This psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 21st day of August, 1937, in accordance with request made by the self - but a graduation present from Mr. Edgar Cayce himself, through a Sponsored Membership in the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. [361], Miss [307] and Mrs. [413].

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [361], present in this room, together with the desires and purposes to accomplish that for which he came into this experience, physically, mentally and spiritually. You will answer the questions he has submitted, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [361]; together with the influences and the activities in the experience, and the purposes for which the entity entered this experience.
3. In the preparation, then, for the fulfilling of the desires, mentally, spiritually:
4. Know that these must be founded upon a spiritual ideal. While the desires may oft be for material success, material accomplishments, remember that if you would accomplish the purposes for which there was the entrance in the earth plane laid, these do not at all times work one with the other.
5. But rather live in the experience with a good conscience (before men) as well as no condemnation (within self), and leave then - with such activities - the material gain, the physical accomplishments, with the Creative Forces.
6. For He has ordained that all are worthy of that which is done in the body, and He gives to some forty, to some sixty, to some an hundred fold of success materially; but all may live at a oneness with the Creative Forces and thus fulfil the purposes for which each enters into an experience - which is to be a material manifestation, in the living and the associations with others, of that you hold as your concept of your relationships with the Creator.
7. Know that as you do unto the least of your associates, your acquaintances, yes - your enemies, you do unto yourself in your relationships with your Maker.
8. Then so live that you may ever look EVERY man in the face and see the reflection of your God. For the soul of every man is the image of thy Maker.
9. See the good, then, in every experience. Condemn not if you would not be condemned. Show mercy, patience and justice to all, if you would have thy Maker, thy God, show mercy and patience with thee.
10. Ready for questions.
11. (Q) Please advise me how I may be able to secure a college education.
    (A) As we find, and have given, secure same through a cooperative association with an institution of that nature. For there are those conditions in the experience of the entity, as well as in every one that would labor for same, that are a way, a means for obtaining same.
    Seeing the good will aid thee in EVERY experience.
12. (Q) Is Antioch College a good one for me to attend?
    (A) VERY good.
13. (Q) What course should I take that would be in keeping with what I am best fitted to do?
    (A) Begin first with the general or a preliminary course for the selection of that which will be prompted thee from thine inner self, as that which has been indicated is applied in the daily relations; and the way and the subjects and the directions may be shown thee.
14. (Q) Would a scientific course be advisable?
    (A) A semi-scientific would be the more advisable as we find.
15. (Q) Is it essential for me to have a college education in order to accomplish that for which I came into this experience?
    (A) ONLY self may answer that; for if there is in the desire to accomplish that which prompts the seeking of such an education, then it becomes a part of that necessary. If circumstance or physical abilities prevent, use that thou hast in hand; and as it is used, the next step is given thee.
16. (Q) Please give me a definite and understandable outline to follow in order to pursue my life's work.
    (A) No better, no more definite may be had to anyone than:
    Study to show thyself approved unto God in EVERY phase of thy experiences.
    This does not indicate - neither does it intimate - that there is to be only longfacedness, nor a constant condemning of self for this or that not being in thine experience; for THIS is not dividing nor divining the words of truth - and that MUST be the experience of EVERY one!
    For if thy relationships with thy Creative Energies and forces and ideals do not make thee a better son, a better neighbor, a better brother, a better citizen, there's something wrong with thy concept of the Ideal!
    And unless such an activity brings joy, gladness, happiness and willingness to be the servant of all - yet willing to be the lord of all, yet humble, there is still something wrong.
    For he that is the greatest servant is the lord of the many, and he that seeks in the life's service and the life's activity to give not just a day's labor but more, not just making the grade but willing and active in making MORE!
    He that would induce thee to go the mile, go twain. THIS is the law; this is grace; this is mercy. This is as HE lived, and only asks that each follow in His way; and not only follow but He will lead and direct thee to activity, and will comfort and sustain - if you will trust WHOLLY in Him.
    If thy activity in living thy ideal makes thee as one aloof, something then is wrong. If it makes thee better as a social companion, this is the right.
    These are not merely sayings, they are LIVING truths that you may make thy very own; yet they may not be thine own unless ye may smile - even in the associations with those that ye term HARD, smile on them! Labor has seldom if ever destroyed anybody, much less the mental and the mind and the soul of any.
    Then, these are the ways of truth.
17. (Q) Would it be advisable to seek financial aid from my father, ..., Ga.?
    (A) Would not be UNADVISABLE, but little may be gained there - unless many attitudes are changed. [GD's note: His father had left his mother when he and his sister were small children.]
18. (Q) How may I cultivate a better approach in meeting people?
    (A) Much in the manner and way as the oaf that hunted the horse. Think of how YOU would like to be treated! Then treat the other fellow that same way! Cultivate that, and ye will build a personality that may be not surpassed by any! Just meet EVERY one as ye would like them to meet you!
    In meeting a friend, a foe, an employer, a teacher, a minister, think NOT of their position but rather that YOU - AS an emissary of the Lord of LORDS - are meeting THYSELF!
    This is what is meant by "and thy neighbor as thyself."
    In such a manner, in such a mien, may one build a smile that will make the whole world glad; a handshake that will make the whole world happy.
    These are not trite, these are TRUTH! Apply them! For they are not as sayings but are practical, applicable experiences for THEE - if ye will but use them!
19. (Q) For what public life, if any, should I endeavor to prepare myself?
    (A) As has been once indicated, in ANY public office or service may the body, the entity, serve well - if these as given are kept; whether it be in that as clerk of a court, or in that as a keeper of records, or in that as ministering to the needs of the many in the divers positions in the earth.
20. (Q) What can I do to bring more and more the spirit of love, harmony and understanding in my home?
    (A) LIVE IT THYSELF!
    Do not say, ever, harsh words to any. Say naught, rather than condemn any. Be CONDEMNED, yea, but never condemn. Know ye not that thy Master condemned none, yet was condemned of the world? Have ye any greater pattern in thine own home? For if ye find not beauty, happiness, joy, peace within thine own heart and thine own home, ye may not find it in the minds and hearts of others.
21. (Q) Any advice as to my physical condition?
    (A) The warnings have been given as respecting weaknesses and tendencies. Then only use those in the ways that the more efficient the body is the more capable is the physical mind; for the spiritual and mental works the best it can with what it has to work upon! or to build upon!
22. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 361-4, his Life Reading on 8/10/34.
2. 5/28/37 Mother's rdg. 303-15, Par. 13-A--15-A, advised Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio for [361].

REPORTS

1. See subsequent Ck. Physical Rdgs. See subsequent notations under Life Rdg. 361-4 Reports.

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