through the whole of the circulatory forces that
renewal of energy and vitality – re-ionizing of the vital
forces.
"After the treatment with the Radio-Active Appliance
each day we would use a massage with an equal
combination of Olive Oil and Tincture of Myrrh; that this may
stimulate the circulation.
"These do, and keep activities cheery. Thus we may
bring the better conditions for the body." (1384-2)
 Occasionally, a body can be too ionized, as in this case:
"However, as we find, that needed instead of RE-
ionizing is rather DE-ionizing of the vibratory forces of the
body, for the better conditions." (1297-2)
Again, more information on the Radio-Active Appliance
is coming in the Therapies chapter but for now know that it
has nothing to do with nuclear energy. It is more like a radio
wave device than nuclear fission!
—Carbon in the Blood—
"[We need] the active forces of carbon, or oxygen
through the decomposed carbon, electrified, released IN the
system – so as to re-VITALIZE the energies in the
bloodstream." (5645-1)
"The body needs rest, mentally and physically, and the
outside, open air, plenty of carbon – oxygen for the system –
so that the blood supply is re-ironized throughout. Plenty of
those food values that carry much of iron and iodine,
reducing potashes in the system, as to relieve nerve
tension." (5554-2)
Later in the section on Carbon Foods, this will be
explained more fully. And “potashes” are associated with
potassium, particularly certain types of potassium. Although
it is an important mineral for the body, too much or too little
potassium is known to result in cardiac arrhythmias.
The Often Forgotten Lymph!
For Cayce, and for most health care people, the human
lymph system plays an important role in health. It is a
circulatory system without the pump of the heart that the
blood system enjoys. To move lymph one needs to – you
guessed it – MOVE! Exercise the body is how the lymph gets
moved along its many pathways and cleansing stations.
Here is just one of Cayce’s comments on the importance
of this system:
"There are ducts and glands and lymph throughout,
both internally and externally, when these become
impoverished by the lack of circulation in same it produces
an inflammatory condition. Hence if we would build up the
resistances in the blood stream by a greater quantity of
lymph, these will take on the lymph first - for it is the white
portion or the watery portion. Lymph flows through the
lymph ducts and lymph glands, and is a part of the whole
nerve circulation. Hence in the superficial portions it
expresses or manifests itself in networks over all portions of
the abdomen, through the groin, and works through those
activities along the mammary glands and salivary glands,
and all portions of the alimentary canal." (264-55)
The lymphatic system is an interconnected network of
tissues and organs that play a key role in ridding the body of
toxins, waste, and other undesirable materials. The primary
function of the lymphatic system is to transport its special
fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, the
leukocytes and lymphocytes throughout our bodies.
The lymphatic vessels are connected to lymph nodes
that filtered out elements in our system that need to be
flushed away. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are
major parts of the lymphatic system. In our bodies there are
hundreds of lymph nodes located deep inside our bodies.
Many are around our lungs and heart, and many closer to
the surface of our bodies – under our arm, in our groin,
throat, and the like.
A lymphocyte is a type of leukocyte or white blood cell.
White blood cells are the warriors in our bodies helping to
fight off infection and cleanse dross away. Lymphocytes are
the cells that determine the immune response to infectious
microorganisms and alien substances. Lymphocytes
compose roughly 20 to 40 percent of the total number of
white blood cells in an adult body. They are concentrated in
central lymphoid organs and tissues, such as the spleen,
tonsils, and lymph nodes, as well as circulating through
lymphatic vessels. These are the zone and pathways where
our immune response will begin! The two primary types of
lymphocytes are B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, or you
may have heard of B-cells and T-cells, especially T-cells
because they became famous when the AIDS virus attacked
humans. B- and T-cells originate from stem cells in our bone
marrow. Some lymphocytes migrate to the thymus gland,
where they mature into the important T-cells. These cells
form what is called “immunologic memory.” Such memory
helps us to have a more rapid and vigorous response to a
second encounter with the same toxin or other foreign
substance that invades our body by the production of
antibodies. This is how injections of small amounts of virus
into our system can build antibodies against any future
invasion. The ability to respond to virtually any toxin or alien
substance comes from the massive variety of lymphocyte
populations that our body contains, each of them with a
receptor capable of recognizing a unique toxin or invader –
any substance that is “not self” is attacked.
Keeping the lymph system moving and cleansed is an
important part of health and healing. Exercise, water intake,
massage, and hydrotherapies are some of the ways we keep
our lymph flowing and ready to protect us. We will also see
how maintaining an alkaline chemistry in our body helps the
lymph fight infections and reduce toxins.
—The Nerves—
"As the electrical vibrations are given, know that Life
itself, to be sure, is the Creative Force or God, yet its
manifestions in man are electrical, or vibratory. Know then
that the force in nature that is called electrical or electricity
is that same force you worship as Creative or God in action!
"Seeing this, feeling this, knowing this, you will find that
not only does the body become revivified, but by the
creating in every atom of its being the knowledge of the
activity of this Creative Force or Principle as related to spirit,
mind, body, all three are renewed." (1299-1)
"We find the nerve system over-taxed and the body
assimilating fear rather than stimulus of the nature to give
relief to the body." (4790-1)
 —Life is Electrical—
“The study of electrical energies is the basis for finding
in a scientific manner the motivative force of animation in
matter. ... But in the study of this activity of electronic
energy in man, look for it in the lower frequency and not in
the ultra. ... For Life is, and its manifestations in matter are
of an electronic energy. (440-20)
“Materiality or matter demonstrates and manifests the
units of positive and negative energy, or electricity, or God.
Life itself is the Creative Force or God, yet its manifestations
in man are electrical, or vibratory. Whatever electricity is to
man, that’s what the power of God is. Man may in the
material world use God-force, God-power or electricity, to do
man’s work or to destroy himself. Know then that the force in
nature that is called electrical or electricity is that same
force you worship as Creative or God in action!” (1299-1)
—The Electrical Body—
“Electricity is life in the nerve force of the body.
Impressions produced through the sensory system act on the
nervous system of the body. Relays of these are along the
stations of ganglia or nerve centers along the spine and in
the deeper nervous system. The relays of nerves to the
sensory system are through the sympathetics (autonomic
system). Those of the cerebrospinal system, or the spinal
cord, are in the brain itself, or the ends through the
oblongata.
“Electrical forces from direct current will produce
exaggeration or inflammation to the nerve walls. The
reverse, or a cold electrical force, that is of low origin,
produces a sullen, or acts as a sedative to the nerve force of
the body. When we use electrical force in the nervous
system, it should be of low origin or of cold storage or
batteries applied along to the centers of the lymphatic
circulation, to the armpits, ankles, or knee, and under them.
Or the reverse current from static electricity along the spine
or cerebrospinal forces. Add to this a positive suggestion to
the mind as it goes to sleep, and will reach the sensory
system by touch and hearing. Seeing this, feeling this,
knowing this, you will find that not only does the body
become revivified, but by the creating in every atom of its
being the knowledge of the activity of this Creative Force or
Principle as related to spirit, mind, body – all three are
renewed. For these are as the trinity in the body, these are
as the trinity in the principles of the very life force itself – as
the Father, the Son, the Spirit – the Body, the Mind, the
Spirit – these are one. One Spirit, One God, One Activity.
Electricity is life; life is electricity, you see. Force or the
power here in the atom in itself, which is the body drawn up,
we have the electric force on the body will, if given into the
nervous system, produce a reaction on the nerves
themselves.” (131-1)
—The Electrical Poles of the Body—
Electrical current is a complicated subject but let’s take
a moment to understand electrical current inside our bodies.
First, here is Cayce’s statement:
“The liver and the kidneys are the positive and negative
poles of a human body, and when one of these becomes
overtaxed, the other becomes supercharged in its
functioning. Now, as to the activities of the liver and the
kidneys, they are as the poles of a generator that are
positive and negative in their reaction. The liver is an
excretory and secreting organ. The kidneys are excretory
and secreting, but in the opposite way and manner. The liver
prepares values for the assimilating, and necessary elements
to produce better assimilation. The functioning of the
kidneys is rather to purify the circulation by taking from the
blood supply infectious forces that are carried off by the
slushing of same with the quantities of water taken. See?”
(514-4)
In this teaching Cayce is showing how the current flows
in our bodies. He is showing how the liver flows to the body
giving that necessary for life while the kidneys draw from
the body reducing toxicity by decomposing chemical
compounds. This is a complementary process that keeps the
body healthy.
He may also be touching on the process of electrolysis
and bodily electrolytes, giving off and receiving electrons –
see page 50 for more on electrolytes.
—Re-Ionizing the Nerve Forces—
"We find that there is the lack of ionization of the nerve
forces, owing to the great strain that has been put upon the
whole of the nervous system, as well as the manner of the
circulatory system. Yet, these may be aided in creating a
better coordination between the superficial and deeper
circulation, and a better reaction or activity through the
assimilating forces of the body." (1553-1)
Be sure to read his hot-and-cold shower therapy for
improving superficial and deeper circulation on page 142.
"Q: Would breathing exercise for re-ionizing the system
together with the head-and-neck exercise be well at this
time?
"A: Not until we get the body coordinating better
physically and physically-mentally. Then these exercises
would be very well." (1523-17)
It is important for us to notice that Cayce is revealing
the stages in healing. One must first get the coordination
going before any exercise will be truly helpful.
"The electric forces [will] re-ionize the body-vitality. This
would be of the low forms of electrical vibration as from the
low static vibratory influence, rather than the direct
currents." (1472-8)
The use of an electric massage vibrator was often
recommended in Cayce’s discourses. See page 146.
"[We need] re-ionizing or re-vitalizing or re-charging – as
it were – the whole vital forces of the body itself ... to bring
much better and much nearer NORMAL coordination."
(1038-1)
 "Use those vibrations as may be set up by the Radio-
Active Appliance as may be attached to the body for the
attuning or ionizing or re-electrifying of the energies of the
system." (1125-2)
More information on the Radio-Active Appliance is
coming in the Therapies chapter but for now you should
know that despite this device’s name it has nothing to do
with nuclear energy. The name is associated with a radio
rather than a radioactive nuclear device!
—Carbonizing the Nerve Forces—
"The body itself, the whole body, is not in as good
condition to rebuild as we have had before, because we find
the carbon of the body, or the storage battery of the body,
which we have of course in the nerve tissue in the gray and
white matter, is below par and below normal. Hence, the
body is in a good deal worse condition that we have had."
(5707-1)
We are carbon-based lifeforms. Here is famous physicist
Stephen Hawking: "What we normally think of as 'life' is
based on chains of carbon atoms, with a few other atoms,
such as nitrogen or phosphorus."
White matter affects how the brain learns and functions.
Grey matter is associated with information processing and
cognition. White matter regulates the distribution of
potential actions, playing the role a relay receiving and
passing on information and messages, and coordinating
communication between different brain regions.
How Mr. 5707, a twenty-year-old Texas boy, let his body
become so low on energy is a bit of a mystery because
carbon is found in nearly every food and provides energy to
survive. Whatever foods you bite into you are sure to get
plenty of carbon because carbon is present in most every
food we eat! In this young man’s reading Cayce’s amazing
mind saw this:
"The body has wasted away a good deal since we had
him before, he is very thin; the blood is right thin. The
building properties of the blood are rather below normal.
The white blood is in the supremacy, and is different from
what we had before, but the building tissue in the blood,
which goes with the white and red blood both, is very weak,
and we find the effects of it more through the lungs and
through the larynx. Also find the lower parts of the right
lung very much involved; have a choking up of the tissue of
the cells of the lung, but find no broken tissue there, though
there are tubercular cells in two places." (5707-1)
Notice how tuberculosis may be the cause! Here is how
Cayce sought to repair this young man’s body, and notice
how holistic his approach, being physical and mental:
"We will have to get the digestive organ in proper shape
to have assimilations from the body. We must have more
oxygen so that the lungs will throw off the carbon [carbon
dioxide] from the body. He should be more out doors, and
take more bodily exercise; have more employment of the
mind, to get it off of self, or to do something that will relax
the body – not enough of course to wear it out, causing
congestion. Then the body will rebuild."
This gives us an idea of how complex healing and health
is, and yet may be summed: digestion and assimilation of
nutrients needed, elimination of toxins that build up in the
body, and a mind that seeks to live and engage in fellowship
(not being so self-centered). By the way, Edgar Cayce’s wife
developed tuberculosis and was cured using Cayce’s
methods.
—The Glands—
"All the elements for revivifying, or for producing
reproduction of functioning of organs, activities, nerve
forces, are produced by glands. Hence, the condition has
been and is dependent upon the resuscitating of the
influences [of the glands]. Hence the stimulation necessary
along the cerebrospinal system, and the adjustments, as to
allow the perfect flow of activity through the nerve impulses
of ganglia activity. And, as the system is builded for better
general health in assimilation, in distribution, it will aid the
glands in producing or performing their necessary
functions." (360-4)
"There must be those attentions to the body that will
change the chemical reactions in which the glandular
system takes from the body-forces, or the diet in the
assimilation, to create the supplying elements for
resuscitating and revivifying of the affected areas." (3543-1)
More detail on the glands will be coming the next
chapter, particularly the endocrine glands for they are of
major importance in Cayce’s teachings for health and
renewal.
—Coordination—
When Cayce was giving a health reading for a person
his mind could actually "see" inside their body and he would
usually go through in a sequence beginning with the blood
supply, then the nervous system, onto the organs, and also
adding in the person’s emotional, mental state as well. His
most common suggestions for improvement almost always
included improving the eliminations and getting spinal
manipulation and massage, and dietary changes.
Rejuvenation and health came when the body’s circulation
and nerve flow were cooperating, as in this comment to a
41-year-old man:
"Circulation will then be reestablished, nerve flow and
energies from all the centers through which the associations
and connections between cerebrospinal and sympathetic
nerves receive their impulses, must be rejuvenated,
revivified." (3275-1)
 Chapter 5
The Glands and Our Two Nervous Systems

—The Glands—
Edgar Cayce saw the glands in the human body as
channels through which our souls incarnate.
Here is Edgar Cayce’s extraordinary teaching in reading
281-38:
“The glandular forces then are ever akin to the sources
from which, through which, the soul dwells within the body.”
And he expands on this, saying, “It may be easily seen, then,
how very closely the glands are associated with
reproduction, degeneration, regeneration; and this
throughout—not only the physical forces of the body but the
mental body and the soul body.”
As we’ve just read, deterioration of bodily functions has
a lot to do with the glandular secretions or lack there of, and
the rejuvenation must also include improvements in
glandular secretions. Of course, these “secretions” are the
powerful hormones that affect bodily functions and
chemistry.
Depending how you count them, the human body has
roughly seven endocrine glands. “Endocrine” refers to
glands that secrete hormones or other products directly into
the blood. They are considered to be a “system,” and are
most often referred to as the Endocrine System.
 I realize that most of us do not want or need to become
Endocrinologists, but having some basic knowledge of this
most important system in our body will help us in our efforts
to gain and maintain health. Let’s explore them:
—Hormones—
Hormones control the body's metabolism, growth,
sexual development and functionality. When the hormones
leave the glands they enter the bloodstream and are
transported to organs and tissues in every part of the body.
—Endocrine Gland: Locations & Influence—
Here are the major endocrine glands in the body
beginning in the lower torso and proceeding through the
body to brain:
Ovaries and Testicles (Gonads)
The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus in
females and secrete the hormones estrogen and
progesterone; these hormones ensure sexual development,
fertility and healthy menstrual periods. The testicles in
males are located in the scrotum below the penis and
secrete androgens, mainly testosterone, that control sexual
development, puberty, facial hair, sexual behavior, libido,
erectile function, and the formation of spermatozoa
(spermatogenesis).
Cells of Leydig (Lyden)
The Leydig cells are located in the testes and release a
male sex hormone called testosterone. These cells are also
found in a woman's ovaries. They are named after their
discoverer Franz Leydig, an anatomist from Germany. Also
known as interstitial cells of Leydig, they play a vital role in
maintaining proper levels of male hormones. When Leydig
cells are exposed to Luteineizing Hormone (LH), which is
secreted by the pituitary gland, they produce androgens, or
male hormones. Inside the Leydig cells of human males can
be found Reinke's crystals, small rod-shaped crystals made
of protein. They occur only in humans and seem to occur in
larger quantities in older men, leading some to believe that
they are a byproduct of a degenerative process related to
aging.
Adrenal glands (suprarenal glands)
These are located on top of the kidneys. These glands
secrete corticosteroids and catecholamines, such as
norepinephrine and adrenaline (epinephrine), which are
hormones that are released in response to stress. These
glands also produce aldosterone that affects kidney
function.
Pancreas
Located in the abdomen the pancreas is both an
endocrine gland and a digestive organ. It produces insulin,
somatostatin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide. Insulin
plays a key role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the
body. Somatostatin regulates endocrine and nervous system
function; it inhibits the secretion of several hormones, such
as gastrin, insulin and growth hormone. Glucagon is a
peptide hormone that raises blood glucose levels when they
fall too low. Pancreatic polypeptide helps control the
secretion of substance. A peptide is a molecule that is made
up of at least two amino acids.
Thymus gland
An endocrine gland located beneath the breastbone
(sternum). T-cell lymphocytes, types of immune cells,
mature and multiply in the thymus gland early in life. After
puberty the gland shrinks. The thymus gland plays a role in
the body's immune system.
Thyroid gland
It is located just below the Adam's apple in the neck; it
produces hormones that play a key role in regulating blood
pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and
how the body reacts to other hormones. The thyroid gland
uses iodine to manufacture hormones. The two main
hormones are thyroxine and triiodythyronine, which affects
almost every physiological process in the body, including
growth and development. The thyroid gland also produces
calcitonin, which stimulates bone cells to add calcium to
bone, as well as regulating calcium metabolism.
Parathyroid glands
Small endocrine glands located in the neck. They
produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium and
phosphorous in the blood, blood clotting, and
neuromuscular excitation.
Pineal body (pineal gland)
It is a pea-size gland located in the epithalamus, near
the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres. It
produces melatonin, a serotonin derived hormone, which
affects the modulation of sleep patterns in both seasonal
and circadian rhythms (physical, mental, and behavioral
changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding
primarily to light and darkness in an organism's
environment). Its shape resembles a tiny pinecone (hence
its name).
Hypothalamus
This gland is located just above the brain stem, below
the thalamus. This gland activates and controls involuntary
body functions, appetite, sleep, temperature, as well as the
circadian cycles. The hypothalamus links the nervous
system to the endocrine system via the hypophysis (i.e.
pituitary gland).
Pituitary gland
An endocrine gland located just off the hypothalamus at
the base of the brain (“hanging” off of the hypothalamus). It
is known as the “master gland,” because it secretes
hormones that regulate the functions of other glands, as well
as growth and several body functions.
The anterior pituitary secretes hormones that affect
sexual development, thyroid function, growth, skin
pigmentation, and adrenocortical function – which enables
the adrenal glands to deal with stress from every possible
source, ranging from injury and disease to work and
relationship problems. They largely determine the energy
used in our body’s responses to every change in our internal
and external environment.
The posterior pituitary secretes oxytocin, a hormone
that raises uterine contractions as well as ADH (antidiuretic
hormone) that encourages the reabsorption of water by the
kidneys.
—Summary—
In this attempt to simplify and summarize the hormones
and glands (and at the risk of upsetting some
Endocrinologists) we should understand that our body is a
body-mind-spirit whole, so systemic activity in the body
must take into consideration the mental attitude and
emotional condition. Also, the Endocrine System operates as
a system. Messages are going back and forth among the
glands via the blood circulatory system – and rapidly! These
hormonal messages affect health and wellbeing, energy, and
rejuvenation, even moods and emotions, attitudes and
motivations, or the lack thereof. And in turn they are
affected by mental and emotional disposition.
Today, modern medicine is primarily pharmaceutical,
meaning drug-therapy, and the approach is mostly toward
stopping or reducing symptoms rather than causes. And
though in some cases drugs are needed, returning the body
to natural functioning using its own internal chemicals and
processes should be the ultimate goal whenever possible.
Of course Cayce never left any discussion to the
physical only, so we should take a moment and look into his
spiritual comments about the glands:
—The Spiritual, Metaphysical Aspect of Glands—
Interestingly, the seven major zones of endocrine glands
correlate well to the seven spiritual centers in the human
body, often called “chakras.” Here are the spiritual and
metaphysical concepts associated with these glands:
Much of Cayce’s insights into the glands were given in
his series of readings numbered 281. The following is an
example and I am leaving it in the format used for all of his
readings to give you a better idea of how the files look:

“TEXT OF READING 281-53 This psychic reading given by

Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach,
Va., this 2nd day of April, 1941, in accordance with request
made by those present.
“PRESENT
“Edgar Cayce; Hugh Lynn Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis,
Steno. Florence Edmonds, Esther Wynne, Frances Y. Morrow,
Hannah Miller, Ruth LeNoir, Helen Ellington, Gladis Hardin,
Sallie Jones, Mae Verhoeven.
“READING
“Time of Reading 3:55 to 4:20 P. M.
“1. HLC [Edgar’s eldest son]: You will have before you
the Glad Helpers Prayer Group, members of which are
present in this room. You will consider their work and study
on the endocrine system of the human body, answering the
questions they submit, as I ask them:
“2. [Edgar Cayce]: Yes, we have the group gathered
here; as a group and as individuals, also their work and
study of the endocrine system in the human body, with the
information which has been indicated through this channel -
that was to be analyzed in the mind of each.
“3. Ready for questions.
“4. (Q) Are the following statements true or false?
Comment on each as I read it: The life force rises directly
from the Leydig gland through the Gonads, thence to Pineal,
and then to the other centers.
“4. (A) This is correct; though, to be sure, as it rises and
is distributed through the other centers it returns to the
solar plexus area for its impulse through the system.
For the moment, let's consider the variation here in this
life force - or as respecting this life force. The question is
asked not in relation to the life alone as manifested in the
human body, but as to the process through which
coordination is attained or gained in and through
meditation, see?
Hence physically, as we have indicated, there is first the
nucleus - or the union of the first activities; and then the
pineal as the long thread activity to the center of the brain,
see? Then from there, as development progresses, there are
those activities through reflexes to the growth or the
developing of the body.
Interpret that variation, then, as being indicated here.
One life force is the body-growth, as just described. The
other is the impulse that arises, from the life center, in
meditation.
“5. (Q) As the life force passes through the glands it
illuminates them.
“5. (A) In meditation, yes. In the life growth, yes and no;
it illuminates them in their own activity in life growth.
“6. (Q) The leydig gland is the same as that we have
called the lyden, and is located in the gonads.
“6. (A) It is in and above, or the activity passes through
the gonads. Lyden [See 281-53, R2] is the meaning - or the
seal, see? while Leydig is the name of the individual who
indicated this was the activity. You can call it either of these
that you want to.
“7. (Q) The life force crosses the solar plexus each time
it passes to another center.
“7. (A) In growth, yes. In meditation, yes and no; if there
remains the balance as of the attunement, yes.
“When we are considering these various phases, the
questions should be prepared so that they would not
crisscross, or so that there would not be a confusion or a
misinterpretation as to what is meant.
“You see, what takes place in the developing body, or in
life growth (which we have used as a demonstration, or have
illustrated), may be different from that which takes place as
one attempts to meditate and to distribute the life force in
order to aid another - or to control the influence as in
healing, or to attain to an attunement in self for a deeper or
better understanding. These questions or statements are
such that they will be confusing to some; but if they are
asked properly there will not be confusion.
“8. (Q) The solar plexus is the aerial gland.
“8. (A) No. By the term aerial we mean that impulse or
activity that flows in an upward, lifting, raising or rising
movement. It is an activity in itself, you see; not as a gland
but as an activity UPON glands as it flows in, through, from
or to the various centers of activity in the system itself. It is a
function. Let's illustrate - possibly this will give an
interpretation such that you may understand:
“In your radio you have what you call an aerial for
communications that are without any visible connection.
This is not a part of that making up the framework, yet it is
necessary for certain characters of reception or for the better
distribution of that which takes place in the instrument as
related to communication itself.
“So in the physical body the aerial activity is the flow
through the pineal, to and through all the centers. It aids the
individual, or is an effective activity for the individual who
may consciously attempt to attune, coordinate, or to bring
about perfect accord, or to keep a balance in that
attempting to be reached or attained through the process.
“As the process begins in the physical body, it is along
the pineal; or it is the same movement that is the controlling
or attuning influence from the mother with the developing
forces of the body through the period of gestation.
“That is the manner, or the process, or the way in which
the impressions are made. So, if there is beauty about the
body of the mother through such periods, there are those
influences to bring about accord. It may be indicated in
contour of face. It may be indicated in the process of change
in the activity of the thyroid as related to all the forces, -
even to the color of hair or eyes, or the skin's activity; the
nails, or more toes than should be - or less, or such activities.
Or, the influences existent through such processes might
make for a lacking of something in the body itself,
pathologically; by the attempt to create a normal balance
without the necessary influences being available.
“All of this is what we have referred to as the aerial
activity, see?
“HLC: I see.
“Don't say you see if you don't see! You only had a
portion of it! Let's illustrate it in this way, so you will
comprehend:
“Understand the processes of activity through which
there are the needs of the aerial in reception. For, of course,
it is a matter of vibration in the body, as well as that
illustrated in the physical condition. Thus there are activities
about a body that is supplying the needs physically and
mentally for a developing body, that become a part of the
process, see?
“9. (Q) The entity preparing to be born into the earth
has an influence upon the mother in building its own body.
“9. (A) No. That would be the same as saying that an
atom had an influence upon that to which it could be
attracted! See the variation?
“As in the realms outside of the material body, we have
influences that are sympathetic one to another and we have
influences that have an antipathy one for another, - as in fire
and water, yet they are much alike. There are other forces
that are active in the same manner, or that are of the
“But in the physical world there is builded a body, by
the process of a physical law, see? Now: There is builded
also a mental body, see?
“God breathed into man the breath of life and he
became a LIVING soul.
“Then, with the first breath of the infant there comes
into being in the flesh a soul, - that has been attracted, that
has been called for, by all the influences and activities that
have gone to make up the process through the period of
gestation, see?
“Many souls are seeking to enter, but not all are
attracted. Some may be repelled. Some are attracted and
then suddenly repelled, so that the life in the earth is only a
few days. Oft the passing of such a soul is accredited to, and
IS because of disease, neglect or the like, but STILL there
was the attraction, was there not?
“Hence to say that the body is in any way builded by an
entity from the other side is incorrect. BUT those mental and
physical forces that ARE builded ARE those influences
needed FOR that soul that does enter!
“10. (Q) The entity desiring to enter governs the change
in sex, which may occur as late as the third month.
“10. (A) It may occur even nineteen years after the body
is born! So, it doesn't change in that direction!
“11. (Q) The physical development of the child is wholly
dependent upon the mother from whom it draws physical
sustenance, but its purpose, desire and hope are built up or
influenced by the minds of all concerned.
“11. (A) That's the first question you've asked correctly.
CORRECT!" (281-53)
See how Cayce fully understood the how the human
body develops but then reinforces the influence of the mind,
even the minds of all concerned.
The following is a reading given for Edgar Cayce
himself, focusing on his psychic ability and the glands
involved:
"(Q) What other glands in the body, if any, besides the
Leydigian, pineal, and glands of reproduction, are directly
connected with psychic development?
"(A) These three are the ducts, or glands. In some
developments these have reached a stage where they do
not function as ducts or glands, but are rather dormant; yet
much passes through same, especially for the various stages
of a psychical sojourn or development. These, as we find -
the genitive organism is as the motor, and the Leydig as a
sealed or open door, dependent upon the development or
the use same has been put to by the entity in its mental, its
spiritual, activity. The mental may have been misused, or
used aright. The spiritual activity goes on just the same. It is
as the electron that is Life itself; but raised in power and
then misdirected may bring death itself, or - as in the
activities of the glands as seen, or ducts - that used aright
may bring serenity, hope, peace, faith, understanding, and
the attributes of its source, as the experience of the entity;
or, misdirected, may bring those doubts, fears,
apprehensions, contentions, disorders, disruptions, in every
portion of the body. Hence these may literally be termed,
that the pineal and the Leydig are the SEAT of the soul of an
entity.
"As to the abilities of physical reproduction, much of the
activity of the Leydig makes for that as of embryonic in its
activity, or of sterility in its activity. So we have those
channels. These are not the psychic forces, please
understand! They are the CHANNELS through which the
activities have their impulse! Though the manifestations
may be in sight, in sound, in speech, in vision, in writing, in
dreams, in Urim or Thummim, or in any. For these represent
Urim and Thummim in their essence, or in ANY of the
RESPONDING forces in a body; but their impulse arises from
or through these sources in much the same manner as the
heart and the liver are of the physical body the motivating
forces, or impulses, that carry the stream of life itself; or as
the brain is that motivating center of impulse or mind. These
are merely as illustrations that the student may better
understand the activity of that being presented." (294-142)
As you can read, Edgar Cayce’s vision saw us as spiritual
beings living in physical vessels, and these two profoundly
affect each other. And when the mind, which is the bridge
between the physical and spiritual, is added to our
composition, we have the whole self – what Cayce called
“the entity.”
Fruits & Veggies
 Chapter 6
Diet and Foods for Health & Healing

