At those times when we are ill or not feeling well, instinctively we really do want to be whole, to be complete, and to follow through with our soul’s purpose. Practically speaking, how is this accomplished?

We may work with our ideal, especially during our meditation periods, and this effort can bring us closer to that oneness for which our souls yearn and seek. Adding this spiritual focus—meditation—helps direct our minds to those areas of our body needing attention and care. This, of course, takes effort and a willingness to involve all aspects of ourselves—body, mind, and spirit. Bringing all three into focus will clear a channel through which the life energy can flow.

One aspect of this healing focus of meditation is described in a reading for a woman who simply asked for additional “spiritual advice for this body.” She was told:

“The body is spiritual in its aspects and in its reaction. If the body will aid self in those applications as may be made for same, see self—in the periods when the body enters into the quiet—healed as it, the body, would be healed. Vision self being aided by those applications. Know what each application is for, seeing that doing that within self.” (Edgar Cayce Reading 326-1)

Along with attitudes of expectancy and hope, visualization entails seeing with the mind whatever you desire to be accomplished for healing. Yet the readings also caution against using this technique in regard to specific organs; in other words, locating the diseased organ and directing energy to that organ. Why? Because the healing energy is targeting a symptom without necessarily affecting the origin of the disease. Utilized in a general way, though, visualization becomes a safe and effective method, one of a number of different modes of therapy to use.

Another component of visualization is mentioned in the last sentence of the above reading: “Know what each application is for…” (326-1) While the “why” of our return to health is important, equally of value is the “why” of the applications, as further stated in this reading:

“Be consistent, but be persistent with those applications as suggested. Not as mere rote to be gotten through with, either in the breathing exercises or the massages…but rather seeing that these are to accomplish that within the physical reactions for the body. For each activity has its own reaction, whether in the mental or the material world. By the proper attitude they may be accorded one with another, as cooperative influences; but if one is thinking one thing and doing another, then they must be combative one with another. Be not double-minded.” (Edgar Cayce Reading 850-2)

This excerpt concisely summarizes the elements of the manner of doing the recommended treatments. It implies, too, that we need to do our “homework” by becoming informed of the benefits and effects of the modalities we are using. This effort means that we are taking responsibility for ourselves, making choices about the treatments to use, and becoming acquainted with their effects. It is helpful, then, to know what the remedy will accomplish because we will see the reaction taking place while undergoing the treatment. 

Some of the Cayce health readings emphasize that each application of a remedy—whether a spinal manipulation, an Epsom salts bath, a tonic formula, a massage, or any of the numerous packs or poultices—should be given or done “with a definite purpose, a definite condition to be accomplished.” (1198-2) Another reading describes each application as “the creating of energies necessary for bringing cooperation with the service the Creator would have thee render in thine experience.” (1424-1)

Our mental bodies are activated as we tune in to the purposes underlying our treatments, the reason behind the remedies we choose to apply. In addition to focusing on the specific, particular purpose for the remedy at the time we are receiving or applying it, however, is an underlying reason that covers all conditions: “that there is being removed from the system that which will prevent the body in its mental and spiritual self from being hindered in performing a service to its fellow man.” (631-4)

Excerpt from the Spring 2016 Newsletter available to A.R.E. Members online at EdgarCayce.org/Members.