This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 21st day of February, 1934, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [520], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [520], this we have had before.
2. As has been given the entity, in the mental and spiritual developments in a body, there must be the determining in the inner self by the self-analysis as to that which is desired to be accomplished in an experience; and the ideal not as from the material things, save as that which is arrived at in materiality through the choosing in the spiritual for that development.
3. Then, be willing within self for the necessary things that may make for the development towards the ideal.
4. Trials, misunderstandings, misconstruction of purposes, misconstruction of ideas or desires in self and on the part of others may arise; and if the ideal has been set in material things, then indeed these become overburdening to a mind, a body, a soul. If the ideal has been set in the spirit of truth, then it may be found that there is the promise that has ever been in the time of trouble, and in the time of joy, present.
5. Ready for questions.
6. (Q) Considering the conditions and relations that exist with my mother, would it be well for me to take over her business?
   (A) If the desire of the body-mind of the mother is such that it wants relief from those activities necessary for the handling of the general conditions, then it may be well. If there is still that precaution or that feeling of insecurity by such a change, then it would not be well as yet.
7. (Q) Under what conditions should this be done?
   (A) As just given, only when there are the decided feelings on the part of the one for the relief of the conditions that naturally arise; and the abilities on the part of the other to serve in such a capacity as to fill those needs necessary for the conducting or handling of same.
8. (Q) What should be the next step in the development of present business?
   (A) On any specific lines as for the determining factors in the experience of individuals, in obligations or duties that arise in their association and life; or for the special funds for the carrying on of such activities under any circumstance that may arise, or for special funds to be created by such activity for the various schoolings for those that have the obligations in this direction.
   These, as we find, make not only for an income for present activity in this direction, but certain specific conditions may be carried on that seemeth well for those that may make the preparations in the present for those things in the future.
9. (Q) In what department of the insurance business will I be able to make the greatest success?
   (A) In the sale or in the contact department of its activity there are reached those abilities where supervision over certain departments or certain portions of the organization's activities may be held by the body.
10. (Q) Toward what department should I work?
    (A) As just indicated, when there has been the sufficient activity in the solicitation that the body may work towards a department head or supervisor of certain districts or areas. Just given.
11. (Q) Do you advise that I change from the present company for which I am working?
    (A) No. These carry those departments that are making for the very best in these fields of activity as we have indicated would be well. We would not change.
12. (Q) In just what environ will I find the greatest opportunity for service, success and happiness?
    (A) Depends upon what is the measure of success set in the ideal for the body. If this means the material things, and those things that bring social activities, or if it means those things whereunto the body may be of the greater success in being of a service to the fellow man that has in a manner slipped here or there, or needs those things in his experience that will give him more hope and more comprehension of what the purposes, aims and desires of individuals are and what they reflect in their lives, then the activities of the body should be in the directions to bring such about. What is thine ideal? Then there may be set as to what may be the measure of success and happiness and pleasure and joy in that field of activity.
    There has been the tendency, and is the tendency on the part of the body, as indicated from time to time, for activities in the insurance associations and connections where definite decisions and definite work may be accomplished by an individual that is to be carried on even when his mental and physical proclivities do not permit the activities in these directions. There are also those associations that make for contacts where the kind word, the gentleness in manner, the activity in association makes for hopefulness and helpfulness in the experience of those whom the body meets. Does this association bring for self success in being able to accomplish this? Does this bring the measure of happiness and pleasure that is an answer to its ideal in the activities of the individual; or is the ideal rather set in the material things that there may be the greater amount of moneys to use by the body in carrying out certain ideas? Or do the fruits of the spirit answer for those activities in whatever sphere the entity may act?
    Then, what is thine ideal? And then there may be given as to what is success, and joy, and happiness, and peace.
13. (Q) What persons will be my greatest influences to my success in business, and in life?
    (A) This again is dependent upon what is desired to be reached. If affluence, fame, money and power, then the associations needed are in those directions that make for those connections and associations with individuals that bring into the experience of the body that association, that class of activity. If there is the satisfying in doing that thy hands find to do in the present, in meeting those conditions in the daily activity of the body, then these will come about in their natural turn, their natural activity. For, as has been oft given, when there is used properly that thou hast in hand from day to day the next step is given thee that will bring to thine soul and to thine inner self those things NECESSARY as the Lord hath need of thee.