Edgar Cayce was preaching fruits and vegetables in the

1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s to a meat-and-potatoes generation. He
wanted more raw vegetables as well as cooked ones. And
due to modern-day technologies for food growing and
processing using pesticides, herbicides, preservatives,
chemical and hormonal food additives, and more, we are far
from the natural diet of our ancestors and those who live
close to Nature. But we are much more conscious of this
today and have many options for finding the right foods for
our health and wellbeing.
Let’s explore Cayce’s many teachings about food.
—Blood and Nerve Building Foods—
"We would be mindful of the diet, that it consists
principally of those of seafoods; of much that grows ABOVE
the ground, as of the spinach, lettuce, and such GREEN
vegetables. Any of the salads that carry large quantities of
iron. Now this, apparently, would be the creating of blood,
but blood of a character is needed." (5667-1)
"Do use a good deal of sea food, a great deal of leafy
vegetables, and the character of foods that are body and
blood building; as celery, lettuce, radish, carrots, beets, beet
tops, watercress – all of these should be taken quite often;
not every day, to become tiresome for the body, but these
will be found to be most helpful." (3043-1)
"At present the diet would be those of the nature
carrying the greater rebuilding forces in blood stream and in
nerve tissue. Much then of green vegetable forces, and fish,
that are necessary for the body's development. Little of
those of starchy or of the heavy forces." (3837-1)
"There needs to be the care of the diet, for those
conditions as necessary for the BUILDING of blood, of
strength, of vitality, of muscle; and the body with this kind
of food – not the highly seasoned, but that of the nutritious
nature: Fish, fowl, and much vegetable; celery, lettuce, and
the spring – or the vegetables green as much as possible.
Cornbread (not white bread), whole wheat bread." (5618-5)
"In tomatoes there is found the three NECESSARY
vitamins for growth and for DEVELOPMENT. The same is seen
in carrots – save these are not BALANCED in the same ratio
as in tomatoes – but THESE may be given in the raw state.
With tomatoes, choose the well ripe (vine ripened). Another
WELL balanced food with THIS ... is spinach, well cooked,
with no oil or grease save butter. This will furnish another
vitamin, an iron that is excellent for the blood. Well too that
those of the glutens be used, which will be found by rolling
wheat, raw wheat, see? and this cooked as a gruel – a little
salt and little butter, and a very SMALL quantity of sugar."
(5520-2)
To cook a porridge like “a gruel” means to keep it watery
and thin, not letting it thickened by evaporating the water.
"In the matter of diet – these should be nerve and blood
building, but do not force self to eat that as is not desirous of
being eaten! Do not over STIMULATE the system with those
of any character of foods that supply over abundance of
sugars, or over abundance of alcoholic forces, as when there
are those of fruits and fruit juices taken, do not take those
that produce fermentations within the system; for these
unbalance the ASSIMILATING forces of the system, as does
over-acidity or too highly seasoned foods." (5423-1)
“Q: Are the sores on face caused from sugar in the
blood?
“A: Rather from the lack of GLUTEN in the blood, that
KEEPS the eliminating system in coordination. With the
strengthening of the vitality of the nerve ends of the
nervous system, with the stimuli to the glands of the body in
every direction, we will find these conditions will disappear –
but the WARNINGS, as given, do NOT take properties that
make for too much sugars or too much of the stimuli in that
of ACIDITY in the system." (5423-1)
"Fruits, vegetables are better, but not much of meats.
One meal each day, whether morning, evening or in the
noon, one whole meal should consist of RAW vegetables.
Combine these of all the leafy and all those vegetables that
may be combined in a salad. Lettuce, celery, carrots, beans,
spinach, onions, cabbage, and or all of these. Such a salad
may be changed occasionally to a whole FRUIT meal; as
apples, oranges, peaches, lemons, pears – don't put in any
bananas! All of these may be combined and used instead of
the meal of vegetables. Meats if they are taken at all should
never be fried; in fact, no fried foods at all!" (1204-2)
—Vitamins—
"Do add more strengthening foods to the body-forces in
the diets which carry E vitamins as well as A and B or the B-
complex or B-combinations, niacin and iron. For we must
enrich the blood from the deteriorations that are beginning
to indicate how a form of anemia is affecting the resistances
of the body.
“Do follow the diets in foods which are rich in necessary
minerals for replenishing blood supply. The E vitamin, the
wheat germ with the cereals or wheat germ oil taken in
capsule at least once a week or twice during the week. Best
that it be varied, one week once a week, next week twice a
week, next week three-times, but have regular periods for it.
The B-1 should be rich in the foods which are taken. We
would find this from all foods which are yellow in color, not
as greens that would turn yellow, but as the yellow variety of
squash, carrots, wax beans, peaches, all of these are well.
Though, there are other foods, to be sure, as liver, beef
juices, fish, all of these are well to be portions of the diet."
(5319-1)
"The continual taking of such [B-complex vitamins] will
do very little good, unless the system is so adjusted that
these may be assimilated so that the strength and vitality
may go into the system through glandular activity and be
distributed through blood and nerve supply. When the
corrections are made [adjustments to spine and reduction of
toxins in system] these supplementary vitamins may be
taken (not in the beginning) and assimilated by the body so
as to gain strength." (5017-1)
—Ionizing and Ironizing Foods—
"Alternate between those foods that carry a large
percentage of iron and those that carry assimilated ionized
forces as with iodine. Or let most of the foods now be with
fish, shell fish or the like." (1225-3)
"Q: Would you recommend any specific diet?
"A: The fresh vegetables, raw vegetables, are preferable
to meats; for the body needs the balancing throughout the
system of the centralizing system being kept ionized as
related to the eliminations of the body." (865-1)
"Too much calcium in the system, too much potash, and
not sufficient amount of iodine as related to the ironizing
and oxidization as take place in the system." (51-1)
Cayce reference to too much calcium and too much
potash is very interesting. Both of these are inorganic
minerals (neither animal nor vegetable) in structure. They
both form the ash when animal or plant materials are
burned! The organic portions of burned animals or plants are
gone, easily assimilated into the biosphere, but the ash
remains. Apparently, Cayce would have us be more on the
side of organic, easily assimilated condition – with ironizing
and ionizing energies in the blood system rather than too
much ash. As mentioned earlier, potash is a term associated
with potassium, particularly certain types of potassium.
Although it is an important mineral for the body, too much
or too little potassium is know to result in cardiac
arrhythmias. Sources of potassium are bananas, oranges,
apricots, avocados, potatoes, bran, peanuts, and dried peas
and beans. Sources of calcium are milk, cheese and seafoods
(mussels, oysters, salmon, shrimp, etc.). Of course, these
same seafoods also provide iodine. Perhaps Mr. 51 was
ingesting too much of the milk and dairy sources of calcium
without getting enough iodine.
"Change the diet, keeping the oils – not only the olive
oil, but those of the cod-liver oil, to replenish the blood
supply. IRONIZING the whole system, as it were." (5554-2)
—Carbon Foods—
Carbon is found in nearly every food and provides
energy to survive. All foods contain carbon. Only water does
not. During metabolism our bodies break the bonds between
carbon molecules releasing energy that our cells can use.
Cayce seems to be using the term "carbon" in a manner
similar to how we use "carbohydrate." However, in 5707-1,
he does seem to be differentiating a true carbon food from a
starchy carbon food. Carbohydrates [literally a combination
of the words "carbon" and "water"] are formed from carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen through a complex process in which
plants with green leaves transform energy from the sun. The
plant uses some of the carbohydrate for its own needs; the
rest is stored in various parts – seeds, leaves, stalks, roots,
tubers, and so on. This stored carbohydrate can easily be
broken down, digested, and assimilated into our systems.
Carbohydrates in bread, pasta, and cereal need to be made
from the whole grain. Carbs are also found naturally in fruits,
berries, maple sap, honey, sugars (beet sugar is Cayce’s
preference) and milk.
 There is a vast array of foods that contain
carbohydrates. It appears that Cayce would prefer we use
carbohydrates that do not contain sugars and starch, but
yield a pure carbon influence when digested. When we
study his recommended diet, it does not contain flour pastas
and processed breads. It does contain whole-grain cereals,
as well as fruits and vegetables. These would appear to be
the better sources of carbon.
Here are some of his comments and directives:
"It is better for the body to eat oftener instead of in
large quantities. He should not eat so much of a starch, but
more of a property that will produce carbon to the body, so
that it will not burn itself out." (5707-1)
"[We need] plenty of carbon, oxygen for the system, so
the body can be re-ironized. Plenty of those food values that
carry much of iron and iodine, reducing potashes in the
system, as to relieve nerve tension." (5554-2)
"A diet of a nature of carbons to the system to rebuild or
rejuvenate the blood forces. The iron and calcium into the
system will produce more of a system to call fuel for the
system." (4801-1)
Occasionally, the body has too much carbon, as in this
case:
"Keep the diet in that way and manner that will produce
at all times the easy digestion. Not too much of fuels or
carbons, or carbohydrates, but more of the protein and
vegetable forces that give the tissue in the white blood and
lymphatic forces." (4988-2)
—The Acid and Alkaline Balance—
One of Cayce’s frequent diet teachings was the
advantage of a slightly alkaline body chemistry. The
following are some of his comments on acid/alkaline balance
in our diet. At the end of these comments is a list of foods
and their influence in our bodies.
"As we have maintained for this body and for others, a
tendency towards more of the alkalin-reacting foods; for
when there is the tendency towards an alkalin system there
is less effect of cold and congestion. Adhere to the alkalin
reacting diets, that may be had from vegetables; and at
least one meal, or one period each day, or at least two or
three days apart, have those wholly raw. Have less of the
sweets, or not too great a quantity. Naturally, there should
be sweets that tend to make for the proper distribution of
sugar for the system, for sugars - to be sure - supply not only
heat but also the proper balance for proper fermentation, as
do starches; but if these arise more from fruits and
vegetables rather than the addition of cane sugar into the
body, it will be much the better, for then less acidity arises
from same. To be sure, there should be sufficient of starch
and of the alkalin reactions to produce proper fermentation,
or the proper character of the alcohol that is so necessary in
the preserving the calorie content, in a manner; though the
calories may be made too high, but the activity of the
necessary vital forces that act with the hemoglobin and in
the urea of the blood itself. Hence an alkalin diet, as has
been indicated - or as may be indicated from charts of same,
would be the correct way and manner. Do not have
overeating at any time. Keep a well-balance. And, as some
have very much commented on or maintained, if meats are
to be taken in any quantity don't eat a lot of starch with
same; if there's to be a lot of sweets taken, don't eat a lot of
starch or proteins either with it; but keep them well-
balanced." (270-33, my italics)
"In the matter of the diets: Here we need body-building
foods, but those that tend to be more alkaline-producing
than acid – for the natural inclinations of disturbed
conditions in a body are to produce acidity through the
bloodstream. Hence, we need to REVIVIFY same by the use
of much of those that produce more of the enzymes, more of
the hormones for the blood supply; yet not overburdening
the body with those unless the balance in the vitamin forces
is carried." (1302-1)
 "Those that are blood and nerve building, and may be
changed to any of the characters of foods that are ALKALINE
REACTING! Eggs may be taken at this time, provided the
YOLK only is prepared, either in the form of hard and WELL
MASHED afterward, mixed with any of the oils – olive oil, also
those of cod-liver oil, should be part of the diet.
“Well that the irrigations of oil be occasionally used for
the lower portion of the system, so that the colon may be
cleansed properly, and that the STRAIN as has been induced
by the lack of blood supply through this portion of the
system may be increased. BUILD up the general system.
“The manipulations (osteopathic/chiropractic) as would
be given in this condition would be for the strengthening of
the whole nerve system, that the body may relax thoroughly
when it rests – for the BUILDING properties for THIS body will
be found in rest and sleep." (5520-2)
"Do set up the alkalinizing of body and the eliminations
of poisons." (5319-1)
"As to the diet, keep more of the alkalines. No heavy
foods that EVER are fried. And let one meal each day be of
only raw green vegetables; not green in color necessarily,
but in their very nature – those that carry all the vitamins
necessary in creating the effluvia within the blood and nerve
supply that is revivifying in its very nature." (743-1)
Researchers have found that cold germs and flu viruses
and other diseases, such as cancer, need an acid
environment in order to grow and thrive. Therefore, the goal
for healthiness is to maintain a pH that is just slightly on the
alkaline side. This is done by what many researchers refer to
as the 80/20 rule in which 80 percent of the foods eaten are
alkaline reacting, and 20 percent are acid reacting. The
body functions optimally at an alkaline pH of approximately
7.35–7.45; any deviation just above or below this range can
result in illness.
Here’s a list of foods and their alkaline or acid forming
influence in our bodies. It was prepared by
HealingCancerNaturally.com/edgarcayce-nutritional-
balance.html and I have added some commentary.
—Alkaline-forming fruits—
Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries (all
except blueberries and cranberries), cherries, citrus
fruits like grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges and
tangerines, dates, figs, grapes, melons, papaya,
passion fruit, peaches, pears, pineapples,
pomegranates, tomatoes
—Alkaline-forming fruits—
Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries (all
except blueberries and cranberries), cherries, citrus
fruits like grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges and
tangerines, dates, figs, grapes, melons, papaya,
passion fruit, peaches, pears, pineapples,
pomegranates, tomatoes
—Alkaline-forming grains—
Amaranth, millet, quinoa. All other grains are acid-
forming.
—Alkaline-forming vegetables—
Alfalfa and other sprouts, Artichokes, Asparagus,
Bamboo shoots, Beans, Beets, Bell Peppers,
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots,
Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Chicory, Collard greens,
Corn, Sweet cucumber, Dandelion, Eggplant, Garlic,
Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard
greens, Okra, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes,
Pumpkin, Radishes, Rhubarb, Sea vegetables,
Spinach, Squashes, Watercress, Yams and Sweet
potatoes.
—Alkaline-forming nuts—
Almonds, chestnuts and coconut, all others are acid-
forming.
—Alkaline-forming, miscellaneous—
Agar-agar, apple cider vinegar, coffee, egg yolks,
fruit juices, gelatin taken with fruit or vegetables,
Glycothymoline, herbal teas, herbs fresh and dried,
and most spices, honey raw (unpasteurized - and
Cayce recommended it be in the honey comb) and
mineral water.
—Alkaline-forming dairy—
Buttermilk fresh, milk - raw, whey, yogurt.
—Acid-forming fruits—
Blueberries, cranberries, plums, prunes and
sulfurated dried fruits.
—Acid-forming vegetables—
There is much discussion of this topic and what
should be listed here. Often legumes are list as acid-
producing when there are exceptions and counter
views to this. Here is the view of the Paleo Diet
people (a diet based on the types of foods
presumed to have been eaten by early humans):
“Green beans, snow peas, green peas, and other
green legumes encapsulated in pods are often
questioned in the Paleo world. Are they Paleo? The
short answer is yes, but here’s why. When we say
don’t eat legumes, it’s because legumes have
certain anti-nutrients in them, like phytic acid and
lectins. Phytic acid binds to the minerals
magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron in your gut and
removes them, unabsorbed, from your body. And
lectins are sticky little suckers that can glom onto
your gut lining and wreak havoc on its integrity. Not
good. However, nuts and seeds also contain these
things, and you’re still “allowed” to eat those on the
Paleo diet. And that’s because we’re assuming
you’re not going to fill half your plate with nuts and
seeds like you might with lentils or black beans. It’s
a quantity thing, and so it is with green beans and
snow peas. Yes, those things contain those anti-
nutrients, but if you’re not eating them by the
shovelful, you’ll be just fine. Also, the greener the
 plant, the less phytic acid and lectins it contains.
Green beans actually only contain trace amounts of
phytic acid. And the lectins and the phytic acid are
mostly found in the seed itself – not the pod. So eat
your green beans, snow peas, and even your green
peas on occasion. Just don’t make them a staple or
a large proportion of your plate and you’ll be just
fine." (Source: paleoplan.com/2012/08-14/are-
green-beans-and-snow-peas-paleo)
Usually found under acid-forming vegetables
are dried beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
—Acid-forming Dairy—
Butter, cream, cheese, cottage cheese, milk
pasteurized, homogenized, boiled, canned, dried.
—Acid-forming miscellaneous—
Alcoholic drinks, drugs (most prescription), egg
whites, gelatin, soft drinks, tea (black), and tobacco.
Some vegetable oils and vinegar. All meats, all fish.
Sometimes the body can become too alkaline, as in
these readings:
"There has become an excess of alkalinity, and thus,
through the digestive system, there is a lack of sufficient of
the acids to produce proper digestions in the system."
(3481-3)
Cayce wanted a slightly alkaline body for all of us but
we should be aware that a body that is too alkaline is not
good.
"(Q) What causes the body to vomit food at times?
"(A) As indicated, the excess of alkalinity." (462-6)
—Climate Acclimation—
Acclimate Yourself
We should consider one of Cayce’s unusual tips for
health and wellbeing: acclimating ourselves to the area in
which we reside by eating vegetables and fruits grown in
that area. Apparently, produce grown in our area contains
qualities, vibrations, and “Nature codes” unique to our habit
and these help our bodies adjust to our environment. By
ingesting these, we better acclimate our bodies to the
weather, air, water, pollens, vibrations, and “Nature codes”
natural to our surroundings.
In reading 257-214, Cayce said, “Fruits, vegetables,
grown wherever the body is active – especially leafy
vegetables, and of those natures that supply the vital forces
for energizing the system” are best. “Do not have large
quantities of any fruits, vegetables, meats, that are not
grown in the area where the body is at the time it partakes
of such foods. This will be found to be a good rule to be
followed by all. This prepares the system to acclimate itself
to any given territory.” (3542-1) The more often we eat
“those foods or vegetables grown in the area where the body
is residing, when practical,” the better. (257-236) And he’s
not unrealistic about this, noting that “there are seasons
that this becomes impractical, to be sure.” But the principle
of acclimation through ingestion of local foods is important
and doable during the spring, summer, and fall season. He
explains in 264-23: “In every clime where the atmosphere
reactions are for a body, those vegetables grown in the
immediate vicinity are much better than those grown in
other places and prepared in any manner to be used by a
body, see?”
So how do we do this? Well, there are two obvious ways:
(1) plant our own garden and eat freshly picked foods from
that garden; and (2) make connections with local farmers,
farmers markets, and roadside food stands – and eating their
locally grown foods.
—Local Farmers—
Many towns and cities now have Farmers Markets to
which local or regional farmers bring their produce for sale.
But ask the farmers where their farm is, because some will
drive a long way to sell their produce. In my area, Virginia
Beach, we have farmers from North Carolina selling at our
local Farmers Market. Not that North Carolina wouldn’t be
considered “our area” when compared with produce from
South America! Certainly some items from North Carolina
would be fine.
You may be able to find local and regional farmers listed
online.
Be alert. Watch out for local produce markets that
appear to have locally grown produce but they are actually
getting shipments from faraway places and selling them
locally. This happens even at the local Farmers Markets. Ask
them where their produce is grown. Amid the local produce
is often produce from far, far away places with very different
climates than yours.
If you’re also interested in organically grown foods
rather than those using chemical pesticides, herbicides, and
chemical fertilizers, you’ll have to look more carefully to find
organic farmers. Though this is an up-and-coming trend,
there may not be farms in your surrounding area that are
organically growing their produce. And most chain grocery
stores are selling “organic” produce from places with
different climates than yours. This is another advantage in
growing your own produce.
—Your Own Garden—
Growing your own garden can be as simple as growing a
few plants in porch pots to tilling a large area of your
backyard. It depends on your circumstances.
As noted in the reading I quoted earlier, Cayce would
guide us to begin with “leafy vegetables, and of those
natures that supply the vital forces for energizing the
system.” In Cayce’s eyes, these would be “celery, lettuce,
tomatoes, carrots, turnips, or any of these.” You can begin by
growing these indoors, in starter pots with “plant mixture,”
not plant soil. Plant mixture is specially designed for
growing seeds into starter plants. Then when the weather is
right and the seeds have developed some initial strength in
root and tops, plant them in your own garden and they will
grow conditioned to your environment.
 —Local Gardeners—
Another resource for locally grown produce is gardeners!
They often have more produce than they can use and would
be happy to see it used rather than lost. Ask around about
who is into gardening and if they have surplus to share. You
may have to do little work to get this produce, such as pick
your own, but it’s worth it. And Cayce’s readings say that it
is very good for us to be out in the open, in the sunlight,
among soil and vegetable growth. In some cases this garden
produce is also grown without pesticides, herbicides, and
chemical fertilizers. Unlike grocery stores, farms and gardens
grow in coordination with Nature’s growing cycle; so various
produce gown locally is only available at different times of
the seasons. For example, lettuce is early in the growing
season and corn is later.
—Cayce’s Ideal Diet—
One has to be careful how the Cayce readings on diet
are presented, because many of his suggested diets were
based on the condition and circumstances of the person
seeking the reading. But if one studies enough of his
readings, then the following diet appears to be a good,
general diet for all.
Breakfast
Alternate the morning meal: One in which whole grains
are the main course, and then another when eggs and/or
fruits are the main course.
The morning with eggs and/or fruits, citrus fruits go well
with the eggs but never with the grains. According to Cayce,
citrus should never be taken at the meal with whole grain
cereals or milk. Reserve the citrus for the egg breakfast.
Interestingly, Cayce did recommend that dark-bread toast
(pumpernickel, and the like) could be taken on the same
morning as the citrus. Curiously, he recommended that with
oranges or orange juice, one should add a few drops of
lemon. With grapefruits or grapefruit juice, one should add a
few drops of lime. I have no idea why this is the case. He also
allowed us to have crisp bacon on these egg mornings. He
was very insistent about it being crisp; in some cases he
actually said “very crisp bacon” but not burned.
His most commonly recommended way for eggs to be
cooked was coddled, something very few people do today. A
coddled egg is one that is cooked more gently, slowly, and
lightly than a boiled egg. It results in a more tender egg
than the hard-boiled method. Coddle an egg just long
enough so that the white is set but the yellow yolk is still
soft and runny. The two methods for coddling an egg are
cooked in the shell or cooked in a coddling dish. The
difference between a soft-boiled egg and a coddled egg is
that one is cooked in boiling water while the other is cooked
slowly in simmering water. This method was quite popular in
the 1920s and ‘30s with the use of the “eggcup.” The
earliest record of eggcups was found in 3 AD in the ruins of
the city of Pompeii. After the fall of classical civilization in
the east (1453 AD) and the west (476 AD), the eggcup
would not be used again until the Elizabethan period of the
1600s. During this time, the ruling classes of England would
often eat their eggs in silver eggcups.
Today one may use an egg cooker using steam to cook
the egg in its shell.
Another unique Cayce perspective is that the whites of
eggs create acidity in our bodies, whereas the yolks
generate alkalinity; therefore, he often recommended that
we eat the yolk and less of the whites, in some cases, none
of the whites. This is in direct contrast to modern day
teachings in which many people eat so-called “heart
healthy” eggs that are whites only!
Again, the egg breakfast could also include “stewed
fruits or baked apples, or things of that nature.” (677-2) But
more often he recommended citrus fruits when having the
egg breakfast.
On the morning of the whole-grain cereal breakfast he
sometimes recommended cooking as hot cereal and at other
times as cold cereal, even at times as a “dry cereal”. He said
that puffed whole grain cold cereals were the better choice
(such as puffed wheat). However, today most puffed whole
grain cereals are covered with a sweetener! For some he
approved the addition of bananas, but others were told
never to add them to their cereals. For some, raisins were
allowed, for others he discouraged them, explaining that
raisins changed the influence of the cereal upon their
bodies. Steel cut oats or whole wheat were suggested.
Whether this was in opposition to rolled oats is unclear. But
he was very clear about not combining citrus with cereal.
Milk could be added to cereal, but in several readings he
recommended adding a little butter and salt rather than
milk and/or sugar.
When it came to sugar, Cayce was not insensitive to
some people’s need to sweeten certain meals. However, he
recommended that we move away from cane sugar toward
beet sugar, indicating that it was easier on the body. He also
mentioned brown sugar (which is a less refined and more
moist than plain cane sugar) and saccharin for people who
shouldn’t take much or any sugar (diabetics). Here’s his
comment on saccharin: “This should be good for the body,
for it supplies more of the carbons in the system, and is the
active principle of sweet that forms the basis of the active
forces in the gastric juices, as termed, for those of proper
fermentation in the system, and it is better than those that
come of cane, corn, or of others, save the conditions wherein
the sweets from BEET are better than saccharin.” (255-3)
Honey was also a good alternative to sugar. (1188-10)
Locally grown grains are going to be hard to find. But
locally grown chickens and their eggs may be easier than
you imagine. Of course, depending upon where you live,
citrus may be nearby or far away. We could say that East
Coast people should use Florida citrus and West Coast
people California citrus. There’s going to be some degree of
local acclimation with that plan. Note that Cayce said:
“Florida oranges carry more iron than those grown in
California, while those of the southern states, or in the Rio
Grande valley, carry more than those even in Florida.” (255-
3)
Lunch
This was the meal that Cayce often recommended to be
totally raw vegetables. Hence, this is the meal for locally
grown produce. Apparently, the juices in these raw
vegetables are very good for our bodies. “Have raw
vegetables during the noon portion of the day.” (1137-1) He
often recommended that we maintain a specific ratio
between the number of vegetables that we eat which grow
above ground to those that grow below ground. That ratio
was 3 above ground to every 1 grown below ground. There
were times when he changed this ratio to 5 to 1. But 3 to 1
was the most frequently recommended. In one reading, he
actually added a list of below ground vegetables that could
be considered to be above ground: “Such vegetables as
turnips, parsnips, beets, carrots or radishes may be included
among those grown above the ground.” (677-2) His most
commonly recommended vegetables were the “leafy green”
ones.
Gelatin salads were also mentioned. Broths and soups
were occasionally recommended as well.
Dinner
“Have a well-balanced cooked vegetable diet for the
evening meal, using three vegetables grown above the
ground to one grown below; with lamb, fowl or fish.” (1137-
1) This quote reflects Cayce’s most common
recommendation for the evening meal. He did occasionally
recommend liver, usually no more than once a week. As far
as acclimation is concerned, fish may well be found locally in
rivers, streams, lakes, and bodies of water near where you
live. In some areas you will be able to get fowl that has been
raised fairly close by.
 Here’s one of his discourses listing his commonly
suggested diet.
"As to the matter of diet, this would be a general outline
that may be altered as the need arises:
"Mornings - citrus fruit juices, stewed fruits or cereals,
with rice cakes, coddled egg, occasionally crisp bacon if
desired; not a great amount of coffee or tea, and do not use
the citrus fruit juices AND the cereals at the same meal - but
alternate; and these will keep a normalcy.
"Noons - green vegetables, or vegetable juices made
from fresh vegetables - or from vegetables that may be
combined to make such juices. These will keep a normal
balance in there actions to the assimilating system.
"Evenings - a well balanced diet of well cooked
vegetables or meats. Lamb, fowl or such are well. Not too
much meats or of any flesh that is fried, whether fish or fowl
or animal meat; rather these should be broiled or well
cooked in roasts or the like.
"As we find, these will keep a well balance and bring
about the abilities - in the reactions of the body, in the
physical and mental forces - for much bettered conditions."
(437-6)
As we now see, he was quite consistent in his diet
recommendations.
Let’s look at his comments on specific food groups.
—Vegetables—
“For this body, eat more vegetables grown above the
ground than those below the ground. Each day, though,
have at least two or three raw vegetables; whether celery,
lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, turnips, or any of these. These
may be grated together and combined with a salad dressing
that is of an olive oil base.” (1217-2)
Freshness was important to Cayce:
"From the fresh vegetables, they should combine all
those of the leafy nature; though not necessarily all at one
time; and carrots, turnips, parsnips and the like; tomatoes,
okra, and such natures - when they are cooked in their fresh
state. When juices are taken that have already been
prepared in their various combinations, they should be
especially of celery, spinach, lentils, leeks, and such natures;
and these may be combined with those that are the more
easily obtained fresh, that are usually cooked together."
(437-6)
Here’s another:
"Use those foods that are nerve and blood building, that
we may find in the fresher, greener vegetables given in
whatever form is palatable to the body. But eat as much
celery and lettuce, especially, as the body may consume at
ANY time. Keep these; and know that through the Creative
Energies that are manifested in a material world - in the
prayers to the All-Wise Creative Energy or Force we worship
as God, there may be brought BLESSINGS into the
experience of those that labor with and for the development
of a physical body, that this soul may manifest in this
material world." (735-1)
In come cases Cayce recommended a purely fresh
vegetable meal, as in this reading:
"We would have one meal each day, whether noon or
evening, consisting almost entirely - or including mostly - of
the raw fresh vegetables. These may be taken in the form of
a salad or the like. Combine especially such as lettuce,
celery, with whatever other vegetables the body may desire;
as peppers or tomatoes, carrots, beets, turnips - if these are
all grated when they are prepared, it would be preferable; or
mustard. Any or all of these are well. Red Cabbage
especially, if this is grated very fine and prepared with the
others, raw, would be well. An oil or a salad dressing may be
used. All of these would not be used at once, of course, but
as many as may be eaten combined at one meal during the
day would be well." (1654-1)
Here’s another:
 "In the diet, at least have a raw vegetable in the meals
during each day. Such a salad may be composed of any or
all of these: tomatoes, lettuce, celery, onions, radish, leeks,
or mustard and the like; or slaw, celery, cabbage, or any or
all of these." (437-8)
—Cooking Vegetables in Patapar Paper—
In over a hundred readings Cayce encouraged us to
cook our vegetables in their own juices using Patapar paper
(a parchment paper that seals in vitamins and minerals). You
can buy Patapar paper on Amazon.com and Baar.com. Here
are 3 examples:
"The preferable way to prepare such [vegetable] juices
would be through cooking the vegetables after tying them in
Patapar paper; not putting them in water to boil, but
cooking either in the Patapar paper or in a steam steamer,
so that only the juices from the vegetables may be obtained
- and no water added in the cooking at all. Then these juices
should be combined and seasoned to the taste. Even these
vegetables and the chicken or fish would be better cooked in
the Patapar paper." (133-4)
Steam cookers and little steaming trays or racks that fit
into the bottom of any pan with boiling water in it and keep
the veggies out of the water are sold most everywhere. I
found a stainless steel rack for $3. It fits into my regular
sauce pan.
"The vegetables that are taken should be preferably
cooked in their OWN juices, as in Patapar paper. This will
make a vast difference in the building of resistance." (861-1)
"If [vegetables are] cooked in Patapar paper they would
be found to be more digestible - and only season with a little
salt, pepper and butter." (357-7, he only wanted red pepper,
not black)
—Fruits—
"Take plenty of citrus fruits and citrus fruit juices, and
also the whole grain cereals - as the whole grain of oats or
wheat, or a combination of wheat and barely (as in Maltex or
the like). DO NOT have the fruits AND the cereals at the
same meal, however. Alternate these, having the citrus fruits
three or four mornings a week - as the orange juice, grape
fruit, pineapple, lemons or the like; and then having the
cereals the other mornings, and so on." (2432-2)
Here’s another:
"Fruits such as canned pears, canned peaches or the
like, provided these are not canned with benzoate of soda
[often labeled Sodium Benzoate, and used as a preservative
in many products]. Plums and others may be included in
such a salad." (257-129)
And another:
"Let the food values be rather, as given, fruits - citrus
fruits, grapes, pears, no bananas or apples. Any other fruits
may be taken; plums or peaches, or those that are canned in
peaches or apricots, so there is no benzoate of soda or a
preservative in those used. Those that are used should be
not the syrup so much but the fruit itself may be taken
occasionally." (773-4) Today we can buy canned fruits in
fruit juice only, no syrup. Again one has to be careful about
additives, especially preservatives. Read the labels.
When it came to apples Cayce was not a fan of eating
raw apples, rather baked apples where his preference, and
those varieties that have the “bumps” or lobes on their
under side. He also wanted apples to be eaten alone,
without other foods at the same time.
In the case of bananas Cayce was also cautious,
occasionally stating clearly to not eat them while at other
times allowing them, even on cereal in the morning. In one
reading he said bananas could only be eaten if tree-ripened!
Well no bananas are available that have not been taken off
the tree in their green state – a state in which the fruit has
not released its natural sugars yet. But again, bananas from
his perspective were better eaten alone, without other foods.
—Dairy—
 There are many opinions about dairy products, and I
cannot cover them all, so do some research and some
experiments with your own body to learn how various dairy
products react in your system.
Here are some of Cayce’s comments regarding dairy
products:
"There is so easily an over-stressing upon milk, by many;
for there are many products much more healthful than milk.
So few milks are free from tubercle; so few are free from
those influences that cause a great deal more irritation than
help - unless irradiated or dried milk is used. These
[irradiated or dried milk] as a whole are much more healthful
to most individuals than raw milk." (480-42)
In the reading you just read Cayce is referring to
tubercle bacilli in cows’ milk as a possible source of
tuberculosis disease in humans. Keep in mind that the
tuberculosis epidemic in North America was between 1800
through 1940 – during the period of Cayce giving health
advice. Between 1912 and 1937 some 65,000 people died of
tuberculosis contracted from consuming milk in England and
Wales alone. By 1930 over 500 cities in the United States
mandated pasteurization. In 1947 states began to require
full pasteurization of milk, and the federal government
prohibited the interstate sale of raw milk.
French scientist Louis Pasteur invented pasteurization.
In 1864 Pasteur discovered that heating beer and wine was
enough to kill most of the bacteria that caused spoilage,
preventing these beverages from turning sour. The process
achieves this by eliminating pathogenic microbes and
lowering microbial numbers to prolong the quality of the
beverage. Today, pasteurization is used widely in the dairy
industry and other food processing industries to achieve
food preservation and food safety. Pasteurization is not
sterilization. Sterilization means the complete destruction of
all microbic life. This is not desired in milk. Among the
pathogens most commonly found in milk, the tubercle
bacillus is the most heat-resistant. Therefore, a heat
treatment that is sufficient to kill this organism is adequate
to kill the other pathogenic organisms. A large amount of
careful bacteriological investigation has shown that the
tubercle bacillus will be killed when subjected to a
temperature of 140° F. (60° C.) for 20 minutes. Today it is
customary to pasteurize with a heat treatment of 142° F.
(61.1° C.) for 30 minutes.
Now back to Cayce:
"(Q) Can Milk and Dairy Products be included in diet?
Also eggs?
“(A) The yolk of eggs might be taken, but not so well for
the whole egg. Milk products may be gradually added, but
for the body yet it is much preferable to use Dry Milks or
Malted Milks rather than Raw Milk.”
We have already read how the whites of eggs produce
an acidic condition in the body, which Cayce wanted to
avoid, seeking to maintain a slightly alkaline condition. See
the section on Acid and Alkaline Balance on pages 80-85.
“(Q) Is it well for the body to refrain from eating all dairy
products, with the exception of butter and cream, and
substitute a Soybean Milk for a beverage?
“(A) For this body in the present, it would be very well.
Though the Soybean Milk product is not well for EVERY
body, in these particular conditions here it is very good;
especially owing to the reactions through the assimilated
forces from same for the heart activity." (1206-8)
As we see in this Cayce reading, he is recommending an
alternative to cow’s milk. Today the alternatives to cow's
milk are almond, soy, and rice milk. Each of these milks has
its advantages and disadvantages. And that very much
depends on a person’s body – as Cayce noted in the reading,
saying that for this body soy milk was okay but it was not for
everybody.
Two other alternatives to cow’s milk are found in his
readings. One is a common alternative: goat’s milk. But the
other is a surprise: mare’s milk!
—Goat’s Milk and Mare’s Milk—
"This should be goats' milk or mares' milk. If goats' milk
or mares' milk may not be obtained, then use the DRY milk -
rather than raw milk, or even that that has been
pasteurized." (4320-3)
“(Q) Do you advise goat milk for the body?
“(A) It's very good. Mare's milk would be better, if you
want the best for the body!" (631-7)
To my surprise mare’s milk is available online – mostly
for feeding rejected or orphan foal (a young horse). Most of it
is sold as a freeze-dried powder. Mare’s milk has long
thought to have curative properties, touted as a balm for
digestive problems, elixir for the liver, a tonic for general
malaise and great for the skin. Human infants with severe
food allergies will often tolerate mares’ milk when all other
milk makes them sick. Recent research suggests that this is
because mares’ milk is closer in composition to human
mother’s milk than that of any other mammal! (Issue 2608
of New Scientist magazine, 16 June 2007, page 58)
In central Asia, mare’s milk is a staple food, though they
prefer it with a kick. In Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
the tradition is to ferment it in a horse-hide sack for a few
days until it turns into a frothy, acrid, and mildly alcoholic
beverage called kumis, or airag in Mongolia. I’ll leave this
decision up to you.
Studies done at the USDA and Prairie View A&M
University link goat’s milk to an increased ability to
metabolize iron and copper, especially amongst individuals
with digestion and absorption limitations. Another main
health benefit of goat milk is that it is closer to human milk
than cow’s milk making it easier to digest and assimilate in
the human body. The size of the fat molecules in goat’s milk
are much smaller than those found in cow’s milk, again
making it easier to digest. Goat’s milk also provides high
amounts of calcium, the amino acid tryptophan, with fewer
