text:
Not for fame, and not for name, not for power, luxury or pain; not even for that called by man, success, do I strive, and work and strain, but rather that in my humble way I may contribute my small share to the whole cause of creation, doing my bit for a cause so glorious in itself, so outstanding in its ideal of life, truth and love, and last but not least a cause born, fostered and administered of a Creator whose essence permeates the whole and whose creative power is the only reality I can find within or outside of myself. My shoulder to the wheel of creation, I serve its purpose for the glorification, and in the effort, behold, I become aware of myself being it. Its glory my glory, its purpose my purpose, its process my process, I lose myself in it, but to find myself again this power of life and creation. Such is the lesson of Life, and once learned and practiced, its reward is eternal.
900-288 Reports; excerpt from a letter from Morton Blumenthal to Edgar Cayce dated 12/25/1926 Morton Blumenthal Born on April 6, 1895, in Altoona, Pa., Morton Blumenthal was 29 years old when he was first introduced to Edgar Cayce through David E. Kahn in August 1924. Cayce was living in Dayton, Ohio, where he had organized the Cayce Institute of Psychic Research. Blumenthal attended Columbia University in New York City, and was working as a stockbroker in New York at the time. Later, he and his brother, Edwin, were able to establish their own seat on the New York Stock Exchange, and for seven years almost single-handedly provided the funding for the Cayce Hospital and the support of the Cayce family (from 1924 until 1931). More than any other individual in the 5,787 nonreading records in the custody of the Edgar Cayce Foundation archives, Blumenthal opened areas of inquiry into psychic development, the nature of man, and the nature of consciousness. He was responsible for questions that led to the development of the philosophy of the readings, later amplified through the "A Search for God" material and Glad Helpers prayer group series. Blumenthal also had the first dream interpretation reading and, of the 630 total dream interpretation readings, the great majority were given for him, his brother, and other Blumenthal family members. Blumenthal had 468 readings from Edgar Cayce from August 1924, until his last reading on July 4, 1930. On December 30, 1949, he recorded a dream in which he foresaw the manner of his own death. As he had dreamed five years earlier, he died in Virginia Beach, Va., on April 9, 1954, of a heart attack. Blumenthal was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in Norfolk, Va.
Reading 5749-15The Birth of Jesus given to the 10th Annual A.R.E. Congress in 1941This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 22nd day of June, 1941, at the Tenth Annual Congress of the Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.
Gertrude Cayce (GC): You will have before you the enquiring mind of the entity Thomas Sugrue, present in this room, who seeks a continuation of information given on the life of the Master and its history in the material world... Because of the purpose for which this information is to be used, he asks at this time for a description of a literary nature of certain events in the life of the Master which are known to us in outline but not in detail. You will give these as presented — first the birth of the Master at Bethlehem beginning with the arrival of Mary and Joseph at the Inn. You will include such details as weather, time, conversation with Inn Keeper, number of people at the Inn, types they represented, recreations and occupations engaged in during the evening, what was being eaten and drunk, whether the guests knew the Child was being born, actual time of birth, etc.
Edgar Cayce (EC): Yes, we have the information that has been indicated respecting some of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the son of Mary, in Bethlehem of Judea.
The purposes are well known, for which the journey was made in the period. The activities of Joseph are well known. The variation or difference in their ages is not so oft dealt upon. Neither is there much indicated in sacred or profane history as to the preparation of the mother for that channel through which immaculate conception might take place. And this, the immaculate conception, is a stumblingstone to many worldly-wise.
The arrival was in the evening — not as counted from the Roman time, nor that declared to Moses by God when the second passover was to be kept, nor that same time which was in common usage even in that land, but what would now represent January sixth.
The weather was cool, and there were crowds on the way. For, it was only a sabbath day's journey from Jerusalem. There were great crowds of people on the way from the hills of Judea.
The people were active in the occupations of the varied natures in that unusual land. Some were carpenters — as those of the house of Joseph, who had been delayed, even on the journey, by the condition of the Mother. Some in the group were helpers to Joseph — carpenters' helpers. Then there were shepherds, husbandmen, and the varied groups that had their small surroundings as necessitated by the conditions of the fields about Nazareth.
In the evening then, or at twilight, Joseph approached the Inn, that was filled with those who had also journeyed there on their way to be polled for the tax as imposed by the Romans upon the people of the land. For, those had been sent out who were to judge the abilities of the varied groups to be taxed. And each individual was required by the Roman law to be polled in the city of his birth.
Both Joseph and Mary were members of the sect called the Essenes; and thus they were questioned by those not only in the political but in the religious authority in the cities.
Then there was the answer by the inn keeper, "No room in the inn," especially for such an occasion. Laughter and jeers followed, at the sight of the elderly man with the beautiful girl, his wife, heavy with child.
Disappointments were written upon not only the face of Joseph but the inn keeper's daughter, as well as those of certain groups about the inn. For, many saw the possibilities of an unusual story that might be gained if the birth were to take place in the inn. Also there was consternation outside, among those who had heard that Joseph and Mary had arrived and were not given a room. They began to seek some place, some shelter.
For, remember, many of those — too — were of that questioned group; who had heard of that girl, that lovely wife of Joseph who had been chosen by the angels on the stair; who had heard of what had taken place in the hills where Elizabeth had gone, when there was the visit from the cousin — and as to those things which had also come to pass in her experience. Such stories were whispered from one to another.
Thus many joined in the search for some place. Necessity demanded that some place be sought — quickly. Then it was found, under the hill, in the stable — above which the shepherds were gathering their flocks into the fold.
There the Savior, the Child was born; who, through the will and the life manifested, became the Savior of the world — that channel through which those of old had been told that the promise would be fulfilled that was made to Eve; the arising again of another like unto Moses; and as given to David, the promise was not to depart from that channel. But lower and lower man's concept of needs had fallen.
Then — when hope seemed gone — the herald angels sang. The star appeared, that made the wonderment to the shepherds, that caused the awe and consternation to all of those about the Inn; some making fun, some smitten with conviction that those unkind things said must needs be readjusted in their relationships to things coming to pass.
All were in awe as the brightness of His star appeared and shone, as the music of the spheres brought that joyful choir, "Peace on earth! Good will to men of good faith."
All felt the vibrations and saw a great light — not only the shepherds above that stable but those in the Inn as well.
To be sure, those conditions were later to be dispelled by the doubters, who told the people that they had been overcome with wine or what not.
Just as the midnight hour came, there was the birth of the Master.
The daughter of the inn keeper was soon upon the scene, as was the mother of the daughter, and the shepherds that answered the cry — and had gone to see what was come to pass.
Those were the manners, and the ones present soon afterwards. For, through the period of purification the Mother remained there, not deeming it best to leave, though all forms of assistance were offered; not leaving until there was the circumcision and the presenting in the temple to the magi, to Anna and to Simeon.
Such were the surroundings at the period of the birth of Jesus . . .
Merry Christmas from A.R.E.
Text of Edgar Cayce Reading 5748-6 (Q) What was the date of the actual beginning and ending of the construction of the Great Pyramid? (A) Was one hundred years in construction. Begun and completed in the period of Araaraart's time, with Hermes and Ra.(Q) What was the date B.C. of that period? (A) 10,490 to 10,390 before the Prince entered into Egypt.
There has been much discussion and controversy over the date of construction of the Great Pyramid. Mainstream Egyptologists place its construction at approximately 2500 BCE, but there are several researchers that suggest it is much older, and date the pyramid closer to 10,000 BCE. The Edgar Cayce readings were very specific about the dates, placing the building of the Great Pyramid from 10,490 to 10,390 BCE.
Some of the methodologies used in establishing its date of construction use the astronomical positions of the stars for the time periods championed by each school of researcher. These experts debate the alignment of stars and constellations to such points as the north entrance of the Great Pyramid and the north and south "airshafts" from the King's and Queen's chambers. Because of precession—the movement of the earth's axis—there is a shift in the position of the stars. Because the precessional cycle is approximately 26,000 years, we can calculate historical dates based on star alignments. For example, our current polestar (North Star) is Polaris. But this changes as we move backward in time. In 3000 BCE it was the star Thuban, located in the constellation of Draco, and in 12,000 BCE the polestar was Vega, in the constellation of Lyra.
During the construction dates of the Great Pyramid from the Cayce readings (10,490- 10,390 BCE), there was no specific polestar. There was instead a trinity of stars spinning around the celestial North Pole. During this ancient time, this star trinity was circumpolar, meaning that as viewed from this north latitude they never set below the horizon. The Egyptians called them the "Imperishables." This trinity of stars, through thousands of years, has shifted in our view of the sky and now dips below the horizon during the year. Today the trinity, known as the Summer Triangle, consists of three stars, Deneb, Vega, and Altair, each connected to a separate constellation — Cygnus, Lyra, and Aquila, respectively.
The "Summer Triangle"
Through different ages and cultures, each of these three constellations has represented birds. It is easy to imagine the ancients looking into the sky above the Great Pyramid in 10,400 BCE and seeing a slowly turning triangle with three birds circling the center, one for each point of the triangle.
The symbolic image of the bird above the Great Pyramid in this stellar triangle of the north, is repeated in the Egyptian Benben stone, the pyramidal stone atop an obelisk or the apex of a pyramid. This important stone represented the Benu bird, believed to be the original Phoenix, depicting rebirth and resurrection.
A Benben stone
The Cayce readings also state that the Great Pyramid was oriented in association to locations of various stars:
Then began the laying out of the pyramid and the building of same…to be the place of initiation… It was formed according…to the position of the various stars… Edgar Cayce Reading 294-151
For the date that the Cayce readings set for the building of the Great Pyramid, what better example of "as above, so below" could be provided in the stars than this stellar triangle that also represents three celestial birds circling above. These would not only represent the pyramid itself, but the Benu bird of rebirth and resurrection. Such representation would fit aptly for the initiation purposes of the Great Pyramid from the Cayce readings.
(Q) Please describe Jesus' initiations in Egypt, telling if the Gospel reference to "three days and nights in the grave or tomb," possibly in the shape of a cross, indicate a special initiation. (A) This is a portion of the initiation—it is a part of the passage through that to which each soul is to attain in its development, as has the world through each period of their incarnation in the earth. As is supposed, the record of the earth through the passage through the tomb, or the pyramid, is that through which each entity, each soul, as an initiate must pass for the attaining to the releasing of same—as indicated by the empty tomb, which has never been filled... Edgar Cayce Reading 2067-7
Again the number three is noted in this rebirth-and-resurrection initiation matching the trinity of stars above, the symbolism of the three bird constellations, and the Egyptian Benu bird. So as Egyptologists and researchers look to the stars above to help validate their theories of the construction date and purpose of the Great Pyramid below, we are provided with insight to the true purpose and another validation from the Cayce readings.
Don Carroll had a career of over thirty years in the Fire/Rescue service. After receiving his degree in Fire Science, he worked as a district chief for a battalion, an operations company officer, an emergency medical technician, a paramedic, and a teacher at the regional fire academy. While raising a family, he pursued the greater meaning of life, reading materials on Edgar Cayce and attending A.R.E. conferences, seminars, tours, and retreats. He is the author of the article The Cayce Cubit and the Kundalini in the Oct.-Dec. issue of Venture Inward Magazine, available in the online member-only section.
If you listen to A.R.E.'s online radio program Reflections: The Wisdom of Edgar Cayce, you know that the show has covered some fascinating topics, such as near-death experiences, mediumship, psychic abilities, dowsing, and the history of the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.). As the show's host, I've had the opportunity to interview many informed and entertaining guests such as Josie Varga, Dean Radin, Edwin May, James Mullaney, Sidney Kirkpatrick, Micki Kluge, and June Bro. In addition, we've gone to the archives to hear presentations from the vault including the sons of Edgar Cayce— Hugh Lynn Cayce and Edgar Evans Cayce. Some of my favorite guests, though, present information on the paranormal from a scientific viewpoint.
It's amazing how little time a 40-minute interview provides when I'm interviewing a guest. There is so much information we try to condense into one show. It's especially difficult to cover all the research of Josie Varga, who has compiled numerous accounts of near-death experiences and after-death communication and presents a positive message when it comes to life's difficulties. She has been on the show several times, but I continue to have more questions I would like for her to answer. What I feel is most compelling about Josie's research is how she analyzes the data and looks for commonalities in the near-death events. You can listen to podcasts of our past show guests, such as Josie. Her first interview contains an interesting account of her personal experience with after-death communication regarding an individual who died on 9/11/2001.
Another guest who has compiled an impressive volume of compelling data is Julie Beischel, PhD, who is the Director of Research at the Windbridge Institute . Using her education in various scientific disciplines, she approaches mediumship through rigorous triple-blind studies and spends a considerable amount of time planning studies and collecting data. This is the type of work that needs to be done more in the field of parapsychology. In her interview, she urges listeners who wish to study parapsychological phenomena to first study a mainstream scientific field, and then apply those empirical principles to parapsychology.
Another researcher of parapsychology with a scientific background is Edwin May, Ph.D., a former nuclear physicist who is currently the Executive Director of the Cognitive Sciences Laboratory. What I find interesting about Dr. May is that he has approached his studies from a skeptical viewpoint and seeks to remove as much coincidence and potential error from his experiments as possible. I was so interested in his projects that I interviewed him longer than usual and made an extended version of the show for the podcast page. In the latter half of the interview, you can hear him explain an interesting experiment regarding precognition, which focuses on the physiological response to bursts of white noise and reveals the possibility that we can anticipate events at least a few seconds prior to their occurring.
One researcher you may want to hear is Dean Radin, PhD, Senior Scientist at the Institute for Noetic Sciences. He has collected a huge amount of data on psychic phenomena with fascinating results. He also has developed a data analysis method which takes commonalities from prior studies, done by different researchers, on the same subject in order to compile the data and get a bigger statistical pool of information to reduce the percentage error and illuminate the results even further.
If you are interested in astronomy and strange phenomena involving celestial bodies, you should listen to the episode featuring James Mullaney, FRAS. He is an astronomer and speaker who is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. You may have seen one of his amazing presentations at an A.R.E. conference in Virginia Beach. His programs feature beautiful and sometimes unexplained images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. I thought his debunking of the "galactic alignment" of 2012 was interesting, along with the information on the Venus transit, a genuine and rare phenomenon.
Of course, there is also Carlos Alvarado, PhD, who is the Scholar in Residence at Atlantic University here in Virginia Beach. He studies out-of-body experiences and has written about the history of parapsychological research. For those of you who are students at Atlantic University, you should really check out his work. I know he sometimes needs volunteers.
These are just some of the guests who have come on the show and presented their research from a scientific viewpoint. You can browse through past shows by going towww.edgarcayce.org/radio and clicking on "podcasts," which are actually just mp3 files. You don't need a special player to listen to them.
I could write at length about our other guests, such as those who delve into the history of the A.R.E. and Edgar Cayce, but that will have to wait until later. Until then, make sure to listen to the show Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. EST, and download past show podcasts at edgarcayce.org/radio.
Show Host: Art Ray In addition to hosting the show Reflections: The Wisdom of Edgar Cayce, Art has recorded several A.R.E. Press audio books including Edgar Cayce on Vibrations: Spirit in Motion audio book and 2012: Mayan Year of Destiny audio book, as well as special promotions for A.R.E. including downloadable files in the member-only section of EdgarCayce.org. To contact Art or submit a question, visit EdgarCayce.org/radio and click on the Submit a Question link.
Edgar Cayce and the Egyptian Book of the DeadBy Alison Ray
The Book of the Dead (the Book) is the generic name of a set of ancient Egyptian funerary texts. According to archaeologists and scientists, the oldest dates from about 2400 BC and was discovered in the Pyramid of King Unas. The format of these texts varied and included pyramid wall carvings and painted design, elaborate images on coffins, and illustrated papyrus scrolls that were placed in the coffin or burial chamber of the deceased. A majority of the Books discovered date from 1550 BC to 50 BC. Each Book was created for an individual and would include his or her name and different chapters or "spells" with instructions to help the deceased navigate the Duat or underworld. Today, there are a recognized 192 different spells. These continue to reveal insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the nature of death and the afterlife.
The name The Book of the Dead has been used since 1842 when Karl Richard Lepsius published the first complete translation of a manuscript dated to the Ptolemaic dynasty. E.A. Wallis Budge's version of The Book of the Dead, originally published in 1895, is still in wide circulation. The correct translation for the title of this text should be The Book of Coming Forth by Day or The Book of Emerging Forth Into the Light as it covers the Egyptians' view of the afterlife. Edgar Cayce mentioned the book by name only eight times in his psychic readings, but he stressed the importance of the study and understanding of this material to our own spiritual and soul growth.
The Book describes the afterlife using a myriad of symbols and gods common to the Egyptian religion. The chapters of The Book were used in conjunction with mummification and ritual to preserve and transform the physical body and spirit. Egyptians recognized varied aspects of the soul, including the "ba" or spirit that was free to leave the tomb and the "ka" or life-force that was the individual personality of the deceased, and the "shut" or shadow. The traditionally held belief is that the Egyptians worshiped many gods, but I believe we will one day correctly understand that they were using symbols to explain differing facets of a single God, much the same as they viewed different aspects of a single Soul.
One of the best known rituals from The Book of the Dead is the Weighing of the Heart. The deceased was led by the god Anubis into the presence of Osiris to declare that they had not committed any sins against the moral code of the society. Then, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the Feather of Truth from the goddess Ma'at. The god Thoth recorded the results into the individual's Book of Life. If the heart was too heavy, it was eaten by the god Ammit and the deceased would then need a new heart to try the process again.
In April, 1933, an Architect asked Mr. Cayce if he would benefit from "study of the occult sciences" and if any particular book would be helpful. Mr. Cayce responded, "The study of those things pertaining to the early Egyptian activities…preferably for the entity…study the Book of the Dead." (Reading 322-2) The reading also stated that The Book was much older than currently believed.
Other life readings were given for individuals who were responsible for writing The Book circa 10,500 BC in Egypt. Ms. 115, a housewife in 1930, was responsible for "…learning the peoples first…chant for the dead…and the Book of the Dead were a portion of the entity's own inscribing." A different housewife, Ms. 454, was told that she was an entertainer and instrumental in "…writing much that is now a portion of the Book of the Dead."
A 1931 reading for Dr. 1924, a naturopathic physician, metaphysician, consultant, and lecturer, indicated that many of the rituals he compiled in the "study of the relationships of individuals to individuals, and of individuals' relationship to the whole or to the Creative Energy" later became the ritual in the Book of the Dead.
A reading for another homemaker, Ms. 706, in 1934 suggested that she "would do well to study even the Book of the Dead, as it was called in the present—yet in that experience it was rather the Book of Life…it represents…the experience of a soul in its sojourn not only in…the land of night, but rather those things that make for the cleansing of a physical body for…expression through the senses or the emotions in the physical forces to the spiritual truths."
What I found to be the most insightful reading, and also the most difficult to understand, was a reading given in 1925 for Mr. Cayce himself. The reading opened with a question of how the "first laws concerning man's relations to the Higher Forces" was given to the people.
Mr. Cayce's answer in reading 5748-2:"The first laws…partook…of the study of self, the division of mind, the division of the solar systems, the division of man in the various spheres of existence through the earth plane and through the earth's solar system. The Book of the Dead…being the first of those that were written as the inscribed conditions necessary for the development in earth or in spirit planes. These, as we see, covered many various phases. About these were set many different ones to give the interpretation of same to the peoples in the various spheres that the individuals dwelled in that came together. Hence the difference in the manner of approaching the same sacrificial conditions…all using the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, as the emblems of the conditions necessary for the knowledge of those elements…same as the fish representing the water from which all were drawn out…"
Alison Ray works as marketing manager for Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. where she is responsible for membership, public information, Venture Inward, and the Web. Before moving from Chicago to Virginia Beach, she was the Assistant Vice President of Discover Home Loans, a private label mortgage program under Morgan Stanley, offering home equity loans to Discover Cardmembers. A long-time Egypt enthusiast, she regularly practices meditation and Tai Chi, teaches Sunday School, and makes jewelry.
Edgar Cayce often told clients: "Know your ideal," that is, "Know Whom you serve." The ideal is the best quality we can imagine—like love, hope, and trust. It's different for each of us, and even changes over a lifetime. It's like the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Magi to their true encounter with the Christ child. Our ideals orient us to our soul's purpose so that we can grow and help better the world.
I had the opportunity to be present in July for a reading from my empathic sister, Greta, who channeled both the Mother and Sun Bear of the Ojibway Bear clan, joined by Sitting Bull, Two Eagles, and others. Ethan and Rick Marten, filmmakers of White Buffalo Movie: 2012, and my mom, June Bro, were present also, listening expectantly for the questions and answers.
The Mother (combining energies of Mary, White Buffalo Calf Woman, Gaia, and Kwan Yin) spoke first through Greta, inviting questions.
Rick asks: "On what historical date did White Buffalo Calf Woman come to the Lakota?"
The Mother responds: "We can liken this to the vision of Guadalupe: a vision landed in the land and hearts of Mexicans in a specific geographical location, yet also in an energy field. So it is difficult to pinpoint since it was a wave of consciousness. Literally, we would say that White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared about 900 to 1,000 years ago. As a spiritual being, she focalized energy—the actual woman was greeted by scouts. Then her wisdom spread to hearts and lands across North America and now belongs to First Nations! Your film is heralding the return of The Mother, the coming of the "Age of the Heart."
(I love her next comment.) "It is important to tell a film story for all people, for Mother comes to unify all people. She's 'connective tissue.'"
Ethan asks: "How important is the Peace Pipe that White Buffalo Calf Woman gave to the Lakota?"
The Mother: "The pipe is a symbol of peace, yet there is also a violent history with the tribes' use of it … White Buffalo Calf Woman brings peace and oneness and starts a movement of Rainbow People. We are all one … The overall message of your film is to reunite all humanity. As White Buffalo Calf Woman prophesied so many eons ago, there are many calves being born. The time is now. Great change is happening. And you have eyes to see, ears to hear, bringing this message to consciousness—the awakening of humanity and the opening of the heart."
Rick asks: "Any Hopi energy present here with the Lakota guides?"
The Mother: "Yes. Tibetan and Hopi." (This is exciting news. Just yesterday, the Martens returned from interviewing Hopi elders in Arizona.)
Sun Bear pipes in with his comic sense: "You, humanity, are like in a dryer now. There is a stripping and a shredding. One must step deeper into faith. And it's a time of leaping in consciousness for all. You can bemoan the fact, crying, 'I'm naked, with old clothes, old consciousness,' or you can rejoice that humanity is shifting. Old souls are waking up—even new ones are waking up! ... Life is stripping away your own fears. You resist this. You are being jockeyed and 'slapped up-side the head,' so you can come to a new level and new naked state, to be born again. You will stabilize in new forms and not old forms."
Curious, I ask: "What was the role of Jesus in the early Americas?"
The Mother: "Jesus was a prophet of the Mother, too! Now prophecies and the Rainbow energy are blending. Jesus came not as a Christian: he changed many colors. Mark my words! You are uncovering miracles! ... Film your discussions, brothers—how they are changing you, your struggling, your healing and transformations as you engage with Native peoples and their stories."
Sun Bear: "One of your missions is to help the earth fulfill her own leap into the 4th and 5th dimensions. You humbly help her by holding ground. We all were baptized in the Mother at some point. It's time to put down our weapons and remember we are all brothers." Oh, yes!
