This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 26th day of August, 1928, in accordance with request made by Mr. [341].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. [341], [1005], [849], [78], Mr. L. B. Cayce and Dr. Thos. B. House.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the bodies and enquiring minds of [78], [849], [1005], [2480], and [341], on whom Life Readings have been given through these forces. You will give their relations in past existences with each other and their connection and place, individually, with the Association of National Investigators as influenced by past experiences, and their connection in the present with the officers and trustees of the Association as influenced by past association with them. You will give suggestions to each one of these, individually, as to how he may proceed to prepare himself to take his place in the work of the Association. You will answer all the questions we may ask you regarding these.
2. EC: Yes, we have that information as has been given respecting individual application of self in the earth's plane in [78], [849], [1005], [2480], [341]; also those associated and associations of officers and trustees of Association of National Investigators. Here we find there are many various phases of those conditions as existed in the experience of the various entities, that - with their application of will in self - has brought about those conditions existent in the earth's plane as to their relation in the present experience, through associations that may be - by and through will's force - applied; or, through lack of application of will's force, separated in various directions. Hence the various conditions as present themselves. Through many different experiences, different associations have existed in the group as given. One experience in close association with the defense of tenets that were as individual relations that brought about, that create, an element or condition in the present experience [Crusades?]. In various other experiences there have been VARIED experiences in different conditions, under different environmental forces; creating, as it were, cross-purposes as builded by the individual in THAT experience. Hence complexes arise in the present. Sufficient would it be, were these to apply that knowledge gained through the ONE experience to their PRESENT existence or experience, and in the application gain the more perfect understanding of how other relations have to do with the application OF that which may be accomplished through the individual effort in the present experience.
3. There is seen that there are definite purposes as should be set in the heart, mind, soul, or mental forces OF each individual, toward one cause.
4. First there must be set, then, within self, that ability of accepting or rejecting that as would be the criterion towards endeavors. For, he who seeks God must believe He IS, or there can BE no finding in same.
5. In this acceptance, then, begins the first principal [principle?] law or lesson of application of INDIVIDUAL toward such. Better, possibly, were it given each individual their relation one with another and the correlation of same with the efforts of the trustees, officers, or purport set forth by said officers; or a principle or a condition to be brought into existence through the present efforts of same in a correlated order and manner; for without cooperation between those so interested there may not be that proper development as must come through the various forces as bring about the changes in material world, through the application OF MENTAL forces toward the spiritual idea, or the spirit as set forth in the conditions.
6. Then, as we find, each approach same in that INDIVIDUAL way and manner in which the correlation of association has brought about, does bring about, will affect each individual in that direction. The association of these is NOT by chance. Rather by that effect upon each entity, as an entity, toward the whole principle or force involved in same. Ready for questions.
7. (Q) Give advice to these, individually, that will enable them to plan their coming year in a manner that will be best for them individually and best in preparing them for taking their part in the work.
   (A) As this has been outlined, this is the manner to begin. Determine within self, first, as to how much or how little the influence of that given is to bear in the activities of self toward same. THAT is the first act of each mind toward same.
   As to planning the coming year, that depends upon the choice made; for man, an entity, an individual, is not a pawn to be moved by unseen forces; but rather by the ACTIVITY OF force through choice making the individual; for each individual is a portion of the great Creative Energy, and as to what that will be when returned to the Whole is UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL!
8. (Q) Would it be well for [78] to return to college this year?
   (A) Were those choices [If those choices were] in the direction, as has been outlined; or is that purpose [if that purpose is] set in self that the more curriculum (or the activities of same) is necessary for the FINDING of self; then act in that manner! The CHOICE MUST be made by self.
9. (Q) The plan contemplated by [849] and [341] to borrow from [257] and [900] and [195] the moneys necessary to complete their college education, is this the best method of carrying out their individual preparation for taking their place in the work?
   (A) There are many phases of association and of determined purpose in the work to be considered, when this from the spiritual side OF the endeavor is to be considered. First, the association in the various experiences has brought about that relation wherein such a condition is by natural deduction the condition to so fit each for the work to be accomplished through the Association; for it, by the natural portion of association in the PRESENT experience, would tie each TO the work to be accomplished through same in QUITE different spheres; as it would OTHERS that have been mentioned in the same connection. Then from all reasons, physical, mental, spiritual, this would be well WOULD [if] each individual [would] choose first that as to how far, how little, or how great the criterion of that given through that being studied is to be considered as final in activity. Then do it!
