This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 1st day of July, 1936, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [338], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mrs. [338] and Mr. [256], and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the records here, as well as that which has been given respecting the entity now known as or called [maiden name], [338].
2. In giving that as may be helpful to the experience of the entity in the present, well that the conditions from the material angle be understood, or as may be termed in the present from that angle which exists in the present in the nationalism of the whole world, and the nationalism that existed in the experience when the entity was as the Grecian, with all of those experiences of those that had made for the activities in depicting in the earth of art, the various forms of art, in the statuary, in the paintings, in the markings, the drawings, and the conditions that arose from the entrance of those into the Persian land.
3. As indicated in the experiences of others, in this entity's experience also it was not the popular thing for the sojourning of individuals or of groups from the Grecian influence into the Persian land; for most of those who gathered there did so because of the very needs of the people themselves. Yet during the early portion of the experience of the entity in the sojourns in the Persian and Arabian land, there grew a commercialism, the sectarianism as might be termed in the present of the various groups and the various activities where there were the attempts - to be sure - of the various groups to more and more inject, or more and more apply, THEIR relationships with the various groups that formed in that 'city in the hills and in the plains.'
4. Yet the entity, with the incoming, made for those expressions in the arts that are as in the experience of the entity in the present; the correlating not so much of what may be termed the thought of others in their various relationships with what had been the impelling influence in their experience, but of those things that partook of nature and its relationships to man's experience in keeping that ever before the individuals for their interpretation of the natural forces that express themselves in nature, that which expresses itself in the rhythmic of the lines in body as well as in those natural forces that manifest themselves. These became a part of the entity. And under the stress of those attempts on the part of many individuals and groups to express nationalism. Hence we will find in the experiences of the entity in the present, during those periods and under the stress of the various times that are arising in the experience of the earth today, the entity may be said to be that one as may give a new interpretation in the experiences of those that may hold to the activities in the abilities for the correlating of those influences from the natural sources as well as from the influences in every soul that depict for those that seek to find the expressions in same in the present.
5. The activities of the material nature during that experience we find were in the schools of not the [origin of the] Epicurean nor the Pict, but rather what had become [in that much earlier time] a combination of same.
6. Then in the entering into the activities in the 'city in the hills,' and with the decorative forces for the commercial activities, the home, the places of service, the places of justice, the places of worship, all of these became as a portion of the activities wherein the entity was used as the means for making the artistic realizations in the experiences of those in the archaeological, in the home, in what would be termed commonly the places where the races were to be run, the places where prayer was wont to be made, where justice was to be dealt, the activities in the home. All of these became a part of the entity's experience.
7. And as has been indicated, they become the greater portion of the experience and developments for the entity in the present.
8. Holding then to those forces or influences in those experiences in the Persian activity, that which was depicted becomes more and more of a constructive as well as instructive influence in the rhythmic of the mind, of color, of activity, of expression, or those of a CONSTRUCTIVE nature that will make in the present for those forces that become as that upon which the entity INNATELY depends. For THEN the entity gave of self in its activity as that of the less of self and more and more of Creative Forces.
9. Hence as the expressions of self are given in the present, we will find there arising as from out of the within, the abilities to give life, to give hope, to give those things that are expressive of harmony, peace, depicted in the arts, as well as bringing same into the experience of those that behold same.
10. These then make for constructive forces in the activity of the entity in the present, and will lead to more and more the opening of the life within. Life in its expression is that as has been given; for the essence of Life is God.
11. Ready for questions.
12. (Q) Shall I continue to study at the school I attend under the same teachers or are any others recommended?
    (A) For the present, and until the completion of that which has been set out as a goal through these particular studies in this particular association, keep the same school, the same associations. And we will find that these will then gradually lead, in the next period of changes, to other fields of activity. Not so much then as in a school, but as a COOPERATIVE activity with that school.
