This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 20th day of March, 1931, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [282].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born March 18, 1906, in Stapleton, Staten Island, New York.

TEXT

1. EC: We have the entity here, and those relations with the universe and universal forces, as are latent and exhibited in the present entity, [282].
2. In entering astrologically, we find the entity coming near the cusps and under the influence of Pisces - in its latter portion. Hence we will find, while the entity has altered much of that termed as astrological, these are as innate and as conditions to be warned concerning in the PHYSICAL body:
3. In the latter portion of the Moon's phases, especially in June, September, December, be mindful of injuries to the feet. Especially beware of disorders with the digestive system, and at all times DO NOT overtax same with condiments, strong drink, nor with those conditions that make for the digestive forces becoming clogged - especially in the caecum region. These tendencies are innate, [See Physical Rdg. 282-1, Par. 3 on 6/10/30] yet - with care taken - the body may USE the condition rather as a stepping stone than being submerged by same.
4. We find astrologically this entity coming under the influence of Mercury, Uranus, Venus - and this being the ruling planet, affairs of the head and heart in this direction will wield an important influence in the life, ESPECIALLY as related to the other PORTION of self; for innately (though the body has builded and attempts to keep from) jealousy arises in this direction. [See Par. 17 below.]
5. In those influences in Jupiter also we see, with the ruling forces in Uranus, those of the occult or mental forces as may be accentuated in certain periods; through Mercury making for an influence over the experiences of the entity in occult forces - NOT the mystic forces; and about large bodies of water may the entity find the greater development, as is EXPERIENCED especially in the Moon's influence.
6. In astrological forces, then, we find, these - as IRRESPECTIVE of will, though - as given - will has changed and may change any astrological, chronological, hereditary or environmental influence:
7. In Mercury we find the high MENTAL development. Slow, as it were, in grasping the IMPORT - often considered so; yet when gained control of, the entity seeks to know the last vestige as concerning that particular thing in which he finds himself interested.
8. In those influences in the Uranian, makes for that often called the extremist in the niceness of things, in the tidiness of self, of things about which the entity has a particular interest; often chiding others for their actions or activities in not being methodical, or being as nice or as direct in their activities as they should be, or as viewed by the entity. This also makes for those influences which at times (and these have been altered, and may be altered to a greater extent) makes the entity over enthusiastic about a condition, object, or what not, and SUDDENLY loses all interest in same from seemingly no reason whatsoever. These are innate, and we shall see the causes from experiences - even in the earth's plane.
9. In Venus, as seen - this as a RULING influence, with Mercury, Jupiter AND Uranus, makes for an extremist in the affairs of the heart or of the head. This also needs to be attuned to an ideal, else the entity may find that when IDEAS have seemed to fail the interest in and the care for conditions that have been even of the head, the heart, or the home, suddenly become as nothing in the entity's experience, unless IDEALS are followed rather than ideas; for with an IDEAL one may reason through the spiritual forces, and not wholly from those of the material circumstances or conditions in the experience or the affairs of a body.
10. In Jupiter, we will find in certain periods of the entity's experience - notably when those of Jupiter and Uranus are in ascendancy, or the ruling force in the life of the entity - that large questions of head, heart and mind - as in twenty-eight and twenty-seven, and as will be again in thirty-three and again in thirty-nine - especially is this in the latter portion of the calendar year, as the accounted time in the present. Also through such periods the opportunities for advancement in material things, as to money, power, position, place, and such. THESE will come along at such periods - and, taken advantage of, these may be made to be useful if the body uses same and does not allow same to become as a monster to DESTROY self in the very things or opportunities as given.
11. In the personalities - we find one pleasing in conversation; yet TENDENCY towards that of timidity.
12. One well versed in subjects which the entity likes, and also not adverse [averse] to knowledge concerning those things the entity dislikes. Hence a good REASONER, a good arguer; yet only when riled - or when seemingly someone the entity thinks of rather than self - do such conditions arise where the entity expresses self.
