Chapter Three
ATTUNEMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE ENHANCEMENT
OF PSYCHIC ABILITY
1. Self-analysis and ideals. This is the starting point for almost every topic
covered in the Edgar Cayce readings. We are encouraged to consider our past
experiences and current conditions-to engage in self-analysis -and then to specify
a direction in which we want to unfold and grow in consciousness-to set an ideal.
A small group of individuals who were interested in conducting telepathy experiments
received readings from Edgar Cayce. In one such reading we find the following
admonition, which is pertinent to our present work in developing ESP.
Q-1. Please suggest the type of experiments which may be conducted most successfully
by this group.
A-1. Well, you would have to take each as an individual-to say as to which
may be the most successful! For there are grades, there are variations. There
are in the group, as has been indicated, curiosity, wisdom, folly, and those
things that make for real spiritual development. They each then require first
-self-analysis! What prompts the individual to seek, engage, or desire to join
in such experiments? 792-2
Consider this question in relation to your own life and write your answer
in the space below: What prompts you to seek to explore the nature and development
of ESP?
In the following three passages, setting and holding to a spiritual ideal
is recommended as an initial step in awakening psychic ability.
Q-2. As each name is called, please give suggestions for that particular individual
in carrying on his or her part of this group work: First, [14061.
A-2. This entity's experience and experiments will only be altered or hindered
by self, and it may go as far into the field as is desired -so long as it keeps
God and Christ as the ideal. 792-2
Q-3. What can I do to bring about greater psychic development during my present
sojourn?
A-3. Self-analysis, and application of the tenets of the ideals that ye find
latent and manifested within self. 2934-1
Q-3. What is the exact means or method by which I can consciously reach the
divine power of psychic force that is within me and draw upon it for the knowledge,
strength, power and direction to accomplish great deeds that will bring about
desired ends?
A-3. This lies latent, of course, within self. First find deep within self
that purpose, that ideal to which ye would attain. Make that ideal one with
thy purpose in Him. 2533-1
Take time to consider what your own spiritual ideal might be. What is the highest
spirit that you would like to have guiding every aspect of your life? You may
have had a few experiences in which you feel you have caught a glimpse of the
highest truth within yourself What is this perspective of life, this feeling
or this spirit of living? Choose a word or a short phrase that describes it
or reminds you of it (e.g., God, oneness with life, Creative Forces, freedom).
Don't be concerned with what someone else might think your word or phrase means.
Be sure to remember that the words are not your spiritual ideal-they only represent
it.
Write a word or phrase descriptive of your personal spiritual ideal:
This is the spirit that you will want to have guiding your exploration of psychic
ability, as well as every other part of your life. Further work with ideals
would involve specifying attitudes of the mind and activities of the body that
would help you express your spiritual ideal in your daily life.
Many statements in the readings link the development of intuitive and psychic
abilities with ideals. In one case there is the indication that a reverie type
of experience ("those inner flows of consciousness that are aroused by
the association of ideas with ideals") would be helpful.
The entity will find that its own intuitive forces should be the more often
the controlling influence in its activity; that arise through the entity's own
meditation, the entity's own concentration upon plans or ideals; whether in
relation to its own activities or those of others; those conclusions to which
the entity arrives by its own inner urge ...
... Hence it becomes as a pilot, as a criterion for many as they seek along
those inner flows of consciousness that are aroused by the association of ideas
with ideals that partake of spiritual enlightenment. 1023-2
This passage seems to refer to a procedure that is different from meditation.
Since meditation involves a quieting of the conscious mind and ideas, it can
be distinguished from a thoughtful reverie, in which an individual allows specific
ideas and plans that have to do with the application of his spiritual ideal
to come to mind.
Try this as an attunement procedure once you have set a spiritual ideal: Find
a quiet place where for approximately five minutes you will not be disturbed.
Focus for a few moments on just your spiritual ideal. Then allow to come into
your mind thoughts, ideas and images about how you could more fully express
your spiritual ideal in the life situations you currently face. Record in the
space below any thoughts or ideas that come to you the first time you use this
procedure.
2. Attitudinal changes. Of course, one of the attitudes most
likely to be significantly helpful in advancing psychic development is an enthusiasm
for the self-study and work involved. You have taken the first step in that
direction by showing interest in this project and reading this far!