13. (Q) Have I abilities for sculpture and should I devote part of my time to that study as well as painting for the most satisfactory expression?
    (A) This is as a portion. They are of such a kindred nature, and were of the natural expression of the entity during those experiences, that it would be found that while sculpture will NOT be of the MAIN activities of the entity - unless given wholly or entirely to same - this should be used in the experience rather as what may be termed a rest FOR the body, see? which will then lend a helpful means in the MANNER of expressions in the paintings.
    For these, as were those expressions in the days of old that have come as legends, were so very close to the entity in those periods of activity in the Persian, that where there were made the sculpture folk or the sculptured activities, the SPIRITUAL forces took life in them, or took THEMSELVES into those influences.
    Then, as the entity takes hold of same, it will find that these will, as it were, mold themselves into LIFE - and thus give in the painting a relief from what becomes oft as a bit of a grind; relieving self and thus enabling the entity, the experiences of the entity in the present, to become broader in its conception and to give more tone, more life, more expression into the painting.
14. (Q) What phase of painting should I specialize in so that I may present those things most worthwhile?
    (A) As has been indicated, these should come as it were as MOODS for the entity. At times those that express nature, as from the fields themselves; at times those that express the necessity for that held as a thought to be wielded into justice, yet mercy with same - those that would measure or judge between the fellowman when both perhaps are somewhat selfish and self-centered in their demands one upon another. Again there is the mood when those things which would represent the altars even of Life itself, may be depicted; not so much sacrifice as of duty, as of love, as of the expressions that find themselves from nature's influences but fill their place in the lives of individuals that may be assembled for such an activity. These then, as we find. While this may be somewhat broad, yet it is very, very definite - when it's once begun.
15. (Q) Where may I obtain a numerological reading that would be reliable so that I may better determine my abilities in the present?
    (A) These we find may be given through many channels. These may be given through these influences or forces, yet these are rather as the expressions that would be given as signs and not as omens. For the WILL makes for that determination. But if those are sought for, as we find the better may be had from such a one as Moon Trail. [Horace Hambling, English medium, at the time on tour in U.S.A., staying at Zentgraf home, S.I.]
16. (Q) What associations or connections have I had with the members of my family in previous appearances?
    (A) These have been indicated in the experiences and expressions of those that have been given as to the periods of activity when they came together. These were then closely associated in the activities during that particular experience. Not always the same relationships as in the present. Some experiences are reversed, as has been indicated in the experience of the entity - as indicated in the experiences for those of the family relationships in the present. But these become such that, as indicated in the present, there are the needs for that advice, that duty, that relationship which exists in the present - as an OUTGROWTH of those periods of activity. And these become then the REAL reasons - if there is as a reason - rather because the brother was then the sister, or the sister rather then as the relationships of the companion or as an overseer or as an advisor, but rather than in the present the relationships are such that if the relationships are related to Creative Forces, as they are expressed in the fruits of the spirit, and these exercised in the relationships, the development of body, mind and soul becomes in its proper relationship in the present.
17. (Q) Please explain the meaning of "even as it was given as to when the tabernacle was to be builded - or when it was shown even as in the Master's directing when the day when each should stand as a messenger," given in a previous reading. [See 338-3, Par. 13-A.]
    (A) As has been indicated, each - or this soul makes the application personal. In the expressions as shown in the tabernacle, in the orders as given for its construction - the size, the shape, the measurements, the figures above the holy of holies, the directions of the colors as indicated for the hangings, the manner in which each board was to be set, the manner in which each skin was to be used or dyed - these were not only for the physical protection but for the expressions that would come in the experience of individuals that took the service or the worship there as being a thing within themselves. Hence became material, emblematical, and the experience of the application of same in the worship there became as a living thing in the experience of the individuals. [Exodus 25, 26, 27, etc.]
