This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 3rd day of April, 1941, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [428], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. HLC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [428] ..., N.Y., who seeks information, advice and guidance, as to how she may find work suitable to her abilities and from which she may gain remuneration sufficient to support herself, her mother and sister. You will give the body that which will be of the greatest help at this time, answering the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [428].
3. In considering conditions existent, the abilities of the body, - to be sure the channels through which aid for self and others should be sought are in the field of art.
4. Where, when and how - then - is the body to make same practical, to meet the needs in the present?
5. As we find, the work or activities in the present field should not be discarded, but continued only in part time.
6. And, through those agencies that seek those who do decorative art, the body should seek those activities to meet the present needs; to make for better security in the care of self and others. At the same time, when there is not the full activity in these directions, continue in the present field until there is sufficient of the work for a display - or an opening for the present activities.
7. Seek especially in those fields such as represented by Conti or Hudnut, in preparing the decoration for the booklets that are a part of the advertising. To be sure, this comes under the head of commercial art; and the seeking through regular agencies where such contacts may be made will prove the more satisfactory.
8. For, then - under the present arrangements or environs - the body will be able to carry on the greater portion of this work in the home; thus making the most satisfactory arrangements for all conditions as exist or as may arise as progress is made.
9. Seek, then, in these fields of activity; and we will find that these will prove to be most satisfactory.
10. Ready for questions.
11. (Q) Do I understand correctly that the decorative art mentioned is the commercial art for the perfume booklets, and what not?
    (A) This is correct.
12. (Q) In continuing my own work in art, -
    (A) (Interrupting) This should not be of the larger pieces, but more the smaller type - or miniature. And this may be done on ivory, cellulose or the like. These would be the parts to stress.
    Such connections or associations will also give outlets, or lead to channels through which there may be a greater appreciation of - and the outlets for distribution of the present work, see?
13. (Q) Should I consider an exhibit of my miniatures? If so, where?
    (A) As just indicated, this would come a little later; but, to be sure, an exhibit. This should come in the early fall.
    As to place, - consider that just indicated. This is not to be for some months, and there are many contacts to be made before such is to be done. Through the contacts there will be places provided for such; that, as indicated, will open a field or an outlet for the greater appreciation of the body's abilities, and also better facilities for same, see?
    Do that, then.
14. (Q) May any other suggestions be given regarding the best possible approach to Conti or Hudnut? [Conti Advertising Agency, Inc? N.J.? Richard Hudnut, cosmetics? N.Y.C.?]
    (A) These contracts are let through regular agencies, see? Then the body should make contact with such agencies and indicate, or show its own work and its abilities in this decorative field.
15. (Q) Should I continue living as I now am, or what changes would you advise?
    (A) As we have also indicated, in this field of activity this would be the more satisfactory arrangement than to make changes. This is considering others as well as self.
16. (Q) May any spiritual and mental advice be given at this time?
    (A) Hold fast to those purposes, those promptings, those desires that have so strengthened the body and the abilities, throughout the physical as well as mental trials through which it has been passing.
    Know that the strength, the power, the might is in Him, - who gives all good and perfect peace.
    Find that assurance of peace within self, and this will enable the body, the mind, to meet all conditions as they arise.
17. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 428-5 on 2/23/32.
2. 5/27/39 She referred Mrs. [1897] for a Life Rdg.
3. 11/12/40 "It is with a very heavy heart I am writing you this. My dear husband [322] died very suddenly Oct. 25th."
4. 3/27/41 "The settling of my husband's affairs unfortunately revealed that I have not sufficient income to support my 90 yr. old mother and sister, in whose constant care she is. I am obliged to earn a living and support them. My Life Rdg. [428-4] of a few yrs. ago told me to paint in a certain manner and free-lance, which I have tried, with the result that I was told my type of work is too good for the general public. I would need to find the moneyed buyers to make this a success... Would you be kind enough to give me a business rdg.?"