However, this important factor of enthusiasm must be coupled with at least
two other key attitudes: trust and willingness to serve. Many people can tell
of incidents in which they had an intuitive hunch and unfortunately failed to
follow it. This kind of lack of trust in one's own developing psychic abilities
can be a difficult stumbling block for anybody to overcome.
Just as we must
fall a few times to learn the balance necessary to ride a bicycle, we must be
willing to trust our emerging psychic ability, even if it means making a few
mistakes at first. Gradually we will learn the avenues from within that are
most reliable and the quality, or "feel,"" of an impression that
is likely to be an accurate psychic one. The readings recommend listening to
these intuitive flashes so that we can learn to develop them into a more permanent
psychic faculty.
Q-2. How may I project a counterpart of my conscious awareness to any given
place desired and comprehend or even take part in events there?
A-2.... These come, then, as flashes to a conscious mind. They may be gradually
sustained, maintained. Just as mind may be projected. 2533-8
Jot down any instances you can recall from your own experience in which you
had an intuitive flash that should have been trusted because it turned out to
be correct.
An attitude of wanting to help others is also important. A sense of giving
is the central feature of the following formula from the readings on psychic
development.
How develop the psychic forces? So live in body, in mind, that self may be
a channel through which the Creative Forces may run. How is the current of life
or of modern science used in the commercial world? By preparing a channel through
which same may run into, or through, that necessary for the use in the material
things. So with the body mentally, physically, spiritually, so make the body,
the mind, the spiritual influences, a channel-and the natural consequence will
be the manifestations.
How best, then, to develop those latent forces in one now, those who have reached
the years of maturity or responsibility in self? Let that mind be in you as
was in Him who thought it not robbery to make Himself equal with God, yet took
on Himself the burden of all, that through His physical suffering, His privation
in body, in mind, there might come the blessings to others. Not self, but others.
He, or she, that may lose self, then, for others, may develop those faculties
that will give the greater expression of psychic forces in their experience.
5752-2
3. Physical exercise. Exercise has the potential to enhance
psychic ability in two ways. First, it provides a beneficial influence for the
general physiological condition, and it can especially help make the sensory
system more attuned and alert. Second, it can have a balancing effect on the
activity of the endocrine glands and therefore on the higher-dimensional receptors
of the finer physical body (via the spiritual centers).
The following routine was recommended for one individual, though you should
use whatever form of exercise you find most beneficial:
Of mornings the body should rise early. First take the full setting-up exercises
of the body, upper and lower, circling the body from hips up, bending from hips,
stooping from hips, circling arms, head and neck. Then be rubbed down well over
the spine, with very cold cloth (wet) and then rubbed until the body glows from
the blood and circulation being brought to these portions. Do this each morning.
137-1
Check Edgar Cayce's Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy by Harold
J. Reilly for other recommended exercises.
Write down the type and amount of physical exercise that you could, for attunement
purposes, reasonably include in your daily life:
4. Dietary recommendations. What we feed our bodies is closely
related to our state of consciousness. There are general dietary recommendations
from the readings which promise to make our bodies more attuned, and thus more
apt channels for the expression of psychic development. Many of the recommendations
have to do with the avoidance of certain combinations of foods. A more detailed
description of these principles will be found in The Normal Diet (available
from the A.R.E. Press), but briefly stated they are as follows. Jot down next
to each one the degree to which you would be willing to incorporate that principle
into your daily diet.
a. Eliminate all meats except fish, fowl and lamb.
b. Eat very few foods that combine starches with sweets, such as cakes and
pastries.
c. Eliminate overly refined or processed foods.
d . Avoid fruits and vegetables that are picked before ripening on the vine.
e. Avoid the combination of milk and citrus fruits.
f. Avoid the combination of whole-grain cereals and citrus fruits.
g. Avoid the combination of coffee with milk or cream.
h. Eliminate the combination of starches and proteins.
i. Eat 80% alkaline-producing foods (e.g., most fruits and vegetables) and
20% acid-producing foods (e.g., meats, cereals and starches).
5. Castor-oil packs. Greater physical attunement can also
be experienced by the periodic use of external castor-oil packs, especially
in the lower abdominal area. This procedure was recommended for a wide variety
of physical ailments, and many people use castor-oil packs as a preventive measure
to keep their bodies in good shape. The warm oil of the pack stimulates the
lymphatic system to do more effectively its, work of eliminating wastes and
toxins.
