This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 14th day of August, 1929, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [256], via Mrs. [903] and Mr. [257].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [256], Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Robinson, and Mr. L. B. Cayce. Born January 10, 1897, Boston, Mass.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces, as are latent and exhibited in the present entity.
2. In entering we find astrologically the entity coming under the influence of Aquarius and Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, and Neptune. Water will ever be a factor in this body's endeavors. The body should ever live near large bodies of water. Be more careful of those of high mountains or gorges, and of distant places.
3. In entering, we find the influences that give to the entity exceptional abilities in the present experience, in lines or individual factors. These, kept in the manner toward which the entity would apply will's influence, by keeping an IDEAL - not an idea - an IDEAL - before self, will build for self that which will carry the entity to where few, if any, appearances would be necessary again in this mundane sphere.
4. In the abilities as come through the influences in Aquarius, we find the entity could, or would, be able to apply self in influencing those that have to do with mathematical calculations, especially regarding aeronautics or boat building. The entity may become an architect beyond compare, provided these have to do with those elements that have to do with water or air.
5. Those influences in Jupiter and in Neptune bring for the entity those desire of study, those desires of loneliness; yet the life filled with those conditions that have to do with people. People and things, BOTH, interest the entity. The barter and sale interest little. Moneys mean little to the entity, save as for that to procure that necessary in the affairs of everyday life. Rather those of character, and those of that that builds for an individual as to being their worth, and their worth to the entity meaning their ability to aid in given direction, or in giving to individuals or groups that which will aid them in making life either easier or more profitable - whether for moneys or for pleasures, or for own development.
6. In the likes and dislikes for this entity, these are apparently contradictory - for affection or love RULES the life in many respects, yet little affection is shown, except in some directions - yet the deeper affection, as friendships, and love of individuals and of things, are to the entity of the same nature - yet these, builded in a manner, are better in the application in the present experience. To the entity friendships are strong. Dislikes are also strong, but the actions in dislikes are rather as if they did not exist, or as if individuals or things did not exist. The entity then is, in a manner, NOT a fatalist, yet activities would tend to make one believe such were the innate beliefs of the entity. Rather the love of the whole, or of the oneness of all force, gives that portion in the life that brings those conditions which build.
7. In the mathematical end of developments may the entity gain much, especially in study that has to do with the mystic, and the mysticism of numbers. These to the entity may be made much worth while. The entity may aid self, aid others, in the study of not only astrology but astronomy, and numbers as associated with same; aiding individuals in that, through that, that may be builded from character, as related to individual development, and the entity may then find that which will, may become, in THIS individual application of truths, that as the astrologer then for same, through numbers. Not through astrology alone. Rather numbers, and the application of numbers and numerology in its DEEPER sense. These are the elements that interest the entity. These may be worked out with mathematical precision in MANY individuals, yet applied with that as may be attained from an individual's life appliance - that is, the application of the individual towards life itself, or towards the entity's application of life in its own individuality, these may aid much in the establishing of truths in these directions.
8. In the appearances in the earth plane, these we find coordinate with these vary conditions that may be builded in the entity, for -
9. In the one before this we find the entity was the monk in that rule when the peoples in now England set out for the Holy Land to defend the Cross against those inroads of the then surging crowds or hordes over the land. The entity remaining, yet following same and ever begrudging, as it were, those that were able in physical manner to carry forward that felt within self the defense of that ideal. In the name Islac. The entity changed same, in the taking of the hood, to that of Adria. In this present experience, these of study - these of the stars - these of mystic numbers, places, conditions, are all absorbing to the entity. Rather apply same as to the relationships of numbers, mystic forces and symbols, to that of the creative energies as are given through Him that came as the ransom for many, making man one WITH the Creative Energy in the life, in the manner of showing forth to others that the pathway may be led in the direction where all may be one with that Energy. So, in numbers - so, in mystic forces - so, in the cycle of things - may THIS entity, applying same with the life as led by the Master, guide many - as aids in physical, in material, in spiritual life.
10. In the one before this we find the entity was among those who were of the Wise Men coming into Jerusalem and to Bethlehem when the Master came into the earth. The entity then in the name Ashtueil, coming in from the mountains of what is now known as Arabia and India. The entity gained through this period in pointing out that through the various forces as were added in the experiences of man with that creation of forces necessary to keep the balance in the universal forces, the earth must bring forth that that would make man's balance of force with the Creative Energy as one, and the Son of Man appeared. The entity brought the frankincense and gave same to the Master at that period.
