This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the Kahn home, 44 West 77th St., Apt. 14-W, New York City, this 9th day of April, 1936, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [1096], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mrs. [1096].

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity now known as or called [1096], present in this room; also those developments and experiences of the entity through the activities in the earth.
2. Not that this may become burdensome, but that there may be for the entity a more perfect understanding:
3. Each soul is a portion of the divine. Motivating that soul-body is the spirit of divinity. The soul is a companion of, a motivative influence in, the activities of an entity throughout its experiences in whatever sphere of consciousness it may attain perception.
4. Hence each soul is a universe in itself.
5. This entity came into an experience during those early activities of Ahasuerus, or Xerxes as called by the Grecians, that there might be during those experiences a fulfilling of the promises that had been made to a peculiar people.
6. Hence each soul finds itself ever in the hands of a LIVING Intelligence, a living God.
7. Not that it, the entity, hasn't its own free will, but it - the entity or soul - develops either to a oneness with that Universal Consciousness or in opposition to same.
8. At times there may be a paralleling of purposes. There may be experiences that this entity or that entity may be at a tangent to the Universal Consciousness.
9. In that experience, though belittled by those that were in a development of a PERSONAL ego, those activities of the entity FILLED a parallel with that universality of love in holding to that which made for the elevating of the activities of others to that which cries aloud in its seeking for expression - that all souls, men AND women, stand as ONE before that Universal Consciousness, that Throne of grace, of mercy that has brought the souls of men into materiality in body, that there might be an awareness more and more of THEIR relationship - yea, their kinship to that SOURCE of right, justice, mercy, patience, longsuffering, love.
10. Hence the entity in that particular experience found itself in that position of championing the cause of those that had through the timidity of the activities from the expressions been kept in that way of woman being the weaker vessel. Yet in the very activity there came to the forefront that expression which found its CROWNING when the virgin gave birth to Him who became the Savior of men!
11. In those surroundings of egotism, then, in those surroundings of faults and faultfindings, the entity GAVE to those peoples, to the world, a concrete example of the FREEING of the souls of those that, though in body they be joined to those in power or authority, seek - their individualities, their souls, their entities seek and make expressions in a material world!
12. Then, in making application of same in the present, naturally there arise those questionings within self, as to how, why should THIS entity at THIS time again manifest and seek expression, when there is being given to the activities of the earth the thoughts of the sons of men, the thoughts and the delving into the abilities of the daughters of men? That it AGAIN may give expression to the FREEDOM of the soul even under the laws that have been made by man, for these be not the laws of the Universal Love.
13. Ready for questions.
14. (Q) Please explain the urges which affect me in the present from the Vashti period.
    (A) The freedom of speech, the freedom of activity, the thought and the expressions as indicated.
15. (Q) Have I started correctly on the book, or is my idea of the book the way to proceed?
    (A) The ideas will come, naturally flow through self when there is given or being given not only the backgrounds for those periods, but there will be - through the ideas and through those expressions that will naturally arise - that which will FREE man!
16. (Q) In the book should I include the Dutch appearance, or just the three parts - Vashti, Esther Clermont, and my present appearance?
    (A) The three. While all depend one upon another, we find that the three phases of human experience, the three phases - body, mind, soul - the three phases that come for the freedom of same - knowledge, interpretation, application - all of these work together from those experiences; crowning themselves, as it were, in those activities of Vashti.
17. (Q) What took place in the soul, that caused me to return to the earth under the name Esther? following the Vashti incarnation?
    (A) That as is natural, or may be illustrated in this:
    When there is the expression of an activity in the MIND of an individual, there is the resounding, the re-vibration to that effect created in that sphere of expression, see?
    Hence the natural activities from the physical period were - having been considered by some as an abasement - for the entity or soul to seek those experiences through the activities of such individuals as to bring their natural requiem in the name Esther, known of.
18. (Q) How may my book bring clarification in the minds of many regarding that period of Vashti?
    (A) As indicated, as held by the traditions of a people who have through their very urges kept alive rather the abasement of woman's position in the relations, in the activities as subservient to the orders of men, the entity may use those activities in the present to give expression to that variation that is thrown off now as having been a yoke that was set by man's vanity, not God's purposes!
19. (Q) How may the Jewish race be presented, to show the development - cause and result in the present?
    (A) That as comes from the natural inference, as just indicated, and as indicated by those attempts upon the part of those for their activity in the earth today. And that man and his companion as from the beginning must stand as ONE before not ONLY MAN'S made law but as they do in God's holy law!