14. (Q) Just how can I be of greatest service to the work of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, presenting the work of Edgar Cayce?
    (A) As has oft been given, in associations with any organization or affiliation of self with any association that presents any type of activity, first there must be within self the decision as to what it may do or accomplish in the experience of individuals that the body may contact from day to day. And then, if this has that place to fill according to the ideals of the body in the experiences of others, in presenting that in those fields of activity where it may be of the greater service to the associates and those whom the entity may contact from time to time, can lend the greater service. But until there is within the inner self the satisfaction of there BEING a place that such an association or such connections have in the affairs of individuals, as to its validity and as to its scope of activity, as to that which it may supply in the experience of individuals, how may it be of an aid to the body or the body be of aid to such work? This answers it within its own self!
15. (Q) Are there any individuals or groups that I should seek to contact in extending the work of our organization?
    (A) This again answers itself, when that as just given is considered in its proper ratio or proper light. Does this organization, this association, to the entity's mind, supply that which individuals have need of whom the entity meets? If so, then these may be contacted in the natural order of things or conditions, for the betterment of self, the betterment of the affiliations and associations of all concerned. Not as to who; for, as has often been given, be ye mindful in every association and manner when ye entertain strangers, for often ye entertain angels unawares. Those that may fit in the lowliest of circles, the highest of positions, whether in this or that sphere, may be just as needy. Then, do to each individual as ye would be done by, if ye would make for yourself and for those whom ye contact the better experiences and conditions in the activities.
16. (Q) What do you advise regarding marriage for me?
    (A) That should be decided most within self. Under the present circumstances and conditions and associations, as related to the family and those associations and affairs in same, it should be well for the consideration of same, if it's to be done in this experience.
17. (Q) Do you find any particular individual with whom I would be happiest?
    (A) This should be the choice within self; for as individuals meet individuals there are those associations and contacts that may bring out the best in each, or there may be those karmic influences to be worked out together - that are well and good; or if the activities bring out the better in the other, well and good. These may be better within the choice of self. Choose one that is in accord, however, with SOME of the activities thou desirest to make as ideals - and not just ideas - in the experience.
18. (Q) When should I consider marrying?
    (A) As just given, it should soon be considered - when all these are considered - if it's to be done in this experience.
19. (Q) Give specific suggestions and constructive comments and criticisms to the end that I may live the fullest life according to my normal capacity.
    (A) Again may it be referred to that just given. Each soul, each individual, should first analyze itself as to what its beliefs, tenets and ideals are, as to material, moral, and - most of all - spiritual ideals. Then set self in such a manner, as is known, that Mind is the Builder. Unless the tenets of the mind are of spiritual natures and spiritual construction, that the building may be had in the material affairs of the life - whether in the very carnal forces or the higher mental activities or the spiritual associations and relations, the building may not be proper - or in proper relationships, unless founded in Spirit, which is Life. Doing this, there may be builded by ANY soul that which is desired in the experience, if it is founded in truth to its fullest capacity from its present point of development. For, as He has given, "If ye will be my people, I will be your God." And it answers to all those things, as it has from the first promise in that, "Honor thy father, thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land the Lord thy God giveth thee."
20. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 2/18/34 Questions were submitted.

REPORTS

1. 3/03/34 Letter: "Thanks for the prompt dispatch of the excellent reading... Although I have read it over several times, I must now start to study its significance and then interpret it according to my understanding... If my conscious attitude were to make a change, contrary to the answer in the reading, is it likely that I would not make the full benefits of success I aspire to? I am very much concerned in what the experiences of others proved who knowingly did not follow out answers according to the readings given them... I have an opportunity to become an assistant sales manager (called unit manager) with an Equitable Life Assurance Society unit, and seems to me to be a far more attractive opportunity to advance in my earning capacity - as compared to the present set-up, as I can see it."
2. 3/13/35 Letter requesting his fourth reading was on The Equitable Life Assurance Society letterhead (indicating he had made the change). See 520-4.

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