11. In the one before this we find in that land where divisions arose, or as may be called Egypt now, when there was the building of those that came to understand the teachings as were being propounded by the professors, the doctors, the lawyers, the artisans. The entity builded in that of setting up the first study of how that the square of the one equal in the square of the other, as related to numbers and the POSITIONS of numbers as related to the stars in the universe, and the relation of one to another. The entity will EASILY understand Einstein's theory. Few would!
12. In the abilities in the present experience, the entity gains and loses. Loses in the gratifying of selfish desires.
13. In the application of the present, still we find figures, numbers, and peoples' mental development, most interesting.
14. As to the abilities, then, and the application of same in the present - in the studies as are being made here, will the entity apply self in that direction, the entity may become that one that may aid much in having individuals understand numbers, mysticism of numbers; also in the relationships of ASTROLOGICAL effects (without the application of will) in the lives of individuals.
15. Ready for questions.
16. (Q) In what way may the entity be of assistance in the work of the Association of National Investigators, Inc.?
    (A) Just given!
17. (Q) In what specific capacity?
    (A) Just given! Become the astrologer for the Association's membership! giving to these the weeks, the years, and that that influences without respect of will; or an INTERPRETER with same of that information as to how an individual has or has not applied will's forces in the earth's experience. Also the relationship of the sojourn in the various elements that have to do with the spheres as related to earth's sphere - the variations from one passing through Arcturus to other forces, or returning to Saturn!
18. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n office
    Copy to Datastician
    Copy to Morton Blumenthal
    Copy to David E. Kahn

BACKGROUND

1. 8/08/29 He requested a Life Rdg., via Mrs. [903] and Mr. [257].
2. 8/12/29 EC attempted the rdg. but couldn't get anything.
3. 8/14/29 He was present for the rdg.

REPORTS

1. 8/20/29 Mr. [257] wrote: "[256] just left here. My, what a marvelous reading. I'm so glad he came down there. Well, all I can say is that you have another 'crusader' for the cause."
2. 9/02/29 Mr. [256] wrote EC: "Please send me half a dozen or so of each of the booklets published by the Ass'n, so that I may use them among some of my [..., Mass.] friends with whom I have talked regarding the Ass'n work? I look back with genuine pleasure on my trip to Va. Beach and know that the friendships that resulted will always be with me.
   "I am working out a plan of study, in fact have already started the study of astronomy and astrology, as suggested in my Life Rdg. I am tremendously interested in the work that the Ass'n is doing and know that its unselfish motive and ideals will bear fruit.
   "Does my fishing record still stand? If anyone catches a larger fish I'll know it is one of those I lost off my hook (what egotism).
   "I send my best wishes to you and your family and ask that you remember me to them and to my friends at the Hospital."
3. 9/06/29 EC's letter: "We have had a few fishing trips. I think I saw the brother to that large trout you caught, but I wasn't able to land him."
4. 1/10/30 He obtained Ck. Life Rdg. 256-2.
5. 1/29/30 He wrote: "I am very grateful for the rdg. [256-2] and now have a clearer picture of some points that were doubtful. I wish it were possible to discuss it with you but that will have to stand until I see you. My meagre knowledge of your work being done prevents a complete understanding of some things, but time will remedy that, I am sure.
   I also rec'd my copy of The New Tomorrow and congratulate you on its issue. Those responsible for its production have given something of which they may feel proud. To me it is a means of contact with those not actively or directly concerned with the work, like myself, and should prove of real value in publicity and education."
6. 7/27/31 He obtained Life Rdg. 2724-1 for a friend.
7. 7/28/31 He obtained Life Rdg. 933-1 for his brother.
8. 3/16/32 He wrote: "I am now sending under separate cover a copy of the book I mentioned to you before, 'The Mystical Life of Jesus.' I enjoyed it very much and was particularly interested in that part relating to the visit and activities of the Wise Men. I hope you enjoy it. I sometimes think that my present activities are so inconsequential, of such seemingly small significance. The problem of earning a living, and of meeting my family obligations, interferes with my true objective in life, which, as you know, is to carry out the suggestions of my Life Rdg. I know the opportunity will come to do this work and I trust I shall ever be worthy of its privileges and responsibilities. I recognize and am deeply appreciative for your having pointed out the way to me. I am but one of hundreds who might similarly express to you their gratitude...
   "Please accept the enclosed as a belated Christmas gift... My family are still looking for their rdgs. but I tell them to try and be patient while I get my financial house in order...
