This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th Street & Ocean, Va. Beach, Va., this 23rd day of February, 1932, in accordance with request made by self - Mrs. [428], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [428] who seeks enlargement upon that portion of entity's incarnation which was spent in the presence of the Master, and to give, if possible, His original teachings as they influenced same. What position did entity hold in the household of the ruler, who administered the secular laws of the land, His name, and what gained therefrom. You will answer the questions.
2. EC: We have the entity [428], and that information as has been given as respecting the entity's relations through the experience in the earth's plane.
3. In the experience in the presence of the Prince of Peace, the entity then was the sister to the one who called the people from the village near the well, and who with those that heeded the lessons that were gained through that meeting - established the church that later was ministered to by many of those who were His apostles and teachers; and particularly by Philip, Stephen, Peter, Paul, Apollos. Later, in the latter portion of the entity's experience, the entity was the MOTHER, as it were, of the church - known as Pisillia (?) [Pisidia?], the church.
4. In this experience, as given, the entity gained. The teachings were the following of that belief as set by Him, the He WAS the light that came into the world to show the way of approach to the kingdom - as lies within. How that animosity, hatred of those that were considered not of a pure race, might be cleansed every whit in the giving of self wholly to the ministering of the Lamb - that took away the sins of the world, that made the paths straight, that brought healing to the weary in body and mind, brought love where hatred existed, brought love where there was former consideration of time, places, relations; brought love to those despised of men for weaknesses of the flesh, who were made strong in the love of Him that taught, "Not in this mountain, nor yet in Jerusalem" - but even in thine own heart may be the awakening, quickened by the love of the Father, through the Son, for an erring and unstabled child.
5. In these things, these teachings, these ministerings; for he that gives (as did He) of self to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, ministering to the sick, the afflicted, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my little ones, have ye done it unto me!"
6. In and from this experience in the present is that patience, that loveliness, that comes from consecrating of an experience to that love.
7. As for those of the household - the ruler then was Pagosius (?), as OF the kingdoms of those of Syria TO WHOM Samaria had paid tribute. In the general, under the rule of the Romans, to whom ALL Palestine paid tribute in that day.
8. That accomplished then by the entity, of the twofold nature; overcoming not only that of the hatred of those of another race, but also overcoming of self in its exultant, exalted opinions - on account of birth and of position.
9. In the present is seen that of the home influence, yet - as has been given - in the field, or in the manners of expression in art, that deals with those of decorations FOR the home, IN art; whether with palette and brush or with those of hangings and the like, THESE are but a CHANNEL of expression for that love, that in each subject may be SOME ONE expression of those steps by steps that bring peace, tranquility, love, harmony - in tone, in color, in all the varied things that make up for expressing in a MATERIAL way that spirit of LOVELINESS expressed in tears, in fear, in love, in faith, in hope, in patience, in gentleness.
10. Ready for questions.
11. (Q) Give in detail what particular branch of commercial art entity should pursue, whether to work in black and white, cutting or in color?
    (A) In that as may SOUND, when expressed, as too general - but that BESPEAKS to self that field through which self finds the best means of EXPRESSING, illustrating, demonstrating, or bringing into being that as would be presented - or expressed IN that presented - as will bring in this expression that consciousness to the beholder of one of those attitudes as has been expressed. In the cutting may present at one period of the development that which will lead to the conquering first, we may say, of self's own impatience at times. In another, that in color as will tone to those beauties in nature, in EXPRESSIONS of nature, that brings harmony and peace, and a quieting effect upon the beholder. Make each piece, whether of color, of black and white, or of cutting, that which to the owner becomes a part of it in such a manner as to be a cherished possession, that gives that vent to self that finds in beholding same that tempering of the beholder, that makes for lifting up, LOOKING up, to that peace as comes from Him that gave, "My peace I leave with you."
12. (Q) What should entity study to do the best work?
    (A) Study those fields of expression that will give the greater ability to show, in that presented, those varied and various steps of Christian living in its broader sense, and ENABLES the entity to depict in a commercial manner those fortitudes. This, then, will require some CONCEPT of the various attempts in the early ages of art, (as is known today) in their efforts to depict the various expressions or periods of awakening in his life. There is, as we find, a book of German origin that gives quite an awakening, by one Dejahel [?]. [Durer? See 428-5, Par. R5.] It may be found in a library! In such an atmosphere may there come that awakening that will enable the body-mind to VIVIFY that which will bring that as is called the COMMERCIAL returns, for they will answer to something in the beholder that will cause the desire for possession of same.
13. (Q) What is the title of the book just referred to?
    (A) Early Painting.
14. (Q) What avenues would be best to select to sell the work, or would it be better to obtain employment somewhere?
