Cayce

I. DREAM THEORIES AND HOW THEY ARE PRACTICED

1. FUNCTIONS OF DREAMS - "Self Edification" - building up of the mental, spiritual and physical well-being

A. Problem Solving "preservative effect"
1) Incubation - presenting solutions
a. Use of ESP to show items from the future, past, distant present
b. Reaching beyond oneself to creative forces of God
B. Quickening dreamer to own human potential - helping the dreamer grow.
1) Stretch thinking
2) Developing more mature values
3) To right one's self

2. DREAMS STEMMING FROM DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ONESELF

A. Body Level - Expressions of the physical
1) Body oriented dreams - body working on itself
2) The body calling for aid
B. Subconscious Level - Emblematic Languages
1) Presenting problems of its own function
2) Presenting special information retrieved by its ESP radar
C. Level of Consciousness - Calling to conscious decision and action
D. Level of Superconscious - Source of help, contact with "Universal Forces - Resource of energy and guidance that could provide boundless information and relevant patterns of guidance"
E. Level of the Soul - Gives character and flavor to consciousness - Survives death, reincarnates; carries real ideals and commitment.

3. LEVELS IN DREAMING

A. Body - Body Chemistry, Food disharmony: "Non-dreams"
B. Mind
1) Conscious concerns rehashed during the night: worry dreams
2) Outward experiences correlated with inner structure and perspectives
3) Warning or alerting the dreamer from the subconscious
C. Spiritual - Touching "Universal Forces" awaking the dreamer to new inner potentials

4. ADVENTURING THROUGH DREAMS

A. Quickening hidden potentials
B. Broadens and transforms the dreamer

5. PSYCHIC EXPERIENCES IN DREAMS

A. Reaching into past lives and to "discarnates" (the dead)
B. Outreach of the subconscious, awakening and use of ESP talents
C. Previewing death
D. Dreaming through and beyond death barrier
E. Contact with the dead
F. Contact with the dead into other planes
G. Varieties of dream sharing with the dead

6. HOW TO WORK AND USE DREAMS

A. Using dreams to see and learn the operation of "natural laws" and processes at work
1) Everyone has the potential for psychic development
2) Suggesting/directing the subconscious to approach the "Universal Forces"
3) There is a close parallel between Edgar Cayce's trance state and what occurs in dreams
4) To record dreams, to study the correlations of karmic, spiritual and superconscious forces

7. DREAMS AND MEDICAL READINGS

A. Through dreams, an individual can reach a staggering depth through one's own subconscious about one's total physical condition/ ailments and intuition for the best medical counsel and treatment

8. DREAMS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL READINGS

A. Dreams can explain the systems of the psyche - dreams can deal with questions of strength, ability, temperament, talent, tendencies, relationships, goals and drives
B. All important matters in "life readings" are always reviewed in the individual's dreams - presenting both
1) present questions
2) past life structures

9. DREAMS AND MENTAL, SPIRITUAL READINGS

A. Through dreams one can analyze the whole entity, the soul in its lifelong journey
1) Dreams are occupied with the question of the dreamers' habitual thoughts
2) A comparison of the dreamers' life with their ideals occurs in dreams almost every night
3) In dreams are both counsel and challenge for the dreamer

10. DREAMS AND BUSINESS READINGS

A. One can discover in dreams all that one needs for business prosperity if one is in the right vocation and operating with integrity
B. Such insights are limited to what limits one's own situations
C. A relevant question: What is the soul trying to accomplish with money in its journey through earth lives

11. DREAMS AND READINGS AS HIDDEN RESOURCES

A. Whatever is lost or hidden could rightfully be discovered or disclosed in a dream providing the dreamer is ready to deal with it

12. DREAMS AND READINGS ON SOCIAL CHANGES

A. Awakenings - Individuals can learn to help themselves through prophetic dreams seeking nightly guidance through dreams

13. DREAMS AND TOPICAL READINGS

A. Dreams are capable of producing extensive verbal essays on any topic relevant

II LAWS OF DREAMING

1. DREAM FOCUS

A. Dreams are limited by the conscious focus of the dreamer, i.e., hard study, concentration, activities, etc.
B. Dream guidance is limited to what an individual can constructively use
1) Such information is available through the subconscious and other resources
2) The psyche's self-regulation protects it's balance
C. The "Laws at work" affect the form of dreams causing variations
D. Dreams are conditioned to the subjective condition of the dreamer
1) Health effect of body processes
a. diet
b. physical fitness
c. rest
2) State of mind
E. The effect of dreamers most intimate, personal relationship is reflected in the dream state.
1) Effecting the form of the dream
2) Effecting the quality of the dream
F. One's attitude will effect the dreams

2. PATTERNS IN DREAM INTERPRETATION

A. Review dreams are a process where the dreamer's life or psyche is brought under evaluation
1) One form is a cycle of dreams on the same theme
2) Other forms are dreams that go back to childhood involving many
different individuals
B. Dreams set a smaller dream plot within a larger framework of the dream state
C. Dreams contain significant meaning at several different levels and should be interpreted
accordingly
D. "Urim" - are dream symbols with relatively universal meanings (Archetypes)
1) The appropriateness of interpretation by Urim lay in the type of dreaming native to that particular dreamer
E. Determining the purpose of a dream is a major step in interpreting the dream
1) Dreams are a part of a self-regulating, self-enhancing, self-training program over which the dreamer's own soul is in control
F. Outreach in dreams
1) In dreams, one who draws nearer the Center/All Knowing/God, draws nearer to other individuals who need their help or is drawn to other individuals who can supply needed aid and comfort
2) The all-knowing realities beyond that encompass mankind as well as all else that exists and can be experienced as earthly reality in dreams

3. HOW TO RECALL AND BUILD RECALL OF DREAMS

A. Self suggestions prior to falling asleep help the dreamer recall dreams
B. Seeking guidance (prayer, meditative suggestion)
C. Remembering dreams, before one stirs one's body on awakening
D. Get sufficient rest, relaxation, exercise, fun, change of pace and spiritual attunement
E. Tell the dream and record it; go back over the records often
F. Note the mood upon awakening
G. Act upon the dreams one recalls

4. DREAM INTERPRETATION

A. Weigh the dream content with more familiar aspects of the dreamer's life and thought
B. Understanding through comparison:
a) outward affairs
b) inward thoughts, feelings and intent
C. Determine what the dream refers to
D. Sense the trend of the dream - what it seeks to change or invest with new meaning
E. Study of laws and processes at work in dream, dream series, dreamer and dreamer's affairs
F. Repeat the type of response a dream initiates

5. WHAT HAPPENS TO DREAMS NOT RECALLED

A. Some are 'nocturnal workouts' meant to advance dreamer's total growth without reaching consciousness
B. A dream not fully recalled will repeat, with variations which do not change the reference or intent
C. Some dreams are known to the dreamer more by their actions on the dreamer's body and emotions than on their mind

6. DANGERS IN RECALLING AND USING DREAMS

A. The danger is not recalling and using dreams in that it could force the psyche to get in touch with itself by crisis or illness
B. The danger in recalling dreams is the powerful energy of the subconscious unleashed to one without a sane, balanced, well rounded life
1) It is important to keep an important balance between emotions, thoughts, and diet
2) Selfish misuse of the dream experience releases powerful, harmful "disinterested forces" from the dreamers psyche
C. Usually dreams are self-regulatory, self-correcting in content to what the dreamer can handle
D. One may impair regulator functions by strenuous suggestions to the self before sleep and during semi-waking intervals in sleep
E. There is harm in "forcing" dream experiences of any particular type
F. The unfathomed potential of dreams is always matched by the unfathomed freedom of one's will

7. HOW TO START INTERPRETING DREAMS

A. Proper study of dreams is first of all - oneself
1. One can grasp oneself due to requisite depth
B. One interprets the dreamer rather than the dream
C. The first step is to determine which of the two major functions of dreams is the primary focus of the dream
1) Problem solving and adaptation to external affairs
2) Awakening and alerting the dreamer to new potential within the self
D. The second step is the process of taking inventory
1) Conscious plans, goals, interests, stances, and decisions
2) Subconscious activities such as hidden habits, fears, longings, dependencies, and defenses
3) The cycles, needs, habits and stresses of the body
4) The soul - in terms of its ideals, searching questions and hidden memories
5) The realm of the "Universal" with its energies and patterns accessed by the superconscious
E. Self study
1) Search out memories
2) List working ideals
a) Comparing what you honor in others with what you honor in yourself
b) Evaluate self-perception against what others perceive in yourself
F. Working with others who work on their dreams
G. Daily meditation on the affirmative and deep silence within
H. Reaching for the "Oneness of all" where dream meanings are transparent
I. Being familiar and searching for "Urim" dream symbols of the human experience

8. WHY DREAMS ARE CONFUSING

A. All speech and thought carries subtle nuances of associations
1) These association come into view in dreams
B. In dreams, associations dictate the facts
1) Dreams originating with the subconscious responding to the daily concerns of the dreamer work up plots and characters to present two things at the same time
a) Restate dreamers conscious concern, decision or plan "deductivity", based on all one knows
b) To show the facts "inductively" by the ESP of the subconscious
2) Four kinds of dream imagery
a) Nonsense
b) Literal
c) Symbolic
d) Visionary

9. HOW DREAM-IMAGES DIFFER

A. Nonsensical or meaningless imagery occurs when the body is reacting to its own stresses
rather than creating images for self-regulation and self-enhancement
B. Literal Imagery
1) Serves the same ends as conscious thought - solving problems
2) Rarely alone - usually accompanied with symbolic material - The literal and dramatic woven together
C. Symbolic or "Emblematic" imagery - which is most dream content
1) Using personal symbols or emblems, the dreams inform and transform
a) Provide information and guidance
b) Though sometimes startling imagery, dreams provide an "experience", a "happening" that goes beyond informing the dreamer to change them.
D. Visionary Imagery
1) Strongly devoted to changing the dreamer with a radical punch

10. BEING POSITIVE OF THE DREAM INTERPRETATION

A. Keep the role of "experience" as an intrinsic part of the dream
B. An important function of interpretation is the movement of the dreamer forward in the total life and growth of the individual
C. Cayce emphasized "Advancement over Announcement"
D. To validate one's dream interpretations
1) Compare one's dream interpretation with dream records
a) The same motifs on a question, problem, or awakining will be expressed in successive dreams of a given night
b) An interpretation for one dream should be compared with past interpretations for similar dreams
c) A repeated theme could indicate that the dreamer has not determined the significance of a dream or acted on it as of yet
d) If a theme shows progression in successive dreams, then the dream is making progress in dealing with that challenge
2) Compare the dream interpretation with the dreamer's subjective impressions of the dream
a) Feelings of release from inner panic or a sense of heightened awareness can cue the dreamer to an accurate interpretation
b) Listen to the small voice within to distinguish the accurate dream meaning it from conscience, conscious anxiety or rationalization
c) Look at the quality of your life- if you are growing you are probably understanding and working well with your dreams
1) One simple test is to reflect on the tension and stress within your waking reality i.e. (how grumpy you are)
2) Examine practical daily life matters in terms of their effectiveness in helping you reach your goals and objectives
d) Examine the quality of your relationships
e) Using spiritual-search groups, people can help each other interpret their lives, not only just through dreams but by talking honestly and deeply about their real concerns