   "Mother [403] is in N.Y. just now with my sister [338] who was obliged to spend the winter in Fla. on acct. of her health. My aunt and two cousins are staying with me and my brothers while Mother is away."
9. 8/16/32 He obtained Physical Rdg. 256-3.
10. 8/19/32 He obtained 256-4 in re preparing himself to become a SFG Study Group leader for A.R.E.
11. 4/29/33 He requested Life Rdg. 338-2 for his sister.
12. 6/10/33 He reported on his sister's Life Rdg., saying: "I was particularly interested in the distinction made between the astrological and numerological influences [in 338-2], as that to me is still a vital interest although dormant or inactive for the present."
13. 8/27/33 He requested Life Rdg. 403-1 for his mother. He also wrote:
    "I wonder whether the rdgs. ever told of karmic obligations that had to be worked out; that is, (if I can explain what I mean) much of our activities and many of our experiences probably result from previous activities that we are obliged to work out, or to offset, or to right, if wrong, etc. I am assuming this is so. Now, if each individual has obligations toward others that are carried over, is it possible to determine those things to be taken care of this time, or if not taken care of, must be carried over to the next. Sometimes, it may not be possible to recognize an obligation as such and pass it by, whereas, having a knowledge of what ought to be done, the individual can then decide whether he wants to do it or to assume the responsibility for not doing it, or if he knows the one to whom he is indebted, he can make a determined effort to right things if he chooses. This would not seem to interfere with the ever dominating will power, but would aid in recognizing something about which there might be a doubt. Or is all this logical?
    "Another thing about which I wondered was whether the soul of the individual is a part of one that is dual, that is, if the complete soul is separated, each half seeking the other. The reason I ask this is that I have read in several books of a mystical nature that this is so and wondered if you were familiar with this. As I understand it, each half evolves, separately, but when perfection is reached by each, there is a union of the two into a perfect state. Again, does this tie in with the information in the rdgs.?"
14. 9/01/33 EC's letter:
    Yes, the readings have had a great deal to say about Karmic influences, and that - according to the readings - is where the saving grace of the Christ comes in our activity. He takes the burdens, if we will but trust in Him. It would be hard to write a detailed outline of what has been given on this, but sometime when we can talk - or as we get up parallel reading for the study groups - many of these points will be discussed. There will be twelve or more such papers prepared during the next year. One of these is just about ready now, on the Oneness of all Force (Relativity, or What is God) [262-52].
    Yes, the obligations that individuals have one to another from former associations must be met. This accounts for the attraction individuals have, or the repellent forces that come. Of course, realizing this in relationship to individuals, and as to what is the saving grace or power with such associations wherever karmic influences must be worked out, or where obligations are due, we know that the ministrations in the manner of the Christ's injunctions may wipe out any bill - we might say - in the opposite direction, in any one experience. I should think, then, you could say your deductions are correct. Or, to put in a little different way, Life in its essence is the manifestation of that power or force in the earth we call God. Each life is in accord with the divine purpose or not, according to what it does about the filling of that purpose for which it was created. All life below man, then, is of the universal consciousness and - when separated from its material manifestation - returns at once to the whole, or to the cosmic consciousness, or to the God consciousness. Man alone is given a soul, with the power to be a co-creator with God, having the ability - through his will - to separate himself from the divine forces or powers. This is determined by his associations with his fellow man, who - as himself - is a manifestation, with the ability to become godlike in his associations with the whole, or with all forms of life as manifested in the Christ Consciousness or the Christ Life; for He became the Son to whom all power was given in heaven and in earth, in exchange for His ability to manifest God's force, God's power, or to become GODLIKE in the world; thus, He became the Savior of men, through His ability to manifest life in its correct relationship and form in the earth. Hence man may turn to Him for whatever may be necessary for him to make right with this fellow man, through the counsel, through the love He manifested. We each arrive at that position at some time, or every day in our experience, when we have to answer the question "What will ye do with this man called Jesus?"
    We have had something in the Atlantean information about the individual being a part of one that is of a dual nature, and becomes complete in the union of that association and connection which makes it complete. But we haven't enough about this to say that we understand or know just what it is all about. As to whether this dual nature refers to what may be termed in the earth as the division into sexes, or the spiritual and material, or the soul and the man, I don't know. It might be either or none or these [[364] series, etc.].
