in early manhood. See [318] series.]
780-5
(Q) Is the suggestion which may be made towards the sex of the child mental or physical?
(A) It is rather of a spiritual nature, but remember the mental or the mind is ever the builder.
(Q) Would the greater positivity of the woman attract a child of the male sex?
(A) To be sure. These vary according to the number of the electrons about any given center.
457-9
(Q) When is the sex of a child determined?
(A) In the activities of the life projected.
(Q) Has the sex already been determined of this being?
(A) Soon will be.
903-6
(Q) Can the sex of the child be changed after it is once determined?
(A) Why consider those conditions that have been set? These are determined in many various ways and manners.
903-8
If there is kept that same attitude of expectancy, of desire for the fulfilling of those purposes of self as related to the coming son, this should be a most satisfactory experience; and bring to the body of self and of the companion a joy that comes to those filling their place in the associations of, in the dealings with, the fellow man.
(Q) Do I understand that the sex of the child is a boy?
(A) As has been given; desire, look for, a son.
1102-3
(Q) Is it indicated what the sex will be?
(A) This has not been determined as yet. Hold to what the body would desire.
4026-1
Thus the readings give information that the sex of a temple is determined by three weeks into gestation but also possibly nineteen years after birth! The parents’ desire (which is to be spiritual, but then we are reminded that mind is the builder) and also their activities can form the sex; the past-life experiences can determine gender. Again, is the gender issue one of a mental perspective or the actual physical manifestation? From the readings, it appears that there is a mental perspective, which may or may not be in accord with the physical appearance. Perhaps it is best to attempt to manifest whatever may be best for the soul’s development and leave the actual choices to Spirit and the soul.
Physical Development
In the following reading, a detailed account is given on each of the developing aspects of the physical temple. Yet again, the importance of the parents’ attitude, particularly the mother, in the development and nature of the development is stressed at the very end of the reading:
It is centered first, then about that known as the cranial center; next the 9th dorsal, or that which is the motivative force to other portions through the umbilical cord, that begins then in the third week to give material manifestations in physical development.
Then the centers of the heart, liver and kidney areas begin their expression.
Thus we have first the pineal, the aerial [See 281-53, Par. 8-A & 281-55, Par. 5-A, 6-A], the adrenals, the thymus—or the pump gland of the heart itself.
Each organ as it materializes in its development forms its own nucleus for the production of that which enables it in itself, from its own glandular system, to reproduce itself.
With the production of itself, the blood system begins its flow—then—in the second month of conception.
Then there begins the growth of the glands that forms eyes, ears, nasal passages; and those areas begin their formations.
The seeking here is for that area, that center, in which the system makes its relative relationships or associations with spiritual, mental and physical being.
These areas indicated, that have come through growth into being in relation to the mental, spiritual and physical attitude of the mother, are constantly dependent upon that one from which the body draws its physical sustenance; but purpose, desire and hope are through the mental. Thus these centers are opposite the umbilical cord, or those areas through which all messages of desire, or of the mental nature, pass; not only to the brain in its reflexes but along the cords to the pineal—that has been and is the extenuation of is first cause.
In those glands that are eventually known as the genital, or in the lyden, and the inner centers of the thyroid through and from which the exterior forces are indicated in their activity, there begins then the formation of the superficial circulation; that leads or connects between its spiritual import, its mental purpose, and its physical development—for their coordination…
These follow through, throughout the periods of gestation, and are dependent still upon the environs, the mental attributes and activities, the purposes and aims of that individual bearing the entity.
Thus it comes into the material world with that held to by that parent, with the characteristics that are the sum of spiritual, mental and material purposes of the first cause, as combined with its age and era or period of development.
281-47
We are again reminded that the force of the mind, which is linked to the Source, is what causes the development of the functioning of the bodily systems:
(Q) What is the condition of the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, organs?
(A) As indicated, these show changes coming about; that is, the age, the activities, the desires, the hopes and the fears affect the body-physical, each bringing about changes. For, in a body—the formation of a body from the first concept—there is first the formation of brain, heart, and liver, then the kidneys. These then become the organs of the central system—as to the blood supply, as to nerve energies. Then as the mind forces function, or those activities governed by the creating of glandular centers that control functioning, these change according to the natural developments of a physical organism.
257-243
Thus, even when expounding on the physical development, the Source returns to the purposes of the parent and the physical, mental, and spiritual manifestations of those purposes.
Over and over we are reminded that thoughts are things. It cannot be emphasized enough how much the Source of the readings stresses having a positive attitude, particularly in the time of pregnancy: “Keep that attitude of hopeful expectancy, and we should find better influences and forces for the body.” (578-9)
Physical Care of the Mother
Overview. Even though mind is the builder, because the temple is physical, certain physical practices need to be followed by the mother. Nutrition and exercise are very important during pregnancy. The readings also called for adjustments by an osteopath and the use of Atomidine during pregnancy to assist the body with its changes. The readings consistently cautioned against using the usual medications for nausea, as the nausea is normal and part of the process. Drinking limeade was recommended, along with getting up later and being quieter in the morning.
Exercise.