    Now the expression as given by Him, the Maker, the Creator of the earth and all therein, was "the day arrives when not in this mountain nor in this temple, but in the hearts of men and women everywhere, is that service, that manner, that means of expression." [John 4:21]
    So as it has been given for the entity in its depicting of those expressions of things in life, those expressions of man's obligations and duties, those expressions that may hold before the beholder that ideal, that idea of the fruits of the spirit - as the entity then labors in its giving of itself in expression, it becomes even as those things given by the pattern in the mount as well as the pattern given by the Master that they become as LIVING experiences, not only in the activities of the individuals but create that atmosphere, that vibration, that environment for the beholder of those things that ARE expressions of the fruits of the spirit as manifested things in their lives and experiences, see?
18. (Q) Please state in detail any appearances in addition to those in my Life Reading that are important in the present. [See 338-2.]
    (A) These come as the growth of the entity in its activity, in its dealing with the influences in the life. And as is found ordinarily or the more often, the expressions of same change as the application of self in the relationships to those things that are experiences in the entity's force itself.
    As in those experiences that are not given, and which should become as a growth in the experiences of the entity, as has been indicated in the Persian we find not only a necessity but an expression of that which would make for a combining of the best in every influence of many peoples that were under many different thoughts. Yet those that should come to GROW, these are but naught to expressions we may find in the entity's experience when there began first the decoration of the church in the first of Constantine's concept of the Sistine Choir, [by Michelangelo and others?] that has grown to be rather a seeking in the present; and then that as may be given in the manner and the change that will come into the experience of the entity in these directions will mean a great deal more.
19. (Q) Did I see the Master during his time here, in order that I may paint Him as I recall Him?
    (A) Not as we might say for that purpose, but as these expressions, as these experiences find activity in the expression, then that as may be given out is the outgrowth. Or let's turn it in this manner:
    There was the question asked the Master upon the occasion when the entity [338] was acquainted with the Man [Jesus should] not so oft [be] depicted as of sorrows and of grief, but [should] rather [be depicted] in the periods when there were the expressions of power, of might, of the very influences as has been given. There was the question asked, "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" The answer, "Neither this man nor his parents, but that the glory of GOD might be manifested TODAY." See? [John 9:3]
    So in self the experience came, the activity in self brings rather then the fulfillment of same. Depict Him as that in the giving of the Supper. [Mark 14] [See 5749-1.]
    For there we find not only the shadow of Gethsemane, not only the sunlight of Calvary, but also the beauty of the glorious resurrection morn. For as He gave, "This my body, broken, FOR YOU - This my blood, shed that ye might have life and have it more abundantly."
    All of these that came then as the physical suffering, as the man, were pushed aside. And in His Face there comes that as He gave, "I drink it anew with thee in my Father's kingdom." THAT depict!
20. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See Life Rdg. 338-2 on 5/27/33 saying that she had talents in art from her Persian incarnation. Also see Ck. Life Rdg. 338-3 on 8/30/34 encouraging her to continue her art studies.

REPORTS

1. 7/01/36 P.M. She obtained a Ck. Physical on her health, 338-5.
2. 8/07/36 P.M. "[256] and I enjoyed the Congress in a way that is very difficult to put on paper, but I know that if there hadn't been any Congress at all, we would still have returned home thoroughly happy in just being with you even for a short time.
   "My readings are so wonderful that I thank God every day for them, and for the light that they have brought me when I was in darkness, for that is what my rdgs. have meant to me...
   "Next week I will go to Boston for a few days to visit the family, as my mother [403] gets so lonesome for me; and I like to go home as often as I can, as I have no friends at all in N.Y., except one girl that I've known for years, and she is not the least interested in metaphysical discussion - so sometimes I have to talk to myself, although I don't mind being alone - it's given me more time for study...
   "What I have received I will try and give to others from day to day."
