Edgar Cayce Readings, 361-4

(Life Reading Suggestion)

TEXT

EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces, that are latent and manifested in the personalities of the present entity, now known as or called [361].
In giving that which may be helpful in the experience of the entity in the present, and that may be applied in such ways and manners as to use that given, it would be well that we give those things that are innate - as well as those that are manifested even in the present; for there is the awakening in the entity of the abilities both as to the mental and the material power that may be manifested by an individual entity in the earth's experiences.
The innate or mental activities arise from the sojourns of the entity in the varied environs of the earth, or in this solar system; for as a soul leaves those influences in which it has developed or builded in the earth's experience it, through its changes, comes into those environs known as the planets about the earth - or in the solar influence.
Hence as we find in this entity's experience, the sojourn in Mercury is one of the ruling factors; yet tempered with a sojourn just previous in Jupiter we have these as innate experiences:
Vision, power, those things that partake of the abilities of individuals in varied relationships that may apply themselves in the mental world as related to material things.
Hence the entity will oft be called one that is a visionary, one that builds many an air castle; one that sees and interprets much that is hidden to others in their experiences in the material world.
One with a high mental ability, yet not always applying same; for - with those influences as in conjunction one with another - there is the tendency to "put off." Intending to, yes; but puts off. This should be an application of self as to the influences in the material world; that what is to be done is to be accomplished. To be sure, it should ever be weighed well in the mental mind, but what is worth doing is worth doing now. For while there may be builded in the material influences of an entity those things that pertain to activities in varied spheres of experience, those things that tend to stand for an activity are worth putting into application - that there may be builded in the soul self that which accomplishes; as do material things in the experience of the soul entity itself. For of such things are dreams builded. Dreams are wonderful, yet these only dreamed do not come to pass. For faith without works is dead, but that which is made alive in the experience of a soul lives on in those realms in which the soul is made into growth that makes for bringing into the material experiences that which brings material and mental and SPIRITUAL application in the experience of an entity.
Also from such influences we find those tendencies towards definite things in the experience of the entity, as we shall see from the application of self in the varied activities in the earth.
We find also those influences of Mars, Saturn and Uranus as a portion of the astrological experience of the entity that brings definite influences in the material as well as the mental self.
From Mars we find a tendency for the body-mind at times to be easily aroused to anger. Anger is correct, provided it is GOVERNED. For it is as material things in the earth that are not governed. There is POWER even in anger. He that is angry and sinneth not controls self. He that is angry and allows such to become the expression in the belittling of self, or the self-indulgence of self in any direction, brings to self those things that partake of the spirit of that which is the product or influence of anger itself.
There are the tendencies from Uranus towards the occult and the mystic forces; as visions, hearing, seeing and knowing without having the physical contact with experiences in the MENTAL body. These also must be tempered with not only justice but the spirit of truth, for they may become experiences that - with anger, with the accentuations of the activities from the Uranian experience - bring periods when uncontrol of self may wreck self in its better endeavors.
From Saturn we find the tendency for the starting of new experiences, the starting of new associations in the activities; and unless these are tempered with the mental influences they are rarely carried to their full termination. This again would be as a warning to the entity. When thou hast chosen that direction, that activity thou would take, know that thou art kept in a balance that is of the material, mental and spiritual influences near to right. Then lay it not aside until it, the activity, has borne fruit in thine mental and material experience.
These, as we see, are the innate influences. As to what the entity in the present will do concerning these things in the experience depends upon self's own application of will; for, as has oft been given, "There is set before thee that which may be good or evil. Choose thou." The abilities lie before thee to make a mental, material and - above all spiritual success in the present experience. Choose thou. Use that thou knowest today in the way and manner that will build for that which answers the motivating force within self; not unto self-glorification, but for that thou settest before thyself as thine ideal. For in a SPIRITUAL ideal one may conquer the earth, the mental world, the masses even; but one that sets its ideal in an individual, or that which is of the earth earthy, may be finding self stumbling over that it has set as its idea or ideal. For, as He has given, "If ye will abide in that I have given thee, I will come and abide with thee and give thee that necessary for not only thine speech but thine activity, thine purpose, thine desire in the earth." For if we would attain to that which is of the soul, for its own development, we will follow in those precepts that HE, thine Savior, thine Ideal, has set before thee!