My heart perks up as Sun Bear addresses my heart's unspoken concern about what role I play in this project. "Stay true to the film and journey with the Brothers. Help to unify the people of the earth—this is your past life and present life's purpose, your deepest heart's desire, Beloved."
So we've come full circle. This message matches the oneness so often praised by Edgar Cayce. Let's all embody our highest ideal; let's hold ground in this shifting time of transformation and healing, and continue the Work. Hanta Yo, Tokah Hey. "Prepare the way in a holy way."
Pamela Anne Bro, PhD, is spiritual counselor for the A.R.E. Health Center & Spa, founder and pastor of Living Waters, (livingwaterssanctuary.org), author of WomanQuest: A Trail Guide to Life (womanquest.org) and anthropology consultant and "gopher" for film crew, WhiteBuffalomovie.com and facebook.com/whitebuffalomovie.
Envisioning and Leavening with the Edgar Cayce WorkBy Kevin J. Todeschi
A concept from the Edgar Cayce material that has frequently come to mind over the years states that through our activities we have the potential to "change the thought of humankind" in very positive directions. Although inspiring to consider, quite frankly the idea is challenging to comprehend. After all, how possible is it for a group—let alone an individual—to really change human thought or transform a long-held world view? Upon reflection, I have come to the conclusion that transforming human thought is made possible by personal activities that create a "leavening" influence inspiring others, or by creating a "vision" that catches the imagination of groups of people, inspiring them as well. Both of these approaches have been at the heart of Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. since its inception in 1931.
In terms of creating a vision, perhaps one of the best examples is that of Hugh Lynn Cayce who described what the work of A.R.E. might eventually entail. When writing to the 1944 A.R.E. membership Congress while he was stationed in England, Hugh Lynn spoke of various services that he could visualize being available one day to A.R.E. members: a membership magazine; a program of lectures around the country; an organized study group program; booklets on all subjects in the readings; one of the finest libraries in the world; books which expanded upon the biography, There Is a River; adequate space near the readings for students, conferees, and visitors; a complete indexing system for the readings; and more. It was an amazing vision of things to come, especially considering that in 1935, the A.R.E. had only 244 members and a mailing list of approximately 3,000. Even by 1955, membership had still not reached 1,000.
Today, the Edgar Cayce work has tens of thousands of members and programs and activities throughout the country. The Cayce readings have been thoroughly indexed and are available online as well as on a DVD-Rom in thousands of homes around the world. The A.R.E. Library now houses more than 60,000 volumes. There are hundreds of publications about Cayce's life and work. The A.R.E. is connected to regional and volunteer offices throughout the country, plus there are Edgar Cayce Centers in 35 countries and activities in more than 70 countries. Each day, more individuals around the world access insights from Cayce's work via the Internet than came to Edgar Cayce for readings in his entire lifetime! All this is evidence that Hugh Lynn's vision has been realized through the inspiration of countless individuals worldwide.
Repeatedly, the Edgar Cayce readings also encourage individuals to become a leavening influence in the lives of others. A 52-year-old editor, who asked about how she could be of service in her occupation, was told: "For, the entity is as the leaven that may leaven the whole lump. Here a little, there a little, does the entity influence those with whom it comes in contact day by day." (reading 2830-2) On another occasion, when a 49-year-old accountant asked how he could be of greatest service to humankind, Cayce's reply was simply that he begin working with the daily practice of prayer and meditation! (reading 270-33) Here again he was pointing out how even one individual can help change the thought of humankind.
In terms of our current vision for the future, we have broken ground on the new A.R.E./de Laski Family Foundation Education Center, which will house expanded space for Atlantic University, the Cayce/Reilly® School of Massotherapy, and the Edgar Cayce Foundation. In addition to educational outreach, much of what we do creates "community" in many different ways among our members and our constituencies. The changes to our grounds—changes that are occurring for the first time in more than 35 years—will go a long way to help us envision the future and provide a vibrational leaven to the world as a whole. [More information on the changes coming to our site can be found at: www.edgarcayce.org/educationcenter.]
As we collectively look toward the future—the future of our individual lives and the future of the world as a whole—let us not overlook the amazing impact each and every one of us can have in creating and changing that future.
Kevin J. Todeschi is A.R.E.'s Executive Director and CEO. As both student and teacher of the Edgar Cayce material for thirty years, he is the author of over twenty books, including God In Real Life: Personal Encounters with the Divine and the bestselling Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Records. Known for his ability to explain complex subjects in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner, Kevin is popular for his insight and his sense of humor.
On Being FamousBy Sandra Martin
As a literary agent and television producer based in Manhattan, I often traveled to Los Angeles. On this trip,LA had been full of meetings and prickly personalities, and we were finally landing at Dulles Airport outside of Washington, D.C., thank goodness— always good to be back on the East Coast, for my connection to LaGuardia. Dulles has trams that take you from the plane to the terminal for your baggage. The plane was full so we were all standing around and then piling into the next empty tram that drove up. I was tired and paying no attention to things around me. All the seats were filled, so I sat in the only available space and we chugged off. I pushed back in my seat with my suitcase between my legs and looked around. Everyone was looking at me; that entire tram was full of people just looking at me.
Oh, I said to myself, I've been here before. I turned to my seatmate and said conspiratorially, "I had this happen to me once before when I worked at the University of Georgia." My seatmate focused her attention on me, so I continued. "I was taking the bus across campus. I sat in front and glanced to the back of the bus and it seemed that everyone was looking at me. I made sure my blouse was buttoned, and I looked around me, and nothing seemed amiss, but they kept staring. A friend got on the next stop and sat across from me and we talked a bit. Still when I glanced towards the back of the bus everyone seemed to have their eyes glued on me. It was spooky.
"My friend and I got off at the Ecology building and I asked her, 'Did you notice that everyone was staring at me?' She laughed: 'Sandra, you were sitting next to the most famous guy in Georgia: Herschel Walker, running back for the UGA football team. They were looking at him.'"
I told that story to the beautiful actress sitting next to me who was paying cautious attention to me and whom everyone was looking at. She laughed at the story. It was Glenn Close, star of Fatal Attraction and the TBS series Damages.
But there's more to this tale.
Lately, people I know and love have felt that everyone was looking at them, literally and symbolically. They see themselves reflected back in everyone's eyes. One had made a call to ask someone to do her a favor the week before and then couldn't understand why she didn't hop right on it and get it done. She thought the world revolved around her and whatever she thought was important superseded everything else. "Couldn't she see how important this was?," she kept asking me. Another was focused on thinking that a group of NYC businessmen were anxiously awaiting her decision, while she was dithering on about trying to decide the exact right thing to say. When she finally returned their call, they asked what her call was about. It is funny how we operate in our own tiny little worlds and how our minds can build on the nearest nothing to make something big of it or conversely take a big event and ignore it.
Now we need to come back together, to bond as a tribe, understanding that the largest good is for everyone to gain, not just those in power. All of the connecting technology that we are engaged in these days—from instant emails, to magic phones, to Twitter, to Facebook—are for the most part light-weight encounters. No time for in-depth conversation within a message limited to 140 characters. But they are definitely connecting us. They have power: Remember what happened a few months ago when Twitter and Facebook changed the Middle East? There are no boundaries to information now.
Once I met author and medical intuitive Caroline Myss, we became great friends. She is straightforward, smart, and savvy. I like those qualities in my friends. We happened to both be in LA. She was giving a lecture and staying at the Bel-Air Hotel, a swanky and gorgeous setting. I was there for meetings with producers, and studios, and staying with friends. I drove over to Beverly Hills to have lunch at the Bel-Air with Caroline. After hellos, ordering, and eating, we were immersed in an intense, multi-dimensional conversation. We were sitting by a big window looking out on a small pond with the Bel-Air's famous swans floating by like beauty queens.
Our hostess, a pretty young woman, kept walking by. Each time she asked if we needed anything—no thanks, we were fine—and she'd linger for an extra second or so. After the fourth time Caroline said, "She must recognize me from the PBS pledge drive that just aired. Happens all the time." Then we dove back into our conversation about mysticism, time travel, and the state of the world, i.e., who was doing what to whom. As our hostess cruised by again, Caroline looked up and said, "What is it?" The hostess looked right at me, and said, "Do you live in Virginia Beach? I'm pretty sure I recognize you." Yep, I did live in Virginia Beach at one time but now I lived in NYC. She remembered me from the first TV series I ever did on the Norfolk PBS station, a weekly show where I interviewed local experts on meditation, dreams, Edgar Cayce, and Native American spirituality. Caroline laughed and laughed. "Well, that'll show me," she said.
From Edgar Cayce reading 707-1:. . . if thou art centered in Him, then be not afraid! Yea, He has walked the streets with the rabble and has seen the flowing of the blessings that may come through making self humble! Yea, in the face and in the power of those that might save the body, He gave: "There is no power save that Creative Force we call God may give," that the soul may be raised, may be washed, may be white, may be cleansed that it may be in the presence of the Maker Himself! Art thou choosing this way?
Sandra Martin is owner and producer of Paraview TV, which is going live on FIOS in November 2011. You can check out their Web site www.paraviewtv.com.
Angel encounters have been recorded since the beginning of time. There have been tons of stories by people who believe they were helped by an angel both in angelic or human form. For example, I recently read a story about a woman who was stranded on a dark highway with a flat tire and no jack. After praying, she turned to see a man holding a jack who offered to help her and changed her tire. She recalled that there was no other car anywhere and this good Samaritan appeared to have come out of nowhere. After he changed her tire, he asked her if she was OK, she said "Yes" and got back into her car. When she looked back as she drove away there was no one there.
Do I believe that the stranger in this case was an angel? Yes, I do. But what people often ask me is, "How do we know it's an angel and not a spirit guide? What is the difference?" I must admit I have asked myself these two questions many times.
Saint Augustine, the Catholic saint and mystic, repeatedly stressed that angels were spirits. "The angels are spirits but it is not because they are spirits that they are angels," said Saint Augustine.
"They become angels when they are sent, for the name angel refers to their office not to their nature. You ask the name of this nature, it is spirit; you ask its office, it is that of an angel. In as far as he exists, an angel is a spirit; in as far as he acts, he is an angel."
The word angel is of Greek origin meaning messenger. So I find St. Augustine's explanation of angels to be very interesting. For one thing, we are all spirit. Spirit is our true nature; we are not the body. But St. Augustine pointed out that it is not this nature that makes them angels but their office, which is another way of saying what they do or the message they portray.
Personally, I take this to mean that a person is an angel because of their deeds and not their nature. Having said this, I believe that spirit guides are different levels of angels. You have the highest level, which includes the Archangels Gabriel and Michael, all the way to spirits who once walked among us on this earth and now work to help people still in human form.
I am one of the lucky ones who actually experienced the help of my spirit guide. This past Memorial Day, I went to a local Target to run some errands. After about an hour, I exited the store with my full cart and headed to my car. All of a sudden, I saw a vision in an instant of myself getting hit by a car and felt all of the emotions of my family and friends. I knew I was killed by this car though I didn't see myself dead. It was so powerful and immediate that I stopped in my tracks and sort of did a double take wondering what had just hit me. I stopped for about five seconds and then proceeded to push my cart to my car.
All of a sudden, a man driving a pickup truck backed up out of a spot directly in front of me without looking. He pulled out so fast that I quickly pulled my cart back. If I hadn't, he would have hit my cart full on. I stood there, out of breath, clutching my cart and staring at the man in the truck who looked at me in shock, knowing he had come so close to killing me. He looked at me apologetically, put his truck back in drive and pulled back into his spot. My heart was still racing as I watched him put his truck in park and then bury his face in his hands.
Looking back I don't know why I didn't go up to this man, perhaps it was the shock of the whole ordeal. As he sat there, I'm sure contemplating how he could have killed me, I was actually thinking, "OH MY GOD, I saw this happen before it happened." I felt no anger for this stranger only compassion sensing how bad he felt.
When I finally got back to my car and drove home, I was numb and shell-shocked wondering how I was going to tell my husband what had just happened. When I did, his eyes watered thinking of the unthinkable. But I couldn't help but wonder why this had happened to me. Why had I been shown this vision?
The following week, I was talking to a friend of mine (who is a medium) and told him what happened. "Josie," he said, "that was your spirit guide sending you that message. Had you not listened and stopped, you would have been killed. I am so glad you listened."
Yes, had I not listened, I would not be here today to share this story with you (at least not in the physical). But the truth is I would not be here even more so had it not been for the spirit who sent me that message or vision in the first place. My friend called this spirit a spirit guide. To me, in addition to being my spirit guide, this spirit was also an angel.
As I mentioned earlier, St. Augustine pointed out that it is not one's nature that makes them an angel but their actions or deeds.
New Book: Divine VisitsHave you ever had an angel or divine encounter? I'd love to hear your story for possible inclusion in an upcoming book called Divine Visits. To submit your experience for consideration, please email your account or questions to me at firstname.lastname@example.com. You can also visit my website at www.josievarga.com. Thank you very much.
Josie Varga discovered her passion for writing as a little girl growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She went on to earn a degree in journalism and later became a successful communications consultant while authoring her first book, Footprints in the Sand: A Disabled Woman's Inspiring Journey to Happiness, which was published in 2004. Since then, she has become a motivational speaker for overcoming life's challenges and written several books including Make Up Your Mind to Be Happy: 105 Simple Tips. Her latest book, Visits to Heaven, published by 4th Dimension Press, is the long-awaited follow-up to her best-selling Visits from Heaven. Visit Josie's website www.josievarga.com .
Edgar Cayce's Deep Meditation Method By John Van Auken
Of all the meditation techniques I've learned and practiced over these many years, none has been as effective as Edgar Cayce's passage-in-consciousness technique. Our free online meditation course has diagrams of some of the steps, and links to those pages are included. With a little practice we can deeply attune ourselves to God and retain that essence, energy, and vibration in our daily lives.
You'll want to watch your dreams and intuitions. This practice will ignite dreaming. It will also generate intuitive glimpses from your deeper mind and the great collective mind that all souls are connected to. It's a good idea to carry a small note pad in which you can record insights and ideas that come—because, your outer, conscious mind (if it's anything like mine) will not be able to remember these. Like dreams, they are knowings of the deeper mind that creep through the veil to consciousness but are hard to hold onto. A note pad and dream journal help keep them in this dimension, this outer life.
This technique does require some time. Cayce advised setting aside an hour for the practice. In the first year that I practiced this, it would take me about 30 minutes to see, feel, and know the first 9 steps; now it takes about 5 minutes, leaving the rest of the time to be in the universal, infinite condition. Rebalancing also used to take much longer than it does now. The more you practice, the more you develop your body, mind, and spirit to know and understand the finite condition and the infinite condition, and the transition from one to the other. The overall experience is quite natural and normal when balanced and integrated into our lives and the whole of our being. One can be here, projected into individualness; or there, expanded into universalness. After a while, even when in individualness you feel the universalness. It's wonderful but much more natural and normal than I expected. Cayce always taught that that's how it would be, saying that we were in the infinite, universal condition prior to incarnating. Therefore, returning to the other condition will not feel supernatural but natural and familiar.
This meditation method allows the "magic silence" to better imbue us with the vitality, peace, and clarity of God's spirit and mind. It also brings out our better selves, which Cayce identified as one of the main goals of meditation: "let your better self come through." Cayce's readings often instructed us to let God come through us into this dimension and into the lives of people around us.
John Van Auken, a director at the Association for Research and Enlightenment, is an acknowledged expert on the Cayce readings, the Bible, ancient prophecies, world religions, meditation, and ancient Egypt. John conducts seminars in the U.S. and abroad, and is a tour guide to the many sacred sites around the world with A.R.E. Travel. He is the author of numerous books, including Toward a Deeper Meditation, Edgar Cayce and the Kabbalah, Ancient Egyptian Mysticism and From Karma to Grace.
A Journey Into Iceland and the Center of the EarthBy Deirdre L. Aragon
On a recent trip with the A.R.E. in Iceland, I was able to journey to the center of the earth. I was familiar with the Jules Verne story and Hollywood movies. I was unaware of the physical and spiritual wonders which lay ahead.
The morning the tour group left was a cloudy and exceptionally windy day on the Snaefellsness Peninsula. We left the enchanting Hotel Budnir and drove to a gravel lot in the wilderness of Southern Iceland. Before us lay a lava rock trail heading uphill into the wind, and despite the terrain and bitter cold I knew I could not sit out this opportunity.
You have taken upon yourselves that as is worthy of the calling as set in Him. "You have chosen me, even as I have chosen you." Be faithful and patient, that you may enter in. Edgar Cayce 262-26
I began trekking up the hill into a mountain cliff. At times the path was gravel and at other times the path was lava rocks and dirt. Several times along the trail I took time to rest and analyze the progress of my self-chosen journey. I overcame the urge to quit and I knew on a soul level that I needed to overcome my physical discomforts and complete this trek.
Once I made it to the opening, cut by time and nature into the side of this mountain, the trail turned into a rocky stream. The last few steps required physical balance, a well thought-out plan and a spiritual desire to see what lay ahead. I moved cautiously forward and emerged into an open cavern of peace and tranquility.
The black rocky walls were covered with a vibrant green moss and a beautiful stream flowed back downhill. A small bird flew in to welcome our small group with a song. It was evident why this place is called the center of the earth. I felt as though I stepped into the heart of the earth. I could truly feel the divine presence of the Creator in this place.
How gracious is Your presence in the earth O Lord. Be the guide, that we with patience may run the race which is set before us, looking to You, the Author, the giver of light. Edgar Cayce 262-24
As we could not stay in our new found tranquility forever, one by one we left the center and began our journey back to our companions on the bus. The idea was that the trek back down would be easier than the one up. The wind was on our backs and we were familiar with the path before us. Although our spiritual selves had been well nourished by the energy from the center, we still had to watch our step as we descended.
We had to find new footing on the way down and at times we slid on the gravel or even fell on the rocky path. With a few difficulties we all made it back safely to the bus. Those of us, who made the journey to the center of the earth, felt an overwhelming sense of invigoration. We were alert and focused for the rest of the morning. Every step was well worth the trek and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
While pondering this morning hike, I began to see how this was symbolic of the soul's returning journey to oneness. The uphill hike on the varied terrain was challenging and rewarding, just as life is. The companions along the way represented family and friends; sometimes they offered a helping hand and other times we had to navigate around each other to make our own way. Sometimes our karma was represented by the lava rocks, other times a patch of blueberries would represent the sweetness in life.
Many times we feel that our spiritual paths should become easier with time and often that is not the case. Just like the entrance to the cliff, the path changed and required more effort to complete the journey. Once inside, the still small voice within was evident [like?]the gentle chirping of a lone bird. After a period of rest and recharging, it was time to return to our brothers and sisters on this earth in order to share our new-found peace and help guide other souls along the way.
In day-to-day physical life, we easily forget that we were created to be companions and co-creators with the infinite First One, the Creator, out of whom all originally found life and consciousness.John Van AukenFrom Karma to Grace: The Power of the Fruits of the Spirit
Despite our new-found centeredness, the path down presented new challenges. This trend is symbolic of our spiritual intentions. Our reemergence is not always as graceful as we intend. There are always lessons to be learned and new karma to be resolved. Every step is worth the physical, mental, and spiritual work to reclaim our spiritual birthright?oneness with God.
The next time the spiritual path appears rocky and uninviting, remember the reward at the end of the journey. Reclaim your true self as a co-creator with God. Then share your knowledge with your earthly brothers and sisters. Show them the way back home to their spiritual source.
Deirdre L. Aragon is a Laguna Pueblo Indian, who spent the early years of her life on the Laguna Pueblo Reservation in New Mexico. Her paternal grandmother and aunt, who were tribal healers, taught Deirdre the wisdom and teachings of her tribe. She was raised in a home where metaphysical principles and holistic healing were accepted and practiced as a way of life. During a near death experience when she was ten years old, Deirdre was given the "mark of the shaman" from the Spirit World. Accepting her abilities, Deirdre has designed several healing techniques based on her personal experiences and knowledge gained through various sources and is an active speaker. She is actively involved with A.R.E. in Northern Virginia and has participated in A.R.E. Search for God Study Groups since she was a child. She has been a student of the Unity Movement for over 15 years. You'll find her website Noble Minds, a companion on the path of enlightenment, online at Noble-minds.com. She is hosting a "Transformational Event" featuring A.R.E. author and lecturer Kathy Callahan, PhD, in Oakton, VA on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Visit her website for upcoming details. John Van Auken will be presenting Edgar Cayce and the Kabbalah in Fairfax, Virginia on October 22nd.
Dear Members & Friends of Edgar Cayce's A.R.E.:
I want to take this opportunity to inform you about my new TV show, "Enlightened." It premieres on October 10 on HBO at 9:30 PM PST. It's a half hour comedy/drama that comes on right after Ted Danson's "Bored to Death." It stars my daughter Laura Dern as Amy and Luke Wilson as her ex-husband, and I play her Mom, Helen.
I think the show will be of interest to many individuals who have been drawn to the Edgar Cayce work, as it shows a very distraught woman having a nervous breakdown. She tries to find enlightenment, and she tries to maintain a positive attitude and yet she is around people who aren't enlightened at all. It's very funny, and has received great reviews. One said, "You'll want to TiVo this one not because you're afraid to miss it but because you'll want to watch it over and over."
One of the reasons I am excited about the program is that it really does help lift up television. It is good old fashioned entertainment. It is the story of a spiritual quest. I'm very proud to be a part of it.
Please encourage your family and friends (and all of their social networks) to watch this new series. I think you will enjoy it! I believe the show can help lift up people. It's a comedy/drama that portrays both a serious and a funny look at how hard it is to get enlightened in this world.
Remember to mark your calendars to watch "Enlightened" on Monday evenings on HBO.
Light and Love, Diane Ladd
Diane Ladd is an actress, director, writer and producer. She is a three time Emmy and a three time Oscar nominee, and the winner of twenty seven international awards, including the British Academy Award, the Independent Spirit Award and the Eleanor Duse Award. She is also president of Exxcell Films.
By Tina Erwin
Throughout our lives, we come across all types of role models, as certain people inspire us to do great things. We learn from their example or their encouragement. Other people teach us what love and leadership aren't. We learn what cruelty and criticism look and feel like. We learn what not to do from these people. Spiritually, we then come to those supposedly spiritual leaders who claim to have all the answers. Some of these people abuse us spiritually, creating terror in us because they cause us to be afraid of God. Some people inspire us spiritually because of their kindness, their example of service, and their lack of prejudice. We learn the skills of loving kindness and patience from them.In my spiritual studies, I discovered all kinds of people who claimed to be the reincarnation of some great person, or of being totally 'enlightened' and of having 'great powers.' I quickly realized that none of these people, no matter how well intentioned, were the real thing. Many were examples of people who thought they had power and who really had very little. However, along my fascinating path, I discovered a man named Edgar Cayce, a psychic who eventually founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This was a man who discovered from an early age that he truly had a unique psychic ability. As he matured, this ability manifested in an astonishing ability to go into trance and allow what was termed a Universal Spirit of goodness to overshadow him. At this point he was able to provide absolutely accurate information on diagnosis and healing of various clients anywhere in the world.Mr. Cayce was a simple man, an ordinary man who had a devout and unshakable belief in God, in Christ, and in his own Divine connection ― and yet he was utterly honest, true to himself and his family. He was a psychic, yet he was humble, kind, caring, and above all dedicated to the service of mankind. Perhaps he is my favorite mortal spiritual role model because he taught by example the need to love and care for all humanity. In the purity of the soul that was Edgar Cayce, we have the embodiment of the message that Christ came to Earth to share: love one another. Help one another in whatever capacity you are able to provide. Respect the path of another, whether or not that person goes to your church!Cayce caused me to remember that you cannot heal everyone. Christ did not heal everyone because not everyone had the karma to be healed ― and that is also true today. Help those you can and then respect their path without judgment. Edgar Cayce was willing to look at things outside of his original range of knowledge. He did his spiritual job to the best of his ability. He loved with all of his heart. At the end of his precious life, he could look back and marvel at all he had learned and all the lives he felt he had humbly touched. Perhaps he felt honored to have been allowed to have that ability, and to use it the way that he did.Perhaps Edgar Cayce represented the best role model I could have, because he was a flawed human being who did his best every day, accepted those tough days and still keep going, lighting the way with his own goodness. I can only hope to fill a tiny portion of the giant footprints Mr. Cayce so generously left behind.
