This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home in Pinewood on Lake Drive, Va. Beach, Va., this 5th day of May, 1932, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [257], Active B Member of the Ass'n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc.; also a Trustee.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, H. L. and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [257]. You will answer the questions which he has submitted concerning his mental and material affairs.
2. EC: Yes, we find there are changes in the mental and physical aspects at present from that we have had before as regarding the body, and the mental and material aspects of the body, [257]. Many of the changes physical that have taken place are well. Many of the new associations speak well for the efforts of the body, as well as the outlook for the carrying out of those projects and associations that have been, and are being, planned by all concerned. Ready for questions.
3. (Q) Should I enter into a lease at 501 Madison Ave., Room 1904, New York City? If so, for how long?
   (A) There has been already that understanding for a lease, that is to be for a period of time in keeping with that as would be accomplished by the body in this new association. This, as we find, would be well. The change was much better than staying in those surroundings in Lafayette Street, and is - as seen numerically, or numerologically - very good, and it would be well that the lease be for a period sufficient for an opportunity to carry on those matters already in hand. As to how great a period, this may depend upon the success of same - but at least the agreement can be such as to make it an equitable situation between all concerned.
4. (Q) Will I be successful with my new business organized at this office?
   (A) This may be said yes and it may be said no. That depends upon so many circumstances, that this may not be answered as definitely as might be desired. With the associations of individuals, and the co-operation with the various organizations that are to be presented through same, this should be made a most agreeable and successful undertaking here. The place itself would certainly not lend other than an air of success.
5. (Q) Under what name is it best to operate, as a corporation or just [257]?
   (A) [257], Incorporated.
6. (Q) Would that be better than Metal Wood Engineering Corporation or Metal Wood Products Corporation, or Federal-Carolina Wood Metal Corporation?
   (A) We would find it would be better, were it [257], Inc., for, as we find - as has long since been seen by many of the associations of the body - the body is the primary factor in the connections, in the associations, in the business itself! This would, then, lend in every direction a helpful note to many of the undertakings that are before the body.
7. (Q) How can I protect myself in the opening of a new bank account, so I will not be molested until in better financial condition?
   (A) As has been outlined or suggested by the body, or bodies that have been handling this part or phase of the operations, that which is taken on in a co-operative nature - or a corporation of the nature - does not make entanglements for that which is in the past, but for the personal this may be made (the bank account) as agent, or under the corporation, or under the acts of the individual as associated for the actions of others. This would protect, as has been outlined by those who are handling this part. Be well to follow that.
8. (Q) Which of my present new connections will be most profitable in 1932?
   (A) These, as we find, represent various leads or directions, in which the profitableness - if looked at from the purely material standpoint - would be quite varied, and the one that will be the most profitable in this direction will be the one that the body gives the most attention and time to!
9. (Q) As I found Gaines' financial position impaired, will I do better using Briggs Mfg. Co. plant at Knoxville, Tenn. for Kolster, Atwater-Kent and other customers?
   (A) This, as we find, as was given, if the impairment of those in Gaines' associations or connections were impaired, these would be better made in those portions of the territory, or country, where there would be the quicker recuperation from the financial situations - and Tennessee is one of those, as is Georgia and Alabama. So we would find that those in this particular area would be well to do business with. These would be necessary considerations, however. The wood working, or the actions and activities of this particular organization, has been mostly given in a particular line of endeavor; that is, the character of wood, the character of the organization is well. The character of that as may be used for these particular cabinets (that is, the Kolster and others) would be well in line with that as is to be used, and the changes as would be necessary would be easily done were there made those personal applications by the body as to these changes necessary for the handling of the business; that is, the corporation (Briggs) is in that position where the efforts of the body [257] may be made into, and to, the profitable organization.
10. (Q) Will I be able to hold Kolster business this year?
    (A) Should be.
11. (Q) What is necessary now for me to do in order to get my part of business?
    (A) Work! These associations and connections that have been made, and that have been outlined, have not hindered, do not hinder, the body from making the proper associations and connections. If the factories that connections will be made with are able to deliver the body can get its share of business - and then some! because he will have to use more than the one factory! and those other associations and connections that have been made in other portions will be worked out satisfactorily for the various types of merchandise.
12. (Q) How can I further cement my relations with Henry Hund of the Briggs organization of Detroit?
    (A) This has already been well set. Don't over do it. Of course, don't neglect those courtesies that have made this association, we might say, possible, or that have cemented same - but don't over do; neither neglect any of the fences.
13. (Q) What is Hund's present opinion of me?
    (A) He's told it often enough! He means it!
14. (Q) How can I gain the complete confidence of Jack Callahan, of Briggs Mfg. Co?