3. 2/18/37 "I have had a great many breaks in school work this year, due to illness at home, and myself, but am still making progress, although not as much as I had hoped for. Perhaps things will quiet down now so that I can get some good hard work done before school closes in June. It seems as though we must go through so much to try our patience, courage, and worthiness, but no matter how low I get in spirit, I have the truth and the words that have come through you. They are enough in my darkest hours to give me the strength and the will to go on. God grant you may be spared to us who need you, and the light you bring to us."
4. 2/19/37 Her brother [256] got married.
5. 5/19/37 "I was grieved to read of your father's passing. He was the last one that stood waving us farewell as we left Virginia Beach last year. Such a dear soul can only find peace and love in God's garden... [She requested Life Rdg. 1378-1 for her father, saying:]
   "I haven't had a chance to talk with [256] about it, as he is so busy getting his classes ready for graduation, with all the attending social duties, and his new home ties - in fact I've only seen him about three times since he married. So, things that I used to be able to talk with him about, I've just got to figure out myself, and I don't know so very much to begin with."
6. 6/13/37 "Miss Jennie Moore and Dr. Henry S. W. Hardwicke were just talking with me on the phone, about the A.R.E. Congress. I will go if it is possible. I am not sure that [256] will be able to go, and to tell the truth will feel very sad to go without him. He has always been, more or less, a sort of guiding influence for me, and now that I feel I have lost him, I am sort of like a lost sheep. Well - I don't let him know of it anyway."
7. 8/11/37 She wrote for Ck. Physical 338-6: "This past winter and spring have been very terrible for me - makes me feel that perhaps it is a karmic condition," adding a P.S. "I have dropped the name of [married name], as you will notice, and will henceforth use 'Miss ... [338]'. I have not had any mail forwarded to me, so have not yet read about the Congress. I have that to look forward to. I must remember to write and tell you what I said to Miss [954] when she asked me to join a few of the members who were going to INVESTIGATE some of the readings. [See 5753-2 on 6/29/03 the A.R.E. Congress on reincarnation.] When I heard that word 'investigate', I lost my temper, but I guess she didn't mean it in that way. However, I am not going to join them until I find out if it is to HELP your work. I should think 'record seekers' would be more appropriate."
8. 11/05/37 See Ck. Physical 338-7 in re continued treatment for her health, myocarditis condition, including 14-A about the right time to return to art school, and Par. 15-A interpretation of her dream in which she met death as a personality.
9. 4/22/39 She wrote about a friend disturbed due to marital difficulties with her husband: "People seem to get into such tangles in this world, for no apparent reason. I know - because I have gotten into a few myself in the past. These days I am very much at peace...
   "[Brother [1211]] dropped a line to me and in it said that he would never forget how good [Brother [256]] was to him this winter...
   "Poor [256] - he has had the same thing for so many years and never complains. Sometimes I get sore at 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 very humble."
10. 9/30/40 She wrote about the sudden death of her beloved brother, [256]. [See details under 256-1 Reports.]
    "Two nights after he passed I was talking to him in a dream... 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."
11. 10/23/40 "I have not been well - am struggling to pass this period of depression which reacts badly on my heart - for I have much work to do in my Father's vineyard. Mother [403] and [brother [1211]] are problems in themselves - so near to death, and still they live. God's will be done. We all have our crosses. I am like an old worn-out horse trying to get on its feet. When I do I will spend a few days at Virginia Beach...
    "Will you accept the enclosed towards the vault for [256]? I distinctly feel that it is his wish, and he adds that I am to send you his love also."
12. 12/12/40 She requested Ck. Physical 338-8, saying she had spent most of Nov. in a hospital with an awful pain in head. X-rays were taken but cause could not be found; they finally attributed it to her high blood pressure; did not help her, just kept her doped up - the only help she had ever rec'd had been from her Physical Rdgs:
    "There is so much work waiting for me to do - so much that I can do for others - if I can only be well enough.
