Edgar Cayce Readings, 997-1

(Life Reading Suggestion)

TEXT

EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces, that are latent and manifested in the personalities of the present entity now known as or called [997].
In entering the present experience we find many conflicting influences for the entity. The urges of the astrological sojourn at times make for the mental impressions. At times when the body rests, in its visions and dreams (day dreams as well as visions) there are such emotions as to cause the entity even to feel as if it had EXPERIENCED some of the innate expressions that arise from such. Hence at times the entity is accused by others of being double-minded, of even exaggerating those conditions that are as experiences. And oft has the entity been told by some that it makes too great an influence of those things that are non-essentials, or that it makes mountains out of molehills. Few, then, understand the entity and the emotions through which it passes in such experiences. Being under Pisces, the water sign and the spiritual import, these should be then rather as the criterion or the balance for the entity. Hence those things of the spiritual nature should be rather the manner in which the judgments are to be drawn by the entity as to whether this or that mode of activity should be the impelling influence. Not that the entity should become as one lost in the motives or the influences that impel the activity, but should use those things that are of the spiritual import as the measuring rod of its own activity, own experience.
From the astrological sojourns we find these influences coming in the experience of the entity:
Neptune and Uranus both coming within the entity's experience through the sojourns there, those things that pertain to the mysterious, the mystic forces or occult sciences, are ever of interest. Yet the import from being under the sign of each, as it were, has drawn about the entity - and in the association of the entity - those that have so used or classified their own material experience as to doubt the judgments of those that use such things. Hence has the entity warred with self in those urges that have arisen. Rather, as indicated, let these as they arise be used in a manner in which they stand for or in the stead of the entity in its spiritual life; or those things pertaining to the motivative influences in its relation to unseen forces and to those that manifest within the experience of the entity. This gives for the entity the abilities in activities related to the arts in ANY phase; as an actor, dancer, artist, or a judge of artistic temperaments. These are the fields to which the entity is naturally drawn, yet their very activities bring about the entity those influences of so often doubting self and self's judgments that it comes to rely rather upon others. Thus it oftentimes chooses its friendships not so well, for it gives or allows judgments to be given on the motivative forces or the impelling influences in the experience. Rather judge these for self, and through the innate forces that are manifested in the experience.
Study rather those fields of activity dealing with the emotions. Hence psychology and psycho-analysis, these are the fields that may bring for the entity an UNDERSTANDING - if judged well with the innate influences or experiences of the entity from the SPIRITUAL import.
From Mercury we find one of high mental abilities; apt, quick in drawing conclusions - too quick at times.
In Venus we find an adverse force, yet drawing upon those influences that make for certain attractions that are impelling in the experience. The entity feels urged or drawn to individuals whom it may meet only in passing, yet these become as great influences in the experience of the entity.
From Jupiter we find rather the influences which have been at varience. Yet in the present season, or by the fifteenth of next month, we find that Uranus with Venus and Jupiter being in rather a benevolent influence one with another should make for a much better settled activity of the entity. Thus there should be brought those experiences that may make for a more stableness in its emotions, in its associations, in the material relationships, in those things having to do with the superficial life as well as the material or real or spiritual life. These should make for peaceful seasons for the entity; when there has been rather an analyzing of self or the taking of self in hand and knowing what ARE the motivative forces of its own activities.
As to the appearances in the earth and those that influence in the present, we find:
Before this the entity was one of those born upon the sea, among the first settlers coming to land in that now known as New York or New Amsterdam. So it may be said that the entity was truly one of the first arrivals in that new land. For it was only a few hours old when the entity, as Alice Christine Mathias, entered into what is now the port or harbor in New York.
This made for an experience in which, as the changes came about in the formative years, there were periods which made for an understanding into the turmoils and strifes in material things. And this made for a relying upon rather the spiritual forces for the peace and harmonies that came to those who toiled by the hand, to those who in mind and activity cared for the own loved ones, the own family.
For the entity became rather one that MOTHERED many during that sojourn in New Amsterdam, at that early period. While the sojourn was not of great numbers of years, the entity had an active life throughout that; making for a material and spiritual development for the entity.
And in the present, while it makes for those longings for other lands, there are those things both material and innate that HOLD the entity - as it were - to special service or activities in and about that particular land.
Oft does the entity find in dreams the experiences through the early periods when changes were brought of many material natures in and about the land of its present nativity.