15. 12/16/33 Mr. [256] sent a contribution to A.R.E., reporting on his mother's [403-1] and sister's [338-2] readings, saying:
    "I have had a very busy time with school work this fall and seem to be getting more busy each year. That is a good way to be, I suppose, especially this year when so many are idle. I hope some time to get the time to do some study along the lines we have discussed before but I suppose that will be arranged when I am able to carry it along. I am glad the Ass'n work is going along satisfactorily and that there is so much interest being shown. I am interested in getting any of the rdgs. of a nature like the one on Sources of Psychic Information [5752-3], and would like to have you send a copy to me...I still get the same pleasure out of the rdgs. and still marvel at them. I think Hugh Lynn is doing a splendid piece of work with the Bulletins. It is not an easy task to prepare the material but all who help are deserving of much appreciation."
16. 8/31/34 He was present for his Mental-Spiritual Rdg. 256-5, submitting questions. He seemed unduly concerned with karmic obligations. He told EC that a woman had come into his life who felt that he was obligated to marry her, because of karma from a previous sojourn. The rdg. 256-5 indicated the source of the most compelling urges for the next few years would be from the Persian incarnation, when he had been one of the Three Wise Men who had brought gifts to the baby Jesus. When asked if any other incarnations than those given in his Life Rdg. were of importance in this experience, EC said that when he had passed through 1935 the influences from an Atlantean and an American sojourn would come into his life...
17. 9/13/34 EC's letter to his sister, Mrs. Lou (Sarah Cayce) Hesson:
    "[256] certainly looked good. He asked about you all. He seemed to enjoy his stay very much. We made arrangements for him to stay at Miss Barclay's, which he did, which put him rather close to us, and he had the opportunity and was with us a great deal more this time than he has been at possibly any previous visit. He likes to fish, you know, quite well. I have built a pier out in the little lake back of us and we certainly get nice fish at times. I caught a nice trout or chub, whichever you want to call it. It weighed over two pounds. Several catfish must have weighed that much or more and several times we have had as many as thirty or forty small perch. I believe we are to have fish today. He enjoyed sitting out there with me where we could have an opportunity to talk, possibly, a little bit more than ever we have for a long time."
18. 5/21/35 He requested 933-2 for his brother.
19. 7/03/36 He requested Life Rdg. 1211-1 for his other brother.
20. 2/19/37 He got married to the woman about whom he had commented on 8/31/34 when getting rdg. 256-5 on karmic relationships, etc.
21. 6/37 He wired: "BEST WISHES FOR THE 1937 CONGRESS OF THE ASSOCIATION. MY REGRETS THAT I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND. PLEASE GIVE MY BEST REGARDS TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU."
22. 6/08/38 He wrote: "Forgive me for not writing. Shall do so as soon as possible. Love and best wishes to all."
23. 4/22/39 His sister Mrs. [338] wrote about their afflicted brother [1211]:
    "Brother [1211] dropped me a line and said he would never forget how good our brother [256] was to him this winter - and the running around [256] did for him in zero weather. Poor [256], he has had the same thing [with all our family] for so many years, and never complains. Sometimes I get sore with him for not doing what I think would be for the good of his soul, but after all who can judge of another, in the way in which he chooses to progress unto his God, and at times his strength makes me feel very humble."
24. 9/26/40 Sister [338] wired: "Our [256] passed from this life yesterday. Please pray for him."
25. 9/30/40 Sister [338] wrote: "[256]'s passing has been a terrible blow to us all. Only God knows why he had to leave us. I feel that perhaps he had God's work to do, and as he was not allowed to do it here, the higher forces removed him to where he could do it. His wife was up in the country at the time, and he was alone in the house. His mother-in-law called him on the phone at 8 a.m. and asked him to go over for some breakfast. That was Wed., the 25th. He ans'd saying that as it was so late he'd go right along to school and get a bite on the way. The garage is attached to the house, and he was found there that night at 10:30 - must have been laying there all day. The coroner said it was monoxide poisoning. He had a flashlight burning in one hand and a wrench or something in the other - his hands were greasy, they said, and the motor was still running. The door from the house into the garage was open - but the doors opening into the driveway were closed. The garage was so small that there was just room on the sides of the car to let a person pass - but when he was found he was on his back and had a large lump on the back of his head. They said he got it when he fell. It was his wife's sister's husband who found him. From the very first I have had a feeling that someone might have done it. I may be wrong but, - this morning his wife called me and said that they have not been able to find his wallet or his wrist watch. He looked beautiful in death. His hair had gotten pure white - and such nobility and peace I have never before looked on. The chapel of the undertaking establishment where he was buried from on Sunday was packed with former students and teachers from the school, and many friends - and all who ever knew him are grieved. My mother [403] has had great courage, but it is pitiful for her to have such a sorrow after all she has been through. I myself loved him more than my own life - and I know that you loved him, as he did you. There isn't anyone on earth who can tell us how he met death - I mean what the circumstances were. Is there any way in which we could get a rdg. on it?