20. (Q) Is the German-Jewish situation a result of conditions which began in the Vashti-Esther period?
    (A) Might be said to be related, but these arise rather from OTHER expressions of an activity in the entities or souls finding expression.
21. (Q) Can anything be given about Esther Clermont?
    (A) Much might be given; we would seek that from its record there. These do not appear with Vashti, save as RELATIVE - as we have indicated. Keep the mind OPEN! As ye make for that expression. For this expression thou art making becomes promised for a revelation to the world!
22. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self - Air Mail
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 1096-1 through 1096-3.

REPORTS

1. GD's note: Mrs. [1096] was a very attractive woman who looked much younger than her years. She had been married twice and divorced (that she mentioned), the first marriage being to a well known real estate developer whom she felt sure had been Ahasuerus (Xerxes), since the main cause of the divorce this time was his insistence that she appear nude before his guests at a big shindig. It is interesting to me that Mr. [5453] had also been associated with this man and had related to us his many exploits, long after Mr. [5453] had been told in his Life Reading that he was active in the period of Xerxes-Ahasuerus. This to me gives credence to Mrs. [1096]'s belief that he was Ahasuerus.
2. 4/16/36 She reminded us she had not yet received The Story of Uhjltd. I will greatly appreciate hearing from you and again let me thank you for the marvelous experience I had while in your presence during my last reading. I do not know exactly what I owe you and if you will be good enough to have your secretary advise me I will be glad to send you my check.
   With all good wishes and the very best regards to you and your charming family, I am, Sincerely, [1096]
   P.S. I have just found from the Talmund that Vashti was the Granddaughter of Nebucadenezzer the King of Persia who caused the destruction of Jerusalem. It is indeed an interesting subject and I only hope that the higher powers will help me to give to the world a creditable piece of work.
3. 5/02/36 "I have rec'd The Story of Uhjltd and thank you for sending it to me - it was most interesting and helpful. Any more information on this subject would be greatly appreciated."
4. 9/02/36 GD's ltr. to Mrs. [1096]:
   Mrs. [...] ..., Fla.
   Dear Mrs. [1096]
   In the afternoon mail we received from a friend [Mrs. [583]] in Chicago a clipping from a newspaper which I think you will find interesting. I'm having to copy it for you, since there was no name or date of the clipping:
   "U. of C. UNEARTHS PERSEPOLIS ART 2,400 YEARS OLD
   "The Sculptures Depict Darius, Xerxes.
   "The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago yesterday announced the discovery of a new set of sculptures, declared to be among the finest examples of ancient art yet unearthed in its excavations at Persepolis, Iran, a city built by Darius the Great and his son Xerxes of Persia and later destroyed by Alexander the Great of Macedon.
   "The sculptures, two sets of stone wall reliefs more than 2,000 years old, each contains nine figures, including Darius and Xerxes. The discovery was reported to the university by Dr. Erich F. Schmidt, field director of the Oriental Institute's expedition excavating the Palace Terrace in Persepolis.
   "Silver Coins Also Found.
   "Three silver coins, bearing the head of Alexander the Great who conquered Persepolis in 330 B. C., were also found in the building's courtyard, Dr. Schmidt reported. They were apparently dropped by Alexander's warriors when they sacked the city.
   "The sculptures, depicting the same scene from different points of view, show a Mede petitioner appearing before Darius and Xerxes. Darius is seated on a beautifully wrought chair, and Xerxes stands immediately behind him. Both Darius and Xerxes hold in their hands lotus blossoms with two buds, the symbol of royalty, and Darius in addition holds a scepter-like staff. The figures of the rulers are seven feet high, while the other figures are approximately life size.
   "Food Taster Holds Napkin.
   "Behind Xerxes stand two court officials, one of them tentatively identified as the food taster, holding a napkin. The other is the carrier of the royal bow and mace, and behind him are two lance carriers. The mace carrier's sword scabbard is exquisitely worked in stone and demonstrates the delicacy of the ancient artists, working with crude tools, Dr. Schmidt wrote. Accompanying the petitioner is a servant and a companion.
   "The Oriental Institute has been working in the Persepolis ruins since 1931. In 1932 the expedition uncovered the "Apadana" staircase, which led to the hall of One Hundred Columns, and which was adorned with more than 1,000 feet of wall sculpture. In 1934 the party discovered 29,000 cuneiform tablets in the Terrace garrison, army records of Xerxes which are now in Chicago for translation."
