This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 2nd day of January, 1939, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [437], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have the mental and material conditions of [437] ..., N.Y.C., his associates and associations. He is seeking guidance and advice as to the proper plan he should follow for his best interests during 1939. After the general review of his affairs you will answer these questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the enquiring mind, [437].
3. In considering circumstances and conditions, the mental and material surroundings of [437], - the entity is seeking; and that as might be indicated from the mental and spiritual angle, while they do not clash, they do not run always parallel.
4. It is well, then, that the entity take into consideration that phase of its experience, even in the material and mental environments.
5. And if those policies and those activities, in whatever field of service or activity is chosen, are prompted by that which is creatively constructive, there will be found a greater cooperative measure throughout its endeavors.
6. To be sure, the field of service and activity is primarily upon the basis for the gain in a material sense and manner; yet lives of individuals are used for such - in that there must be the giving of themselves in the portrayal of the experiences of life and the associations one to another.
7. And unless those channels or vehicles for such an expression build constructive influences in the experiences and lives of those for whom they are portrayed, as well as for the one portraying same, the purpose for gain is defeated.
8. But if there is the ideal, in whatever phase of endeavor, that given is to bring a little cleaner life, a little more of hope, a little more of cheer, a thinking more of creative influences and forces, - THEN the entity may find the experiences not only productive of that which brings within the mental self greater harmony, but the opportunities for the material gain will also be enhanced.
9. Keep those thoughts, then. Never attempt to build upon the weaknesses of others, - never upon that which may lord or laud or even praise any besetting sin in the affairs or experiences of any.
10. And as ye have experienced, more and more is the mental and material satisfaction then gained.
11. Put thought, then, in that direction, and make it more and more a policy of thy activity, thy associations, thy seeking; and ye will find greater opportunities being presented.
12. Ready for questions.
13. (Q) In what field will his greater success come - production of plays with his present associate Max Gordon or to enter the employ of the motion picture field?
    (A) If that policy is adhered to as just indicated, and with the privilege for the activities in the production of plays AND of the cinema, these as a combination should make the greater outlet; and bring greater opportunities, and thus greater success.
14. (Q) Regarding the production of plays, where is the best place to carry on?
    (A) This as we find is dependent upon much the character of the vehicle selected. To be sure, in the New York environs is considered, is felt to be the ideal place; provided the vehicle offered is appealing and reaches the greater number of the individuals.
    Hence the policies, the character of the vehicle would be all the more important. However, there are vehicles or plays that would receive greater reception in the Middle West, that would have little run in New York or the East. Yet these are, as they HAVE been and should be, studied by those who produce same.
15. (Q) In motion pictures, what field offers best advantages - on what basis should he go into it?
    (A) Still, as we find, the same policy if it is carried through, for those characters of vehicles, no matter what is attempted; whether those that have had great sale, either as a book, a script or a play, - if it is constructive, creative in its construction.
    For the temperament of the public is such, and is turning more and more to that which is simple, yet tells, carries that story wherein each person thinks better of self for little favors, kindnesses, gentlenesses, care for young, old, or the unfortunate. All of these, while old in their setting, - yet the manner in which they may be approached is ever that to which the greater response is and will be made.
    Realize also that the motion picture is an educational factor. Then all the more reason that such should be the policy of those who would select vehicles for such an endeavor.
16. (Q) With what company will he have best opportunities?
    (A) The Warner or Fox, or combination.
17. (Q) Can he do both at the same time - plays and pictures?
    (A) As indicated. These would be part given to one and part to the other.
18. (Q) What opportunities with Sam Goldwyn of Los Angeles will open up for him?
    (A) This will depend upon much the activities or the choices that are taken by the entity in relationships to those suggestions just indicated. For with two or three decided successes, in either field, the entity may name its OWN conditions!
19. (Q) Would there be any advantage to [437] to join an organization of this kind if offered?
    (A) This must, of course, be the choice of the entity after and WHEN those outlined have been adhered to, in such a manner as to make same then an active experience. Then it becomes the choice of the entity.
20. (Q) Was proper judgement used in selling rights to the play "The Women" or would better returns have been received if produced into a picture?
    (A) This might be used as an example of just the kind or character that are to be considered in the policies of that suggestion as we have indicated.
    In some directions this is neither good nor bad. Entertaining and appealing to the few, and HOW many are made to feel better of themselves or more kindly to those who have erred here or there?
    It is well that the rights were sold, unless many changes were made.
21. (Q) What type of play will be most acceptable to the New York public for early spring production?
    (A) As HAS BEEN INDICATED.
22. (Q) In what particular field should play be developed?
    (A) As has been indicated, any. No matter what the rank from which the characterization may be drawn, let that thread go through same as has been indicated.
    Something with the mystery, with the unexpected turn, - but ever showing the care, the protection of the better characters to that of creative, spiritual, constructive thought throughout.
23. (Q) What could [437] accomplish by handling the play written by Harold Sherman on the life of Mark Twain?
    (A) If there could be the drawing in of the daughter, in such a way and manner that the gentleness may be depicted, well. Though it is presented in a crude manner, - yet with the wit, and that kindness and gentleness which is a part of the very life OF the character to be portrayed. And if this is used as a means, or through such an one, it would be very well. There will be necessitated some changes, but play that part of same.
24. (Q) How could the motion picture "Are We Civilized" as written by Sherman and directed by Edwin Carewe be merchandized by [437]?
    (A) This we do not find so well, nor to be considered as one of those in which a great deal of gain may be had, - save for that of future uses for individuals or portrayals of characterizations.
25. (Q) Advise [437] on the play "The American Way" by George Kaufman and Moss Hart - and its presentation at the Centre Theatre in New York in January. What may be expected of it?
    (A) Just so this is held to the WHY, and in the manner as has been indicated as a policy; and not as a racial or a political activity; this will succeed.
    As a political or as a racial, it will NOT succeed.
26. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 437-5 on 6/07/32 and subsequent [437] series with Reports.
2. 12/12/38 He requested 437-9, 1780-1, 1781-1.
3. 1/01/39 Wire: "Tomorrow, Jan. 2nd, I will be at ... bet. 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Happy New Year to you all."

REPORTS

1. He obtained rdgs. 2090-1, 2129-1, 2248-1.
2. 11/30/40 A.M. See 2090-2, Par. 18-A, 19-A in re best way Mrs. [2090] can help Mr. [437] in the play "The American Way."
3. 11/30/40 P.M. See 437-11.
4. 12/02/40 See letter comparing 437-2 and 2090-1 in 2090-1, Par. R2.
5. He obtained 2416-1.

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