REPORTS

1. 4/03/41 GD's note: Mrs. [428], we have a very dear friend in New York - and member of the Association - who I think can help you make these contacts with the proper agencies to get contracts for your art work. Please get in touch with her and show her your Reading, also samples of your miniatures. I am sending her a copy of this notation, so she will be expecting you. Love, GD. [I refer to: Miss [954] ..., N.Y.C.]
2. 4/25/41 Mrs. [428]'s letter:
   Dear Gladys,
   It was very sweet and thoughtful of you to introduce me to Miss [954]. She was not at home when I called, but came to see me last Sunday and we had a very fine chat together and I some valuable information also from her friend Miss [1058], who came with her.
   I have already started work, my first picture, for an exhibit in the Fall and to follow the reading, I will be very busy this Summer in order to have a good showing. But I love to paint and will do my best.
   I thank you again and hoping to see you, when in New York, I am, as ever,
   Yours sincerely, [428]
3. 9/22/41 Dear Mr. Cayce,
   My last contact with you was concerning my reading, which I have worked at sincerely - and - hard to fulfill, but with no good results financially, and since you offered your further help in case I needed it, I feel that I owe it to you at least report on the outcome. Mr. [257] has done so well with your suggestions, that I have not quite given up hope.
   There is no fault to find with the reading, it was clear and definite, but the execution of same was much too difficult for me. For instance to do the illustrations for Hudnut booklets I did not have the courage to attempt, because I have not the faintest idea how to go about it, never saw it done, did not know what medium to use nor the prevailing tendency. Of all the arts, advertising illustrations needs much training and had I contacted the agencies, I would have only shown my ignorance.
   Then I tried very sincerely to acquaint myself with miniature painting and found a good teacher, but as regards its execution, I found this to be the most difficult, and an art, which for this very reason is becoming a "lost" art. It is so fine and has to be done so carefully, that even experts can only work at it two hours at a time. I learnt that technique and on cellulose with oil painted for nice little pictures, which are greatly admired, but for which, after all that work I was offered $2.50. This does not pay me, as at the utmost I can make three pictures a week; unless I can place them better.
   My larger pieces do not find favor in any of the places where I showed them for various reasons, one being too perishable, too conventional, although pleasing, not what is expected. May be the art-trained eye they reveal my lack of training. On the whole my work has improved, but when it is not accepted, all the incentive to paint more is gone and I must earn something. Furthermore the trend of the times is straining everybody to the utmost and artists are slashing prices to 1/2 and 1/3 of their original prices. Very well- meaning men in the business and a very good friend of my cousin's have given me but little encouragement, in fact none and I have come to the conclusion that something more practical may be the answer. I have a chance here on ... to learn photograph retouching and photography and thought with one profession learnt well, I might do better than work at art for which I have good talent but no training, unless it can be definitely designated where I can place my pictures for sale. I have tried at 10 places and one Artist's Supply shop took three of them on commission, but at a figure so low that it does not pay, by the time I consider all my expenses of framing, carfare and time.
   I must say that retouching photographs and finishing same appeals to me, and even if I cannot become a photographer, I might be able to work in a studio, but even for this profession I have to become acquainted with all the expressions and terms, but am willing.
   I would like to hear from you as it is so hard for me to decide what to do.
   With kind regards to you and all the members of your family, I am,
   Very truly yours, [428]
4. 9/25/41 EC's letter: "Will be glad to make an appointment for a ck. up rdg. if you like (no cost to you). But if you are really interested in photography, I would by all means take it up. You possibly know that I was in that profession for twenty years and made a fairly good living at it - had several studios - so have some idea of the subject. As a retoucher you could make excellent money, I am sure. It would require that you take lessons for a few weeks, but after the first week or so you should be making something as you learn. I believe there are several schools of photography in NYC - I do not know which is the better one, but just take up retouching and coloring photographs - that alone would be well, but there is more money in being a retoucher and able to color the photographs. That you could perhaps do already, if you have painted even one miniature, and there is always a place for a retoucher - of that I am very sure."
5. 10/02/41 Letter:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   Your letter of the 25th. ult. was a great comfort to me and especially your opinion concerning my occupation as retoucher. I was told that a good retoucher can always find work, so will go right ahead.
