What Are Dreams?

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In Edgar Cayce’s readings, a dream is an experience that forms while the ordinary conscious mind is quiet and becomes available to the waking mind through an impression or memory. In answer to the question “What is a dream?”, Cayce said that when the body has “laid aside the conscious” in sleep, impressions may be “brought back to the conscious mind”; when this happens, “it is termed a dream” (3744-5).

Cayce described dreams as coming through several channels. Some are connected with the physical body. He said that bodily conditions, including digestion, may influence dreams: “Such manifestations are termed or called nightmares” (3744-5). In another reading he described dreams “of the purely physical,” where conditions are “magnified through the action of the digestive system” (2218-1). A disturbing or confused dream, then, may reflect what is happening in the body rather than carry a deeper message.

Other dreams reflect the mind’s thoughts and feelings. Cayce said that thoughts from waking life can pass into the subconscious and reappear in dreams. “The conscious forces feed the subconscious,” he explained, and thoughts carried in the mind may return “through dreams” (136-7). He also described some dreams as the self trying to communicate with the everyday mind: “the self, or the ENTITY—the soul of self—attempts to reason with the purely mental mind” (2218-1).

In this view, dreams can bring together the body, the conscious mind, and the subconscious. Cayce called them “experiences of correlation” between mental and physical conditions and the subconscious (302-3). He also described dreams as “the speech of the conditions in the mental, physical, or sub-conscious self” (900-8). A dream may therefore reflect what a person is thinking about, what they are feeling, what the body is experiencing, or several of these at once.

Cayce often said that the subconscious presents ideas through symbols. In one reading, he described dreams as “symbolic conditions, each representing a various phase to the mental development of the entity” (136-54). He also said that the inner forces present “emblematical conditions” for a person’s “study and for its good” (140-6). A house, mountain, journey, or other image may therefore represent an inner condition or a stage of personal development, rather than having one fixed meaning for everyone.

For this reason, Cayce advised people to look at their own lives when considering a dream. “Dreams are presented in symbols, in signs,” he said, and advised the dreamer to interpret them “in thyself,” rather than depend on a dream book or on what others say (1968-10). The meaning may be found by asking what the dream connects with in one’s thoughts, relationships, choices, worries, hopes, or physical condition.

Cayce also described dreams as a way to review experience and learn from it. He said dreams may bring “the more perfect understanding” of the forces at work in a person’s life (140-6). Another reading says they can make experiences “applicable to the mental, material, or physical conditions” of a person’s life (195-37). In a later reading, he described dreams as showing lessons that may be used “in the daily life” (900-269). The dream matters, in this sense, when its meaning helps a person understand or improve their waking life.

Some readings describe dreams as reaching beyond ordinary thought. Cayce said that dreams may begin in the body, the mind, or “the realm of activity without the body through the desires and purposes of the soul itself” (262-64). He also spoke of dreams that may bring “warnings, or knowledge, or understanding” (2218-1). In another reading, he described the possibility of “visions of the past, visions of the present, visions of the future,” adding that to the subconscious “there is no past or future—all present” (136-54).

Cayce did not treat every dream as having the same origin or meaning. He described “dreams of many natures,” including physical reactions, mental impressions, symbolic lessons, and experiences he associated with the soul (281-27; 2218-1). Some dreams may be confused or shaped by bodily conditions; others may reveal recurring thoughts or feelings; and still others may feel like guidance or a warning.

Taken together, the readings describe dreams as impressions formed through the body, mind, subconscious, and, at times, the soul. They may reflect what is already active within a person, express it in symbols, and offer insight that can be applied in daily life. As Cayce put it, dreams are “for the interpretation and use of the body,” with “each giving their lesson” (900-312).

A few readings connect dreams with planetary sojourns—the soul’s experiences in planetary spheres—and with the mental tendencies or longings associated with those experiences.