    (A) As we find, in the PRESENT circumstances or surroundings of the body, there are many reasons why a position would apparently be the better; yet the abilities, and the field of expression, would be hampered by so doing. Rather as a freelance, that may show at various exhibitions that of color, black and white, tapestry, or the like, will SOON bring much MORE returns - and enable the body to go MUCH faster. Whether these be for screens, whether they be for plaques, or whether they be for plate marks [plate mark = HALL MARK. The depressed margin of an engraving made by the pressure of the plate upon the dampened paper.], let them EVER express that loveliness as obtained by an hour with Him.
15. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Cayce file
    Copy to Ass'n

BACKGROUND

1. See Life Rdg. 428-4 on 2/20/31 and subsequent Reports.
2. 2/19/32 She submitted questions.

REPORTS

1. 2/24/32 EC's letter: "Dear Mrs. [428]: I am hoping that the information proves to be just that needed for you at this time. It is quite often hard for us to judge what is answered and what isn't answered satisfactorily. It may appear so to us, when it doesn't answer to the individual seeking at all. So, we will be very glad to hear from you when you find the time, and we trust that you and Mr. [322] and [451] are feeling the very best - and that everything is coming along in a most satisfactory way. We are all very well here. We are having to make some changes in our location, but feel that our new place will be much better and more in keeping with our undertakings. We must start right, if we would have a happy landing.
   With love from all to you all, I am"
   Sincerely, EC:GD
2. 3/02/32 Letter:
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   I received the reading and also your letter. I would have liked to answer you immediately, but thought I would wait to let my enthusiasm and love for it quiet down, but - it just won't. In the actual wording of the reading, it is all I could have hoped for and much more. Not alone the written suggestions are powerful and sweeping, the "unwritten", as implied by the force of example, are more so. I have devoted quite some thoughts to find a manner to tell you just how much this last reading means to me, but it all seems so inadequate. All I can say is that it puts me into a spirit of something heavenly beautiful, divinely complete, benevolent and compassionate as is only possible with the Supreme.
   The explanation as to the origin of my love for the arts is a treasured consolation, for trained, as I have been, to regard my talents almost as a necessary evil, just something to be tolerated, I now have that peace of mind, that soul-peace, that I am not doing something wrong by expressing myself through this channel. This fear asserted itself often even after my first reading, but now it is gone. I can only say the same about the answers to my questions. They lack nothing. If I may venture to make any comment whatsoever, it is, that I am far from deserving so much help, so much beauty. I am most grateful for all that my reading contains. I appreciate the name of the book and the title and shall look for it. Although I never would have dared even to think to combine anything like the spirit of the Master through my arts, especially for commercialization, to be asked to do it is a privilege so rare and so lovely that I shall do my utmost to fulfill the request. I may have had beauty before, but can anybody conceive anything more beautiful, or a greater blessing, than to do the most cherished kind of work in the presence and in the spirit of the Master?
   Just what I am going to do and how, I don't know. Of course, I shall look for the book. In the meantime, following suggestions, I have copied and cut a little picture, which I found in a German calendar and which I have saved for 11 years with the intention of using it "some time". It is a little girl with a bouquet of wild flowers standing in front of alder-bushes that are budding. The first messengers of Spring, the little alder-catkins are hanging from the branches and a robin is perched on the branch singing. The child is looking up in wonder and admiration. A foot note to this picture explains that the artist made it much in the same spirit, as it has been suggested to me to portray. In my childhood too, even later, there has never passed a Spring, but that I did not look longingly for just those little messengers of Spring, pussy-willows and alder-catkins. I am very fond of them, but just as in the picture, the prettiest and best are always beyond reach.
   My first attempt to express the spirit of the Master is very humble, - I placed a colored background behind the silhouette. To the casual beholder it may mean nothing, but this colored background is a combination of three colors, - pure white, the emblem of the Master; a beautiful, clear lemon yellow, which stands for Divine Love and wisdom; some blue, the color of all the arts. Originally I wanted to give this picture to the youngest Miss [276], but now, I can't account for it, I have decided to send it to you. It is not for sale. This little picture is to go to someone, who will love it for what it stands. If you or Mrs. Cayce care for it, please keep it for yourself, I am giving it gladly, if some member of your family, or Miss Davis is fond of it, please give it to either one. A few copies of this picture I may make for sale. It is my intention to send you samples of my work now and then for I feel, that if anyone is interested in the outcome of such a sweeping change in a person's life, it will be you, all of you, who have been so willing to help.
   We are glad to know, that you and all of your family are well. Changing your location will mean work, but I am so glad, that it is for the better. [451] and Mr. [322] are sending their regards and many good wishes, and I am also sending mine to you and all of yours.