   At the time of my writing I was greatly concerned about my finances, but I have since had the good news that a note, which Mr. [322] gave in '33 for $500.--, is going to be paid back with interest, which will amount to amount $800.--, so, while I am not going to relent in my efforts at earning, my mind is greatly relieved by the knowledge of this income. I am most grateful to you for your kind offer of a check reading, but right now at this writing feel that I would want to give the reading a fairer trial. The slow working out of the reading may be due to the fact that my "whole" efforts are not devoted to it, but as I am still settling Mr. [322]'s affairs, I can do no different and as things are, it is by far more important that I collect outstanding accounts than paint. I suppose all these things have to be taken into consideration. I can say though, that I am very fond of retouching and would be willing to learn gladly all that is needed for it and whatever else I can absorb of photography.
   The news of your son's, Hugh Lynn, marriage certainly is good news and you and Mrs. Cayce will be very happy to have a daughter in addition to your sons and to have him come home to work will be a continued comfort and help to you, I am sure.
   Separately I am sending you a little gift, which you may give to the bride, with all my best wishes and the added explanation of what your readings have done to bring out dormant talent. It is the same old story, when the first reading told me that I would paint, I thought it utterly impossible, but here it is, even on cellulose. I hope it will give you pleasure to present, as well as that the dear bride will enjoy it in her home. I am enclosing my congratulations to Hugh Lynn.
   I will write to you again later and in the meantime hope for everything good in connection with the wedding and remain, as ever, Best regards to Gladys,
   Sincerely your, [428]
6. 1/10/42 Letter:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   The Holidays are past now and I hope that yours were all that you rightfully deserve and that the New Year may bring you much good. I am still keeping your Christmas Greetings in full view and feel that they should always be kept in our hearts. I just love them and thank you again. [See 281-59, Xmas message.]
   As regards myself I finally located a place called "Hobby Shop" where my pictures could be shown, but after four weeks the owners of the shop decided to discontinue their business. I had to chose very quickly to go home too or continue the store on my own and having my last reading in mind to "show my paintings" and having also found that "home" is not the place for business or work, I decided to stay, also too, encouraged by very low rent. Of course, all this is very new to me and if you are well and have time I would now appreciate any guidance you could give me through another reading as you offered so kindly. If I stay here in the store. I would have to invest some money in fixings, (not much), floor painting, shelves, display tables or cabinets store window alteration, etc. I would like to know how best to continue, if THIS IS TO BE THE OUTLET FOR MY ACTIVITIES. And naturally upon this answer will also hinge the following questions:
   What kind of paintings should I now make, more miniatures and at what price? More large ones at what price? For individuals or agencies. The price is very important as I am utterly at sea about the value of my work, as all art depends upon how much it is wanted.
   Should I add gifts, greetings cards and a lending library to attract all classes of people?
   Shall I give the store a name or just use my own?
   I am now at the store every day from 9:30 till 5:30 and any time you would care to make the reading, will be agreeable to me. The address is ... Ave., ..., N.Y. It takes me about 1/2 hour walking and by bus to get there.
   The store is also suited to be used as a Studio only, and I am also wondering whether I would do better at just painting, retouching and probably air-brush work. The latter I would still have to study. It does seem strange that up to the present no earning facilities have materialized, but I have not been worried, because up till now I have worked to the limit of my physical strength and as long as I was "home", it was always HOME FIRST to help where help was needed most. Also in all this time I have learnt all kinds of things and as my reading said, I would have to make many contacts and I am grateful for all of them, as I feel they were necessary. Here in this store my pictures are greatly admired and with the right prices, I should be able to do business.
   With kind regards to you and all the members of your family, I am,
   Sincerely yours, [428]
   Please send answer to ... Street, as I am not yet known in the store.
7. 1/12/42 She agreed to join EC in prayer, as per his form letter [See under 2678-1, Background], saying: "My life has been made so rich through the teachings that have come from you that this would be the least I could ever do to show my appreciation."
8. 1/19/42 See 428-14 answering above questions.

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