TINA D. ERWIN, CDR, USN, Ret. has studied metaphysics all her life to enable her to understand her own psychic abilities. These intense studies were further enhanced by the experiences of a dynamic 20-year career in the Navy, working for the U.S. Submarine Force, retiring at the Commander level. Erwin is the author of the A.R.E. Press book, The Lightworker's Guide to Healing Grief.
Awakening to Peace By Alison Ray
One of the key tenets in Edgar Cayce's teaching is that soul growth requires application. Not just knowing information, but actually living it by making the time for the things that are most important especially, being of service.
Last week, I met a group of people who were doing just that. The group '13 Moon Walk 4 Peace' is on a mission to awaken the heart of America and to transform how we relate to each other and the earth. They believe that humanity is going through a shift in consciousness and that together we can create a peaceful and harmonious world. For the past year, they have been walking across the United States; bringing their message of hope and peace to 42 cities. Their walk began in Atlanta, Georgia on 10/10/10 and will conclude on 11/11/11 with the establishing of a National Peace Trail.
While at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. in Virginia Beach, they planted a Peace Pole. The wooden pole was hand-crafted and capped with a small copper pyramid. On the sides were carved Oneness, Faith, and Peace. As with other communities where poles were planted, it is intended to create a Peace Zone based on the unique vision of community participants. After a brief ceremony of prayer and setting of intention, each person helped add the soil that would hold the pole in place for the future.
Their work and goals fit beautifully with the Edgar Cayce readings. During a reading in 1943, Mr. Cayce was asked if it would be possible to raise the world's economic standards.
Not only must it be possible, it must be done! if there will be any lasting peace! But it must begin in the hearts and minds of individuals… As the vital cells of the body — when they have rebelled, and caused sufficient others to do likewise, destruction sets in. (Reading 3976-28)
In another reading, given May 10, 1944 a man working at a Naval shipyard asked what might be done by the American people to bring about a speedy, lasting peace. Mr. Cayce's response stressed personal responsibility:
We haven't the American people. The thing is to start with yourself. Unless you can bring about within yourself that which you would have in the nation or in any particular land, don't offer it to others. (Reading 5101-1)
We haven't the American people. The thing is to start with yourself. Unless you can bring about within yourself that which you would have in the nation or in any particular land, don't offer it to others. (Reading 5101-1)
Another reading stresses the importance of getting started:
"Use that you have in hand today." And as you use it, the way is shown…for the greater developments in all your activities… It may grow to that expression and experience, dependent upon the application of that you…already know and see in your inner self. Reading 1458-1
"Use that you have in hand today." And as you use it, the way is shown…for the greater developments in all your activities… It may grow to that expression and experience, dependent upon the application of that you…already know and see in your inner self. Reading 1458-1
As to how it was to be accomplished, Mr. Cayce also had an answer:
This…must be little by little, line upon line; using that you have — and as you use…that necessary for your greater understanding…[and] greater development, is given thee day by day. (Reading 1458-1)Analyze self and the purposes, the motives, the influences; and know that they agree with that which is your ideal. Not what you would wish God to do for you, but what may you do in appreciation of the love shown? Not as to what you would like to be, but what may you mentally give that will be conducive to constructive thinking in the experience of others? In the physical, not what you want others to do for you, but what may you do for them? These are what we mean by constructive thinking, and as they are applied within the experience we will come to see what a spiritual life means. Not the eliminating of pleasures, for the purpose of life is pleasure, but that which is constructive and not destructive!Live it…and…you may induce others…to try it. Not by nagging, not by finding fault. You would not want others to find fault with you! Then live so toward others that you do not find fault, but find the good in every experience. (Reading 1995-1)
The Peace Pole was planted near the Foot Reflexology walk at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Headquarters in Virginia Beach. To learn more about 13 Moon Walk 4 Peace and to meet the individual members of the group, visit their website www.13moonwalk4peace.org or Communitiesofpeace.ning.com.
My Encounter with Cayce—A Turning Point By Mariangela Pino Landau
It was a windy January day in 1987 in Los Angeles, California and I awoke with an ache in the pit of my solar plexus. As I tuned into the ache, I got a crystal clear sense that I had grown sick and weary from concealing my true nature. I was born with the gift of psychic mediumship and channeling into an environment that could not nurture and support my true nature. I was cautioned to deny and disregard it to avoid being labeled "eccentric and delusional" or "possessed by the devil." I was repeatedly told that what I sensed, saw, and heard was the result of a combination of my vivid imagination and attention-seeking. My family and community's insistence that I accept being plain and normal temporarily triumphed over the song of my soul, and I acquiesced.
During the years of compliance, I suffered internally from the dis-ease of self-denial. Up until 1987, I soothed my soul ache by concentrating on hippie-inspired social activism, creative outlets, studying psychology, philosophy and the world's religions, and dabbling with various kinds of meditation.
On that January day in 1987, I reached a significant turning point. At around noon, a force came over me and compelled me to get in my car and drive. I had no idea where I was going. After about an hour, I found myself outside the Theosophical Society in Altadena, California. Inside was a library and bookstore to my right. I was greeted by an open-hearted, round-faced middle-aged woman who asked if she could help me. "I don't know," I replied, "I think I'll just look around." Within a few minutes I found myself in an aisle with books on either side of me, six shelves high. I began to feel a bit dizzy as if the energy from the books were reaching out to me. Since I didn't know what I was looking for, I just stood there nearly frozen until I noticed a footstool. I staggered to it, sat down and silently asked for help, saying "I don't know what to do; I need help, please guide me." Suddenly, a book tumbled to the floor from the fourth shelf. I reached down to find There Is a River by Thomas Sugrue. I cradled the book to my heart, sat, and started reading. Within minutes, I wept with relief and gratitude. This man—Edgar Cayce? "whose uncanny powers of clairvoyance provided him with miraculous insights that went far beyond the realm of reality–baffling doubters, astounding believers….and almost always proving correct" was now part of my life.
Edgar Cayce, a man of prophecy, insights into the soul, and cures he prescribed while in trance was with me. I wasn't alone anymore. I stood up to see where the book had fallen from and discovered The Sleeping Prophet by Jess Stearn, included it in my embrace, and swiftly went to the cashier.
As I delved into his work, I found terms such as "akashic records," "soul mates," and "holism," and instantly knew I needed to find out more. And so began my more formal spiritual training starting with Unity Church, followed by the Church of Religious Science, and a myriad of spiritual, new age, and metaphysical books and holistic healing modalities. I could not satiate my voracious appetite. What I found most remarkable was that Edgar Cayce had constructed a foundation upon which so many have stood since. He had brought nearly all of the terms and concepts I read in other literary offerings to this realm years before it was even considered acceptable.
In 1997, I came out of the closet as a psychic medium and channeler, largely due to the helping hand of Edgar Cayce. Although I remain today one of the millions who have been touched by the life and work of a stunning farm boy who is the most resourceful, reliable, and trustworthy psychic in history, I think of Edgar Cayce with grateful fondness as the man who guided me home.
Mariangela Pino Landau is the founder of The Center for True North, an organization fostering personal authenticity and spiritual freedom. She is a psychic medium, mystic, metaphysical minister, ritual and ceremonial facilitator, poet, and author. She can be reached by eMail at firstname.lastname@example.com or via her website www.TheCenterforTrueNorth.com. Mariangela's new book True North Transmissions®, Volume One: Spiritual Adulthood—Gateway to Freedom is available for a limited time as a free download in the Member-Only section of our Website at EdgarCayce.org/members.
Living Is Not Enough—Have Somethingto Live for. By John Van Auken
We do not do well when all we do is live. We do best when we have something to live for. Staying alive is not enough; staying alive for a purpose draws up a well of life energy within us and gives us a reason to keep on keeping on with as much vitality as we can muster. Obstacles mean little to one who is filled with purpose. Where there is a will, there is a way.
"…being good as is seen from the gain, and not that of service. This the entity should alter within self, being not only good, but good for something. Lose self rather in the service of others, and find that in whatsoever state the entity finds self, in that be content; not satisfied, knowing that, that which is builded in self—whether of the material or of the mental forces—must be guided by that as is universal in its aspect, would it be the lasting or that sure foundation that will build for a life worth living." ( Edgar Cayce Reading 1726-1)
"Make the experiences of the life not only good but good for something, and we will find it will make the rest of the years of the entity's experience in the earth much more worthwhile. … There are abilities, there are urges latent and manifested, but first in self, find your own ideal: spiritually, mentally, physically. Then study to show yourself approved; that is, act like you knew what it's all about. For life is earnest; life is an opportunity to show the appreciation to the divine within, with the divine in your fellow man, and if you act in that manner much more joy, much more worth while will be the earthly experience of this entity." (Edgar Cayce Reading 5294-1)
"…being good as is seen from the gain, and not that of service. This the entity should alter within self, being not only good, but good for something. Lose self rather in the service of others, and find that in whatsoever state the entity finds self, in that be content; not satisfied, knowing that, that which is builded in self—whether of the material or of the mental forces—must be guided by that as is universal in its aspect, would it be the lasting or that sure foundation that will build for a life worth living." ( Edgar Cayce Reading 1726-1)
"Make the experiences of the life not only good but good for something, and we will find it will make the rest of the years of the entity's experience in the earth much more worthwhile. … There are abilities, there are urges latent and manifested, but first in self, find your own ideal: spiritually, mentally, physically. Then study to show yourself approved; that is, act like you knew what it's all about. For life is earnest; life is an opportunity to show the appreciation to the divine within, with the divine in your fellow man, and if you act in that manner much more joy, much more worth while will be the earthly experience of this entity." (Edgar Cayce Reading 5294-1)
I have personally felt the difference in my energy and my sense of purpose between those times when I'm just looking to live, to be comfortable, to be free, and those times when I feel a purpose, a calling, a role, a need that takes me into the lives of others and their needs. It can be as simple as continuing to help my grown children in the struggles of life. Or helping my grandchildren when their parents are tired or busy. Or, it can be as complex as being a part of a group of souls attempting to help other souls, or the community, or some service project that makes life better for others. I feel much more alive when up and doing for a purpose, than when seeking my leisure and letting the others find their way on their own.
Cayce again:
"Each soul would find development for itself to become a better channel, a better servant of the Lord. As to how each may better accomplish this in the experience, it is the development and the unfoldment of a practical, a manifested, an exemplified life in the service of the Master. And, as He has given, 'A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another.' " (Edgar Cayce Reading 473-1)
Being a loving channel of God's love to others is a great service, a purposeful life to live. And there are so many whose lives would be better if they only felt a little love around them. Notice also how Cayce said the better channel of the Lord's love is practical. Often we find others need some practical help; and as channels of the Lord's power and ability, we may be that practical help for them. But we have to be involved in people's lives and challenges. And that requires budgeting time to communicate, coordinate, and engage with others. Which often takes us away from our TVs and entertainment and peaceful private time (which of course we do need at times).
Making time to commune with God and then with others helps us develop into better channels of the Lord's love in practical ways. And it gives us a much more worthwhile life to live—energizing us with the spirit of purposefulness and service to God's 'sheep and lambs.'
Living is not enough; we need to have something to live for. What greater purpose to live for than being a channel of God's love. This should add much purpose and meaning to our daily lives.
John Van Auken, a director at the Association for Research and Enlightenment, is an acknowledged expert on the Cayce readings, the Bible, ancient prophecies, world religions, meditation, and ancient Egypt. John conducts seminars in the U.S. and abroad, and is a tour guide to the many sacred sites around the world with A.R.E. Travel. He is the author of numerous books, including Edgar Cayce and the Kabbalah, Ancient Egyptian Mysticism and From Karma to Grace. He will be presenting at several upcoming Virginia Beach Conferences including the Annual Ancient Mysteries Conference: Searching for the Ancient Records: Closer Than Ever Before from October 6-9 featuring Dr. Hawass.
Chakras of the American Indians By Deirdre L. Aragon
Most people are familiar with the Edgar Cayce teachings (281-29) of the chakras, which are similar to the Hindu beliefs. Very few, however, are aware of the chakras as taught in the myths of the Pueblo Indians of the Southwestern United States. The following article gives a brief overview of these chakras according to traditional Pueblo teachings.
Like Edgar Cayce's readings, the Pueblos refer to the chakras as spiritual centers, which directly correlate to physical parts of the body. These centers or points form an axis in the body that is related to the polar axis of the Earth. Each center has its own vibration. These vibrations travel up and down the body's axis similar to the kundalini force of the chakras in the readings. The First People 1 of creation were given these points to remind them of their spiritual connection to both the Creator and the Earth. At the time of the First Creation the poles had not yet shifted to their current positions and the Earth energy flowed in a different direction than it does now. Therefore the energy of these chakras moves from the head down, rather than from the bottom up.
The first of these spiritual centers lies at the top of head. This is where the soul enters the body upon birth and exits upon death. As a person ages, this center hardens and the connection with the Universal Consciousness becomes less recognized. This explains why young children are more apt to see auras and spiritual beings. Their minds are still open to the possibilities Western Culture does not accept as reality.
The next vibratory center corresponds with the brain. The true function of this point was to help you understand the plan of the Creator and thus carry it out. The physical functions of the brain-thoughts and actions are considered to be secondary to that of the Creator's original plan.
Below the brain center lays the throat and place of speech. This center connects humankind to the "breath of life" in all creation. Through vocal prayers and praises humans are able to commune with the Creator from their physical existence on Earth.
Moving downward, the heart center represents the duality of nature and life. A person of true intent is said to be of One Heart, one purpose, and one ideal. If their thoughts and actions are not at one with the Universe they are said to have Two Hearts. Those of Two Hearts were the first to bring physical illness to humankind. The last spiritual center is at the solar plexus. It is the Throne of the Creator from which the spiritual life of the person is directed. It can be thought of as the central center of spiritual thought. Physically this is the center of digestion for the body.
Unlike the First People, who were more attuned to their spiritual connections, humankind today has two additional lower chakras. These are based in the physical realm and were not needed by the First People. As humans evolved through each successive world, we lost touch with the Creator's plan and became more focused on the physical world instead of our spiritual self.
Many prophecies from different cultures, including those of the Hopi Pueblo, say we are moving towards another pole shift (826-8). When the Fourth World ends and we move into the Fifth World, it is likely that humankind will see another change in our chakras. This time the change may be back to our less physical side, similar to the First People. In another generation, as we reconnect with our spirituality (1436-1), human bodies may no longer have a need for the lower physical chakras. This will help humanity on our journey back home to the Creator.
1 According to Pueblo stories there are five worlds of humankind. The first three were destroyed because humans separated themselves from the Creator. We are currently in the Fourth World.
Deirdre L. Aragon is a Laguna Pueblo Indian, who spent the early years of her life on the Laguna Pueblo Reservation in New Mexico. Her paternal grandmother and aunt, who were tribal healers, taught Deirdre the wisdom and teachings of her tribe. She was raised in a home where metaphysical principles and holistic healing were accepted and practiced as a way of life. During a near death experience when she was ten years old, Deirdre was given the "mark of the shaman" from the Spirit World. Accepting her abilities, Deirdre has designed several healing techniques based on her personal experiences and knowledge gained through various sources and is an active speaker. She is actively involved with A.R.E. in Northern Virginia and has participated in A.R.E. Search for God Study Groups since she was a child. She has been a student of the Unity Movement for over 15 years. You'll find her website Noble Minds, a companion on the path of enlightenment, online at Noble-minds.com. She is hosting a "Transformational Event" featuring A.R.E. author and lecturer Kathy Callahan, PhD, in Oakton, VA on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Visit her website for upcoming details.
My Journey to Founding Paraview TVBy Sandra Martin
I was introduced to Edgar Cayce through my mom, who in 1968 was a Director with Virginia State Travel (now called Virginia Tourism). Her group was touring Virginia Beach and one of their stops was the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.).
Mom had never heard of Edgar Cayce and her first introduction to his life was from his son Hugh Lynn, who greeted the tourism group, providing them with a behind-the-scenes tour of A.R.E. followed by a grand luncheon. When the tour was over, everyone in the group was given the book, There Is a River: The Story of Edgar Cayce by Thomas Sugrue.
When Mom came home, she gave the book to me, saying that she thought I might like it. Every word in that book spoke to me, to my soul; it opened a door to another world, a world I welcomed. I "knew" there was more to life than what was apparent to the five senses. I didn't have the vocabulary to articulate that empty space in my soul that needed to know why I was here, what the meaning of life was and to discover who "I" really was, but Mr. Cayce's life work of over 14,000 readings gave my life structure, a basis for finding my true path, and hope.
After reading There Is a River, I immediately started attending A.R.E. Study Group meetings working with the A Search for God books. They were hard lessons even though the titles seemed easy; cooperation was the first lesson and often took the longest to process. Over the years, I attended Search for God study groups in Los Angeles, Athens, Georgia, New York City, and London.
My mom and I started driving to Virginia Beach to attend lectures, and weekend seminars, and we would talk and talk and talk. We met the most fascinating people on the planet at A.R.E.
A.R.E. has always been my touchstone when it comes to spirituality and understanding who we are as human beings. After many years of wandering around trying to find myself, I did. I began working as a literary agent and selling manuscripts about Edgar Cayce's work to publishers in New York City.
I've worked with many of the metaphysical and new science organizations, sold their manuscripts, listened to their lectures and their complaints about the way television treats their work and how it trivializes the material. How it also devalues and sometimes even says "it's the devil's work." A.R.E.'s core membership seems dedicated to walk the spiritual path but has found no true outlet on television.
I've sold many of my client's books to be made into films or for television and listened to them as they "woo-woo-ed" it up. So many of these subjects—like near-death experiences, precognitive dreams, or psychic experiences—are meant to empower, to support, to inspire, and to give hope, yet few films or television programs do them justice. Instead they are used for shock value or to instill fear.
What could we do to get this message out through TV? I wondered. It became clear to me that the next natural step for me was to do it myself! That's why I founded Paraview TV. Paraview's goal is to bring work like that of the A.R.E. and Edgar Cayce to light—and in the proper light. To reach people with this same message of hope and empowerment that reached me so many years ago.
Paraview TV is now available online at ParaviewTV.com, and we hope to launch our FIOS network channel by mid-winter, before the end of the year. We are partnering with A.R.E. to bring information about Edgar Cayce and related materials to television audiences across the country.
Sandra Martin is an acknowledged innovator in the mind/body/spirit field and has dedicated her professional career to bringing the best programming and content from the genre to the widest possible audience. As an award winning Account Executive for PBS affiliate WHRO, she produced a weekly series on subjects related to mind/body/spirit before expanding to television for The Discovery Channel, NHK, TLC, and PBS. She created Paraview Literary Agency in New York City where she developed and introduced many of the concepts, experts and authors of this genre to the mainstream publishing world. In 2002, she became Senior Vice President of Content for Wisdom Television where she was responsible for developing and producing programming for the new linear cable channel. As founder and CEO of Paraview TV, she plans to fulfill the mission she began thirty years ago to provide the best and most important content to national and international audiences. To learn more, visit ParaviewTV.com.
Improving Memory from theEdgar Cayce Readings Extracts from the Circulating File Thought, Concentration, and Memory
The readings have a great deal to say about ways to improve our memory. First of all, however, it should be noted that the readings say that memory is never really lost: "The memory is not lost. There isn't such a thing as loss of memory—there is only the need for making the individual aware…" (Reading 1711-2) Interestingly, this is a position that has gained substantial support from open brain surgery during which it has been found that long-forgotten memories can be awakened by stimulating the outer cortex of the brain.
According to the readings, we lose the ability to retrieve memory when there is a lack of coordination between the cerebrospinal nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. To improve this condition, Cayce often recommended massage or spinal adjustments: "The massage will keep the centers and ganglia along the spinal system in better coordination; and we will find the vision corrected, the taste and hearing and odors quite different, and the memory much bettered." (Edgar Cayce Reading 3098-1).
In addition to such physical advice, Cayce also recommended several practical exercises for storing and retrieving memory. Two practices which have been confirmed in their effectiveness by research are: sleeping between learning sessions and distributing our efforts over several short periods rather than cramming it into a single, lengthy session: "Do not study or ponder—what may be termed—"hard," or too long. Rather study, ponder same, and let the physical body immediately rest." (Edgar CayceReading 416-10)
Meditation is also recommended by the readings as an effective aid to improving memory consolidation.
That which ye would attain in the studies as to that which is a text, a thesis or a theory—mull same as it were in thy mind, in thy consciousness. Then lay it aside, and meditate rather upon its application in every way and manner. Do this especially just before ye would rest in physical consciousness, or from physical consciousness—or in sleep. And ye will find thy memory, thy ability to analyze, thy ability to maintain and retain greater principles will be thy experience. (Edgar Cayce Reading 1581-2)
While these two comments represent very different positions toward poor memory; they were given to different people under different circumstances. Finally, the Edgar Cayce readings encourage us to apply as soon as possible whatever we are trying to remember. Following is the answer to the question posed by a 40 year-old attorney: "How can I improve my mental powers—especially those of analysis, concentration, etc.?"
And in thy reading or study of same do not attempt to force self to memorize words or tenets by others, but as ye read—then lay aside and make these, as ye sleep, as ye meditate, become as practical applications. For knowledge or understanding or wisdom or what not, if it be not applicable in thy daily experience with thy fellow man is as naught. (Edgar Cayce Reading 1285-1)
The idea for an oil painting of "Cayce's Divine Event" was born in the heart and mind of artist Dr. John Pagano more than 50 years ago. Yet it was not until 2011 that he felt ready to bring to life the dramatic scene he had visualized so many years ago.
Having been trained at the School of Visual Arts in New York before entering chiropractic college, Pagano has never stopped painting and illustrating scenes that captured his imagination. While in college he read about the experience Edgar Cayce had in 1889, when the celestial being appeared before him, and granted his heart's desire, which later led to his ability to diagnose and suggest remedies that would benefit suffering humanity. This scene had never been brought to canvas before as far as Pagano knew, but had only been recorded in works like Thomas Sugrue's There Is a River. Someday, Pagano thought, he would be the one to do it.
Little did he know that it would take him half a century to turn that thought into reality. On June 21, 2011, at the 80th A.R.E. Congress, Dr. Pagano delivered a lecture on the natural healing of psoriasis and eczema based on the Cayce readings and over 40 years of independent research. The unveiling of his painting was the finishing touch before a very enthusiastic audience. Kevin Todeschi, President and CEO of the A.R.E. announced that there would be a permanent place at the A.R.E. for the oil painting. Indeed, it now hangs in the beautiful library of the main building in fulfillment of Pagano's dream as a both a Cayce researcher and an artist. He hopes to have captured the essence of the moment of the divine event when young Cayce responded to the angelic lady when she asked him what he wanted most in life, to which he answered:
"Most of all I would like to be helpful to others, and especially to children when they are sick."
