This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 31st day of August, 1933, in accordance with request made by self - Miss [295], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Miss [295], L. B. and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the soul-mind and body of the entity now known as [295], present in this room. You will please look up the records made by this entity in the Palestine appearance as described in her Life Reading of Dec. 23, 1929, a copy of which I hold in my hand, when Jesus, the Christ walked among men, and you will give a detailed account of the life of this entity as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, giving any counsel or advice that will be helpful to the entity in the present. You will answer the questions regarding this and other phases of her life. You will speak distinctly at a normal rate of speech.
2. EC: Yes, we have the soul-mind and body of [295], and that experience in the Palestine ministry of the Christ; and those phases that are influences in the present experience of the body.
3. In giving a detailed account of the experience as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, indeed much might be given respecting the activities of the entity in that experience. For, as given in the Gospel account, this entity was then the Mary of Magdalene; or the courtesan that was active in the experiences both of those that were in the capacity of the Roman officers, Roman peoples, and those that were of the native lands and country.
4. When the body met first the Master, it was the woman brought before the council as taken in adultery; and the one whom the whole council or court at the time asked that, according to the law, the woman be stoned. [See 5749-9 on 10/21/37.]
5. With the cleansing of the body-mind, through the association and experience, the entity then joined again with those of the family from whom she had been separated in Bethany, and became then again of the household of those that dwelt there.
6. Hence the showing in the Gospel of the difference in attitude, in the manner of approach, with the various visits of the Master through the period.
7. The entity was the same to whom the Master first appeared upon the resurrection morn; the same to whom many of the apostles and leaders during that experience went for counsel, in the ways and manners that are spoken of in the various accounts that are kept in the present.
8. As to the experiences before meeting the Master, these were more of the worldly nature; wherein there was the giving of self in body, in the indulgencies of the period, such that there was brought for the body and those associated with same the activities that brought condemnation, as well as the pomp, the power, the splendor, when considered from that angle, in the experience of the entity through the period.
9. In the activities, then, these should be - as we find - more dwelt upon in the activity after the cleansing in the temple.
10. Ready for questions.
11. (Q) Is the account of Mary depicted in the book, "Under Pontius Pilate", a copy of which I hold in my hand, authentic? [10/14/77 GD's note: UNDER PONTIUS PILATE was written by William Schuyler and published in 1906 by Funk.]
    (A) In the main, authentic.
12. (Q) Was the extraordinary reaction produced by reading this book caused by the soul-mind coming into the realization of the two being one?
    (A) That which brought the realization of the activities, and the forces that continue to war within self.
13. (Q) Why is it not pointed out more clearly in the Gospels that they were one and the same?
    (A) It could hardly be pointed out more clearly than it is, when the references are read as one!
14. (Q) Please describe the personal appearance of the body at that time.
    (A) This is well drawn by da Vinci, as well as in that by Blum [Blaum?] [?] - The Magdalene. A body five feet four inches (5'4") in height, weight a hundred and twenty-one (121) pounds - in the general. Hair almost red. The eyes were blue. The features were those impelled both from the Grecian and Jewish ancestry. [See 295-8, Par. R5.]
15. (Q) In what previous experience or experiences did Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, contact the entity who became the Master of men in the Palestine experience?
    (A) Not in bodily form, or in what is termed earth experience, save in the MENTAL associations through the experience in Egypt and in Persia.
16. (Q) Please recall to the mind of the entity any scene or conversation which may be helpful and enlightening, as well as inspiring, in the present, between this entity or her associates and the Master, during the Master's ministry in the earth in the Palestine experience.
    (A) None greater than that given to the entity by the Master, that means for the entity an awakening: "Neither do I condemn thee - Neither do I condemn thee." That HAS awakened, WILL awaken within the soul of the entity, more of the love, the oneness of the force or power able to cleanse when condemnation is not in self.
    Hence, as given then - and as has been given oft: Do not condemn self! And the condemnation of self is that to which the entity in self gives more of that repelling force than to any influence in the experience of the entity in the present.
17. (Q) What did the Master write in the sand at the time of that experience?
    (A) That which condemned each individual, as each looked over His arm - or as He wrote.
18. (Q) Have I learned to condemn less?
    (A) On the way!
