Edgar Cayce Readings, 516-1

Time and Place: 11:45 to 12:00 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. ..., N.Y.

TEXT

GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [516], Brooklyn, N.Y., in regard to The New York Society of Craftsmen at 43 East 60th St., New York City. Being on the Nominating Committee of that Society, the body seeks guidance that will help her and benefit the Society indirectly. You will give any advice regarding new officers and new policy, and continue guidance of the teachers in the Spirit World, if they feel the cause we are working for is worthy. You will answer the questions which will be submitted, as I ask them.
EC: Yes. We are approaching it wrong.
Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [516], with her interest in New York Society of Craftsmen, and the problems that confront this organization at the present time.
As we find, we would give this as an advice and counsel: There is one, Sedgwick [?], as associated with the organization (Craftsmen) that would be well to consider in an official capacity for the betterment of the general conditions as related to the activities of the Society of Craftsmen.
These conditions, as we find, exist: While the general stress and strain that has existed and does exist in the experience of a greater number of the members of the association of craftsmen has been due to the hindered and hampered general economic conditions in the experiences of all, the activity and work of the association is worth while. The attempt in some measures to assist in the associations of individuals in their memberships and in their connections with the various activities of individuals has been well, but the activities have been of such a nature that this has drawn so heavily upon the funds and finances of the organization as to make THIS policy almost untenable at the present time.
Then, in making the arrangements for the continuance of the activity of the Society, the more compatible associations and relations - the abilities for the organization to function in a way and manner as to bring aid and help through the meeting of the associations and the fellow craftsmen in their various activities, to draw comparisons of the work of the individuals and to classify same under the activities in the various fields of the endeavors of the individuals - would be to consider the future operations rather than the individual aid to others, see?
We would also find that many of those that have been in the position of officers, as the vice-president and as the secretary and as the board of governors, that make for the policies of the organization, would follow along much of the same lines as heretofore in their activities, but making in the activities this new change - as new blood into the organization - would make for the bettered conditions in the same.
First in the meetings, then, let this be as the basis for not only the operating but the activities of all members present, as they meet in the early portion of the coming weeks for the consideration of those who are to be put into place:
Are the policies of the organization at the present able to furnish to its membership sufficient aid under the present line of endeavors as to be called capable of, or having, a place in the affairs of such individuals? Merely to have an organization, unless it fills a place in the experiences of individuals that makes for constructive influences in their experience, in their lives, gives little of value or worth whileness.
With some change in policy in the direction as indicated, as we find (and help by such an one), a worth whileness and a constructive experience may be brought for each individual; and the membership then may be extended in such a way and manner as to become more helpful to all that are of this field of activity, for they may be aided through such.
Do that.
We are through for the present.
Copy to [516]
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

2/08/34, 2/14/34, She submitted questions [see opening "suggestion"], saying: "I want this rdg. before my Life Rdg., in fact as soon as possible. The Society is almost part of myself, hence the request."

REPORTS

2/21/34 Letter to EC:
... South, Brooklyn, N.Y.
My dear Mr. Cayce,
"Many thanks for your effort on behalf of the New York Soc. of Craftsmen. Never having asked a question directly of the Spirit source, I did not know just how to put my question, thinking they would know all about it, the work in the past and its possibilities for the future (if it should continue its existence). I thought only to register your interest til you can get to the spirit teachers.
The point is shall it continue and under what policies? The old ones have not progressed us very far toward being of great assistance to craftsmen, only to beginners & students, with no financial advancement. In fact less so.
We know NEW BLOOD IS NECCESSARY but how to obtain it. We have combed our circle of members for new members and have no money to advertise. If we could help more members professionally the wheel could begin to turn but it seems too heavy for the present group of workers to push or pull it on to its tracks.
The name of SEDGWICK is not known amongst us and [[...]?] but first name and address. I'm at sea as to whom they referred to.
A new Pres. seems neccessary and with a few exceptions the board continues on its new slate. The future plans to follow, is what is worrying us. How can we interest each class of membership more practically I mean.
We have tried for 25 years with monthly meetings for social work to connect Craftsmen with the lay members through a dinner before each meeting and then stressed a gallery for the sale of the Craftsmens work. If the spirit teachers knew they would tell you. It seems they suggest only what we have done by going to Craftsmens studios, having lectures on design & encouraging The Crafts - Students League sponsored by the Y.W.C.A. in N.Y.C. where most members are the teachers.
We know if some change is made, [[...]?] must follow but I seek to know definitely what those changes might be. Your letter leaves me very much in the air as it were. If the work can be made worthwhile it will succeed. If it does not give enough to members to continue membership it is not worth while. I can see that. What I want to know is how to make it worthy. What definite line of action should we follow. We have exhausted our brains & seek a higher new point."
Sincerely yours, [516] (I was called from birth or soon after).
"P.S. I want to know about the growth of the Society. My life reading has no connection I should think. No special hurry now - "
2/24/34 See 516-2.