As to the appearances in the earth, these that are given are those that influence the entity in the present and in its present development; for we will find especially in this entity's experience - in the latter or middle portion of the experience in the earth - OTHERS influencing the more.
Before this we find the entity was during that period when there were many in the land now known as the English land journeying to the foreign lands.
The entity then was among those who settled in what is known as Jamestown in 1607, when Smith came into the active service in those lands; among those with that group that first settled there; in the name Harrison, the WOULD-BE minister, yet one that came to be in power when those changes were made and there were others of those groups to be brought into the land. [See 361-4, Par. R12.]
Then, of course, the entity was a seafaring person; and it enters into the very fibre of the being, as it were, respecting those things that partake of such activities. Not NOW upon the waters, but rather those things pertaining to the PREPARATIONS for the seafaring end explorations; and oft may the entity have found in its dreams and visions the preparation within self of how this or that exploration might have been carried out with the greater activity, greater facilities. Even as there has been in those sojourns of the native that is now in foreign lands, as in the seeking of others, that was a companion with the entity in that sojourn. How OFT has the entity figured as to how better Byrd might have used these facilities at his hand in carrying out those things sought to do! [At the end of the rdg. [361] verified this statement.] And the entity fares to become one that may delve into those fields of exploration; not so much in the faring abroad, but in that pertaining to the manners, the ways, the means, the activities. For, as the entity experienced during that sojourn in that land; no matter how far-reaching in the experience may be the material things or elements in life upon which man in his associations may build, it is necessary that there be kept the close contact with the source of supply, it is necessary that the basis of same be in a field of activity that is not only sure from the material side but that being sought by the entity, group or mass must be founded in those things that are purposeful and have a spiritual or creative import in same.
Through the greater portion of that experience the entity gained; losing only with those periods of condemnation to those that had faltered in their promises to the entity and the commands - or those forces that led during the experience. These may be the experience in the entity's sojourn in the earth in the present, as being in that position of doubting those who - in the natural tend of things - should have not only defended the entity but made those preparations wherein there might be the greater expansions; yet the OPPORTUNITY of self in the experience to not go to the EXTREME in other directions. But keeping self well-balanced in all things, as we have indicated, will bring those that make for the greater development in the experience of a soul. For not he that is the extremist excels, but rather he that is often called the plodder, he that is often defeated - but not defeated in the soul purposefulness of that whereunto self has set self to a task in the material things of life.
Before that we find the entity was during that sojourn of the Prince of Peace in the earth, when men were called unto an activity in that land now known as the Promised Land, or Palestine; during those periods when there was the ministry in Galilee, even in the Holy City, even unto Tyre and Sidon.
The entity followed with the Master in those activities, in the name then Thaddeus, among those that were chosen as a light bearer to a people that had been shown a light as shining into the darkness of those periods.
Through that experience the entity gained, though oft was among those that were weighing well the material gains to be had; yet gaining throughout the sojourn, for it was among those who came under the sound of the Voice and heard, "Believe ye not for my words, for the very works' sake believe ye!"
Then, from that experience in the present, those things whether of the mystic forces, the material world or of the spiritual import that come to the entity should ever be weighed well with - and bear the mark of - the judgment set by Him: "As ye do it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye do it unto me." These ARE innately, manifestedly, the judgments of the body. Hold fast to that thou hast gained in this judgment - of the world, for the judge of this world cometh and there will be light again found in Him, and thou may be in that position as thou wert in that land - as a light, as a guide, to him that may be the messenger of the King coming to His own!
Before that, in those experiences in that land now known as the Persian, during the periods when there were the developments in the city, in the plains and in the hills, the entity was then among those of that leader's [294] own people who were at the beginning set against the leader; following Oujida [195] into those invasions that were made.
Hence innately there is in the activities of the entity the fear of those that are in power that use same for their own glorification. Hence there will be in the experience of the entity in the present those periods when political power, and those that are in rule, and those things that deal with the association of individuals with their fellow man, those that are in high places and those that are in the low, will be judged by the entity in its associations and relations.