side effects than cow’s milk.
Here is a brief pro and con for each of the common milks
sold in our grocery stores:
—Cow’s Milk—
Cow’s milk remains one of America’s most common daily
drinks, but it may be one of the sources for gas, bloating,
and other forms of indigestion. The average cow is given
growth hormones, antibiotics, GMO feed, vaccinations, and
exposed to toxic conditions.
Whole cow's milk with none of the fat removed contains
8 grams of fat per cup, 8.5 percent nonfat milk solids, and
88 percent water. As none of the milk’s helpful components
are removed through pasteurization, it is high in natural
proteins, fat, calcium, and vitamin D, all of which are
important.
Of course many dairy milks have some or all of the fat
removed. There are 150 calories in one cup of whole milk.
The 1 percent variety of milk has 110 calories. And “skim”
milk has just 80 calories. Fat-free milk has all of the
nutritional benefits of whole milk without the saturated fat
and calories.
There is also Lactose-free milk for those people who
cannot break down lactose, a natural sugar in milk products.
As with the other dairy milks, lactose-free milk is a good
source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
The negative elements of milk are high in saturated fat
and calories (if the fat is not removed), and high cholesterol.
—Almond Milk—
(Personal note: I do not like manufactures calling drink
products “milk” when they do not come from a mammary
gland! But alas it is a marketing game and there is little that
can be done.)
Almond milk is made from ground almonds and is lower
in calories than other milks as long as it is unsweetened. It’s
also free of cholesterol, saturated fat, and is naturally
lactose free. Even though almonds are a good source of
protein, almond milk is not. Almond milk is also not a good
source of calcium. It takes about 2 cups of almonds to make
a half gallon of almond milk; however, the grounded
almonds are strained through water, so we aren’t getting
much of the almonds. Most of it is water.
Because of the way it is made it is not a good source of
protein and, unless it is fortified, it contains no calcium,
which is important for people with conditions like
osteoporosis. Also people who are allergic to almonds or nuts
should avoid almond milk.
—Soy Milk—
Here is a product this surrounded in controversy, with
proponents and detractors. Yet, our stores are full of soy
products. From my own research I have been unable to
clearly determine who has the truth about soy – is it
healthful or harmful. You must be your own judge on this.
Soy milk is a popular milk alternative for vegans and
people who are lactose intolerant. Since it comes from
soybean plants it is naturally free of cholesterol, low in
saturated fat, and contains no lactose. Soybeans and soy
milk are a good source of protein, calcium, and potassium.
However, too much soy can be a problem for those with
thyroid disease and other conditions. A 2008 Harvard study
showed that higher intakes of soy-based foods caused
fertility problems and lower sperm counts. Thousands of
studies link soy to malnutrition, digestive distress, immune
system breakdown, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline,
reproductive disorders and infertility, even cancer and heart
disease. A primary reason is the high levels of phytic acid in
soy, and this can reduce assimilation of calcium,
magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. Another reason is the
fact that more than 90 percent of soybeans grown in the
United States are genetically modified. Genetically modified
foods (GM) were introduced in 1996. Some researchers are
concerned that the increase in low birth weight babies,
infertility, and other problems in the U.S. may be a result of
these genetically engineered foods.
Also, unfermented soy has also been linked to gastric
distress and chronic deficiencies in amino acid uptake,
which can result in pancreatic impairment and cancer.
Unfermented soy is also loaded with phytoestrogens, which
can actually alter a woman’s menstrual cycle. This
compound mimics and sometimes blocks the hormone
estrogen, and has been found to have adverse effects on
various human tissues, particularly in women’s bodies.
(Some sources see Western women’s bodies as being
different than Asian women, and therefore soy’s influence in
their bodies is different.)
Opposing the detractors and negative reports there is
another body of researchers claiming the healthy view: that
soy products are good for women, even Western women.
As best that I have been able to determine, any soy that
is not fermented is not a health food. I know some people
will be upset with me but I have tried to be as objective as
possible.
Traditional fermentation of soybeans destroys the anti-
nutrients in soybeans. Even organically grown soybeans
naturally contain phytic acid, which contains the anti-
nutrients saponins, soyatoxin, phytates, trypsin inhibitors,
goitrogens and phytoestrogens. Fermented soy products
include: Nattō, Miso, Tempeh, Soy sauces, fermented tofu
and fermented soy milk (most soy milk and tofu in the U.S.
is not fermented).
Note: there is some confusion as to whether some store
brand tofu is fermented or not. Unfortunately, tofu products
vary greatly in their compositions because there is no
established standard.
Miso is a fermented form of soybean and is rich in such
soy nutrients as isoflavone aglycones, genistein, and
daidzein, which are believed to be healthy. However,
traditional miso starts with fermenting cooked rice with Koji
spores (spores from Aspergillus Oryzae). Many believe that
Mugi barley miso is better than the rice processed miso (I
think Cayce would agree). Barley is better. However, Genmai
miso uses wholegrain brown rice instead of white rice, and
Cayce clearly would support this.
Nattō contains an enzyme produced in the fermentation
process called nattokinase, which is a powerful agent
contained in the sticky part of Nattō that dissolves blood
clots that lead to heart attacks, strokes, and senility. Nattō
also contains vitamin K2 and isophrabon, which help to
prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and breast cancer and
slow down the aging process. However, Natto's smell, flavor,
and its slimy texture is challenging for some people to
accept.
Tempeh's fermentation process and its retention of the
whole bean give it a higher content of protein, dietary fiber,
and vitamins – particularly B-vitamins. It has a firm texture
and has an earthy flavor which becomes more pronounced
as it ages. It is often in loaf form.
The fermentation process reduces the phytic acid in soy,
which in turn allows the body to absorb the minerals that
soy provides. (One source: Amanda Rose. "Soy and Phytic
Acid: Stick with Fermented Tempeh and Miso".)
—Rice Milk—
Rice milk is made from milled rice and water. It is the
least allergenic of all of these products. While rice milk can
be fortified with calcium and vitamin D, it is not a natural
source of either of these, just like soy and almond.
Unfortunately, rice milk is very high in carbohydrates
and very low in protein, so it’s the least desirable choice for
people with diabetes as well as people who want more
protein, such as athletes and the elderly.
—Butter Fat & Cheese—
“(Q) What causes nerve pain below shoulder blades on
right side of spine?
 “(A) This is a part of those disturbances from the
digestive forces. A little fat, here, needs to be taken;
especially as from butterfat or dairy products.”
“(Q) Should she eat a butter made of vegetable oils or
dairy butter?
“(A) Vegetable oils the better. Much nuts and nut fruits
may be used also. All it (the body) will assimilate." (4281-
14)
“It would be well, as we find, for the body to refrain from
great quantities of butter fats or milk, or cheese, or any of
those things that carry ... the activity of the liver in the
emptying or pouring into the system fats of any kind that
cause the rash, or the eczema that appears as a rash on
parts of the body.
“(Q) Do olives affect body?
“(A) Depends upon their combinations. Olives with
meats, as fowl or the like, are very good. Olives with potato
salad or with those that have any great quantity of acid, are
harmful. Helpful in other directions.
“(Q) How about cheese with olives?
“(A) Depends upon whether there's anything harmful in
the cheese; whether it's the white cheese or whether the
brown breads or whether those cheeses that are made from
the perfectly soured milk or curds or whether they are those
that carry some other properties.” (257-170)
The same man later asks:
“(Q) What cheeses are best?
“(A) Those that are the more easily assimilated by the
system; as all of the products of the better cheese
processes; not too much of a Cheddar nature, or that is too
soured." (257-225)
“DO be consistent with the diets – keeping away from
pastries, cakes and the like, and too much starches - for
instance, spaghetti and cheese; though cheese may be
taken in moderation if it is a cream or cheddar cheese. DO
NOT eat white potatoes. DO NOT eat white bread." (459-11)
 “(Q) What about cheese?
“(A) Cheese is not as well for the body, this particular
body, as some others; unless it is fresh - and this is not as
palatable to the body as others. Yogurt and such
combinations, which arise as the basis for cheese, is very
good; especially for the colon condition. Honey in the
honeycomb, and only with the comb, should be the greater
part of that taken as sweets. A stimulation occasionally as of
wine with bread, not as a drink but just as a potion to bring
rest to the body. When taken it should only be taken with rye
or sour or brown bread." (846-1)
“(Q) Is cheese alright in the diet?
“(A) Alright if it isn't over-indulged in, or whole meals
made on same. It depends also upon the character of the
cheese. Cream cheese, or that made at home is very well;
provided it is not too strong." (2743-2)
“(Q) What cheese?
“(A) Cream, Old English - as a cream - the American
cheeses; all are very good, NOT in excesses." (257-167)
In another of his dietary overviews he made this
comment about our favorite macaroni and cheese (oh poo):
“In the diet keep away from too great quantities of
starches. Never take white bread, macaroni and cheese or
white potatoes, though the jackets of the white potatoes
would be well for the body. Yams (sweet potatoes) would be
very well for the body; but not the bulk of white potatoes,
white bread nor macaroni with cheese. Not red meats of any
kind. Plenty of fish, fowl and lamb may be taken and a great
deal of raw vegetables. Do these and we will bring better
conditions for the body." (3620-1)
—Sweets—
For Cayce sweets were a cause of acidity in the body’s
chemical soup. And when combined with starches, such as
breads, pastries, and starchy vegetables, they negatively
affect the body. He favored eating sweets with meats, and
then in moderation. Here are some of his directions:
 "In the diet, keep to more of an alkalin-reacting diet. Not
great quantities ever of condiments, as highly seasoned
foods, great amount of spices or a great amount of starch
WITH pastries, pies or the like. Ice cream or ices may be
taken. The sweets taken should be at the time meats are
eaten, rather than at the time when breads are taken.
Beware of potatoes in any form, unless they are roasted or
baked with the jackets on and more of the jackets are eaten
than of the core or the center of same." (1178-1)
As viruses enjoy an acid environment, he recommended
the following to someone who already had the cold virus:
"As we find, there is rather an acute condition of cold or
congestion from an unbalancing in the alkalinity of the
system. Not by the foods themselves; rather the manner of
their combination. For, as indicated, there should not be
taken starches and sweets at the same meal, or so much
together. That's why ice cream is so much better than pie,
for a body!" (340-32)
Again we see his concern about food combinations
rather than foods per se. Combining sweets with starches
was not a healthy mixture.
"Not too much of the white breads, especially with
sweets. Meats with sweets; only those meats, however, of
fowl or lamb - occasionally fish." (1058-2)
In the following discourse we see him not wanting to
totally eliminate sweets from a diet, preferring rather a
moderate balance.
"(Q) Should I eliminate meat and sweets from my diet?
"(A) These may be curtailed, but to eliminate entirely as
we find would create an unbalanced condition in the
chemical reaction of the bodily forces. No FRIED meats; and
honey should be used principally as the sweets. Fish, fowl or
lamb would be the principal meats; and the fish fresh, and
the lamb roasted, - all of these boiled, roasted, baked or
broiled, but never fried." (1620-3)
 Combination of foods was important but so was
quantity, as in this directive:
"Do not eat great quantities of starch with the proteins
or meats. If sweets and meats are taken at the same meal,
these are preferable to starches." (416-9)
"Keep the eliminations near normal, with the diets
towards a tendency of the alkalin-reacting rather than large
quantities of meats or sweets - but these taken in their
proper proportions. Eat the sweets rather with meats than
with breads." (533-11)
Cayce was in favor of the sweetness found in fruits and
vegetables: “The fruit sweets, or natural sweets, or
vegetable sweets, are the better for the body.” (632-7)
"Keep away from too much starch, too great a quantity
of sweets; save natural sweets, as from fruits, vegetables,
the small fruits such as berries and things of that nature,
and honey." (543-24) —like turkey and cranberries, yum!
—Fats—
I know what you may be wondering: did Cayce suggest
eating fats? Yes, in healthy cases he did; as does the
American Heart Association: "Dietary fats are essential to
give your body energy and to support cell growth. They also
help protect your organs and help keep your body warm.
Fats help your body absorb some nutrients and produce
important hormones, too. Your body definitely needs fat."
(April 28, 2016)
Cayce did see an important role for fats in our diets.
Here are some of his comments:
"(Q) What is the cause and remedy for pain under right
shoulder blade?
"(A) This comes from the lack of those proteins in the
system to make the ducts properly vibrate in their
respective forces. Hence some fats, as may be taken
occasionally, will relieve these disorders. Fats as of beef fat,
mutton fat, turkey fat, goose fat, hare fat, or the like." (543-
15)
 "With fats be sure that the sweets are taken at those
periods also; or sweets such as honey, not sweets made with
corn starch or cane sugars should be used.
"(Q) Do you mean that when fats are taken the sweets
should be taken also?
"(A) Sweets such as honey, if or when fats are taken. The
fats should be from fowl; not from swine nor kine [cows]."
(974-1)
Eat "sufficient protein, fats, and vegetable forces to
supply the needs of the carbon and the fats for the body."
(538-12)
I must add here that many of Cayce’s more severely ill
questioners were told to avoid all fat because their digestive
systems could not properly digest and assimilate it. In their
case fats (and he often added “greases”) would cause more
problems than the lack of fat in their diet. He wanted them
to first improve their digestive system, then add the protein
and fat to the diet.
—Ingestion is one Thing
Assimilation is quite Another—
Keep in mind that ingesting a food does not
automatically mean that our bodies received any benefit
from it. What we ingest needs to be assimilable. Assimilation
is the processes whereby our cells are truly supplied with the
nutrients needed for life, vitality, and renewal.
There are 2 ways our bodies assimilate food value: (1)
by absorbing vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals from
food as it passes through our gastrointestinal tract (the
esophagus, stomach, and our small and large intestines).
Our bodies do this by causing a chemical breakdown using
enzymes and acids, and a physical breakdown by oral
mastication (chewing and mixing food with the enzyme
amylase, also called ptyalin) followed by the muscle of the
lower part of our stomach mixing the food and liquid with its
digestive juices (enzymes pepsin and rennin, hydrochloric
acid, and mucus). Then, our small intestines mix food with
digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestine (bile
from the liver and from the pancreas a clear alkaline
digestive fluid with a variety of enzymes, including
trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, elastase, carboxy-
peptidase, pancreatic lipase, nucleases and more amylase).
The jejunum (between the duodenum and ileum) is the
middle section of the small intestine that serves as the
primary site of nutrient absorption.
Then the small intestines push the mixture forward to
help with further digestion.
(2) The second process of bio assimilation is the
chemical transformation of substances in our bloodstream
using liver and cellular secretions. The assimilability of many
compounds is dictated by this second process since both the
liver and cellular secretions can be very specific in their
metabolic action on a variety of foods.
We may think of these 2 processes as one being our
gastrointestinal tract and the other being a process
occurring in our blood and liver.
Keep assimilation in mind when choosing and eating
foods. Consuming more easily assimilated nutrient-rich
foods means we do not have to eat as much as when we eat
processed, refined, empty-nutrient foods that are packed
with sugars, additives, and preservatives. For example, we
can stuff ourselves at a restaurant with white French bread
before our entrée and fill full; but our body still wants to eat!
Why? Because the white bread has little to no useful
nutrients in it, so our body did not get what it needed. Even
though we fill full we are not nourished.
Instead of eating the convenient, fast, refined foods
available to us today we would be so much healthier if we
were ingesting and assimilating raw, alkalizing foods that
shift our diet to fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
And here’s a side benefit: we would weigh less! America has
become overweight because of its reliance upon fast,
convenient, processed foods. These are low in nutrients.
 Many foods in our diets (mostly meats and starches)
leave us feeling sluggish and needing to rest after eating.
However, fruits and vegetables are mostly water, vitamins,
minerals, water-based fats (such as in avocado) and fiber.
Some have complex sugars, like apples. Admittedly we have
found that diets rich in vegetables and fruits can challenge
some bodies due to the high amount of fiber in these foods;
so you have to discover how your body does with high-fiber
foods. In most cases our bodies do adjust to eating fiber-rich
diets.
Greens. either raw or cooked, contain fibers that are
easily assimilated and more tolerable than some veggies like
broccoli. Greens like kale, arugula, collards, chard, kale,
romaine, are easily assimilated and provide nutrients. We
don’t need a lot of greens to get a lot of benefit. They
provide high quality nutrients such as iron, vitamins A, C,
and K, and even a little protein. Put them in a salad, steam
them, make soups of them, and of course add them on the
side with an entrée.
Green beans are more like a vegetable than a bean, and
they are assimilable. Very low in carbs and free of starchy
sugars, they’re very simple to digest unlike pintos, kidneys,
and black beans (which are still good but not as easily
assimilated as green beans). Green beans are also packed
with nutrition such as fiber (3 grams), protein (4 grams), and
Vitamin C (20 percent) in just one cup.
Here’s a little tidbit of info: Sugars inhibit the secretion
of ptyalin, an enzyme in the saliva for the digestion of
starches. When sugars and starches are combined, the
starches cannot properly be digested because the sugars
inhibit the production of the needed ptyalin to process the
starches. Sugars and starches should be eaten separately.
When a protein and starch are eaten in the same meal,
the starch soaks up the stomach’s powerful digestive
hydrochloric acid that is meant for digesting the protein.
This inhibits the digestion of the protein. Starches and
proteins should be eaten separately.
As Cayce taught, combinations of foods are an
important factor in determining what is good for our bodies.
I cannot give you a list of sugars that can be eaten with
starches because there isn’t one. But here is a list of non-
starchy vegetables that could be eaten with proteins and
not inhibit digestion:
Arugula, Yellow summer squash, Cauliflower, Green
beans, Scallion, Zucchini, Celery, Kale, Lettuce, Parsley,
Turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, Sorrel, Asparagus, Collard
greens, Mung bean sprouts, Spinach, Bamboo shoots,
Cucumber, Mushrooms, Sweet pepper, Beet greens,
Dandelion greens, Mustard greens, Sweet corn, Bok Choy,
Eggplant, Okra, Swiss chard, Broccoli, Endive, Onion, Turnip,
Broccoli, Escarole, Fennel, Radishes, Watercress, Cabbage,
Rhubarb, Seaweed, Kohlrabi, Snap beans, Chicory, and so
on.
—Take Time to Eat for Your Body’s Sake—
You may think that our modern life is the busy life but
Cayce was having this problem back in the 1920s through
the 1940s. People eating on the run – thus the term “fast
food.” Here’s one of his directives:
"Take time to eat! Don't eat on the run! Sit down and be
quiet during those periods when the food is being taken!
Rest at least five to ten minutes before the food is taken at
EACH meal! Don't hurry in; or run in, grab, and be gone!"
(259-7)
—Other Elements of Diet and Health—
—Water!—
Water intake was very important to Cayce.
“Q: How much water should the body drink daily?
“A: At least sixteen glasses full!” (263-1)
And another:
“Q: Should I drink plenty of water, and how many
glasses each day?
 “A: Drink plenty of water. This as we find is most helpful
to the body. Six, eight, ten glasses a day.” (1196-9)
And since Cayce is also recommending more fruits and
vegetables in our diets consider this information from
“Healthy Eating” by Mala Srivastava:
"Reaching for a watermelon or cucumber after finishing
an intense workout may hydrate your body twice as
effectively as a glass of water, claims a 2009 study by
researchers at the University of Aberdeen Medical School [a
public university in Aberdeen, Scotland, founded in 1495!].
This is so because water-rich fruits and vegetables also
provide you with natural sugars, amino acids, mineral salts
and vitamins that are lost in exercise. The study found that
this combination helps hydrate you more effectively than
water or sports drinks. Eating fruits and vegetables high in
water content can replenish your body without all the
artificial colors and flavors commonly found in sports drinks.
The biggest advantage of consuming high water content
foods is that they contain minimal calories and provide a
feeling of fullness."
(Source: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/list-fruits-
vegetable-high-water-content-8958.html)
In no way does this reduce or eliminate the need for
plenty of water – plenty of water is need!
Our body’s weight is approximately 60 percent water.
Our body needs water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to
help regulate temperature and bodily functions. We lose
water through breathing, sweating, and digestion. We
hydrate our bodies by drinking water, fluids, and eating
foods that contain water. Water does more than just quench
our thirst and regulate our body's temperature; it also keeps
the tissues in our bodies moist. Keeping our bodies hydrated
helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in sensitive areas
(e.g., eyes, nose, mouth), as well as in the blood, bones, and
the brain. Water also helps protect our spinal cord and acts
as a lubricant to our joints.
 Of course, we also have to consider excess water
retention in our bodies as well. One of the biggest
challenges to effectively losing weight is reducing the
amount of water that the body retains. Many foods and
beverages can act as natural diuretics for reducing water
retention. The natural diuretics foods include: celery,
parsley, watercress, cucumber, carrots, avocado, pineapple,
and spices like fennel, ginger, and turmeric, and teas like
red clover and those containing burdock root. And yes,
caffeine in coffee and most teas is a diuretic as well.
—Supplements—
Supplements were recommended. Vitamins and
minerals, as well as many rather unique and often curious
additions were suggested. But overall, Cayce sought to gain
the body’s needs through foods ingested rather than pills.
However, because of environmental changes and reduced
soil quality, it may not be as easy today to get all we need
without supplements. Another good reason to grow at least
some of your own food, making sure to keep your soil
enriched.
—Coffee & Tea—
Here again we find Cayce’s advice to be founded on
moderation. Both coffee and tea were included as part of a
healthy diet.
"(Q) Is coffee or tea good for this body?
"(A) Coffee is better than tea, though the body may
prefer the tea. Coffee without milk and without sugar is
preferable; but coffee without cream or milk IS a food value.
There is very little food value in tea, though it is a stimulant.
Coffee is preferable." (462-6)
In an apparent contradiction of what he just said, he
tells another person that tea is better. This is a clear
example of how Cayce was influenced by the person seeking
his help and their specific body and mind.
"Not too much stimulation of coffee or tea, but tea
would be preferable over coffee." (81-2)
 Generally, he considered tea to be less desirable than
coffee, as in this next reading:
“(Q) Is tea and coffee harmful to the body?
“(A) Tea is more harmful than coffee. Any nerve reaction
is more susceptible to the character of tea that is usually
found in this country [U.S.A.], though in some manners in
which it is produced it would be well. Coffee, taken properly,
is a food; that is, WITHOUT cream or milk." (303-2)
Cayce’s statement about tea being more harmful,
especially in the U.S. is because of the amount of tannin in
black tea. Today we have many teas that do not have tannin.
Tannin is a yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic
substance present in some galls, barks, and other plant
tissues, consisting of derivatives of gallic acid, used in
leather production and ink manufacture. The tannins in tea
are called thearubigins, a class of chemicals that includes
theaflavins. These chemicals are formed in black tea when
the antioxidants inherent in green tea become oxidized. The
tannins in tea have a negative impact on health in that the
tannins inhibit the body’s iron absorption. However, green
and white teas, and low-oxidation oolongs tend to contain
little to no tannins, although they are rich in catechins,
which are pseudotannins.
There is tannin in coffee but it is of a much lower degree
than black tea.
However, in several cases Cayce instructed the removal
of tannin, as in these two examples: "coffee without the
tannin – as Kaffa Hag or the like." (340-24) "If coffee is used
it should be that with the tannin removed, such as Kaffa
Hag." (677-1) Cayce is referring to Kaffee Hag, Caffe Hag,
and Café Hag. Caffe Hag is a worldwide brand of
decaffeinated coffee that originated in Bremen in Germany
in 1906. It took its name from the company title Kaffee
Handels-Aktien-Gesellschaft – Kaffee HAG for short. General
Foods acquired the original German company in 1979. The
spelling of Café HAG was standardized in the 1990s. Both
Café HAG and Sanka are now owned by Kraft Foods, which
merged with General Foods in 1990. Here is the curious part
of this: Café HAG is known as a decaffeinated coffee, not a
tannin-free coffee. Sanka is French for "sans caféine",
meaning without caffeine.
An interesting difference between tea and coffee is how
their caffeine affects our bodies. When tea is made its
caffeine combines with its tannins, which causes the
caffeine in tea to be released more slowly than the caffeine
in coffee, thus tea has a longer effect upon the body. Also, in
coffee the caffeine affects the blood through the coronary
system, which increases heart rate. The caffeine in tea
affects the cardiovascular system and the central nervous
system! As Cayce noted, tea is indeed a greater stimulant
than coffee.
Here are some more of his comments:
"Coffee or tea may be taken in moderation, but coffee
without milk or cream and tea preferably with lemon instead
of cream, as a stimulant." (579-1)
"Coffee, tea or milk may be taken in moderation. Do not
use creams or milk either in the tea OR coffee; but these are
to be used (coffee and tea) merely as stimulants." (1121-1)
“(Q) Can coffee and tea be used by this body without
harmful effects?
“(A) No one can use them without AFFECTING the body.
As to whether they are harmful or not depends upon the
extent to which they are used. Use one or the other; don't
use them both. Tea is more harmful than coffee. Coffee is a
food if it is taken without cream or sugar, and especially
without cream; and if taken without the caffeine - as Kaffa
Hag, or the like - it's really a food for the body." (816-5)
Now that I have given a clear view of Cayce’s discomfort
with tea in our diet, let me give you his favorite and often
recommended tea (in 298 documents in his files!). Yellow
Saffron tea is Cayce’s favorite tea for a improving health.
Second to Yellow Saffron tea (in 120 documents) is Mullein
tea. He mentioned these two teas as being helpful to the
kidneys, lymph, lacteals, and digestive system as a whole.
—Pepper and Salt—
One important instruction from Cayce was to not season
while cooking but only after the food is cooked: "All
seasoning should be done with butter and salt or paprika (or
whatever may be used as the seasoning) AFTER the foods
have been cooked! The cooking of condiments, even salt,
DESTROYS much of the vitamins of foods." (906-1)
When it came to pepper Cayce always favored red
pepper over black. He particularly favored Cayenne pepper.
Here are some of his comments on pepper:
"Keep that of the stimulus that gives the strengthening
forces to the body through that of cayenne." (3751-14)
"Season, with salt and cayenne, no black pepper."
(2553-2)
"Season well, but not with black pepper, but with salt
and cayenne." (3751-6)
"Not black peppers nor of highly seasoned with salt, see
- leave out those properties, only that of Cayenne or red
peppers." (4536-1)
I had a fascinating experience related to this black and
red pepper issue. I was driving along an old country road
when I stopped at a Mom-and-Pop restaurant. While eating I
overhead a local country guy sharing this story with his
other local patrons:
“My mom showed us kids the best way to know what
foods are good for us. She once put a box of black pepper
and a box of red pepper on the window sill of the kitchen. A
week later she told us to open the boxes. In the black
pepper box there was only black pepper. But the red pepper
box was full of bugs! Mom then asked us kids which of these
spices does Nature eat? Well I have used red pepper ever
since Mom made that powerful point!”
Now when it comes to salt, Cayce was totally influenced
by the condition of the person seeking his help. In some
cases he strongly stated “little to no salt” in their foods,
while in other cases he recommended lots of salt and pepper
(always red, most often cayenne). In one reading he stated a
dislike of seasoned salts – but remember that statement
could have been solely influenced by the condition of the
person he was speaking to and their bodily condition.
—Tobacco—
When it came to tobacco use Cayce was against the way
tobacco was being made but was aware of some benefit in
pure tobacco, as was originally used by Native Americans
and others. Here’s an example:
“(Q) Is tobacco good?
“(A) Tobacco in moderation, as all stimulants, is not so
harmful. However, over acidity or over alkalinity causes
same to become detrimental.
“(Q) What brands of tobacco are best?
“(A) Just tobacco, and no brand, is best! In its NATURAL
state it is preferable to any of the combinations that are
ordinarily put on the market in package tobacco!" (462-6)
—Wine and Spirits—
When it came to alcoholic drinks Cayce had this to say:
“(Q) Any kind of intoxicating drinks?
“(A) WINE is good for all, if taken alone or with black or
brown bread. Not with meats so much as with just bread.
This may be taken between meals, or as a meal; but not too
much - and just once a day. Red wine only." (462-6)
"Beware of too much alcoholic stimulants at ANY time;
though red wine may be taken with BROWN or BLACK bread
in the late afternoon (or at cocktail time) - but JUST red
wine!" (849-13)
“(Q) Should he abstain from Rye and Bourbon entirely?
"(A) Very occasionally they may be taken, but not too
great quantities at any time." (257-167)
"(Q) Can I drink alcohol?
"(A) As indicated, it is WELL for the body - provided,
when it is taken, there are those foods that it works with in
the digestive system. See? (492-1)
Curiously, a few times he recommended mixing warmed
Apple Brandy with an egg yoke, and then adding milk. And
sipping this as an energy drink! “Using just sufficient of the
whiskey to cook the yolk of an egg.” (303-28, and other
readings)
He did seem to have a taste for quality:
“(Q) Any specific kind of whiskey?
“(A) Use good whiskey - don't use just corn or that
colored. Rye, of course, is the better for such conditions or
for such purposes.
—Weight—
Many of us today have to watch our weight, and many,
many businesses exist to help us do this. Here is one little
reading with a Cayce comment:
"When the body feels WELL, whether it is underweight
or overweight, this is the preferable way and manner to
judge. The adding of weight is the adding of those things
that make for the excess of reserve in fats, starches and
sugars. These are harmful to the body. So under the present
existent conditions, it is not harmful to the body to be
underweight, just so the strength and vitality is maintained."
(462-6)
I like his focus on how we feel rather than how we look. I
have known some wonderful people who have lived good,
long lives and been portly or skinny.
—Weight Loss Aid—
One of Cayce’s simple weight loss suggestions was
taking a few ounces of watered-down grape juice before
meals and bedtime. Here are 3 of those readings:
"(Q) Since she takes on weight so easily, what foods
would be best in her diet?
"(A) Drink grape juice. This will keep down the weight.
Take two ounces of grape juice (such as Welch's) and one
ounce of plain water, half an hour before each meal is taken
and just before retiring of night." (2084-16)
 "Keeping way from starches will keep down the weight.
Also taking Grape Juice about thirty minutes before each
meal and before retiring at night, - two ounce of grape juice
with an ounce of plain water (not carbonated, not distilled,
but plain tap water and preferably Welch's Grape Juice), -
this will keep down the sugars and the fats for the body."
(2546-2)
"To aid in normalizing the weight, - take grape juice - the
unfermented, to be sure; preferably Welch's; taken
consistently in this manner: Take two ounces of the grape
juice stirred in one ounce of plain water (not carbonated
water) four times each day; half an hour before each meal
and about half an hour before retiring at night." (459-11)
Keep in mind that at the time Cayce gave these
readings there were few to no organic grape juices on the
market. And most were from concentrate, whereas today you
can purchase whole, organic grape juice not from
concentrate. You decide.
Warnings
Cayce did have some warnings and directives to avoid
when planning our meals.
—Fried Foods—
He would occasionally warn against certain methods of
preparation: “No fried foods at ANY time.” (677-2)
I could never find any clarity about his position on pan
fried foods versus deep fried, so you’ll have be your own
judge on this. There are 3 types of cooking in oil or fat that
are not deep frying: 1. Searing, 2. Pan-frying, and 3.
Sautéing. Searing is done to give a crisp crust but retain a
tender inside. It is done in a hot pan with a small amount of
oil or fat (usually olive oil), allowing each side to sizzle until
a light brown crust forms. Then baked to cook through. Pan-
frying is done in a medium-hot pan without baking;
therefore the food needs to cook all the way through in the
pan. This method relies more on “steam” to help cook the
food. Sauté literally means "to jump." Sautéing is done in a
hot pan with ample amounts of oil or fat (usually olive oil)
that is hot but not smoking. Into this pan is added the food
and it cooks fast, which causes the food to "jump" around
from the heat – thus the name sautéing.
—Bad Combinations—
Here’s another of his warning comments: “Not white
bread and potatoes at the same meal. Not quantities of
sweets with white bread. The meats and sweets should be
preferably taken at the same meal. It isn't so much WHAT
the body eats as it is the COMBINATIONS that are taken at
times. Beware then of those things. (1151-2) Here’s one
more: “But do not make bad combinations; that is, fried
meats with starches or potatoes. Leave off any fried foods
altogether. Do not use white bread, rice, potatoes, spaghetti,
macaroni or the like at the same meal - any two of them at
the same meal.” (1217-2)
It wasn’t long ago when nutritious food was widely
considered to only be protein, carbohydrates, and fats. In
fact, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes were all but ignored!
And fiber? Well food processing companies would actually
remove and discard fiber, considering it to be too coarse for
our intestines. It wasn’t until recently that all these other
food elements were recognized as being important to
healthy eating. Enzymes are actively involved in metabolism
(the chemical processes that occur within a living organism
in order to maintain life). Recently researchers have come to
know the various enzymes needed to properly prepare foods
for ingestion, digestion, and assimilation. And mixing foods
requiring very different enzymes causes us to lose some of
the benefits of these foods during the process of digestion
and assimilation. This is one of the reasons for Cayce’s
concerns about bad combinations. His simple tips: meats
with sweets (and not too many sweets) and vegetables with
starches (and not too many starches). Avoid the meat and
starches combination, and avoid starches and sweets
combination. And as you know, this is very hard to do in our
society. For more on combinations see Assimilation on page
107.
—Meats—
“No red meats; that is, rare meats. In meats preferably
use fish, fowl or lamb, rather than other types. Have three
vegetables grown above the ground to one under the
ground. Have one meal each day, if possible, with ONLY RAW
vegetables. Nuts are good, but do not combine same with
meats. Let them take the place of same.” (1151-2)
Now he wasn’t absolutely strict on this red meat
directive, and in some cases encouraged the eating of some
red meat. He even developed an energizing juice for the
body called “beef juice.” Beef juice is not a broth but a juice
extracted from the meat through heat. It is prepared as
follows: Take about one pound of round steak preferably. Cut
off the fat, leaving the muscle and pieces of tendon. Cut this
then into half inch cubes, and put it into a glass jar without
water in it. The jar should be covered but not tightly. Put a
cloth on the bottom of the pan to prevent the jar from
cracking. Then put the jar into the pan with water in it – the
water coming about one-half or three-fourths of the way
toward the top of the jar. Let the water then simmer for three
to four hours. Then strain off the juice which has
accumulated inside the jar and the remaining meat may be
pressed somewhat to extract the remainder of the juice. The
meat will then be worthless. The juice should be taken two
to three times a day, but not more than a tablespoon at one
time, and this should be sipped very slowly taking perhaps
five or ten minutes to use the whole amount. It may be
seasoned to suit the taste of the individual. It would be well
also to use a whole wheat or rye cracker at the same time to
make it more palatable. Place the juice in a refrigerator but
never keep it longer than three days. The quantity made
depends upon how much and how often the juice is taken.
Cayce wants it taken like a medicine not a drink. (1343-2)
 “Let the meats be rather fish, fowl or lamb. And the
combinations of sweets - do not have too great a quantity of
sweets with vegetables, but at times when meats are taken
a little sweets may be taken.” (1217-2)
“No hog meat that is flesh of any kind; no bacon that is
not VERY crisp - and this only at the morning meal.” (677-2)
"In the matter of the diet, keep away from too much
greases or too much of any foods cooked in quantities of
grease - whether it be the fat of hog, sheep, beef or fowl! But
rather use the LEAN portions and those that will make for
body-building forces throughout. Fish and fowl are the
preferable meats. No raw meat, and very little ever of hog
meat." (303-11)
—Spirituality Helps Physicality—
From Cayce’s holistic viewpoint, improving the
conditions of the body require physical activity, proper
nutrition, a good mental attitude, and even some serious
spirituality. Here’s the ending of a dietary reading for a
young lady: “To be sure it will require time, patience,
persistence and consistency. It will also be necessary for the
mental and spiritual attitudes to be in that way of never
condemning self or others, but rather looking to that power
which lies within to have every atom of the body and mind
attuned to creative energies as in the Christ-Consciousness,
of His abiding presence with you.” (3694-1) Curiously, he
told this same woman: “Do learn the promises of the Christ,
the Savior; especially those given to man after He arose
from the grave. For these are quite different from those
given even in the hour before His trial and crucifixion.” Now
I looked into this a bit and found that Jesus did indeed give
different advice after his resurrection than before.
Specifically, he was much more focused on the power of the
Holy Spirit, the “Spirit on High,” the “Spirit of Truth,” to give
us what we really need. He felt this to such a degree that he
basically told the disciples to wait for it. Do nothing. Just
wait prayerfully to be imbued with the Spirit of God.
 One other surprising thing that I noticed was, while in
his resurrected body, Jesus actually asked his disciples and
the holy women if they had any food for him to eat! And
they did. They had fish and honey in the honey comb, which
Jesus accepted and ate. This mild sweet and meat combo fits
well with Cayce’s diet, especially since the meat is among
his top three (fish, fowl, or lamb).
Admittedly, we cannot know all the ramifications of
Cayce’s thousands of food comments, especially since he
was so influenced by the conditions and circumstances of
the persons seeking the readings. But we can get a fairly
clear sense of what he felt was best for physical bodies
living in various environments on this little blue planet of
ours. I suggest that you take what you can, what fits for you
and your situation. Spring and summer certainly provide us
with the best opportunity to eat better and to eat foods
grown in our local area.
—It is Worse to Worry about What We Eat—
One last little comment that is important to remember
in these busy times: Cayce said that it is worse to worry
about your eating than to eat wrong. Worry produces more
problems than bad food. This does not negate everything
we’ve learned about good food, but it clearly shows that the
mind is the builder, the shaper of outcomes. Let’s be mindful
of our thoughts and attitudes. Cayce’s holistic approach
takes into consideration influences of the spirit and mind as
we are feeding our bodies.
 Chapter 7
Exercise and Rest