In Reading 1992-1, Cayce says: “In the astrological aspects we find Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn a part of the entity’s experiences… And thus we have innate or manifested urges according to the dreams or visions of the entity.” The reading continues: “Then as the physical consciousness is laid aside, there may come dreams or visions…”

In Reading 2409-1, Cayce speaks more directly about planetary sojourns: “These come from sojourns in Jupiter, Uranus, Venus. Hence sentiment, the mental, the vision of power and activity in varied spheres of material expression will be the dreams of the body…”

Here, the passage links those planetary experiences with qualities such as sentiment, thought, and a vision of power or activity, which may show themselves in dreams.

Reading 259-8 also connects planetary influences with inner experience: “As to the astrological influences and the sojourns of the entity in those environs about the earth, only as mental influences may these be seen in the experience of the mental developments in the present sojourn.” It then adds: “Hence sentiment, the mental, the vision of power and activity in varied spheres of material expression will be the dreams of the body…”

Taken together, these readings describe planetary sojourns as influences that may appear through a person’s mental development, natural urges, hopes, and dreams. They do not necessarily say that every dream is a literal memory of visiting a planet; the emphasis is on planetary experiences expressing themselves as mental influences in the present life.

Cayce also cautions against treating astrology as fixed destiny. Reading 2409-1 says: “An entity is not thus influenced because of being born under a certain star…”

The passage instead stresses the soul’s choices and development: how a person uses their will and expresses qualities such as “mercy, justice and right.”

Reading 5749-4 Explained

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Edgar Cayce Reading 5749-4, given on August 6, 1933, is one of the most interesting readings concerning Jesus the Christ, the Christ Consciousness, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds. It explains not only who Jesus is, but also how the presence of Christ may be experienced within human life. The reading discusses the nature of the soul, the meaning of spiritual oneness, the existence of heavenly realms, and the possibility of direct communication with Christ. Above all, it teaches that spiritual understanding comes through faith, love, patience, and bringing the human will into harmony with the will of God.

One of the most remarkable features of this reading is the identity of the speaker. Instead of Cayce simply giving information about Jesus, the reading begins with the words, "I, John, would speak with thee concerning the Lord, the Master, as He walked among men." The speaker appears to identify himself as John, the disciple of Jesus. This is especially interesting because the reading presents itself as a message from someone who personally knew Jesus during His earthly life. The speaker continues, "As given, if all that He did and said were written, I suppose the world would not contain all that may be said." These words closely reflect the closing verse of the Gospel of John, which suggests that the life and works of Jesus were far greater than the written accounts could contain. The identity of the speaker cannot be independently confirmed, but the reading presents John as a witness to the continuing spiritual presence of Christ.

The reading explains that Jesus is not simply a historical figure who lived two thousand years ago. He remains a living spiritual presence who may be approached by those who sincerely seek Him. It states, "He may be approached by those who in sincerity and earnestness seek to know Him - and to be guided by Him." This means that the relationship between Christ and humanity did not end with His physical death or resurrection. His guidance remains available to those who seek Him with faith and an open heart. However, the reading also teaches that faith must become part of daily living. It asks, "Believest thou? Then let thine activities bespeak that thou wouldst have, in spirit, in truth." Belief is therefore more than accepting a religious teaching. True belief is shown through actions, attitudes, and the way a person treats others.

One of the deepest teachings appears when the reading explains the difference between Jesus Consciousness and Christ Consciousness. It states, "The Christ Consciousness is a universal consciousness of the Father Spirit. The Jesus consciousness is that man builds as body worship." This distinction is important. Jesus was the man who lived in the physical world and demonstrated the perfect expression of divine love and obedience. Christ Consciousness, however, is described as the universal consciousness of the Father, which is not limited to one physical body or one period of history. Jesus perfectly expressed this consciousness through His earthly life. The reading therefore encourages a deeper understanding of Christ, beyond the outward worship of Jesus as a historical person, while still recognising Jesus as the living Master.