13. In those things as this has to do with the technique of those forces that deal with people, as WELL as things, will the entity gain in the giving of knowledge or UNDERSTANDING to others, and DEVELOPMENTS for self - either materially or spiritually - will the channels be through which the entity may labor in the present experience. These come, or are classified under those as an office man, or manager, or those as pertain to fields of the spreading of any particular product that has to do with people and things combined - as in the distribution of household things, or those things that pertain to individuals and nations, and groups - see?
14. In the appearances, and the effect these have upon the present experience:
15. In the one before this we find in that land now known as France, and in the borderland now called Alsace. The entity was then in that period when great distress arose through the overrunning of the land. The entity, then in the name Stresbergh, gained through the experience in the service rendered the peoples - even under stress. As a soldier in the land did the entity gain, though suffering in body and in mind, yet wholeheartedly, wholesoully, did the entity labor for an ideal; losing confidence in many, losing the respect of those close in hand, yet to an ideal did the entity hold. In the present we find those tendencies are to harken to many and counsel with few, yet DECISIONS are mostly made in the intuitive forces from within - and ALL of a sudden. Too often is this called a fault in the entity, too quick to make decisions. Will this be [If this will be] guided by the intuitive forces from WITHIN, and not harkening to those voices from without - whether of the fair sex or of those in power, but with the communion with self - these may be made to grow and blossom as the rose of Sharon in the valley of the beauties of life!
16. In the one before this we find in that land known now as the Persian, or in the Arabian and Persian land did the entity then serve in the capacity of an aide to those who overran the land, in the settling of the country after those invasions were made. Then entity gathered together those peoples as they came about the leader [Uhjltd] in the building up of the city in the plain, where that well, that cave, just below Shustar now stands. In this experience the entity gained in power, in understanding, in the relationships with individuals; for the entity became an emissary or an actor for the leader injured in body. In the name Ullend. In this experience much of that as has been for the religious influence, as well as the belief in unseen forces and the occult powers of the entity, is seen; yet in this experience also comes those influences towards the bodily conditions - as are warned of, and this from those aggrandizings of those very things builded in the body. [Karmic - prenatal conditions - See 282-1, Par. 3.]
17. In the experience in the present, those abilities to present, or to represent, interests of others as well as of self; the love of home, the love of the connections or the family relations, these are the outgrowths, yet these are the very conditions in which warnings may be seen.
18. In the one before this we find in the land known as the Egyptian, and in that period when there were rebellions in the land. In this period the entity was among those who succeeded in the latter portion of that rule, for the entity - being in the household then of the priest - gained in power and in the use of same. As the entity developed in body and mind, and as the powers were gradually shifted to the entity as the responsibility for the carrying on of the forces that were manifest, the entity gained through the experience; losing only in the latter portion when there again rose rebellions, when the entity pitted self against many who had gained power FROM the spread of those tenets given in the land; yet in this same tomb - in the upper portion of same - is the chamber there of Ra-La-Ral. In the leading of the people to the services of those before the beasts, the entity failed, for this brought in those of another people that led the peoples later astray. There the Ibex WITH the entity locked horns.
19. In the present the indecisions, yet the quick decisions, are seen. The questioning of peoples as respecting their marital, as well as their religious relations.
20. Hence the entity's injunction to make for self an ideal, one that - through WHATEVER conditions the body, the mind, the material affairs or what not, may come to pass - the entity may be ever able to lift up the eyes unto the mountains, as of old, calling on the forces of nature to guide through the innate forces that lie in each individual to make a portion of and with the creative energies that are manifest in the earthly experiences.
21. In the abilities that are seen, these are those that the entity may adhere to most.
22. In the one before this we find in that land now known, or has been called, the Atlantean, and in the city of Sus [?] [Zeus?] did the entity rule as a leader. Hence the mechanical turn of forces, especially as will relate to those forces now termed the chemicals, does the entity have PECULIAR interests. Here the entity lost through the misapplication of the truths gained in that experience, as Lus-Lu. In the present, those of the visionary forces, and the apparent feeling as of [that] EVERYTHING maybe done from a chemical sense is INNATE and FELT in self. This is true in many respects, yet life itself may be lost through this carried to too great an extent for FORCING issues rather than for the giving of a sustenance of life to many.