    "Two nights after he passed I was talking to him in a dream. At the time I didn't realize that he was gone, but he sat on the side of my bed and spoke very quietly with me. I didn't look up into his face, but as I looked sideways at his body it was clothed in a beautiful gown - sort of creamy with a shade of yellow and soft rose. I feel that the masters let me see him so that I would know he was all right, as I did grieve terribly for him. After that it wasn't so hard to bear. I feel that we (he and I) will do much work together in God's service. He couldn't have done it here; perhaps that is why I am left. However, if there is any possible way to find out whether his death was an accident, or whether someone did it, it would not bring him back I know but would lay the doubts that we have about the whole thing. The information would be for myself alone, or brother [933] and Mother [403] and I. "When the A.R.E. Bulletins would come from Va. Beach, the first thing he'd do on coming in would be to sit down and read them through. We'd laugh at him sometimes, because we need never expect an answer to any comment as long as he was reading the Ass'n literature. Perhaps he will come to you and speak with you - I hope so...
    "You may not believe it - but I had been planning for two weeks to spend a few days at Va. Beach and especially for the dedication services [of the A.R.E. offices and vault]. I would love to have been there - it seems strange, but [256]'s funeral services were the same day as the dedication (at 2:00 p.m.) and he was taken to be cremated."
26. 10/04/40 EC's letter: "I have the feeling that if [256] wishes it to be known, he will make it known to me in some way - either when I'm giving some other rdg. or in a dream or vision, and - to be sure - I will let you know if and when I do get anything."
27. 10/23/40 Sister [338]'s letter: "You are right - if [256] wants to communicate to us any of the details of his passing he will do so himself. However, I know him well enough to know that if he thought that another would be punished on his account he would keep it all to himself - and pray for them. His wallet was mailed back to his home with only the papers in it. His watch has not been found... They missed him at school that day but as he was promoted last year to a position where he did not teach any more - had his own work and office - he sometimes was away on school business, and they didn't think anything of it...it was not until 10:30 p.m. that his brother-in-law found him."
28. 10/30/40 EC's letter: "Last evening I had a very lovely experience with [256]. I was with him again on a visit in ..., [Mass.]. (You possibly remember that several years ago [in 1930] I spent a day in ..., [Mass.] with [256]. We drove about the city, to the school and many places of interest.) Well, this morning we did that all over again. Then, when I was leaving him he thanked me for writing you. So I think I know just what you mean - about your worries, but you will have lots of help in many ways about all of them. He is happy and all is well."
29. 12/12/40 Sister [338] wrote: "I know [256] must have been very happy to see and talk with you again. I have had two experiences in Nov. while semi-conscious. [256] came twice and spoke with me. I realized in both that he had come back from the other side. The first time was while I was in the hospital and was a very trying ordeal for me, because, while I was talking with him he closed his eyes, bowed his head, and started to disintegrate before my eyes. The next time that part was spared me as I realized he didn't have very long to stay and so didn't try to say too much, so as to detain him. I remember that I said, '[256], you didn't want to go, did you?' And he said, 'No, I didn't'. May the peace of God be with him."
30. 6/20/41 Mrs. [338] wrote GD: "Tell Mr. Cayce that I have spoken with our dear [256]. He is happy, and doing the spiritual work there that he could not do here. It is true that he was slugged and left to die in the garage, where the motor was running. He would not tell, or give even a hint of who did it, asking only that I pray for them. (As I write this, he asks that I send his love and blessings to the dear ones whom we both know - remembering former years.) God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy is good to His children."
31. 12/24/67 Article that appeared in THIS WEEK Magazine: [See Mr. [256]'s Life Reading 256-1, Par. 10 re his incarnation as one of The Wise Men.]
    WHAT HAPPENED TO THE THREE KINGS or the Three Wise Men after they went home from Bethlehem? Tradition says that Saint Thomas, one of Christ's apostles, met them 40 years later in India, baptized them and ordained all three of them as priests of the Christian church. Persecuted for their unpopular faith, they died as martyrs, and 300 years after their death, their bones were placed in the mosque of Saint Sophia at Constantinople. Their remains were afterward moved to the Cathedral of Milan in Italy and from there, in 1164, to Cologne in Germany.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation