This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 11th day of January, 1938, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [826], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [826] and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity here, [826]; with the abilities physical and mental, and the use or application of same as has been made by the entity in its experiences or sojourns in the earth - all of which become a part of the entity in the present.
2. In giving that as we find that may be helpful to this entity, first the purposes for which an entity enters a material experience - and why:
3. In giving such there must be given then some premise that is acceptable or stated as being a practical thing or condition in the experience of the entity; that it may be a part of the entity in fulfilling that purpose in the present experience.
4. The entity or man then is physical, mental and spiritual; or the physical body, the mental body, the spiritual body.
5. The spiritual is that portion of same, or that body, that is everlasting; that is a portion of all it has applied in its mental experiences through the sojourns in the environs of which the entity or soul or spirit body is a part.
6. From whence came then this spirit body, that we find in consciousness in the present; aware of the physical attributes, aware of at least a portion of its mental abilities, its mental capacities; only catching a glimpse here and there in the application of spiritual laws or spiritual truths of the spiritual body?
7. The spirit is the universal consciousness, or God; that which is the First Cause; that which is manifested in all the varied forms and manners that are experienced in the activities of the individual in this particular sphere of activity or phase of consciousness in the present.
8. Why the entity - why the spirit of this entity? A gift, a companion, - yea, a very portion of that First Cause.
9. Hence the purposes that it, the entity, the spirit body, may make manifest in materiality or in physical consciousness the more and more awareness of the relationships of the mental body, the physical body to eternity, infinity, or the God-Consciousness.
10. Why? That is the purpose, that is the gift, that is the activity for maintaining its consciousness throughout matter, mind or spirit.
11. For, as is the consciousness of the entity in materiality, when there is such a diffusion of consciousness as to change, alter or create a direction for an activity of any influence that has taken on consciousness of matter to waver it from its purpose for being in a consciousness, it loses its individual identity.
12. What then is the purpose of the entity's activity in the consciousness of mind, matter, spirit in the present?
13. That it, the entity, may KNOW itself to BE itself and part of the Whole; not the Whole but one WITH the whole; and thus retaining its individuality, knowing itself to be itself yet one with the purposes of the First Cause that called it, the entity, into BEING, into the awareness, into the consciousness of itself.
14. That is the purpose, that is the cause of BEING.
15. Then the natural question to the entity becomes, "What may I do about same? In what manner, in what way may I apply myself as an entity, as an individual, to fill that purpose whereunto the First Cause has its influence, its way, its purpose with me?"
16. In such an activity then the body-physical, the body-mind, must be taken into consideration; with its faults, its fancies, its faith, its purpose, its abilities in every manner, and in every influence that has been and is a part of that mental or spiritual or material consciousness.
17. It has been given the entity as to much which or unto it may attain; as each entity bears an influence into and unto the Whole, and is influenced by same according to the will and purpose of the entity in the individual or the moment's expression.
18. For the choices are continually being made by the body, the mind, UPON those things that are within THEMSELVES taken within the consciousness, the awareness of the entity.
19. Not that there are not OTHER influences also that are aware only to the higher portion of the mental and spiritual self. For in the BODY few are aware of even the heartbeat, the fact of assimilation, the fact of distribution, the fact of building or of degeneration.
20. In the purpose then or premise; it is that:
21. Mind is the Builder, being both the spiritual and material; and the consciousness of same reaches man only in his awareness of his consciousness through the senses of his physical being.
22. Then indeed do the senses take ON an activity in which they may be directed in that awareness, that consciousness of the spiritual self as well as in the physical indulgences or appetites or activities that become as a portion of the selfish nature of the individual or entity.
23. It behooves the entity first in its premise then to know, to conceive, to imagine, to become aware of that which is its ideal.
24. Not that alone of the ideal condition of the body as in relationship to its appetites, its factors, - yea, even its functionings, nor only the abilities of the mind to be in the physical manner directed in such a way or manner that it may bring that which is the answer to the desires of the flesh. But also, or RATHER, that which takes hold on those things that are eternal in not ONLY their awareness, not only in their application but in their body, yea in their mind, yea in their application!
25. For as is the awareness of the mental self, the Spirit of God - or Good - is never seen by the material man, ever; only the effects and the application of those factors in the experience of the individual are made aware by that it brings into the consciousness through the senses, - yea of the body, the awareness of the mental self and the spiritual self.
26. And this kept as a part of the development, the growth, the activity of the entity as a whole, becomes then a well-balanced unit; an entity that IS conscious of the influences of infinity through the finite forces that may be given in what has been expressed as of old, "As ye do it unto the least of these thy brethren, ye do it unto thy Maker."
27. How, then, may an entity become aware of those influences of that infinite force and power, and intelligence that is the ruling force of that ideal life as may be manifested by this entity in this individual experience?
28. When the mental self is loosened in the quietness of those periods when it would take cognizance of the influences about self, we find the mental as a vapor, as a gas (not that it is either, but as comparison) is loosened by the opening of the self through those centers of the body that arouse the awareness of the mental to the indwelling of the spiritual self that is a portion of and encased within self. And it, the energy, the influence - as the vapor, as the gas - rises to the consciousness within, to the temple of the motivative forces of the physical body.
29. It, that energy, seeks - by the natural law - that to which it has an affinity. Affinity is the ideal, then.
30. If that mental self, that portion of the Spirit is in accord with the Divine Will - by its application of its knowledge as to its relationships to the fellow man in the manners and purposes as indicated - there comes that consciousness, that awareness that His Spirit indeed beareth witness with thy spirit.
31. And indeed ye may then find that access, that consciousness of His abiding presence with thee that ye may carry on, ye may fulfill, ye may keep inviolate all promises that thou hast made to thy Maker; that He hath made to thee!
32. Thus it is through thine own self. For indeed thy body is the temple of the living God. It is the temple of thine own awareness. It is the temple of thine own conscious walk with Him.
33. And the application of that received there, then, in the physical consciousness, physical mind - applied in thy relationships to those ye meet day by day - causes the growth to come.
34. Even as in or within thine own body ye become in body a part of that ye digest within thine own physical self.
35. Thus only that ye digest within thine own spiritual body may ye apply in the building up of the mental and spiritual self for that activity in the ETERNAL consciousness of the Father-God.
36. So, keep thy physical body inviolate, in such an active way and manner that it may become more and more aware of this indwelling consciousness that may give to thy mind, as a whole, as an entity, the BEST tools to work with.
37. For if the body is racked with doubts - by the use of those influences in same that have set at naught this continuous effort of same to assimilate and distribute for activity in its own physical self - it becomes unfit for the duties, the obligations, - yea the beauties, yea the OPPORTUNITIES of itself in its associations with those of its fellow centers, its fellow activities; or energies that are - each in its atomic self - a portion of the whole.
38. Keep the body-physical, then, well-balanced in those infusions of what? that are as energies that are positive and negative forces within the material activity, known or classed as the proper chemical balance in same - the fusion of the activities from the material angles that are acid and alkaline; also the potash and activities in its forces that become the making of materiality by the activity of mind upon same in its influence in the physical forces of self.
39. Hence in these manners may the entity, as a physical being, as a mental being, dwell upon the things not alone of the physical being but upon the spiritual, the things that are eternal; that it, too, may be kept in a balance such as that thy good may not be evil-spoken of, that thy evil may not become so overbalanced as to wreck thine OWN self in its influences and its activities in thy conscious walk among thy fellow man.
40. These meditated upon then, these kept in the ways that ye know. It is not then that ye KNOW as a physical consciousness, but that ye APPLY of good, of that which IS of God, that makes ye know that consciousness of His walks with thee.
41. For thy physical self may only see the reflection of good, while thy spiritual self may BE that good in the activities of thy fellow man in such measures that ye bring - what?
42. Ever, EVER, the fruits of the Spirit in their awareness; longsuffering, brotherly love, patience, kindness, gentleness, HOPE and faith!
43. If ye in thy activities in any manner with thy fellow man destroy these in the minds, in the heart of thy fellow man, ye are not only slipping but ye have taken hold on the path of destruction.
44. Then so love, so act, so THINK that others SEEING thy good works, thy hopes that ye bring, thy faith that ye manifest, thy patience that ye show, may ALSO glorify Him.
45. For that cause, for that purpose ye entered into the materiality in the present.
46. To what, ye ask, may ye attain - and how may ye attain same?
47. That is only limited by thyself. For He, the Father-God, loveth all alike; but that ye find within thy mind, thy body, that would offend, pluck it away! For thy will as one with His may do ALL these things in HIS name!
48. Then, to what heights may ye attain? That height to which thy consciousness is ever clear before the throne of thy awareness with Him; which is to know the glory of the Father through thy dealings with thy fellow man; which is to know - no sin, no sorrow, no disappointments in him. Oft is He disappointed in thee, but if thou dost bring such into the minds, the hearts, the lives of others, what is thy reflection but these same experiences?
49. But to love good, to flee from veil, to bring the awareness of the God-Consciousness into the minds and hearts of others is THY purpose in this experience.
50. Ready for questions.
51. (Q) Is there any particular psychic faculty which I should develop in this experience that would enrich my daily life?
    (A) As has been indicated, this may be developed in the manner as has been given. It is the heritage of each soul. If ye in thine own consciousness are desirous of meeting Him, thy Maker, thy Father in the temple of thine own soul, then meditate upon Him, applying that ye know today!
    For it is in the application, not the knowledge, that the truth becomes a part of thee.
    It is not in thine body that what ye eat is thy body, but that the body - through thy digestive self - puts INTO USE IN muscle, bone, blood, tissue, - yea the very blood and the very streams thorough which the mentality flows! Thy BRAIN is not thy mind, it is that which is used by thy mind!
    What then IS thy mind? The gift of God, that is the companion with thy soul, that is a part of same! Then if ye would develop that by its use, by its application, it is ministering good and goodness; not for self. For that ye give away ALONE do ye possess! For the that would have life must give it. He that would know the faculties of the psychic force, or the soul, must MANIFEST same in the relationships to spiritual truths, spiritual law, spiritual application.
52. (Q) Please explain in detail the steps I should take in this development, in meditation, that would be most consistent with my inner self?
    (A) In whatever manner that thine own consciousness is a cleansing of the body and of the mind, that ye may present thyself CLEAN before thyself and before thy God, DO! Whether washing of the body with water, purging of same with oils, or surrounding same with music or incense. But DO THAT THY CONSCIOUSNESS directs thee! Not questioning! For he that doubteth has already built his barrier!
    Then, meditation upon that which is thy highest ideal within thyself, raise the vibrations from thy lower self, thy lower consciousness through the centers of thy body to the temple of thy mind, thy brain, thy eye that is single in purpose; or to the glandular forces of the body as the Single Eye.
    Then, listen - listen! For it is not in the storm, not in the noise, but the still small voice that rises within.
    And let thy query ever be:
    HERE AM I, OR GOD, USE ME - SEND ME! DO WITH ME AS THOU SEEST! NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE - O GOD - BE DONE IN AND THROUGH ME.
    These are the manners. Not that the things of the material mind are to be neglected, but remember this: It is the foolishness of God that is the wisdom of man. It is the wisdom of man misapplied that is the foolishness to God.
53. (Q) How may I come to a greater realization of my inner spiritual power and the relation of this power to all Creative Force?
    (A) That has been given over and over again, here in this: In APPLYING that ye know TODAY! and tomorrow the next step is given. For it is line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. And if ye would have thy God, - yea thy better self be patient with thee, then be patient with thy study, yea thy fellow man.
    For indeed as He gave, "In patience possess ye your souls."
    Then, as ye are manifested before thy consciousness IN thy consciousness, become aware of this; not only as ye see the unfoldment of life in matter as a manifestation of that force and power ye would worship as thy God, thy companion, thy Lord, yea thy BROTHER, thy portion of thyself, BUT in time, in space, in patience is the heart of it all!
54. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 826-9 and 826-10 on 1/10/38.

REPORTS

1. 2/25/38 [826]'s ltr. to GD:
   Dear Gladys:
   I want to apologize for running off so unceremoniously the morning I left, but I had a splitting headache which was getting worse throughout the morning, and I was very sick, so all I could think of at the moment was to get away from the sea air.
   However, I enjoyed seeing all of you very much, and outside of the health factor, it was a great pleasure. I intended to call [369] again the morning before I left, but I rushed away so quickly that I didn't get to do so. She is a charming and delightful girl. Unfortunately, she is buried in a small town, like so many other girls, while many of the more ambitious boys have gone to the city where there is more opportunity. It is too bad for everyone that these hard times continue, because it makes it difficult to get away and get a position of any kind. But they will be with us for several years yet, in fact, until we get rid of the New Deal, which, I believe, will not be until 1943 and 1944, when they shoulder guns and shoot them out.
   I have delayed writing because I was curious to find out how the various factors mentioned in the readings came out. I am sorry to say that none of them have worked out so far. The astrological factors mentioned are those currently used my most of the astrological magazines at present in order to predict what business and the market will do, but they are not dependable, besides I already have other methods which are better. I have purchased quite a few numerological books, but have not thus far obtained anything of value from them. There are only about 40 in the United States, so I shall read them all. The radio active appliance was adverse, definitely, the FIRST time I put it on. I then waited a few days and tried [816]'s out for three nights, an hour each evening, in the manner which you folks stated, but by that time it had brought on a severe cold. Also, in conversation with you, you mentioned grape juice for reducing, so I tried that out, but after a few days, that had an adverse effect upon me. There must be some very potent element in grape juice which is not contained in ordinary foods.
   My contacts with the readings are something I cannot fathom. They seem to help many other people, and I have given them every opportunity to prove themselves as a constructive factor for me, but thus far they have been consistently adverse. Why this should be, I do not know. Maybe you can tell me. However, the fact remains, that everything I touch in connection with the Association costs me in health, money, or in some manner. I have thought all the time, and still think, that there is much good in what you are doing, and much greater good can come from it. But, in view of my own experience, I am beginning to wonder if I am the one to bring it out. Anyway we will see what the future holds, and we may be able to accomplish something yet. However, as Mr. Cayce says, anything must get results to be of value.
   I shall try to get down to Virginia Beach sometime during the summer if only for a day or two. If you come to Washington at any time, let me know, as I always enjoy seeing all of you. [826]
2. 3/13/38 GD's ltr. to [826]:
   Dear [826]:-
   Thanks for your recent letter. We are glad to know that you don't hold it against us individually that your last trip here was a total flop. I felt after the first Reading that it would be hopeless to continue seeking along that line. Of course, your Mental and Spiritual Reading was an attempt in the right direction - and the direction I think you should follow in regard to this Work. As you say, you have everything else. You know how to take care of your Physical Body. You know how to direct your Mind to make a success in a material way.
   But in talking with you I realize that you cannot seem to GRASP the spiritual basis back of all things. In a broad sense you approve of everything morally good and uplifting, but you cannot "FEEL" the necessity of your life being guided by an INNER VOICE. Perhaps I'm not making myself clear.
   I don't believe anything happens by chance. You say that your every contact with this Work has cost you in health, money, etc. It seems to me, then, that what you need from this Work - or your association with it - is not an understanding as to health OR how to make money, but as to how you may make contact with that spirit of the divine which is in you that you will guide you into all truth. I don't know how this can be done. I believe you will have to WANT it first.
   Remember me speaking to you of Mr. [1151]? He will be at the Metropolitan Club in Washington tomorrow night, and perhaps for several days. I wish you could get in touch with him and arrange to see him. You have much in common regarding the political situation. He has been a wonderful influence for good, towards bringing harmony between Capital and Labor - by being the "power behind the throne" you might say, since he stays in the background and is not known generally as the mediator. He admits that he seeks guidance from within before making any move, and that he has always had a great desire for service. So, in that sense you are alike too - but your approach is different. I'd like for you to really see and UNDERSTAND how to use the approach he has - in seeking your own guidance, either from the Readings or from within yourself.
   Please don't get the idea that I'm finding fault. You have so much greater understanding about so many things than I have, or many other people, but it just seems to me "that one thing thou lackest." If you could only get that, I honestly believe you COULD do ANYTHING!
   As for this work, I don't believe the future of it depends on any ONE individual - or should, ever. To me it is like a leaven that moves in and out, a little here, a little there; and whoever is moved by the Spirit responds. If one is moved by the spirit within him and does NOT respond, then he has lost an opportunity. But unless one IS moved by the spirit within, or receives an answer within, I don't think he should EVER dabble in this Work. "Great peace have those who love the law, and NOTHING shall offend them." If we know the law back of any situation, and act accordingly, then we won't get hurt - and we won't lose anything.
   So, the very fact that you haven't received help - when so many others have - indicates to me that you haven't made the proper approach, or haven't understood the spiritual law. I'm sure there is a lesson for you in this Work, else you would have never come in contact with it. But unless we are better individuals for having come in contact with it, then something is wrong. I believe you have the opportunity to become a great force for good in the world. It may be that through you contact you are to observe and study this Work from the spiritual angle so as to develop your OWN psychic (soul) faculties, so as to always be guided aright. To do this I don't believe it is necessary to continually get Readings. You already have enough to begin on, if you would just realize the need and put your efforts in that direction. However, if you do not FEEL the need of your inner guidance - and are trying always to acquire more material knowledge, then that in itself makes a conflict when you come to this source for spiritual information (or from a spiritual source) regarding material things. There's the physical realm, the mental realm and the spiritual realm. In seeking information we have to be sure not to confuse these.
   Well, I could go on and on but I'm afraid we would both be more confused than ever - so I'd better stop. Anyway, I think you can understand what I'm driving at, even it you don't agree with me.
   [369] has gone to Rydal, Pennsylvania (outside of Philadelphia), to interview the supervisor of The Ogontz School. I hope she gets a position there; it would be a good environment for her. More and more you two remind me of each other; your ideas, and the way you feel about things.
   Back to the Work - I just remembered that you've been on our Board of Trustees over a year and have never attended a meeting. THAT'S the real way to have an influence for good through this Work, because it's the Trustees that form the policies of the Association. I hope you will make it a point to come to the meeting in June - I'd like for you to meet the men who are really doing something about what they believe in regard to the promotion of the Work.
   I'm writing Mr. [1151] a note telling him you will probably call. I hope there's no delay in getting this letter, so you can see him while he's in Washington this time.
   Did I tell you that we are planning to attend our Congress Dinner this summer (those of us who wish to) dressed to represent our favorite former incarnation? You could make a swell sheik - representing your Persian-Arabian period.
   If you think I'm crazy for writing all this, just ignore it - but know that my heart is in the right place, and I DO desire to help.
   Sincerely, [signed] Gladys
   Mr. [1151] (from New York) Metropolitan Club, Washington, D.C.
3. 3/13/38 GD's ltr. to [1151]:
   Dear Mr. [1151]:
   If our friend [826] calls you while you're in Washington, I hope you can find time to see him. He is a young lawyer with the Interstate Commerce Commission, and has some big ideas as to how to help the world, etc. I believe he really could if he only had your spiritual insight, but he hasn't yet come to the realization that all his material knowledge is worthless unless he has the inner guidance to insure that he uses it correctly. He thinks he knows so much, and is so very sincere - it is important that he learn to put "first things first."
   For over a year he has been on our Board of Trustees but hasn't attended a single meeting - altho he SAYS he's very much in earnest about wanting to "promote" the Work (his ideas as to promotion not being the same as ours, however).
   So if possible I would like for you to try to get over to him the fact (or the idea for him to think about) that the really WORTH WHILE things accomplished on this earth are done by those who DO seek and obtain their guidance from WITHIN - not using worldly standards for their actions. Just to be with you for a short time should give him an idea of that, I think.
   Kindest regards and love from all. [signed] Gladys
4. 4/16/38 [826]'s ltr. to GD:
   Dear Gladys:
   I missed the man here in Washington whom you told me to see from New York, Mr. [1151], I believe. I didn't get your letter until a few days after it arrived, and although I talked to him over the telephone, I didn't get to see him.
   I connection with the reading I had relating to finances, I have been unable to find any books written in this country on Numerology by either Pfeiffer or Plancents or Plancentts. The Congressional Library tells me that they have no record of such books in the United States. Pfeiffer is a German name, but I do not know what nationality Plancents is. [4/23/38 See 261-32, Par. 32-A answering his question.] However, I am wondering if you could not get some kind of a check reading, or tack on a couple of questions after a regular reading which happens to be short, and find out:
   The names of all books of Numerology written by Pfeiffer and Plancentts or Plancents; Where such books can be obtained, including the street address, State and country; The name of the person or company handling the books.
   I have been doing considerable study along the lines of the reading, and it may be that I will get something constructive therefrom. It is too early yet to know.
   I am enclosing $12 covering my annual dues to the Association. Best wishes to all the folks. [826]
   Drop me a note telling me how much the cost of obtaining the information is.
5. 4/18/38 GD's ltr. to [826]:
   Thanks for yours of the 16th, dues, etc.
   Before we ask the questions in another Reading, I'd like to communicate with two or three occult publishing houses and see if they have anything listed along that line. We have the names of several, and books of that nature may not be listed at all in the Congressional Library - especially if they have been recently published by one of these occult publishers.
   Also I'm writing to "our" lady Numerologist, who SHOULD know of such books, as she is supposed to be the last word herself on the subject of Numerology.
   I'll let you know as soon as I hear, and I hope you won't mind the delay. If we receive any suggestions of books that sound anything like the ones mentioned, we will then ask about THEM - to see if they were the ones meant.
   Very recently a young girl friend of ours has come to Washington and is with the Union Wall Paper Co., as an interior designer. Her Life Reading told her to take up that work; she finished her course in Baltimore and this is her first job. You might look her up if you have the time or inclination. Of course, she is not the type mentioned in YOUR Life Reading for YOU (being blonde; altho she IS spiritual-minded, yet practical). Her name is: Miss [649] (21 years old). A most interesting young lady I think you'll find her.
   There won't be any cost to you for obtaining the information about the books, IF we can do it - and we'll be glad to try.
   If you are in New York any time, why don't you go and see Miss Campbell - "our" Numerology lady? Her books are published by Oracle Features, 113 West 42nd St., and her own address is: Miss Florence Evylinn Campbell, 205 West 57th St. Of course, her work is principally with numerology courses and chart-analysis (help in selecting the most suitable name for the individual expression, counsel in all matters relating to the personal or business interests).
   We hope you are planning to come to the Congress, and that your health can stand the strain of a few days here then. Perhaps the iodine effect won't be so disastrous during that season.
   Kind regards from all. I'll write you again as soon as I hear something from my inquiries, which I hope will be soon.
   Sincerely, [signed] Gladys
6. 4/21/38 [826]'s ltr. to GD:
   Dear Gladys:
   I presume I should have told you that, in addition to looking in the Congressional Library, I also wrote to Macoy Publishing Co., N.Y.C., who informed me that they did not have any such books by these authors, and could find no record of them. Also, a book store here in Washington investigated through one or two other numerology publishing houses. Pfeiffer is a German name, and I have written Germany to find out if they have any such books over there.
   I'll try to look up your girl friend one of these days when I have an opportunity. Girls in Washington don't have much trouble socially after they get acquainted if they are a little above average in beauty. There is a minority of good looking girls in Washington. In fact, it is so pronounced that Winchell mentioned it in his column a short time ago I understand.
   I have read one of Florence Campbell's books, which was recommended to me as being one of the best books published on Numerology. In addition, I have read about one-half of the books published on this subject. However, I have not learned anything as yet which is of any aid in finance. I am getting to be fairly well informed on Numerology. But as a science I can't give Numerology much. It appears to me to be far behind astrology.
   I am still afraid of the climate at Virginia Beach. However, I have done one thing with regard to my health which may enable me to get by down there now. I have cut my weight down several pounds from what it was, and although I have not been at this weight long enough to know for sure what the effect will be. I have hopes that I will not be quite so susceptible to iodine now. I won't know for a few weeks though.
   There is no rush but I will be much interested in knowing what you find out about the books, in one way or another. Thanks a lot for your trouble. [826]
7. 4/27/38 GD's ltr. to [826]:
   Dear [826]:-
   The above extract [261-32, Par. 32-A] regarding the Numerology books may be of help, also the attached [261-32, Par. 12-A--15-A] regarding general conditions.
   Also I'm enclosing a clipping Miss Campbell sent. You probably already know of these people. I quote from her letter:
   "I am very sorry to say I have never heard of any astrology book on the stock market that even faintly resembles "Plantechet" or "Pfeiffer." It would almost seem as though the little ouija board or planchette were meant, wouldn't it?
   "I can suggest a book in very good repute entitled "PLANETARY EFFECTS ON STOCK MARKET PRICES" by James Mars Langham. Another one suggested in the advertisement which I clipped from the ASTROLOGICAL BULLETINA; your client can get in touch with Mr. Bayer if you like. Also there is one by J. Ross Tyler (40 Macopin Ave., Upper Montclair, N.J.). Mr. Tyler is about to be engaged in a regular department of a well known magazine."
   So, all of this may or may not be of help or interest. If you find the Pfeiffer book published in Munich, be sure to let us know. I've looked through the encyclopedia until my eyes are blurry trying to find all the derivatives of "planet - plani - cent - census - planchette," etc. The Reading must have been made up that word, or used one not in common use today. Sooner or later I'll probably come across the real meaning; I usually do - but it's awfully provoking at the time.
   Kind regards from all. Let us hear, and we will be looking for you in June. A few days here couldn't be so very devastating! [signed] Gladys
8. 10/15/38 GD's note: I wrote him to ask Mrs. [255], who is visiting in Germany, to look up the book for him.
9. 10/19/39 [826]'s ltr. to HLC:
   Washington, D.C.
   Dear Hugh Lynn:
   I received quite a while ago your original statement as to the building of a storage place, fireproof, for the various papers accumulated by Mr. Cayce. This is an excellent idea, but I have done nothing myself thus far because I am not now in a position and ready to do anything of importance.
   Of course, the important thing is the fireproof storage room. The additional rooms are fine, but it seems to me that the other should not be delayed merely so that rooms which may be convenient but not entirely necessary could be included. Perhaps some consideration should be given to the fact that we are not in the last stage of an uptrend of business cycle, and that building costs would be markedly more now than they would be two years or so later. Whether it would be desirable to delay the program because it might be carried out somewhat cheaper at a later time, is for you folks and the Association to decide, and not for me.
   As you will recall, early in 1938 I said that my time had not then come, but I thought it might be here about 1940. There has been some delay in my computations, just how much I do not know for sure; perhaps a year, a little more or a little less. I have never been much impressed by the accomplishments, and some of the ideas, of the Association, as well as of the Board of Trustees. For that reason, I do not expect to deal ever through the Association, but rather through Mr. Cayce himself.
   I anticipate that I may be making a trip to the South about December 1 of this year, and if I do, I am going to try to stop in to see you folks on my way. It would be a real pleasure to see all of you. [826]
10. 12/04/39 He was present for a Ck. Physical Rdg. - 862-12.
11. 8/17/40 Letter in re plan to help A.R.E. - see under 826-12.
12. 8/22/40 "I am sending $20 for the store room. I had hoped to be able to do this myself together with the compilation of research, but it seems the Association has beat me to it."
13. 9/30/40 HLC's ltr. to [826]:
    Mr. [826], ... Bldg., Washington, D.C.
    Dear [826]:-
    Dad turned over to me your letter in which you offered to do some indexing work for us on the Readings. I think you can be of great help in this matter, and can possibly give me some helpful suggestions and ideas in planning and developing our index system.
    Let me give you my own background for this work, so that you can understand my point of view. I spent three years at college working in the library, during which time I typed the cross-index cards for all the new books. Shortly after leaving college we planned the index system to be used on the Readings, and I spent considerable time with the Remington-Rand representative, visiting several places where there had been set up various indexing systems by them for various businesses. Dr. William Moseley Brown, Professor of Psychology at Washington and Lee University, became very much interested in our work at one time; and went over with me our plans for indexing the Readings, making some excellent suggestions. I have discussed the matter of the Physical Readings with several doctors, requesting their suggestions regarding classifications under which subject headings can be made.
    As you can well understand, this is a rather unique job before us. I do not want to overindex the Readings. On the other hand, while this work is being done, I want to be as thorough as possible and be sure that we make it possible to find any subject upon which information has been given in the Readings. I'd appreciate very much your making your work on the Readings conform to the plan which we lay out; otherwise it would necessitate considerable duplication of effort. Before going too far with the indexing, I shall appreciate your writing me fully your suggestions and ideas concerning the plan which follows:
    1. Each individual Reading will bear a case number (in the upper righthand corner), which will appear on each card referring to this Reading.
    2. On the Physical Readings we will make out a Master Card, size 5 X 8. This card will really be a brief of the Reading, showing the nature of the condition, cause, parts of the body affected, and treatment. By the use of this card I hope to curtail the necessity of handling, over and over again, the individual Reading. Such cards will be filed numerically.
    3. Now, on small 3 X 5 cards we will completely cross-index each Reading, but will not attempt to include on these small cards anything more than just enough information to indicate, to anyone using the file, whether or not to look up the Master Card. For example: Let us say that the Violet Ray Machine was recommended. A small card would bear the heading: Violet Ray Goitre - 3 to 5 min. over throat daily.
    This card would bear the case number in the upper right hand corner. Anyone desiring to know the full treatments in connection with this case, and the case history, can look up the Master Card file numerically. Only in special instances will it be necessary to take out the Reading itself. All other important points in the Reading will be covered by cards. For example: Goitre would have a small card; the spinal lesion mentioned in connection with this; osteopathic treatments; etc.
    Under separate cover I am sending you twenty-five Physical Readings and twenty-five Life Readings; together with a sample set of cards made out on one of each type of Reading. I hope you will go over these carefully and write me before you begin the indexing work. [12/19/41 Letter see under 826-13 offering to return the readings unworked.]
    Regarding the Life Reading, I do not think it necessary, - or rather feasible, - to have a Master Card. So much of the information could not be briefed with satisfactory results. You may feel that I am wrong about this and I'd like to have your suggestions. As you will see from the sample card which I am sending, I have indexed the Reading by subject headings, being careful to follow each general heading with the proper key words. For, as you know, each card will be filed alphabetically by the COMPLETE top line. I wish you could have been here yesterday afternoon for the dedication of the vault and offices. There is still quite a bit of inside finishing work to be done before we can move in, but the major portion of the construction has been completed.
    With kindest regards and best wishes to all, I am
    Sincerely, HLC
14. 1/07/41 HLC's ltr. to [826]:
    This is just a note to wish you a Happy New Year, and to enquire if you have taken any steps regarding the indexing.
    I am beginning work on it and would be glad to have any suggestions or comments you cared to make.
    We are using the small 3 X 5 card in various colors for the different types of Readings; the white cards for all Physical Readings; cherry for the Life Readings. The system of extracting the Physical Readings onto a large card 5 X 8, which will be filed numerically, seems to me to be the best way to eliminate a great deal of unnecessary copying and at the same time save the Readings. Thus, the small cards need only bear a brief subject heading, with just a line or two to clarify the information. An individual then may look up, by number, the large card and get the details of the Reading related to all other parts of the information. In the majority of cases it will not be necessary to get out the original Reading.
    This is not so easy to do with the Life Readings, as it seems necessary to include more detailed information on the small cards; certainly, enough information for an individual to be sure that the subject covers what is being sought.
    As I get farther along with this work I realize the tremendous scope of this task, but it is certainly an interesting and an enjoyable work.
    I shall look forward to hearing from you.
    Sincerely, Hugh Lynn Cayce
15. 2/05/41 [826]'s ltr. to EC:
    ... Bldg.
    Dear Mr. Cayce:
    I have been trying for some months to write you a letter, but I like to write it on a typewriter at the office, and I am in a position there where I always have more work than I have time to do, so my letter writing suffers.
    Since I have seen you, I have discovered a couple of things in which I think you may be interested. First, I think; although I cannot know for sure until I have had more time, that I have discovered a system of curative health. I have been studying and experimenting along this line since I was about 10 years old. I should know pretty well in 2 or 3 more months. Anyway, it is encouraging.
    Incidentally, in regard to the reading, when I learned I had a deficiency of vitamin B1 and B2, I was able after some experimenting to correct the deficiency and get rid of the pain.
    As to the other, I think we may have reached the beginning now, although one can never know the future for sure. You will recall that in January, 1938, we had a reading trying to learn how to forecast the short trend of the market. After about 11 years of study and experimenting, I have now discovered how to do this with reasonable accuracy. I have tested it out only for about 9 months, and of course it might still go haywire, but it is the best I have yet found. Of course, it will be very slow at first, because the market nowadays is so inactive, but I believe it may be a turning point. I hope so. I don't advise disclosing this to others but thought you and the family might like to know.
    Tell Hugh Lynn I am really going to answer his letters, but have been delayed from accomplishing much because of office work.
    Regards to all. [826]
16. 4/25/41 He wrote GD asking if Mr. Cayce would try to locate a car driven by two men which struck [826]'s car yesterday in parking lot, smashing fender, bumper, etc., driving away without anyone being able to get the license number, etc.
17. 4/26/41 GD's ltr. to [826]:
    Dear [826]:-
    Thanks for your letter and the membership dues.
    I am just as sorry as I can be about your car, and hope you have found it (the other car) by now - or that you will soon. Mr. Cayce says he must not try anything of the kind. Ever since he has been giving his whole time to this work, it has torn him all to pieces to attempt anything along the line of locating articles, even people. Besides, the few times he has attempted it nothing came of it. So he feels that the bad effects to his own health are too great, especially when it is so important that he continue his work of aiding others along health and mental and spiritual lines.
    We are leaving for New York early tomorrow, driving up - and will be at the Kahn's, 20 Woods Lane, Scarsdale, N.Y., for a period of two weeks. We are to have an open meeting on Tuesday night, the 29th, in N.Y.
    Edgar Evans Cayce is in Camp Meade, and also Boyd (my brother). I'm listing the addresses below, so that you can look them up sometime if you have the chance. Boyd is a mess sergeant in the Signal Corp. Eckin just went in about ten days ago - he's hoping to get in the electrical engineering end, so he can used the experience and education he has had.
    Pvt. Edgar Cayce, Sgt. Boyd Davis 110th F.A. 29th Div., Signal Corp., 29th Division, Headquarters Battery, Camp Meade, Maryland Fort George G. Meade, Maryland
    Hugh Lynn is scheduled to go in June. He has just been appointed by the Town of Virginia Beach director of recreation for the Town in conjunction with the Government activity for the soldiers at Fort Story and Camp Pendleton. So, we're hoping they will feel he is indispensable here and will reclassify him. However, we're just hoping - it may not mean a thing.
    How are your astrological influences for travel to Virginia Beach in June for the Congress? It would be nice to have you here, and for you to meet those who come from "all over". I think you would meet some of your family of another incarnation - in fact, I'm pretty sure of it.
    We think and speak of you often. Let us hear from you, and come to the Congress if you can.
    Sincerely, [signed] Gladys
18. 1/27/42 His note see below:
    "I talked to Mr. [853] and Mrs. [264] the other night for a couple of hours. They explained to me and I got a clear understanding of meditation, and particularly how to do it. I never before understood just how to accomplish it."
19. 1/30/42 EC's letter to Mrs. [264]: "Glad you and Mr. [853] got hold of [826]. Think you must have given him something to think about. He is so intellectual, he forgets there is the spiritual I am afraid; but who am I to judge?"
20. 7/14/42 Mr. [826]'s report on his meditation see under 826-14 Reports.
21. 5/21/44 He wrote that he had retired from his work.
22. 3/25/45 [826]'s letter to GD:
    Dear Gladys:
    It was with exceeding regret and somewhat of a surprise that I learned of Mr. Cayce had passed on. Also, I'm sorry to hear that Mrs. Cayce is not feeling well. No doubt she will get to feeling much better as spring and summer come along. I hope so anyway. I think your ideas are excellent in keeping the work of the Association going. I think your letter will serve as quite and inspiration to keep folks interested.
    I am quite interested in knowing what will be the policy of the Association with regard to certain things. For example, will they permit copies of various readings to be made and taken from the Association. I would like to get copies of all the life readings (me to pay for the copying of course) together with the questions and answers with respect to them, also copies of various other readings such as the spiritual and research readings.
    However, in connection with it, the question arises whether anyone will be permitted to take references from them as they choose, or must they get permission from the Association each time anything is used from the readings. As you know, sometime ago when I was going to use certain excerpts from the life readings, Hugh Lynn refused to permit them to be used in the manner I wanted to write them up. So I am quite interested in finding out about the policy of the Association in this matter, both as to getting copies of the readings, and as to making excerpts from them. This, it seems to me, should be decided, as many may want to check the readings in the future.
    I never leave Washington any more, and do not expect to in the future so long as my affairs continue to progress as well as they have been doing since I returned in 1940. However, if you ever come through here or get to Washington, I would be delighted to have you look me up, and I would set aside any amount of time that you might be able to stay, in order to visit with you.
    The weekly reading extracts also are very good, as well as the book on Auras. I continue to play quite a bit of tennis, get a lot of exercise, and have become a fairly good tennis player. I played in the finals of two of the major tournaments here in Washington last year. Where is the younger Cayce boy. I know he went in the army, but haven't heard about him since.
    [826]
23. Sent copy of March 14th minutes of Ex. Comm. mtg., 3/27/45. GD.
24. 11/13/48 Ordering a copy of [TIR] There is a River for a prison library in La.: [He also indicated he was sec'y-treas. of an A.R.E. study group.]
    P.S. I am also enclosing in the money order $25 for my active membership for the coming year. It seems that my stay in Washington will be longer than I anticipated. When I left there, I was not sure where I was going to end up, what I was going to do, or how long I would stay. I came back to Washington, however, because I had various dreams of being here and working here. I felt, in addition, that I was being guided or instructed to leave there. This came not only through the subconscious, but also by various things in my private life. Even my health had begun to deteriorate, and I was unable to find what was the difficulty. Since I have returned, I have discovered pretty much what was the difficulty and am almost back to normal.
    I see by the reports that you are doing quite well in the fund raising campaign. I wish you good luck. I am no working for the Federal Housing Administration. I think one of the reasons I was supposed to come back here was to go back with the Government at least for a while. Because of my 18 years in the Govt., under the new retirement law, I will receive retirement pay from $1,300 to about $2,000 per year at the age of 62. But at that time I left in 1943, the old retirement act applied to me, and I would not have received nearly so much.
25. 8/52 GD's note: He wrote us that he had retired to Florida.
26. 3/19/58 [826]'s letter to HLC:
    Dear Hugh Lynn:
    I received your letter requesting $1,000 for the house fund, and I asked the Lord about it. I had four dreams and one vision with regard to it, but the answer was, "No". He did say that you would be able to get what you needed.