For during that sojourn, in the name Estrides, the entity brought many of those people in the latter portion of that sojourn in that land to the understandings that were being presented by that people at that time; gaining for self, and becoming - as in the experience that has just been given - a messenger to his own peoples in the nomad or Arabian land. Hence Arabia, Persia, and those lands have a peculiar call to the entity in its inner self; as may be shown in not only the ways and manners of the activities, but in those things that bespeak of those activities from within the self. Justice and mercy were gained much in the entity's experience in the latter portion of that sojourn, and becomes a portion of the entity - if there is not the tendency, as was in many of those periods, for the delaying of activity.
Before that we find the entity was in that land now known as the Egyptian, during those periods when there was the building up of the influences of the returned Priest in the land, and the coordinating of all the various tenets that dealt with the varied peoples that were being combined as an active force in the moral and religious thought of the people of the experience.
The entity then was in the position of being one brought up for the priesthood, and in the activities of the temple service - but was of the temple for purification, and a keeper of the fires for the purifications in the body and in the mind (called the fires in the present, but were the ACTIVITIES of individuals); hence dealing more with the moral relationships with groups and individuals.
In that experience the entity gained and lost; gained through the activities that brought the expansion of the teachings of those things during that sojourn; losing when there were those things that made for the divisions by many of those from the Atlantean and the Indian land, when dissensions arose during the period. When the Priest was in the change, the entity exalted self by the activities in the temple service.
From that experience in the present may be seen those things in the abilities of the entity, and in those lines of endeavor in which it may apply itself - which would be in that pertaining to those things dealing with the relationships of individuals with individuals; whether in the offices wherein there are kept the records between peoples and state, peoples and city, or the like. These as we find will be, should be, rather the activities in the present.
The name then was Axt-Pthleni.
As to the abilities of the entity and that to which it may attain, and how:
As we have given, there is much set before thee, both as innate and as latent abilities in the soul and mental vision of the entity.
Study first, then, to know thyself and thy relationships with thy Maker and thy relationships with thy fellow man. For, as was given thee, "As ye do it unto thy brethren ye do it unto me."
Ready for questions.
(Q) Why did I choose to come to these particular parents in this plane, and for what purpose?
(A) To learn many of those lessons that have troubled thee in thy doubtings in those experiences in the earth just before, and to learn to temper self as the lamb is tempered to the wind by Him that maketh both the lamb and the wind.
(Q) What am I best fitted to do?
(A) As we have pointed out, in those fields of activities that deal with the relationships of individuals to their fellow man, accorded to state, county, city or nation.
(Q) Along what line have I developed in previous experience, and how may I best continue this development?
(A) In making application of those temperings of mercy with justice.
(Q) Were the experiences I have had in which I have seen spirit forms, real or imaginary?
(A) Real.
(Q) Please advise me in regard to my psychic development.
(A) As just given, study first to know self and that which motivates the purposes of self; for in this will there be found in self not only the abilities to make for those associations but to be guided by those influences from the higher realms of activity through which the entity has passed in its developments in the earth plane. And then be guided by that which will be shown thee, even as the pattern in the mount. Understand self and the motivating forces in the body-mind, in the physical body; for these are the shadow of the spiritual things that may be shown thee - and as thou seest by the study of those things that have been left as the compilation of the experiences of the sage, the prophet, the peoples of old, and most of all that as HE gave thee. For the promise to thee was, "I will come and abide with thee." And in thine experiences of the psychic or soul forces throughout thine sojourn, be satisfied with nothing save that He would give thee; and may ye hear first of all, "Peace - I am with thee. Be not afraid, it is I." And He will GUIDE thee; for His promises are to those that keep His ways.
(Q) Do I read auras correctly?
(A) Not always. Study first not that which is of the physical; for, as we have indicated, auras are both physical and spiritual influences. With the subjugation of the physical the spiritual shines forth. With the exercising of the forces of the physical only these supersede; but study as in self. Know by the feelings that PROMPT thee, as to what emanations and vibrations are created by the meditative forces, the prayer and supplication that He guide, as He has given; and His light will guide thee in understanding that auras are not as judgements, but that ye may know, even as He has given, "I will put into thy mouth and into thine heart those things thou shouldst say when it has needs be that YE are MY representatives in the earth."
(Q) In what previous appearances have I been associated with my present mother, and in what relationship?
(A) Very close in three of those relationships; in Egypt, in Persia and in Virginia.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n File

BACKGROUND

He previously obtained three Physical Readings via his mother, Mrs. [303]. See 361-3, Par. 23-A saying he "vibrates" to colors purple and blue.

