This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 18th day of January, 1940, in accordance with request made by themselves, through the wife, Mrs. [852], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the bodies and enquiring minds of [2062], born April 11, 1913 in McMinnville, Tenn., and [852] born June 5, 1917 near Hopkinsville, Ky; also the conditions which exist in their lives at present. You will give each of these that which will be helpful in their experience in meeting that necessary for the best physical, mental and spiritual development of each. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the enquiring minds, [2062] & [852]; and that which has been indicated as to the experience of each in their sojourns through the material plane; together with those conditions which exist in the material and mental experience of each in the present.
3. In giving advice and counsel, - the various phases of the experience of each may only be pointed out, and as to that which might be for the greater mental and spiritual development of each. THE CHOICES MUST BE OF THEMSELVES!
4. For, that is the prerogative - the self-will - which has been given to man, which indicates his relationship to his Maker.
5. The condition is existent in which there has developed an air or attitude of indifference in one, under which the general tendency or trend is to rebel at duty or obligation; and in the other there is the inclination to hold that which is to the mental self as an expression of the mental attitudes.
6. As to how the condition may be met, or as to whether these as individuals should perforce make their lives coordinant, or bring the desires of each into such attitudes as to become a cooperative experience for each, we find:
7. It is indicated that there must be the "give and take" from each. And unless they each in their inmost selves can assume this attitude, from the very desire and the purpose of being true to themselves, as well as to their obligations before God and man, then - if they are STILL rebellious and do not desire to meet each other half way - there is no hope for a united effort on the part of the individuals as separate entities.
8. As has been indicated, these are experiences through which the individuals are meeting themselves, - from their material sojourns in the earth. During the Roman sojourn they were each as manifested entities; one as an interpreter, an instructor in the language, the aiding in the developments of the peoples of the period; the other as a distributor and an interpreter of the abilities of peoples of other lands, as well as of its own land, to maintain certain standards through the activities of groups as such and as individuals.
9. The relationships there indicate that much of the same attitudes existed during those experiences, - and as an excuse for being away FROM one place of dwelling there was caused a separation, which later brought a detrimental influence into the experiences of each.
10. Would they repeat themselves in the present?
11. Or, has there not grown something of a consideration of a pledge, of a vow, of a condition before men?
12. Is that influence to come to naught, which has attracted them first in the mental self, and then in the expressions of affection, of love, of obligations before God and man, one to another?
13. NO ONE may force such an issue upon another. It must of necessity be a free-will choice, and a desire of one preferring the other before self. And this must be the attitude upon which each may reach a conclusion in which there may be determined within the own conscience as to whether it is a desirable thing, condition or experience, for each to undertake to make the experience become a DEVELOPMENT for each.
14. For, as we have indicated, they each have in the present a personal obligation one toward the other, - of a mental, of a material, - yea, (from the former experiences) of a spiritual nature also. Without meeting such, it will become sin to each.
15. These are those things which may be pointed out; and these, as determining factors, must be considered at this time.
16. Ready for questions.
17. (Q) How can [852] help [2062] to find a happy medium in their marriage?
    (A) It isn't the help that is needed! The thing needed is for each to determine within self; knowing (they each know) the obligations, the duty, that faith, each owes the other. If this is at naught, best forget it - one the other!
18. (Q) How can [852] go about aiding him to achieve that success he desires?
    (A) Does he desire success at the expense of another? If there is that much selfishness, - then forget him!
    Is there, IS the desire on the part of each to do that which the heart, the mind, prompts to do, to meet self, to be honest, sincere and true one to another, and first to self?
    For, in being false to another the greater fault is to self. For it IS self-desecration of the God-given opportunity of CORRECTING faults within self!
19. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Mr. [2062] & Mrs. [852] - Special Delivery
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 852-12, Life Rdg. on 11/15/35, and subsequent Reports.

REPORTS

1. 1/18/40 HLC's letter to [852]:
   Dear [852]:
   Before me on the desk are your readings, I have read all of them carefully, your Life Reading, your husband's Life Reading and the one secured for you today. [852-12, 2062-1 and 852-16]
   It is hard for me to realize that you are a grown woman, faced with responsibilities of marriage. Only a few short years ago you were growing up. My, how time does fly. This sounds like I was a grandfather with long white whiskers. I hope that for a moment we can turn back time and space, that you will not consider this just the wild raving of your eccentric cousin from Virginia. I am a professional meddler in other people's affairs. I warn you that I come bearing no magic salve to soothe your perplexed brow; nor shall I tell you of any high-sounding philosophy that will explain away your troubles.
   I come as an individual who is interested in you and in your husband; as one who has for years listened to the troubles of hundreds of people coldly and critically. It is my job to analyze these psychic readings given by my father. To me they are wonderful indexes of character. They point to a great many sign posts along the way of life. You have seen fit to seek help through these readings for both your physical body and your mental and spiritual development. Look with me at the information you have received.
   Go back to your Life Reading [852-12]. On page two about the middle you will find references to urges from Venus. The warnings are specific regarding marriage. Now, you are quite right, there is no use going back to say what you should have done. You met a man, you loved him and you married him. Putting his reading along side of yours you get just about as two different people as it is possible to imagine, but there is an explanation for the attraction and the responsibility of both.
   In Rome you were together as man and wife. He was primarily interested in material things, you were concerned with spiritual things. You used the excuse of his having to travel as a means of escaping from the responsibility of working out your differences together. This brought trouble for you both.
   Now this time there is a natural attraction. The same problem is before you. Only this time you know the whole story and you must choose with your eyes open.
   You have a great deal to give to this man that would be of ultimate help to him. In adjusting your life to his you would learn those lessons that you are here to learn, you would meet a responsibility, that was disregarded in another life and that you will have to meet again and again until it is finished.
   But the reading is very specific on the point that you must BOTH want to face the problem together, recognizing the difficulties but having faith in the more important development to be gained. First, make your own decision, if you have not already done so, as to whether you want to make the sacrifice of a harassed life to meet this responsibility which you have taken on. Believe me when I say that you will probably go through plain hell in a nice way from some people's point of view, but if you believe in the ultimate good to be derived, go to it. Now having made up your own mind you are still faced with the possibility of helping the man in question to see light.
   You will not be able to push this over - and it should not be forced on him in any way. He must make his own decision. He must agree to try with you, but you can help him to try. And here is where I would like to be practical.
   Stall for time. Set a period for a trial (or have you already done this?) - let both agree to try during that period and then talk it over at the end of such a period and make a decision. He is fair and honest, I believe, so you will be able to do this. During this period study his reading a bit. Analyze this man. In the first place you have a deeper mind than he has, your development has been greater, but you must never indicate in any way that you believe this is true. Flattery gets any man, especially flattery along the weaker sides of the individual's nature. Show an interest in this man's pipe dreams, marvel at his cleverness, determination and business ability. Ask him questions and listen with careful attention - even if you already know the answers. No, this is not deceit. For he is good in those lines and your interest will bring it out. This man needs a clinging vine - and if you want him, be a clinging vine. A smart woman gets her way without the man ever knowing it. You are too clever, too industrious, too capable, you are making him feel inferior and he is scared. He fights back trying to build up his own ego by criticism and determination not to let you dominate him. Build up his ego and he will love you for it - any man needs this and you have one that requires special attention.
   Now let's not be prudish. (I can imagine some of the folks at home commenting on this if by chance it should unfortunately come to their attention.) When mother first told me of your letter I wondered frankly if your sex relations had anything to do with this break. If they are involved in any way get yourself a good book on the subject, such as the "Sexual Side of Marriage" by M. J. Exner, or any other standard work on the subject. There are a number of good ones. A good, long, frank talk with [1005] would be helpful. He is nuts about a lot of things but his knowledge along that line is sound and he will keep his mouth shut. All of this may be unnecessary - then o.k. No harm done.
   Let's take another angle now. Suppose this gentleman is set on divorce and is unwilling to cooperate even for a trial period. Then by all means don't waste any time feeling sorry for him or yourself. You will have plenty of time to work it out again in another life and there will be no use wasting energy and this one crying over spilt milk. Since you have seen fit to trust the readings why not do so a bit further and follow the first advice. Save your money, pack yourself off to William and Mary and pick up a teacher's degree. After about the first year get another reading and pick out some particular line of study - I suspect it will deal with religious instruction. You will find a greater opportunity for expression and greater happiness. These suggestions were in the first reading (Life). Following them then might have meant putting off this experience or avoiding it altogether for this life. You have tried your own way - follow the readings. They work as life readings just like grape poultices.
   And here we are on page three and cousin Hugh Lynn is rambling on and on.
   Forgive me, [852], if any of this sounds blunt, but facing things is one of your best qualities, so I am sure you will take what seems good to you and leave the rest for what it is - ideas from someone who isn't on the ground and can't see all the angles.
   I do wish you happiness and success in either path you choose. This game of Life is not an easy game to play, even when you know the rules. You have lots of work ahead of you - along either path. Make the most of each opportunity and keep your chin up.
   Love to all. Hugh Lynn
2. 1/19/40 EC's letter to [2062] & [852]:
   Dear [2062] & [852];-
   I do hope the information will prove just as helpful to you two as such has in the experience of several of our very best friends under just such circumstances - know there is little that I could say after this - if you understand what the information is trying to say - for the decisions must be made in your own minds, it isn't that any one can persuade you to do this or that - or to say either of you are wrong as to the way you think or feel at this time - as to what you do about it - (the way you feel) is whether you are reverting to old scores or you are advancing as God's children should. For if one continues to make errors, it becomes a habit - and bad habits corrupt good morals. That is just as bad for one as the other.
   Know am glad to try and help - but certainly do not want to be considered a meddler in any sense of the word.
   The whole question is - you didn't make it before - do you wish to do better this time - or don't you care? I know there can still remain the fact - that there is a question in your minds, is what as has been said here true - did this happen before? well - the old book isn't so far wrong - "what is has been - and will be again"
   Hoping to have been of some help - and with love to each of you.
   Sincerely Edgar Cayce
3. 3/05/40 See HLC's ltr. to [852]'s parents under 852-12 Reports, suggesting that they help her go to William & Mary College as advised in her Life. Rdg. [Also see her letter 3/21/40 under 852-12, Par. R9.]
4. 8/14/40 Letter tells about Uncle [419]'s accident, Aunt [1795]'s vehement expressions against his girl, [2921], visiting him in the hospital: "I honestly don't know where all this discord and strife in the family is going to end. Seems like about the time we get settled from one shock or unpleasant event along comes another one...
   "Aunt [760] looks rather badly, and this has been so hard on her. Then, too, the day before [419] broke his ankle, Mother [1312] fell out the back door, slipped on the step, and sprained her left ankle. Seems like they had a spite at themselves, doesn't it? She had to go to the hospital though, and they took her up on the elevator to see [419] as She was hardly able to walk.
   "And, of course, I am AFRAID that I am heading for another spell like I had five years ago. [See 852-3 through 852-8] I really do feel awful, but have kept going and am still trying to do that, but want to at least attempt to ward off that if I can. Sometime, Edgar, when you are giving some check readings, I surely would appreciate your including one for me. Aunt [760] said she wouldn't wait until I was in bed like I did before to do something. I have been having slight chilly sensations all day today, so decided it was time I had better do something.
   "I don't know what kind of reading to ask for, as I am so mixed up I don't know whether it would be a mental, spiritual, or physical reading, for my head aches so badly and I have such funny feelings and all in my head, don't know whether I'm losing my mind or not. It may be just the normal reaction to the tension I have lived in for the past few months, but I just can't continue to work unless there is a change in the way I feel now. This cold has pulled me down considerably, but it couldn't cause me to feel like I do now, when I am practically over it. But, I know I am rather nervous, but who wouldn't be with the existing circumstances in the family. [2062] has been gone a week this past Sunday, but there has been hardly a day since then that his name hasn't been mentioned or I haven't had it told me that I have made a failure of my life. So, when you give the reading if you could include the question 'Should I remain in my position or seek employment elsewhere, and, if so, where?', I should certainly appreciate it. I do have a good position, but if the reading tells me I could do better somewhere else, I will surely try to locate it. I honestly feel that it would be best if I could get away, not only for my happiness sake but for the family as well."
5. 8/20/40 See 852-17.
6. 3/14/44 She got married again.
7. 5/18/57 "The tie between [2062] and me was stronger than in most instances, because of our previous association on the earth plane as explained in the readings, and I have always felt that had I been a little more mature things might have worked out differently for both of us. As I look back now, I must have been terribly immature and childish for my years at that time... I have a most wonderful husband and consider myself most fortunate in having the love and devotion of such a good, Christian man."

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