19. (Q) Did the entity repay any fraction of the debt owed the Master while He was in the earth?
    (A) That's impossible! For, as the entity and each soul learns, condemning self is condemning the abilities of the Master. As the Master has given, GOD is God of the LIVING - NOT of the dead! For, the dead are separated from the living. As in the earth, so in the spiritual. Dead, or death, is separation. Death in the spiritual, then, is separation from life. Life, then, is God. The Master, the Christ, manifested life in the earth, through not only the material manifestations that were given in the ministry but in laying aside the life. As He gave, "I GIVE my life - I give it of myself, and I take it of myself."
    So, in any attempt to repay - there can be no repay! But when one lives the life that MANIFESTS the Christ life, love, joy, peace, harmony, grace, glory, the JOY is in the life of the Master as He manifests - and manifested - life in the earth.
20. (Q) How did the death of the Master affect the entity?
    (A) As visioned by that which is read, she thought He was the gardener. This indicates all the hopelessness, all the sorrow that is possible to be indicated in hopelessness. Yet the JOY should be the condition as would be thought on, rather than the separation at the time. This is going backward, even to be affected by the separation - when there is the joy as manifested in, "My Lord and my God."
21. (Q) Was the entity present at the ascension?
    (A) To be sure.
22. (Q) After the Master's death and resurrection, please give a brief biographical sketch of the remaining years of the lives of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. How long did each live, and what did each accomplish?
    (A) It would require volumes to give in detail as to what each may have been considered to have accomplished, or that each did accomplish.
    Lazarus' life was only until the first of the rebellions arose; for, on HIS activity much of that which caused the dissension (from the first raising from the dead) was produced in the minds of the people and the experiences of the high priest at the time.
    With the death and separation of the Master from the disciples (as it may be called), the home of Mary and Martha became - for the time - rather the center from which most of the activities of the disciples took place, who were of that activity; that is, who were not altogether Galileans, see?
    Hence those associations that became the closest were with John, James, Matthew (Levi) [GD's note: See Mat. 9:9, 10:3; Mark 2:14, 3:18; Luke 5:27,29, 6:15; Acts 1:13, indicating that Matthew and Levi are one and the same.] and Thaddeus. The others, of course, remained closer with the activities of the Galileans.
    Hence we find, with the return from Galilee and the activities there upon the ascension (which was fifty days after the resurrection), Mary the mother of Christ became a dweller in the house or home of John - who joined with those in Bethany; for John, as may be well known, was the wealthiest of the disciples of the Christ. His estate would be counted in the present, in American money, as being near to a quarter of a million dollars; or to the estate where he was a power with those in the Roman and Jewish power at the period.
    Hence the associations of Mary and John became the closest after this (we are speaking of Mary, the sister of Martha).
    As to Martha's experience then, in this period: With the rebellions that arose (that is, the coming of the soldiery that made for the dissension), we find Martha joined with those that brought the rebellion of Saul; and it was under his direction that the persecutions and banishments brought about the death of Martha.
    With the joining of the mother of the Christ with John's household (which was composed then of Mary Magdalene and Elois [?], or the sister of Mary that was the mother of James and John), these journeyed then to what would be called their SUMMER home - or that portion on the lake of Gennesaret where the activities of those that came and went were supervised by those of the whole household.
    The period of life of Mary (that is, of Mary the sister of Lazarus) was some twenty and two (22) years; she being twenty-three (23) years old when the Christ cleansed her from the seven (7) devils: Avarice, hate, self-indulgence, and those of the kindred selfishness; hopelessness and blasphemy. [Luke 8:2] [See 543-18, Par. R1, in re Miss [295] giving magnetic tr. to help free Miss [543] of "possession," 3/15/32.]
23. (Q) Was there a special message to Mary after Christ arose that was not recorded?
    (A) There's several Marys; which one is meant?
24. (Q) Mary, the sister of Martha.
    (A) Wasn't it sufficient to have Him appear first? What more could be counted in earthly things, to be the first to meet Him?
25. (Q) Please give the lesson that should be learned from this experience by the entity.
    (A) Subduing these very same conditions in the experience of self. EVER these are contending influences in the experience.
    For, one should remember, even the cleansing power as in the raising of Lazarus - raised for the moment, but his own life to live! Forgiven, yes - entirely, by and through the blood of the Master, but the OWN life to live!