23. In the present, and the abilities, the entity may - through the study and through the ideals - gain for self a place of power in those directions either as of or for self-building in things as pertain to individuals AND things as pertain to the home.
24. Ready for questions.
25. [EC did not wait for questions but said at once:] We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to File

BACKGROUND

1. 6/10/30 His wife [Mrs. [301]] obtained Physical Rdg. 282-1 for him.
2. 11/26/30 His wife wrote: "I would like also to ask [in addition to my 301-3] that you add [my husband, Mr. [282]'s] name for a Life Rdg. We have all decided that we must keep in step with [his sister, Miss [275]], so we all are looking forward to our life Rdgs."
3. 2/19/31 He wrote: "Am very anxious to have a Life Rdg. Mother [255]'s, sister [275]'s and brother [488]'s readings make one realize the great value of the guidance and inspiration that can be derived. I am enclosing the required information and some questions I wish you would answer: In what work lies my greatest opportunity for service in this incarnation? Where and how can I make the most of my opportunity? Am I giving my best to my wife [301]? How can I develop best for fatherhood? What are my talents and how can they be developed? What are my faults and how should I overcome them? Give exact time of my birth."

REPORTS

1. 3/21/31 EC wrote: "This Life Reading is particularly interesting to me, as your birthday and mine are the same, and it seems from the reading that in two former appearances [Persia-Arabia and Egypt] we were rather closely associated. I hope that when I am in N.Y. again we may have the opportunity to discuss this."
2. 3/26/31 Mr. [282] wrote: "Was delighted to receive my Life Rdg. yesterday together with your letter. I am sorry that I shall not be able to be at the meeting [in Va. Beach] on the 28th; however, I shall be very much interested when you come to N.Y. to join in a meeting of friends in the work."
3. 6/20/31 See wife's rdg. 301-5, Par. 14-A advising she can give her best to her husband by staying in the home, "by assisting and directing in the way that others may be ministers, through the efforts of the entity."
4. 9/02/31 He requested Life Rdg. 299-1 for his baby daughter.
5. 9/08/31 He obtained Ck. Life Rdg. 282-3 answering questions about and expanding on information given in 282-2; Ditto 2/24/33 in 282-4; Ditto 3/02/33 in 282-5; Ditto 3/17/33 in 282-6.
6. 4/20/33 He and wife obtained Life Rdg. 314-2 for their 2nd baby girl.
7. 1/15/34 He obtained Ck. Life Rdg. 282-7 on his Egyptian incarnation.
8. 4/17/34 His father [378]'s business failed & [282] was out of a job.
9. 6/27/34 His mother [Mrs. [255]] wrote about his wife: "[301] has a play school, 7 pupils, and makes candy [to sell], besides caring for her two babies."
10. 7/29/34 He wrote sending part of his pledge: "These are difficult times, but we, who discern life spiritually, know that it is in just such times as these that we grow spiritually stronger and more beautiful through our increase in spiritual understanding of the great forces of love and truth."
11. 9/28/34 "I find it necessary to reduce my contribution annually as an Active Member."
12. 8/10/37 Mr. [257] wrote that Mr. [282] was trying to sell stock in a company to build paper bottles for milk. [See 255-5, Par. R41--R44.]
13. 3/15/38 Hugh Lynn Cayce's letter to EC from N.Y., where he was getting in touch with A.R.E. people and helping new people prepare questions from their readings, etc.:
    "The situation with [282] here is peculiar. I am hoping to be of some help to him. He simply has a strange twist which borders on religious fanaticism. He has promised to have a talk with me"
14. 3/16/38 HLC's letter: "I started this letter and then [282] came in for a talk. We have talked for about an hour."
15. 3/25/38 HLC's letter: "[282] is now selling some kind of savings insurance. He is no longer selling stock for Koch [paper bottles for milk]. Seems perfectly balanced."