When one views such results as the case below of a five-year-old girl (one of many) suffering from psoriasis, who was healed in three months, it seems self-evident that Cayce's wish has been fulfilled in the work that Dr. Pagano has done in healing psoriasis. For his part, Pagano feels this is not the end, but rather a beginning in a new era of healing.
John O. A. Pagano, DC, is a chiropractic physician who for 40 years has conducted research on the natural healing of psoriasis and eczema, conditions that afflict millions of people throughout the world. He is the award-winning author of Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative, Dr. John's Healing Psoriasis Cookbook…Plus! (on its third printing) and his latest book One Cause, Many Ailments: The Leaky Gut Syndrome. He has been a featured guest on many programs including on CNBC's America's Talking, NBC's Unsolved Mysteries, WABC TALKRadio, and WOR's Dr. Ronald Hoffman Show. His work has been featured in Alternative Medicine and Dermatology Times. Dr. Pagano has lectured on five continents and presented his work at the Parapsychology Society of the United Nations; before the Dalai Lama and 500 international physicians at the First International Conference on Holistic Medicine in Bangalore, India in 1989; and Russian Academy of Science in Moscow in October of 2009. He traveled to Paris earlier this year and presented a lecture at the Librairie Le Cornaline and book-signing in conjunction with the launch of Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative in the French language. You can learn about Dr. John Pagano and his work online at www.Psoriasis-healing.com.
Flashback: Journal entry, March 1995. Ten students prepare to enter sweat lodge on the Rose Bud Reservation in SD after a day of schism, where Catholic students forbid me to celebrate Communion in worship because, as a Protestant minister, I was "unworthy."
It is snowing lightly, frigid below-zero cold, frozen ground and black velvet sky with a crescent moon. The fire crackles warmly outside the three-foot-high tent-like structure, sending tiny sparks into the frosty air. Preparing for the ritual, I remove my wedding ring and even my contacts. After gathering self-consciously around the blazing fire heating the large rocks, we peel off our clothes down to T-shirts. I am dying to my old self, ganz nakt—completely naked—down to my soul.
Humbly crawling into the lodge on all fours, close to Mother Earth, I utter reverently the ancient words, "Mitakuye oyasin, "All my relations," which includes all beings: the winged ones, the four-leggeds, and so on.
Inside the pitch-black dome, steam rises as the Holy Woman pours water upon the sizzling rocks. We huddle together as Lakota women have done for hundreds of years in exactly the same way, chanting similar songs.
"Focus, pray, offer thanks to the four Grandfathers, Tunkashila," urges the Holy Woman. "They will come and heed our uplifted voices." Beads of sweat trickle down my body as I listen in wonder to one student praying the Lord's Prayer in Swedish, the tongue of my ancestors, in this timeless place.
At one point, the heat gets so intense that I don't think I can stand it. I fight the urge to burst right through the tent flap to gasp for air. My heart begins to pound wildly in my chest. As my anxiety rises, I remember a Buddhist practice I had recently learned. Instead of resisting the heat, I order myself to "eat" the heat. Ever so slowly, I breathe in the steam with its pungent fragrance of sweet grass and sage. The Holy Woman's voice is so soothing that I begin to believe I can survive the ordeal. I need the purification so desperately.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God," I silently plead.
Then a miracle happens! The Holy Woman brings out her sacred pipe and shares it with us in the holiest of Lakota rituals. As she affirms, "We are all women, somehow bonded together beyond our differences," I silently cry, "Grace from on high—pouring down on me the very day when a Catholic woman refuses to share Eucharist—a Christian's most holy ritual—with me."
We can't keep the pipe lit, there is so much steam. We laugh and cry, passing it around, relighting it, holding the female bowl in the left hand and the male stem in the right. When it is my turn, I draw in a gulp of husky smoke. The ancient ritual is over all too quickly.
My first Sweat Lodge—I endured! Radiant, glowing within and without, I crawl out on all fours, sweaty, wet and pink-skinned, again praying, "Mitakuye oyasin." I feel like a babe newborn.
Drawing in drafts of frosty air and blinking up in amazement at the crystalline stars, I murmur:
Thank you, Sacred Pipe, gift of White Buffalo Calf Woman! Truly, Lakota women inviting us Christian women into their sweat lodge to pray is like Jews inviting Nazis into their Temple's "Holy of Holies." The lodge's womb enclosed us all—Lakota and Christian—and, for one shining moment, we were one again with each other. True sisters.
Fast forward 16 years (today)I sit in a sweat lodge with three Marten brothers, filmmakers of White Buffalo. We sweat under the guidance of Lakota One Heart, a bold yet gentle and wise Holy Woman.
During the first round of steaming rocks in inky blackness, I find my heart racing in rising panic. "Not again!" I moan. "Haven't I grown at all?" I resolve to focus in trust on my breaths. Lakota's words cradle me, and my sweat-mates' heart-felt petitions to the Creator comfort me. I make it through all four rounds! Aho! It is good!
Lakota speaks such deep yet simple truths. "Heal your hearts." "Finish saying goodbye to anyone you love who has died." "Treat the earth with respect. How crazy is it for human beings to be cutting down forests! We breathe out CO2 and they breathe out the oxygen we need to survive. They're not just our brothers. They're our lungs." I still have so much to learn!
*In my next blog, I will report on the shocking news from Sun Bear, channeled through my sister, Greta, about the scope of the White Buffalo film project. Stay tuned!
Pamela Anne Bro, PhD, is spiritual counselor for the A.R.E. Health Center & Day Spa, founder and pastor of Living Waters, (livingwaterssanctuary.org), author of WomanQuest: A Trail Guide to Life (womanquest.org) and anthropology consultant and "gopher" for film crew, WhiteBuffalomovie.com and facebook.com/whitebuffalomovie.
Death. It is a topic that most try their best to avoid. They may feel that talking about it may bring it into their lives or that speaking about dying is disrespectful somehow. But pioneers like Henry Reed, PhD; PMH Atwater; Raymond Moody, MD; and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD not only spoke of death—they studied it for most of their adult lives. Raymond Moody coined the term NDE or Near-Death Experience in 1975 and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross created the five stages of grief that have become such a part of us now. Another person who did not fear death was Edgar Cayce and at times he gave readings to bereaved family members about their loved ones who crossed over. Here is an example:
"Yes, we have those circumstances and conditions attending the separation of the body and soul of [1408]. In giving that as would be helpful and constructive in the experience of each member of this family: As has been so aptly said, her life, her work, her love, is an example of Christian faith and fortitude. Hence for those that wait: It would be selfish to wish or desire conditions to be different. For in His wisdom He hath seen fit to leave—in the love as was manifested in the life—an example for each; in patience, in courage, in forbearance; in keeping a watchful, careful attention on the lives of each of the family. The body was so tired from the cares of the material world that the physical reactions were in the heart; that had been so ready to open itself to the needs of each, not only of the family but to all that knew, that even were acquainted with the body."(Edgar Cayce Reading 1408-2)
This person is relaying to their family through Edgar Cayce that it was just her time to go, that her body had grown weak. It was not out of a lack of love for the family or a lack of concern. In fact, the concern was still there as she was "keeping a watchful, careful attention on the lives of each of the family."
This example demonstrates the following; first, Edgar Cayce was able to communicate with this spirit for the reading after her physical death. Second, it was important for the spirit to set her family at ease and to tell them they still were able to know what was going on. Finally, it shows that there is an existence, a life, a something after we leave this world.
Many people think you die and that is it, but what Edgar Cayce knew, what all of the other aforementioned researchers knew and still know, is that there is an existence after this life here on Earth. We might not know exactly what that is but we have seen glimpses thanks to the documented stories of Near-Death Experiences. Some are radiant, pleasant journeys; others are scary, hell-filled terrors. All leave the individual changed for life. Mr. Cayce summed it up beautifully in reading 1408-2:
"And may the blessings of the Father, through the love as shown in the Christ, guide each of you. Through the vicissitudes of life, through all the shadows, through all the disappointments, through all the sorrows, know He is near—and will hold thee by the hand. We are through."
Jacqueline Foreman has been a member of the A.R E. for 18 years. She is a paranormal investigator, published author, genealogist, certified life coach, photo journalist, and talk show host. After working for a major corporation in New York City as VP of Public Relations, Marketing Communications, and Human Resources, at the age of 36, she decided to focus all her efforts on her first loves: genealogical research, paranormal research, parapsychology, psychology, and helping those in need with her talk show Your Mental Health Talk Radio, which airs weekly at 5 p.m. (ET) online at Blogtalkradio.com/yourmentalhealth. You can also listen to or download her show free on iTunes by typing the name Jacqueline Foreman into the store's search feature. In 2012, she will finish her BS degree in Forensic Science and Criminalistics.
You and I take our democracy for granted, forgetting just how difficult it is to build and run this people-based form of government. But Egypt is just learning about how hard it is to govern by and for the people, and their many differing demands.
Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf fired Dr. Zahi Hawass as Minister of Antiquities on Sunday, July 17th, along with 14 other ministers, all of whom were considered to be too closely associated with the old Mubarak regime. Saraf was under pressure by the young protesters to remove these remnants of the old dictatorship. However, Hawass is not an easy guy to replace.
Sharaf's replacement for Hawass turned out to be unqualified for the job. Abdel Fatah al-Banna is not an archaeologist! Egyptian archaeologists complained that a "restorationist" cannot oversee archaeologists! Al-Banna withdrew his nomination on Monday, and the Prime Minister was forced to ask Zahi to return to work!
However, Hawass's future remains in doubt. The question is, can the Egyptian people forgive Hawass's relationship to Mubarak and the old ways?
A.R.E. has every intention of continuing its research in Egypt following the guidance in the Edgar Cayce readings and evidence discovered through nearly 50 years of searching for the hidden Hall of Records.
Zahi assures us that he is coming to our Ancient Mysteries Conference this October at A.R.E. Headquarters no matter what the situation is in Egypt. We are happy to hear that.
Update 7/25/11:
Dr. Hawass said, "I am retiring to focus on my own work, as a scholar and a
writer," adding he is looking forward to "living quietly as a private person,
away from politics."
Aura charts were given by Edgar Cayce as a tool to help individuals draw on past success and overcome obstacles in their lifetimes. They represent the past lives of the individual and include images of their journey on earth. Edgar Cayce gave over 40 aura charts readings for individuals.
Reading 5746-1 explains the symbols and colors used in the aura chart:
As we have given, an aura chart is the attempt to interpret the material experiences of individuals in their journeys through the earth; indicating, pictorially, as to that place in the earth of the individual activity, and—upon either the right or the left—the sources from which the entity came into activity in the earthly or material consciousness. About same is symbolized, in the signs of the zodiac, as to that portion of body which was stressed through that particular period of activity.
By color certain activities are also symbolized—for instance, black indicates the whole combination of all. For, to material interpretation, white is the absence of color, black is the combination of them all.
The dark blue indicates awakening; purple, healing; white, purity; gold, attaining. All of these and their varied shades indicate the activity; this applying to the stars as well as the sun or moon.
The sun indicates strength and life, while the moon indicates change—and in one direction indicating the singleness of that activity through an individual experience—the variations being indicated by the variations in the color.
Star—the white, purity; the five-pointed, the whole senses of man indicated as attained to activity—the colors showing the variation; the forms of six, seven or eight pointed indicating the attainments, - as do the seven stars in a figure indicate the attaining to the seven particular centers in the body.
As for the whole chart—the interpretation is more up to the artist—as to its beauty.
As we have given, an aura chart is the attempt to interpret the material experiences of individuals in their journeys through the earth; indicating, pictorially, as to that place in the earth of the individual activity, and—upon either the right or the left—the sources from which the entity came into activity in the earthly or material consciousness. About same is symbolized, in the signs of the zodiac, as to that portion of body which was stressed through that particular period of activity.
By color certain activities are also symbolized—for instance, black indicates the whole combination of all. For, to material interpretation, white is the absence of color, black is the combination of them all.
The dark blue indicates awakening; purple, healing; white, purity; gold, attaining. All of these and their varied shades indicate the activity; this applying to the stars as well as the sun or moon.
The sun indicates strength and life, while the moon indicates change—and in one direction indicating the singleness of that activity through an individual experience—the variations being indicated by the variations in the color.
Star—the white, purity; the five-pointed, the whole senses of man indicated as attained to activity—the colors showing the variation; the forms of six, seven or eight pointed indicating the attainments, - as do the seven stars in a figure indicate the attaining to the seven particular centers in the body.
As for the whole chart—the interpretation is more up to the artist—as to its beauty.
Edgar Cayce gave his own aura chart which was drawn by Esther Wynne (pictured). The lower images are drawn from Mr. Cayce's past lives on earth and the top section of his chart indicates what he could attain:
In the top put the all-seeing eye, the singleness—the eye—this rather large but balanced with the rest of the design or chart. The clouds would be about same in pink or purple, the blue and green—all indicated in the lights as from the cloud; with the cross, and this leaning just a bit towards the right. Here, under same, put the small white star. In the edge of the clouds, extending below the eye, put the gold eight-pointed star.
In the top put the all-seeing eye, the singleness—the eye—this rather large but balanced with the rest of the design or chart. The clouds would be about same in pink or purple, the blue and green—all indicated in the lights as from the cloud; with the cross, and this leaning just a bit towards the right. Here, under same, put the small white star. In the edge of the clouds, extending below the eye, put the gold eight-pointed star.
Members can read the complete details of the chart from Reading 294-206 in the member section.
"For all those who have or are suffering silently."
There's been a chapter in my life that I have kept hidden; it concerns my own mental health issues. I've wrestled with sharing this, asked for guidance many times over, and synchronistically received answers including a recent article published in the New York Times by Marsha M. Linehan, about her personal issues with mental health. I decided to share this in the hope of helping others.
When I was 35 years old, I suffered a month-long psychotic episode. There was no hint of what was to follow. I had been devoted to a spiritual path for 10 years. I had graduated from college with a degree in psychology and even worked on the psychiatric floors of a hospital.
It was an acute episode: I remember going to a restaurant to talk to my employer, and as I walked out, everything changed. It was an uncomfortable, frightening world that I would inhabit for the next month. I seemed normal on the outside, yet on the inside everything had an intense Alice in Wonderland feeling. The lights chased me around the city at night and alien entities pursued me to inhabit my body. I took all of my savings and fled on a journey that took me from Washington down the coast to California. The people around me didn't see this internal turmoil or know about my visions at night. Eventually, the energy which had propelled this episode started dissipating and I started feeling my life force ebbing away. Through a fortunate turn of events, I was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco. I was lucky enough to find medication to end this bizarre phase and I quickly regained my normal senses, but I was emotionally drained.
Edgar Cayce talks about health as a cooperative balance between all spheres of mankind's existence. The mind, body, spirit, and soul all have to create a mutually balanced cooperative approach if inner health and equilibrium are to be achieved. All it takes is for one's health start to slip before one begins to realize how fragile our physical existence really, truly is.
Over the next year, I began to feel grounded and returned to work. The fears of another episode seemed like a distant memory. There were some lingering effects including enhancement of my own psychic ability as I began to know what other people were thinking. I also worried that people would never take me seriously again. You know.... "the crazy one."
Twenty years after the episode, several courses at Atlantic University were instrumental to my understanding. The course "Mysticism and Mental Health" helped me put another face on mental illness. Kay Redfield Jamison's book, Touched with Fire, talked about some of our most noted writers and poets flirting with their own mental health issues throughout their most creative periods. There seems to be a link between high levels of creativity and episodic periods of mania. Christina and Stanislav Grof, MD explored the idea of a "spiritual crisis," as emerging spirituality causes disruption to mental health equilibrium.
This concept fit with Laren M. Prato's From the Inside-Out: Shattering the Mental Illness Myth about her time in a mental hospital and the lack of understanding from mental health professionals as to the true causes of some of these issues. The appendix at the end of her book outlined a new diagnostic category in the DSM-lV (the manual used by mental health professionals) called "Religious or Spiritual Problem." This is a lasting legacy, possibly started with the the Grofs' lifetime of work to re-educate mental health professionals about the very nature of this classification.
In the AU course "Transformational Astrology," I was introduced to Jeffrey Wolf Green's book Pluto, the Soul's Evolution through Relationships, Vol. I, which touches upon some of the transformational aspects of this potent planet. I discovered that Pluto was in my Eleventh House between 1980 and '88 when I was in my 30s. It also opposed several of the planets in my chart, which may have been the catalyst for my spiritual crisis. According to Mr. Green, individuals with Pluto in the Eleventh House (house of Aquarius) are learning to break free of social structure and often find new methods of self-discovery.
A few years ago, I attended a lecture by Mirabai Starr titled "Spiritual Crisis/Emergence" in Portland. One of the program attendees strongly voiced skepticism about whether or not it was real. I remember publicly defending the validity of her work. That night, I dreamt of being incarcerated in a previous life because others thought that I had become too "otherworldly." I realized that I am no longer afraid of what others think about me. That fear is gone.
Now, almost 30 years later, I have become grateful for that fearsome experience. For those of us who are more able to live and experience other dimensions daily, this may just represent the evolution of inner life. I am no longer living in a world just defined by time and space. This may represent a portal to help others evolve and know their own spiritual souls and the creative forces that link all of us with our Creator.
Gordon Yumibe is a lifelong seeker with an interest in Jungian, Gnostic, and Edgar Cayce material. While he is a professional gardener by trade, he also has a psychology degree. In 2009, he received a Spiritual Mentoring Certificate from Atlantic University. You can find Gordon on Facebook.
Did you ever see yourself in the motion picture business? I never did. (Well, as a child, I used to pray, "Our Father, who are in heaven, Hollywood be thy name," but that doesn't really count.) Yet here I am, facing 2012, a movie, and a miracle. Let me tell you my story.
In 1943, my grandmother, Margueritte Harmon Bro, wrote an article for Coronet magazine titled "Miracle Man of Virginia Beach," and spread news about Cayce around the country (members can read the original article in the online member-only section). Next, Mom and Dad, 23 years old, moved to the Beach and worked with the Cayces for nearly a year. They each received a reading. Their lives were changed forever. (If you'd like to know more of their fascinating story, read Harmon Bro's Seer Out of Season, recently re-issued by A.R.E. Press.)
At 16, I found and devoured There Is a River. Here were the answers to my question of how a good God could allow evil and suffering in the world. Cayce's readings testified that God was a loving God after all, giving us free will and lifetime after lifetime to grow to love God, self, and neighbor, and to come to know ourselves to be our unique selves yet one with all creation. We are co-creators and companions of the Divine!
In 1981, I became the 6th generation pastor in my family. I pastored a church for seven years, and then headed off to get my PhD. in women's studies. But God had other plans, for I ended up getting my doctorate in theology and anthropology. I eagerly headed off to the Lakota (Sioux) reservations in South Dakota to do my field work and practice mission-as-reconciliation: rather than destroying their culture and their dreams, we respectfully listen to the people and learn from them.
I loved the friendly people, the haunting flute music, the colorful powwows, the windswept prairie grasses. I sweated and prayed with the Holy Women in sweat lodges. I felt myself slowly transforming, becoming more conscious of my place in the web of life with Brother Eagle and Sister Mouse. I heard time and again the sacred story of White Buffalo Calf Woman who, centuries ago, gave to her nation many things. But most valuable was her gift of the sacred peace pipe, used to resolve conflicts in the tribe. And her promise—that when a white buffalo calf is born, the Fifth or Rainbow Race will appear, ushering in a time of peace and harmony—both personal and planetary transformation.
Then in 1994, a white buffalo calf, named "Miracle," was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. Was White Buffalo Calf Woman's prophecy coming true, I wondered? I yearned to find out.
But life took me far away from Indian country to the East coast and Yale University to preach and teach.
Later, back at Virginia Beach, the cradle of Cayce's community, I started Living Waters, a church embracing the Cayce world view, centered in Christ and committed to building understanding between different cultures and spiritual traditions. I often preach on tribal rituals, wisdom and prayers. This eases some of my longing to be with my Lakota brothers and sisters whom I'm sure I've known in centuries past.
In 2005, I lectured at the same A.R.E. program as Deepak Chopra. I was rising like a shooting star! But my star crashed back to Earth with a painful divorce and a near-deadly bout with breast cancer. I was devastated. Had God no further use for me?
Fast forward. A few months ago, I headed out to a gathering of local healers. Arriving late, I noticed that out of twenty chairs in a circle, only one was vacant. I took it. I was amazed to learn that right next to me sat Ethan Marten, director of the film project, White Buffalo: An American Prophecy. With his three brothers, his mission is to interview Native elders in both Americas to document the ancient prophecies now being fulfilled, in hopes of helping to bring the races together and heal our Mother Earth.
Since that initial meeting, several more white calves have been born and 2012 is fast approaching. Now I find myself swept up with the spirit of White Buffalo Calf Woman, accompanying these four visionary filmmakers, whom I've surely worked with in past lives, to fulfill their sacred mission.
In my next blog, I'll share what our plans are for the South Dakota segment. (As a sneak preview, we've been invited to sit and consult with Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Keeper of the Pipe for the Lakota Nation.)
Until then, along with the brothers Marten, I'll be burning the midnight sage in eager preparation for the movie and some new miracle! Mitakuye oyasin, "All my relatives."
A few weeks ago, I stood up to speak to a Sunday school class, and many more seats were vacant in front of me than were filled. Within myself I felt that I had something to say, and I wondered why so few were present. Then I saw an invisible audience come in and fill practically every seat there—an audience invisible to the others present.
We may rest assured that there is the invisible as well as the visible! We always have with us an invisible audience for our acts—yes, even for every thought. If only we could come to realize this more and more, then we would know His presence abides with us; and if it does not abide with us, it is our own fault for we have blinded ourselves to that which we could have for our very own.
Everyone realizes that we are passing through a period of stress in which we all are expecting something—what, we do not know. Why don't we know what to expect? Why is it impossible to know what is going to happen? Isn't it because we have blinded ourselves to the evidence around us?
We are told by many who have made a study of such matters that we are passing through a certain position in the universe. Astrologers have said that we are reaching that place in space wherein the influences are beginning for the third cycle. Others describe it as a plane where we may expect a new race, a new people, a new thought.
We are studying along lines of thought pertaining to development of the inner man, the soul. Within us is that something we call the soul, the entity, the being; and this lives on and on. We say this is a period of hard times when we all wonder just what is coming to pass, that it is a period when there are to be upheavals. What have we done to prepare ourselves for such happenings?
We are now in the midst of the condition, and it is all around us. The changes are coming about. Portions of the earth are going to be wiped away in the next few years; I feel very sure of that. Right away, we want to know if it will happen where we are. What difference does it make, if we are living right?
If thoughts are deeds, our constructive and positive thinking will aid in building or establishing that which will bring peace, harmony, joy, love—the fruits of the spirit. What is the Spirit? That which we can comprehend only by the application of it, by what we do for someone else.
Perhaps we shall just speak a kind word to our next-door neighbor, to the child we meet in the street, to the lame dog we see—or to anything or anybody that is a manifestation of God. Just speaking the kind word that brings hope to those who are losing hope; speaking the cheery word to those who are discouraged; as we can do these things, we give out that which we have received.