    As the illustration, that has oft been given: Nails may be driven in a post and may be removed, but the holes cannot! Neither can the scars that remain, that touched the soul - as the devils do in their activity, be wholly erased; until self has passed through the whole cleansing in Him.
    All those, then, that were cleansed by Him, have been called - are called - for special missions, for activities in each experience in and among men, that they - as souls, as portions of the life, as portions of the whole - may demonstrate, may give, the blessings to many.
    Even as the body may, as Mary, give that in the experience of those; that ever stood as a monument, as a memorial, to the activity of the Christ life upon the life of a soul that was active in the earth during the Galilean or the Palestine experience. And so may the entity in the experience in the earth in the present become the channel through which blessings may come to many that act as a manifestation of life in the earth for the bringing about of those things, in the hearts and minds and souls of men, that cause the recognition and the activity of the saving grace in the love of the Christ, the Savior of men.
26. (Q) Regarding the present, has the entity found the correct solution of her problems in the method used in overcoming the last terrific mental upheaval of about a month ago?
    (A) The correct solution is found only in hope, faith, trust, believing and acting that way in Him.
    When doubts, fears, cares, troubles in the life arise, or when self allows the arising of any of those conditions that have scarred and seared the whole of the entity's being to manifest, then only turn to Him. In Him only is there safety.
27. (Q) Please give counsel regarding the entity's automatic writing.
    (A) Go slow, and ONLY by HIS guiding counsel, His hope, may there come aid through such activity. In His name; let that which comes be given ONLY in HIS name - ONLY in His name.
28. (Q) What is the entity's symbol or sign?
    (A) The rose with the Cross in same. Valley rose. [See 295-8, Par. R1.]
29. (Q) Regarding the entity's proposed trip home [to Okla.] next week: Considering all conditions, is it well for the entity to make the trip home at this time?
    (A) If it so chooses! [About a week later she did go on a month's visit to her family in Okla.]
30. (Q) What can the entity do while home to aid her family and associates the most in a spiritual way?
    (A) Let the activities and the words of the mouth be consistent with that self would have others see, others know, others do, respecting their spiritual and material conditions. Do not speak in one direction and self act in another. This is a tendency in self; not of exaggeration, but self-indulgence.
31. (Q) Are there any precautions regarding the trip, either to or from [home]?
    (A) These have been given in other directions, as regarding associations. Beware of some!
32. We are through for the present.

    Three copies to Self
    Copy to File

BACKGROUND

1. See 295-1 on 12/23/29.

REPORTS

1. 10/09/33 She wrote Miss [275] requesting her to draw the symbol or sign (or seal) as described in 295-8, Par. 28-A, also giving her a copy of [295-8], Par. 27-A.
2. 10/11/33 Miss [275]'s letter to Miss [295] in re drawing of seal or symbol described in 295-8, Par. 28-A, and the message in [295-8], Par. 27-A:
   Dear [295]:
   I received your letter yesterday, and was very much interested in your questions and answers, from your last reading. I agree with it entirely, and don't believe that writing, when guided by outside influences, is the right thing. However when doing it through your inner voice, or from your soul, I feel it is a great deal safer and truer. That way, if you ask it, you are only under "His guiding counsel", and are sure of only receiving the Truth, according to what God wishes you to have at that time.
   Last night I asked whether I could have your seal, and it said I could. I received it, and just as soon as I have drawn it, will send it to you immediately. The cross with the rose is in the center, and the rest I will leave as a surprise for you. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to be able to do this for you, and I only hope that it will be of help to you after you have received it.
   Remember me to everyone,
   Sincerely [275]
3. 11/08/33 She received the drawing by Miss [275], with her interpretation of it received in meditation. [See Par. R2 above.]
4. See subsequent notations under 295-1 Life Rdg. Reports, as well as under 295-8 Reports.
5. 8/65 GD's note: Miss Lucille C. Brunner had a class at A.R.E. this month during Bible Week, on Women of the Bible. In reply to her inquiry about the painting of The Magdalene by Leonardo da Vinci, she received the following card from Publications Fund, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. 20565:
   Dear Miss Brunner: August 25, 1965
   "There is no painting called "The Magdalene" by Leonardo da Vinci. Rubens did a portrait called "Magdalen" now in Vienna and Carlo Dolci painted one called "The Penitent Magdalen" now in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Prints of these are available from the W. A. WILDE COMPANY, 131 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts."