Before that we find the entity was in the Roman land, during those periods when there were the exchanges of the Roman activities and expansion of the various lands; in what is now the northern African land, portions of Palestine, portions of now Turkey.
The entity knew of such activities then rather through its own associates who sojourned there. For the entity was the mother, sister, and wife of those who acted in the capacity of the soldiery, or those who acted in the capacity of judge, or those who acted in such capacities at the various meetings for the exploration and domination of those lands.
From same in the present there is rather the anxiety which arises innately as to the jobs that may be given to people in their various estates; that is, the entity may find itself often worrying about whether or not an individual - who is possibly only known to the entity - will fulfil his mission in this or that activity. There are the anxieties felt as to those who go on special missions and things of that nature; these become a very portion of the entity's experience, INNATELY.
For through that experience in the Roman land the entity, as one Pompeai, was looked upon rather as a seeress, as one not wholly understood. For the entity then was given to the study of what would NOW be termed the religions of the world, of THAT day or that period.
Such study brought much to the entity; and in the present we find that symbols and such come to be a part of the entity's own activity. Omens, days, days of the year and of the month and of the period, these become a part of the entity's experience INNATELY and manifestedly. If these are used rather in the light of those experiences indicated - that is, in the analyzing of self, rather than in calling judgments upon others - it will make for a great deal more harmonious experience for self in the present.
Before that we find the entity was in the Arabian or Persian land, now known; during those periods when the Grecian peoples came into that area, through the activities for the subduing of those peoples in the city in the hills and plains.
The entity was among the natives who became attached and drawn to the activities of those Grecian peoples who were so beautiful in body. So susceptible was the entity that it was drawn away to such activities even against its own lands and the entity's own people, in the name then Thescelenica.
In the experience the entity made gains in the OPPOSITE direction the most, for what had been imbued was turned rather into what would become self-indulgence, the satisfying of the greeds of others through the abilities of self.
And this in the present experience has made for the misjudging at times of the import of others; and those that would bring for a great understanding at times have been turned aside by the entity in its anxiety and in the innate influence that arose from those experiences. Yet those things that pertain to Grecian art, the Grecian dance, have an innate influence and a manifested activity in the experience of the entity in the present.
Before that we find the entity was in that land now known as the Egyptian, during the periods when there was the incoming of those from Atlantis.
The entity then was among the first of those born in the Egyptian land that were parentaged by the Atlanteans and the natives of the Egyptian land.
Then, the entity was among those in close associations with the activities of the King, of those in authority as to the lawmaking and as to the building and preservation of the spiritual life. These were the surroundings for the entity.
When there began the distributions of that compiled from the correlation of the Atlantean activities, the emissaries to the various lands, the activities of the Priest in the native land, the entity became as one who made the interpretation of same to the speech and to the activity of the various lands to which the messages and the understandings were sent.
In the name then of She-he-hat-shem, the entity gained throughout.
And in the present may much of that applied in the experiences of the entity in that sojourn become the understandings or steppingstones for bringing into the experience of the entity the greater peace and harmony, the greater developments in the present sojourn.
As to the abilities, then, and that to which the entity may attain and how:
First, analyze self in the light of those experiences thou hast had, that thou dost have almost from day to day. In the light of that thou settest as thine standard, as thine ideal, as thine measuring stick in the spiritual things. For the spiritual life is the motivative force in the experience of an entity, a soul, in its sojourn through a given experience; and the same throughout whatever sphere of activity in which the entity or soul may find its conscious movement or activative force. It is what one does about what it knows - not how MUCH it knows, but how well it applies that it does know, in relation to its fellow man - that makes for the bringing of peace and harmony and understanding within the experience of self.
For as ye mete to others, so must it be meted to thee. For each soul must SEE its own self in that it does to and for its fellow man. So if it sows those things that make for the seed of righteousness, then development and harmony and joy are the result - or the flower and the seed thereof. If activities are sown that make for envy and strife, these bring disappointments, hardships, misunderstandings in the experience. For as ye sow, so shall ye reap.
Study, then, to show thyself approved unto that thou hast set, that thou dost set, as thine ideal.
Keep the self, in body, in mind, in intent, in purpose, in accord with that thou would have others do to thee; and do ye then so to them.
In those fields as indicated may the expressions of the abilities be found. Also music becomes a portion of same.
Ready for questions.
(Q) How may I better understand my nature and the conflicting emotions and urges that are so difficult to analyze?