The reading continues, "In the Christ Consciousness, then, there is the oneness of self, self's desires, self's abilities, made in at-onement with the forces that may bring to pass that which is sought by an individual entity or soul." This explains that Christ Consciousness is a condition of spiritual harmony. The thoughts, desires, abilities, and purposes of the individual become united with the will of God. Instead of allowing selfish desires to control life, the person gradually learns to express divine love and wisdom. The word at-onement is especially meaningful because it points toward becoming at one with God. Spiritual growth is therefore a process of bringing the whole self into harmony with the divine purpose.

The reading also explains how meditation may awaken a deeper awareness of Christ. One person described feeling a strong desire during meditation to learn more about Jesus. The answer was, "The inner self approached nearer the attunement of the consciousness of the Christ presence." This suggests that meditation may bring the soul into closer harmony with spiritual consciousness. As the mind becomes quiet and the heart becomes receptive, the individual may become more aware of the divine presence. The reading encourages this experience with the words, "Seek this the more often. He will speak with thee, for His promises are true - every one of them." Meditation is therefore presented not merely as a way to relax the mind, but as a means of developing a closer relationship with Christ.

Another remarkable part of the reading concerns the relationship between the inner and outer worlds. During meditation, one person experienced the realization that the forces within and the forces outside were the same. The reading describes this experience through the words, "the without and within are ONE." This is a profound spiritual teaching. Human beings normally see themselves as separate from the world around them. They may also imagine God as existing somewhere far away. Yet this statement suggests that the divine source of life is present both within the individual and throughout creation. The inner spiritual life and the outer physical world are not completely separate realities. They are connected through the same Creative Force.

The reading strengthens this understanding with the simple statement, "Life is an essence of the Father." Life itself is presented as an expression of God. Every living being receives life from the same divine source. The physical world is therefore not separate from spiritual reality, but is a place where spiritual laws and purposes may become visible. This does not mean that every human thought or action expresses the will of God. Rather, it means that the source of life is divine, while human beings must learn to bring their thoughts and actions into harmony with that source.

The reading goes even further by describing how spiritual consciousness may affect the physical body. It speaks of a condition in which "the desires of the heart make each atom of the physical body vibrate with the consciousness of, the belief and the faith and the presence of, the Christ life, the Christ Consciousness." Within Cayce's spiritual teaching, the body, mind, and soul are closely connected. Thoughts, beliefs, desires, and spiritual attitudes influence how a person experiences life. The reference to every atom vibrating with Christ Consciousness expresses the idea that spiritual harmony may involve the whole person, not only the mind. The body becomes an instrument through which love, peace, and the divine purpose may be expressed.

This understanding continues when the reading states that the Christ life "may be glorified in each atom of a physical body that attunes self to the consciousness and the WILL of the Christ Spirit." The important word here is attunes. Just as a musical instrument must be tuned to produce the correct sound, the human mind and will must be brought into harmony with the divine spirit. Prayer, meditation, faith, and loving actions help develop this harmony. The purpose is not simply to produce unusual spiritual experiences, but to allow the qualities of Christ to become visible in everyday life.

Another important question concerns the nature of heaven and the spiritual worlds. Someone asks, "Is the Celestial Sphere a definite place in the Universe or is it a state of mind?" The answer suggests that it may involve both a place of experience and a condition of consciousness. The reading explains that when a soul enters a particular sphere, the finite human mind understands existence through "space, place, time." Human beings are accustomed to thinking that everything must exist somewhere. Yet spiritual existence may not be limited by the same conditions that govern physical life.

The reading also describes spiritual existence as "a onement with, or attunement with, the Whole." This suggests that the condition of the soul is closely related to its awareness of God. Heaven is therefore more than a distant location. It is also a state of spiritual harmony and understanding. The soul's development, desires, and consciousness influence its experience of spiritual life. Different spiritual spheres may represent different conditions of awareness, while all remain within the greater reality of God's creation.