REPORTS

8/20/34 Mother [303] reported that [361] was proud of the rdg., said he felt it was going to mean much to him. He understands it better since reading it over.
11/02/34 See Mother's rdg. 303-6, Par. 18-A in re [361].
1/15/35 See personal message in re his life work in group rdg. 792-1, Par. 9-A; and group activity for which he is best fitted in 792-1, 19-A.
6/13/35 See mother's reading 303-10, Par. 19-A--21-A in re [361].
8/21/37 See 361-9, a Mental-Spiritual Rdg., which EC gave [361] for a high school graduation present, asking questions about preparing for his life's work, etc.
12/19/37 See 262-116, Par. 31-A, Christmas message.
See subsequent Ck. Physical Rdgs.
9/10/40 Letter from [361]: "My life reading described my characteristics, temperaments and emotions perfectly. In fact, I began to feel that I was beginning to get acquainted with myself. In fact, I might say that every time I now read it over, I can check another statement and recognize at once that it is I the reading is talking about.
"As to the help I am unable to make a perfect statement. So far it has helped me more than anything I have ever read. It has made the Bible more understandable but the true value of my life reading lies ahead of me. I, only, am responsible whether it is my priceless guide or proves worthless to me."
See subsequent Mental-Spiritual Rdgs., in re his Army life as a Private, PFC and then Master Sergeant, his marriage, etc.
10/54 His mother, Mrs. [303] said that [361] was still interested in the work of A.R.E., and she wanted to renew his membership for him, since his work as a house painter did not leave much for extras after supporting his family [wife and three sons]. She said although his wife had been raised a Catholic, she had joined with [361] in a Protestant faith and that the three sons were being brought up in the Protestant Sunday School, etc. They were all five very active in Sunday School, and his hobby was farming - or home gardening.
7/06/67 A friend, Mr. [2636] told GD that [361] had in recent years started selling life insurance and was doing very well at it.
6/19/69 Research on "Harrison" Incarnation, 364-4 (Life Reading):
Dear Hugh Lynn:
This information was turned up as a result of a suggestion by Rev. Carter Harrison of the James River Harrisons. I had researched all obvious lines of that family name but found no early clergymen. It turns out that the Harrison who was indeed a "would-be minister", left no one as descendent in this country and is not well-known. The Rev. Mr. Harrison recommended the books from which some of the enclosed notes are taken and I turned up others.
The real problem is in dates since the reading SOUNDS to mean he came over in 1607 though that could refer to the founding of Jamestown.
There are very few records extant of the ships lists for the original voyage to Jamestown but the only Man of God ever mentioned is Hunt.
The Colonial Williamsburg Library has opened its stacks to me and I plan to spend more time on the project which is fascinating, if frustrating. There is a Sarah Grosse who seems to have had a certifiable existence which I am working on now.
/s/ Anna Grace Foster
P.S. He was certainly a peripatetic gentlemen, probably by sea, as the readings indicate.
[See Life Rdg. 361-4, Par. 16 for Harrison incarnation.]
VA. COLONIAL CHURCHES - Southern Churchman Publishing Co.
Harrison (Thomas) Page 68 - "St. Paul's Church, Elizabeth River Parish, Norfolk".
"The exposition...to commemorate...300th anniversary of 1st settlement...at Jamestown...located at Sewell's Point... This was...site of one of earliest Colonial Churches... Elizabeth River Parish...
"The settlement in what is now Norfolk County must have been very soon after the permanent establishment of the Colony at Jamestown. The record of Norfolk County show in 1637 there were two well organized churches, one on the lower county on Lynnhaven Bay and one at "McSewell's Point"... Before 1638, however, the settlement at Elizabeth River, the site of the present town of Norfolk had so largely increased that the inhabitants found it difficult to attend the parish church, a distance of eight miles... Remedied by the erection of a chapel of ease at Eliz. River.
From record of Norfolk County:
"At a court holden in the Lower County of New Norfolke 21 of November 1638.
Capt. Adm. Thorowgood, Esq., Capt. John Sibsey, Mr. Willie Julian, Mr. Edward Windha, Mr. Francis Mason, Mr. Henry Seawell, founders.
The building of this chapel of ease did not progress rapidly. The Rev. John Wilson was rector in 1637. Died 1640. After the death of John Wilson steps were taken to secure another minister.