Fresh Air Walks

"[Be in the] air, sand, and water. These are needed more
for the body than any other condition – sunshine and
shadows. The body needs to get CLOSE to nature, with
nature's curers – as will be found in sand, sunshine, water,
woods. Such natures as this, and we will find, in three to four
weeks, with such care of self, such taking of sunshine baths,
of sand baths, of walks in wood, of communing with nature,
and of introspection of self and duty to self and that owed to
mankind and to God, through the efforts of the individuals
themselves, there will be brought strength, power, force,
vitality. Do that." 5618-5
"We must have more oxygen, so that the lungs will
throw off the carbon from the body. He should be more
outdoors, and take more bodily exercise; have more
employment of the mind, to get it off of self, or to do
something that will relax the body, not enough of course to
wear it out – then the body will rebuild." (5707-1)
In the following we have Cayce’s body exercise for
improving the flow and coordination of circulation and nerve
impulses:
"First we would begin with systematic activity or
exercise for the upper portion of the body itself; that is, the
head and neck exercise. Take this morning and evening for a
minute or two minutes at each period; and we will find there
will be a great change in the activities of the vision, the
hearing, the throat. This would be the manner:
"Sit erect - of morning just before arising, and of
evening just before retiring. Slowly, positively, bow the head
(not the body) just as far forward as possible, three to four
times. Then back just as far as possible, with the body being
held erect. Then slow circular motion, two to three times to
the right, three to fours time to the left. Then to the side,
first the right and then the left. Then the circular motion
again; slowly but consistently. This should be taken
immediately on awaking in the morning, you see, before
leaving the bed; and just before retiring at night - or when
ready for bed.
"Also we would take specific exercise (this has nothing
to do with the head and neck exercise; that is, it should be
taken in addition to the head and neck exercise, see?),
systematically, morning and evening; two to three minutes
in the morning before dressing, and two to three minutes in
the evening when prepared for bed - the stooping exercise;
that
"Stand erect, gradually rise on toes, extending the
hands above the head as the body takes the exercise; then
gradually stooping. Not bending forward but stooping,
holding the heels rather close together - stooping three to
four times, holding the body erect. [He is using the term
stooping to mean “inclining the body” rather than fully
bending over.] Then the circular motion about the waist:
Hands on the hip, bend the body forward, circle backward.
All this for two to three to four to five minutes. [We call this
exercise, “scrubbing the barrel.” We imagine scrub brushes
on our hips and that we are inside a barrel and as we rotate
our hips we scrub the insides of the barrel. It is very good for
the lower body circulation and stimulation, especially the
lumbar section of our cerebrospinal column.]
 "This exercise is much preferable to having adjustments
mechanically made, until there is the strengthening of the
muscular forces throughout this portion of the body.
"Be mindful of the diet, that there is kept not too much
of acids - or acid-producing foods. Keep away from too many
sweets. No combinations of fried foods or great quantities of
red meat.
"Do these, and we will find we will in a few weeks bring
a great deal of change.
"Then we would continue to keep these exercises
systematically, in periods, of course, with occasionally a rest
period from same; and we will bring better conditions for the
system." (1497-4, 46 year-old man)
The following is one of Cayce’s best and most frequently
recommended exercises. I do this exercise often and it is so
good for keeping the body limber. Cats are the greatest
creatures for stretching! And this Cayce exercise is based on
emulating cat-like stretches:
"No better exercises may be taken than the stretching
exercise; as rising on toes - and this doesn't mean with
shoes on! - on heels, rocking back and forth; stretching the
arms upward, the bending exercises, what may be literally
termed - and is termed by some - the cat-stretching
exercises, which includes, of course, being able - (put very
coarsely) - to do the split, be able to put the head on the
feet, to put the feet behind the head, to make the head and
neck exercises and all of those activities that may be said to
be of the feline or cat exercise. To be sure, in the present
period, present development, present conditions that exist,
must be gone at gently; but be persistent morning and
evening, working at it, still not letting it become rote, but
purposeful." (681-2)
Here is how many of us do this exercise that he just
alluded to: We stand up straight, we rock back-and-forth on
the heels and balls of our feet (“balls” are the padded
portion between the toes and the arch). Then we stand flat
footed and begin to alternately reach for the sky with our
arms and hands, stretching like a cat scratching on our
carpet or on a scratching post. The stretch is so full that we
roll up onto the balls of our feet with each alternating
stretch. Next, we bend over and alternately stretch our
hands to touch our toes, letting our knees bend and our butt
move as we alternate from right foot to left foot. It does not
matter if you cannot touch your toes, just reach for them
and feel the stretch in your back.
Usually this stretching is followed by the “scrubbing of
the barrel” exercise described above and the head-and-
neck. These stretches are excellent for keeping the body
limber and the circulating flowing.
Breathing exercises were also recommended by Cayce,
even Yoga breathing. You can see in these next two readings
how important it is to expel the contents of our lungs more
fully and inhale fresh air. This is best done at an open
window or outdoors.
Here is one of Cayce’s breath exercise:
"As we find, the meeting not only of the physical forces
but to produce and bring about the greater abilities in the
mental attitude, would be through the breathing exercises;
or the nature of STRETCHING exercise taken WITH the
breathing that would make for keeping the body more near
normal, increasing those necessary influences for the
overcoming of the tendencies in the body for those
disturbances as indicated. Such an exercise would be that
described as the STRETCHING of the arms, the lower limbs,
with the intake and the sudden exhale from the lungs
themselves; that not only purifies the activity of the source
of energizing – or the energies for the blood supply – but
alleviates those tendencies for the pressures that are
indicated in the cervical areas. We would keep this a little of
morning and a little in the evening before retiring." (989-1)
Our lungs need to be supplied because they supply our
blood:
 "Enliven the supplying of carbon and of the oxidized
oxygen or ozone to the blood supply as reached through the
lung forces, see?" (4790-1)
"In the blood supply to the body we find this in the
lungs proper does not receive the sufficient carbon to supply
the system." (4550-1)
Here is one many of us could use help with:
“(Q) Any special exercises that can be taken to
strengthen flabby abdominal muscles?
“(A) Walking, riding, swimming, AND massage." (480-2)
—Rest and Relaxation—
"More would the body find self able to rest were the
body to learn or attempt to RELAX self two to three times
each day." (1371-31)
“(Q) Does the body rest and relax as it should?
“(A) Keeps at a very high nerve tension. Necessarily,
recently, has relaxed more than usual - yet the body while
sitting or resting rarely relaxes thoroughly. This, of course, is
necessary to the better condition of the body." (147-35)
"Play as well as work. Be able to relax. Change in the
thought is as often as much rest physically as to rest from
physical and still keep the taxation mentally. For the body
suffers over-taxation - mental more often than physical, for
from physical taxation, sleep will recuperate but a mental is
akin to those of the spiritual that prevent the relaxation,
save by change of thought which will bring a relaxation.
“(Q) What mental interests should the body have?
“(A) These have been given. The body should interest
self in play of variety or nature that is appealing or interests
self in things that are entirely different from the activities. It
may be work but work-mental will make the mind grow if
changed. For to become lopsided or in such a groove as that
it worries to do. That which causes other thought. In the line
of art. Any line of play. Any line of change of surroundings
that does not tax the physical body to excess.
“(Q) What can my wife do to aid this condition?
 “(A) Make suggestions, if he will only heed them." (257-
62)
—Budgeting Time—
"If the body will budget its time more regularly, not as
habit, but as regularity, we find it will give more time for ALL
of those developments that are a part of the body's
experience in the present. So much time for study, so much
time for recreation, so much time for relaxation. And have
the relaxation in the open when practical." (1206-14)
Budgeting our daily, weekly, and monthly time is one of
the best ways to do everything well! Allotting time for work,
play, rest, exercise, social interaction, as well as quiet
reflection truly makes for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
—Sleep—
When Cayce was asked about the importance of sleep
he took off in a direction that no one expected. Here is that
discourse (read slowly and pause occasionally to reflect):
"Now, with that as has just been given, that there is an
active force within each individual that functions in the
manner of a sense when the body-physical is in sleep,
repose or rest, we would then outline as to what are the
functions of this we have chosen to call a sixth sense.
"What relation does it bear with the normal physical
recognized five senses of a physical-aware body? If these are
active, what relation do they bear to this sixth sense?
"Many words have been used in attempting to describe
what the spiritual entity of a body is, and what relations this
spirit or soul bears with or to the active forces within a
physical normal body. Some have chosen to call this the
cosmic body, and the cosmic body as a sense in the
universal consciousness, or that portion of same that is a
part of, or that body with which the individual, or man, is
clothed in his advent into the material plane.
"These are correct in many respects, yet by their very
classification, or by calling them by names to designate
their faculties or functions, have been limited in many
respects.
"But what relation has this sixth sense (as has been
termed in this presented) with this SOUL body, this cosmic
consciousness? What relation has it with the faculties and
functions of the normal physical mind? Which must be
trained? The sixth sense? or must the body be trained in its
other functions to the dictates of the sixth sense?
"In that as presented, we find this has been termed, that
this ability or this function - that is so active when physical
consciousness is laid aside - or, as has been termed by some
poet, when the body rests in the arms of Morpheus - is
nearer possibly to that as may be understandable by or to
many; for, as given, this activity - as is seen - of a mind, or
an attribute of the mind in physical activity - LEAVES a
DEFINITE impression.
"The activity, or this sixth sense activity, is the
activating power or force of the other self. What other self?
That which has been builded by the entity or body, or soul,
through its experiences as a whole in the material and
cosmic world, see? or is as a faculty of the soul-body itself.
Hence, does the subconscious make aware to this active
force when the body is at rest some action on the part of self
that is in disagreement with that which has been builded by
that other self, then THIS is the warring of conditions or
emotions within an individual. Hence we may find that an
individual may from sorrow SLEEP and wake with a feeling of
elation. What has taken place? We possibly may then
understand what we are speaking of. There has been, and
ever when the physical consciousness is at rest, the other
self communes with the SOUL of the body, see? or it goes
OUT into that realm of experience in the relationships of all
experiences of that entity that may have been throughout
the EONS of time, or in correlating WITH that as it, that
entity, HAS accepted as its criterion or standard of
judgments, or justice, within its sphere of activity.”
 Cayce is saying that when our outer self is in repose our
other, inner, deeper, immortal self is free to communicate,
and it communicates from place of timeless soul-life, bring
all the experiences and perspectives of our more cosmic
being. Because of this, sleep has the potential to be of
profound importance to our present incarnate life.
"Hence through such an association in sleep there may
have come that peace, that understanding, that is accorded
by that which has been correlated through that passage of
the selves of a body in sleep. Hence we find the more
spiritual-minded individuals are the more easily pacified, at
peace, harmony, in normal active state as well as in sleep.
Why? They have set before themselves (Now we are
speaking of one individual!) that that IS a criterion that may
be wholly relied upon, for that from which an entity or soul
sprang is its CONCEPT, its awareness of, the divine or
creative forces within their experience. Hence they that
have named the Name of the Son have put their trust in
Him. He is their standard, their model, their hope, their
activity. Hence we see how that the action through such
sleep, or such quieting as to enter the silence. What do we
mean by entering the silence? Entering the presence of that
which IS the criterion of the selves of an entity!”
Here Cayce is making us aware of power of living
according to an ideal, a standard that is more than physical,
as is seen in our becoming aware that we (deep inside)
children (sons and daughters) of the Creative Force or God
of the entire universe. We are celestial beings incarnating
temporarily as terrestrial, physical beings. With this as our
criterion or measuring gauge, our touchstone, our standard,
then the immortal inner self becomes more present in this
life and we develop our so-called “sixth sense” that can
better guide us and convey intuitive insights for health.
"On the other hand oft we find one may retire with a
feeling of elation, or peace, and awaken with a feeling of
depression, of aloofness, of being alone, of being without
hope, or of fear entering, and the BODY-PHYSICAL awakes
with that depression that manifests itself as of low spirits, as
is termed, or of coldness, gooseflesh over the body, in
expressions of the forces. What has taken place? A
comparison in that ‘arms of Morpheus,’ in that silence, in
that relationship of the physical self being unawares of those
comparisons between the soul and its experiences of that
period with the experiences of itself throughout the ages.”
Cayce is saying that when the outer self goes to sleep
feeling happy but wakes feeling oddly uncomfortable, then
the inner self is not content with what is going on in the
outer life.
“Hence we find oft individual circumstances of where a
spiritual-minded individual in the material plane is suffering
oft under pain, sickness, sorrow, and the like – the soul is
meeting that which it has merited, for the clarification for
the associations of itself with that whatever has been set as
its ideal. If one has set self in array against that of love as
manifested by the Creator, in its activity brought into
material plane, then there MUST be a continual, continual
WARRING of those elements. So, my son, let your lights be in
Him, for these are the MANNERS through which all may
come to an understanding of the activities; for, as was
given, ‘I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. I was caught up
to the seventh heaven. Whether I was in the body or out of
the body I cannot tell.’ What was taking place? The
subjugation of the physical attributes in accord with its
infinite force as set as its ideal brought to that soul, ‘Well
done, you good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of
thy Lord. He that would be the greatest among you would be
the SERVANT of all.’
"What, then, has this to do - you ask - with the subject
of sleep? Sleep - that period when the soul takes stock of
that it has acted upon during one rest period to another,
making or drawing - as it were - the comparisons that make
for Life itself in its ESSENCE, as for harmony, peace, joy,
love, long-suffering, patience, brotherly love, kindness -
these are the fruits of the Spirit. Hate, harsh words, unkind
thoughts, oppressions and the like, these are the fruits of the
evil forces, and the soul either abhors that it has passed or
enters into the joy of its Lord. This an ESSENCE of that which
is intuitive in the active forces. Why should this be so? How
received woman her awareness? [he is referring to Eve in
Genesis] Through the sleep of the man! Hence INTUITION is
an attribute endowed WITH all of those abilities and forces of
its Maker. In sleep all things become possible, as one finds
self flying through space, lifting, or being chased, or what
not, by those very things that make for a comparison of that
which has been builded by the very soul of the body itself."
(5754-2)
Whew! Where did that come from! It is clear that
Cayce’s mind saw us as much more than we realize and with
great potential to fully become aware of the Creative Forces,
the Forces of Cosmic Life flowing through us and
enlightening us.
Let’s end with this in one sentence of his:
"Sleep is the building time of the physical forces to give
and partake of rejuvenal expressions." (5681-1)
 Chapter 8
Therapies, Tonics, and Devices

There is so much information in the volumes of Edgar

Cayce’s discourses on therapies, tonics, packs, and devices
that it would take more than this book can convey. You will
find most all of his information and much more on the
EdgarCayce.org website, especially the section containing
the Edgar Cayce Health Database. I encourage you to go to
that website and search for what you need or want. Here I
will highlight some of his main modalities for developing
and maintaining health.
Massage
It may sound strange but from Edgar Cayce’s
perspective massaging the body can help spiritual
enlightenment and attunement as well as physical health.
And spirituality in turns helps develop and maintain health
and wellbeing. Cayce tells one person that “the spiritual
forces may be stimulated by massage, supplying energies
from the various centers in the cerebrospinal system. This
may be accomplished by massage.” (3305-1) Cayce explains
that “replenishing and rebuilding the ability to be in at-
onement with the Creative Forces, or God, brings the ability
to heal one’s own self.” (1861-15) Toward this end, he says
that massage acts as an “assistant or booster to better
attunement between the cerebrospinal and sympathetic
nervous system.” (1861-15) He identifies the cerebrospinal
system with the kundalini pathway (sushumna) of ancient
yoga meditation. He identifies the autonomic system with
the seven chakras in the Yoga Sutras, and directly connects
them to the seven endocrine glands that secrete the all-
important hormones in our body. In reading 3098-1 he says
that “massage will keep the centers and ganglia along the
spinal system in better coordination.” And in reading 2642-3
he says that “adjustments and massage will aid the body in
its mental and spiritual attitude.”
There are many types of massage, such as Swedish,
neuropathic, osteopathic, lymphatic, and the Reilly method,
which is taught at the Cayce-Reilly massage school and
provided by trained therapists in the Cayce Spa at the
center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and of course all the
graduates living across the country and practicing this
method in your area. You can contact the Cayce Center to
see if there is a Cayce-Reilly trained therapist near you. See
illustrations on pages 211 through 223.
Generally speaking, Cayce is looking for a stimulating
and coordinating massage throughout the body. This type of
massage will improve balance and coordination. Remember,
he is the father of holistic health and is always seeking that
we have cooperation and coordination among our body,
mind, and spirit. This for him was true health.
Here’s an example from his files: "We find there are
disturbances that prevent the body from its better physical
functioning. These have to do primarily with that
coordination between the sympathetic nerve system and the
cerebrospinal nerve system." (3056-1)
The two important parts of our body to coordinate are
the cerebrospinal, which is the kundalini pathway in yoga
and the autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
nervous system that includes the endocrine glands, and
these are the spiritual centers or chakras in yoga.
 The kundalini pathway is the area along the spine, from
the base of the brain to the tip of the tail bone, and the
extending nerves that exit out of the openings in the spinal
column and to deliver and receive messages in a
coordinated body. (illustrations: pages 211- 223) Of course,
it also includes the brain, especially the twelve paired
cranial nerves.
The spiritual centers or chakras are located deep in the
body and are part of the autonomic nervous system. These
centers/chakras are stimulated and coordinated by reflective
reaction to circular massage along the spine at the major
plexuses. A nerve plexus is a branching network of
intersecting nerves. They are located along our spine. A
nerve plexus is composed of afferent (conducting toward)
and efferent (conducting away) fibers that arise from the
merging of the anterior rami of spinal nerves and blood
vessels.
The root chakra and navel chakra are reflectively
stimulated by circular massage throughout the lower back;
the solar plexus chakra is stimulated by massaging the
center of the back, the heart chakra by massaging between
the shoulder blades, the throat chakra by massaging the
neck. The higher two chakras located in the brain are
stimulated and coordinated by massaging from the top of
the spine, the base of the skull, over to the crown of the
head (where our soft spots were when we first entered these
bodies at birth), and then on to the forehead, the third-eye
area. This is often referred to as Cranial Sacral Therapy, and
is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the
bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. The goal is to
release compression in those areas which alleviates stress,
pain, and improves the flow of fluids and nerve impulses.
During the massage, it is important to keep one’s
consciousness near the Creator’s, as indicated in this Cayce
instruction: “General massage along the whole of the spine
... and keep that attitude that the applications are creating
the field of activity in which the God-force or life itself may
manifest in this body, that it may complete in this
experience that development necessary for the maintaining
of the soul’s attitude and soul’s relationships with its Creator
and Savior.” (632-2)
He wants us to use the massage time as a period of
meditation, a period of attunement to the Divine within.
Therefore, while the body is being enlivened and
coordinated by the massage, direct the inner self to unite
with the spiritual influences within. This will result in the
best for body, mind, and spirit. In several discourses Cayce
recommended that loved ones do the massage just before
sleep. He explained that during the sleep cycle the body
would be better able to rejuvenate itself, and the soul would
be better able to reach higher dimensions of consciousness.
On the following morning, do not move the body upon
waking; rather, scan your deeper mind for a dream or, per
chance, a vision.
Here is another of his readings for a person in which
massage and spinal adjustments were encouraged:
"There has been, and exists in the present,
incoordination between the nerve systems of the body. An
over-anxiety, a fear has caused over-tension in the nervous
system, especially as related to the areas in the upper dorsal
[thoracic] or through the brachial centers, and has caused a
great shock to the body, so that the ability of the nerves to
coordinate in replenishing energies through the circulation
has caused this great weakness which exists in the body."
(5240-1)
It is important to note here that it was her emotions and
mental state that affected her body. Therefore he also told
her: “These may be materially aided but it will require as
much activity of the mental self.” She was going to have to
get mental thoughts right if the physical adjustments were
going affect a change in her health. See the mind-body
connection here. This is often the case for us in healing and
health, we need to improve our thoughts and emotions if our
bodies are going to be truly healthy.
—Cayce’s Therapeutic Oils—
Among Cayce’s therapies are oils, most notably three:
Peanut oil, Castor oil, and Olive oil. These oils were used to
penetrate the body with their beneficial ingredients. The
primary use of peanut oil in the Cayce readings was as a
massage oil. It was described as a "food for the nerves and
muscular forces" (2321-2) and a specific aid to joints. When
Sassafras oil was added to it, it was an aid against arthritis.
Castor oil was primarily used in a pack on the abdomen with
heat, penetrating into the area of the major organs, most
particularly the liver. In some cases the focus was on
penetrating the intestines and the transverse colon. Olive
was a food for the skin and body. Cayce noted that too much
of olive oil would add weight to the body. All oils penetrate
better with heat. In some cases a hot-water heating pad was
used or an electric heating pad. But heat can also occur from
the friction of massage, helping the peanut oil to penetrate.
One of the problems with this therapy is the messiness of
oils and how much oil Cayce wanted applied to the body. It
is therefore best to set aside plenty of time for these
therapies and select clothes that you don’t mind getting oil
on. Have a towel ready to rub off the excess oil once the
therapy is completed.
Here are some of Cayce’s comments about using these
oils:
"(Q) Is peanut Oil best rubbing oil?
“(A) It is the best rubbing oil if sufficient of it is given for
the body to absorb, for it becomes rancid less often than
others." (257-233)
“(Q) Shall I resume peanut oil rubs?
“(A) There is nothing better. These may be given by any
good masseuse. If they are taken once a week, it is not too
often. For, they do supply energies to the body." (1158-31)
 "Then have the rubdown with Peanut Oil, if the body
would never have arthritis or neuritic reactions." (826-14)
"Those who would take a peanut oil rub each week need
never fear arthritis." (1158-2)
"Massage with anything that is easy to massage with. If
it is practical to obtain it, use Peanut Oil combined with an
equal quantity of Olive Oil. Or, if Peanut Oil is not
convenient, use an equal combination of Olive Oil and
tincture of Myrrh; heating the oil to add the myrrh." (852-18)
"The activity of the olive oil [as a massage oil] is as
FOOD that may be absorbed by the lymph and emunctories
[an organ or duct that removes or carries waste from the
body] of the system, provided the pores and the exterior
portions of the body have been relaxed or opened before
this is massaged into the system. The activity of those
properties as go WITH same, the myrrh and those of
sassafras oil, these add to the STRENGTH of the muscular
tissue, of the sinew along the system, as to carry – the one
stimulating the muscular forces, the other carrying to the
cartilaginous forces, and to every nerve fiber itself, that of
strength and activity." The Gold in its activity, with the Soda,
is to ENLIVEN the glands INTERNALLY with the SECRETIONS
of the system, as to furnish the proper stimuli to the
replenishing and rebuilding of the system.
"We would massage along the cerebrospinal system
equal parts of olive oil and tincture of myrrh, heating the oil
to add the myrrh. Massage all that the cerebrospinal system
will absorb." (372-8)
His Famous Castor Oil Pack
"We would apply hot Castor Oil Packs directly to the
body, over the lower portion of the liver, the lacteal duct
center, and extending to the caecum area. Use at least three
thicknesses of flannel that is soaked or saturated in Castor
Oil. Apply this as warm as may be handled comfortably,
though not too hot. Then cover it with cloths, and an electric
pad put over same." (2153-1)
 "We would have the Castor Oil Packs over the lower
portion of the liver, the gall duct, the lacteal duct, and
extending to the caecum area. In these Castor Oil Packs we
would use three to four thicknesses of flannel, as hot as the
body can stand. These would be taken two or three days
apart, for an hour at the time." (1055-1)
A pack was castor oil soaked into wool flannel.
Here is how I do my castor oil packs: I take a bowel into
my bathroom and mix up the rising solution that Cayce
recommended, which is some baking soda in warm water. I
set a wash rag next to this bowel. Now I return to my bed. I
turn on my large heating pad and place it on the bed in
arms reach so I can get it once I have the pack on me. Then I
prepare the bed with a thick towel covering the sheets so as
not to soil the bed with oil. This first towel is right next to the
side of the bed so I can get on it easily. Next to this towel I
put a second towel in the middle of the bed. Then I prepare
my pack on the first towel by laying out three side-by-side
overlapping sections of plastic wrap from the kitchen so as
to make a larger plastic section than the single sheets that
come out of plastic wrap carton. This is my protective barrier
for keeping the oil from getting all over the place. On this
large plastic wrap I lay my large section of flannel folded
three times for thickness. Then on this flannel I pour castor
oil – wait until that soaks in – then pour on some more,
making sure not to over soak the flannel so that it runs off
and onto the towel and bed. Once the flannel has absorbed
as much oil as it can hold, I lift it by the plastic wrap off of
the first towel and put it to the side on the second towel
while I get in the bed on the first towel (naked or with only
underpants on). Then I carefully lift the plastic wrap and
flannel and put it over my abdomen (the whole area as
Cayce described it) flannel side on me. Then I lift up my
heating pad and put it on the plastic wrap. Soon the pack
gets hot. I lie back and am meditative and prayerful for an
hour.
 Now when I am done, I carefully removed the heating
pad and turn it off. I carefully lift the pack off and set it
plastic side down on the second towel. I go to the bathroom
and wash the excess oil off of me using the rinsing solution
and wash rag. Voilà! It is done. Now since the oil will not go
rancid too quickly, I fold the pack into itself with the plastic
wrap out and the flannel in, and put it in a plastic zip lock
bag for future use. However, Castor oil is well-known to go
rancid very easily and there is no way of telling because
unlike other oils it does not give off a bad smell when it is
rancid. I know people who keep using the same castor oil
pack for many months but you may not want to reuse this
pack for more than a month or two to insure that your oil is
good. And each time you do reuse it, add fresh oil.
More information on castor oil packs can be found on
the EdgarCayce.org website.

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is just what its name indicates: the
therapeutic use of water. Cayce recommends several
hydrotherapies, among them are Epsom salt baths, Sitz
baths, steam baths, hot and cold showers, cabinet sweats,
fume and vapor baths, enemas, and, yes, even colonics. The
principal reason for hydrotherapy is to stimulate both blood
and lymph circulation, coordination of our two main nervous
systems, and to improve elimination of waste and toxins that
develop in the body.
Anytime you are going to use hot water or steam, you
should have someone close by to help you if your body
reacts to the heat. And if you have any type of heart
condition you should first consult your physician before
beginning any hot water or steam therapies.
—Epsom Salt Baths—
Epsom salts baths were often recommended for persons
suffering from muscular and joint pain or more serious
conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Simply make a
hot bath with plenty of Epsom salts dissolved in the water.
Soak in this solution – it is very relaxing. Epsom salts are
available at any pharmacy and some grocery stores.
—Hand and Foot Baths—
In most cases Epsom salts were used for hand and foot
baths for symptomatic relief of arthritic or stress pain. Soak
the hands or feet for five minutes, then massage them in the
solution and work the fingers or toes, rotating the joints.
Then soak again. Repeat for roughly twenty minutes.
—Sitz Bath—
A Sitz bath is for the hips and buttocks, the tail bone,
pelvis, and hip joints, as well as the tissues in these areas of
the body. Sitz baths are used for relief of pain, soreness, and
discomfort in the pelvic and hip regions. There are three
kinds of Sitz baths: a cold one, a hot one, and one that
combines sitting in hot water first and then in cold water.
Cold water should be between 60 and 65 degrees and the
hot water between 100 and 105 degrees. The alternating of
hot-and-cold baths should be done about three times in one
session.
—Steam Baths—
Steam baths are use to sweat out toxins through our
skin and lungs. Usually a steam cabinet or steam room is
used at a spa. At Cayce’s spa in Virginia Beach, Virginia
steam cabinets are used. Various substances may be added
to provide a vapor/fume that is absorbed through the
opened pores in the skin. After the steam bath one would
take a cleansing shower to rinse off the sweat and toxins on
the skin.
Therapists trained in the Cayce/Reilly approach to
giving steam baths are knowledgeable of safeguards and
contraindications for this form of hydrotherapy. It is usually
best to begin with little heat to make sure that your body
can handle the treatment. Gradually, greater heat can be
used as the body indicates its ability to accommodate the
heat and sweat.
—Hot and Cold Showers—
Here is a therapy that you can do right in your own
living space for free: hot and cold showers. Our body’s
circulation of fluids and nerve impulses can be given a
tremendous boost by alternating the flow of water from hot
to cold, back and forth, over our bodies. The result is
invigorating and healthful. Improving our circulation helps
to relieve pain and feel more energetic. The hot water has
relaxing properties, helping to reduce stress. Cold water
helps relieve inflammation and stimulates the removal of
toxins through elimination organs like the skin. When the
body is subjected to cold external temperatures, the flow of
circulation is directed inward toward the internal organs. As
the outside temperature gets hot the flow of circulation goes
outward toward the skin. Alternating hot and cold makes the
circulation move in and out which releases stuck or sluggish
fluid and stimulates nerve impulses.
Here are a few of Cayce’s comments:
"When ready to retire, give first the shower of hot and
cold water - one then the other several times - to get this
shock that comes from such sudden changes to the exterior
of the body." (1842-2)
"Do have the hot and cold shower. Do have the sitz
baths. Do have a thorough massage with an equal
combination of Olive Oil and Peanut Oil." (2621-3)
Here is advice to a young man needing more vigor but
having a sensitive body: "Do not overheat the body nor
make too quick changes through the cold showers, though
hot and cold hydrotherapy would be well - provided it is
supplied with plenty of massage during the application."
(1123-3) While taking his hot and cold showers he should
rub his body all over, enhancing the effects of the
circulatory stimulation.
 Hot and cold showers are an easy way to improve our
circulation. Cayce occasionally recommended following
these showers with a coarse towel rubbing up and down the
spine on the back.
—Colonics—
I know how we do not like cleansing our colons with
water and healthful substances, but Cayce recommended
these.
"And keeping the colon clean is that which is necessary
for every well-balanced body; hence should be a part of the
experience for each entity." (1703-2)
Let me share my story with you.
Six years ago I had my first colonoscopy and they found
3 precancerous polyps and removed them. Three years ago I
had my second colonoscopy and they found 4 precancerous
polyps! I was heading in the wrong direction! So the colon
therapists at the Cayce spa and I began a mild colonic
schedule: one colonic each year with a Glyco-Thymoline
(more on this Cayce product later) rinse at the end of each
colonic. This year I had my third colonoscopy, and to my
doctor's surprise and my joy there were NO precancerous
polyps! The doctor asked what I had been doing, I told him,
and he didn't say a thing, other than, "You don't need to
come back for 5 years, and it would have been 10 years if
you hadn't had 4 polyps just three years ago."
The only reason I had my first colonoscopy was because
my friend and fellow staff member died of colon cancer, a
cancer that could have been dealt with if only it had been
found sooner. My friend was a healthy, energetic man - yet
his colon took him down fast. Believe me when I tell you that
when those precancerous polyps were found in my colon,
and even after removing them they came back in greater
number, I was scared and felt as though there was nothing I
could do about it. Then when Dr. Oz announced on TV that
he had 5 precancerous polyps on his first colonoscopy, and
to his dismay and alarm about this - especially since he was
eating and exercising and in good health. I was determined
to try something beyond diet and exercise. I do not like
colonics (who does) but I had no choice. Today, colonics with
a Glyco-Thymoline rinse have become a part of my health
regiment! By the way, both of my then-living parents (95
and 96 years old) never had any polyps, which actually
caused me to be more alarmed at my situation.
While you lie on a cushioned table warm, filtered water
is infused into your rectum and up your descending colon,
flushed and then infused again, gradually reaching the
transverse colon, flushed then infused again, gradually
reaching the ascending colon. (illustration on page 223) The
warm water circulates throughout the colon, dissolving and
removing its contents, including particles stuck along the
walls of the colon. Water temperature and pressure is closely
monitored and regulated during a series of fills and flushes
to generate the peristaltic action of the colon. A hospital
gown ensures complete coverage for modesty and warmth.
As the method involves an enclosed system, the waste
materials are removed without the unpleasant odors or
discomfort usually associated with enemas. A final rinse with
Glyco-Thymoline promotes an alkaline environment in your
colon. And as we have already read Cayce states that cancer
cannot live or grow in an alkaline environment.
Glyco-Thymoline has been around for over 100 years. It
was in 1890 that pharmacists Samuel Owen & Oscar Kress
develop Glyco-Thymoline. It is a natural, healthful alkaline
cleansing solution containing water, glycerin, alcohol (only
3.27%), sodium borate, sodium benzoate, sodium
bicarbonate, carmine, sodium salicylate, menthol,
eucalyptol, Abies Sibirica (Fir needle) oil, thymol, and
methyl salicylate. As you can see the key ingredients are
glycerin, menthol, eucalyptol, Fir needle oil, and thymol.
Cayce recommended it many times for its alkaline
properties.
 A colonic should only be given by trained professional.
Enemas are not as thorough as colonics but if colon therapy
services are not available, then they will due. And local
pharmacies have these available with instructions for self-
application.
Tonics
Cayce designed some interesting tonics, potions, elixirs,
and concoctions for improving health. Here are the main
ones:
—Cayce’s Spring Tonic 545—
He said “this would be good for everyone as a spring
tonic.” It is sold using various names. The official Cayce
supplier calls it New Seasons Tonic. This herbal tonic is
blended to aid digestion and assist in clarifying the whole
system, especially during seasonal changes. It is an herbal
tonic containing: Tolu Balsam Tincture, Wild Cherry Bark,
Sarsaparilla Root, Yellow Dock Root, Dogwood Bark, Prickly
Ash Bark, Dog Fennel, Sassafras Oil, Tincture of Capsici
(Capsicum), Water, Grain Alcohol (7%).
Cayce first gave this formula to a nineteen-year-old
female (Ms. 5450) to help her improve her body’s overall
chemistry and lower her toxicity levels. Initially it was called
Tonic 5450, and is considered to be a good tonic for
everyone.
—Cayce’s Energy Tonic 636—
Tonic #636 is an herbal energy tonic for revitalizing and
as a "beautifier," says Cayce. Its formulation is designed to
support healthy digestion, particularly healthy glandular
function (as in the endocrine glands we wrote about earlier).
It contains a simple syrup (sugar) base blended with Elixir of
Lactated Pepsin, Liquid Liver Extract, Fluid Extracts of Black
Snake Root and Wild American Ginseng, Atomic Iodine, and
Grain Alcohol (7-15%). It is very important to note that each
1/2 teaspoon provides .225mg or 150% of the
Recommended Daily Allowance of Iodine! Iodine overdose is
dangerous, so seek the advice of a health care professional
before taking iodine supplements and do NOT use an iodine
supplement or a supplement containing iodine in
conjunction this tonic. Look at what your are ingesting in
your supplements before taking this tonic. If a skin rash
develops discontinue use and consult a physician (some
people may be sensitive to iodine). If you are pregnant,
nursing, have high blood pressure or a thyroid condition,
seek the advice of a health professional before using this
product. Dosages greater than 1/2 teaspoonful daily will
supply iodine in excess of the Recommended Daily
Allowance. Now with all of that said, this can be a very
helpful tonic when taken properly.
Devices
Cayce designed and/or recommended several devices
for aiding physical health. I am only going to give two of
them here. You can find more on the EdgarCayce.org
website.
—The Electric Massage Vibrator—
There are so many Cayce readings suggesting the use of
a massage vibrator that it is among his most recommended
devices. Here are some of his comments:
"These may be best balanced by a massage that would
equalize the centers as indicated; in the 4th and 3rd dorsal
area, 4th, 3rd and 2nd cervical area, and in the lumbar area.
These centers may be stimulated sufficiently by the use of
the electrically driven vibrator, provided there is sufficient
heat applied before the application to draw circulation to
those particular centers - see? Though the application would
be, of course, along the whole cerebrospinal system,
particular attention should be given in the particular centers
mentioned, with the heat - preferably wet heat - applied
first; and the application would be made about three times
each week." (375-1)
In this next reading you will see him mention the Violet
Ray device. More on this in a moment but notice his use of
an electric massager.
 "At times we would continue to use the Violet Ray, as
well as the vibratory forces of the electrically driven vibrator.
Do not use these in such a manner as to JUST get through
with taking the treatment, but use them in such a manner as
to accomplish a definite purpose at the time of the
application of same. Take the electrically driven vibrator
when tired, or before retiring; but don't wait too long to
retire until it is too late to give the vibrator treatment!" (303-
11)
This the reading that I follow closely, having my long-
handled massager next to my bed to use up and down my
spine just before sleep:
"In the evenings also before retiring, the use of the
electrically driven vibrator along the whole cerebrospinal
system will be found to be helpful; for this will enable all
centers along the cerebrospinal system to receive a greater
impulse from their activity, enabling all organs to be
stimulated without the excess of one's functioning so much
under the strain of the tautness of another. Especially would
this be helpful, that those centers in the upper dorsal and
cervical area receive stimulation; also across the lower
portion of the body, or the lumbar area." (265-6)
These days it is difficult to find a long-handled massage
vibrator. The people at Baar Products carry one, stock
number 4290 (Baar.com).
"We would find that the electrically driven vibrator
would be excellent for quieting the nerve forces of the body,
ESPECIALLY in those areas over the plexuses indicated; that
is, the upper dorsal and whole of the cervical area, and over
the lumbar and sacral area." (369-10)
"Every day, preferably in the evening, use the
Electrically Driven Vibrator across the lower portion of the
cerebrospinal system, from the base of the brain to the end
of the spine. Use the applicator that forms a suction upon
the body itself; that is, the cup applicator. Then, use it
across the abdomen; following the line of the colon, from the
liver area down to the caecum, or opposite the right hip
bone, then up and across the abdomen just below the navel
and then down to the left side opposite the left hip bone. If
these instructions are followed, it will require about fifteen to
eighteen to twenty minutes. Don't just run the vibrator over
those areas, but take time to give a thorough treatment.
Come down, you see, along the cerebrospinal system - that's
along the backbone, on either side of the backbone, and
especially across the lower portion of the PELVIS area - that's
across the small of the back and to the end of the spine!
COME DOWN the spine, you see, with the strokes; not just
running the machine back and forth! Then use it across the
ABDOMEN, coming down from the liver area on the right
side to the caecum, or that area just below or opposite the
right hip bone. Then up just a little farther, you see, to the
left; to that area directly below the navel area but on the
right side. Then cross under the navel to the left portion of
the colon. This is following, of course, the course of the
colon." (1572-1)
Now this following reading reveals how our spirit/soul
forces can influence our body’s condition, and Cayce gives
an interesting recovery process using the vibrator.
"This causing at this time a suppression of the action of
the nerve forces to the cerebrospinal and produces
despondency, but it is not an action of the brain itself, but it
is a reflex sympathetic reaching through the soul and spirit
forces, rather than to the building of the body itself. These
are the conditions as we find them in this body here. Now, to
give the proper balance to this body, and to relieve the
conditions in this system, we would give it a systematic
treatment along the sacrum and lumbar region, and to that
of the whole length of the spinal column to some extent, and
deep vibrations should be given from an electrically driven
vibrator to this portion of the body to relax, and to the
sacrum and lumbar and solar plexus and 9th dorsal deep
vibrations; either side of the spine itself, and down to the
knees, and that is the inside of the body lying on the face
when this treatment would be given, and to the knees
themselves and along the whole length of the sciatic nerve,
and this will give the vibration to all of the organs of the
pelvis, in order that we might give the proper blood flow, or
proper flow of blood supply, and through this, and with the
condition of the body which is good, as we have given,
remove by absorption through the proper channels the
conditions and relieve the pains to the head, - not as a
special treatment to the head, except just along the cervical
on the left side of the body. Keep this up for about six to
eight weeks, and we will find we will have a better condition
and a balance of force to resist the nervous condition
coming to the body, and we will have a proper distribution of
all blood and nerve forces in this body here. Do that." (4886-
1)
—Radio-Active Device—
As I wrote earlier this device has nothing to do with
nuclear energy. It is more like a radio wave device than
nuclear fission! The Radio-Active device is mentioned in
over 1,000 readings given by Edgar Cayce.
Some people call it the Mind Machine, the BioBattery,
the Radial Appliance, the Dry Cell, or the Impedance Device.
No batteries and no electrical outlets are involved. To use it,
you place it in the sun to “charge” it, Cayce says, then put in
a container (pot or bucket), add ice, then add water, wait 15
minutes and attach the connectors to your wrists and ankles
in a complex manner which is described in the instruction
booklet that comes with it. But all of this information and so
much more is on the Edgar Cayce Health Database on
EdgarCayce.org.
According to the Cayce readings, the Radio-Active
device is not a battery. It works by balancing the body's
natural energies, and generates no current itself. Although it
was originally called the "Radio-Active" Appliance, it
contains no radioactivity. It is constructed of steel, glass,
carbon and charcoal in a brass container. It contains no
chemicals or toxic materials. It should last for many years,
but if you should ever need to dispose of it, no special
arrangements are necessary. The appliance seems to work
best if used for 4 days in a row, which is one complete cycle.
After each period of use, the readings recommend that you
take a break from it.
The attachments for the appliance are rotated in a 4-day
pattern, one complete cycle. This doesn't require that you
use the appliance 4 days in a row but that is a good way to
use it.
Edgar Cayce insisted that anything that can be helpful
or healing could also be detrimental if misused. Remember
that the Radio-Active device merely utilizes the body's own
energy – physically, mentally and spiritually. If there is
negativity in our hearts and minds, the device will only
redistribute the negative effects throughout our bodies.
Keep a positive, constructive attitude while using the
device. Edgar Cayce frequently recommended that the
person using the device be prayerful and meditative during
the session. Using positive affirmations is helpful
(affirmations are on page 157 ).
Baar Products sells their version of this device under the
name Radiac (pronounced ray-dee-ack).
—Violet Ray Device—
The Violet Ray is a high frequency device using a low
amperage to produce static electricity. The appliance derives
its name from the violet color of the electrical discharge that
emanates during use. The device was recommended in over
900 readings for a wide variety of problems requiring a
stimulation to the nervous and circulatory systems. It is a
Tesla coil named for Nikola Tesla, the electrical engineer,
scientist, inventor, and discoverer, who was granted 1,200
patents and is probably best known for his contribution of
alternating current. The device consists of a cylindrical base
that is held in the hand. A glass vacuum tube in inserted
into the end and glows with the violet color. Typically, the
violet ray was recommended in conjunction with other
therapies such as spinal adjustments. Spinal manipulation
was often recommended before beginning the violet ray
sessions.
I have used this device on my late wife to help with her
healing. Many people put the glass applicator right on the
skin before turning the device on and turning it off before
removing it from the skin to avoid a static electrical shock
(like when you slide your shocking feet on a carpet and then
touch a metal door nob - sap, you get a shock. However, in
his readings Cayce recommends that you do not contact the
skin but run the device above the skin yet not close enough
to generate an arcing spark of static electricity, which will
give the person a sap!
A pleasant ozone smell and a sizzling noise occur during
the use of this device. On the website Cayce.com we have
this insight written by healthcare professional Elaine Hruska:
“Ozone, a form of oxygen (O3), is produced from the
combination of static electricity and the oxygen in the air.
Found in the atmosphere in minute quantities, it is the
familiar odor detected after a thunderstorm. In some areas it
is utilized as an alternative to chlorine in destroying bacteria
in the water supply. Cayce in several readings encouraged
people to inhale this distinct odor of ozone, stating that it
would be beneficial.”
You should not have any alcohol in your system during
one of these sessions. However, Cayce did recommend
ingesting a specific ingredient to enhance the healing.
In several readings he recommended that you ingest a
1/4 teaspoon of animated ash and wait 10 to 15 minutes for
the ash to get into the circulatory system, then apply the
device. The ash in the circulation will give off oxygen when
it comes into region of the body where the violet ray is
penetrating, and oxygenation is healthful in improving
many conditions. As noted earlier the electrical atmosphere
between the skin and the device will generate ions and a
very specific scent will fill the air; he wanted the patient to
inhale this air for its health benefits.
Much more information and greater detail go to the
EdgarCayce.org website (especially the Edgar Cayce
Healthcare Database section), Cayce.com, and Baar.com.
 Chapter 9
Metaphysical Concepts and Methods of
Healing

—Attunement is Required—
Unique to Cayce's vision is the idea that we seekers of
healing and health must attune ourselves to the Divine that
is within every cell of our bodies in order to fully realize the
perfected condition. It's like a pattern, a code, a vibration of
life in its ideal condition. And when we attune to it, we begin
to imbue ourselves with this perfected life pattern, this
vibration, this state of being.
"It will require that there be such an attitude in mind, in
purpose, in hope, and in relationships to others, that each
cell of the body may be atttuned to the divine within. Each
cell must become expectant, that there may be the
renewing, the revivifying of the relationships that the soul-
entity bears to Creative Forces." (3511-1)
"Thus there may be a revivifying, a resuscitating, a
creating of an environment such that the body-mind, with its
spiritual concepts and its spiritual understanding, may
arouse the whole of the body-forces to their better
functionings." (1620-1)
"For the body mentally, in its spiritual attributes for the
physical self, may hold much in this manner – as the
applications are made, osteopathically, electrically – not for
things to be gotten through with, but SEE, FEEL, KNOW that
these are channels and measures through which the divine
may operate for effective activity in this body!" (1299-1)
"The addition of energy-building forces has not removed
the hurt, the disappointment. For this has attacked the
physical body through the sensory and sympathetic nervous
system, causing the reaction. Not that there is any mental
disturbance, no. It is rather a hurt, an injury, a
disappointment such that there can only come the
renewing, the revivifying, by putting the whole trust, faith
and renewed life in divine hands." (4037-1)
"Being able to raise within the vibrations of individuals
to that which is a resuscitating, a revivifying influence and
force through the deep meditation (the attunement of self to
the higher vibrations in Creative Forces), these are
manifested in man through the promises that are coming
from Creative Forces or Energy itself!" (993-4)
"Put hope and trust and faith in the divine within – the
revivifying, the rejuvenating of that spirit of life and truth
within every atom of the body. This will put to flight all of
those things that hinder a body from giving expression of
the most hopeful, the most beautiful." (572-5)
"There are those forces as may be had from the study,
the analyzing of those truths presented in the light of HIS
ministry – that One who is the way, the truth and the light.
The analyzing of these, and the application of same in the
lives of individuals is an individual experience. But the
closer, the nearer one applies those tenets, those truths,
those principles in one's daily experience, the greater is the
ability of the mental and spiritual self to revivify the physical
activities of any given body." (2074-1)
"When the Prince of Peace came into the earth for the
completing of His OWN development in the earth, HE
overcame the flesh AND temptation. So He became the first
of those that overcame death in the body, enabling Him to
so illuminate, to so revivify that body as to take it up again,
even when those fluids of the body had been drained away
by the nail holes in His hands and by the spear piercing His
side." (1152-1)
—Intuitive Healing & Visualization—
“Intuition – the faculty – is so often misunderstood.
Psychic forces and psychic development are so often
misunderstood. Psychic should be applied rather to the soul
mind or soul body, than merely to (as is the more often
deduced) the MENTAL activities….” (255-12)
From Cayce’s point of view, a view from the Universal
Consciousness, intuition and psychic development are not
mental activities. They are soul abilities. In reading 3744-2,
Cayce states that psychic activities are the soul’s ability to
bring these into the physical plane. The outer self has little
idea of where these insights or knowings come from, but
sees their influence in daily life.
Intuition and psychic knowing do not come from mental
activity but from a closer proximity to one’s soul forces, soul
body. If we seek to grow closer to our soul, we will naturally
become more intuitive and psychic.
Ms. 255 asked Cayce specifically for some training. She
was not expecting the answer he gave:
“(Q) Suggest how the entity may train self in the
present to the study and use of this intuitive sense.
“(A) Train intuition? Then, how would you train
electricity – save as to how it may be governed! By keeping
in self those thoughts, those activities of the mental mind,
those activities of the body that allow spiritual truths to
emanate through. Not train, but govern! Govern it by
knowing that the mind, that the body, that the influences
are such that these are not sidetracked from the ideals and
purposes that are set before self. So develop. For God, the
Giver of all good and perfect gifts, He who metes to every
soul that which is the companionship to its activities in a
material life, guards, and guides and keeps those that in
sincerity seek to know HIS way, irrespective of the other
influences that may be about a body. Hence, in governing, in
guarding, in guiding such forces, such powers that arise or
manifest or demonstrate through the activities of the body,
keep the body, the mind, the soul, in attune with the
spheres of celestial forces, rather than of earthly forces."
(255-12)
—Tip for Manifesting Desires into Reality—
There has been a lot of talk about the power and
importance of visualization in realizing one’s desires. But
Cayce takes a much different view of this approach.
“(Q): To bring a desired THING or CONDITION into
manifestation, is it advisable to visualize it by making a
PICTURE or just to hold the idea in prayer and let God
produce it in His own way without our making a pattern?
“(A) The pattern is given you in the mount. The MOUNT
is within your inner self. To visualize by ‘picturizing’ is to
bome [celebrate] idol worshipers. Is this pleasing, with your
conception of your God that has given, ‘Have no other gods
before me’? The God in self, the God of the universe, then,
meets you in your inner self. Be patient, and leave it with
Him. He knows what you have need of before you ask.
Visualizing is telling Him how it must look when you have
received it. Is that your conception of an All-Wise, All-
Merciful Creator? Then, let rather your service ever be, ‘Not
my will, O God, but Your be done in me, through me.’ For all
is His. Then, think like it – and, most of all, act like it is.”
(705-2)
The next question is about healing and keeping healthy
the physical by nonphysical means. Cayce’s answer seems
to indicate that, though this is possible, the physical body
ultimately lives in a physical dimension with laws of its own
that must be honored.
“(Q) Do you not believe if one can make herself positive
to ONLY the GOOD she can overcome all physical ills of the
body, without medicine, provided she feeds it right and
treats it right?
 “(A) What manner of body in a material world can live,
survive or remain material without material sustenance? In
each sphere of activity there are the attributes. The body-
physical may indeed be healed without medicine, but it
becomes rather the ethereal than material.” (705-2)
Here Cayce is explaining there are physical needs for a
physical body, even if she has an ethereal mind she has to
attend to the body’s physical needs.
—Affirmations—
One of the best practices for manifesting desires is
through the use of words and thoughts held in the heart and
mind of the one seeking. Cayce called these “affirmations.”
“By affirmation, we mean that it should be an
AFFIRMATION! Not merely spoken in a singsong manner or
said just once. Take at least the time to repeat the
affirmation, positively, three to five times that there may be
the full, positive response in the mental activities of the
body.” (271-4)
Of all the wonderful guidance to come through Edgar
Cayce’s attunement to the Universal Consciousness, using
an affirmation to change one’s mind, mood, health,
perspective, abilities, and reach for new potentials is a
unique idea. He gave over a hundred affirmations to people
seeking physical, mental, or spiritual help.
From his perspective, an affirmation is an ideal
structured in a potently suggestive statement. He instructed
us to speak (aloud or silently) the affirmation, being sure to
maintain a consciousness of the meaning of the words, and
to speak it with a positive, expectant attitude until the
whole of our mental being is affected positively by the
meaning. He suggested that the affirmation be repeated
three to five times, and the goal is to achieve a “full, positive
response” from the mental portion of our being.
I have selected three of his affirmations, which are
printed at the end of this article. The first one was intended
to take hold of desires, needs, and attitudes that we all
experience in life and move them to a higher, more
universally attuned condition, resulting in greater harmony
and happiness in our lives. After shaping this affirmation,
Cayce sharply instructed the person to “leave it with Him”
rather than to keep wondering and doubting, in anxious
waiting for immediate results. He wanted people to feel the
power of the affirmation in their mental self and then let it
go free. The reason for this, he said, was that the “unseen
forces,” more powerful than the seen, work in a different
way. The unseen forces work best when we have faith in
them, a demonstrated faith shown by allowing them to work
their magical way through our bodies, minds, hearts, and
lives. He said that the spirit of patience, expectancy, and
contentment are fertile soil from which the unseen forces
can bring forth their miracles.
The second affirmation was designed to help a person
find the best ways to be a channel of blessings to others.
Cayce explained that the phrase “my going in and my
coming out” (taken from Exodus 28:35) is speaking about
going in to the Holy Place within us, where God meets with
us, and coming out from that Holy Place to interact with
others and our outer work. The going in is mostly done
during sleep, prayer, meditation, and moments of reflection
and stillness.
The third affirmation was designed to connect us with
what Cayce called “the Christ Consciousness,” a state of
mind and perspective that best channels the power of light
and love into and through us – an excellent state to be in. If
you are not Christian or have had some bad karma with
Christianity, in one reading Cayce used the term God-
Consciousness as a synonym for Christ-Consciousness. The
term Christ is simply the Greek language version of the
Hebrew term Messiah. Both literally mean “anointed one.” I
find it helpful to think of Christ as the personal conscious
contact point for each of us within the vast, infinite,
impersonal God of the Cosmos. They are one and the same,
but the Messiah is that promised direct-connection point
that God gave to the prophet Daniel through the archangel
Gabriel (the first time the term Messiah appears in the
Bible).
In addition to meditation times, affirmations are
excellent mantras to use throughout the day, especially
when challenges appear or one is feeling down, unhappy,
unsure, or stuck. They’re also great ways to sing the joys and
thanksgivings when life is good!
Let my desire and my needs be in Thy hands, Thou
Maker, Creator of the universe and all the forces and powers
therein! And may I conform my attitude, my purpose, my
desire, to that Thou hast as an activity for me. (Now leave it
with Him and go to work!) (462-8)
Lord, here am I! Use Thou me in the ways as Thou
knowest best. May my going in and my coming out always
be acceptable in Thy sight, my Lord, my Strength, and my
Redeemer. (2803-3)
Let that mind be in me that was in Him, who knew that
of Himself He could do nothing, yet in the power of the light
of the Father of all may we, may I, may all, come to know His
love the better. Thy will, O Father, be done in me just now.
(436-3)
—Spiritual Healing—
Spiritual healing uses the power of the life forces
beyond the physical, material reality to affect a change in
the physical body. It uses prayer, meditative attunement to
higher forces, to God and the Great Spirit, the Source of all
life, and then channels this to the body needing help. It can
be done within oneself or through oneself to another. Here
are some of Cayce’s comments and directives:
“(Q) By what steps are developed the powers of spiritual
healing?
“(A) Through spiritual growth. By what powers does a
grain of corn maintain its ability to produce corn; that divine
gift to the first corn? By not trying to be something other
than a grain of corn! Thus may there come an understanding
to any soul, to any that will say, ‘Use me, O God, as You will.’
But not remaining idle! For, as has been given, ACTIVITY IS
the key to understanding. For movement is the effect of
spirit. Spirit is life. But let the inner self, the divine self, the
knowledge of same, be directed only by Him.” (705-2)
It sounds so obvious, so simple. When God created us,
He/She put His/Her spark of life and health in us. And, as in
the grain of corn, we simply have to be the children of God
that we are, and life will produce life. Finally, with this
concept in our minds and hearts, we must also be up and
doing! In actively applying ourselves each day comes the
growth of understanding.
We will explore spiritual healing further in the following
reading from the Cayce files:
TEXT OF READING 281-24
This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home
on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 29th day of June,
1935, in accordance with request made by those present;
second reading of the Association Fourth Annual Congress.
PRESENT
Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis,
Steno. Hereward & Marie Sweet Carrington, Gladys &
Douglas Johnston, Edith Fox, Josephine L. B. Macsherry, Mae
Smith, Edna B. Harrell, Anna E. Hendley, Anne Penn,
Florence Edmonds, Esther Wynne, Helen Ellington, Margaret
Wilkins, H. E. Poole, Boyd Davis, & others; including L. B. &
Hugh Lynn Cayce, Pearl E. Hood, Ethel Libbey and Stella
Monsch.
READING
Time of Reading 11:45 to 12:30 A. M.
1. GC: You will have before you the laws of spiritual
healing. You will give a discourse at this time on psychic
(spiritual) healing, describing just what takes place in the
body and mind of one healed. You will answer the questions
that may be presented.
 2. : Yes, we have the laws that govern spiritual or
psychic healing. Much has been given through these
channels from time to time respecting that necessary in the
individual experience for healing.
3. As we have indicated, the body-physical is an atomic
structure subject to the laws of its environment, its heredity,
its SOUL development.
4. The activity of healing, then, is to create or make a
balance in the necessary units of the influence or force that
is set in motion as the body in the material form, through
the motivative force of spiritual activity, sets in motion.
5. It is seen that each atom, each corpuscle, has within
same the whole form of the universe - within its OWN
structure.
6. As for the PHYSICAL body, this is made up of the
elements of the various natures that keep same in its motion
necessary for sustaining its equilibrium; as begun from its
(the individual body's) first cause.
7. If in the atomic forces there becomes an
overbalancing, an injury, a happening, an accident, there
are certain atomic forces destroyed or others increased; that
to the physical body become either such as to add to or take
from the 'elan vitale' that makes for the motivative forces
through that particular or individual activity.
8. Then, in meeting these it becomes necessary for the
creating of that influence within each individual body to
bring a balance necessary for its continued activity about
each of the atomic centers its own rotary or creative force,
its own elements for the ability of resuscitating, revivifying,
such influence or force in the body.
9. How, then, does the activity of ANY influence act
upon the individual system for bringing HEALING in the
wake or the consciousness, to become conscious of its
desire?
10. When a body, separate from that one ill, then, has so
attuned or raised its own vibrations sufficiently, it may - by
the motion of the spoken word - awaken the activity of the
emotions to such an extent as to revivify, resuscitate or to
change the rotary force or influence or the atomic forces in
the activity of the structural portion, or the vitale forces of a
body, in such a way and manner as to set it again in motion.
11. Thus does spiritual or psychic influence of body
upon body bring healing to ANY individual; where another
body may raise that necessary influence in the hormone of
the circulatory forces as to take from that within itself to
revivify or resuscitate diseased, disordered or distressed
conditions within a body.
12. For, as has been said oft, any manner in which
healing comes - whether by the laying on of hands, prayer,
by a look, by the application of any mechanical influence or
any of those forces in materia medica - must be of such a
nature as to produce that necessary within those forces
about the atomic centers of a given body for it to bring
resuscitating or healing.
13. The law, then, is compliance with the universal
spiritual influence that awakens any atomic center to the
necessity of its concurrent activity in relationships to other
pathological forces or influences within a given body.
Whether this is by spiritual forces, by any of the mechanical
forces, it is of necessity one and the same. Many are the
divisions or characters of those ills that befall or become a
portion of each individual body. Some are set in motion so
that certain portions of the glandular system or of the
organs of the body perform more than their share. Hence
some are thin, some are fat, some are tall, some are short.
14. What said He? Can anyone by taking thought make
one hair white or black, or add one cubit to his stature? WHO
giveth healing, then?
15. It is in any manner the result only of compliance to
the First Cause, and the activity of same within the
individual's RELATIVE relation to its own evolution.
16. Ready for questions.
 17. (Q) Is group action more effective than individual,
and if so why? (A) "Where two or three are gathered in my
name, I am in the midst of them." These words were spoken
by Life, Light, Immortality, and are based on a law. For, in
union is strength. Why?
Because as there is oneness of purpose, oneness of
desire, it becomes motivative within the active forces or
influences of a body. The multiplicity of ideas may make
confusion, but added cords of strength in one become of the
nature as to increase the ABILITY and influence in every
expression of such a law.
18. (Q) In any form of psychic healing, is an etheric
intermediary employed? (A) Possible; but the etheric body of
the individual seeking or finding expression must be in
accord with that which draws upon such an influence.
19. (Q) In certain types of insanity, is there an etheric
body involved? If so, how? (A) Possession.
Let's for a moment use examples that may show what
has oft been expressed from here:
There is the physical body, there is the mental body,
there is the soul body. They are One, as the Trinity; yet these
may find a manner of expression that is individual unto
themselves. The body itself finds its own level in its OWN
development. The mind, through anger, may make the body
do that which is contrary to the better influences of same; it
may make for a change in its environ, its surrounding,
contrary to the laws of environment or hereditary forces that
are a portion of the 'elan vitale' of each manifested body,
with the spirit or the soul of the individual.
Then, through pressure upon some portion of the
anatomical structure that would make for the disengaging of
the natural flow of the mental body through the physical in
its relationships to the soul influence, one may be
dispossessed of the mind; thus ye say rightly he is "out of
his mind."
 Or, where there are certain types or characters of
disease found in various portions of the body, there is the
lack of the necessary 'vitale' for the resuscitating of the
energies that carry on through brain structural forces of a
given body. Thus disintegration is produced, and ye call it
dementia praecox - by the very smoothing of the
indentations necessary for the rotary influence or vital force
of the spirit within same to find expression. Thus
derangements come.
Such, then, become possessed as of hearing voices,
because of their closeness to the Borderland. Many of these
are termed deranged when they may have more of a
closeness to the universal than one who may be standing
nearby and commenting; yet they are awry when it comes to
being normally balanced or healthy for their activity in a
material world.
“(Q) Is it possible to give any advice as to how an
individual may raise his own vibrations, or whatever may be
necessary, to effect a self-cure?
“(A) By raising that attunement of self to the spirit
within, that is of the soul - body - about which we have been
speaking.
“Oft in those conditions where necessary ye have seen
produced within a body unusual or abnormal strength,
either for physical or mental activity. From whence arose
such? WHO hath given you power? Within what live ye?
WHAT is Life? Is it the ATTUNING of self, then, to same.
HOW?
“As the body-physical is purified, as the mental body is
made wholly at-one with purification or purity, with the life
and light within itself, healing comes, strength comes, power
comes.
“So may an individual effect a healing, through
meditation, through attuning not just a side of the mind nor
a portion of the body but the whole, to that at-oneness with
the spiritual forces within, the gift of the life-force within
each body.
“For (aside, please), when matter comes into being,
what has taken place? The Spirit ye worship as God has
MOVED in space and in time to make for that which gives its
expression; perhaps as wheat, as corn, as flesh, as whatever
may be the movement in that ye call time and space.
“Then MAKING self in an at-onement with that Creative
Force brings what? That necessary for the activity which has
been set in motion and has become manifested to be in
accord WITH that First Cause.
“Hence do we find it becomes necessary that ye speak,
ye act, that way. For whosoever cometh to offer to self, or to
make an offering to the throne of mercy or grace, and
speaks unkind of his brother, is only partially awake or
aware.
“For that which has brought distraughtness, distress,
disease in the earth, or in manifestation, is transgression of
the law.
“We are through for the present.”??
—Aspects of Our Being
And How to Know Them—
In the Edgar Cayce vision we are more than physical
beings with material bodies, and learning more about our
whole makeup is helpful to health and healing.
Here is a Cayce discourse on that will add to our
understanding. It begins with the suggest and then Cayce
responds:
“You will have before you the body and enquiring mind
of [2475], ..., Penna., in special reference to the Yoga
exercises with which he has been experimenting, in
breathing. You will indicate just what has taken place in the
body and what should be done from this point, considering
the best physical, mental and spiritual development of the
entity. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
 “Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [2475]; and
those conditions, those experiences of the body in the use of
Yoga exercise in breathing.
To give that as would be helpful to the body at this time,
there might be indicated for the body something of that
which takes place when such exercises are used - and the
experiences had by one so doing.
“These exercises are excellent, yet it is necessary that
special preparation be made - or that a perfect
understanding be had by the body as to what takes place
when such exercises are used.
“For, BREATH is the basis of the living organism's
activity. Thus, such exercises may be beneficial or
detrimental in their effect upon a body.
“Hence it is necessary that an understanding be had as
to how, as to when, or in what manner such may be used.
“It would be very well for the body to study very
carefully the information which we have given through these
sources as respecting Meditation. Then this information as
may be given here may prove of beneficial effect in the
experience of the body.
“Each soul, individual or entity, finds these facts
existent:
“There is the body-physical - with all its attributes for
the functioning of the body in a three-dimensional or a
manifested earth plane.
“Also there is the body-mental - which is that directing
influence of the physical, the mental and the spiritual
emotions and manifestations of the body; or the way, the
manner in which conduct is related to self, to individuals, as
well as to things, conditions and circumstances. While the
mind may not be seen by the physical senses, it can be
sensed by others; that is, others may sense the conclusions
that have been drawn by the body-mind of an individual, by
the manner in which such an individual conducts himself in
relationship to things, conditions or people.
 “Then there is the body-spiritual, or soul-body - that
eternal something that is invisible. It is only visible to that
consciousness in which the individual entity in patience
becomes aware of its relationship to the mental and the
physical being.
“All of these then are one - in an entity; just as it is
considered, realized or acknowledged that the body, mind
and soul are one, - that God, the Son and the Holy Spirit are
one.
“Then in the physical body there ARE those influences,
then, through which each of these phases of an entity may
or does become an active influence.
“There may be brought about an awareness of this by
the exercising of the mind, through the manner of directing
the breathing.
“For, in the body there is that center in which the soul is
expressive, creative in its nature, - the Leydig center.
“By this breathing, this may be made to expand - as it
moves along the path that is taken in its first inception, at
conception, and opens the seven centers of the body that
radiate or are active upon the organisms of the body.
“This in its direction may be held or made to be a
helpful influence for specific conditions, at times - by those
who have taught, or who through experience have found as
it were the key, or that which one may do and yet must not
do; owing to whatever preparation has been made or may be
made by the body for the use of this ability, this expression
through the body-forces.
“As this life-force is expanded, it moves first from the
Leydig center through the adrenals, in what may be termed
an upward trend, to the pineal and to the centers in control
of the emotions - or reflexes through the nerve forces of the
body.
“Thus an entity puts itself, through such an activity, into
association or in conjunction with all it has EVER been or
may be. For, it loosens the physical consciousness to the
universal consciousness.
“To allow self in a universal state to be controlled, or to
be dominated, may become harmful.
“But to know, to feel, to comprehend as to WHO or as to
WHAT is the directing influence when the self-consciousness
has been released and the real ego allowed to rise to
expression, is to be in that state of the universal
consciousness, - which is indicated in this body here, Edgar
Cayce, through which there is given this interpretation for
[2475’s name was here].
“So, in analyzing all this, - first study the variations of
what has been the body-temperament, in thought, in food.
For, the body-physical becomes that which it assimilates
from material nature. The body-mental becomes that it
assimilates from both the physical-mental and the spiritual-
mental. The soul is ALL of that the entity is, has been or may
be.
“Then, WHO and WHAT would the entity have to direct
self in such experiences?
“To be loosed without a governor, or a director, may
easily become harmful.
“But as we would give, from here, let not such a director
be that of an entity. Rather so surround self with the
universal consciousness of the CHRIST, as to be directed by
that influence as may be committed to you.
“Thus the entity may use constructively that which has
been attained.
“But to prevent physical harm, mental harm, - attune
self in body and in mind with that influence by which the
entity seeks to be directed; not haphazardly, not by chance,
but - as of old - choose you this day WHOM ye will serve: the
living God within you, by you, through you? or those
influences of knowledge without wisdom, that would enslave
or empower you with the material things which only gratify
for the moment?
 “Rather choose you as he of old, - let others do as they
may, but as for you, serve you the living God.
Thus ye may constructively use that ability of spiritual
attunement, which is the birthright of each soul; ye may use
it as a helpful influence in your experiences in the earth.
“But make haste SLOWLY! Prepare the body. Prepare the
mind, before ye attempt to loosen it in such measures or
manners that it may be taken hold upon by those influences
which constantly seek expressions of self rather than of a
living, constructive influence of a CRUCIFIED Savior.
“Then, crucify desire in self; that ye may be awakened
to the real abilities of helpfulness that lie within your grasp.
“Ready for questions.
“(Q) Is there at present any danger to any particular
body function, such as sex; or to general health?
“(A) As we have indicated, without preparation, desires
of EVERY nature may become so accentuated as to destroy -
or to overexercise as to bring detrimental forces; unless the
desire and purpose is acknowledged and set IN the influence
of self as to its direction - when loosened by the kundaline
activities through the body.
“(Q) Just what preparation would you advise for the
body, now?
“(A) This should be rather the choice of the body from
its OWN development, than from what ANY other individual
entity or source might give.
“Purify the body, purify the mind; that the principle, the
choice of ideals as made by the entity may be made
manifest.
“Do whatever is required for this, - whether the washing
of the body, the surrounding with this or that influence, or
that of whatever nature.
“As has been experienced, this opening of the centers or
the characters of breathing, - for, as indicated, the breath is
power in itself; and this power may be directed to certain
portions of the body. But for what purpose? As yet it has
been only to see what will happen! Remember what
curiosity did to the cat! Remember what curiosity did to
Galileo, and what it did to Watt - but they used it in quite
different directions in each case!
“(Q) Considering the development of the entity, is
further practice of the Yoga exercises of breathing and
meditation recommended?
“(A) By all means! if and when, and ONLY when,
preparation has been made; and when there is the
knowledge, the understanding and the wisdom as to what to
do WITH that gained! Without such, do not undertake same!
“We are through for the present." (2475-1)
—Dreams and Meditation—
Two practices consistently recommended by Cayce to
develop and include in our lives were the benefits of a
dream life and meditation practice. And he considered these
to also of much help in healing, health, and rejuvenation.
—Dreams—
Sleep research centers have proven that everyone
dreams, every night! The sleep state called REM (for Rapid
Eye Movement) is a necessary phase of a night’s sleep, and
it is during this stage that the researchers wake people and
find that all of them are dreaming. The challenge is to bring
the memory of that dream into the outer, daily
consciousness.
Edgar Cayce considered the activity of the mind during
dreams and visions to be important to developing one’s
whole development. Here’s one of his comments:
“The dreams, as we see, come to the entity through
those channels as have been outlined for the entity, and are
for the entity's edification, will they (the dreams) be but
applied in the physical or material life, for the dreams and
visions are as experiences to the mental forces, and the
mental or mind is the Builder.” (137-92)
It is important to record our dreams and interpret them,
comprehend them, or at least get the gist of them. Such
understanding would bring a bigger vision of life to the
outer person than could be gained with only outer study and
application. Dreams, he said, can bring warnings and
opportunities that would otherwise be lost. In fact, he said
that nothing occurs in our life that is not first foreshadowed
in our dreams! A journal beside the bed is his
recommendation, though some of us have successfully used
tape recorders (not a good idea if you sleep with someone—
too noisy).
What are dreams? Cayce answers: “Dreams are of
different natures, and have their inception from influences
either in the body, in the mind, or from the realm of the soul
and spirit.”
Here’s another of his comments: "Dreams are of many
natures. Dreams, as we have given, are either from the
material activity of individual influences attempting to be
assimilated, or warring with those influences within the
body, and bring visions or experiences that are at times
called nightmares, night horses or the like. Those are
experiences also through which the subconscious forces are
constantly aware of what has been the experience, and it
comes as an influence for foreseeing or for premonition or
experiences. And necessarily unless they are impressed
more than once become rather as dreams. Then there are
experiences of the soul that has been awakened to the
knowledge which has been or may be written upon same,
the experiences of the entity as an entity through its
sojourns - and these are given then in emblems or in visions
that are to be and are a part of the individual entity. Such
became the case here. In the meeting of same, trust in Him
who IS the power, who IS the strength, and abide by His
judgments - not yours." (281-27)
One of the first steps toward interpretation of a dream is
to identify what is the influence behind the dream: Is it the
body, the mind, or the soul?
 Cayce says that the most common influence impelling
dreams is “mental development.” Our subconscious (mind of
our soul) and our superconscious (mind of our godly self) are
attempting to correlate life events and decisions with
eternal, spiritual ideals and purposes. On one occasion
Cayce modified the word correlation to “co-relation of
subconscious and superconscious forces manifesting
through the developing mind of the entity.” Generally, the
feeling or mood that accompanies the dream reveals how
our deeper soul-life feels about the outer-life events,
decisions, and conditions.
Beyond the common correlating process, some dreams
are about conditions in the body that need to be cared for;
some deal with opportunities that need to be seized or
situations that need to be avoided; others are non-physical
experiences in other dimensions of life that help us expand
our consciousness. In some dreams we break the time
barrier and see far into the past or into the future. The
subconscious mind is like a bird high above the road we are
traveling; it can see around the next bend on our path and
review the distant roads we’ve traveled and forgotten.
Dreams are multidimensional. It is this very quality that
makes them so difficult to understand. They have a
language all their own; a language of imagery, symbolism,
and sometimes bizarre activity. As all who have studied their
dreams can attest, dreams are often difficult to interpret and
understand. And yet, many humans have received life-
changing insight and guidance through dreams, even major
inventions have been as a result of dream. From biblical
journeys with God to modern scientific breakthroughs,
dreams have played a major role in the human experience.
—How to Remember Dreams—
Before we get into the nature of dreams, let’s review
some good tips for remembering them. It is often difficult for
us to keep from jumping out of sleep into our outer, earthly
minds and its business, but getting the dream from the
deeper is the first step in adding dream value to our lives.
Edgar Cayce recommends three simple things:
1. Give yourself a pre-sleep suggestion;
2. Don’t move the body upon waking;
3. Record the content or impressions right away.
When we are “falling asleep,” as we like to call it, we are
actually moving from our outer conscious mind to our inner
subconscious. The subconscious is always amenable to
suggestion (one of the keys to hypnosis). If, as we are
entering the subconscious, we are repeating a suggestion to
remember our dreams, the subconscious takes that
suggestion to heart. However, the body is mostly physical
and if we move it too quickly upon waking, we will jump
straight out of our subconscious into our outer daily
consciousness and lose the dream. Therefore, we must resist
moving the body upon waking. Linger in the twilight,
between the outer mind and the inner—or, as the Egyptians
described it: between the land of the living and the land of
the dead (sleep is the shadow of death). Here we will find
our dream content and imagery.
—How to Interpret Dreams—
When it comes to interpretation, Cayce always said that
the best interpreter of the dream is the dreamer: “You
interpret dreams in yourself. Not by a dream book, not by
what others say, but dreams are presented in symbols, in
signs.” It is important to recognize that the dreamer is our
inner self. Therefore, the best interpreter is our inner self, so
we should obtain the interpretation while still in or near the
dreaming self. Trying to translate a dream later with only our
outer, three-dimensional self is very difficult. It did not
dream the dream. We will do much better if we keep the
body and outer self still as we awaken, and get the dream
and its meaning from the inner self.
Here are some quick steps toward better interpretation:
 1. Watch your mood upon waking. This will give you the
best sense of whether the inner self is happy or unhappy
about conditions.
2. Get the gist of the dream first, details second. Jesus
once observed that we tend to strain for gnats while we are
swallowing camels. (Matthew 23:24) The big picture, the
overriding theme, is much more important for us to grasp
than the details.
3. Understand that the subconscious may use
exaggeration to get our attention. It’s like the joke of how to
get your mule to do something: first, you hit him as hard as
you can to get his attention. In a similar manner the
subconscious gets our attention: exaggerated activities and
shocking imagery will do more to get our attention than
sweetly whispered instructions. Therefore, don’t let the
dramatic exaggerations overwhelm you or cause fear. In
fact, the bizarre image or activity is likely the key to
interpreting the entire dream.
4. Dreams are usually symbolic. They speak in imagery
that represents more than literal appearance. Like good
parables or novelettes, they tell a story that has a deeper
meaning than the details. Often they use figures of speech.
For example, if I told you that I really put my foot in my
mouth while talking with someone yesterday, you would
know that I did not literally put my foot in my mouth.
Dreams speak in the same manner and are best interpreted
as you would figures of speech.
5. Finally, nothing will help us get better dream
guidance than using dream content in our lives. Create an
action plan for each dream. Ask yourself, How can I use this
dream in my life today? Even if you are not really sure of the
dream’s meaning, attempt to use some portion of it. In this
way your inner self will be stimulated to bring more insight
and guidance through the dream channel, and it will
become clearer and more relevant.
 Budget time for dream recall and interpretation,
because dreams guide us to the shores of paradise. Sleep is
a shadow of death and the life beyond this world. To live in
dreamy sleep is to know the heavens beyond this world.
—Edgar Cayce State of Consciousness—
Let’s consider Cayce’s state of mind during his psychic
condition. Here are some details coming from his readings
about him giving these strange discourses.
“Yes, we have that work as manifests itself through the
body Edgar Cayce, and the enquiring minds of those present
in this room. Ready for questions.
“(Q) What caused the extraordinary physical reaction
with Edgar Cayce at the close of the reading [254-67] this
morning, at the beginning of the suggestion?
“(A) As was seen, through the seeking of irrelevant
questions there was antagonism manifested. This made for a
contraction of those channels through which the activity of
the psychic forces operates in the material body; as we have
outlined, along the pineal, the lyden [cells of Leydig] and
the [spinal] cord—or silver cord. The natural reactions are for
sudden contraction when changing suddenly from the
mental-spiritual to material.
“For, as evidenced by that which has been given, there
is the touching—with the mental beings of those present in
the room or at such manifestations—of the most delicate
mechanism that may be well imagined.
“As has been crudely given, a hen may lay an egg but
the shell once cracked or broken CANNOT be made to
produce that it contains.
“When the thought, the activity that is being made
manifest, is broken, that which is creative or constructive—
once touched by thought or suggestion—is hindered,
wavered, as to that it may bring to a manifested form.
“Hence the experiences that are sometimes held, or that
may be held, by those that may witness or experience the
transmission of that which is received or gained through this
particular channel, may—by the mere disturbing of the body
that rests above the natural body by other than the
elements that have not taken bodily form—break the
associations, the connections, with that source from which
the records are being taken.
“In considering such information, much—and much
more—might be given, or sought, as to how far-reaching in
space (time) is the information or the effects or benefits from
such reaching, in its range or scope of activity.
“As has been demonstrated by the parallel drawn
respecting how the channel or medium operates in the
relationships to the manners of transmission of a sense-
consciousness, as through the radio, this depends only upon
the manner of the transformer or the attunement and that
which may interfere that is of the characterized element
which indicates the channel of transmission through which
the reception may come.
“This, in the physical sense, has been covered. Many
phases of those conditions that influence same, that
surround the body, have been touched upon. These might
be expanded; though, digest—my brethren—that ye have in
hand.
“(Q) What is the significance of the experience had
during reading [373-2] Wednesday afternoon, July 12th, in
which Edgar Cayce saw himself traveling through water in a
bubble and arriving at the place where he always gets the
information —the old man with the books?
“(A) To bring from one realm to another those
experiences through which an entity, a soul, may pass in
obtaining those reflections that are necessary for
transmission of the information sought, it becomes
necessary (for the understanding of those in that realm
seeking) to have that which is to the mental being put in the
language of that being, as near as it is possible to do justice
to the subject.
 “In this particular instance, then, to reach that record
suggested by the suggestion itself—as of coming into
existence across waters, the very thought of those present
that it becomes necessary that that which is to receive or
transmit the information must seek (as indicated by the
manner in which periods, ages, dates, years, days are turned
back, in arriving at the experience of the entity in a changed
environ); meant that, the psychic influences in their activity
with or through the physical forces of the body, must in
some manner pass through the necessary elements for
arriving at or reaching the beginning or that point. With the
amount of water that is more often thought than of ether,
what more befitting than that in the bubble the seeking
forces should guide themselves!
“Then, so becomes much that arrives in the material
plane; in the form of pictures or expressions, that there may
be the conveying to the mind of the seeker something in his
own type of experience, as to how the transmission of the
activity takes place. Of what forces? The psychic or soul
forces, that are akin to what? The Creative Forces, or that
called God.
“So, the body in a symbolized form as the bubble arrives
at a place in which there is kept the records of all; as
signified in speaking of the Book of Life, or to indicate or
symbolize that each entity, each soul in its growth, may find
its way back to the Creative Influences that are promised in
and through Him that gives—and is—Life; and finds this as a
separate, a definite, an integral part of the very soul.
“Hence symbolized as being in books; and the man the
keeper, as the keeper of the records. Much in the manner as
would be said the lord of the storm, of the sea, of the
lightning, of the light, of the day, of love, of hope, of faith, of
charity, of long-suffering, of brotherly love, of kindness, of
meekness, of humbleness, of self.
“So, in the materializations for the concept of those that
seek to know, to be enlightened: To the world, long has there
been sought that as in books. To many the question
naturally arises, then: Are there literally books? To a mind
that thinks books, literally BOOKS! As it would be for the
mind that in its passage from the material plane into rest
would require Elysian fields with birds, with flowers; it must
find the materialized form of that portion of the Maker in
that realm wherein that entity, that soul, would enjoy such
in THAT sphere of activity. As houses built in wood. Wood, in
its essence, as given, is what? Books, in their essence, are
what? What is the more real, the book with its printed pages,
its gilt edges, or the essence of that told of in the book?
Which is the more real, the love manifested in the Son, the
Savior, for His brethren, or the essence of love that may be
seen even in the vilest of passion? They are one. But that
they bring into being in a materialized form is what
elements of the one source have been combined to produce
a materialization. Beautiful, isn't it?
“How far, then, is ungodliness from godliness? Just
under, that's all!
“Seek then, ye, in understanding as to where, why, from
what source, there may be gained the experiences of an
entity, a soul, through its journeys in this the odic sphere, or
through that known as this solar system. Each portion of
that one whole, in that we call life, as it uses the attributes
of the physical forces of a created form manifested in a
material world, makes a record; as truly as is seen in the
cylinder of the plate of the phonograph, or as is given to the
radio transmitter upon the ethers of a material world. Going
out where? Only those become conscious of same that have
attuned themselves to that which is in accord, or seeking to
know—then—His will; for each soul, every soul, should seek
to attune its mind, its soul—yea, its body-vibrations—to that
He, the Son of man, the Mother-God in Jesus the Christ, lived
in the earth. Tune into that light, and it becomes BEAUTIFUL;
in that you think, that you are, that you live!
 “Then KNOW, by doing, by being, even as He, that "My
Spirit bears witness with thy spirit" that ye are indeed, in
truth, the sons [and daughters] of a living God who day by
day utters speech, night unto night shows knowledge.
“The line has gone out into that we call space, and how
have you looked as to where that line would fall? One with
Him, to be guided by Him, or to the aggrandizing of those
petty jealousies, those petty hatreds that arise from slights,
from slurs in your daily life. What! Will ye allow self to
separate self, the real self, from the living Christ? HE calls
ever, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." What are His
commandments? "Love one another." Do good, speak gently,
even to those that you in your darkness of heart feel would
do you an injustice.
“With this line, as one sees the manifestations of the
acts of man in the earth, man claiming God as the father,
the Christ as the elder brother, the patriarchs as teachers
and directors, and yet find fault with someone that is less
gifted with the Light of His love. Suppose, for the moment,
that God looked on your own heart as you have often looked
on your brother's life? OBLIVION, incomparable to the mind
even of man—even as space or time. THINK—THINK—on
these things!
“(Q) Please explain the experience he had Tuesday
night, August 29th, while giving Norfolk Group #2 reading
[397-1] regarding the marvelous light; tones of individuals
merging with the whole, ending with baby at mother's
breast.
“(A) As may be easily surmised, as may be known by all
who would think well on that which has been given, as to
how God in His mercy, in His glory, makes Himself known to
His creatures in the earth!
“Think not that the snail or the dragonfly, as he crawls
from his slime, does not glorify his Maker. And as he mounts
on his wings of gossamer, he fills that place for which he has
been—in his realm of activity—designated; in his field, his
manner of showing forth his love as manifested from the
Creator in the materialized world.
“Man alone, of all His kingdom, abuses the gifts that
have been made his through the love that the Father would
show, in that he (man) might be a companion, one with Him;
not the whole, yet equal to the whole, able in that realm to
magnify, glorify, even as the dragon fly, that love the Father
bestowed upon His sons.
“Then, when there are those periods when body and
mind of a group are in accord, seeking that light, it may be
shown unto them that they the more may magnify, glorify,
that manifestation of the Father-Son love into the earth.
“Occasionally, as there comes—with the visions of those
that enter in—that which has been promised, that they in
their activity may be enjoined as one to another in bringing
to the earth a manifested glory of those that have gathered,
do gather, about the Throne; hence, as He is light, all light,
so did the light of the seekers make the way that there
might be shown that His promises are sure, that there may
come that life in a manifested form that would begin again
those of face to face may they speak with the Father and
with the Son. [See 3976-15 indicating John the beloved had
been Jacob.]
“As is exemplified in the breast, that marked as that that
should be the one to nourish a life that would bring into that
materialized form, if there will remain those associations,
those connections that have been given may make the
attunement of a manifestation of a portion of life in a
material plane.
“Blessed, then, are they that make their wills one in
accord with Him, as they seek to know, "Lord, what would
you have me do!" Not Lord, may I do this or that! Show forth,
ye all, the Lord's death—DEATH—till He come again, in the
lightening of the way for those that seek, those that seek to
know His way.
 “Even as the child, the breast, meant a growth; so feed
ye ‘my lambs’ [John 21:15-17], that they grow in the
nurture, the admonition of THE Lord, the Christ Child.
“(Q) Please explain the experience the next morning,
Aug. 30th, while giving [257] business reading [257-119], in
which he was going through—and surrounded by—
blackness?
“(A) A razor is a wonderful instrument for shaving
beards. It will trim pencils, but not many beards after—if
used very long.
“A pearl is an adornment, a thing of beauty, created
through the irritation of that which manifests itself in a lowly
way to those that consider themselves of high estate; but by
the very act of irritation to its own vibration is the higher
vibration created, or brings about the pearl of great price.
Yet it does not look well in the sow's ear.
“In the use then to which, through which, the soul of the
body would pass to seek that as may be sought by the
varied creations of man's activity in a material life, to what
depths must such a soul oft descend to bring back that that
may even lend an air of help to a hungry soul?
“Through such irritation, though, oft does the soul grow,
even as the pearl. So long as that manifested, then, by the
life in a manifested form, keeps pure, little harm may come.
But once lost can never be regained; even as that given into
the heart of every mother to carry to her chosen one the
bloom of life itself—only once!
“So, in the understanding of that as happens when
through the shadows or the slime, through the darkness or
through the grime, may the soul seek to bring to light that
which will ease the burden of a hungry soul, it finds its
hardships—yes, here and there; yet may he lead that soul to