(A) As indicated from that given, the sources may be seen. For it is only meeting self. To apply self to overcome same, set thine standard. The choice may be in Him, who has offered, who has given a way for all; that in Him ye may KNOW life, may HAVE life, may have life more abundantly; more joy, more harmony, more peace.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

9/02/35 "I am asking for a Life Reading to see if it will help me to understand my nature and the conflicting emotions and urges that are so difficult to analyze. Also as a guide."

REPORTS

11/11/35 "Ever since I rec'd my Life Reading I have wanted to reply but have waited until now in an attempt to a better understanding of it. However, I now feel that must write and tell you of the things that do not seem to fit me at all.
"In par. 1 [Par. 2] which starts 'At times when the body rests' - to 'Few understand the entity and the emotions' etc. - never have I felt that I had experienced visions or day dreams - nor am I ever accused of being double minded or making mountains out of molehills - nor do my friends find me difficult to understand. Also 'Oft does the entity find in dreams' - never have had such dreams - nor do omens, etc., influence me in the very least.
"In par. relating to the influence of Jupiter which was to bring stableness of material as well as spiritual conditions by Oct. 15th - I regret to say that one of the greatest blows and disappointments of my life occurred on that very day.
"All this is very distressing and confusing to me - hence the reason for this letter. I know very little about psychic research but I do know that for some reason readings sometimes go awry. Perhaps you will clarify this matter for me."
11/26/35 Hugh Lynn Cayce's ltr. to [997]:
..., N.Y.
Dear Mrs. [997]
Your letter addressed to my father, Mr. Edgar Cayce, was forwarded to us here in Detroit.
I regret that you find your Life Reading difficult to understand. We have been studying these readings over a period of years and have found them most accurate in every case. After a close examination and perhaps a little interpretation your reading proves to be one that does not fit you as an individual it will be even more interesting than the average, because of its unusualness.
Unfortunately our file copy is not at hand. Upon our return to Virginia Beach about the fifteenth of December I will again take this matter up with you relative to the sections you mention. If you have any other questions kindly let me have them before that time.
We appreciate your interest and sincerity in writing us and I believe we will be able to clear the matter up with a little close analysis of the data given for you.
Sincerely yours, [signed] Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager
1/09/36 HLC's ltr. to [997]:
Mrs. [997] ..., New York
Dear Mrs. [997]
A copy of your life reading and your letter of November 11, 1935, commenting on it are before me. As I wrote you from Detroit it was necessary for me to return to Virginia Beach where I could go over your reading before attempting any explanation of it.
I might say, also, that my father turned your letter over to me because for several years I have tried to make a study of the life readings. Frankly, I am just as interested, from a technical point of view, to discover one that does not seem to check as to study those that give perfect analyses. We greatly appreciate your interest in writing as you have and I sincerely hope that you will assist us in getting to the basic cause of any misfit.
Your reading - whether it fits you or not - is most interesting and opens avenues, unusual avenues, for thought and study. Such a person as described under any circumstances would be worth knowing. First, let me present a brief explanation, from my point of view, of the terms used in the reading. The expression, "astrological sojourn", as used in the beginning of the second paragraph on page 1, refers to any experience of the soul-body on other than three dimensional planes of consciousness. These other various dimensional planes such as, the fourth, fifth, etc., are represented in astrology as Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, etc. It is not necessary to say that we actually live on these various planets when we are not on earth, but simply to consider that these planets as certain environmental influences represent other spheres of experience through which the soul, in a body suitable to the peculiar environment, passes, perhaps again and again, as through the earth.
The readings indicate one other source of inclinations, talents and urges; namely, the incarnations, the lives, in the earth plane. The analysis given in this reading is based on an intepretation of the records, the experiences, of your soul through these different planes. The complexity of human nature, the many conflicting urges and cross currents found in us all, are explained on the basis of the existence of such experiences. Heredity and environment in the earth plane are certainly controlled by the development of souls in these varying states of consciousness, on the earth and elsewhere. One more point before we pass to a discussion of your questions. We must remember that we are dealing with subtle feelings, emotions and mental creations, not with blocks of stone which we can stack one upon the other. I do not mean to indicate that reasoning based on such urges or feelings be any less positive or convincing, for we know that the idea is in many cases much more concrete in our experience than a material representation of such an idea. To avoid the philosophic border line of debatable questions which we are approaching relative to just where man gets his ideas, let me just point out that this reading recognizes a tremendous influence of mental stimuli which do not come from materiality as we know it through our five senses; but which do come from impressions registered in the soul-mind of an individual from experiences on other planes and from previous lives. The understanding which you may gain of yourself through this reading must come not from comparison through experiences obtained through your five senses of sight, feeling, touch, hearing and smell, but through a turning within yourself to pick up, to attune yourself, with the subtle urges and feelings which so influence the impression you pick up externally through the senses - in many instances without your knowledge. This inner reflection and study will open up a new source of motive power for your whole life's activity. It is these deep sources of influence that are disclosed in this reading.