11. HOW THE USEFULLNESS OF DREAMS CAN IMPROVE

A. Dreams can change in length, becoming longer and fuller
B. Dreams can develop sharper definition
C. Dreams can become more spiritually oriented
D. One can go through familiar themes at deeper levels
E. Dreams can become close to waking impressions
F. Dreams can shift to concerns larger than the dreamer's own personal affairs.
1) A dreamer can make one's way through their own layers down to the strata that they share with others in this lifetime.
G. Dreams can offer new experiences over the years - some startling, some adventurous
1) The dreamer will add this type of dream to their permanent repertoire, if they choose to
H. To cultivate clearer dreams, use your dreams
I. To grow in dreams/in life, one has to find and assess their working ideals, philosophies and then line up their pysche with the ideals.
1) Replace self-condemnation/guilt with present action
J. In reviewing one's dream:
1) Seek first the overall thrust of the dream
2) Did the dream end happily or unpleasantly
3) What was the overall attitude or mood it brought forth - why might this be appropriate?
K. A keynote in developing the growth in one's dreams is service to others and producing for others. This course of giving keeps the flow of dreams clean and ever strong.

12. DREAMS OF THE FUTURE AND UNKNOWN PRESENT

A. Psychic phenomena including dreaming of the future and unknown present are natural, lawful processes that can be studied, duplicated and applied
B. Any condition ever becoming reality is first dreamed

13. HOW THE FUTURE IS SYMBOLIZED IN DREAMS

A. The subconscious has the facility of invisioning the future because time values are not as real as they are to the conscious mind
B. Despite relative indifferences of the subconscious to conscious ideals of time and space, it can pinpoint specific details when necessary
C. There are dynamic forces or "spirits" that one finds exemplified in dreams, i.e., the "spirit" of a group of people acting in one interest, such as a corporation or the investors, or one's intentions, etc. One glimpses, in dreams, the "spirit(s)" stretching into the future
D. An avenue to the future lies in glimpsing the past (back to past lives) which has coded the problems of the future
E. Important future developments that come to the dreamer can often appear in dreams of family and close associates, especially in those without too much ego-concern.

14. DREAMS OF THE UNKNOWN PRESENT

A. The dreamers subconscious is using its instinctive ESP, moving freely in space instead of time

15. DREAMS OF THE DEAD AS LIVING ENTITIES

A. Death as birth is a transition for the soul, not an extermination. In death, the Ultimate Source is the same as in life

16. DREAMS FOR THE SAKE OF THE DISCARNATES

A. Sometimes the dead may simply want to be known and recognized as still existent
B. Some discarnates look towards people in the earthly plane to help them in learning their final lessons
C. Some discarnates bring the dreamer guidance or insight into the next plane to accomplish humanitarian work

17. DREAMS USING DISCARNATES TO TEACH THE DREAMER

A. People who need to understand life after death or nearing the transition, will find discarnates to guide them on their journey
1) Dreams can show the individual the kind of body they will have after death
2) How to identify that the individual has died
3) How the individual will progress through various planes
4) What kind of helpers they will encounter

18. WHEN ONE IS READY FOR DREAMS OF THE DEAD

A. One is ready for dreams of the dead when they occur and not before
B. One is ready for dreams of the dead when they fully love and serve the living
C. One is ready for dream contact with the dead when the individual does not speak lightly of them
D. One is ready for dreams of the dead when the individual can give aid to the dead as well as receive aid
E. One is ready for dreams of dead loved ones when the individual has worked out grief and guilt regarding them and has forgiven them for pain. Lack of this makes it next to impossible to contact the dead
F. One may dream of death in preparation for the individual's own death

19. DREAMING OF REINCARNATION

A. One may meet oneself as one had been in other lives. Such dreams might occur by:
1) Recalling the scene from a past life exactly as it once happened
2) Dreaming of a present scene but with the plot supplied by forces from a past life
B. One lives past lives in a present, and at varying degrees, of the present at the some time
C. A distinction of dreams based in the past or the present is not significant
D. What matters is that the dreamer act on the dream, regardless of its base in the past, present, or future
E. It suggests that all serious dreams are woven with threads of past-life themes
F. A dreamer can achieve a perspective of the dream by dreaming actual memories from past lives such as ancient foreign scenes, languages, etc.
G. The study of reincarnation is just as important to study (through dreams) as is studying life after death

III THE PHYSICAL SELF THROUGH DREAMS

1. USING DREAMS FOR A HEALTHY BODY

A. Because the mind is located in the body, it is indirectly effected by diet, exercise, eliminations, and posture
B. Dreams will deal with physical health and other concerns at the same time

2. DREAMS SPECIFICALLY OF THE BODY

A. Dreams indicate warnings for self care or medical assistance
B. In dreams, are symbols of coming or present physical conditions such as pregnancy and the needs for care and preparation
C. Dreams of the body concerns take many forms

3. DREAMS OF BODY FUNCTIONS

A. Dreams can indicate literally or symbolically the malfunctions and remedies of major systems in the body, can specify maladies and indicate over indulgence

4. DREAMS OF BODILY CARE

A. The individual can dream of ways to care and protect the body

5. DREAMS OF MEDICAL AND SELF CARE

A. Through dreams, the individual can evaluate doctors and the effects of drugs on the dreamer
B. Dreams warn how to avoid dangers and how to seek medical counseling
C. Dreams concern the element of prayer as it participates in healing

6. HOW DREAMS OF THE BODY CAN BEST BE APPLIED

A. The dreams can sensitize the dreamer to concerns which they have but are neglecting
B. A dreamer should not take dreams of death and illness literally, for many times it is the subconscious dramatizing tendencies in shocking imagery
C. When dreams are about the body, there is a frequency of some dream element of actual body function such as food, a pain, or a part of the body set in focus
D. If the warning is important, it repeats itself and is frequently given to relatives as well
E. The body may also appear symbolically to the dreamer dramatizing psychological or emotional concerns
F. Animals can dramatize both bodily functions and more significantly psychological attitudes which such animals symbolize in dreams

IV. ORIENTING THE LIFE THROUGH DREAMS

1. EXISTENCE IS ALREADY INVENTED FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

A. The individual only needs to use what is at hand and the rest will be supplied B. There are 2 helping forces at work to guide the unfolding and development of a human life
1) The first force is the person's own creative energy, a force placed in him at creation, bearing a potential for love and creativity as great as the "Universal Origin" itself
2) The second force is a spirituality of helpfulness "abroad in the universe"
C. One's life should be in motion, never idle or drifting. There are always helpful forces which can strengthen one's course in life. Dreams are of prime importance for the meeting of the ultimate creative force of a person with other helpful forces D. Through focusing one's life on the highest values and taking time and care in attunement, one can call forth more guidance through telepathy in ones dreams

2. DREAMS OF PASSION

A. Well rounded lives include passionate energies of sex, anger, etc. thus, portrayed in dreams
B. Cayce advises the dreamer act upon direction shown in dreams by taking time to do things shown in dreams - go to the theater, recreation, etc.

3. DREAMS OF SUCCESS STRIVING

A. Dreams can coach success but wealth and position should not be the ultimate goal; instead should be the quality of one's service to others

4. DREAMS OF SERVING OTHER

A. Service to others is central to human destiny, but is subject to as much distortion of motive as are passion and success. Service and attunement go hand in hand

5. DREAMS OF A FREE LIFE

A. The grasping or regrasping of the free, joyous spirit in the midst of the laws and contingencies govern human existence. This experience can be traced through the various ages of mankind's development. It is the consecration of inner-self to the manifestation of the One Force in one's life
B. Such lifting-up gives the individual a new sense of freedom
C. Through dreams one reaches mental, spiritual, cosmic forces that can be correlated with waking experience to gain knowledge through which the mental, material, moral, the WHOLE being of man may be benefited
D. The eternal is hidden in the ordinary

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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