For not all are called to be healers, not all preachers; but each of us can do what our hands find to do, magnifying the Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit—which are unseen. The things we do today will make the manner of individual we will be tomorrow or a million years from now. We don't die to be in eternity: we are already in it! Then it's just as important to understand whence we came, as it is to understand where we are going. To know whence we came is to know what we're up against. If we use the abilities we have, we will be given more tomorrow. The next step to take will be given us. It is self-exaltation and it is selfishness that carry us away from the knowledge of God. These bring doubts, fears, and all those qualities bespeaking the visible or making for worry, hardship and misunderstanding.
An excerpt from a talk given on February 26, 1933.
Those valiant souls who study yoga will over time know about the discipline of spiritual practice. Their yoga teachers will admonish them to breathe, to feel their body, to listen to their body and to ask the body what it wants. Yoga is only about measured movements, releasing stressful negativity from the body, and being healthy overall. Yoga is also about the peace of release as stress, worry and pain leave the body when the yoga student finally lies down to 'take a Savasana,' or rest. .
Savasana is one of the most important 'postures' in yoga and literally it means to feel the body at rest. Feel the body at rest is a novel concept. What does that mean and what does it have to do with sleep?
When we go to sleep, most of us just plop down in bed, exhausted from a day of trying to cram way too much into about 18 hours of useable time. We have probably listened to everyone else's issues, worked hard at problem solving and projected our thoughts to tomorrow's challenges. Then we expect our body to 'just go to sleep.' Computers can just go to sleep, but human beings cannot do this. Human beings need time to process the volume of emotional events that have happened during a modern day.
So much of the time, even very spiritual people are too exhausted to pray and yet they want to, they want to exercise that spiritual process of connecting to the Divine before they enter the dimension of sleep. Yet the 'busyness' of their day, the demands of dynamic mind to solve huge, complicated issues leads them away from that critical Divine connection.
Human beings often view sleep as a necessary distraction from the amount they have to get done. Some people try to train themselves to sleep less, thinking—wrongly—that they will get so much more done. This just isn't true.
Human bodies need physical sleep to repair all of the systems in a functioning body. The body only repairs itself at night during the sleep state. Quick naps may refresh a person but that is not enough time to allow the body to process out all of the adrenalin that we each absorb during a busy day. The body also has to process the volume of healthy and unhealthy food that we have eaten. The body also has to evaluate itself to see if there are pathogens that need to be expelled through kidneys and liver. All systems have to be evaluated, given healing and brought back up to functioning levels for each person to expect to function during the day.
That process takes a full eight hours to work successfully. Not five or six and a half, but a full eight hours of continuous, uninterrupted sleep. This is not a luxury; it is a requirement for good health, a sharp mind and strong muscles and organs. When asked how many hours of sleep a body needed, Edgar Cayce responded "At least seven and a half to eight hours each twenty-four." (Reading 462-16).
The creative process desperately requires sleep. The more sleep, the more creative we can be no matter what our jobs. Creative problem solving is a creative process. When we sleep, our diligent subconscious starts to work on our body to realign, repair and nourish our physical structure. Our conscious self leaves the body to its work and reconnects to the Divine, our Higher Self. This is why prayer prior to sleep is always a positive thing to do. The more we pray, the more we open ourselves up to the tender mercies, the wisdom and the energy of the Heaven world. We can always ask for the Divine to be with us when we sleep so that we can assure ourselves that critical connection with the hope of creating the wonderful and powerful energy of tomorrow.
Honoring our body, spirit and mind with our connection to the Divine helps us to grow on every level, to evolve into spiritual beings. It also provides the physical body with spiritual nourishment, something only sleep, delicious sleep can provide!
Echo Bodine
I need your help. I want to start a movement and spread the word about Intuition. For me, intuition is that still small voice within each of us. It's the divine guidance that—as Edgar Cayce puts it—we don't necessarily get when we want it, but always when we need it. Intuition has always been one of my favorite topics to read about and teach. There's still a lot of confusion about what it is. Many psychics call themselves intuitives which has caused some confusion because people think that psychic abilities and intuition are the same, but they are very different. Having studied both for over 45 years, I would define intuition as a sense, a knowing, a hunch, a gut-feeling somewhere between the heart and stomach area that is 100% accurate.
Psychic abilities include clairvoyance—the gift of sight, clairaudience—the gift of hearing, and clairgustance—the gift of smell which are all located in the mind. The last one, clairsentience—the gift of sensing, is in the body. There's a subtle difference between the sensing in psychic abilities and knowing in intuition.
What I want to do with this movement is bring clarity to people so that they can learn to distinguish their Intuition from the other voices we carry inside such as our parents, teachers, society and significant others. These can sometimes fool us into thinking we are being guided by intuition, but the one key word that helps us distinguish between those voices and the still small voice within is should. Whenever we find ourselves making decisions based on should, we are not using intuition. Oftentimes, intuition is a calm knowing not based on fact or practicality; it can go against our logical mind and to make matters worse, it never explains why we are being guided to do something. We just need to trust that the outcome is perfect for us. That's the hard part for most people, trusting ourselves without following logic.
Edgar Cayce might define the "Intuitive Personality" as openness and trust in one's inner experience. Spontaneity, self-confidence, tolerance of ambiguity and doubt, and willingness to risk criticism.
Living the intuitive way is not easy but it's incredibly rewarding. Here's how it works: You ask a question. Focus your attention on the middle of yourself rather than your head over the next day or so. Pay attention to what you feel led to do. The voice is subtle and silent, so it's more of a knowing than an actual voice. Diving guidance feels like an invisible energy is pushing you in a certain direction, creating a desire within you.
You might be wondering where your mind fits into all of this and it's simple. Once we get the guidance from within, we take it to our mind to work it out. Here's a scenario to help you understand how this works: Let's say you are thinking of going on vacation to New Mexico or Sedona, Arizona, but aren't sure where you should go. First, ask your inner voice which place would be the best. You can ask out loud or write it in your journal. A day or two later, you may start to get a strong desire to see Sedona. Your head says, "yeah but, I really want to go to New Mexico," but the desire for Sedona gets stronger. New Mexico starts to fade and you get a strong gut feeling that Sedona is the perfect spot. That's when you take the answer to your mind and make this happen. Your brain goes into action, pulling all the pieces together and you end up having a perfect time. "
Your inner voice will also guide you to the perfect time to go on that vacation. Since the weather is no longer something we can count on to be normal anywhere in the world, always check with your inner voice on timing.
There isn't a question on Earth that your inner voice won't give you guidance for. That's the job of intuition: to guide us through our life for our highest good.
Echo Bodine was born with psychic abilities and the gift of healing, including clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience. A talented and experienced psychic development trainer, spiritual healer, and "ghostbuster," she is the author of Hands That Heal, which teaches others how to channel spiritual healing, and several books on psychic development including The Gift, The Key, and the forthcoming My Little Book of True Ghost Stories. Her book A Still Small Voice includes a much lengthier explanation of intuition and living this way of life. Echo has appeared on numerous television shows, including Sightings, Beyond with James Van Praagh, and The Today Show. She has hosted her own cable TV show, New Age Perspectives , and radio show, Intuitive Living. Paramount Pictures solicited her services for the promotion of the movie Ghost. She has just released her 10th book, My Big Book of Healing. Visit her Web site EchoBodine.com to learn more.
Joanne DiMaggio
If you've had the good fortune of meeting someone for the first time and instantly recognizing them as a soul you knew and loved in a previous lifetime, you can begin to understand the extraordinary bond shared by Gladys Davis, Edgar Cayce's secretary and archivist, and Micki Kluge. It is that friendship that is chronicled in Micki's new book: Reflections of Gladness: Edgar Cayce's Vision of the Work Shared in a Collection of Memories of Gladys Davis.
Micki met Gladys in the late 1960s at an A.R.E. conference in Virginia Beach. The two instantly recognized each other from previous lifetimes, but interestingly, not from the same incarnations. Micki remembered Gladys as the infant daughter of Ra-Ta (Edgar Cayce) and Isis (Gertrude Cayce) that she cared for; Gladys recognized Micki as a dear friend from an 8th-century BC Persian lifetime. Both women instantly gravitated to the other.
"There was no one else around us; no other humans in the periphery of our conversation," Micki said. "It was wonderful that the Good Lord allowed us to touch base again and that we didn't have to share that moment with anybody else. From the minute Gladys and I first got to know each other, she felt as much like a sister to me as I felt to her."
Over their 25-year friendship, Gladys and Micki had many intimate conversations, sharing details about their current life as well triggering memories of past lives they had shared. "We could tune in and in our mind's eye, not only see the reference but also the landscape, and thus paint a broader scene of the memory that either of us asked about."
Through their many conversations, Micki came to understand and appreciate the role that Gladys played in the life of Edgar Cayce, and more importantly, to the A.R.E.
"Edgar Cayce's translations of the Akashic Records did for souls in search of spiritual truths what the Hubble Space Telescope does for stargazers and astronomers," wrote Micki. "Gladys archived each snapshot of Edgar Cayce's experience as vividly as Hubble's celestial transmissions, magnifying his accomplishments as a transmitter of spiritual inspiration."
Those desiring a knowledge of various beliefs embodying these theories will find of interest those of Plato, Pythagoras, the Indian religions, African tribal religions, American Indian religions, Egyptian and Persian Mysteries, Druidic and Christian mysticism. Among the modern philosophies and cults Theosophy, Rosicrucianism and the Order of Christian Mystics present interpretations of the subject. Spirtualism is divided as to the truth of this theory. Information through mediums in America may be said to discount it, while that given through those in England and on the continent substantiates the belief.
Micki further wrote: "In re-establishing a school of inspiration for entities seeking further enlightenment, Edgar Cayce's and Gladys's efforts magnetized the spirit of cooperation, which soon drew global support of kindred souls whose mission was to share the 'Work'. From their arrival in Virginia in September 1925, their mission attracted workers who had previously contributed their services toward its fulfillment."
The stories of those kindred souls and the years they spent together, as shared by Gladys, became the impetus for Micki's book.
"We began to realize that the younger generation involved in the A.R.E. work did not know Gladys," Micki related. "We felt there should be a link to the knowledge of the pioneers of that work that is being carried on today. To do that, we wanted to create a record by the people who knew Gladys, the hand-me-down stories from people who were actually there during the time she was there. For Gladys's generation and mine, that is a fast closing door. Our idea was for the people who were still alive to lay down some tracks for future generations to ride on."
To that end, the book contains wonderful vignettes of touching memories shared by the people who knew and loved Gladys, but none as heartfelt as the loving tribute by the author herself.
"Gladys and I were drawn together, not because of similarities of personalities, but in answer to a need that required diversification," Micki wrote. "The contrast was significant in our mutual need to serve. She supplied the cream. I churned it. Then, she gleaned the butter to spread on life's plain bread, and we shared with everyone at the table."
Fittingly, Micki continues to share that bread "with everyone at the table" each year at Gladys's annual January 30 birthday luncheon. Although gone from the physical plane since 1986, Gladys' presence is felt in the hearts of those whose lives she touched, most especially her dearest friend Micki Kluge.
"When you meet another soul and you look into their eyes and see a reflection of yourself mirrored in their eyes and they see a reflection of themselves mirrored in yours—if that isn't love, I don't know what is."
Micki Kluge will be signing copies of her book at the Author's Showcase at the 80th Anniversary A.R.E. Members Congress on Sunday, June 19, from 3-4 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from her book sales is being donated to the Gladys Davis Endowment Fund, which Micki founded in 2006 to help support dissemination of the Cayce readings that Gladys loved so much. For details on buying the book visit: www.reflectionsofgladness.com
[The Gladys Davis Endowment Fund is part of A.R.E.'s endowment and the annual interest is used to support the Cayce work. The interest from this fund has already been used to create the Gladys Davis Turner Meeting Room in the A.R.E. Visitors Center. Individuals are encouraged to contribute additional funds to support the endowment fund by contacting Patrick Belisle at 757-457-2126 or firstname.lastname@example.com.]
Joanne DiMaggio, MA, is coordinator for Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Charlottesville area team and the president of the Atlantic University Alumni Association. She will speak at the conference A Spiritual Roadmap for Enlightened Living: Edgar Cayce's Tools for Transformation and Guidance, August 19-21 at A.R.E. HQ in Virginia Beach. Visit EdgarCayce.org/conferences or call 888-273-0020 for information.
(Note: The following is an excerpt of an article written in 1943 and included in the report document for reading 2265-1)
The importance of astrological urges is explained by pointing out that each soul passes through planes of consciousness between appearances on earth. These planes of consciousness are represented by the planets of this solar system — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, named in order of their proximity to the Sun. In each of the environs governed by these planets the soul takes on a form suitable to the dimension and planets and continues its growth. The order of these experiences is governed by the action of the will of the soul in relation to its experiences.
Gradually there has evolved through the ages an understanding of the urges which come from experiences in these various planes. In attempting to express these urges in words, in relation to physical consciousness, much is lost; and it becomes impossible to explain the inter-action of the will as it affects the negative and positive sides of these influences. For general consideration we give the following parallel expressions: Mercury — Mind. Venus — Love, Beauty. Mars — Force, Energy. Jupiter — Idealism. Saturn — Purification, Change. Uranus — Occultism, Extremes. Neptune — Mysticism, Water.
In the light of this theory of soul experiences, astrological influences take on a new meaning. (It may be best to state here that Life Readings do not indicate physical experiences on other planets but rather point out the planes of consciousness are represented by the planets.) The influences from the various planets may naturally at times seem harmful rather than helpful. The completeness and well- roundedness of the necessary experiences are important. Great teachers and philosophers of the world have stressed balance. In this physical life the need for balance is but a reflection of the necessary development in the spiritual life. The nobleness of Jupiter without the driving force of Mars, the love influence of Venus without the tempering action of Mercury, is dangerous.
As you consider the multitude of complex nature represented in mankind, know that you view many degrees of developing entities who have not assimilated the balancing factors of all the solar experiences. The naturalness of varied combinations and crossed manifestations are even more reasonable when we consider the fact that the human will may use or misuse each opportunity presented to it, and anywhere along the path of development turn the whole entity about and stride backward, carrying thousands of souls with it, as many of the so-called "great" men of history have done.
In considering the theory of rebirth as presented in the Life Readings, perhaps our first consideration should be that we are upon the earth as we make these observations of life and it behooves us to make the most of our experiences. Instinctively these experiences lead us to seek an understanding of the laws of the universe. The simple tiller of the soil or the great scientist is awed by the complexity of the world about him. Reincarnation, as it is explained in the Life Readings, is a natural law, a natural part of the plan for spiritual growth.
Theories of reincarnation have been concepts in the religious and philosophic belief of peoples of every nation, civilized and uncivilized, since man's appearance on the earth. Knowledge and superstition have at times become inextricably confused, resulting in diverse explanations of the laws of rebirth. Uninformed persons make no distinction between reincarnation and transmigration. The first pertains to the soul's rebirth in the earth plane in human form, while the latter refers to the rebirth of the soul interchangeably in animal forms.
Hugh Lynn Cayce (1907-1982) was the eldest son of Edgar Cayce and a leading thinker, author, and spokesperson for psychological and paranormal subjects. Before his death, Hugh Lynn served his father's Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. (A.R.E.), as chairman of the board. He was also author of the book Venture Inward, an examination of safe and unsafe methods of exploring personal psychic experiences and The Outer Limits of Edgar Cayce's Power which explores the relatively small number (200) of readings that appeared to be inaccurate. Visit EdgarCayce.org/radio to download podcasts of Hugh Lynn Cayce's lectures from the Archives.
Mr. Cayce's account of these experiences is as follows:
"I see myself as a tiny dot out of my physical body, which lies inert before me. I find myself oppressed by darkness and there is a feeling of terrific loneliness. Suddenly, I am conscious of a white beam of light. As this tiny dot, I move upward following it, knowing that I must follow it or be lost. "
"As I move along this path of light I gradually become conscious of various levels upon which there is movement. Upon the first levels there are vague, horrible shapes, grotesque forms such as one sees in nightmares. Passing on, there begin to appear on either side misshapen forms of human beings with some part of the body magnified. Again there is change and I become conscious of gray-hooded forms moving downward. Gradually, these become lighter in color. Then the direction changes and these forms move upward and the color of the robes grows rapidly lighter. Next, there begin to appear on either side vague outlines of houses, walls, trees, etc., but everything is motionless. As I pass on, there is more light and movement in what appear to be normal cities and towns. With the growth of movement I become conscious of sounds, at first indistinct rumblings, then music, laughter, and singing of birds. There is more and more light, the colors become very beautiful, and there is the sound of wonderful music. The houses are left behind, ahead there is only a blending of sound and color. Quite suddenly I come upon a hall of records. It is a hall without walls, without ceiling, but I am conscious of seeing an old man who hands me a large book, a record of the individual for whom I seek information. I have had this experience some twenty-five times. The variations have been only slight ones."
"I see myself as a tiny dot out of my physical body, which lies inert before me. I find myself oppressed by darkness and there is a feeling of terrific loneliness. Suddenly, I am conscious of a white beam of light. As this tiny dot, I move upward following it, knowing that I must follow it or be lost. "
"As I move along this path of light I gradually become conscious of various levels upon which there is movement. Upon the first levels there are vague, horrible shapes, grotesque forms such as one sees in nightmares. Passing on, there begin to appear on either side misshapen forms of human beings with some part of the body magnified. Again there is change and I become conscious of gray-hooded forms moving downward. Gradually, these become lighter in color. Then the direction changes and these forms move upward and the color of the robes grows rapidly lighter. Next, there begin to appear on either side vague outlines of houses, walls, trees, etc., but everything is motionless. As I pass on, there is more light and movement in what appear to be normal cities and towns. With the growth of movement I become conscious of sounds, at first indistinct rumblings, then music, laughter, and singing of birds. There is more and more light, the colors become very beautiful, and there is the sound of wonderful music. The houses are left behind, ahead there is only a blending of sound and color. Quite suddenly I come upon a hall of records. It is a hall without walls, without ceiling, but I am conscious of seeing an old man who hands me a large book, a record of the individual for whom I seek information. I have had this experience some twenty-five times. The variations have been only slight ones."
General readings of explanation state that every soul makes a record of its experiences in every plane of consciousness. In other words, the soul finds expression in many planes in bodies or other suitable vehicles adapted to the dimension of that particular plane. In the earth plane it uses a physical body of three dimensions. All of its experience makes up the soul record for that particular entity (soul). It is these records with which Mr. Cayce makes attunement in obtaining the data for a Life Reading.
Just where this record is or how it is recorded cannot be explained here. We are approaching some understanding of the process through experiments with mental telepathy. Science is beginning to realize that thought registers perceivable forms and, like physical energy, cannot be and is not destroyed.
No one has ever found a picture of an old swimming hole engraved on a brain, but in a flash you can recall this and many other memories. Where is this record made? Is it in matter? Well, probably not in matter as we know it. This may give you some idea of the soul records which are tapped for Life Readings. There are individuals who can turn inward to their own soul records and open for themselves great storehouses of power. Our concern is with just how valuable the information, purported to be drawn from these records, can be made in our everyday life.
One of the most repeated statements in the readings given by Mr. Edgar Cayce is that the only real test of extrasensory information lies in its application to the ordinary daily needs. However exciting, however beautiful, in order to be of value such information must be good when tested in the living experiences of individuals. The underlying principle of all Life Readings is to conform to this point of view.
Considered as a whole the 1,300 Life Readings given by Edgar Cayce present a beautiful system of spiritual evolution. The human soul is explained as a significant creation having an important place in the scheme of the universe. Spiritual growth is the keynote of life through recognition, realization and appreciation of the Oneness of God.
This article will continue next week with Part 3 Astrological Influences.
The first Life Reading was given in 1924, for a gentleman in Dayton, Ohio, who asked for a horoscope. The horoscope was given, but in it the statement was made that information of such character was not alone as helpful as data which would give an understanding of urges arising from experiences in past incarnations in the earth and correlating such urges with the present opportunities for spiritual development.
A series of such readings followed, first for those closely associated with the work of the Association. Gradually the interest in this type of reading has grown. To date over thirteen hundred first Life Readings have been given for individuals in all parts of the country.
A Life Reading is an analysis of your soul development. It is taken from the records of your soul's experience through many planes of consciousness. Its focus is upon the constructive urges in your present development. It is concerned with your everyday efforts to live in conformity with the spiritual laws of the universe. It is a survey of your nature concerned with the development of your character.
Life Readings hold that individuals are spiritual in essence, using physical bodies as temporary abodes and channels for expression. Each individual does not have a soul, he is a soul. Life Readings seek to help individuals recognize their place in the scheme of spiritual evolution and direct thought and action toward the highest possible development in the present life.
These principles are stated here as ideal purposes of Life Readings. As with all types of psychic information the Association holds that the only true test is in results from application of such information.
Each Life Reading first gives an outline of the major astrological urges. This is followed by a brief history of the more important past incarnations which affect the present cycle of the life. The inclinations and urges from these experiences are pointed out. Next, an analysis of the personality is given in the light of the attainments in spiritual development. Finally, suggestions are made respecting the expression of certain talents which will lead to the proper life's work or development of abilities that will give the individual greater opportunities for expression. At the end of each reading there is time for questions regarding any of the subjects mentioned.
The next most natural question is, "How is a Life Reading given?" This involves the equally important question, "Where does this information come from?" To answer these questions we must turn to a study of the phenomena as manifested through Edgar Cayce. Here, reduced to simple language, is the explanation of the "how" and "where" of Life Reading data as presented in the readings themselves.
In past incarnations, and through development on planes of consciousness between appearances on the earth, Edgar Cayce has acquired the mental ability which enables him to close all perception through physical consciousness. He suppresses the conscious mind and allows his superconscious or soul mind to receive the suggestions given him during the period of any reading.
This superconscious mind is not limited by time or space and is able to focus upon whatever source is necessary to secure the information desired. The range and clarity of this higher perception are governed, or influenced, by many factors, some of which are: the spiritual development of the individual through whom the information comes; the purpose of the seeking for the information; the desire of the one seeking the reading; the physical condition of the sensitive; the attitude of those present at the time the reading is given.
In securing a Life Reading an individual is asked to furnish the name given at birth, also the date and place of birth. From this it is evident that the birth becomes the first focus point.
It is interesting to note that, at the beginning of each Life Reading, Mr. Cayce reviews each year by repeating in a low voice the present date and each year backward to the date of birth. In many cases he has been known to comment on certain years in the following manners, "1900...quite a change," or "1898...a bad accident in this year." In some cases the remarks have been subject to check and have been found to be accurate. Following this enumeration of dates there is a pause and then the reading begins.
During a number of Life Readings Mr. Cayce has had dreams. (During Life Readings, as in the case of all readings given by him, Mr. Cayce is not conscious of anything that he says.) These dreams present in symbol form the experiences through which his superconscious mind passes in securing the information for the Life Readings.
This article will continue next week with Part 2 and include an overview of Mr. Cayce's experience accessing the Hall of Records.
Hugh Lynn Cayce (1907-1982) was the eldest son of Edgar Cayce and a leading thinker, author, and spokesperson for psychological and paranormal subjects. Before his death, Hugh Lynn served his father's Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. (A.R.E.), as chairman of the board. He was also author of the book Venture Inward, an examination of safe and unsafe methods of exploring personal psychic experiences and The Outer Limits of Edgar Cayce's Power which explores the relatively small number (200) of readings that appeared to be inaccurate. Visit EdgarCayce.org/radio to download podcasts of Hugh Lynn Cayce's lectures from the Archives.