I hope that the above discourse has not been worse than the reading. It would of course be much easier to discuss this personally, for I could then watch your reactions and you could interrupt when I wander off. Never-the-less, you must question now, "What has all this to do with the points in my reading that do not fit me?" Let us now take these points up in the order which you give them.
The paragraph you point out is the second on the first page. It indicates that you are a sensitive person, not sensitive necessarily as related to feelings though this might be included, but an individual whose attunement with their deep mental and spiritual experiences is such that an influence from them is almost constantly present. By this I mean that you have passed through definite periods of mental and soul development on other planes besides the earth, and where in most people such experiences are completely covered by their contact with materiality, absorbed in sense reactions, you have very definite urges that apparently have no source in material sense perception. In explaining this condition the words dream and vision have been used. You are I am sure aware of the fact that every individual dreams constantly, but remembers, brings back to physical consciousness only a small part of such dreams. The question is not do you dream - everyone dreams, few recall - but what are your experiences during dreams, or during, shall we say sleep. The majority of human souls are so enmeshed in materiality that only physical sense perceptions make up their consciousness during sleep or periods called day dreams when the mind is allowed to wander without willful control. You are different in this respect, the urges which come to you during these periods' come from your experiences in other planes more directly, shall we say than to the average. The result must be some strange and conflicting urges and emotions.
Now you may question "Just what would be an example of such urges?" Let me give just a simple example. This may not apply to you as an individual but will, I believe, give us the type of example needed. Let us say that an individual, an entity, has passed through an experience in the plane represented as Venus, which brings to the soul an influence towards greater appreciation of beauty in all of its forms. Let us say that through the will this has been developed in the earth plane. The result is an ever pressing urge from WITHIN going over and beyond the urges from sense perceptions. The smallest flower, over which most of us would walk, expresses a pure, simple beauty. A brook, a tree, a flower, a face, a tone, for this individual there would be a beauty hidden from the average individual. We would in other words have an artist.
Now with yourself certain of these deeper influences have definite, perhaps unexplained, importance. The double-minded might well indicate a person thinking along two different lines at the same time, following perhaps the inner impulses and the outer at the same time. The result would be a mind that would run ahead and off at peculiar angles on any given question, angles that others would not consider, that others might not appreciate. Let us say that a given subject is presented in ordinary conversation. There will be the natural lines of discussion based on the knowledge gained through the sense perceptions of those discussing the question, and then there will be more subtle considerations of the same questions, peculiar angles, apparently hidden lines of thought. You would be running down the lines leading to the latter. Those watching you or talking with you could not follow, and where we cannot follow we generally say, "That person has funny ideas." The results of being moved by these inner influences would be at times natural to you and at other times disturbing.
The term "making mountains out of molehills" is given as an explanatory phrase for clarifying your tendency for giving importance to little things, details of conditions, peculiar angles of situations and conditions which do not seem important to those about you. This results from the affect of these inner urges and influences already discussed. Properly directed such urges can bring to you and to those about you a new understanding of the values in life. The next consideration is that of the section in your reading referring to symbols, omens, importance attached to special days, etc. The reading points out that this influence is felt innately and manifestedly. Notice the underlining of the innately. Evidently during your Roman incarnation you made a study of religions. During this period all religions were developing complex systems of symbols and signs, which were supposed to be known only to the initiated. This interest may find expression today in many ways. As indicated in the reading the strongest affect comes through suppressed and hidden urges of which you may not be at all times conscious. The manifested form of such an urge might find expression in any of the following, or even in some similar tendency which you will be able to find with a little checking up on yourself: an interest in seals or coats of arms, importance to numbers relative to special activities, which might include a constant reoccurrence of any set of numbers, a tendency for doing certain things always on certain days, partially unconsciously perhaps, curious or uncommon inscriptions, or the simple superstitions like knocking on wood, falling pictures, birds in houses, ladders, cats, etc. I rather expect that you would be more affected by more complex urges as might be found in numbers or peculiar designs. If after checking carefully over your tendencies in these directions you find nothing "clicks", it will be most interesting.