10. (Q) Would it be well for [1005] to go to ... [univ.] this year?
    (A) This again presents a different character of association. There are many through these channels who have been associated in the earth's plane for definite purposes in varied experiences. In the present year this condition offers, then, an especial opportunity for the individual, [1005], to apply self's will for and AGAINST that which will be presented from time to time through these channels. IS self willing to pay the price and still remain in that attitude of giving self to that as may be given as the criterion? or would it choose it's own? Then choose! The CONDITIONS are set for well - the making well of self through the present period, for many surrounding same - and that will be closely associated - bring especially at this period much to bear upon the mental forces OF the body, to make or mar that which may be builded in same THROUGH the application of SELF'S will to same! What do we mean by self's will? What do we mean by fate? What do we mean by associations as are assembled or gathered in one place?
    WILL is that influence, that condition, that THING, that is compatible with or against the will of the All Creative Energy! Call it nature, God, or what! It is either with or against! Developing to or from! The SPIRIT remaining one and the same.
    Conditions in group or in association, that BUILDED - and called either that of environmental, created through the mental body, or through the physical forces as are earthly at the present experience and existence. See?
11. (Q) Would it be well for [78] to go to ... [univ.]? and how would financial means be provided? or would it be well for him to work separate from the others in New York for a year?
    (A) Again is this a matter for self's own application to those forces as would be chosen as the criterion, or that as self would desire to build within self. ... [univ.] presents that same influence that may be used for weal or woe through the association as existent in the present experience. As for the financial, this may be prepared or arranged through one of any of three or four channels that would open, WOULD [if the body would] BUT make the choice. Separated, these will come and go - as to the contacts that will be made in different and varied directions - and hence the choice must be made through the application of, "What am I doing here? Use ME; not let me USE OTHERS."
12. (Q) What are the ways and means that will -
    (A) As given, these will be open when the choice is made; and will be given!
13. (Q) In what manner will [78] find his work in the Association -
    (A) In that direction that has BEEN outlined that the body would offer a channel through which that as is to be propagated may find an outlet, through this individual, prepared in the proper way and manner.
14. (Q) Should [1005] attend ... [univ.] -
    (A) As has been given! This has been outlined, as to the conditions that are present and the choice must be made within self!
15. (Q) Should he come out for football if he attends ...? Would it be detrimental?
    (A) This a portion of the price to be paid for the various elements through which the body will find self in various associations. This takes from the association of the group through that channel; but that is to the individual!
16. (Q) Does this mean if he goes out for football it will detract from this association with the rest of the group?
    (A) Just as given. Would detract, for it brings about a different association - which are not of those that are or have been associated in one direction. Choose for self.
17. (Q) What course of treatment should the entity [849] follow as to his physical self? [See 849-4.]
    (A) Keep much in the same way and manner as HAS been outlined for same. That is, in the last few months there has been much improvement in the physical. Why not more? For the whole of the body has been weakened through the application OF MENTAL to the detriment of the other. Now, in the present, there will be the opportunity to more thoroughly follow PHYSICALLY those conditions as have been set for same. Rid self physically of those conditions, through the application of the physical conditions as may be applied for the physical being. Do that. The baths, the medicinal properties, the rubs, and ESPECIALLY the diet. We are through for the present.

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading - "[341], [1005], [849], [78], [2480] - and the WORK."
2. See 341-24 on 8/17/27 and subsequent Reports.

REPORTS

1. 9/21/28 "[1005] seems to be getting along nicely and likes it very much.
   "[2480], [4248] and I are rooming in the three rooms we had planned on... Everybody is back that was in last yr. [849] is waiting on tables at Mrs. [...]'s and so far getting along o.k. He tells me that he has made no other arrangements. He and [900] had a long talk and found each other very congenial. They will work nicely together. I let him have part of that from [900], so everything will be alright for the first semester anyway, and will give him time to make other arrangements if necessary.
   "I am surely glad that [78] got straightened out in his rdg. and hope he follows it definitely. It seems funny but I thank you all for being nice to him and showing an interest, for he means a great deal to me, more even than I will allow myself to admit, for unreasonableness would follow. I hope he is successful.