   A very peculiar thing about this is that we received the clipping in the afternoon mail, while this morning we gave a Life Reading to a lady outlining an incarnation as the daughter of an advisor to Xerxes (or Ahasuerus), with the side remark, "But in passing, it may be said that much of that which has been given may be of interest in that being opened by researchers in the Persian land in the present. Seek it out through the University of Chicago."
   You may have seen this same announcement in a newspaper and already have the data the University has, but I felt urged to copy it for you. I hope you are coming along nicely with your book that we may hear from you soon.
   Sincerely, [signed] Gladys Davis, Sec'ty.
   Copy to Mrs. [1258] since above clipping was mentioned in her 1258-1.
5. 9/09/36 [1096]'s letter to GD: "Just this morning your very interesting letter reached me - it having been forwarded a few times. Thanks so much, the information is most helpful to me and you were so thoughtful to remember and send it on to me. My poor book has suffered lately as I have been getting myself married and am so very happy that I have not been able to get down to work. We have been cruising for four weeks and arrived here - Port Washington - aboard our boat on Sunday. We expect to remain around New York about a month then go slowly back to Florida on the yacht.
   "I want to recommend a long time sufferer to the Association and will you send on the necessary papers for her to sign so that she may have a reading with Mr. Cayce on her Physical condition.
   "A letter addressed to me Care Yacht '[1096]', ... Boat Co., Port Washington, L.I., N.Y. will reach me.
   "Again thanking you and with kind regards and best wishes to you and the Cayces, I am..."
6. 10/16/36 She obtained Life Reading for her new husband, Mr. [1273], which said that he had been Haman in the Queen Vashti period.
7. GD's note: These comments were made sometime during the year 1940 by Edgar Cayce to his Tuesday Night Bible Class, when The Book of Esther was discussed:
   Have you heard in this day and time of drinking being done according to law? There was no ban on drinking during the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes). Everyone drank according to his own pleasure, - it was the king's command.
   After several days of such self-indulgence, the king remembered what a beautiful wife he had, and he wanted others also to know of her beauty. He wanted to show her off.
   Do you wonder that, under the circumstances, the queen Vashti refused to come? Perhaps she had come at his call on other occasions, and she knew what was required of her.
   We must remember that the book of Esther was written by a Jew, so we only have the Jewish side presented. Esther is lauded as a great savior of her people, a sort of martyr to the cause. Still, we notice that after she gained power with the king she caused the same destruction to others that she had been able to prevent for her own people.
   The book of Esther is not recognized as being historically true. Although Ahasuerus is conceded to be the same as Xerxes, there is no record of Xerxes having a Jewish wife, nor of any such happenings as described here in connection with the Jews. It is thought by some that Esther was merely an honored one in the king's harem, instead of actually being a queen. The Jewish writer, naturally, would present the story in the best light, to extol the virtues of Esther and of the Jewish race. The story evidently was not written until many years after the king's death, or at least was not published. Esther apparently is given a prominent part in the history of the Jewish race, but is not recognized in other historical records.
8. See 1298-1 - extract regarding Esther.
9. See 1193-1 - extract regarding dancer in court of Ahasuerus.
10. See 1096-1, 2, 3, 4 - extracts on Vashti.
11. See 2763-1 - Esdura - associate of Esther.
12. See 1273-1 - extracts on Haman, now married to Vashti.
13. 1/21/44 She requested copies of her readings, saying she had met Mr. [257] and wanted to discuss them with him.
14. 1/25/44 EC answered making an appointment, saying: "If you have met my friend, [257], you have heard a lot of extravagant tales, much more than you heard from Mr. [877]."
15. 1/25/44 Mr. [257]'s letter: "Mrs. [1096] is writing a book. She has now taken her old name - Mrs. [Ahasuerus-Xerxes]. You will hear from her before long as she is digging out her old readings and applying them to her present life."
16. 2/01/44 [1096]'s ltr to EC:
    Dear Mr. Cayce;-
    Thanks for your prompt reply to my request for a reading and the date you suggest February 29th 3:30 to 4:30 will suit me perfectly. I will appreciate your secretary copying my former readings and sending them to me at your convenience. Mr. [257] is interested in seeing them too. While I have only known Mr. [257] a very short time he seems to be an old friend and has been willingly doing me and my son a great favor. He sings your praises at all times and his gratitude for you and your help to him is something beautiful to see.