    (A) This has, in a manner, had some setbacks, and there has been the feeling that there is a great deal of gas rather than actualities in the efforts of [257], but these may be cemented best by showing the orders! and don't take up too much materials or time in making samples that do not make deliveries! Know what you want and then have it made!
15. (Q) Will I be successful with Ralph Phillips, president of Puffer-Hubbert Mfg. Co. of Minneapolis, Wisconsin?
    (A) When it is necessary, and when it is used - which is in portions for other products that are to go through the same channels - this will be worked out fine.
16. (Q) Is the present agreement, or understanding as written by me on Monday, sufficient to cover the situation?
    (A) It's very good!
17. (Q) Any suggestions regarding it?
    (A) Little or none, though there will be some minor changes - those of the other group - this will be practically the basis for the handling of the deals.
18. (Q) What are the possibilities of the development of this factory to my benefit in 1932?
    (A) As has been given, there will be the necessity of some minor changes, especially as to characterization of the character of woods, and such, that have not been run as much in this particular factory as some others, but for the particular products most of that which is being handled is well. With some suggestions by the body itself [257] as to the handling of the variations and those conditions necessary to meet the requirements of the customers, this may be made well.
19. (Q) For my better understanding, please describe the character and ability of Ralph Phillips.
    (A) This has been very well outlined by self, by those actions and variations that have come between the two. As is seen, Phillips is READY TO BE SHOWN - and you can show him!
20. (Q) How can I proceed to interest General Electric to buy a cheaper box from Briggs Mfg. Co.? Will I be successful in doing this?
    (A) As we find, there will be - at least by the beginning of what may be termed the summer season - almost the necessity of this concern (General Electric) using a cheaper product, to meet the demands that may be made upon same, to meet the general trade conditions. As the body IS in that position of being able to furnish same in quantities to suit the various needs in the various portions of their distributing center, then that portion of it may be had for this factory.
21. (Q) Through what channels and person is it best to start?
    (A) Through the necessity, or the NEEDS. Just keep an ear, as it were, to the ground, of those demands that are being made for these variations in this condition in the various portions of the centers from which the distribution goes.
22. (Q) Should I attempt to represent Louis Hansen, of Hansen Cabinet Co. of Chicago, or had I better concentrate on Knoxville plant?
    (A) Concentrate. This may be kept in the background and be handled through, or by, some of those associates that will not leave the body entirely out of connection - but concentrate, my boy, concentrate!
23. (Q) On what particular product should I concentrate now?
    (A) Keep in your radio, or those of metal and wood.
24. (Q) Has Popkin handled my suits against Sterling and Albert Pick to the best advantage so far?
    (A) To the best advantage, so far.
25. (Q) What can he do now to insure a successful and winning suit for me?
    (A) Keep on in the channels and way he has gotten already planned out. These will be carried out to the best termination for all concerned.
26. (Q) Should I attempt to revive Federal Wood Products Corporation now, or organize entirely new?
    (A) This is going backwards! We would ORGANIZE, not revive! Let's get away from this reviving! The body has taken hold of too many of those who were near to the breaking point! Let's at least have something new, and build with the abilities of the body - that have been building up old scores! Now let's have something new!
27. (Q) Has the announcement of Federal's difficulty hurt my future in the wood and metal field?
    (A) Not materially, as has been suggested. The abilities of the body have not been overlooked, and it has not been the fault of the body, but rather of those who handled the financial end, or those taking away from, rather than the sales end.
28. (Q) For my best mental development in May, June and July, please advise me as to the proper program for reading, exercising, etc?
    (A) These have been so oft outlined for the body, that it would be well to review - rather than trying to mix with something new, or something different, at this particular time; but keep the body mentally, physically, well balanced. INTEREST self in many various things. As has been seen and outlined for the body, it is well to cultivate for self one whose program may mean much to the body, who has been or was so closely affiliated with Kolster. As to how? The division of the spiritual life, the physical life, the social life, being so divided as to make a well-ROUNDED, foursquare, life's endeavor. These, as the body has seen, have proven most successful in the experience of THIS body, who is a special friend - and the cultivating of those ideals won't do the body any harm, but good - in MANY fields - as in the Westinghouse, as in General Electric, as in Kolster, as in all those affiliate organizations to which THIS body is a key man.
29. (Q) What is the name?
    (A) Ropinsky!
30. (Q) As to my spiritual development, how can I bring myself nearer to perfection in the eyes of God and man?
    (A) OPEN thine heart that the Spirit may RENEW that which is being awakened, by necessity - often, yea - but by the very acts OF the spiritual self. Be not led away by those that do not follow close in that way in which thou hast been trained; for, "Know, 0 Israel, the Lord they God is One!" and He answers those, even though they be afar off. "Would YE be my children, I will be your God!"
31. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Cayce file
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 3/26/32 He obtained 257-80.
2. 5/02/32 He submitted further questions.
3. 5/04/32 His sec'ty's rdg. 349-10, Par. 10-A, indicated Mr. [257]'s affairs would adjust themselves within the next 30-60 days.
4. 5/05/32 He phoned verification of appointment and submitted other questions.

REPORTS

1. 5/09/32 He referred 5489-1, also 2098-1.
2. 5/14/32 He obtained 257-82.

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