The reading makes another important statement: "God is love; hence occupies a space, place, condition, and IS the Force that permeates all activity." God is described not simply as a being located in one place, but as the living Force present throughout creation. Divine love is the foundation of life and the power through which spiritual harmony becomes possible. This helps explain why love is so important throughout the Cayce readings. Love is not merely a human emotion. It is presented as a fundamental spiritual law through which the soul becomes more conscious of its relationship with God.

The reading then addresses the present existence of Jesus the Christ. Someone asks whether Jesus is living in another physical body on earth or existing in a particular spiritual sphere. The answer states, "Hence not in a body in the earth, but may come at will to him who WILLS to be one with, and acts in love to make same possible." According to this reading, Jesus has not returned to earth through another ordinary human incarnation. Instead, He exists as a spiritual entity who may make His presence known to those who sincerely seek Him. The condition for this relationship is not simply curiosity or the desire for supernatural experiences. It is the willingness to become one with His purpose and to act in love.

The reading also speaks directly about the resurrection and the future return of Jesus. It declares, "For, He shall come as ye have seen Him go, in the BODY He occupied in Galilee." It then describes "The body that He formed, that was crucified on the cross, that rose from the tomb." This is significant because the reading does not present Christ merely as an impersonal spiritual force. It recognises Jesus as a distinct spiritual being whose earthly life, crucifixion, and resurrection remain important. Christ Consciousness is universal, yet Jesus is presented as the perfect expression of that consciousness and as the living Master who continues to guide humanity.

Perhaps one of the most moving questions in the reading is, "Wherever He is, how may I contact Him so that I may see Him and hear Him speak?" The answer is simple but profound: "The making of the will of self one with His will makes a whole attunement with Him." The reading does not recommend a complicated ritual or secret method. Instead, it teaches that spiritual communion begins when personal desires are brought into harmony with the will of Christ. This requires sincerity, humility, faith, and a willingness to live according to His teachings. The closer the individual comes to expressing divine love, the closer that individual comes to spiritual attunement with Christ.

The answer continues with the promise, "He WILL, with the making of self in accord and desiring same, speak with thee." It also gives the comforting words, "Be not afraid, it is I." These statements present Christ as a living presence rather than a distant figure from religious history. The reading suggests that spiritual communication is possible, but it places the emphasis on inner harmony rather than the pursuit of visions or voices. The true purpose of seeking Christ is to know His will and become a better expression of His love.

Another person asks whether a vision experienced during meditation was a vision of the Master. The answer is, "A passing shadow, yes." However, the reading immediately directs attention away from the vision itself. It advises, "Pray rather to the Son, the Father through the Son, that He walks with thee - and He WILL walk and talk with thee." This is an important lesson. A vision may be meaningful, but it is not the final purpose of spiritual development. The deeper goal is a continuing relationship with Christ, expressed through prayer, faith, and daily living.

The reading adds, "He may oft give His angels charge concerning thee, yet know the Master's touch, the Master's voice; for He may walk and talk with thee." Angels are recognised as spiritual helpers, but the reading encourages seekers to look beyond spiritual messengers toward Christ himself. This places the relationship with the Master above the desire to communicate with other spiritual beings. The message is that spiritual experiences should lead to greater love, understanding, and closeness to God, rather than becoming ends in themselves.

The reading also discusses the second coming of Christ. When asked whether Jesus will establish an everlasting kingdom on earth, the answer states, "He shall rule for a thousand years. Then shall Satan be loosed again for a season." This reflects the language of the Book of Revelation and connects the reading with the Christian teaching of Christ's future reign. It also shows that the reading includes both the inward spiritual experience of Christ and the expectation of His future return. The personal awakening of Christ Consciousness does not replace the reading's teaching about Jesus as the living and returning Master.