6. 1/27/69 Mrs. [295] wrote that she had kept in touch with Mrs. [3175] over the years.
7. 10/30/71 She wrote that her husband was ill with lymphosarcoma.
8. 12/14/71 She wrote that she was attending a Cayce SFG Study group starting at the New Age Center in her area.
9. 12/18/72 She wrote GD: "I appreciated your book [MY YEARS WITH EDGAR CAYCE] more than you know; cried myself to sleep when I had finished it; felt I should like to write a sequel to it. It is a fine description of those years, though it couldn't possibly tell it all."
10. 1/26/73 She wrote that "The 29th is our 35th wedding anniversary".
11. 8/03/73 She sent GD a booklet, THE RETURN OF MARY MAGDALENE by Arthur J. Burks. [See 295-8, Par. R19.]
12. 12/13/73 She wrote: "Did you read the booklet Col. Burks wrote on Mary Magdalene? I thought if it met with your approval it might be filed with my Life Reading. What do you think? [See 295-8, Par. R19.]
    "CONGRATULATIONS on your 50th anniversary [with the readings]! You deserve all the honor bestowed on you. You are the world's greatest! Happy New Year." Love, [295]
13. 3/08/75 She wrote HLC saying she could not attend dedication of new A.R.E. Library due to her husband being in hospital for another blood transfusion. "He has been ill with lymphosarcoma for several years.
    "Soon there will be the birthday anniversary of the ONE [Edgar Cayce] who made all this possible... I truly loved him, only second to my Lord Jesus, and as my tears fall like rain, I shall always.
    "Thank you for thinking of me."
14. 4/15/75 GD's note: She phoned me tonight saying her husband died a week ago.
15. 5/29/75 She wrote about her husband: "I miss him so!"
16. 3/17/78 GD's note: Mrs. [295] has done a lot of travelling the last few years, continues to be an A.R.E. member and active in church work and A.R.E. Study Group work.
17. See Source File Key #295 for Life Seal re 295-8.
18. 9/19/69 Mrs. [295]'s letter to GD:
    In answer to your letter of the 11th, requesting a copy of my symbol drawn by [275], I am enclosing same, having tried to take pictures of it unsuccessfully with my Polaroid Camera. I shall draw myself another as near like it as possible and you are entirely welcome to the original.
    I tried to locate the explanation of the symbol, which I am sure I must have somewhere, but could not. I found the framed symbol immediately, however, for it has been one of my prized possesions all these years.
    My explanation of the symbol, partially, would be this:
    The Cross represents that on which my Savior died for my sins.
    The Rose, my favorite flower, represents the Rose of Sharon, Jesus Christ, the Lily of the Valley, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the Prince of Peace!
    The two Palm Branches represent the Second coming of our Saviour.
    The OHM is the highest vibration possible.
    The ten figures below I am unable to explain; I am sure she [275] must have had an explanation.
    The circle depicts the world for which Christ died.
    The Bell, I believe, represents the Bell Telephone Company where I worked for over forty years.
    Gladys, could you make a copy of the first page of my Life Reading and send it to me. For some reason it is missing. I have kept all my readings and all the literature from the Association.
    Must hurry down and mail this.
    Love, [295]
19. See Source File Key #295 for THE RETURN OF MARY MAGDALENE re 295-8.
20. 5/06/88 JT's note: Mrs. [295] passed away in her home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on November 12, 1987. Her daughter was with her. Mrs. [295] had a dream she shared with her housekeeper saying she was going to die soon and related meeting her mother (and others) who hugged her. The morning of the day she passed away Mrs. [295] told her housekeeper, Lou Gibson, that Lou wouldn't have to fix supper for her that night. [295] asked her daughter to place a call so she could speak with her second daughter in California. Shortly after this conversation her daughter left the room to fix [295]'s lunch saying, "I'll be right back Mother," to which Mrs. [295] replied calmly, "I won't be here." When her daughter returned to the room, Mrs. [295] had died.
    Funeral services were held in University Place Christian Church and burial was in Bethany, Oklahoma.

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