The first passage below is a typical recommendation of castor-oil packs. In
the second, there is a report of a pack directly stimulating a psychic experience.
First we would begin with the use of hot castor-oil packs for about an hour
each day for at least three days a week. These would be applied especially across
the abdomen in the caecum or in the right area of the body.
Following each three-day period of using the packs, we would take pure olive
oil internally; not too great a quantity in the beginning, but as much as the
body may assimilate. 2451-1
Q-7. Please explain the following experience: When taking a castor-oil pack,
as I dozed, I began to feel paralyzed, unable to move, speak or hardly breathe.
At first I fought against it-as I relaxed I began to feel as though I was moving
into space, and that I had great power concentrated in my eyes. Talked with
my father, knowing I had the power to influence him to do what I felt was best,
yet knowing I should not.
A dog sat beside him and then came toward me as if
hypnotized, powerless to stop even when we both commanded him to stop. Then
I was home and saw the scraps of bacon in the skillet multiplying and growing-recognized
the growth as manna known to the children of Israel, which I could pick up in
my left hand, but vanished when I touched it with my forefinger and thumb of
my right hand Felt elated that I could describe manna to the Tuesday night group
A-7. This was an inter-between emotion, or-as indicated-a partial psychic experience.
Consider that which takes place from the use of the oil pack and its influence
upon the body, and something of the emotion experienced may be partially understood.
Oil is that which constitutes, in a form, the nature of activity between the
functionings of the organs of the system; as related to activity.
Much in the
same manner as upon an inanimate object it acts as a limbering agent, or allowing
movement, motion, as may be had by the attempt to move a hinge, a wrench, a
center,, or that movement of an inanimate machinery motion. This is the same
effect had upon that which is now animated by spirit. This movement, then, was
the reflection of the abilities of the spirit of activity as controlled through
the emotions of mind, or the activity of mind between spirit and matter.
This was a vision, see? 1523-15
6. Spinal adjustments. Another aspect of the physiology of
psychic experience involves the communication between the cerebrospinal nervous
system and the sympathetic nervous system. The former especially relates to
the activities of the conscious mind; the latter, to those of the subconscious
mind. As we have seen in the previous section, psychic ability involves the
conscious mind becoming aware of information accessible to the subconscious
mind. The physical expression of this is in the connections between the cerebrospinal
and sympathetic nervous systems. This principle is found in the following passage:
Q-1. What is the peculiar sensation felt in left temple?
A-1. Psychic forces as applied to the expression of self, related to those
nerves as find expression through that portion of the body. The tingling as
is caused is the response of the cerebrospinal with the sympathetic ... 69-2
There is a primary point of contact between these two nervous systems in the
area of each spinal vertebra. When the spinal column is out of alignment it
can cause a disturbing pressure on nerves in this area. This kind of difficulty
can create a wide variety of physical symptoms, and the readings suggest that
such a condition is often at the root of psychological problems as well. Individuals
who complained of disturbing and imbalanced mental or psychic experiences were
often told in the readings to get a series of spinal adjustments to correct
the problem.
Q-3. How often should the osteopathic treatments be given?
A-3. This will depend upon the needs of the body. As we find,, the better manner
is to have treatments for two or three weeks, then a rest period for a week
or two weeks, and then begin with the treatments again-these at least twice
a week. This adds to the body,, allowing the adjustments. For manipulative forces
osteopathically given, unless there is necessity for corrections,, only assist
the body in breaking up congestion or congested areas or in assisting ganglia
under stress or strain to be so adjusted that the eliminations or drainages
in portions of the body are set up and stimulation to active functioning organs
is produced. These have been given properly. If the body will adhere to those
suggestions in a consistent manner, we will find relief in same. 1110-4
7. Gems and stones. For some people certain types of stones
may provide an attuning influence which will enhance psychic ability. In the
following reading we find the principle that a stone can work in two ways: by
emanating a helpful vibration and by drawing vibrations from the outside.
We would then find that the one [stone] that is the nearer in accord to the
vibrations of the body that may use same would be the more effective with that
particular body.