    I have been unable to buy "THERE IS A RIVER" and would greatly appreciate your sending me a copy billing me for the same. I have heard such fine things about this book. Col. Starling lives just down the street from my Mother's where I am spending the winter and that is where I met [257]. The Col. also is an enthusiastic admirer of you and your work.
    Following are the questions I am particularly anxious to have some advice about.
    1 - What should I do about the trouble with my fingers?
    2 - Is the medicine the Doctor advised me to take beneficial?
    3 - Is the arrangement made about "The Dirt Flies" good? Is it in the best hands possible?
    4 - Will my book be a best seller?
    5 - Shall I sell my estate in the country or hold on to it?
    6 - If it should be sold when will this happen and how should I go about selling it?
    7 - Should conditions in my little house on the mountain top continue or be stopped? Is this influence good or bad for me?
    8 - Will conditions in this household be bettered soon and if so how?
    9 - Will my private life be changed within this year?
    10 - Will Doubleday Doran be my publishers?
    With all good wishes and many, many thanks for working me in when you are so busy... Cordially with regards to all, [1096]
    [EC's illness prevented appointments for Ck. Life and Physical being kept.]
17. 2/15/45 She was sent the regular form letter to those having appointments cancelled due to EC's death - See under 4374-1 Reports, and under 3626-1 Reports.
18. 3/14/45 She wrote: "Please return my check and oblige. I regret to hear of Mr. Cayce's death. Please extend my sympathy to his wife and son and to yourself [GD]."
19. 5/24/45 GD's ltr. [dictated by Gina Cerminara] to [1096]:
    Dear Mrs. [1096],
    We were very much interested, some years ago, in your projected book on Vashti, in which you were planning to develop the three inter-related life appearances of one entity. Such a book certainly would be a worth-while addition to the growing literature on re-incarnation.
    Have you brought the book to conclusion as yet? I note in one of your letters you speak of a book entitled "The Dirt Flies" and wondered if by any chance this could be the one you had in mind when you had your life-readings. Please do let me hear from you on this matter. Unfortunately we can no longer be of any assistance to you through the readings of Mr. Cayce, but we would be very happy to see the Vashti book in print. Association members all over the country would be most interested, I know.
    Very sincerely yours, [signed] Gladys Davis, Secretary
20. 6/06/45 [1096]'s ltr. to GD:
    My dear Miss Davis;-
    Upon reaching my home in the north last Friday I found your letter of the 24th of May and was indeed most pleased to hear from you. VASHTI has been in my files for a long time, in fact I have not even thought of her for years - but I do have such a good start on that book it seems a shame that my many activities keep from going on with it.
    You see this winter I entered on a radio career - and I might add made a tremendous success, writing my own scripts and having a fifteen minute broadcast each Sunday. I had to write and record twenty platters to leave until October when I will return to ... The title of my program was "Memories of [...]" [Her first husband, who was perhaps Ahasuerus?] and my sponsor The ... wish to renew my contract for another six months in Oct. So you can well understand why Vashti reposes in my files.
    My book which I have completed on the life of [...] (The Dirt Flies which may not be the final title) is still with my agent and has not, as yet been sold to a publisher - paper shortage he says is the reason. Of course I am daily hoping it will be sold - also I do intend to get at Vashti some day - wish I could get some more information about her - I think you would like the way I have handled the beginning of the book - it is done in a fanciful family life beginning with children as characters - and then Vashti's betrothal and marriage with all the pomp and splendor of those times described - If you have any suggestions which would help me as to reading in which I could weave the re-incarnation story round the character, I would so appreciate it and perhaps this summer I can do some work on it.
    Thanking you for your very nice letter which has given me new heart to work on VASHTI and trusting I may hear from you again in the very near future, I am, Sincerely [1096]
    P.S. What a terrific blow the loss of Mr. Cayce must be to you and all of your associates - I suppose there is no one to in any way take his place or carry on his work. My regards, [1096]
21. 9/08/75 (Monday) Clipping from Ledger-Star:
    Iran to rebuild Xerxes' columns
    NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE
    PERSEPOLIS, Iran - The government of Shah Mohammed Riza Pahlevi, which has been trying to highlight Iran's monarchic traditions, has decided to rebuild seven huge columns from the great reception hall here of Emperor Xerxes.
    The 10-year project, which will employ hundreds, is part of a multimillion-dollar campaign to preserve and refurbish ancient imperial ruins that is being conducted by the nearly formed agency call the Institute of Achaemenid Research.

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