3. 3/25/32 EC's letter: [From the little house, 403 Lake Drive, Va. Beach, where he lived briefly:] "I was made to feel that I had neglected very much to show my appreciation for the lovely picture that you sent me some days ago. It was not that I didn't appreciate same, for I do more than I can tell you appreciate the kindly thought that prompted you to send this to me. So often we find ourselves so overshadowed by what seems to us a mountain that is pressing us down that we forget a duty - the privilege, honor and courtesy that we owe to those who have and do show their thanks and appreciation for the efforts in our behalf. It is certainly very beautiful and I thank you very, very much. It hangs where most every time I wake from the attempt to be of aid it greets me with that cheery wonderment as is expressed in the child's face at the love manifested in the preparation by the bird of a home for the little ones, and that desire to be of help as she is expressing, I am trusting and hoping will ever be an inspiration to me to do so for others in the same unselfish manner as she did for the mother bird.
   "I saw the letter, Mrs. [428], with the check that came today. I can only say, 'Thank you!' At times it seems so inconsistent that it should be necessary for we who are trying, if we know ourselves, to be of service, to have to ask those about us to appeal for us for some help. [3/17/32 See ltr. under 322-1 Reports.] But when things come tumbling about our heads, what must we do? I feel at other times I should be so thankful that we have those associated with us that are heart and soul in the spirit of the work in such a way and manner that they feel that they have a right to tell others whom we have tried to help just what our circumstances are.
   "I am in hopes each and every one to whom they do appeal or have appealed do understand just what has prompted this action on their part, that each has joined in our behalf makes it all the more touching to us and I feel very humble, but certainly appreciative of the kindly feeling that has prompted each to contribute in our behalf. May I only say, 'Thank you' and may it express to you our hearts' feeling at this, what should be, our gladdest Easter time. May this effort and sacrifice the part of each of you bring a joy that is fully in keeping with the appreciations as are felt by each one here.
   "I think we are all liking our change better and better while it was very lovely to be close to the ocean, [105th & Ocean, later numbered 67th St.] yet to be close to nature, to God's trees and His birds is wonderful also, and we are only a three or four minutes' walk from the ocean. I am hoping you will have the opportunity to make us a visit while we are here. It is quite different surroundings from anything we have experienced since we have been in Virginia, yet we really like it in a way that I hope will enable us to do better service for the Master."
4. 4/03/41 See 428-13, her next Ck. Life Rdg. in re her work.
5. 6/29/32 Letter to GD: [First part used in 428-6, Ck. Physical Report, Par. R3 mentioning her silver wedding anniversary and daughter [451]'s marriage.] "It goes without saying that we would just love to be down with you now during the Congress, but must refrain from for more reasons than one. I hope you, rather some Committee, has borne this in mind and will make it possible for the non-present members to buy some of those readings. I know I am going to save up for one or as many as I possibly can.
   "I was also glad to hear [See 6/02/32 GD's ltr. under 322-1 Reports] that you have not tired of my picture to Mr. Cayce. The charm of it is, the 'how' it originated. I have not done anything since that picture, but now since [451] is married my housekeeping is ever so much easier and just as soon as all my correspondence is finished shall start in to study. I have thought so much and so often of you all and have wanted to tell you especially that I am sure that the name of 'Dejahel' the name of the book I should study, stands for 'Durer' the biggest and finest German artist of medieval- times. Just for the fun of it, you ought to get out an encyclopedia and glance over what he stands for and you will realize what has been given to me. Of course, I am delighted that I should be told to take such an artist as this for an example. When we were in Europe we went through Durer's house, his workshop and I saw many of his original drawings. The name 'Dejahel' is not in any of the files in the library in New York City, nor in the N. Y. Telephone directory and the German pronunciation of Durer said quickly, the way Germans would, sounds exactly like Dejahel when pronounced quickly in English. So that problem is solved too!!!
   "By now you are well settled in your new home and I hope having my reading in it first will bring you lots of luck, as a rule it is said, that a man brings the luck, but here's hoping that the order of things reversed, may also prove good.
   "I was very glad indeed to get Mr. Hugh Cayce's letter about the life readings. I shall be very glad to tell him some of the manifestations in exchange for some help. Most of my own readings I understand, but we need help badly with my new son-in-law's life reading, and this I would appreciate more than I can tell, for in parts we are stumped completely. [See 430-1 Reports.]
   "I did want to write to Mr. E. Cayce today, but with this I have reached the limit of my strength, so for the present will Mr. Cayce please consider this also as for himself.
   "With kind regards, I am as ever"
   Sincerely yours, [428]
6. 10/18/32 She referred Mrs. [1928] for a Life Rdg.