Yet the very nature of the thing [stone] makes it effective with any any-human
body, you see; but the more effective with one that is more in accord, or whose
positive and negative vibrations are according with the stone itself, see? for
it [the stone] throws off as well as draws in . .. through the positive-negative
vibration. This assists, then, in the unison as a relationship ... hence, as
given of old, use such for the abilities to become more of all those influences
called in the present psychic, clairaudient, or any of those vibrations that
build up or "'step up" a body. [Such vibrations are] Also effective,
of course, in bringing to the body the abilities to become more effective in
giving out of itself, for activity in any of these various directions. 440-18
Various types of lapis were the stones most frequently recommended for psychic
attunement. Usually individuals were told to wear the stone against the skin
in the throat or heart region; in some cases,, however, there was a warning
to encase the stone in crystal. If you try some form of lapis, such as malachite,
azurite, lazurite or chrysocolla, and find that it is irritating or disturbing,
do not hesitate to remove it.
8. Bible study. The readings approach the Bible as a guidebook
to spiritual growth and as a historical account of man's attempt to attune once
again to the Infinite. If we consider psychic ability as the capacity to draw
upon the awareness of the soul, then the Bible can be especially helpful, providing
principles and examples for psychic attunement. The fourteenth through the seventeenth
chapters of John, for instance, were frequently recommended, for in these chapters
Jesus states the fundamental principles and promises about discovering our relationship
to the divine. Another frequently recommended passage was the thirtieth chapter
of Deuteronomy. The following excerpt from the readings suggests that answers
to our questions and concerns are best found within ourselves, not in any outside
source.
Q-6. Are there any exercises you can give me for the development of my faculty
of intuition?
A-6. Much might be given, but ye are ready for little of same yet. Find first
thy relationship to thy Maker. This ye may find, probably, best in interpreting
in thine own experience the 30th of Deuteronomy, the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th
of John; knowing, as ye read same, it is you, thyself, [815], being spoken to
-by the spirit of truth that is expressed there. Not in the mere words that
are said, but in the spirit that moved those entities in giving expression to
man's individual soul-relationship to God. 815-7
Q-4. How can I get well-educated, kind and refined associations?
A-4. Read the Book, if you would get educated. If you would be refined, live
it! If you would be beautiful, practice it in thy daily life! 3647-1
Reading the following Biblical passages, which give examples of the use of
psychic ability, might well help you in your effort to develop those faculties:
John 14-17; Deuteronomy 30; John 4:5-19 (telepathy); John 9:1-.11 (healing);
Daniel 2:19-49 (precognition); Genesis 41:1-32 (precognition); II Kings 6:1-7
(psychokinesis); and Exodus 3:1-4:17 (psychokinesis and clairvoyance).
9. Spending time in nature. Psychic ability is a natural function,
according to the readings. Perhaps no environment is better suited to facilitate
psychic development than the out-of-doors in its natural state. Spending time
alone in nature, especially periods of contemplation and meditation, can be
an effective aid in attunement.
10. Recording dreams. Psychic ability involves contact with
aspects of the mind that are usually unconscious, and the safest and most direct
way to explore the unconscious is through our dreams. Many people first discover
their psychic potential in a precognitive or telepathic dream. The discipline
of writing down dreams is extremely valuable, for we frequently do not recognize
the psychic quality of a dream until weeks after we have had it. If we haven't
recorded the dream we will likely have forgotten large portions of it. In addition,,
for most people writing down dreams is associated with increased dream recall.
11. Meditation. Probably the most powerful tool for facilitating
psychic development is meditation. Not only can psychic impressions arise during
meditation periods, but, more importantly, we can attune ourselves in meditation
so that psychic and intuitive abilities will be more available in our daily
affairs and in our dreams. This concept is found in the following excerpts from
the readings. The first is a statement that psychic visions may arise in meditation.
In the second we find the principle that ESP comes naturally as a result of
purification, especially through meditation. The final passage warns that psychic
development through meditation should not be for materialistic purposes; in
other words, meditating on which stock to invest in in order to get rich would
be a misguided use of this aid to attunement.
These become hard at times for the individual to visualize; that the mental
and soul may manifest without a physical vehicle. Yet in the deeper meditations,
in those experiences when those influences may arise when the spirit of the
Creative Forces, the universality of soul, of mind-not as material, not as judgments,
not in time and space but of time and space may become lost in the Whole, instead
of the entity being lost in the maze of confusing influences-then the soul visions
arise in the meditations. 987-4
Q-4. I would like to develop psychically. Would it be wise for me to push this
development? If so, in what way?