    That is a peculiar situation. When I came to the Beach in 1947, you will remember that I told you that I was interested in finding out three things: 1, if the readings had anything of particular value; 2, if you were interested in putting it out; and 3, how to do it. While I was there, I concluded that it would be necessary for some one to back the work financially, if that was to be a marked expansion, and I set my course along that line. Now that I have reached a position where I could do much to help financially, the Lord doesn't want me to do so, apparently. I had quite a long talk with Harmon one time in the kitchen. At that time, you folks had in mind getting money from some sort of funds. But I told him I didn't think it would work. Such money would necessarily come from people like him and me who were interested in the Association's work. However, the Bible says that every man must carry his own burden. It may be that organizations have to work out their own problems, too.
    During the last several months, I have been receiving a lot of bad vibrations which appear to be coming from Virginia Beach. I mentioned to you last spring in Washington something about prayer, but it has never been my experience that you send out bad vibrations. I am wondering if you may have mentioned it to some one else, or had my name put on some prayer or meditation list down there.
    Many people, I have observed, often send out bad vibrations, even though they intend the opposite. In meditation, they send out their own aches and pains, or physical illness. I think it was Agnes Sanford in the Healing Light, who described a prayer group that sent out very bad vibrations, disrupting the recipients. They found, upon investigation, that two or three of the group had been sick or in pain at the time of meditation.
    I had an experience with Unity at Kansas City. I sent my name to them; but within four days, I had infection in two places, although I had not had infection in years. I had the nervous jitters; and on the fourth night, I lay awake half the night. I wired them in a hurry to take my name off the list. However, the vibrations did not completely stop until the first of the following month. Evidently, they had put my name on a list which was sent out, and was not changed until the first of the month.
    If you know of any one there who is meditating or praying for me, or if my name is on any prayer list, see if you can't have it removed. The readings had a good idea in not praying for anyone who did not request it, and then renew the request each month.
    The weather is nice down here now. I have played in six tennis tournaments in the last six weeks, and won two of them.
    I expect to be leaving here in the next few days, and to be traveling around in various parts of the south, playing in some other tournaments. It will be a good opportunity to see some country, and get in some tennis also.
    I'll probably be through the Beach some time the latter part of the year.
27. 3/25/58 HLC's letter to [826]:
    I appreciate you writing me as fully as you did.
    Frankly, I am sorry that you and the Lord can't get together on your dream. We need help and I know that, deep down inside of you, there is real interest in the work of the Association, the preservation and the presentation of the Edgar Cayce records.
    It is true that, from time to time, thru the years, we have tried to get together on ways of presenting the material. I have felt that many of your ideas were good and you certainly had a chance to try them out while you were here. Some of them did prove, in my opinion, very successful. The work now on the readings, that is, their preparation for use, is going steadily ahead though it is slow. We could do a great deal more with financial help and it is possible that if you would come and sit down again with Gladys and Mae St. Clair and see just what is being done, that there are phases of it you might want to help with under the Foundation program.
    Your name is not on any meditation list or prayer list here at Virginia Beach. I checked on this and in fact, so far as I know, there has been no thought or discussion about you among or between any of the Association members for some time here. We have not known where you were or just what you were doing. You may be sure that I will keep an eye out and that I appreciate your point of view on this. Frankly, [826], I cannot believe that the kind of vibrations you feel are originating in Virginia Beach.
    Best regards. Do stop by when you have the opportunity.
28. 9/58 He visited A.R.E. for a while but left suddenly, according to his interpretation of his dream guidance.
29. 10/10/58 [826]'s letter to GD:
    Dear Gladys:
    As you probably know, I have flown again. I left there Monday about 2 p.m. and arrived here about 9:15 Tuesday night. As I said in my note, I brought the first book of Palestine with me. When I had talked with you, as I understand it, you said that would be all right.
    I'm going to do some work on it, which will take, as I figure, between one and two months. I had the idea that something interesting might be written up about that period, especially in relation to Christ and those associated closely with him. Anyway, we will see. If at any time you want the book, before I finish with it, just let me know, and I will mail it immediately, Special Delivery parcel post. However, as soon as I have finished with it, I'll send it to you,and would like then to get one of the other books on the same period, or a portion of one, which I would return in due course.
    My dreams seem to think something might be done with it which might be helpful. Altogether, it will take most of the winter, but I have plenty of time, and am doing this instead of so much of my Bible reading. As you will recall, I mentioned that during the last year, I spent about two hours and a quarter reading the Bible. I'm going to shift most of it over for a while to this and see what happens.
30. 4/30/59 "As I am leaving here today, I suggest that you remove my name from the mailing list for the present. I may travel a bit this summer. When I light again, I will let you know.
31. 5/08/63 He wrote from California asking about the A.R.E. tape library.
32. 4/29/65 GD's note: Mr. [826] has remained a Sponsoring Member of A.R.E. off and on through the years, occasionally taking part in group work, A.R.E. conferences and classes. [Last renewal membership 10/72]
33. 5/74 GD's note: We heard that Mr. [826] was now in an old folks home in Florida; that for the past year he had been losing his memory; he would wander off and police had to bring him back, many times. Any attorney was appointed by the State, after examination by two doctors. The diagnosis is arteriosclerosis of the brain [cerebral arterio- sclerosis?], progressive, with some physical disorders. I am wondering if his chronic faddish diet over the years, experimenting with himself in the use of strange foods and combinations, had something to do with this deterioration. He certainly was athletic minded, with his tennis, long walks, etc.
34. 4/13/77 We heard that he died about two months ago.

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