Now for the last point you bring our regarding October 15, as a point of change for the better in your general activities and relations. From an astrological viewpoint this indicated that by that date Venus, Jupiter and Uranus would be in a benevolent aspect. Changes would be in order on and after that date which would produce a gradual improvement in your material, emotional and spiritual life. Drastic changes are sometimes needed in order to set us on the right path, ground must be prepared before the seed can be sown, the ugly building must be taken down before a more beautiful structure can be erected. I do not mean to say that what happened to you on that date was best for you necessarily, but taken advantage of whatever it was might well have been the first step in an awakening that would lead to other opportunities for beneficial changes. Only opportunities are presented. You may take advantage, grasp the significance and importance.
I hope that you will give this discussion your careful consideration. Go over it in connection with the reading and try to go back in your experiences to analyze the points under question. May I suggest that you make a list of all the suggestions contained in the reading for improvement in your mental and emotional life. There is every indication that you have many urges and latent talents which have been suppressed - at times through the influences of those about you. A careful study and application of the suggestions contained in this reading will result in a much happier life. It is not simple nor easy, but with careful study I believe you will find it to be of increasing help.
Now let us suppose that my explanation has been worse than the reading and that after you have considered it carefully you are still convinced that the reading failed to touch existent influences and urges. I would greatly appreciate it if you would tell me. I will then be glad to prepare some questions for a check research reading which will be given to ascertain just why this information did not check. If on the other hand you feel that my explanation has in any way cleared up your questions, then by all means send me any further questions regarding either your reading or my explanation and I will be glad to go into the details of the suggestions made for your development. I would also be interested to know if the many other descriptions of urges and tendencies as given check with your understanding of yourself.
We are most anxious to be of help if it is possible. So many individuals have found their life readings to be of help. Your reading indicates a most interesting personality - and certainly one that has not been given full expression. Please advise me if I can be of service in a further analysis of this reading.
Sincerely yours, ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC. by Hugh Lynn Cayce - Manager
8/17/36 [997]'s ltr. to HLC:
My dear Mr. Cayce:
Thank you for your kindly letter regarding my Life Reading, and forgive me for not answering sooner. Shortly after receiving it we journeyed to California via the Panama Canal and now as you see we are visiting in Montana although we are leaving in a day or two for home and should be there by the time this letter reaches you. Because of all this I have not had the leisure to give careful thought to your explanations. Regarding the first question on 1st page, it is perfectly true that I have a tendency to make "mountains out of molehills" in the sense that little things, details, etc. are of importance to me because disorder and ugliness seem to make me unhappy for some reason, whereas other people do not seem to mind much, or perhaps they leave more fortitude than I possess. As for the rest it is so involved - after searching and trying myself I cannot be sure that every thing does not click - 'though I know definitely that I have no superstitions, not much interest in seals or coats of arms, aside from their decorative value. At one time I became deeply interested in religion but found no comfort in it. I realize that it dignifies life and certainly is of inestimable value to the young, for obvious reasons - I love beauty beyond anything in the world but do not excel in any of the arts - although I have tried my hand at painting and music - the result has been indifferent. I never long for other lands in the sense that I feel that I must visit any particular one. I like to travel, of course, and feel the need of a change of scene, but am always glad to return home after a few weeks. So perhaps my restlessness has a physical basis after all. At any rate I am still confused although I deeply appreciate your interest in answering my letter so fully.
Very sincerely yours, [997]
9/21/36 HLC's letter to [997]:
Thank you for your letter of August 17th.
I understand and appreciate your difficulties in checking each point in your life reading. The point of view from which this information is drawn must be quite different from our three dimensional understanding of life. It is frequently necessary to make a thorough study of such information over a period of time to begin to grasp its full meaning. I hope that you will from time to time continue to read over and study your reading in relation to your own experience.
If at any time I can be of further assistance in clearing up any particular point or in answering any question which may occur to you regarding the reading or our work please let me know.
You will find, I believe the current Bulletin which will be mailed within the next few days of interest as it is based on a study of life readings.
Very sincerely yours, Hugh Lynn Cayce
3/01/38 She obtained a Physical Reading - See 997-2. "I am planning on going on a long trip and do not know whether it is safe for me to go or not." [Europe]