16. 5/10/38 Mr. [282] wrote EC: "I am very happy indeed to have been able to see more of Hugh Lynn this spring. Incidentally, he is doing a fine job. His last two talks, which I had the pleasure of hearing, were excellent. To me personally, it is a wonderful inspiration to know that you, Gladys, Hugh Lynn, Mother [255], Mrs. [509], and many others were and are praying that God may achieve His perfect victory in this strenuous time for [301] and myself. [GD's note: We heard that his wife [301] and two little girls [299] and [314] were in Fla. living with her folks until [282] could get established.]
    "I am very, very, grateful, and pray God that every sincere prayer be answered according to His will and plan, and according to our faith to receive what He has prepared for those who love Him above all."
17. 5/13/38 Mrs. [1158] wrote: "[282] at the present moment is flopping around from one enthusiasm to another, not rooted in any one thing. I feel he has nothing stable nor of any permanent constructive value to contribute to the Association."
18. 7/05/38 His sister, Mrs. [457] submitted questions for a Physical Rdg., 282-8, indicating that [282] was suffering from a nervous breakdown, and they were considering sending him to Germany with his parents [[255] & [378]] and sisters [[275] & [276]], rather than putting him in an institution as two doctors had advised.
19. 7/03/38 His wife [301] verified the appointment, saying: "We shall have [282] at his sister [457]'s office Wed. a.m. from 10:30 on. Both doctors here suggest an institution but none of us want to take the responsibility on our shoulders, so an uncle suggested we send him to Germany where his mother [255] has money and can take him to doctors and care for him, and, too, he would not be with strangers, and would not annoy friends of the family here. "I have started a business of a 'Health Cake' and I hope it will work out successfully for the three of us doing it. Perhaps when [282] returns from Germany our business will be thriving so that [282] can be our bookkeeper.
    "Thank you for your interest in this trying time."
20. 7/06/38 See Physical Rdg. 282-8 and subsequent Reports.
21. 7/24/38 Mr. [282] wrote HLC:
    "It is a little difficult to find words for me to use to say what is in my mind and heart to you at this time.
    When you said you were planning to go to college in the fall, it occurred to me that would be an excellent suggestion or example for my father [378] and myself to follow. I am going to join my father and mother abroad, as a result of the decision of the members of the family in this country to send me. I embark on the Europa this coming Tuesday evening [7/26/38] - the day after you receive this letter. There are some ideas in my mind regarding your future and my future and my father's future which might interest you.
    You remember in my life reading it spoke of the year 1939 as important especially the latter half. I took notice that you seemed somewhat intrigued with that idea. I am wondering whether the reason was that you might in some way be associated with whatever that might be, so that for you 1939 might be important too. I realize that this might not make good sense to you, but I am taking that chance.
    If you were in New York on Tuesday during the day and evening, there might be some important conferences which I could arrange with some people in which you and I could consider some plans for doing something which might start after the middle of next year. I feel it would be better for me not to be any more explicit than that, for your decision to come must come from within you, rather than be influenced by anything that I might think, say, or do. If our negotiations are successful it might be that someday your risking the amount of your expenses would be well repaid.
    If you hear any more reports about my irritating or annoying people, you can write them that I have gone to Europe, and so will not be bothering them anymore. At college one of the professors used to relate this story - it is good for a dog to have just a few fleas so as to keep him from forgetting he is just a dog. In the same way the good Lord gives us mosquitos, etc., so as to keep us from forgetting that we are not the rulers of the world or the heavens. Hope this finds you, Gladys, and your folks enjoying all the good of life. With kindest regards and best wishes.
    Faithfully, and affectionately," [282]
22. 8/24/38 His card to HLC from Germany: "Having a swell time in this delightful resort town in the hills of Southern Germany.
    "Father and I are taking walks and bicycle rides together.
    "For the present our plans are to live in Munich after Sept. 15th. We may study some at the University there."
23. 1/03/39 His mother [Mrs. [255]] wrote: "[282] is very busy with his University course in German. He was not able to find work, especially not without knowing the language well. He looks very well, has had treatment from a magnetopath all along, and is very much better."
24. 3/01/39 See his mother [255]'s letter under 282-8, Par. R2.