   "Work at the library begins Monday and I am going to have to spend quite a bit of time there 3 or 4 hrs. per day. The work will be easy and very interesting, though... I am taking an easy course compared to last yr., 5 courses and a lab period. All interesting and not hard except for Greek and Astronomy. Also taking Philosophy, a reading course in English and Public Speaking, with Physics lab. My time will be pretty well taken up, however; the Greek is no snap and the library work will take time.
   "[849] has been very nice to [1005] and has had him out at the frat house several times. All the fellows seem to like him very much and I hope he will be fortunate enough to get a bid. It will be fine for him and will make him socially and politically as well as give him a stable background to work against and many to work with and for him. I shall urge him to accept, for I think it will be great for him and the expense very little.
   "How is the building getting along? Leaving this time was hard for many reasons, and though I don't get exactly homesick, I think lots about you all and the whys, etc., of it all. Perhaps I'll be better prepared for the future in some respects anyway. It can't be just a 'magnificent gesture'.
   "Well, think about me - it helps more than anything else."
2. 1/10/29 He referred his psychology professor for Life Rdg. 204-1.
3. 3/02/29 "I had a long letter from [2486] yesterday thanking me for book. She has been quite ill but is better now."
4. 4/22/29 Ltr. in re studying comparative religions, see under 341-8, also: "[1005] and [849] tried to get me into the ... fraternity social, etc., last week failed, was blackballed by one man who didn't like me...wanted it, yes, for reasons - hated it for other reasons, but that is a long, sad story, one of those regular college sob tales."
5. 5/01/29 "[1005] is working a bit but having a hard time. Too much [23], I am afraid. How nice it is to be 'not very seriously in love.' Somehow girls seem so futile, if you get the meaning - so off the track. To try to fall in love with one of them is like taking a long detour - pleasant but off the track as to where I am going. Then, too, there is [2486]. They are all so - what shall I say - insufficient, when compared to her.
   "By the way, guess what? I am writing my thesis for Religion of 3000 words on Reincarnation traced through its history, ancient and modern, etc., I knew I was taking that course for something...
   "College has been worth all the trouble after all, I guess. It hasn't been exactly like it was thought to be by me, but it has been wonderful in many ways...
   "Funny that I can't keep such a nice thing as money...my attitude toward money is terrible. I should change it, I guess. It doesn't seem to bother me if I haven't got any. I could live, I feel, almost without it, yet the more I get the more I get rid of. Silly way of living. Can't keep it, don't want to - it worries me. Yet I do enjoy spending it. Maybe I'll get a right angle on it some day."
6. 5/23/29 See 341-30, dream interpretation rdg., in which a deceased friend of his childhood spoke to him.
7. 5/31/29 He referred another schoolmate for Life Rdg. 4248-1.
8. 9/11/29 "This will probably be one of the most peculiar letters you have ever rec'd from me. I have been waiting to write you until it was all over, or begun. For the past few days I have been in a fog, I have been lonesome, more so than ever before, I have been miserable, I have been through conditions which I would have refused to believe I would pass through, I have met circumstances which I could not control for the first time - that hurt. Let me tell you about it.
   "I have spent three years building up a kind of wall of reserve in my relations with other than a comparatively few fellows on the campus. I have a few real friends - a slightly larger number of acquaintances the rest I do not know. I have never tried to make myself liked - I did not care. Through the influence of others (the friends) and my own work (books) I gained many of the little honors which the average frat man doesn't have. I found many on the campus who naturally I didn't like and they in turn didn't like me - I ignored them.
   "[849], through his own efforts and natural likeableness to many, made the most sophisticated club on the campus. The boys were cold, high hats generally called. Through [849]'s influence [1005] got in also and with him came a bunch of rather nice fellows. Three or four times they have tried to get me in. Each time they failed. One man can 'ball' a fellow. Since Thurs. there has been one continual fight with a few of the fellows. The circumstance is unusual. A senior, yet liked by several in a club. Few clubs would pledge a senior, few seniors would accept. But this brings us to Thurs. and my arrival. Here, separated from [2480], [4248], [1005] and [849], away off by myself, seemingly cut off from the world and with prospects of remaining that way - well, somehow it got me. I had found something I wanted and couldn't get except by allowing others to help me. They did. They tell me that few have rec'd such praise and curses all in one breath as I did in a meeting this afternoon. After a rather stormy session they passed me, thanks to [1005], [849] and a few more. I accepted. Thus I am pledged to the oldest, high hattedest, possibly the richest club on the campus. Many will consider it a 'shine' for the club to pledge me - for me to accept. Neither seems to care. It will mean I'll spend more money than usual, perhaps. Socially and politically it means everything. I wanted it worse than anything I have ever wanted before. All that I could do in acting 'nice' for the past few days was useless and badly done - I could not erase in a week my habits of three years. Others had to do it all for me. They did.
