This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va., this 3rd day of October, 1933, in accordance with request made by self - Miss [349], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis and L. B. Cayce. 52 Chambers St.,

re Mr. [257]'s
business],
New York City.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, [349]; those conditions in the mental and material affairs that disturb or confront the body at this time. Ready for questions.
2. (Q) Did I make the right move in not going back to work for the [257] ... Corp., upon my return from Newport, considering the firm's present status and my state of mind - the accumulation of nine years in regard to [257]?
   (A) In considering all conditions that have arisen in nine years, the present condition of the mental body of [349] AT THE TIME of return, yes. Two days later, no. Two days later, yes.
   Then, what is to be the basis of the consideration in such a disturbed state of mental attitudes of the body?
   When the surroundings of the body are considered, and those desires that have been maintained and that have come about, if there has ever been a time that the associations should be the closer it is in the present.
   If the thoughts or considerations of conditions are irrespective of what has gone before, and are only concerned with that needed by self in the present as to the purely material welfare, it would be well that there be no further associations.
   But, are these all?
   Then, these conditions, the environs, the associations, with the desires of the body as to what has been set as its ideal, should be the basis for which and from which the body should determine this association or connection.
   As to which would be right or which would be wrong depends upon the angle from which one would view the associations; one would view from one angle and another from another.
   The body must weigh the circumstances, the environs, the needs of all associations and connections as related to same, and then determine in self as to HOW self would like to be done by in the same circumstance were the conditions reversed. And, irrespective of what has been said by others, or associations or connections with same, the decision should be ruled, regulated, by that self holds as the ideal; or the spiritual influence that impels the activity.
3. (Q) Am I taking the right step at this time to try the theatre and give up office work?
   (A) This might be answered in exactly the same way and manner. But, as we have given respecting these, it is a VERY UNTIMELY time to make definite changes at the present time!
4. (Q) As I am so anxious at this time to do the right thing in regard to my future, please give me general advice so I can be aided to do the right thing for the years to come.
   (A) There is builded in each soul its idea, ideal, of mental, material and spiritual associations. The impelling influence of each phase of such ideals should, and must, be of and from the same source; if there is to be development for the soul.
   When the conditions are considered from every angle, then the entity would do well to seek the answer that deals with such momentous questions, for the activities in a material world that influence the mental and spiritual as well as material aspects of the body; not through counsel or advice from ANY source outside self, save the higher spiritual source.
   But this does not hinder from receiving or giving of self in its associations in any activity, that which may be for the betterment of every soul whom the entity contacts or with whom the entity associates.
   The decision, then, MUST be in self.
5. (Q) Has my health improved in the past few months because I have been away from [257] and his affairs?
   (A) No. It would be the natural result of changes. However, if it is determined in self that this IS the cause of improvement, then it can be made so and there should be no further associations - IF that is determined in self! But is it true?
6. (Q) What shall I do to make [257] realize I am still faithful, loyal and friendly to him and his interests, although I feel very strongly that this is the time to break away from him?
   (A) Act that way!
7. (Q) When will I get a stage engagement?
   (A) When there has been the proper preparation for such, when there has been the fitting of self for same.
8. (Q) What is state of my health at present time?
   (A) Fairly good.
9. (Q) What shall I do now in respect to diet and treatments to perfect my health and bring relief from worry and strain?
   (A) Keep those things outlined for the better activities in these directions.
10. (Q) Is there any one particularly to whom I could go who will help me get a stage engagement, either known or unknown to me?
    (A) There has been and is oft held in the mental forces of most individuals that there is the necessary "pull" to be used for the acclaiming, or for getting the chance or opportunity. This, most of all things, is WRONG!
    The abilities, the qualifications, will under all circumstances - obtain the best that may be had, through the application of self, in associations and connections.
    Then, in this association or connection, the qualifications should be such as to demand an opening. And remember, ever, as given, it is true that there will be a beaten path to the door of the individual or soul who builds the better mouse trap, though he make his dwelling in the wood. If there are the qualifications in the activities of individuals that make for the satisfying in their souls (or the mental, spiritual and physical forces), though they may be among those that walk the street and only make their appearance in the most unseemly way or manner, they will be sought out for THEIR abilities. This may be called hokum by many. It is the TRUTH, of those that do accomplish things through the soul development of themselves! Look at the position of any that are now making for the mental and soul development, those that make activities in individuals' lives that occupy any place. They have risen from less than the position this body occupies in the present! And not on good graces of any! but the qualifications of the soul, not of the body!
    For, when the position comes by favors shown there are prices to pay that scar rather than build the soul.
11. (Q) Am I taking the right steps to get a stage engagement?
    (A) The steps are not taken wholly as yet, for - as we have given there are indecisions on account of mental, material and even conscientious scruples that are still in the way. The directions are as given. The qualifications must be such that the soul will shine through that being done! If this may not be done in the associations in the office, or in those activities by leaving the office, said is the experience of any that does not find contentment in service; not for self-aggrandizement but for the glory of cooperative forces that may be the experience of any that find love in that they do! for the good of all associated with same!
    And those that look for pats on the back, or that are not expecting harsh words to be said, or that are looking for kindnesses at every turn, if they do not show them themselves they will not find them in others! No matter in what activity they may engage themselves!
12. We are through for the present.
    [On waking EC said he felt as if he had been working hard.]

