This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 4th day of October, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [361], associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [361], Mrs. [303] and Miss [357].

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [361], present in this room, together with his choice and purposes in enlisting in the Ordinance Department of the U.S. Army, the field of advancement, his present associations and environs, his reading of Sept. 20, 1940, the way, manner and term of enlistment. You will go into this thoroughly and give specific information and advice that will aid him in his choice.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [361]; together with the information as given through this channel as respecting his entrance into the Army.
3. As we find, and as indicated, it is well that the entity itself make its choice as to what division or department of ordinances is undertaken. That as would bring the entity into contact, into associations with those individuals in departments having to do with counties, municipalities, divisions and activities, would be the best choice; that as would have to do with the farmers, or brokers, or division supplies for the products of vicinities, or conditions as would surround the activities.
4. A three-year term should be sufficient. If the department chosen requires that there be the five, then this again may be the choice of the entity; but in those departments having to do with supplies as to the clothing, food, entertainments and such would be in keeping with that as would give the entity the opportunity for the preparation for the life's work.
5. Ready for questions.
6. (Q) Is the Quartermaster Department a branch of the Ordinance department of the U.S. Army?
   (A) It is PRIMARILY, though they have been now separated in the present conditions and activities.
7. (Q) Then, would it be best to enlist in the Quartermaster Department?
   (A) As just indicated, that division in which there is the supply for food, clothing and the like.
8. (Q) Would the recruiting station situated in the P.O. Building, in Norfolk, Va., be the best place for me to enlist; if not, where?
   (A) This is the regular channel through which this should go.
   There is the allowing for the indication as to which branch or department for a period of enlistment.
9. (Q) Please explain further what is meant in my reading [361-11] of Sept. 20, 1940, Par. 10, as to my present associations and environs to be used as aid in coming into my life's work?
   (A) The purposes, the intents, the desires, the background which the entity has from that environ is to be maintained.
10. (Q) Please give me some advice as to how I may make my present employers see that the change I am making is in keeping with my duty and not that I do not appreciate them.
    (A) This, to be sure, is a matter of diplomacy, of policies, as may be indicated by the knowledge that there are the needs for the preparations for life's work, that would not hinder those activities in which the entity is to be called into service, or mustered into service, in the Army. And thus as we find, if correctly or conscientiously given, these should be understood.
11. (Q) Will I have any trouble in enlisting?
    (A) Why should you?
12. (Q) Would it be best for me to sell my car, or try to hold it? If I should sell, when, and to whom should I sell, in order to dispose of it to the best advantage?
    (A) This must be a matter of self, and a choice within self, and not that as may be a prediction as to activities, choices or the like.
    As is understood from the enlistments, there are regulations and rules in which this may be undertaken in the enlistment, if so desired.
13. (Q) Is it in keeping with the information through this channel for me to enlist, or to wait for conscription?
    (A) As has been given, it is a choice within self. In one there will be the choice, with the ability to make for a life's work. In the other, it'll be "Go do this, Go do that," and you do it, and what!
14. (Q) How soon should I enlist?
    (A) That again is a matter of choice.
15. (Q) Would it be wise to ask for a few days to make my arrangements?
    (A) This is very well, and in keeping with the policies of enlistments, to be sure.
16. (Q) Would it be best to enlist before the date of conscription?
    (A) If not, there will not be the enlistment!
17. (Q) Any other advice for me at this time that will be helpful?
    (A) As indicated, the body is choosing - or must choose - that upon which it will stand, its own self, its own choices, its own activities.
    Use the environs, use that which has been the training, the purpose, as the background for choices made through the next three years.
18. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 361-11 on 9/20/40.

REPORTS

1. 11/15/40 Letter from Porto Rico, West Indies: "I guess by now you thought I had forgotten all you have done, but I haven't - just had lots of training and ways to get adjusted to...
   "I sure feel fine and am enjoying it, even with all of its C.O.'s, M. P.'s, O.D.'s and such... I am in the Air Corp instead of the Quartermaster, but I believe everything will work out o.k. This is a new field and my chances here seem to be good... Your true friend," [361]
2. 2/09/41 "I expect I will want a rdg. soon if I might. I want to try to work things out the way I can for a while, but it seems like the army figures me of importance to them as a painter. I have a rating now of Pfc. a first class rating, so I don't feel my work was wasted... I don't see where I am going to learn very much about food and clothing where I am, but strange things happen."
3. 2/27/41 "I am squadron painter and a good friend of the supply Sgt. I go in the supply and learn the system of filing, typing, and keeping supplies when I have my painting caught up. He told me once I could learn Supply work better in the Air Corp than any place else. It might be a reason why I wound up in the A.C. when I tried so hard for QM...
   "It does look hard that you have to furnish your only two sons...
   "I go to church almost every Sunday, but even though the services are fine, they can't compare with yours. I miss that Sunday morning get together."
4. 4/10/41 He submitted questions for a Mental-Spiritual Rdg.
5. 4/21/41 See 361-13.

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