the heavenly stair! [4/16/34 See 257-130, Par. R1, R5 for
similar dreams by EC & [257].]
“(Q) [Submitted by Rev. Thos. D. Wesley Presbyterian
minister]: What, where or how is the direct and immediate
point of contact between the Personal God and the soul, of
which contact the soul is conscious and certain?
“(A) As the sons and daughters of God are personal, are
individual, with their many attributes that are
characteristics, personalities or individualities, so (as this
then is a shadow from that from which it sprang, its Maker)
must the Maker be individual, with its attributes and its
personalities. And yet fill all of life as becomes manifested in
the spiritual realm, the realm of the soul or the temporal
house, the abode of the soul for a day.
“As the soul seeks, then, for that which is the
sustenance of the body—as what the food is to a developing,
a growing body, so are the words of truth (which are life,
which are love, which are God) sought that make for growth,
even as the digesting of the material things in a body make
for a growth. This growth may not be felt in the
consciousness of materialization. It is experienced by the
consciousness of the soul, by which it enables the soul to
use the attributes of the soul's food, even as the growth of
the body makes for the use of the muscular forces or
attributes of the physical body.
“Where is the contact?
“As ye seek Him, so does like beget like. For, ye are co-
laborers with Him, if ye have put on the whole of His love in
your own life.
“Feed, then, upon the fruits of the spirit. Love, hope, joy,
mercy, long-suffering, brotherly love, and the contact, the
growth, will be seen; and within the consciousness of the
soul will the awareness come of the personality of the God in
thee!
“We are through for the present.” (254-68)
—Watch Cayce Interpret Dreams—
The following are dreams by various individuals that
were brought to Edgar Cayce and that contain insights into
the mind and thoughts. These dreams were interpreted
through Cayce’s readings while he was in a meditative
trance. Watching him interpret dreams is quite helpful in
developing our skills with dream interpretation.
“(Q) Monday, November 2, 1925, at home. [Dream:] I
was in discussion with [137]. I remember only a portion of
this. Recall and interpret and explain to me so that my mind
may grasp the significance and I may better understand the
lesson intended. That I recall is as follows: Talking to [137], I
said: 'Now, [137], you see, death is not the grave as many
people think—It is another phenomenized form of life.'
“(A) In this, we find the subconscious forces giving to
the conscious mind, in this emblematical conversation,
those experiences in which the conscious mind may gain the
lessons pertaining to the psychology of mental forces, see?
The portions as we see given and brought to the
consciousness of the entity then, being the crux of that
thought as was seen in conversation. This as the
conversation, as we gain here: The discussion regarding that
seen by the life in an individual and the taking of same by
any sudden action, see? and the discussion went into the
particular conditions regarding individuals' lives that were
taken in heat of passion, or in war, and as the mental
developed in discussion, we find the entity sees then in
same something of that suggestion as was placed by one,
Ballentine (?), in the discussion of life after death. And the
entity then sees, through the subconscious forces, that
death is as but the beginning of another form of
phenomenized [sic] force in the earth's plane, and may not
be understood by the third dimension mind from third
dimension analysis, but must be seen from that fourth-
dimension force as may be experienced by an entity gaining
the access to same, by development in the physical plane
through the mental processes of an entity. The mind is being
correlated with subconscious and spiritual forces that
magnify same to the conscious force of an entity in such a
manner as said entity gains the insight and concept of such
phenomenized conditions, see?
 “We see in the physical world the condition in every
form of life. As is taken here: We find in a grain of corn or
wheat that germ that, set in motion through its natural
process with Mother Earth and the elements about same,
brings forth corn AFTER ITS KIND, see? the kind and the
germ being of a spiritual nature, the husk or corn, and the
nature or physical condition, being physical forces, see?
Then, as the corn dies, the process is as the growth is seen
in that as expressed to the entity, and the entity expressing
same, see—that death, as commonly viewed, is not that of
the passing away, or becoming a non-entity, but the
phenomenized condition in a physical world that may be
understood with such an illustration, viewed from the fourth-
dimension viewpoint or standpoint, see?” (136-18)
In the following dream-interpretation reading, it helps to
recall that all names were replaced with numbers to
maintain privacy, and to know that 106 is the mother of two
sons, 900 and 137. Her brother, the uncle to her two sons is
91. “GC” is Gertrude Cayce, Edgar’s wife, acting as the
conductor of the reading session.
“GC: You will have before you the body and the
enquiring mind of [106] of New Jersey, and the dream the
body had on the morning of June 22, 1925, while asleep in
her home. You will give the full interpretation and lesson
that is to be gained from this, and you will then answer the
questions regarding same as I ask them of you. The dream
was: I saw my son, [900], standing by a fire escape window,
and he called me over, and as I approached, I saw the fire
escape. [900] said to me, 'Ma, I have something to tell you.'
'Is it bad news?' I asked anxiously. 'My uncle is very sick,'
[900] answered. 'You mean [91],' I asked eagerly. Then I
awakened."
“EC: Yes, we have the enquiring mind and the dream as
had by [106], early morning, June 22, 1925.
“As to the interpretation and lessons to be gained from
and through this, again we have that projection of the
subconscious forces as are manifested through the study
and impressions through suggestions carried to same from
conscious thought, manifested in the subconscious when
the conscious is subjugated, as at this time, and again we
find these being capable of being brought to the
consciousness. For they have each their meaning and are
the projections as were seen in others that have come to the
consciousness of this entity.
"In the approach of the body, [900], to the body, [106],
we find that union in thought as is brought from the
conscious to the subconscious. And as to the escape, this
manifesting then the manner in which certain conditions, as
are shown, may be overcome. The approach we find being
the oneness of thought and intent and purport, that must be
in each for the better conduct, element of assistance that
may be reached through either.
"With the vision as is told through the body, we see that
approach of those surroundings that come close to the
mental forces of the body, yet may be reached only through
the mental forces in such conditions through that study,
through that mind, through that understanding as is
reached through that of [900].
"Then, the lesson that one is to gain, this entity, is that
through this study there may come the escape from many
physical conditions that would mar or cause physical
distress to any that surround the mental forces (in physical,
see?) of this body.
"Well, then, that much of this be understood, that the
greater assistance may be accorded to others through the
study and propagation of such phenomena becoming
manifest in the mental forces of the body, through the
thought as reached by suggestion to the conscious, and this
reaching the subconscious in the subjugation of
consciousness.
"This, then, gives that the body, the uncle of [900], is ill
—ill unto that wherein it might be hard for the escape from
the vicissitudes that might be brought through such illness.
Yet help, assistance, might be reached through the efforts of
that one approaching and giving the information necessary
for the knowledge of same to reach the consciousness of this
body [106].
"Then, as to how to use same, let those regular
channels, as have been begun, be opened for the help that
may be given. Well that the body be there in person, see?
"(Q) Well that [106] should be with the brother?
"(A) Very shortly, yes.
"(Q) Does this mean [91] is seriously sick?
"(A) Seriously sick. Not showing as yet, however, in that
condition that may come—later, see?
"(Q) What should be done? What can [106] and her son
[900] do?
"(A) Offer assistance.
"(Q) Why was the message conveyed to her through her
son, [900]?
"(A) For through such channels has the interest of such
phenomena become manifested to the body. And only
through that approach may same become that manifestation
in the manner as would be fully acceptable to the
understanding of the mind, [106].
"(Q) Did [900]'s vision of his grandmother in anguish,
had quite sometime ago, have anything in relation to this
dream of [106]?
"(A) Each and every condition as was given in that has
its relation one with the other. The same as we have the
projection of conditions in the mental forces of [137] in
regard to same condition. For this becomes a projection to
the mind of [137]. This became a projection to the spiritual
forces as manifest in the superconscious forces to the mind
of [900] through other channels. One was direct. One was
indirect. Through the manifestations, through the
subconscious forces, there was the projecting to the
superconscious. The other was the superconscious projection
to the subconscious forces in [900] as given.
"(Q) [106]'s other son, [137], saw in psychic condition
this sickness of his uncle. [900] saw his grandmother in
anguish. [106] had the above dream. Explain this
phenomena in the light of [900]'s understanding of the
spiritual forces.
"(A) This has just been given in how the projection of
each comes, or is presented to reach the consciousness of
each individual. As in this: In that of [137] we find the laying
aside of the consciousness, the subconscious projection into
that of the superconscious forces, again through suggestion,
as is reached or as is wafted by the allowing of the self to
become submerged to these conditions. This projection we
find bringing then to the consciousness a condition that is to
exist, as judged from physical forces. Then a future.
"In that we find in [900], the projection from the
superconscious forces in that of the anguish as seen in the
grandmother, from the superconscious to the subconscious,
and brought to consciousness in the mind of [900].
"In that of the mother, [106], we find the projection
through the consciousness to the subconscious and reaching
to the consciousness from subconscious projection as an
existent condition, each entering then all three phases of
the manifestation of a spiritual law, as is seen in the material
world and understood from each and by each, according to
their understanding and application, or ability of application
of this law in the material force or world.
"(Q) What part has the entity, Pauline [...], played in
this, in relation to manifestation of [137], of vision of [900],
or dream of [106]?
"(A) Only that of the intense desire for help through
each source, and the source or force in thought making in a
physical, or seeking a physical action, finds its answer in
each, through the channels as given. Truly then do thoughts
become the deeds, and find, as in this, the manifestation in
the different manners in the life of each. As in first, passed,
as one of well—"Maybe it's so and maybe it ain't—don't
know."
In the next, we find that thought, study, the care, to
understand why the anxiousness regarding the mother's
influence in the life, concerning the other ones closer to the
individual.
In the other, that projection of the necessity of some
immediate action to save from some destructive forces, yet a
channel, a means, as it were, projected with same.
"(Q) There is cause and effect in one of the fourth
dimension; thus, the ability of the spirit entity, Pauline [...],
to convey the message to [900]. In the fourth dimension,
new events don't come to pass in time. Everything already
is; thus, [137]'s ability to do what in the third dimension is
called the future. Explain further the philosophical or
metaphysical facts that these phenomena teach, that the
mind of [900] may use this very condition that has come to
his life and to the life of his dear ones around him, to better
understand the great spirit force and its faculties and the
laws governing thought transference, from the third
dimension to the fourth dimension and vice versa.
"(A) These have all been given, in that as just given.
Then study these, and making, see how the making of the
application in the life of each becomes the phenomena of
assistance. For truly is there found that the desire must
precede the action and that directed thought becomes
action in the concrete manner, through each force that the
spiritual elements manifests through. And there then
becomes the three manifestations in the three manners, in
the three ways, all projections from a fourth dimensional
condition into a third dimensional mind.
"(Q) Broaden your explanation or treatise now, using the
above as an example, to meet the thoughts, studies and
meditations of the enquiring mind of [900].
 "(A) These may be broadened to many treatises.
Sufficient that this should be first comprehended and
understood in their elemental phases of projection in the
three manners. Then, as these broaden in the mental mind,
the ability to comprehend the greater scope of fourth
dimensional conditions may come to the mind of [900].
"We are through for the present. (106-9)
Here’s another reading related to dreams:
"(Q) What is the significance of dream I had Sat. night,
regarding some big fine green beans on the sidewalk. Sam
Ungerleider asked me to get a bag to put some in to take
home. I went and tried everywhere, finally got a bag and
saw Mr. Tompers, Jonas' partner, who said: "Take this name
and this man will help you with Asheville factory."
"(A) In dreams, visions and experiences, each individual
soul passes through or reviews or sees as from a different
attitude those experiences of its own activities. And these
are, in dreams or visions, as emblematical conditions in the
experience of that soul-entity. At others we may find the
activity of the body-physical regarding the diet or the
activities in any experience of the mental body.
"This, as we find, is rather the vision, indicating the
reviewing of the body-mind and its associations in and
through the material things that it is passing in the present.
This indicates first the activity in which the body has been in
its body-mind trained or active in. The changing with
individuals as the associations that may come about, but
require that the activities of self be put into motion to profit
through those associations, and in a manner that is as a
container is indicated necessary to be found by the body.
The associations in the bank and with the factory, that as of
how through these varied activities there may come about
the associations leading to that in that direction of activity.
"Then, this is as an emblematical condition of the
experiences through which the body-mind is passing in the
present.
 "In making the application of same, then, these must be
—as seen in the dream—sought out by self. One leading in a
natural step from one to the other. As to what is to be
accomplished, that self will not be bound save as in a
manner that gives the body-mind and the whole of the
entity's activity to act as it is inclined through the
associations. (257-136)
The following is another reading about dreams and
dreaming (I left it in its original file format):
TEXT OF READING 136-27 F 21 (Housewife)
This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office,
115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 5th day of
January, 1926, in accordance with request made by her
husband, [900].
PRESENT
Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis,
Steno.
READING
Time of Reading 10:40 A. M. Eastern Standard Time.
New York City.
1. GC: You will have before you the body and the
enquiring mind of [136] of New York City, and the dreams
this body had on the dates which I will give you. You will
give the interpretation and lesson to be gained from each of
these, as I read same to you, and you will answer the
questions I ask you regarding same.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body here. We have had this
before, [136], with the dreams that have come from time to
time. The dreams, we find, have come to this entity for that
development, as has been given, in the body-mind of same.
Ready for dream.
3. (Q) Wednesday morning, December 16, 1925. "I was
to a house party with many others. One bus—the morning
bus seemed to drive right up to the house, another, the one
leading away, left from way below the cliff on which the
house was located. Jagged stones, in step form led down to
this outgoing bus. I decided suddenly to go home—I wanted
to go home badly, so I rushed out and jumped off the cliff,
catching myself one-half way down the stone steps. I made
the bus, got on and was glad to be going home. I noticed S.
and a whole crowd of college girls in the other bus, up next
to the house, climb in noisily—all clamoring."
(A) In this as is seen there are lessons being gained by
the entity, as is seen in the recognition of all as college girls.
The house party presents or represents that a special
station, state or stop, as it were, in the education or
development of the mental forces, is to take place in the
mind. This is then presented in a manner as to how the
entity would reach this conclusion towards going home,
taking a sudden leap into that place where there has
seemed to be before one of jagged stones, rocks, one of
conditions hard to be understood by the entity. Yet,
seemingly, it is the only mode, way or manner in which the
entity may gain that portal that is desired in self. The seeing
of others that make much noise is as but the clamor to the
mental forces of entity from others that know the entity has
embraced such a position or condition in its mental forces. It
is a presentation, then, of conditions to arise in the life and
mind, or mind of the entity becoming or being made a
portion of the life. It refers, then, to the mental attitude of
the entity toward conditions that had apparently been
obnoxious, see?
4. (Q) "Ma was showing someone our house—the parlor,
then the bedroom."
(A) This presents the coming to the entity of someone
that would occupy these places.
5. (Q) Have these conditions already occurred?
(A) Already occurred.
6. (Q) Thursday night, December 17. "Heard [900] say
'Goodbye!'"
(A) This is the presentation of that condition in the mind
of the entity through the subconscious forces of conditions
that mean, as it means to the body-mind, "goodbye" from
the entity. This has also happened in the life, see?
7. (Q) "Saw 4 aces and numbers in between, as follows:
2 3 4 ACE 2 ACE 3 ACE 4 ACE 2 3 4
(A) This is the presentation to the entity of that force
exercised in numbers, and will be presented again in a
different form for the entity's consideration. As is seen, One
is the center, or the One Force. Two is that multiple of same
with the division. Three is the force that is magnified in One
—Two—see? with the One always giving the force, the
power, or the magnified force of the number. Four is the half,
or the double unit of Two, with its weaknesses, with those
conditions as have been presented in numbers; yet the One
showing, as always, the central force of strength, power or
union.
8. (Q) Monday night, December 19. "Out loud so [900]
heard: 'No, [900]—I'm fifty-one, not eighteen—you've got
me as 18—I'm not that—I'm 51.'"
(A) This again is the presentation of the numbers five,
one —six—one, eight—nine, see? and not as the nine the
sufficient, the ending, the whole, as it were, of all forces as
combined in the unit of numbers, but as the six, the multiple
of the three unit in its action, and the entity SEES self—as
the six; not as nine. That is, not as stable within self as the
nine should imply.
9. (Q) Tuesday night, December 22. "Dreamed my Aunt
H. bought a pair of black shoes and paid $95.00 for them."
[This was 1926, so that would have been a ridiculous price
for a pair of shoes!]
(A) The unreasonableness to the mind of the
transaction, the unreasonableness of conditions which are to
be existent in the life of the entity from that same reasoning
standpoint. Lesson: Make a spiritual application of same,
rather than material. Meaning, then, as of old: The usage of
that necessary for the better development of self in any
price is equal to that given out. For to obtain, that must be
given that would be obtained.”
As can see dreams are subconscious activities over
outer life situations and circumstances. They can
foreshadow upcoming events, deal with current events, and
even review past events if there is some understanding to
be gained. Adding a dream life to our physical life is a most
helpful way to expand our consciousness and become of
inner processes and perceptions that the outer rarely gets
on its own.
Meditation
—“Magic Silence” Meditation—
Meditation is an altered state of consciousness. It is not
a method for getting our normal consciousness to feel
better. “You don’t have the meditation because ... you want
to feel better, but to attune self to the infinite!” (1861-18)
We must set our normal, everyday selves aside and allow our
deeper, spiritual selves to attune to the Infinite. This is
perhaps the most fundamental and yet the most difficult
requirement of meditation. But it can be done. The body,
mind and soul are interconnected in such a way that certain
actions will automatically lead to “the magic silence” and
the awakening of our better selves.
There are actions that lead inward. We have two nervous
systems. One (the Central Nervous System) we use mostly
for our outer life and consciously functioning in the physical.
The other (the Autonomic) governs those functions such as
breathing and digestion that are taken care of without our
conscious participation. What do these two nervous systems
have to do with successful meditation? When we quiet the
outer system and do something to stimulate the inner
system, we are setting aside our outer selves and actually
activating our souls. For example, let’s sit down and stop
using our musculoskeletal systems. Let’s reduce our sense-
perception by closing down our five senses — close our eyes,
stop touching, listening, smelling and tasting. This quiets
the outer system and the outer self. Now, let’s take hold of
some part of the inner system that the soul has charge of
and let’s alter it. The most popular one is the breath. The
autonomic system, under the control of the subconscious
mind and soul, is in charge of and directly connected to the
breath. If we start changing the breath, we cause the soul
and subconscious mind to become alert to the changes. This
is an action that leads from our outer selves to our inner
selves, and ultimately to an altered state of consciousness.
There are physical changes during meditation. Today we
know from the research done in the ‘70s with transcendental
meditators and others that the body goes through many
changes during meditation. As researchers Wallace and
Benson discovered, meditation causes measurable physical
changes. “There is a reduction in oxygen consumption,
carbon dioxide elimination and the rate and volume of
respiration; a slight increase in the acidity of the arterial
blood; a marked decrease in the blood-lactate level; a
slowing of the heartbeat; a considerable increase in skin
resistance; and an electroencephalogram pattern of
intensification of slow alpha waves with occasional theta-
wave activity” (Wallace & Benson, 1973, p. 266).
Reading 5752-3 expands on the wonderful changes:
“Meditate ... in the inner secrets of the consciousness, and
the cells in the body become aware of the awakening of the
life....” The cells of the body become aware? According to
the readings, every cell in the body has consciousness, and
that consciousness may be raised or lowered. The reading
goes on, “In the mind, the cells of the mind become aware of
the life in the spirit.” The cells of the mind, life in the spirit?
Interesting concepts, aren’t they? “God is Spirit, and those
who worship Him must do so in spirit....” Then, if raising the
consciousness leads to awareness of “life in the spirit,” it
leads to life with God — the Great Spirit. The wonderful
thing about this whole process is that we activate it by
entering into the magic silence.
 For those of you who are just beginning with meditation
or who have always had trouble meditating, let me spend a
moment to describe this very simple yet effective way to
meditate. Then, as you progress with your practice and
develop your skills, you can move on to deep methods of
meditation such as Kundalini meditation and Passage-In-
Consciousness. The Magic Silence method is a simple yet
powerful way for anyone to get into meditation — especially
beginners and those who have difficulty meditating.
Using a combination of an affirmation and a mantra,
coordinated with our breathing, we can enter into the magic
silence. Let’s use a modification of a line from Psalm 46, “Be
still and know God.” In order to fully succeed with this
affirmation/mantra, not only do we need the power of the
words, we must also take hold of the breath and create a
breathing pattern that arouses the soul. It works like this:
“Be STILL” [inhale slowly while feeling the word “still” and
then exhale slowly] “and "Know GOD” [inhale slowly while
feeling the word “God” and then exhale slowly]. Once you
begin to "feel" the reality of these word "Still" and "God", let
the breath go on automatic and abide in the feeling. If
anything distracts you or feel you want to go deeper into the
words, then repeat the deep inhalation and exhalation while
saying the phrases. Keep the breath relaxed yet under your
control.
If you are in the “stillness” or the “Godliness” between
the phrases, remain in it as long as your consciousness holds
there, breathing gently and evenly. If your consciousness
wanders, then bring it back by saying (in your mind) one of
the phrases and re-engaging the deep inhalation and
exhalation cycle.
The more important parts of this practice the silent
periods while feeling the power of essence of these words
and their meaning. The phrases gather and direct the
consciousness, and the spaces of silence are golden, or as
the readings say, “magical.” (137-3) So, as long as you are
silent and still, stay there; don’t feel a need to move on to
the next phrase or to continue repeating the phrases. Abide
in the powerful stillness and godliness.
This method of combining an affirmation/mantra with
breathing will bring even the weakest meditator into a deep
stillness and a heightened sense of Godliness.
To move deeper, add three “OM’s” on the end of the last
phrase: “Be STILL [feel and breathe], and know GOD [feel
and breathe], OOOMMMM [feel and breathe] OOOMMMM
[feel and breathe] OOOMMMM [feel and breathe]. This can
be out loud in the beginning and then‡ silently in your mind
as you go deeper. When chanting the OM incantation aloud,
remember that true chanting is an inner sounding, not an
outer singing. Keep the sound resonating within the cavities
of your body. Beginning with the abdominal cavity, rising to
the pulmonary cavity and then on into the cranial cavity, let
the sound carry you deeper.
I’ve taught this method to people who have never
meditated before, had them in a deep silence for twenty
minutes, and watched them coming out of it with that
wonderful glaze in their eyes that results from an altered
state. Their outer self is moved yet uncertain as to exactly
what has happened. But they know they have just
meditated well. I’ve also had people who had tried
meditation for years with little success come out of one of
these sessions with the biggest smiles on their faces –
victory at last!
The keys to succeeding with this method are three: First,
the power of the words “still” and “God,” and their effect on
us. Second, the connection between the breath and the soul
— allowing us to arouse our souls by taking hold of the
breathing pattern. Third, the spaces of silence between the
words while breathing. These spaces grow longer and longer
as one practices. Eventually, an hour’s meditation is easy
(and recommended in the readings). According to the
readings, and many other sources, the silence is in itself
transforming. One need not “do” or “hear” anything when in
meditation. Abide in the silence and it works its magic.
Now I would like us to look at another area of the total
meditation picture. I would not recommend going on to this
next practice (kundalini meditation) until you have
practiced the Magic Silence method with much success, and
feel you are ready to go deeper. As with medicine so it is
with meditation: one person’s poison may be another’s cure,
and activities that may be harmful at one stage in life may
be quite helpful at another. You have to judge what is best
for you now, and continue to evaluate your readiness as you
progress.
It may appear contradictory to say that silence is in
itself transforming and then to describe another form of
meditation in which inner activities are used to affect
greater transformation, but such is the case with the Cayce
readings, and other sources. The explanation for this is that
the manifold nature of full enlightenment and
transformation is such that contradiction and paradox are
elements of any method. After all, we are dealing with
celestial beings in terrestrial forms, spirits in flesh, godlings
of the Infinite God who are also human, and eternal beings
living a temporary life. Paradox and contradiction are bound
to be a part of any process that attempts to resolve or
integrate these.
Furthermore, as we progress with our development, we
naturally become more able to handle complexity and
intricacy. We become more aware of and participate in the
many aspects of the Godhead, the Universal Consciousness,
with all its diversity.
—Kundalini (Energy) Meditation—
The life force is often symbolized as a raised serpent.
Raising the serpent: not only Adam and Eve fell in the
Garden, the serpent fell also. And, as Moses raised the
serpent in the desert, so must we all raise the life force
within us in order to receive the presence and the power of
the Life Forces. One of the practices for doing this is
kundalini meditation.
Like the Magic Silence method, this method will use
words, breath and spaces of silence, but in more powerful
ways. Since there is more power involved, there are more
warnings in the readings about using this method without
proper preparation and self-examination.
Cayce gave this warning: “But make haste SLOWLY!
Prepare the body, prepare the mind, before ye attempt to
loosen it in such measures or manners that it may be taken
hold upon by those influences which constantly seek
expressions of self rather than of a living, constructive
influence of a CRUCIFIED Savior. Then, crucify desire in self;
that ye may be awakened to the real abilities of helpfulness
that lie within thy grasp. ...without preparation, desires of
EVERY nature may become so accentuated as to destroy....”
Therefore, let’s examine our purposes, searching our hearts
for our true passion. Is it cooperation and coordination with
God, or are we still longing to gratify some lingering desires
of our own self interests?
The Taoist meditators of The Secret of the Golden Flower
(translated by Richard Wilhelm and commentated by Dr. Carl
Jung) talk about the right method being like one wing of a
bird, the other wing being the right heart. A wise seeker
must remember, the bird cannot fly with only one wing. All
seekers must have the right method and the right heart.
Setting our ideal or standard is the first step. The right-
heart concept leads us naturally to the readings’ teaching
that an ideal should be raised as we seek to awaken the life
force. What is our ideal? To whom or what do we look for
examples of better behavior, better choices, better uses for
our energies, better relating skills with others? What
standard guides us in conceiving our better selves? Who is
the author of our “Book of Life”? Is it the circumstances of
life? Is it our self-interests?
 These are important questions from the perspective of
the Cayce readings, questions that should be considered
before going on with the powerful kundalini forces aroused
in this method of meditation. As the readings say, we can
build a Frankenstein or a god using basically the same
meditative method. It all depends on the ideal held as the
practice progresses.
"FIND that which is to YOURSELF the more certain way
to your consciousness of PURIFYING body and mind, before
ye attempt to enter into the meditation as to raise the image
of that through which ye are seeking to know the will or the
activity of the Creative Forces; for ye are RAISING in
meditation actual CREATION taking place within the inner
self!"
The readings would advise anyone who feels unable to
“set the carnal aside” and attune to a high ideal for the
period of meditation to not meditate – and instead to pray. If
the pray then changes you and you feel that you can set the
carnal forces aside, you may enter into meditation.
Otherwise, stay away from it. Meditation gives power to
whatever is in the consciousness and desires of the person.
Make sure these are pure and of the highest.
The Cayce readings present Jesus Christ as not only a
high ideal but as a powerful force of protection for anyone
seeking to loosen their life force, to open the bio-spiritual
seals, and enter into the presence of God. Christ is
presented as an advocate for us before the Godhead. To call
on this protection and guidance is to call on the greatest
resource available. However, the readings do not put the
religion that formed around Jesus Christ above other
religions. The readings are too universal for that. Seekers
from any religious faith can use the power of Christ in their
meditative practice and still remain loyal to their religion.
Here’s an example of this perspective, from reading 281-13:
"If there has been set the mark (mark meaning here the
image that is raised by the individual in its imaginative and
impulse force) such that it takes the form of the ideal the
individual is holding as its standard to be raised to, ...then
the individual (or the image) bears the mark of the Lamb, or
the Christ, or the Holy One, or the Son, or any of the names
we may have given to that which enables the individual to
enter THROUGH IT into the very presence of that which is
the creative force from within itself – see?...
Raising then in the inner self that image of the Christ, love
of God-Consciousness, is making the body so cleansed as to
be barred against all powers that would in any manner
hinder."
Notice how “Christ” is given as equivalent to the “love
of God-Consciousness.” Seekers from any religion may have
love of God-Consciousness. Christ in this perspective is more
universal than the religion that possesses that name. Notice
also how “love of God-Consciousness” cleanses us of self-
interests that may hinder or harm us.
However, there is much more to this reading than
ecumenism and protection. Cayce is giving us a great
insight into just how a meditator may be transported from a
good meditative stillness into the very presence of the
Creative Force, God – with all the ramifications of such an
experience. If in our imaginative forces we can conceive or
form the ideal (the standard) to which we seek to be raised,
then we (as the Revelation states) bear the mark or the sign
of that power (whatever name we give it) that enables us to
enter through it into the very presence of God within us, the
Creative Force within us. Despite the power of some of the
other techniques in this form of meditation, imaging the
ideal is seminal to transformation. Reading 1458-1 points
out our only limitation: “The entity is only limited to that it
sets as its ideal.” We are “gods in the making” if we can
conceive ourselves to be such – in cooperation and
coordination with the Great God.
This kundalini or life force is within the human body, the
temple. Normally it is used in ways that dissipate it,
eventually leading to aging and death of the body. All
people are allowed to use their life force as they choose (at
least within the parameters of their karma). Whether they
dissipate it consciously or unconsciously makes no
difference. When it’s gone, it’s gone. But it doesn’t have to
be this way. As the readings put it, “...if there will be gained
that consciousness, there need not be ever the necessity of
a physical organism aging ... seeing this, feeling this,
knowing this, ye will find that not only does the body
become revivified, but by the creating in every atom of its
being the knowledge of the activity of this Creative Force ...
spirit, mind, body [are] renewed.”
The “elan vital” of the Western world and the
“kundalini” of the Eastern world follows natural laws, and
can be made to flow in rejuvenative ways that enhance and
extend the life. This is not only possible with kundalini
meditation, but it is a valuable goal to pursue. Here’s one
reading’s statement on this: “How is the way shown by the
Master? What is the promise in Him? The last to be
overcome is death. Death of what? The soul cannot die, for it
is of God. The body may be revivified, rejuvenated. And it is
to that end it may, the body, transcend the earth and its
influence.” This meditation practice works directly with the
forces of life.
Since this method uses the chakras and endocrine glands,
we need a little device for awakening these spiritual centers
within our bodies. Cayce us the secret words that he said
Jesus taught to the holy women and disciples in the prayer
he gave, known as the Lord’s Prayer. Assuming that our
ideals, purposes and hearts are in the right place, that we
have crucified our selfish desires, conceived of our ideal, and
drawn on the power and protection of the Christ, “love of
God-Consciousness” – let’s begin with these prayer-words for
the seven chakras. These words vary with different
practices, but the Cayce readings teach that one reason the
Master created the Lord’s Prayer was for this purpose. The
readings give a slightly different version of the prayer, which
we’ll use. The readings are also comfortable with the
feminine aspect of the Godhead as well as the masculine, so
let’s also use this. As you say the prayer, feel the meaning of
the words as your consciousness is directed to the location
of the chakra.
 —Chart of Key Words in Lord’s Prayer—
Key Word Spiritual Center
Our Father who art in HEAVEN
Third Eye - Pituitary - 7th
Hallowed be thy NAME
Crown - Pineal - 6th
Thy kingdom come. Thy WILL
Throat - Thyroid -5th
be done, as it is in Heaven, so on Earth. Give us this day our
daily BREAD.
Root - Gonads - 1st
And forgive us our DEBTS
Solar Plexus - Adrenals - 3rd
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into TEMPTATION
Navel - Cells of Leydig - 2nd
but deliver us from EVIL
Heart - Thymus - 4th
Some practitioners of this prayer-to-centers method add the
following:
For Thine is the KINGDOM
Throat - Thyroid - 5th
and the POWER
Crown - Pineal - 6th
and the GLORY forever.
Third Eye - Pituitary - 7th
To fully realize the power of this prayer, one must
understand that it is intended to call forth the highest in
each chakra. Just as we felt the words “stillness” and “God”
in the earlier affirmation/mantra, so now we must feel or
imagine the change brought on by these words and their
meanings. Take your time. Consider this as part of the
meditation period.
The order of the chakra prayer is significant in that it
attempts to awaken the higher chakras before awakening
the lower ones. This is the best approach. Awakening the
first chakra before the seventh and sixth is like opening the
serpent basket without the charm of the flute. The serpent is
loose to its own interests, rather than under the charm of the
higher music. Keep a higher ideal, a higher purpose, a right
heart, and the consciousness focused predominantly on the
higher centers. Draw the kundalini upward.
Now once again we take hold of the breath. This time we
take a stronger hold and use it in ways that arouse the life
force and draw it up through the chakras of this wonderful
bio-spiritual instrument in which we abide – the human
body. Why the breath? “BREATH is the basis of the living
organism’s activity. ...this opening of the centers or the
raising of the life force may be brought about by certain
characters of breathing – for, as indicated, the breath is
power in itself; and this power may be directed....”
There are several breathing patterns we may use. The
first is described often in the readings. It begins with a deep
inhalation through the right nostril, filling the lungs and
feeling strength! Then exhale through the mouth. This
should be felt throughout the torso of the body – STRENGTH!
After three of these, shift to inhaling through the left nostril
and exhaling through the right (not through the mouth).
This time feel the opening of your centers. As you do this
left-right nostril breathing, keep your focus on the third eye
and crown chakra, letting the other centers open toward
these two. This will not be difficult because the sixth and
seventh centers have a natural magnetism – just as the
snake charmer’s music.
When you have finished this breathing pattern, go
through the prayer again slowly, directing your attention to
each chakra as you recite the phrase and key word.
Then, begin the second breathing pattern. It goes like
this. Breathe through your nostrils in a normal manner;
however, with each inhalation feel or imagine the life force
being drawn up from the lower parts of the torso to the
crown of the head and over into the third-eye center. Hold
the breath slightly, and then as you exhale, feel or imagine
the life force bathing the chakras as it descends through
them to the lowest center. Pause, then inhale while again
feeling or imagining the drawing upward. Repeat this cycle
at a comfortable pace – using your consciousness and breath
to direct the movement in synchronization with the
inhalations and exhalations. As the breath and life force rise,
feel or imagine how they are cleansed and purified in the
higher chakras. As they descend, feel how they bathe the
chakras with this purified energy. Take your time; again,
consider this as part of the meditation. Do about seven
cycles of inhalations and exhalations.
“These exercises [yoga breathing] are excellent.... Thus
an entity puts itself, through such an activity [yoga
breathing], into association or in conjunction with all it has
EVER been or may be. For it loosens the physical
consciousness to the universal conscious-ness.... Thus ye
may constructively use that ability of spiritual attunement,
which is the birthright of each soul; ye may use it as a
helpful influence in thy experiences in the earth.”
After this breathing exercise it is a good time to use a
rising incantation. Here’s one from an ancient Egyptian
mystical practice described in the readings. Breathe in
deeply, then as you very slowly exhale, direct your
consciousness to the lowest chakra and begin moving the
life force upward as you chant in a drone “ah ah ah ah ah, a
a a a a, e e e e e, i i i i i, o o o o o, u u u u u, m m m m m.”
Each sound is associated with a chakra. “Ah” with the root
chakra (reading 2072-10, “this is not R, but Ah,” as the “a”
in spa). “A” with the lyden center (sounds like long “a” in
able). “E” with the solar plexus (sounds like long “e” in eve).
“I” with the heart (a long “i”, as in high). “O” with the throat
(long “o” as in open). “U” with the pineal (sounds like the
“u” in true) . And, “m” with the third eye (like humming the
“m” in room).
 Remember that true incanting or chanting is an inner
sounding which vibrates, stimulates and lifts the life force. It
is done in a droning manner, with a monotonous, humming
tone – vibrating the vocal cords and then directing this
vibration to the chakras, thus vibrating them. Feel the
chakras being tuned to the specific sound/vibration, and
then carry your consciousness upward as the sound
changes. Do this chanting three or more times, or until you
feel its effect. You may also want to finish this chanting
portion of the practice with a few soundings of the great OM
chant (as in home).
Often at this point in the meditation, the head will be
drawn back, the forehead and crown may have pronounced
sensations or vibrations, and the upper body and head may
be moving back and forth, or side to side, or in a circular
motion (circular is preferable). These are all natural results
of the practice and are identified as such in the readings. In
the Revelation, St. John associates body-shaking
(“earthquakes”) with the opening of the sixth chakra,
followed by “silence in heaven” as the seventh chakra
opens.
Now we want to move from bodily enhancements into
our mind and higher consciousness, so let the breathing and
body go on autopilot.
At this point in the practice, the whole of the body, mind
and soul are aroused and alert. Now, the ideal held is the
formative influence, and development proceeds according to
the ideal held.
The mind has a somewhat different experience in this
type of meditation than it does in the Magic Silence method.
All self-initiated activity is suspended. The mind has been
changing as we have raised the energies of the body. By
now it is very still, yet quite alert. Stay here. Do not draw
away or attempt to affect anything. Heightened expectancy
and alertness is an excellent state of mind at this point.
Here’s where we have the greatest opportunity to receive
the Life Forces, or God. Completely open your consciousness
to God’s mind. We now reach a point in the meditation
where we turn around from our constant outer-directed
thought stream, to become one with God’s consciousness,
and purely receptive.
The readings say we should have a strong sense of
expansion and universalization while in this state. They also
recommend that we imagine expansion as we progress
toward this place in the meditation. The imaginative forces
should be used to help us reach higher consciousness. So,
imagine expansion as you raise the life force in the early
stages of the practice. According to the readings, the
pineal’s primary functioning is “the impulse or imaginative”
force. It is the pineal chakra that aids in the transition from
heightened material consciousness to real spiritual
consciousness. Use your imaginative forces to aid in this
transition. Also, reading 294-141 adds, “Keep the pineal
gland operating and you won’t grow old – you will always be
young!” Again we see the rejuvenative powers of
stimulating the imagination.
Reading 281-13 describes more of what occurs. “The
spirit and the soul is within its encasement, or its temple
within the body of the individual - see? With the arousing...,
it rises along that which is known as the Appian Way, or the
pineal center, to the base of the brain, that it may be
disseminated to those centers that give activity to the whole
of the mental and physical being. It rises then to the hidden
eye in the center of the brain system, or is felt in the
forefront of the head, or in the place just above the real face
- or bridge of nose, see?”
As we have seen, the soul is encased in the second
chakra of the body, the lyden center. From this chakra it is
drawn upwards by the magnetism that results from
stimulating the pineal center. It rises to the base of the brain
and into the pineal center, the crown chakra. In ancient
Egyptian mysticism, the lyden center is represented by the
lower gate and pharaoh of the lower Nile, while the pineal
center is the upper gate and pharaoh of the upper Nile. In
The Book of the Master of the Hidden Places (more
commonly titled The Egyptian Book of the Dead) there are
ancient Egyptian pictures of a young man named “Ani”
encouraging his soul to pass through the lower gate, and
later Ani’s soul is seen at the threshold of the upper gate,
ready to make that wonderful passage into the higher
consciousness. The caption under these pictures reads, “Hail
ye gods who make souls to enter into their spiritual bodies.
Grant ye that the soul of the reunited Ani, triumphant, may
come forth before the gods, and that his soul may have
peace in the Hidden Place.”
The power gained from this type of meditation is not
used to rule but to allow more of God’s influence to come
into our lives and into this dimension. Raising the Life Force
within the body is key to higher consciousness and
resurrecting mortal flesh as spiritualized flesh.
We are the channels of God in this realm, if we choose to
be so. We could literally transform this realm if more of us
developed ourselves to be better, clearer channels of the
Life Force, the Great Spirit, God. The residual effect of this is
that our individual lives become more fulfilling, abundant,
rejuvenated and eternal.
From the readings’ perspective, “In the doing comes the
understanding” – not in the talking, the reading, the
believing, the knowing, or thinking – but in the doing. So
take up your practice. Not just to feel better but that the
Infinite may manifest in our finite condition, lifting us to a
more wonderful life!
—Humor—
From Cayce’s perspective humor was human trait to be
cultivated! He even saw it as being a lifesaver when troubles
abound and turmoil casts its shadow over life. Here are some
of his comments on humor:
 “That this entity has a sense of humor has oft been a
saving grace, in not only this experience but in others. And
this brings about those abilities that are worth while, if they
are applied in the present experience.” (2788-1)
“One who is at all times inclined towards good humor,
and might at times well be called a wit. At TIMES the entity
sees so WELL the humor in SO MANY situations as to appear
to see the ridiculous rather than that which is the creative
force in humor. DO NOT lose this sense of humor; it will be a
means for saving MANY an unseeming situation.” (2421-2)
"The entity at times is dramatic in such expression. And
this may be used or applied in the associations or activities
with others. Then, these applications more in the form of
mirth or comics should be stressed, rather than too much of
dramatics. For, the entity is inclined at times to be moody,
and self-condemning - and may speak that which may be a
hindrance, unless the ridiculous or the comic or funny side
of every problem is taken into consideration." (2655-1)
“One whose sense of humor has and will oft save many
an unpleasant situation. Keep that humor! Rather cultivate
same. Entertain it, and use it also in your abilities as a
singer, as a teacher, as an announcer.” (5262-1)
“One that finds a sense of humor in most every
situation, and this is something that should be encouraged
ever in the experience of the entity.” (3205-1)
“It is well that the entity cultivate that of humor, or the
funny side of an experience and not become morose, self-
centered, nor to that extent as to only see the serious side of
experiences, associations or the like. Cultivate reading
comics, wit and humor, those stories or visualizations of
activities that have the humor in same.” (2648-1)
“The entity should attempt–seriously, prayerfully,
spiritually–to see even that as might be called the ridiculous
side of every question–the humor in same. Remember that a
good laugh, an arousing even to what might in some be
called hilariousness, is good for the body, physically,
mentally, and gives the opportunity for greater mental and
spiritual awakening.
“That seriousness with which the body (and mind) takes
on the material as well as the mental and social
relationships is not good. While the happenings, the
experiences even in the material sojourn may have at times
tended to convince the body of the seriousness of living,
know that life should be joyous, happy, open, and ALL that
brings hope.
“For, in the seriousness of it all, know that the very fact
of consciousness itself, the very fact of an awareness of self
and self's emotions, is an expression of the awareness within
of the divine and of His (God's) hope for you. And if He be
with you, what matters what others think or say—in the
material world?” (2647-1)
“One that should cultivate more the humorous side of
life; see some wit, some humor. Not that which is at the
expense of another; that is, never laugh at anyone, but
laugh WITH others often.” (2327-1)
“(Q) How can a sense of humor in this body be
developed or cultivated?
“(A) It is natural with the body. The deeper sense of
humor is not always appreciated by those conditions as exist
in the surroundings. But if there is the health ... this is a
NATURAL DEVELOPMENT of the body.” (773-13)
 List of Illustrations