   "Maybe I was wrong, but you don't know how much it means in 'just the feeling.'...
   "I have lost a lot of individuality or independence. I have gained a feeling which is peculiar, there is a change in the way others look at me, even today. It seems worth it - just to be near [1005] and [849]. I never needed people before. It is funny."
9. 9/18/29 EC's letter: "I think I realize some of the things that you have been through recently. I think I know fairly well just what has taken place in your heart and mind - how many things have been torn down and how many promises you have made yourself. I'm glad that it has worked to your satisfaction at the present time. I'm sure that you will realize this one thing though, [341] - you are being given an opportunity to show yourself and your worth as an associate and a member of a group - for, as you say, most of your work has been individual. How well, I am sure you and [849] both found that it is in keeping with the information that has been given you. That's the thing that is so appalling to me at times - I just wonder and wonder and wonder. Know that we are all with you, though, heart and soul, and possibly are all too anxious to try to be of service and help to you in any way we can. This incident possibly will assist you in understanding SOME of the things that I have tried to say to you from time to time, when I was trying to advise with you, and our differences of opinion were so far that we could scarcely discuss it - but KNOW that we all love you so much, we are just possibly over anxious. I hope you will use the circumstances to build for yourself that which you would possibly not have been able to have gotten any other way."
10. 10/04/29 Mr. [341] indicated that [1005] had left college today due to his father's terminal illness.
11. 10/31/29 "There is very little of which to write. It is raining, just a drizzle. It is a little cold and the wind is blowing, not very hard but always blowing. I am lonesome again. I wonder if in this world there is anything which once attained retains its value? A thing will glow and shine and draw one on and then when you come to examine it at close range the lustre fades, the glow dies and you hold in your hand only the ashes of the thing you desired. You have seen life. Tell me, is there nothing material worth the effort of attaining it?
    "But away from this raving. It is useless. I must constrain myself and smile and make believe I am enjoying it, for sometimes for short intervals I can forget and really believe it all worth while. I am sorry. The pen wouldn't stop. [849] is learning Shakespeare and I had to talk."
12. 5/16/30 See 257-58, Par. 42-A--44-A in re helping [341].
13. 6/03/30 Messrs. [341], [849] and [2480] graduated from ... [univ.].
14. 7/01/30 Mr. [341] referred [1005]'s girl friend for Life Rdg. 23-1, in which close associations with [341] in the Crusades and Egypt were indicated.
15. 3/10/31 See 341-31 giving mental-spiritual advice.
16. 4/09/31 He referred a college professor for Life Rdg. 2119-1.
17. 4/12/31 See 3976-7, Par. 14-A warning [341] to keep away from the desire to rule and to set himself to commune with the holy of holies, as of old.
18. 9/03/31 See Ck. Physical 341-34 indicating [341] was worried about his work, job, finances, etc. [College librarian]
19. See subsequent correspondence and notations under Life Rdg. 341-8 Reports.
20. 7/32 He became Business Manager of a psychic research organization.
21. 7/05/33 See Ck. Life Rdg. 341-40 in re auto trip to Chicago and Yellowstone with five Boy Scouts of his local troop, including his younger brother, [487].
22. 7/03/34 See Ck. Life 341-41 in re another trip out west with Boy Scouts.
23. 3/16/37 See Ck. Life 341-44 in re best possible spiritual development.
24. 2/13/53 See friend Rev. [2480]'s letter under 2480-1 Reports, Par. R8 referring to college days: "I had no idea that all three of us [2480], [341] and [849] would be working in very different fields for the accomplishment of the same purpose. As time has gone on the similarity of our work has become clearer. I choose to interpret it in terms of the Christian ministry, and this applies definitely to the work [341] is doing."
25. See subsequent notations under 341-8 Reports.

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