As an astronomer, I've spent a lifetime celebrating the beauty and power and majesty of the amazing universe in which we live—and sharing my joy with as many people on the planet as possible. This is the motivation behind my new celestial-meditation DVD, Celebrating the Universe!
In researching the Cayce readings in preparation for my A.R.E. Press book Edgar Cayce and the Cosmos, I was forcibly struck by two things. One was his profound insight into, and advanced knowledge of, astronomy, cosmology, quantum physics, and related fields. The other was the obvious upliftment and excitement often found in his readings when discussing things of a celestial nature. Here are just a few examples.
Edgar Cayce's readings mentioned the radiant golden-orange star Arcturus over 30 times and regarded it as the "stargate"—an entranceway to other parts of the universe or to other realms of consciousness:
Many have speculated that when we pass on from our earthly abode we become stars in the heavens. These two readings imply that this may well be true:
The next two readings concern our place as "citizens of the universe" and not just of this one small planet (or "pale blue dot" as Carl Sagan called Earth):
Among others, the famous astronomer Johannes Kepler often talked about hearing the "music of the spheres." And so did Edgar Cayce:
Even in his waking state, Cayce had a good working knowledge of the basic facts of astronomy and seemed in awe at the vastness of our amazing universe, as evidence in these readings:
Our cosmic destiny is to return to the stars from which we came. We are literally "children of the stars"—we're made of stardust! And according to Cayce, the stars were made for us:
These readings leave little doubt that the "Sleeping Prophet" did celebrate the universe! As I stated in the conclusion of my book, surely Edgar Cayce is waiting patiently for us on some world, in some form, out there among the lights in the night sky. I, for one, personally can't wait to see him and share in his excitement. And as an astronomer, I have at least a couple thousand questions to ask him about the cosmos!
James Mullaney, FRAS, is an astronomy writer, lecturer and consultant who has published more than 700 articles and eight books on observing the wonders of the heavens including Edgar Cayce and the Cosmos, and logged over 20,000 hours stargazing. Formerly Curator of the Buhl Planetarium & Institute of Popular Science in Pittsburgh, and Director of the DuPont Planetarium at USCA, he served as staff astronomer at the University of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory and as an editor for Sky & Telescope magazine. One of the contributors to Carl Sagan's award-winning "Cosmos" PBS-Television series, his work has received recognition over the years from such notables as Sir Arthur Clarke, Johnny Carson, and Ray Bradbury. His 50 year mission as a "celestial evangelist" has been to "Celebrate the Universe!" - to get others to look up at the majesty of the night sky and to personally experience the joys of stargazing. In recognition of his work he has been elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Astronomical Society of London. For information on his two professionally-produced, widely-acclaimed DVDs "The Heavens Declare!" and the new "Celebrating the Universe!" which features visually-stunning Hubble Space Telescope images, contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com. He is a key presenter at A.R.E.'s annual 2012 Conference: A New Body, A New Mind in Virginia Beach July 15-17.
Did you ever notice that when there is a weather front moving into your area you are able to feel the shift in energy? You watch the sky, prepare for what you may imagine coming and then observe whether or not it happens. You may even be able to sense the weather change in various parts of your body. Some people are so sensitive they even react to the phases of the moon. Even though you may often feel somewhat disconnected, on levels you are not aware of, you are still connected to nature because all of nature is energy.
Everything is energy.
Everyone is vibrating out some type of energy and ultimately you are connected to literally millions of people who are also vibrating out all types of negative, positive and neutral energy.
In today's global society, we pride ourselves on how many 'friends' we have and those friends can extend to every country on the planet. This literally means that whether you consciously realize it or not, you are now absolutely, positively connected to everyone on the planet.
This remarkable web of connections isn't getting smaller. It is growing exponentially with each passing minute. This isn't simply about social networking sites; it is about having second-by- second access to global news, information, tragedy, triumph and catastrophe. People you never heard of are uploading information on YouTube and becoming an overnight sensation. Fifteen minutes of fame is now able to come to a friend, neighbor or co-worker near you.
In the Hawaiian Huna tradition, there is a description of something called 'aka cords.' Aka cords are created every single time you connect with another person, place or thing. On a spiritual level, these aka cords are a type of psychic energy string that emanates from your solar plexus. These strings, these aka cords, are the actual psychic connections you have created which link you to all of your social networking friends, families, co-workers and 'five-degrees of separation' friends all over the world.
Energy follows thought. All the thoughts that seven billion people are having are now ricocheting around the planet. We are all hopelessly connected on physical and now psychic levels. This means that when a group of people in a country is going through great turmoil, you can easily see how those feelings can begin to spread all over the world. These ideas, hopes, and frustrations are now traveling with the speed of thought.
The sheer volume of emotion from even one country facing civil war, civil unrest or natural catastrophe is going to echo out around the world in a type of informational energy wave. Now magnify that energy if the political problem is affecting several neighboring countries, and you have a tremendous wave of emotion that is going to sweep the world.
Back to our weather fronts: what is the difference between the energy wave of weather that you can know you can feel, and the energy wave of emotion from various countries in the midst of civil unrest? Well, there is no difference. The entire planet will feel the disturbance in the emotional force of one area. It is as if a 'detrimental emotional front' is on the horizon and you are becoming increasingly aware that you can feel it. How are you feeling it?
Having trouble sleeping? Do you have a vague sense of unease but you are not sure where it is coming from? Do you find that a growing distrust is forming within you of established institutions? Are you feeling a sense of inner disquiet as you gaze into the future? Is the future you thought you were anticipating changing into something you no longer recognize?
Perhaps what you are feeling is the global emotional front. Just like any weather system, it flows around the planet in eddies and currents and so does the emotional energy of millions of people longing for something different in their lives. The difference is that now, because we are all so profoundly connected we can each feel it.
TINA D. ERWIN, CDR, USN, Ret. has studied metaphysics all her life to enable her to understand her own psychic abilities. These intense studies were further enhanced by the experiences of a dynamic 20-year career in the Navy, working for the U.S. Submarine Force, retiring at the Commander level. Erwin is the author of the A.R.E. Press book, The Lightworker's Guide to Healing Grief.
Reading 5749-6 given by Edgar Cayce on April 5, 1936 offers questions and answers as to the miracle of Easter still on our hearts today. Gertrude Cayce began the reading by giving the "sleeping" Edgar Cayce a suggestion, "As we approach this Easter season our thoughts turn naturally toward the biblical accounts of the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. We seek…[an] interpretation and explanation of the full meaning of the resurrection which will help us to better understand and appreciate it."
From his trance state, Mr. Cayce responded with words of hope and encouragement for people of all religious backgrounds and faiths. "Yes. In seeking ye shall find. In the experience of each soul that has named the name of the Christ, this should be a season of rededication of self as being a true messenger…among men."
He went on to remind those gathered with him of the sacrifice and resurrection as a demonstration of the law and a fulfillment of God's promise to man. Mr. Cayce's words express it best:
Else why did He put on flesh and come into the earth in the form of man, but to be one with the Father; to show to man his (man's) divinity, man's relationship to the Maker; to show man that indeed the Father meant it when He said, "If ye call I will hear. Even though ye be far away, even though ye be covered with sin…"
Though man be far afield, then, though he may have erred, there is established that which makes for a closer, closer walk with Him, through that one who experienced all those turmoils, strifes, desires, urges that may be the lot of man in the earth. Yet He put on flesh, made Himself as naught—even as was promised throughout, to those who walked and talked with God…"
And then as He hung upon the Cross, He called to those that He loved and remembered not only their spiritual purposes but their material lives. For He indeed in suffering the death on the Cross became the whole, the entire way; the way, the life, the understanding, that we who believe on Him may, too, have the everlasting life. For He committed unto those of His brethren not only the care of the spiritual life of the world but the material life of those that were of His own flesh, His own blood. Yea, as He gave his physical blood that doubt and fear might be banished, so He overcame death; not only in the physical body but in the spirit body—that it may become as ONE with Him, even as on that resurrection morn—that ye call thy Eastertide.
It is that breaking forth from the tomb, as exemplified in the bulb of the tree of nature itself breaking forth from the sleep that it may rise as He with healing in its very life, to bring all phases of man's experience to His Consciousness—that indeed became then the fulfilling of the law…
Hence when those of His loved ones and those of His brethren came on that glad morning when the tidings had come to them, those that stood guard heard a fearful noise and saw a light, and—"the stone has been rolled away!" Then they entered into the garden, and there Mary first saw her risen Lord. Then came they of His brethren with the faithful women, those that loved His mother, those that were her companions in sorrow, those that were making preparations that the law might be kept that even there might be no desecration of the ground about His tomb. They, too, of His friends, His loved ones, His brethren, saw the angels.
Else why did He put on flesh and come into the earth in the form of man, but to be one with the Father; to show to man his (man's) divinity, man's relationship to the Maker; to show man that indeed the Father meant it when He said, "If ye call I will hear. Even though ye be far away, even though ye be covered with sin…"
Though man be far afield, then, though he may have erred, there is established that which makes for a closer, closer walk with Him, through that one who experienced all those turmoils, strifes, desires, urges that may be the lot of man in the earth. Yet He put on flesh, made Himself as naught—even as was promised throughout, to those who walked and talked with God…"
And then as He hung upon the Cross, He called to those that He loved and remembered not only their spiritual purposes but their material lives. For He indeed in suffering the death on the Cross became the whole, the entire way; the way, the life, the understanding, that we who believe on Him may, too, have the everlasting life. For He committed unto those of His brethren not only the care of the spiritual life of the world but the material life of those that were of His own flesh, His own blood. Yea, as He gave his physical blood that doubt and fear might be banished, so He overcame death; not only in the physical body but in the spirit body—that it may become as ONE with Him, even as on that resurrection morn—that ye call thy Eastertide.
It is that breaking forth from the tomb, as exemplified in the bulb of the tree of nature itself breaking forth from the sleep that it may rise as He with healing in its very life, to bring all phases of man's experience to His Consciousness—that indeed became then the fulfilling of the law…
Hence when those of His loved ones and those of His brethren came on that glad morning when the tidings had come to them, those that stood guard heard a fearful noise and saw a light, and—"the stone has been rolled away!" Then they entered into the garden, and there Mary first saw her risen Lord. Then came they of His brethren with the faithful women, those that loved His mother, those that were her companions in sorrow, those that were making preparations that the law might be kept that even there might be no desecration of the ground about His tomb. They, too, of His friends, His loved ones, His brethren, saw the angels.
Considering the fact that Edgar
Cayce lived during a time of global uncertainty, the Great Depression, personal
and economic hardship, and the world at war, it may not be surprising to learn
that nearly 200 of Cayce's psychic readings mention the topic of personal
financial problems and economic healing. People from every imaginable
background and occupation came to him seeking answers to questions about their
health, their personal challenges, their family situation, their careers, their
direction in life, and their finances. The information they received continues
to be helpful – studied by individuals the world over – as Cayce's insights for
every imaginable issue and personal problem remain just as relevant today.
What may be surprising is that
the information in the Cayce files on personal financial problems is about much
more than money. Ultimately, material gains cannot be an end unto themselves.
Instead, Cayce's premise is that any economic challenge faced by an individual
is inextricably connected to a personal lesson or an opportunity to apply
spiritual or universal laws in everyday life. Rather than seeing financial
hardships as some sort of punishment or mistakenly assuming that the experience
of poverty can somehow make someone more spiritual, the Cayce readings suggest
that – seen correctly – the process of achieving economic healing can embody a
worthwhile experience in personal growth.
Ultimately, everything we think
we possess is in fact lent to us by God for the purpose of stewardship and
service. Forgetting or ignoring or remaining ignorant of this premise is
frequently one of the reasons that we encounter challenges in our personal
finances. However, it is not that we are asked to give away everything we have.
Instead, we are encouraged to become cognizant of the fact that personal
success is best measured in terms of how we use our success to assist others.
In terms of giving money away, Cayce specifically recommended giving a tithe of
ten percent to charity, service activities, or to an individual in need.
Another issue that sometimes
leads to financial lack is fear. Whether fear of the future, fear of monetary
problems, or fear of situations that arise from personal challenges – such as
the loss of a job – all of these things can work contrary to the flow of
universal abundance. In the case of fear, Edgar Cayce often encouraged
individuals to have faith and to use what they had in hand in order to draw to
themselves additional opportunities and financial assistance. He often reminded
individuals of economic healing principles from scripture, including Matthew
6:28-33, which is not an encouragement to sit idle and do nothing but rather an
admonition to make certain one's focus is in the appropriate direction:
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin …
if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast
into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
… for your heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you.
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin …
if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast
into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
… for your heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you.
In addition to overcoming fear,
cultivating faith, using what you have in hand, and practicing stewardship and
personal tithing, the readings provide a number of suggestions for improving
financial well-being. These include working with spiritual ideals, becoming
cognizant of personal lessons needed by the soul (and attempting to learn
them), living your soul's purpose, and being of service to others.
During the 1940s, a group of
Cayce enthusiasts from New York City began working with various concepts from
the Cayce readings and universal laws in an attempt to overcome the financial
challenges that each of the individuals had been experiencing. Members of the
group immediately recognized that their own economic problems were not linked
to a lack of talent or potential but instead to other factors. For that reason,
group members chose to begin applying spiritual principles to their material
lives, while removing any of their own mental blocks regarding the challenges
with their own finances.
The group began working as
essentially an economic healing support group and undertook a three-month
program of prayer, meditation, working with spiritual principles, and improving
attitudes and their relationships with others, as well as tithing money and
time. Although the group was small and not all of the individuals in the group
completed the program, those who did continue working with economic healing
began to see some amazing results. What may be most impressive, however, is
that the group's exercises have been replicated since that time by countless
groups and individuals over many decades, causing many others to attest to the
validity of this material. Some of the exercises and disciplines undertaken by
various groups and individuals have included the following:
By working with these ideas,
many individuals and groups have found the Edgar Cayce information extremely
helpful. This book of verbatim excerpts from the Cayce readings has been
compiled to provide an understanding of economic healing and personal prosperity,
and suggestions for improving personal financials by working with universal
laws and spiritual principles. The approach found in the Edgar Cayce readings
for achieving personal material success is about much more than money. It is an
approach that encourages individuals to use what they have in hand and to
discover and live out their life's mission. It is an approach that admonishes
people to become good stewards of the resources they have been entrusted with
and ultimately to be able to use every experience encountered in life to become
all that they were meant to be.
Introduction from the new book
Spiritual Healing for Personal Prosperity by Edgar Cayce.
KEVIN J. TODESCHI is Executive Director and CEO of Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. He is also the author of countless articles and more than twenty books, including Edgar Cayce on Soul Mates, God in Real Life: Personal Encounters with the Divine, and Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Records.
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) " In the beginning He was the Son—made the Son—those of the Sons that went astray; and though the varying activities overcame the world through the experiences, bearing the cross in each and every experience, reaching the final cross with all power, all knowledge in having overcome the world, and of Himself accepted the Cross…" (Edgar Cayce Reading 262-36) "…the cross becomes a symbol of that which must be borne and overcome in every life… So, in bearing our crosses we overcome those conditions that would hinder us in meeting the issues of life." (Excerpt from Chapter X of A Search for God, Book I, "The Cross and the Crown")
These two Readings by Edgar Cayce have become the central focus of my life. I picked up my cross many years ago and learned the lessons I needed to expand my life in a way that has brought the joy, knowledge, and power that was promised. It seems unimaginable, but I think we can all learn to articulate and expand our world to encompass the entire universe. It can all begin by picking up one's cross. It can be borne. It will remain as our cross until there is nothing left but Love and Light. Hold up your cross so that others, too, will see the Wisdom of your Ways. Your consciousness will be freed to expand and grow to what was once considered unimaginable heights.
I've been reluctant to reveal too much of myself before in my writings but with some encouragement I decided to explain some of the details that have helped shape my understanding of what I am writing about. Sometime, several years ago while at Virginia Beach, I attended an impromptu sunrise service on Easter morning during which I became illuminated with light. It has taken me years since to understand what had happened. Though I still feel like a newborn, I have been able to find other seekers who shared similar experiences through readings and study courses. I am now in touch with the Son and the Father through the Holy Spirit. That is part of what I have come to understand.
Cayce's readings are an accurate description of what he calls the Creative force. I am in no way anything more than I ever was. I am still a gardener who needs to earn his daily bread and I make no assumptions about who I am. I am also becoming more of a teacher/healer. I send my light and love out into this world to anyone who may need it. I am responding to what I see as a need in my fellow brothers and sisters. I am hoping we can all become reconnected to our source of love, life, and spirit. There are no shortcuts and the way forward is difficult at best. The lessons need to be deeply embedded in our hearts and minds before they can become a permanent part of our collective Soul and Wisdom. The Christ Consciousness is also part of this collective dream we are having. I've seen it as another tangible state of awareness. It will continue to grow and expand here as we learn to share it with others. It is all a part of our Divine heritage and Divine purpose. Pick up your cross. I felt my own heart chakra open up and become illuminated last night while I was still dreaming this dream.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, he who believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12 KJV)
This experience happened, and when it did, a new 'reality' was awakened in me. I didn't seek it out. I didn't expect it. But when it started happening, I did not just believe, I knew. It all began when a friend of mine, knowing I was interested in spiritual things, asked if I wanted three books she had tried to read but couldn't understand. All of these books were about Edgar Cayce, and one of them, about Atlantis, had been taken directly from Edgar Cayce's psychic readings. I sat down at the kitchen table, coffee in hand, and commenced reading.
While it was true that the writing seemed obscure and cloaked, I was surprised that I seemed to tune in to the intent behind the words and actually grasped the meaning. Very soon, I was thoroughly engaged and finding it quite enjoyable. While the picture of life in Atlantis started to come together, a distinct thought, like a small voice, came clearly into my being, and I found myself responding to it. "Go into your room," it suggested to me. "Why would I go into my room?" I found myself questioning, having no reason to go into my room. This back-and-forth continued for about 10 minutes, and finally, I got up and went into my bedroom.
There was my cat, asleep on my bed, and right beside my bed was my nightstand, with the touch lamp on it. What was unusual was that the light was on. Now it would be possible for my cat to have walked across the nightstand, and accidentally touched the lamp, turning it on. But in the 7-8 years that I had owned the lamp, this had not happened. Yet here I was, looking at the lit-up lamp.
I would have just written it off as the cat having touched the lamp somehow, but what was disconcerting, was that voice I had heard with a suggestion to go to my room, for some reason unbeknownst to me. With that question unanswered, I walked back into the kitchen and commenced reading.
The following morning, I was awakened when my housemate entered my room. She explained that when she had taken the dogs out in the middle of the night, she noticed that the light in my room went on. Thinking that something must be wrong, she came into my room to see what was going on, only to find me fast asleep, with my bedside touch lamp on. She turned it off, went to bed, but when she checked again in the morning, noticed that once again the bedside light was on. I had no idea why.
I sat down to continue reading the Atlantis book. When I got up to get my second cup of coffee I glanced into my room. There was my bedside light back on! This was becoming more than different, it was uncanny. All I could do was go into my room, turn it off, and keep reading. Everything else seemed normal.
That night, the same incidents occurred. About the time the dogs went out, the other lady saw my light come on, came in, and turned it off. But again, the next morning, when she got up and glanced into my room, the light was back on.
This activity continued for the next week, the duration of my reading the book. One night, I woke up to find the bedside lamp on, and of course, turned it off. Later that same night, 'nature called,' and when I got up, my light was on. Turning it off again, I went back to bed, but the next morning, a friend of mine visited and decided to wake me up, when they entered my room the lamp was again on. Every day I read the book, the light went on, and every night, it turned on at some point while we all slept. If I woke up and found it on, I turned it off, only to find it on again the next morning.
Then I finished the book. I had been doing a lot of research on the content I was taking in, and so, that night, I sat on the edge of my bed, starring out my bedroom window into the night sky, my mind flooded with the incredible time and society that was Atlantis. As I sat musing, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my bedside touch lamp, turning off, on, off, on. Not flickering like a candle, but going off and on as if someone was turning a switch. I sat watching it for about a minute, and finally just reached out and touched the lamp myself, turning it on, and then touching it off for the last time.
For the remainder of the 2-3 years that I had it, the lamp never turned on 'by itself' again. Was this a Poltergeist? I don't believe so, as Poltergeist activity is not selective and usually involves more than one activity. The New Universal Family Encyclopedia, one of my research books, describes a Poltergeist as a "noisy, mischievous, and often destructive invisible agent that persecutes the occupants of a house, most commonly by throwing or moving objects." There was no such activity, nor did I sense any destructive presence in the house before, then, or since.
Had this just been an isolated incident, I would have brushed it off, but hearing this small persistent voice or suggestion, to go into my room, then finding the lamp on, for no reason was odd enough. But that it continued for the duration of reading the book, I could not deny what my own spirit was telling me. There is indeed a connection between what Edgar Cayce was saying about the time of Atlantis and me. I believe that there are others who likewise, are genuinely connected to that time.
Whether or not you believe we have a spirit that lives on after our body dies, doesn't matter, because you'll find out soon enough. But for those who genuinely want to know the reality of the spirit world, you cannot lose by opening your mind to it. It adds a tremendous dynamic to life now, as well as to the one hereafter. Not to mention finding out and knowing that you're not a piece of dust; you're not temporary; but that you matter, now and forever.
BRENDA BROWN is an ordinary individual who has had several extraordinary experiences in her life. From a young age, God made Himself very real to her. Following a spiritual experience, she has had an ever-growing thirst to really know God and to walk with Him at all times. She is interested in hauntings, different religions, the Bible and the Zodiac. She is writing a book on the Zodiac in the Bible. A longtime member of A.R.E., she believes in sharing her experiences in hopes that they will benefit others.
The Edgar Cayce readings respond to the Old Testament question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" with a resounding YES! From the perspective of the Cayce information, we are ultimately responsible for one another. That responsibility prompted countless thousands to reach out to the Haiti disaster last year and continues as people the world over respond to the recent earthquake and tsunami tragedy in Japan and the thousands who have died, more who have been injured, and those who have not yet been found.
Given the Cayce information on service and the importance of reaching out to others whether they are "next door" or "on the other side of the world," perhaps it isn't surprising that so many people feel a need to do something in times like these. What may come as a surprise, however, is that the Cayce material links each of us to personal responsibility long before addressing the after-effects of a tragedy.
In 1935, a 29-year-old man asked Cayce about the possibility of cataclysmic earth changes. Rather than responding with an exact date or a possible scenario as to what might happen, the reading instead connected potential disaster with the actions, thoughts, and deeds of humankind. Cayce said, in part: "Tendencies in the hearts and souls of men are such that these [disasters/cataclysms] may be brought about. For … man – by his compliance with divine law – bring[s] order out of chaos … by his disregard … bring[s] chaos and destructive forces into his experience." (416-7)
On another occasion (reading 5751-1) Cayce made the astonishing observation that the phenomenon of "sunspots" was inextricably connected to instability and turmoil upon the planet earth itself. In fact, the readings state that whenever war, strife, and turmoil occurred in the affairs of humankind, sunspots would occur as a natural consequence. In other words, instability among people leads to instability upon the planet and throughout the universe!