25. 3/01/39 He submitted questions for a Mental-Spiritual Reading, and included the attached letter. [See Par. R27 below.]
26. 3/23/39 See Mental-Spiritual Rdg. 282-9 answering his questions.
27. 7/03/39 Brother-in-law [412]'s letter:
    From the family in Europe, we have good news. Everything seems to be getting along very nicely. [282] is in Munich whereas the rest of the family is in the mountains. As I understand it, [282] is taking some treatment; and at the present time is giving English lessons and is supporting himself. It is quite a step ahead as far as I can see, and I hope everything will continue along these lines to a successful conclusion. [See 282-2, Par. R30--R45 for subsequent notations.]
28. 3/01/39 Letter from [282] to EC:
    Dear Fellow-Pilgrim, Brother in Christ:
    "This week marks the end of the seventh month of my stay in Germany, with every indication that it is to continue. In seven months time one can begin to have somewhat of an understanding of the character, aspirations, and conditions as they really exist in the hearts of the people. To a large extent one can find perhaps the same proportion of different kinds of people in all the various countries. I am thinking now of the various temperments, such as pugnacious and peace-loving, slow and quick, drinkers and non-drinkers, strong and weak, law-abiding and lawbreaking, lovers and haters, and so on. However, just as the good Lord has made individuals unique in their minds and callings, so each people have one or more qualities in which they are specializing. The people of this country love order, discipline, and organization. The leaders in the last 6 years have had an almost miraculous success, so that everyone, with some few exceptions, is working, self-confident, believes in the German ideals and traditions, and has hope and faith in the future. Altogether a healthy situation. For myself personally I am proud to be considered as belonging to the German people because of a long line of Germans going back from my parents' parents. I am equally proud to belong to the American people by reason of my birth and 32 years steady, excepting 2 summers in Europe, residence residence in the good old U.S.A. My fondest hope is that these two great peoples will once again enjoy the same good relationship that existed before 1914 for centuries. In some ways this country is much older, and in other ways much younger that [than] our own country. In short, I am completely happy here for I have hope and faith for a life according to my highest dreams, to come to be.
    In the first three months of my stay, half the time in the country and half in the city, I made an acquaintance with the language, the people, and the country, which was greatly increased by the past four months attendance at the University. I could relate many interesting experiences, as visiting breweries, art museums, a cigarette factory, a china factory, a scientific museum and so on. With the completion of my studies at the University, I am hoping to engage in giving private lessons in language, etc., while at the same time starting a business, possibly export and import.
    It is interesting to note that in the past 5 years there has been a steady increase in the sale of Bibles, so you need have no concern that the German people are losing, or have lost their real faith. Quite naturally it is being tested, as is everyone and everything today, for the sake of purification and strengthening.
    Please forgive me for waiting until this part of my letter to wish you a most happy birthday, and the fulfillment of all your prayers in the coming year.
    It would be a wonderful privilege if you would again approach the Throne of Grace with me for the sake of the work the Heavenly King wills me to do for His Kingdom on earth. I believe my last few readings have been check life and mental-spiritual. I would ask you and Hugh Lynn (if possible) and Gladys to exercise your loving thought to choose the type of suggestion, as well as repeating questions from former readings, and modifying questions herewith, and adding any other questions that come to your minds. [See 282-9 on 3/23/39.]
    As a token of my love and affection I enclose a card of two paintings [A. Durer - Muncher - see in EC's Study pictures] which are about 400 years old, and represent in an artistic way, the strong religious feeling of that period around the time of Martin Luther. The order of names should be John, Peter, Mark, and Paul, I think, to conform to the order of the figures.
    With kindest regards for yourself, as also Mrs. Cayce, Gladys, Hugh Lynn, and Edgar Jones."
    Yours truly,
    [282]
29. 3/25/40 Mother [255]'s letter:
    "[282] has a scholarship at Munich University and an allowance from a trust fund besides. So I am very grateful for this blessing. [[301], his wife] is carrying on pluckily, studying and working [back in U.S.A.]."
30. 10/08/41 Sister [457]'s letter:
    "I haven't heard from my family [in Germany] for a long time. Guess it is more difficult to get letters through now."