    Copy to Self
    Copy to File

BACKGROUND

1. See 349-13 on 6/06/33 and subsequent Reports.
2. 9/24/33 She submitted questions. [GD's note: At the beginning of the reading, just before Mrs. C. gave the suggestion, Mr. Cayce said he saw oodles of soldiers in chariots, and wearing helmets.]

REPORTS

1. 10/09/33 "It took me several days to get over the effects of the rdg. so I could write you about it. I don't believe I was actually in the Court Room at the time the rdg. was taken, as we left at 4 P.M., but I was in its vicinity. I believe, too, that I should have worded my questions differently... It seems to me there should be more in my life than doing things only for [257]. In the theatrical profession I would meet more people... I have always wanted to get into the theatre. It seems to me that life would be very empty and incomplete if I ever felt I couldn't get into it...frankly, the rdg. hurt me a bit. I hope I can 'take it' and I suppose generally it was justifiable. I'm going to show it to [257] when I get a chance and see what he thinks about it. I still think I should get into the theatre. I have studied for it. I've done work in stock, and now I want a chance to get in at the bottom and work my way up...all I am asking is my own little place in the sun and a chance to get into the profession I want to devote my life to. Surely, there can't be anything selfish in that?"
2. 10/18/33 EC's letter:
   I have yours of recent date, and I want to thank you very much for writing as you have. Possibly I can very well appreciate the disappointment you must have felt at some of information in the last reading. No doubt you have felt that it is somewhat contradictory to some of the things told you several months ago. But I'm sure you recognize also that we have no control whatsoever over what comes in the readings. If so, I would certainly have little confidence in the information and would not suggest that anyone else have. However, I'm sure the attitude of the individual seeking has a great deal to do with the type of answers; also the type of questions presented. For, if an individual is not heart and soul decided in self on any definite way or manner, how can spiritual answers give anything very definite? For, they are one and the same. The readings are not cure-alls, of course, as you very well know, from the many hundreds of things that have been given to Mr. [257] from time to time. While I am very much of the opinion that they are much worth while to those who sincerely and honestly seek through these channels, they are only worth as much as the individual thinks they are. For, as the good Book has said, a man is what he thinketh in his heart; and he that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet receives a prophet's reward. And no matter how great may be the prophet, mystic, or any power, unless the individual seeking is in accord at the time very little may be obtained; for each individual is a portion of God and can defy all His mandates. And if we feel that we have given all of ourselves, and we are desirous of giving ourselves to another influence or power, and are "all washed up", how can we gain in that direction anything very helpful? Or, if we have decided within our own selves the course we wish to follow, then such information may be very helpful in telling us how to go about it. And I believe most all of this you will find in that given through the reading, though it did - I assure you - take some turns that none of us expected.
   However, I am hoping that in the next few weeks we will be able to meet and talk with you in person, and that we may have some real heart-to-heart talks and come to more perfect understanding of what all these influences are that have been disturbing you - and may possibly be of help.
   I hope this finds you feeling a whole lot better, and better decided in your own self as to what you want to do, and how. We assure you of our appreciation of you and everything you have done for the Work through the years, and of your loyalty and faith.
   Hoping and trusting we may be of some service to you, and with love from each and every one, I am
   Sincerely, EC:GD
3. 10/31/33 See 254-70, Par. 26-A personal message.
4. 11/08/33 She was present for 349-15.

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