    "What I do not seem to understand is WHY I have to be sick at all. It certainly is no part of God - illness, I mean - although I know definitely that I have been making spiritual progress, and the earth body has tried to do all in its power for those around it. If I only knew. It may be that I have not had the courage to leave those whom I love in order to follow in the footsteps of the Master. I have leaned unto my own understanding, in thinking that they could not do without me - but I have learned much and gone through much - so that now I feel strong enough in my soul to follow in whatever way He may lead me - if I could but know what He would have me do - which way to start my earth mission. Perhaps I should have a spiritual rdg. - but at the present I must attend to the physical before it is too late.
    "Have had two experiences in Nov. while semi-conscious. [256] came twice and spoke with me... [See rest under 256-1 Reports.]
    "Mother [403] is still with us, but like a candle that has burned down, and ready to go out any time. [Brother [1211]] also is still with us, but really only half here, poor boy. [Brother [933]] is keeping well, but working hard...
    "Remember me to your dear ones. We all appreciate the sympathy which came from you all in our deep sorrow."
13. 6/20/41 "I have spoken to our dear [256]." [See subsequent Ck. Physical Readings.]
14. 7/02/41 She requested Ck. Life 933-3 for her brother. "I am interested in the casting of astrological charts should know more about it than I do, as Belle Bart, the astrologist, is a very dear friend of mine, but with so little time for myself it is hard to get to everything." [See 4/43 notation under 338-2 Reports.]
15. 7/18/41 "I wonder sometimes how either [brother [933]] or myself have preserved our sanity thus far, for Mother [403] and [brother [1211]] are more of a problem every day - Mother especially unbalanced since [brother [256]] went."
16. 10/31/43 "Life in general has been just one problem after another - and my health has been very bad, but until the time when I can live my own life and do my own work I'm afraid that it will have to remain so. However, I am hoping to make a much needed change very shortly... Tom Sugrue did a grand job on your book - it is marvelous."
17. 5/11/44 She requested Ck. Physical 338-9, saying: "Perhaps Mrs. Cayce would be willing to compile a few questions from this letter that would help in understanding WHY I've got to go through this, year after year [recurrent heart attacks], without help - is it perhaps a karmic condition?" [See detailed letter under 338-8 Reports.] [She speaks of doing some kind of important work - metaphysical work? - and cannot understand why the Masters do not help her.]
18. 4/17/46 Gina Cerminara wrote to her:
    "You will no doubt recall that some years ago you had three life readings from Edgar Cayce. I am at present engaged in intensive research on these life readings, in order to present my findings to the general public in book form.
    "Mrs. Lucille Kahn of New York told me that your case was a particularly interesting one, inasmuch as you left your position as telegraph operator to take up art, on the strength of your life reading. I understand also that you have been successful in commercial art, even though you had never thought of entering that field before you had your reading.
    "I may have a mistaken understanding of the case, however, and I would deeply appreciate your writing me and clarifying the situation. A letter from you on this matter would serve as valuable documentary evidence for our files, and would contribute greatly to the research project on which I am now working. You will recognize, I am sure, the importance of presenting the facts about reincarnation to the world at this time.
    "When you write, I wish you would indicate whether the life reading accurately described or analyzed your character, whether or not Mr. Cayce knew you or not at the time of the reading, and whether or not the vocational advice he gave you has proved valid and successful. Any other comment you would care to make, EITHER FAVORABLE OR UNFAVORABLE would be of scientific interest in our study of the Cayce readings, and would be deeply appreciated.
    "May we hear from you on this matter as soon as possible? Thank you very much."
    Sincerely yours,
    Gina Cerminara
    [No reply]
19. 6/06/46 Miss [338] wired HLC: "So sorry to have missed seeing you [in Boston]. Have been in Miami Beach for my health but leaving tomorrow for N.Y. and then to Boston. Will be glad to hear from you at any time."
    [HLC tried to reach her when lecturing in Boston in June '46 and in March '47, but she was away.]
20. 5/25/49 Routine mailing was returned marked DECEASED.

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