Central Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System:
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Circulation System for Blood
Circulation System for Lymph
Lymph System Detail
Endocrine Glandular System (Female)
Endocrine Glandular System (Male)
Spiritual Centers of the Human Body
Spinal Column
Spinal Cord: Grey & White Matter
Vertebrae Detail with Spinal Cord & Nerves
Colon (Large Intestine)
 ILLUSTRATIONS

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous
system include the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and
all other nerves in the body are part of the peripheral
nervous system. The Central System is safely contained
within the skull and vertebral canal of the spine. (Source:
ncbi.nim.nih.gov — National Center for Biothechnology
Information)
 Autonomic Nervous System
2 Parts: Sympathetic & Parasympathetic

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for

action. Some of its primary functions are to increase the
heart rate and increase the release of sugar from the liver
into the blood stream, dilate the bronchi to increase their
diameter for more air, retain urine during activity, slow
digestion so more energy for action is available, increase the
pulse rate and heighten blood pressure levels for action, our
pupils dilate, sharpening sight. It is also the remnant of our
ancestor’s need for the fast-reacting fight-or-flight activity
when danger is imminent. Today this fast-reacting system
engages during rush-hour traffic, arguments, missing
appointments, and hurrying to get all that have to do in
little to no time.
The parasympathetic nervous system activates tranquility
and redirects functions to restore the body’s homeostasis
(balance and equilibrium internally), such as stimulating the
secretion of saliva and digestive enzymes in the stomach for
a rest-and-digest time, decrease the pulse rate and slow
down the blood pressure, constrict the bronchi so breathing
becomes more shallow and calm, stimulates urination and
evacuation of contents in the rectum to reduce toxins in the
body. This system makes adjustments to re-stabilize and
renew the body. It plays an important role in stress
reduction.
 Circulation System for Blood

The heart pumps oxygenated and deoxygenated blood

throughout the body in a complex system of arteries, veins,
and capillaries.
 Circulation System for Lymph

More on the lymph on the next page.

 Lymph System Detail

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs

that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted
materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to
transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white
blood cells, throughout the body. (Source: livescience.com)
Endocrine Glandular System (Female)
The Cells of Leydig are missing in this diagram. They would
be around the genitals and would correlate to the navel
chakra.
Endocrine Glandular System (Male)
The Cells of Leydig are missing in this diagram. They would
be around the genitals and would correlate to the navel
chakra.
 Spiritual Centers in the Human Body
The Life Force (Kundalini) flows through the body during
meditation in the shape of a cobra in the striking position.
That is why a raised cobra is the traditional symbol for
bodily energy during meditation in ancient India, Egypt, and
Mayan lands. It rises from lower chakras, up the spine to the
base of the brain, and then to the center of the brain and
over to the large frontal lobe of a human brain, finally to the
master gland of the body: the pituitary.
 Spinal Column

The human body is an amazing wonder of Life’s creativity!

 Spinal Cord: Grey & White Matter

Vertebrae Detail with Spinal Cord & Nerves

 Colon (Large Intestine)

Thanks to improvements in prevention, early detection, and

treatment, more than a million people in the US count
themselves as survivors of colon or rectum cancer. A
colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to detect
changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and
rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube is
inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of
the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire
colon. If necessary, precancerous polyps or other types of
abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a
colonoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during
a colonoscopy as well. (Source: Mayo Clinic.org)
 Resources for Further Study & Assistance
Books:
The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless
Therapy by Harold Reilly and Ruth Hagy Brod
The Oil That Heals by William McGarey, M.D.
The Miracle Oil: Secrets of Edgar Cayce's Palma Christi
Revealed by David E. Kukor
The Alkalizing Diet by Istvan Fazekas
Edgar Cayce’s Quick & Easy Remedies: A Holistic Guide to
Healing Packs, Poultices, and Other Homemade Remedies
by Elaine Hruska, MA
Edgar Cayce’s Massage, Hydrotherapy, and Healing Oils by
Sandra Duggan, RN
Your Key to Good Health: Unlocking the Power of Your
Lymphatic System by Elaine Hruska, MA
Once Cause, Many Ailments: The Leaky Gut Syndrome by
John Pagano DC
Edgar Cayce on Healing Foods by William McGarey MD
Videos:
Edgar Cayce’s Quick & Easy Remedies: A Holistic Guide to
Healing Packs, Poultices, and Other Homemade Remedies
by
Elaine Hruska, MA (there is also a book and video
combination offer from A.R.E. that saves money)
Edgar Cayce’s Quick & Easy Home Remedies featuring J.P.
Amonte DC and Renée Branch, CMT
Meditative Techniques to Boost Soul Growth by John Van
Auken
The Akashic Record and the Illusion of Time by Kevin
Todeschi
Discovering Your Soul’s Mission by Mark Thurston Ph.D.
Reincarnation: The Story of Our Souls by John Van Auken
 Tonics & Devices:
Baar.com is the official suppler of Edgar Cayce products and
they have information on Cayce.com.
Baar Products, PO Box 60, Downingtown, PA 19335 USA
Orders: 1-800-269-2502 Customer Service: 1-610-873-4591
 The Edgar Cayce Center

Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

215 67th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451 USA
800-333-4499
757-428-3588
EdgarCayce.org
AREcatalog.com

Edgar Cayce Spa & Health Center is located on the

campus in Virginia Beach
Email: [email protected]

Cayce-Reilly School of Massage

Offers massage therapy certification programs, continuing
education workshops, and a student massage clinic.
Includes training in hydrotherapy and healing applications.
COMTA Certified
757-457-7270
Fax: 757-428-0398
[email protected]

Atlantic University
is a fully accredited university
offering Master’s Degree Programs
in Transpersonal Psychology through
“at-distance-education”
DETC Accredited
AtlanticUniv.edu
757-631-8101 or 800-428-1512
 Fax 757-631-8096
It is headquartered on the A.R.E.
campus in Virginia Beach
 Other Books by John Van Auken
Passage in Consciousness: A Guide to Expanding Our
Minds and Raising the Life Forces in Our Bodies through
Deep Meditation
Reincarnation & Karma: Our Soul’s Past-Life Influences
From Karma to Grace: The Power of the Fruits of the
Spirit
Edgar Cayce on the Spiritual Forces Within Us
Edgar Cayce’s Amazing Interpretation of The Revelation
Hidden Teachings of Jesus
A Broader View of Jesus Christ
Edgar Cayce and the Kabbalah: A Resource for Soulful
Living

All Titles and more are available on Amazon.com,

Createspace.com, AREcatalog.com, and JohnVanAuken.com

John Van Auken

Living in the Light Newsletter
P.O. Box 4942
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
[email protected]
JohnVanAuken.com