A-4. Rather would we push same through those applications of self to first
understanding and study of the laws pertaining to the mental and spiritual phenomena;
as manifested in the mental and spiritual experiences of individuals. For these
expressions then as psychic forces may be found manifesting themselves through
one or the other of the seen forces or influences that make to the material
individual an expression of awareness in the individual experience. Whether
it takes on the form of an innate consciousness or feeling or vibration or communicative
forces that are inspirational in their association and activities in the experience
of individuals.
But first, as in those things which we have given in meditation, study to know
what to thy mind is dedicating of self's abilities in every way and manner in
which they may express themselves to the spiritual forces.
Study to know the manner in which the body, the mind, may be purified or may
be consecrated, that there may be the greater expression. And we will find that
these developments will come naturally of themselves. In their expression, as
we find, they will come rather as visions in the ministering to, the listening
to, the needs and the activities of others. And in the counsel and the aid the
entity may give to such as seek through these channels for aid to self-expression.
319-2
Q-3. What must she do that she may develop her psychic abilities?
A-3. Psychic is of the soul; the abilities to reason by the faculties or by
the mind of the soul. And when this is done, enter into the inner self, opening
self through the ideals of the meditation that have been presented through these
channels, and surrounding self with the consciousness of the Christ that He
may guide in that as will be shown thee; either in writing (inspirationally,
not hand-guided) or in the intuitive forces that come from the deeper meditation,
may there come much that would guide self first.
Do not seek first the material
things, but rather spiritual guidance,, developing self to the attunement to
the psychic forces of the spheres as through the experiences in the varied activities
in the varied planes of experience, but over in the light of that promise that
has been given to be known among men, "If ye love me,, keep my commandments,
that I may come and abide with thee and bring to thy remembrance those things
that thou hast need of that have been between me and thee since the foundations
of the world!" 513-1
Briefly stated, the readings approach meditation as the focusing of our attention
upon our spiritual ideal. The use of an affirmation, one or more sentences in
length-for example, "Let me ever be a channel of blessings to others"-is
recommended as a way of capsulizing our personal spiritual ideal. Whereas prayer
is the outpouring of thoughts from the conscious mind, in meditation we seek
to quiet the conscious mind, making it still and receptive. In order to do this,
we should first of all find a comfortable and quiet place for the physical body,
and then turn the mind inwards, no longer attending to stimuli from the outside
world.
After a short period of preparation, including, perhaps, breathing exercises
for relaxation, chanting or prayer, we turn our attention to the affirmation.
We repeat the words of the affirmation once or twice, attempting to experience
the meaning or feeling of the words. Meditation,, as it is described in the
readings, is not repeating words over and over again to force an altered state
of consciousness. Instead, it is holding in silence the spirit that is awakened
by the affirmation.
A person just beginning to meditate should strive to learn consistency, even
if that means meditating for only five minutes daily at first. It is better
to meditate daily for five minutes than irregularly for ten. Most people work
up to the point of meditating for at least fifteen to twenty minutes a day.
A further study of meditation may be found in Meditation and the Mind of Man
(available from the A.R.E. Press). As a beginning step in making a definite
commitment to meditate regularly, answer the following questions.
What time of day could you devote regularly to a period of meditation?
What might be a good affirmation for you to use in meditation at this time?
12. Search for God Study Group. If we see psychic development
in the context of spiritual growth, the work with the lessons in the Search
for God material can be an important part of enhancing ESP. It is interesting
to note that this material was given for a group of people who came to Edgar
Cayce asking for information on developing their own psychic gifts. Out of this
request came these 130 readings, which form a step-by-step development sequence
focusing on the broader perspective of soul growth.
The purpose of a weekly Study Group meeting with fellow seekers is not specifically
to share psychic experiences. Rather, the tremendous value of this particular
type of group endeavor lies with the nature of the material itself. The reader
will recall from Chapter Two that the ideals and attitudes of an individual
play an integral role in awakening psychic ability. The Search for God program
is designed to help people reorient themselves to those ideals and attitudes
that are most likely to lead to balanced, helpful psychic experiences.
Study Groups meet regularly in hundreds of cities and towns throughout the
United States and in many foreign countries. Further information, including
the location of groups near you, may be obtained by writing to the Study Group
Department at A.R.E.