Near the end, someone asks, "How may I raise my vibrations so as to contact the Christ?" The answer again returns to the same essential principle: "Making the will, the desire of the heart, one with His, believing in faith, in patience, all becomes possible in Him, through Him to the Father." This is one of the clearest teachings in the entire reading. Raising one's spiritual vibrations is not described as a mechanical process or an attempt to gain unusual powers. It is a change in the heart, mind, and will. Faith, patience, love, and obedience bring the individual into closer harmony with Christ.

The reading concludes this answer with the words, "according to thy faith be it done in thee." Faith is presented as an active spiritual force. It is not simply believing that something is true, but living with trust in God and allowing that trust to influence decisions and actions. Patience is equally important because spiritual growth takes place through daily experience. A person gradually develops greater understanding by practising the teachings of Christ in ordinary situations.

Throughout Reading 5749-4, there is a close relationship between spiritual knowledge and practical living. The reading teaches about universal consciousness, heavenly spheres, the resurrection, spiritual communication, and the divine presence within the physical body. Yet these extraordinary subjects repeatedly lead back to a simple instruction: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Love is the foundation of spiritual development. Knowledge alone is not enough. Meditation, prayer, and spiritual experiences have their greatest value when they help a person become more loving, patient, forgiving, and willing to serve others.

The reading also encourages each soul "to magnify that you, as souls, as beings, would make manifest of His love, in the way He will show thee day by day." This means that spiritual growth takes place in everyday life. Each person has opportunities to express Christ's love through kindness, understanding, service, and compassion. The presence of Christ is not limited to moments of meditation or prayer. It may also be expressed through simple actions, through the way difficulties are faced, and through the willingness to help others.

One of the deepest messages of Reading 5749-4 is that Christ Consciousness is universal, yet the relationship with Christ is also deeply personal. The divine life is present throughout creation, but each soul must choose whether to become conscious of it and live in harmony with it. Jesus is presented as the perfect example of this union between the human and the divine. His life demonstrates what becomes possible when the human will is completely united with the will of the Father.

Ultimately, Reading 5749-4 teaches that the purpose of spiritual development is not merely to understand the mysteries of heaven or to experience extraordinary visions. It is to become one with the divine purpose and to express the love of Christ in daily life. The path is open through sincere prayer, meditation, faith, patience, and loving service. The reading's central message is that Christ is not simply someone to be remembered from the past, but a living spiritual presence to be sought, followed, and made manifest through the way a person lives.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 5749-4

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va., this 6th day of August, 1933, in accordance with request made by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Minnie and C. A. Barrett, Esther Wynne, Florence and Edith Edmonds, Frances Y. Morrow, Mildred Davis, Ruth LeNoir and L. B. Cayce.

Time: 4:30 to 5:00 P. M.

TEXT

GC: You will have before you the Norfolk Study Group #1, members of which are present in this room, who seek more knowledge of, and that a reading be given on, Jesus the Christ. We would appreciate all knowledge that might be given on Him at this time, after which you will answer the questions that may be asked by each individual present.

EC: Yes, we have the group as gathered here; and their work, their desires. We will seek that as may be given at this time.

"I, John, would speak with thee concerning the Lord, the Master, as He walked among men. As given, if all that He did and said were written, I suppose the world would not contain all that may be said."

As He, the Christ, is in His glory that was ordained of the Father, He may be approached by those who in sincerity and earnestness seek to know Him - and to be guided by Him. As He has given, by faith all things are made possible through belief in His name.

Believest thou? Then let thine activities bespeak that thou wouldst have, in spirit, in truth.

Seek, then, each in your own way and manner, to magnify that you, as souls, as beings, would make manifest of His love, in the way He will show thee day by day.

As He came into the world, as man knows the world, then He became as man; yet in the spirit world He seeks to make manifest that sought by those who do His biddings.

For, as He gave, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. These are not new, and are not grievous, that ye love one another - even as the Father loveth me."

(Q) [993]: Please explain why during meditation last Monday noon I had the longing to seek more knowledge of, and a reading on, Jesus the Christ.

(A) The inner self approached nearer the attunement of the consciousness of the Christ presence.