When a 40-year-old woman asked for more information about herself and her relationship to the universe, the response came that for all individuals everything that was out of accord with spirit and divine laws somehow had an impact upon the heavens itself. In the language of the readings: "For, faults and failures, sin and sorrow, are the outgrowth of disobedience to the divine law, and influence the heavens in the experiences of individual souls!" (2408-1)
Is this science fiction? Or is it rather in accord with the laws of physics? After all, isn't Isaac Newton's third law of motion, "To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction"? What if we were collectively just a little bit responsible for the initial "action" behind all kinds of "natural" disasters involving earthquakes, horrendous storms, wildfires, mudslides, and everything else that makes people too often ask, "Why did God let that happen?"
What if we had the capacity to affect the world and the people around us in ways that we often overlook? After all, Cayce suggested that the ultimate goal for each and every one of us was to bring spirit into the earth. What if by not working with spirit we perpetrated a "sin of omission" – overlooking our responsibility – rather than a "sin of commission" – purposefully doing something wrong?
Rather than being overwhelmed by the magnitude of this interconnectivity, the readings suggest that we can become a leavening influence that ultimately impacts the whole. This was described to Thomas Sugrue, Cayce's biographer, as follows: "Not in mighty deeds of valor, not in the exaltation of thy knowledge or thy power; but in the gentleness of the things of the spirit: Love, kindness, longsuffering, patience …" (849-11)
On another occasion, when a 49-year-old accountant asked how he could be of the greatest service to humankind, Cayce recommended that he simply begin working with the daily practice of prayer and meditation. (270-33) Is this science fiction? Or is it rather in keeping with the universal law of Oneness, and the interconnectedness of all things?
Yes, we absolutely need to reach out to others in need – especially during times of human tragedy – but perhaps ultimately we need to understand that we are responsible for one another in ways that we have not yet dared to imagine.
Everyone seems to be waiting for December 21, 2012 to arrive, expecting on that day, at that moment that some catastrophic event is going to take place. People wonder if the Mayans were correct and the world as we know it will end in terrible cataclysmic events. What if the Mayans were right and wrong all at the same time?
What if the world will not actually end, but life as we think we know it will end and a new time of change will begin? Perhaps that expected event is already beginning. Maybe the karmic wheel is already turning and we as a planet are being allowed to have the energy of the events spread out over months, days and years. What if the events expected in 2012 are already in process? Think back to when an awareness of the validity of those predictions began to creep into our consciousness. Consider the following earthquake statistics.*
The point to be made here is that it would appear, statistically speaking that the energy of our changing planet is being spread out over at least 15-20 years. Imagine if all of that energy were to be released at once. We would probably be vaporized! What is generating the events?
The causes of these [earthquakes]…are the movements about the earth; that is, internally—and the cosmic activity or influence of other planetary forces and stars and their relationships produce…the activities of the elementals of the earth; that is the Earth, the Air, the Fire, the Water —and those combinations make for the replacements in the various activities. (Edgar Cayce Reading 270-35)
There is a tremendous amount happening in the planet itself. This huge shift, spread out over roughly the last fifteen years is also making people feel increasingly uneasy. We are seeing rising levels of insanity, depression and greater and greater health problems. Many people are living longer, but enjoying it less because of their health. These Earth changes affect people in challenging, often political ways, as we are seeing. More and more people want less government, more freedom and greater access to information.
Hang on! It's not over yet. We are about to see quite a bit of real estate rearranged as we fly through the next ten to fifteen years. Our task is to balance and digest each huge news event and it seems that events are coming at us faster and faster. We may all be suffering from outrage, astonishment, and catastrophe fatigue.
Not in the storm, not in the earthquake, not in that of anything outside of self may God be found by man; for to ascend into heaven or to descend into hell He is there — in thine own heart! The kingdom is within…only self…separates self from the Maker. (Edgar Cayce Reading 452-3)
TINA D. ERWIN, CDR, USN, Ret. has studied metaphysics all her life to enable her to understand her own psychic abilities. These intense studies were further enhanced by the experiences of a dynamic 20-year career in the Navy, working for the U.S. Submarine Force, retiring at the Commander level. Erwin is the author of the A.R.E. Press book, The Lightworker's Guide to Healing Grief.
*Source: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2002/ Current to 3/15/11
On March 11, the planet Uranus entered the sign of Aries where it will be for the next eight years, until the year 2019. In astrology Uranus symbolizes change—sudden and revolutionary change—and in the sign of Aries, the god of war in Greek mythology, it can indicate abrupt and unexpected events that may be caused by headstrong and impulsive actions with no consideration of the consequences. This is a Fire (Aries)-Air (Uranus) combination without the grounding or stability of Earth or Water.
As we are all aware, revolutionary energies have been erupting in many parts of the world in recent weeks. On Friday, Japan has experienced an 8.9 earthquake and a subsequent devastating tsunami. This tsunami reached as far away as Hawaii, causing little damage there, and put coastal areas in the continental U.S., Alaska, Canada, and South America on alert.
Astrologers have been predicting major changes in the world during this period as symbolized by three planets (Pluto, Saturn, and Uranus), moving into very stressful aspects with each other. These changes, astrologically, began in January 2008, when Pluto entered the sign of Capricorn. Since then, Saturn has entered Libra and now, today, the last of these three planets, Uranus, enters Aries. (For more details see the Astrologer's Corner in Venture Inward magazine, beginning with the column The Coming Years, in the January/February 2008 issue.)
Not only do we have the astrological line-up of these three planets but there has also been an increase in solar activity. See the blog entry Global Unrest and Solar Flares (below, posted March 4) by Alison Ray. Since her blog, a second major solar flare occurred on March 9.
In addition to the above line-up of the planets and the solar activity, on March 19 the Moon will come closer to the Earth than it has in the last 18 years. This is called a "Supermoon." Added to this, the Moon will also be full. On March 10, 2011, there were stories on the Internet with predictions of the possibility of floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions connected to this Supermoon period.
The Cayce readings spoke of Aries as being headstrong and stubborn and Uranus as indicating rebellious forces.
(Q) What effect will the planet, Uranus, have on the people during the next two years?(A) We find in this planet those of the exceptional forces, those of the ultra forces, those that carry the extremes in every walk of physical life . . . Well may the earth tremble under that influence . . . (Edgar Cayce Reading 3744-4, November 24, 1923)
...in influences in the Uranian, brings for periods when there seems to be every condition imaginable awry—whether business relations, social relations, financial conditions—every condition seems to be awry... (Edgar Cayce Reading 5-2, June 23, 1930)
...those forces in Uranus...these will make for rebellions and rebellious forces, rebellious periods for the entity... (Edgar Cayce Reading 2668-1, April 29, 1931)
(Q) What effect will the planet, Uranus, have on the people during the next two years?(A) We find in this planet those of the exceptional forces, those of the ultra forces, those that carry the extremes in every walk of physical life . . . Well may the earth tremble under that influence . . . (Edgar Cayce Reading 3744-4, November 24, 1923)
...in influences in the Uranian, brings for periods when there seems to be every condition imaginable awry—whether business relations, social relations, financial conditions—every condition seems to be awry... (Edgar Cayce Reading 5-2, June 23, 1930)
...those forces in Uranus...these will make for rebellions and rebellious forces, rebellious periods for the entity... (Edgar Cayce Reading 2668-1, April 29, 1931)
Astrology's ability for timing major changes in the individual's life, as well as in the world at large, gives us some comfort that whatever is happening during these turbulent times is purposeful. It is our task to discover what that purpose is for ourselves, and what our individual response might be. Astrology and the Cayce readings indicate that things happen for a reason, and there are no accidents.
This is a time when having an Ideal for your life and living by that Ideal will be extremely important for your ability to manifest what you came here to do during this period of great change on the Earth. All the peoples of the Earth, along with the Earth, herself, need to be in our prayers.
RAYE MATHIS is a faculty member at Atlantic University where Transformational Astrology is among the courses she mentors. She has a BA in mathematics, a Master's degree in clinical social work, and has completed post-graduate work at the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. She has maintained an on-going astrological counseling practice for almost 40 years. Her column, The Astrologer's Corner, appears in the A.R.E.'s Venture Inward magazine available exclusively to Members by mail or online at EdgarCayce.org/members.
June 22 - July 19 Raye Mathis will be mentoring a 4-week online eGroup titled Explore Your Relationships Using Astrology as Your Guide. For more information call 1-800-428-1512 or see EdgarCayce.org/egroups. She will also mentor the group Discover Your Life's Purpose Using Astrology as Your Guide, September 7-October 4.
All of us at Edgar Cayce's Association for Research & Enlightenment are joining together to strengthen our prayers for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan today. While we may be thousands of miles from our brothers and sisters, we know that we are ONE and that prayer is a creative energy that can and does make a difference.
Our need to come together as one global community is greater than ever before. It is a necessary part of fulfilling our destinies as a human family; it is a necessary part of our heritage as spiritual beings manifesting in the earth.
We invite you to join us in prayer. Hold an image of Divine love enfolding and surrounding Japan and the globe. We will be praying together for these victims at 12 noon (Eastern Standard Time) each week day. Please visit WorldPrayerGroup.org to commit to pray for the victims.
"Our Father our God! In thy love, in thy mercy, be Thou nigh unto us as we approach Thy throne seeking help and aid from the cares of every soul in this world!" Edgar Cayce Reading 281-40
Zahi Hawass, Egypt's longtime Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and renowned Egyptologist, has gotten entangled in the uprising and turmoil in his country. On January 31, former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak incorporated the SCA into his struggling-to-hang-on government, forming the Ministry of Antiquities and appointing the well-known Dr. Hawass as its Minister. Then, when Mubarak fell from grace and power, a countrywide breakdown in controls and security occurred, including among the Tourist Police who are charged with safeguarding archaeological sites, stored antiquities, and the spectacular Egyptian Museum. With no formal protection, looting and night-time excavating began to occur unchecked. The museum and many storage sites were looted, and digging in known sites to find valuable artifacts became a widespread activity of desperately poor citizens who could find no other work to support themselves. The activity became so out of control that on March 5, Hawass resigned as Minister of Antiquities, writing on his blog: "I cannot stay in Egypt and see antiquities being stolen when I cannot do anything to stop it! This situation is not for me! I have always fought to return stolen artifacts to Egypt." On March 6, the Egyptian caretaker Prime Minister Essam Sharaf dissolved the Ministry of Antiquities and reestablished the SCA, putting it back under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, which will now be led by Emad Abou-Ghazi, a history professor from the University of Cairo. Salima Ikram, an Egyptologist at the American University in Cairo, argues that Egyptian archaeology will continue much as before. "The idea that Egyptian archaeology is Hawass is just something made by TV," she says. The new secretary general of the SCA has yet to be officially named but it is expected to be Mohamed Abdel Maksoud, head of the SCA's Lower Egypt division. "He is a senior scholar, of the right age and experience," says archaeologist Ikram. "He is not an enemy of Dr Zahi. He is not walking in and taking over, it is a regular sequence of inheritance, and one hopes that Dr. Zahi had some say in the appointment."
The problem remains: How does the new government safeguard the ancient one-of-a-kind artifacts with no payroll or trained personnel? Hawass says that sites all over the country have been damaged. Storage warehouses in Dahshur, Abu Sir, Giza and the Sharm el-Sheikh area have been broken into, often by armed looters who overpowered guards. Tombs have also been targeted. The tomb of Ken-Amun in Tell el-Maskhuta, the only 19th-Dynasty tomb known in Lower Egypt, has been completely destroyed. Inscribed blocks have been stolen, and illegal excavations and construction have been reported at several sites. Another problem facing the new Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities is the question of how one soothes the country's unhappy, underpaid archaeologists? Hawass's offices have been surrounded daily by disgruntled archaeologists complaining about unfair pay and the lack of opportunity. Hawass counters, "It is not possible to provide everything that everyone is asking for. We need money to protect sites and to restore buildings and objects too. We need the money brought in by tourists who visit our sites and museums to fund these things and, at the moment, there are no tourists."
Dr. Hawass has been a controversial figure for many years. His regular appearances on TV documentaries raised the profile of Egyptology and brought in funding for ambitious science projects, including X-ray scanning and DNA analysis of King Tut's mummy. He developed touring exhibitions of the pharaoh's treasures around the world, which brought cash flooding into Egypt. But he has been accused of courting the media to boost his own profile, and his last days in office were marked by protests about jobs and pay for the country's growing number of Egyptology graduates. However, many Egyptologists believe that he did more good than harm. "There were certain problems," says Jaromir Malek, head of the Griffith Institute at the University of Oxford, UK. "There was a big ego involved, and his own career flourished as a result. But he genuinely cares about Egyptian antiquities." Malek acknowledges that Hawass's "personality, drive and energy" will be hard to replace.
Dr. Hawass has also had a quiet tolerance of Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) and our activities in Egypt searching for an ancient Atlantean Hall of Records buried near the Sphinx. The loss of Dr. Hawass in this key position may curtail such expeditions for some time to come. The new SCA leader's openness to A.R.E.'s research and even his ability to protect such expeditions remains uncertain. Even so, Cayce's own readings stated that the ancient Hall of Records will only be entered when the time and people are right.
John Van AukenJohn is an internationally renowned speaker, longtime staff member, and current director at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. A popular leader of A.R.E.'s life-changing tours to Egypt and other sacred sites, he is also the author of several best-selling books, including his latest Edgar Cayce and the Kabbalah, and the presenter in several best-selling DVDs, including the recently released Edgar Cayce's Tour of Egypt. He is also a regular contributor to A.R.E.'s Membership publications Venture Inward magazine and Venture Inward Newsletter. His extensive knowledge of the Cayce readings, the Bible, world religions, and ancient mysticism is combined with years of experience as a teacher and retreat leader to bring deeper understanding to today's spiritual seeker.
The headlines from the news recently have been filled with unrest. For the past month, protests and revolts have spread across the globe. Countries such as Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Iran, Tunisia, Oman, Iraq, Mauritania, Jordan, Algeria, Djibouti, Kuwait, Sudan, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and even the state of Wisconsin in the United States.
In the midst of it, I'm not sure how many people noticed the headline about the biggest solar flare in years erupting. According to NASA, the sun emitted its first X-class flare in more than four years on February 14 at 8:56 pm (EST). A solar flare is an explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in twisted magnetic fields is suddenly released. Flares produce a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to x-rays and gamma-rays. If large enough, they could trigger a global blackout and long-lasting radiation storms on Earth. These were preceded and followed by several M-class flares which have been known to cause brief radio blackouts.
Most flares occur in active regions around sunspots. The current scientific perspective is that solar flares are caused by a phenomenon called magnetic reconnection, which occurs when the magnetic lines of force are rearranged, as two oppositely directed magnetic fields are brought together on the Sun.
According to Edgar Cayce, activity like sunspots and solar flares are actually a response to the conditions on the earth. In a reading given for A.R.E.'s Ninth Annual Congress in June of 1940, Mr. Cayce was asked about the cause of sunspots and their effect on the earth.
"The more ye become aware of thy relationships to the universe and those influences that control same, the greater thy ability to help...even as to the sun which reflects those turmoils that arise with thee; even as the earthquake, even as wars and hates, even as the influences in thy life day by day.Then, what are the sun spots? A natural consequence of that turmoil which the sons of God in the earth reflect upon same." Edgar Cayce Reading 5757-1
Rather than simply being affected by activity in the heavens, consider what it would mean if we, as individuals and collectively, actually are the cause. If we all bring our thoughts and prayers to love and peace, imagine the impact upon our world.
"Change thy attitude to this: Know that what is in the heavens, even, did not produce a single characteristic in an individual soul; but that the individual soul, as a part of God…wrought the changes that are signified in the activities at the time of materialization into a three-dimensional consciousness. For, faults and failures, sin and sorrow, are the outgrowth of disobedience to the divine law, and influence the heavens in the experiences of individual souls!" Edgar CayceReading 2408-1
Helping to create the Harris Prayer and Meditation Garden in 1994 was much more for me than just a garden design project. Not that I hadn't designed gardens before, that's what I do, but this particular garden launched my interest in the power of the mind, body, and soul in relation to gardens. I was fortunate to be the designer selected by A.R.E. for the Harris Garden project and to promote this garden as one of my earliest successes. Since the completion of this garden copious evidence has verified that stress contributes significantly to disease (dis-ease) and that verdant natural gardens can reduce that stress.
I worked closely with Peggy Cline, who was then A.R.E.'s Building and Grounds manager, to create a healing garden. We wanted a place a visitor could find respite from stress, from worldly distractions, and from uncomfortable weather. Peggy saw the value of the existing bamboo grove, which, in Chinese garden tradition, represents strength and flexibility. She also felt the power of the existing mature trees as shelter from the elements and symbol of longevity. The existing garden had a water course with fish that was difficult to enjoy because it was hard to access, and it lacked the therapeutic sound of moving water. A change in elevation provided for a cascading waterfall, and the addition of a stone retaining wall and sitting area provided a serene place for contemplation, reflection, escape, and harmonious meditation.
Since many visitors may sometimes be using the garden at one time, small private areas were needed for personal use. Alcoves were located along a meandering path for solitude without hindering others from enjoying the serenity of the garden. The word "meander" comes from the Greek word maindros, after Meander River in Greece's Phrygia. This refers to the ancient desire of "moving aimlessly and idly without fixed direction" (American Heritage Dictionary), associated with the power of the labyrinth legends. One can now walk past the bamboo grove, enjoy its symbolic strength and not be aware of the bustling traffic behind the grove or the visitors finding solitude in the nearby alcove areas. Following a path with a beginning and end can represent the path through life.
Another objective was to incorporate an Oriental element to the garden design to acknowledge that man is one with nature. We agreed that a traditional bowed Oriental-style bridge was needed to create a connection over the existing water feature and proposed connecting paths. The plants selected were to complement and emphasize the Oriental use of color, texture, and seasonal beauty, using plants comfortable in Tidewater's climate. Jay Mears, a local garden designer and plantsman, Peggy, and I selected and planted the foliage to complete this amazing garden. Recognition must also be given to the A.R.E.'s building and grounds department for its maintenance, timely replacement, and ideal additions to the landscape palette in this wonderful garden.
Today, it is truly a mystical place filled with peace. A wooden stairway leads to the peaceful garden which has a waterfall, a pond with fish, a footbridge, stone walkways, relaxing benches, beautiful bamboo, and a lighting system. My hope is that the Harris Garden will continue to provide healing vibrations to others as it has done for me.
Rick Spalenka, ASLA, is a registered Landscape Architect in Colorado and Virginia, and is certified in therapeutic garden design through the Chicago Botanic Garden. He received his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin (Madison), his Masters in Urban Studies from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mesa State College (Grand Junction, CO). He combines his 20-plus years of landscape design and building experience with 10-plus years of medical/surgical and psychiatric nursing experience to specialize in therapeutic and healing garden design for healthcare and residential clients. To learn more, visit his Web site RGSDesigns.com.
The A.R.E. Meditation Garden in Virginia Beach was renamed the Harris Prayer and Meditation Garden after being renovated, expanded, and beautified, thanks to a generous donation by A.R.E. member Samuel D. Harris.
"In the words of the Master Himself, 'In my Father's house there are many mansions'(John 14:2 ), many consciousnesses, many stages of enfoldment, of unfoldment, of blessings, of sources." Edgar Cayce Reading 2280-1
I grew up in the raucous and sometimes tumultuous '60s and '70s, having experienced many of the highlights right along with my contemporaries. For me that was a time of music, Woodstock, the Vietnam war, Kent State, Mayor Daley and the Democratic convention, just to name a few. My hair was shoulder length at the time. Two of the things that I took away from that period were a lifelong interest in health and healing, and an interest in consciousness. Both interests have survived and taken root. Many of us realized at that time that the only way we could effectively change society was to change how we, collectively, thought of ourselves; in other words, our state of awareness or our consciousness. Many pioneers of consciousness of that time, including Alan Watts, Baba Ram Dass, and Timothy Leary, led the way. Cayce said "…to all: the ability to be conscious of a thing—mentally—is the only manner through which anyone experiences anything!" (Reading 272-4) That might apply to seeing an object or situation, but it also might mean that we need to recognize or discern different states of awareness, e.g. a drunken state of awareness vs. a higher spiritual state.
Today we see many people advocating a "shift" in our consciousness as the way to move forward. I too am learning what this means in my life. Many A.R.E. members have already done some of the required work to help this movement forward. Many of the timeless values advocated by Cayce, like compassion, kindness, and long-suffering, have become part of the real spiritual foundation that helps support this shift. That very foundation is essential to withstand many of the changes already occurring within ourselves and in the physical world. At the heart of this shift in consciousness has been our ability to reconnect with our source, which Cayce calls the Creative Forces. Some are describing this shift from a 3rd-dimensional consciousness to a 5th-dimensional consciousness. I think in essence, much of this means we are moving out of the mental sphere towards a heart-centered consciousness. We will ultimately need to master both parts of our natures, before we can be on the straight path toward the "promised land."
Cayce has acknowledged different levels of consciousness all along. In my copy of The Edgar Cayce Companion, I have found numerous references to consciousness. Here are a few:
"…That which is known in the earth as a three-dimensional phase of existence with a five-consciousness of its existence…" Edgar Cayce Reading 2280-1"How many dimensions are in this solar system? Eight!"Edgar Cayce Reading 5755-2
I know this might be pretty confusing at first, but I think as we learn to raise our level of consciousness, we will recognize some of these higher awarenesses. There are a couple of authors who have been able to put this forth in a contemporary perspective. One is Meg Blackburn Losey, who wrote The Secret History of Consciousness: Ancient Keys to Our Future Survival. Another fascinating account of this is The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions: The 2011/2012 Prophecies and Nine Dimensions of Consciousness by Barbara Clow. Both Losey and Clow help integrate the concept of light and sound energy to higher levels of consciousness and dimensions. They are helping us grasp the sometimes difficult concepts that are starting to resonate more throughout the world. We are only beginning to understand part of what this "shift" may mean. Many are getting a better sense of what it means to become deeply connected spiritual beings. Cayce seems to indicate that the 4th dimension is approached mentally. I experience part of this as our collective consciousness or unconsciousness where part of our collective past memories are stored. Barbara Clow says this might be where the akashic records are found. This energy field seems to collect and store all our thought patterns and energies from our common human history together.
The 5th dimension seems where we become re-centered in our heart. Some describe this sphere where one begins to experience the essence of Divine Love; the inter-connected whole, and true joy. No matter what one ends up believing, there is an all-encompassing desire to return to Divine Love. No matter how far out intellectually I've resonated with the many things I have read, including writings from these two sources, I've always come back to the Truth and the Light that shines in the Cayce readings.
I'd like to thank Linda Lubin who helped me understand what the "shift" means through her website: Journeytoawaken.org and the writings she has exposed me to.
What is the meaning behind near-death experiences (NDE), out-of-body experiences (OBE), afterlife communications, spiritual awakenings, and other spiritually transformative experiences? The type of experience you may have is not important; what's important is the aftereffect.
For me, personally, my experience changed my view of life. I did not have an NDE, but one does not have to have an NDE to experience a powerful event of consciousness. For me, it came in the form of a vivid dream, or what I now refer to as a "visit from heaven." My husband's friend Rich, who had died on 9/11 in the World Trade Center attacks, came to me with a message for his wife. I didn't know it then, but I was actually having an out-of-body experience (OBE). My body was sound asleep while my soul "astral traveled" to another dimension.
I walked down this long hallway going into a door at the end which led to a room filled with windows and desks. I looked up seeing my husband's friend Rich who said, "Josie, thank you for mentioning me in your book." (I mentioned Rich in the Epilogue of my first book, Footprints in the Sand: A Disabled Woman's Inspiring Journey to Happiness.)