7. 11/06/32 letter to GD: "I feel terribly guilty for not having answered your kind letter long ago, but it was really due to the fact that my convalescence took long. Just how seriously ill I had been, was only apparent when it came to the building-up process and I do not care to contemplate what I would have been without Mr. Cayce's help.
   "Of course, it was quite alright to use part of my letter in your bulletin. [9/32 Bul. testimonial letter in re 428-6.] A few sentences of appreciation seem so wholly inadequate though. It would suit me much better to have a megaphone and power enough to blast and trumpet it to all the world. But so few people are ready for it and some of our acquaintances refuse it outright, but I am ever on the alert to share our blessings with others.
   "We all are very fond of the bulletins, look forward to them and appreciate them. I was sorry though, that so far the little envelopes had to remain empty and unsent. I did the next best thing though, and cut some silhouettes and sent them to Mr. Cayce yesterday in the hopes that they will find some buyer, the proceeds to be kept for your benefit. I am hoping, that as Xmas draws near some one may want to make use of this or that one as a Xmas gift. The subjects I have sent are popular and well liked up here. The little boy with the watering can and geese (I call it 'Jazz') should sell for $1.50. The Children in the Snow should be sold in pairs at $1.50 a pair and Mary in the Meadows, my first attempt after my studies of Durer, should sell at $2.00. 'Mary and the Christ Child' is an original. The Holy Child is a very lifelike baby-doll of [451]'s, a friend of mine posed as Mary, the rabbits are ornaments of mine and the growth of the lily comes from a seed catalogue. As it is and if it could be sold to a Publishing House, it would be worth from $10. - to $15., but so far I have not had time to peddle my pictures in New York, and I hope you will find some lover for them. Mary and the Christ Child I never begin to cut, unless I first say a prayer and the happy and blissful mental attitude I am in when cutting is something I cannot describe. I only hope that some of it adheres and travels out into the world with my little picture.
   "I myself am getting stronger all the time and would be much better, if we could afford more help for the housework that naturally falls to me, but I am never without hope that some day I shall be able to devote most of my time to art. Isn't it most gratifying though to see the improvement in my work? Of course, I would be interested to know, how the subjects take and what you think of the idea. If times are too hard to sell them at the prices I have suggested, sell them cheaper, as long as some proceeds are gotten from them and if there are no buyers, may be Mrs. Cayce can find use for them as gifts and thereby save her own money. This I leave entirely to your discretion. The prices I have given though are very fair. 'Mary' takes 3 hrs. of work to complete. In New York a silhouette artist charges $1.50 for a small portrait that takes 5 minutes to complete. I am writing this, as it may be of interest and useful to know. If there is any picture that you yourself would like to have badly, let me know, and I will gladly cut it for you, that then will be your reward for being custodian for and saleslady of my pictures. 'Turn not for material gains' so it says in my first reading. [428-4] So don't hesitate and pick a nice one."
8. 11/15/32 EC's letter:
   "My dear Mr. [322] and Mrs. [428]:-
   "Well, I am back home again. [After a few days in N.Y. visiting David E. Kahn.] It was mighty good to see you all, and to see you looking so well. It is too bad I didn't get to talk with you as I would have liked, but I suppose if I were to talk with everyone several hours with whom I would love to be while in New York I would be there several months and do little else. Just to see you, though, and to say Howdy and Goodbye was very much worth while.
   "When I came home Miss Gladys spoke to me of your letter and showed me the beautiful, beautiful pictures that you sent, the proceeds of which may be used as a contribution to the work. Mrs. [428], this is a great deal more than anyone has given, I feel, because - as He has said - when we first give self we have given all, and to give of your labors is to give self. I'm sure Miss Gladys will be able to place these where they will be enjoyed by many, or that she will be able to distribute them where they will do good for a great number of people. Such work, it seems to me, carries something that is far beyond even words to express the beauty of its execution. Thank you a thousand, thousand times for your thought, and the loving care that is shown through expressing yourself in this way and manner.
   "I'm glad to say I found all very well and glad to see me back home.
   "Let us hear from you. With kindest personal regards and love to you all, I am"
   Sincerely EC:GD
9. 2/28/33 Mrs. [428] wrote that she had always been a lover of Spanish dancing and now as a hobby was learning to dance the tango, etc.
10. 4/17/33 She requested Life Rdg. 322-2 for her husband, and Business Rdg. 321-1 for a friend.
11. 6/07/33 She requested Business Rdg. 354-1 for a friend.
12. 10/31/33 See 254-70, Par. 19-A, personal message.
13. 11/05/33 See testimonial under 428-8, Ck. Physical Reports, in re what her art work has meant to her mentally and physically.
14. 11/14/33 She referred Dr. [441] for a Life Rdg.

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