"At a court holden at Wm Shipps the 25th day of May, 1640:
"Whereas the Inhabitants of this Parishe beinge this day convented for the findings of themselves an able minister to instructe them concerninge their soul's health, mr. Thomas Harrison tharto hath tendered his service to god and said inhabitants in that behalf, which his said tender is well liked of, with great approbacion of the said inhab., the prishoners of the Parrishe churce at mr. Sewell's Point,... agree to pay one hundred pounds sterlinge yearly to the sd. mr. Harrison, so longe as he shall continue a minister..."
"Church was finished by October 1641... There is every indication that this first church was on the site of the present St. Paul's. For nearly a century it served as the church house to the citizens of the earlier Norfolk.
"Rev. Thomas Harrison's ministery lasted till 1644. The name of successor is not given."
THE STORY OF VIRGINIA'S FIRST CHURCH - Mary Stannard, pp. 212; 218
"It is written that 'at the going of the geese' in 1648, Neckotowanee went with 5 other chiefs to Jamestown and presented to the Governor 20 beaver skins to be sent to the dethroned King Charles as tribute. Some persons saw in the second massacre (by the Indians in 1644) Virginia punishment by an angry God for harboring. Puritans, others punishment for banishment of those same Puritans. Doubtless, the latter view was shared by REV. THOMAS HARRISON who is said to have been Gov. Berkeley's chaplain and to have approved the act requiring liturgical services, but who, after the massacre, turned Puritan and preached to the Nausemond congregation which held services without the Prayer Book. In November 1647, the Assembly had decreed that ministers refusing to use the Book of Common Prayer were not entitled to tithes or duties from their parishioners.
During the years 1648-51, Lord Baltimore or his representatives had, in order to increase emigration to Maryland which had been disappointingly slow, offered great inducements in the way of religious liberty to those who might settle there. In consequence, many Virginia Puritans from Isle of Wight, Nausemond and lower Norfolk counties, availed themselves of the hospitality of the Catholic colony and settled in Anne Arundel Co. When in 1648, PARSON HARRISON, then minister of a parish in lower Norfolk and also preaching in Nausemond, was, with a number of his congregation, presented to the County Court for not conducting services according to the rites of the Church of England, HARRISON and his "elder" Wm. Durank, were banished from Virginia and fled to Maryland whence HARRISON soon passed to Boston.
...Harrison never returned to Virginia. In Boston he courted and married a relative of Gov. Winthrop and sailed to England where he spent the rest of his life. (Note that is not entirely true since he went to Ireland and died there.)
VIRGINIA'S MOTHER CHURCH - MacLauren Bryden, pp. 120, 121, 449
p. 121..."He later went to England and rose to high preferment under Cromwell.
p. 122 (Act of Assembly) "against several ministers for theire neglects and refractory refuseing after warning given to read common prayer or divine service upon the Sabbath dayes..." (Comment: The colonial government considered the refusal to use the Book of Common Prayer an act of treason against the King.)
"It seems clear from the wording of the statute that, in spite of all laws to the contrary, some non-conformist ministers had (gotten) into the Colony...or had, like the Rev. Thomas Harrison of Nausemond County, changed from conformity to Puritanism after coming. It is quite possible also that Mr. Harrison was the only minister in the colony who had actually turned against the King and that this statute was enacted for his particular benefit and as a warning to others..."
COLONIAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA - Goodwin, p. 277
Thomas Harrison, D.D.
Admitted pensioner (age 16) at Sidney, (Cambridge) April 12, 1634. Son of Robert, Merchant. Born at Hull, Yorkshire. Matriculated 1634; B.A., 1637-38. Came to Virginia probably 1640. Minister in Lower Norfolk Co. 1640-48. Chaplain to Gov. Berkeley and probably officiated at Jamestown occasionally. Remained in Boston 2 years (after leaving Virginia by force). Returned to England and was minister at St. Dunston-in-the-East, London, 1651-53. Accompanied Henry Cromwell to Ireland as Chaplain. Afterwards at Chester. Minister at St. Oswald's 1661-62. Had license to preach in Cheshire 1672. Married (1) in New England 1648, Dorothy Symonds (2) at St. Oswald's, Chester, 1659-60. Katherine Bradshaw. Said to have died in Dublin, Ireland, 1682.