For reasons I cannot explain, I looked at him and said, "Rich, you have to prove to me that this is really you." With that, he picked up a flip-phone and showed me a photo of himself, his wife, and their son. He then looked at me smiling, and said, "Boston is OK." I had no idea what this meant, but I did know that this was a message that I needed to get to his wife. The experience was so real; I knew it wasn't just a dream.
The next thing I remember is going through a window and finding myself on the street. As I looked out, I saw a pickup truck. In the bed of this pickup truck was Rich standing behind his wife and son. He looked at me, and pushed me forward, as if to say, "Now go give her the message." I woke up in a sitting position panting and out of breath; feeling like something had just hit me in my chest.
I was completely stunned; nothing like this had ever happened to me before. Without a doubt whatsoever, I was positive that the experience had been valid. In fact, it felt more real than my earthly existence. But how, I wondered, can anything be more real than my current reality? What did this mean? I didn't know what to think. How could this be?
That morning, I nervously called my husband John, who was already at work, to tell him what had happened. His reaction did not surprise me. He thought I was overreacting to a dream. I persisted, however, insisting that what I had experienced was real. In fact, I was so relentless that John finally agreed to contact Rich's sister in-law. We decided that he would send an email explaining what happened. If his sister-in-law felt it was appropriate, she would then share the email with her sister (Rich's wife).
Two weeks later, while on vacation, my husband received a message from Rich's sister-in-law on his BlackBerry. In short, Rich's wife had a brother who lived in Boston and was considering moving there but she felt guilty since she had purchased her house with her husband shortly before his death. John read the email aloud not quite grasping what it meant. When he read it a second time, we both covered our mouths in total disbelief.
In the message, she skeptically questioned how I could have known about Boston. Honestly, I had no idea whatsoever that his wife had a brother in Boston or that she was considering moving there. I had never met Rich or anyone else in his family. I once spoke to Rich on the phone, and I had seen a picture of him, but that's it! Yet, again, I had no doubt that it was Rich. We communicated clearly, telepathically. There was no need for words; it all seemed so natural at the time.
After my "visit from heaven," everything changed. I not only saw life differently, I was different. After all, I reasoned, I had received a message from a deceased friend which was later validated. This clearly means two things: 1) There is no death; and 2) It is possible for the living to communicate with the "dead." I put this word in quotes because if there is no death then there are clearly no dead.
I no longer believed in life after death, I knew. There's a big difference. A knowing changes the very core of your being. You can't go back to who you were before, even if you tried. And you also can't forget about your experience.
I soon realized that I had been given a gift and wanted to stand on the tallest mountain and scream, "Life never ends and love never dies." However, I did the next best thing…I wrote a book called Visits from Heaven (4th Dimension Press). Not everyone is lucky enough to be given proof like I was, but I knew there had to be others out there. I searched for afterlife communication accounts around the world that were evidential. Every account in the book is backed up by some sort of proof. I also garnered the support of well-known experts such as Dr. Melvin Morse, PMH Atwater, George Anderson, and others, who contributed chapters to the book.
My life has taken a 180 degree turn, and I try not to look back, trying always to serve a higher purpose. I know now that life is so much more than it seems. We are all here for a reason and everything we do impacts everyone else. When our lessons are learned and our purpose met, we will return "home" to God. We are all eternal souls and are all part of God, Supreme Source, Universal Consciousness or whatever you choose to call Him. The body is just a jacket we wear so that we can roam the earth, experience life and learn lessons.
As Melvin Morse, renowned pediatrician and near-death researcher, wrote in his book Where God Lives (Harper One/2000), "I understood that man and everything else in the universe is a piece of God. As each snowflake contains miniature representations of the entire snowflake, and each strand of human DNA contains the code to create a unique human, we are all tiny pieces of God."
Knowing that I am eternal and part of God has changed my life considerably. Since my experience, I understand that the only thing that matters on this earth is love. I used to be so consumed with my journalism career and making a name for myself. I wanted to make a lot of money and live an easy life. Today, I know that I had it all wrong. The most important thing that I can do in my life is help others. When it is my time and I watch my own life review, the money, career, and status will not matter one bit. What will matter are the times that I tried to help others and the differences I made. What will matter is the love that I shared.
I have continued to strive to share this message. My latest book, Visits to Heaven, has just been released this month and offers further proof that there is not just a here, but a hereafter. It contains not only incredible NDE accounts from around the globe, but many other mystical experiences including afterlife communications, deathbed visitations, and more. It is also backed up by stories contributed by some of the most respected names in NDE and paranormal research. Writing this book taught me a lot about myself. For one, I am so much more than I think; we all are. We are all one. We cannot help others without helping ourselves. The opposite is true as well. We can't hurt others without hurting ourselves. In the end, nothing is without purpose.
Josie Varga discovered her passion for writing as a little girl growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She went on to earn a degree in journalism and later became a successful communications consultant while authoring her first book, Footprints in the Sand: A Disabled Woman's Inspiring Journey to Happiness, which was published in 2004. Since then, she has become a motivational speaker for overcoming life's challenges and written several books including Make Up Your Mind to Be Happy: 105 Simple Tips. Her latest book, Visits to Heaven, published by 4th Dimension Press, is the long-awaited follow-up to her best-selling Visits from Heaven. Visit Josie's website www.josievarga.com .
If you read my last post, you know that I am a big fan of A.R.E.'s Houston Center which has become my spiritual home. Last year, I discovered the importance of ancient sites while writing a book with and for Dr. Sam Osmanagich, PhD. I realized that I wanted to be a part of bringing this incredible information to the world. One thing synchronistically led to another, and my business partner, Rita Mills and I were able to bring together three world renowned experts on pyramids and ancient archaeological sites for a one-day conference Unearthing Ancient Civilizations on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in Houston, TX. The conference, which supports A.R.E.'s Houston building project with a donation of a portion of the proceeds, includes presentations by Dr. Sam Osmanagich, Andrew Collins, and Christopher Dunn followed by a Q&A Panel discussion where they will debate their theories and what all of this new information means.
About 10 years ago I attended a family reunion and learned about ancestors I had never heard of before. I realized some of the things about me made more sense. There were several, "Ah-ha, so …that's where I get it from!" moments during the weekend. In many ways I had felt alienated from the family I grew up around because I was so different. The discovery that I had so many relatives with the same talents and ambitions as me was in many ways life altering.
It has become clear to me that ancient sites are the key to discovering our heritage in much the same way. It is as if we, as a species, are gradually finding out we were adopted in a sense and that our lineage could be very different than what we have been told. There are so many unanswered questions about these ancient sites, and more are being discovered all the time. Who built them? Why were they built? When were they built? Science just hasn't effectively answered these questions for some of us. For example, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous of ancient sites in the world and is located high in the mountains of Peru. Dr. Sam says that clearly there were four different civilizations involved with the site and the oldest was the most advanced! Now, how is that explained? An issue never clearly addressed by the scientific community. This is just one of the many reason more and more explorers and pioneers in this field are at odds with mainstream scientific thought.
At the Unearthing Ancient Civilizations Conference Dr. Sam will be speaking on his discovery of pyramids in his home country of Bosnia—the first pyramids to be discovered on the European continent. The largest pyramid in this complex is 30% larger than the largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau in Egypt. This discovery has been very controversial in the scientific community, and Dr. Sam has been vilified on one hand and praised on the other in archaeological circles. He has published nearly twenty titles to date with two new ones coming out just prior to the conference. Ancient History Behind the Veil bridges the gap between science and spirituality, and Pyramids Around the World contains the scientific data he has accumulated throughout his career studying pyramids. For more information about his work, visit SamOsmanagich.com.
Chris Dunn began his pyramid odyssey in 1977 after he read Peter Tompkins' book, Secrets of the Great Pyramid. His immediate reaction after learning of the Great Pyramid's precision and design characteristics was to consider this edifice may have had an original purpose that differed from conventional opinion. Chris concluded that it must have originally been built to provide a highly technical society with energy. Following the 1998 publication of The Giza Power Plant he has published many books and papers with his latest in 2010, Lost Technologies of Ancient Egypt, and his work is referenced in over a dozen books on Egypt. In the United States he has appeared on PAX Television, the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, Lifetime Television and the History Channel in the Ancient Alien episode "The Evidence." To learn more, visit GizaPower.com.
Andrew Collins will be joining us from the UK, and then flying to South Africa to present at the annual Megalithamania Conference—just one more piece of evidence to substantiate the huge interest in ancient sites. Andrew is a science and history writer, and the author of various books that challenge the way we perceive the past. They include From the Ashes of Angels (1996), which theorizes that the Watchers of the book of Enoch were shamans responsible for the Neolithic revolution, and that their homeland—the biblical Eden—was southeast Turkey, where archaeologists have recently found the oldest stone temple in the world. Gods of Eden (1998) says that Egyptian civilization is thousands of years older than is conventionally believed. Gateway to Atlantis (2000) tries to prove Plato's Atlantis was located in Cuba and the Bahamas, and The Cygnus Mystery (2006) argues that veneration of the Cygnus constellation was responsible for the world's earliest sky religions. His most recent book, Beneath the Pyramids, explores Giza's cave underworld, rediscovered by the author in 2008. Andrew, born in 1957, lives with his wife Sue near Marlborough, Wiltshire. For more information, visit AndrewCollins.com.
We believe that people are ready to hear what these ancient sites have to tell us about our collective past. Perhaps we can find a better future if we understand our true history and know our past better. The content of this conference is a first for Houston and we know there is a large community interested in the information.
We also have 50 tickets to the conference that have been donated to college students and professors. There will be a drawing on Feb 20, 2011 for the winning tickets and interested parties should send an email with their name, contact information and school affiliation to: firstname.lastname@example.com.
For more information on the drawing and the conference please visit the website at: www.UACConference.com. I hope to see you there!
Peggy Sue Skipper is the co-founder of The New Era Times, an online newspaper which seeks to present innovative ideas and ideals as a beacon for those seeking understanding of the evolving consciousness (TheNewEraTimes.com). She is the author of two books: The Art of Conscious Evolution and Love Signs and is working on a new book scheduled for release in early 2011. She is also the producer and host of "The New Era Cafe" TV show.
Having been to Egypt over thirty times, I knew this uprising was coming. It was just a matter of time, which appears to be now. When I first went to Egypt the citizenry were so constrained in their thinking. For example, women were not allowed to drive cars let alone vote! Over these past many years I've seen women receive licenses to drive cars and become active members of Parliament. I've seen education expand to include more people, even in the poorer villages in rural areas near Luxor and Aswan. (Though there is much more needed since literacy is 83% among men and 59.4% among women—as of 2005 data.)
The Egyptians I meet in the tourist areas and the major population areas are clever, bright, multilingual, understand human nature well, and have an up-beat spirit and attitude. But most all of them are unhappy with their government and with Mubarak. They are tired of him; as well as authoritarian rule and inept, often corrupt, governance. But it is going to be a long journey from where they've been to a government that represents the people and is for the people and by the people. Even we who have had such a government for more than 200 years aren't content with its operation. And if you think we fight politically and have polarizing influences that make cooperation difficult, wait until Mubarak's iron hand is lifted, then we'll see some serious challenges for these people. They will likely go through many reforms before they get close to representative governance and we will continue to hold Egypt in prayer. But I am so excited for the Egyptian people and Egypt's role in shaping the coming world.
For, it is not by chance that the entity has come into this material sojourn, or into the present associations, but that greater opportunities may be accorded. …while there are those conditions in the material that bespeak of turmoil, disturbances that make for anxieties, know that there is within self that ability, that divinity, that way shape the ways, the manners through which good, and peace, and harmony, may come to all. Reading 2440-1
Having been involved with the Cayce work and the A.R.E. for more than 30 years, I am certainly aware of the important cornerstone "cooperation" plays in the readings information on spiritual growth. Obviously, it is the first lesson in personal spirituality recommended by the study group program and A Search for God, Book I. It is also a lesson frequently brought to mind whenever groups of people gather for some activity at A.R.E. – a conference, a meeting, even a social activity. In fact, I could not begin to count the number of times I have heard someone say, "Well, you know, cooperation is the first lesson," even in a joking fashion whenever there was the smallest semblance of a challenge or a conflict or a disagreement between two or more people. The irony of this statement is that the lesson on cooperation is not really about cooperation between people (although that is definitely an important byproduct); ultimately the lesson is about learning to cooperate with God.
Certainly, cooperation with God sounds like a tall order! It seems like cooperating with another person would be easier. How can we even begin to know the process for cooperating with the Divine? But the Cayce readings are clear – we must learn to set our personal egos aside so that the Divine can work through us, bringing spirit into the earth plane. It is for this reason that the meditation affirmation used for Lesson One is not about learning to cooperate with someone at work or the neighbor next-door, but is instead phrased as follows:
Not my will but Thine, 0 Lord, be done in and through me. Let me ever be a channel of blessings, today; now, to those that I contact, in every way. Let my going in, my coming out be in accord with that Thou would have me do, and as the call comes, "Here am I, send me, use me!" (262-3)
The idea that we are representatives of the Divine is certainly connected to our birthright as spiritual beings having a physical experience. More important, perhaps, it is inextricably interwoven with one of the main purposes for which each and every one of us came into the earth: to bring the divinity of the Creator into the third-dimensional plane. In fact, each soul is a potential emissary of that one spirit in the earth. That's the ultimate purpose for each and every soul. Learning how to cooperate with the Divine so that the Divine might work through us.
Early on in my work with the Cayce information I had often wondered about how best to cooperate with God until I came across a reading given to a 61-year-old widow in 1943 that seemed to provide a simple first step. The woman was faced with numerous challenges, including a change of careers and a potential move. During the course of her reading she asked: "How can I discipline myself at my age to do what is mine to do?" Cayce responded: "Repeat three times every day, and then listen: 'Lord, what would thou have me do today?' Have this not as rote. Mean it! For as He has spoken, as He has promised, 'If ye call I will hear, and answer speedily.' He meant it! Believe it!" (3003-1)
Quite a number of individuals I have spoken with over the years have found this exercise valuable because it seems to create an expectant sense of cooperating with the Divine. To be sure, the degree to which any answer is connected to bringing spirit into the earth essentially reflects how well we have been able to set self aside, cooperating with God in the process.
From the readings' perspective, cooperating with God is important for individuals, for groups, even for organizations. On one occasion when a member of A.R.E. asked how she could best serve the association, Cayce's response was that the ultimate service would be to work with the association so that both the individual and the organization could bring spirit into the earth:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly dividing the words of truth and putting stress where it belongs, and keeping self unspotted from the world. It is not to serve the Association, it is to work with it that the glory of God may be made manifest in the earth. (5277-1)
Obviously, cooperating with God is the ultimate lesson for us all.
KEVIN J. TODESCHI is Executive Director and CEO of Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. He is also the author of countless articles and more than twenty books, including Edgar Cayce on Soul Mates, God in Real Life: Personal Encounters with the Divine, and Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Records. Join the March 2- March 29 eGroup lead by Kevin: Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Records and Relationships.
My memory of the way in which Edgar and Gertrude Cayce, and Gladys Davis conceived their work and went about their business of giving helpful, sometimes life-saving counsel to thousands of people was simply this: they felt called by God to a peculiar but wondrous vocation. It wasn't approved by the churches or academia or society in general, but though it hurt sometimes, they were never daunted by the snub.
I remember the time that Miriam Bright, a woman from the Methodist Church, came over with a pie for the Cayces. Harmon and I had been invited to her home several times and her family was full of questions about Cayce and his work. We had plenty of stories to tell them. Tears streamed down Gertrude's face as she thanked our friend Miriam for the friendly gesture. No one in the city of Virginia Beach had ever come over with a neighborly "glad you're here" kind of gift for them.
But they had a devoted community. Edgar was a charming extrovert. He loved people: loved being around them, loved telling his stories. He loved hearing from people who had gotten readings, and answered many of the letters himself. He loved talking with people on the phone, too. I remember one night Harmon had forgotten something in the office. As we walked in, we saw Edgar pacing up and down in his study, saying over and over again, "Thank you God, thank you God, thank you God." He told us that he had just hung up the phone after a woman had called to tell him the good news that his reading had saved her son's life.
Edgar felt a close kinship with the people for whom he had given readings, especially those who followed up and let him know what worked and what didn't. He loved it when Study Group #1 came to visit. They had worked together for years and knew each other intimately. There was a huge potluck dinner each time they came and Hannah Miller brought her famous home-baked bread—according to reading 404-1, she had baked unleavened bread for temples and altars in a past life in Egypt. Some of this bread was also buried with the dead, and could still be found intact. For Edgar's birthday in 1944, I baked a cake and the Study Group members brought the rest of the goodies, all fixed according to the Cayce readings. Edgar beamed the whole time they were together. This was Edgar's community: his family; Gladys who was as close as any immediate family member; the members of the first Study Group; the people who were grateful for their readings and kept in touch; those who attended the A.R.E. Congress; his adult Sunday school class at the Presbyterian Church; and the Board and staff of the A.R.E.
Edgar knew community was important. Certainly his life as RaTa in Egypt where he taught people the concept of oneness—the oneness of God, the oneness of God's children, the oneness of all creation, added to his love of community. It was an exciting culture with leaders from all over the world, coming to visit and learn. And in his lifetime as Lucius, Bishop of the church at Laodicea, he was concerned with building a disparate group of believers into communities trying to live Jesus' teachings. They must have grown very close as they forged one new church community after another.
It all fits with Edgar's emphasis that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. Locking arms with others and blessing them on their way is our command from the Creative Forces.
Dr. June Bro - June Avis Bro found her life deeply affected by working daily with Edgar Cayce. She has set about sharing her resultant interests with others as a pastoral counselor and as a minister, as well as by using her skills in the performing arts. She has a graduate ministerial degree from Andover-Newton Theological School in the Boston area, and a doctorate from Chicago Theological Seminary. In addition to teaching on six campuses while raising five children, she has been a research assistant at Harvard, lectured and held workshops in many cities, led overseas tours to the Near East and China, and served as pastor. A concert pianist, she has served on the music staff in churches of most of the major Protestant denominations and draws on her background in the arts to illuminate myths, symbols, and dreams.
You may have seen the news reported by NBC, The Huffington Post, and others, but do not panic. Your astrological sign has not changed. The story circulating today is an old one that surfaces every few years. It states that in the 3000 years since the study of astrology began, the wobbling of the earth on its axis (precession) has changed its position relative to the sun and stars enough that the signs we currently use are off by as much as a month. However, western astrology uses the tropical zodiac rather than the sidereal zodiac, meaning the alignment of the earth does not change the signs. And even for those using the sidereal zodiac, the shift in signs would have actually taken place hundreds of years ago. The news story's reference to a possible 13th zodiac sign, "Ophiuchus," also does not apply to the tropical zodiac.
Tropical Zodiac is based on the apparent motion of the Sun in the sky from one vernal equinox to the next. It refers to the annual cycle of the ever-changing relationship of the earth-globe to the Sun, source of all energies on this earth, that is, to the cycle of the seasons. It reflects the changing of seasons on Earth and the changing seasons of our lives.
Sidereal Zodiac also deals with the annual apparent motion of the Sun, but with reference to the constellations, i.e. to actual groupings of stars. Because of the precession of the equinoxes—a backward shift in the position of the equinoxes with reference to the nearly "fixed" stars—these two zodiacs do not now coincide. They did coincide at a time variously estimated from around 300 BC to AD 500; the differences being due to the fact that there is no astronomical way to precisely define the boundaries of the heterogeneous groups of stars called "constellations."
The two zodiac systems lined up when they were first identified, but precession (a cycle that takes 26,000 years to complete) has caused the divergence between them, and the confusion about them, that we have today.
Beginning Wednesday, January 19, Raye Mathis will be mentoring a 4-week online eGroup titled Discover Your Vocational Talents Using Astrology as Your Guide. For more information call 1-800-428-1512 or see EdgarCayce.org/egroups. She will also mentor the group Explore Your Relationships Using Astrology as Your Guide, June 22-July 19 and Discover Your Life's Purpose Using Astrology as Your Guide, September 7-October 4.
(A follow-up to Learning to "Walk": My Struggle with ADD fromVenture Inward Magazine)By Linda Schiller-Hanna
There is an anecdote in the first part of There Is a River by Thomas Sugrue, the biography of Edgar Cayce, which tells how Cayce helped a neighbor's child who was having profound mental problems for a long period of time. Cayce gave a reading with several directions to an osteopath on how to help the girl and several times the osteopath did not "get it right" and Cayce would re-direct the doctor. Ultimately, the treatment was followed to the letter of Cayce's guidance. The child received the treatments for three weeks straight, daily, and recovered fully. (She had fallen on her tailbone on the step of a horse-drawn carriage, the day before the problems began.)
I have suffered from ADD (attention deficit disorder) my entire life, a condition that started with a difficult birth and was exacerbated by physical abuse as a child. I was 46 before I was officially diagnosed, and over the next 15 years I tried prescription medications and tried many different holistic therapies before I finally found one that worked for me: CranioSacral Therapy (CST). It is perhaps significant to note in my own recovery (described in detail in Learning to "Walk": My Struggle with ADD, Venture Inward, Jul-Sep '10), that the breakthrough happened in an introduction to CST class, performed by absolute amateurs. In my case, it was the most basic of treatments in CST that "moved the mountain."
I have referred a friend's granddaughter, who was also suffering from ADD symptoms, to a therapist in her area. She only went two or three times, had "some" breakthrough...but did not complete the series. I later learned that this therapist was not using Dr. Upledger's system (which is what I learned and was what worked for me), but something "more advanced," and was trained by a different CST system. The therapist didn't stick to basics, and the client didn't keep showing up. Both things need to happen, in my view.
I hope that suffering individuals will stay with the basics and give them a chance to work before dismissing them out of hand. There are so many dead ends with this disorder and my heart breaks to think someone may be close to an answer, but pull back before an opportunity for a true shift occurs. There was a letter regarding my article that said CST doesn't work on ADD, so I must have a different disorder. The fact is, a single cause for ADD has not been discovered yet and there is no "silver bullet" that will work for everyone. ADD is the name that most folks associated with my behaviors. However, it may not be the exact proper diagnosis. That's why I described the pattern so fully—the feelings, the lack of follow-through and flow in actions, and the fuzziness of thinking I often suffered. I wanted people to relate, whether or not they were labeled ADD.
Please don't get caught up in the label, and please try the basic treatment before throwing it all out. Since I spent nearly 40 years seeking answers to my problems, and the one solution that did the most good was shared with complete candor to a wide audience, I would hope that a person wouldn't "give up too quickly" if instantaneous results did not occur.
At the very least, they will feel "relaxed." For a person with this disorder, that alone is a deep blessing. And at best, they too, may respond, when their deep core brain has sufficient time and trust to accept the shift that proper cranial fluid movement can provide.
Linda Schiller-Hanna is a professional clairvoyant and intuition trainer based in Ohio. She has studied the Edgar Cayce material since 1991 and is a regular speaker at A.R.E. Field and Headquarters Conferences. Her article Learning to "Walk": My Struggle with ADD (Venture Inward, Jul-Sep '10) is available at EdgarCayce.org/members. You can visit her Web site at www.lightworker22.com or contact her by eMail at email@example.com.
Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. blog offers opinion pieces from contributors with a wide variety of backgrounds. These opinions are valued and create points of discussion. Opinions expressed in our blog may not necessarily represent the opinion of A.R.E.