31. 5/06/43 EC told this dream which he had during (or at the end of) Physical Rdg. 2988-1:
    "I saw the [378] family in Germany - they were in an awful state. They didn't know where [282] was; Mrs. [255] had a breaking out all over her body, [276] was going to have a baby, I never saw [276] look so emaciated; and Mr. [378] was all upset at having to do things he didn't want to do, etc."
32. 5/22/45 Mother [255]'s letter from Germany:
    "[282] is planning to return with us. We have not heard from him in the last few weeks as inland mail has not started. We have been able to reach him by letter but have had no answer as yet. He has been working at a bank the last few years and has been trying to get back [to U.S.A.] since 1 and 1/2 years. He, too, hopes to find his true place in the U.S.A."
33. 9/23/46 Mother [255]'s letter: "[282] is down in [...], Fla. to be near his family [ex-wife [301] and daughters [299] and [314]]. He has a bank position."
34. 10/04/47 Mother [255]'s letter:
    "[282] is doing well and is happy with his two daughters, especially [299] who is quite grown up. [314] is progressing from her attack of polio last April, but it is very slow."
35. 12/22/47 She wrote: "[282] is in Fla., has a nice position at Purina's."
36. 12/28/51 She wrote: "[282] writes contentedly from Fla., enjoys his two daughters. [299] will soon be a mother for the 2nd time. [314] carries herself with great courage and is studying hard in junior college." [See subsequent notations in 299-1 Reports & 314-1 Reports.]
37. 3/19/55 Mother [255]'s letter:
    "[282] writes contented letters, has his own bungalow and enjoys his daughters and grandchildren."
38. 1/20/59 Mr. [282]'s letter to HLC:
    "Through my mother I have heard that the Association continues to be active in many ways, so I am writing to let you know that while it has been quite impossible for me to participate in a way in which I would like to have done in the past, I have not forgotten the many benefits my family and I have received, and hope that circumstances will permit some degree of activity on my part in the near, as well as distant future."
39. 5/59 He visited A.R.E. Headquarters on 67th St., where he first came with his parents to the Cayce Hospital in 1930.
40. 5/60 Letter to HLC from EC's first cousin in Hopkinsville, Ky., Mrs. William Wicks [Lena Jones Wicks, daughter of the late Ella Cayce Jones, Mrs. Edwin Dennis Jones], Program Director for Riverside Memorial Chapel where Edgar Cayce and Gertrude Cayce were buried:
    "Hugh Lynn, Mr. [282] came here to visit Edgar Cayce - said he drove into motel parking lot, crossed the street, looked in window of Readmore Book Store, saw the books on Edgar Cayce, went in and was sent to me as the 'fountain of knowledge!'
    "I thought he was a gentleman, brought him to my home to show him some pictures of the Cayces, had him write the enclosed statement [on his sister [275]'s case, etc.] He wrote: "Later my mother had Physical Readings and Life Readings for all the family, including her grandchildren - my daughters, who were given names by the readings, that they had soon after birth."], went with him to Riverside Chapel and of course resting place he wanted to see. Mr. [282] wanted to meditate, so I asked to be brought back to Wicarson, Inc. and he returned to Riverside. I was much wiser after being with him for the hour, and I'm sure he was convinced that this native was a believer in the 'man of miracles.'
    "Mr. [282] said he could write much more. I took him to Room 8, let him see where you made the tapes and interviewed Mr. Tom Baugh, etc. He was interested in the slightest detail."
41. 1/18/61 Mother [255]'s letter:
    "[282] is in N.Y. now taking a special course in machines."
42. 10/08/62 Mother [255]'s letter:
    "[282] is now working for Internal Revenue, N.Y." [Accountant?]
43. 12/21/64 She wrote: "[282] is working in N.Y., is a trustee in the church of Emmett Fox's successor."
44. 12/22/66 "[282] and [452] are both very active in their respective churches."
45. 7/18/69 GD's note: Mr. [282] has remained a Sponsoring Member and active in the A.R.E. work all these years.

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