The Christ Consciousness is a universal consciousness of the Father Spirit. The Jesus consciousness is that man builds as body worship.

In the Christ Consciousness, then, there is the oneness of self, self's desires, self's abilities, made in at-onement with the forces that may bring to pass that which is sought by an individual entity or soul. Hence at that particular period self was in accord. Hence the physical consciousness had the desire to make it an experience of the whole consciousness of self.

Seek this the more often. He will speak with thee, for His promises are true - every one of them.

(Q) [560]: Please explain: While meditating I had the realization of the forces within and the forces without being the one and the same force. Then as if someone said: "Why not look to the within?" When I turned to the within, I received a realization of the Christ which seemed to take form in body.

(A) In this the body-consciousness experienced much that "I, even John, experienced when I looked behind me from the cave and saw that the without and within are ONE," [John 11:38? John's witnessing the healing of Lazarus?] when the desires of the heart make each atom of the physical body vibrate with the consciousness of, the belief and the faith and the presence of, the Christ life, the Christ Consciousness.

Life is an essence of the Father. The Christ, taking up the life of the man Jesus, becomes life in glory; and may be glorified in each atom of a physical body that attunes self to the consciousness and the WILL of the Christ Spirit.

(Q) [69]: Is the Celestial Sphere a definite place in the Universe or is it a state of mind?

(A) When an entity, a soul, passes into any sphere, with that it has builded in its celestial body, it must occupy - to a finite mind - space, place, time. Hence, to a finite mind, a body can only be in a place, a position. An attitude, sure - for that of a onement with, or attunement with, the Whole.

For, God is love; hence occupies a space, place, condition, and IS the Force that permeates all activity.

So, Christ is the ruling force in the world that man, in his finite mind - the material body, must draw to self of that sphere of which the entity, the soul, is a part, of whatever period of experience, to be conscious of an existence in that particular sphere or plane.

(Q) Is Jesus the Christ on any particular sphere or is He manifesting on the earth plane in another body?

(A) As just given, all power in heaven, in earth, is given to Him who overcame. Hence He is of Himself in space, in the force that impels through faith, through belief, in the individual entity. As a Spirit Entity. Hence not in a body in the earth, but may come at will to him who WILLS to be one with, and acts in love to make same possible.

For, He shall come as ye have seen Him go, in the BODY He occupied in Galilee. The body that He formed, that was crucified on the cross, that rose from the tomb, that walked by the sea, that appeared to Simon, that appeared to Philip, that appeared to "I, even John."

(Q) Wherever He is, how may I contact Him so that I may see Him and hear Him speak?

(A) The making of the will of self one with His will makes a whole attunement with Him. He WILL, with the making of self in accord and desiring same, speak with thee. "Be not afraid, it is I." [8/20/33 See 262-51, Par. 8-A, 9-A in re Mrs. [69] making herself more in accord so He will speak.]

(Q) [585]: Was the vision I saw early one morning several months ago a vision of the Master?

(A) A passing shadow, yes. Pray rather to the Son, the Father through the Son, that He walks with thee - and He WILL walk and talk with thee. Be NOT satisfied with ANY other. He may oft give His angels charge concerning thee, yet know the Master's touch, the Master's voice; for He may walk and talk with thee. HE is the Way; there is no other. He in body suffered; for himself, yea - for thee also. Wilt thou turn, then, to any other?

(Q) When Jesus the Christ comes the second time, will He set up His kingdom on earth and will it be an everlasting kingdom?

(A) Read His promises in that ye have written of His words, even as "I gave". He shall rule for a thousand years. Then shall Satan be loosed again for a season.

(Q) [379]: How may I raise my vibrations so as to contact the Christ?

(A) Making the will, the desire of the heart, one with His, believing in faith, in patience, all becomes possible in Him, through Him to the Father; for He gave it as it is. Believest thou?

Then, "according to thy faith be it done in thee".

We are through.