This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the home of David E. Kahn, 20 Woods Lane, Scarsdale, N.Y., this 11th day of November, 1936, in accordance with request made by Dr. [1135], Associate Member, and Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager, of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Dr. [1135] and his son [1177].

TEXT

1. GC: We seek at this time to prepare for a series of readings to be used as a basis for arousing sufficient interest for some University, perhaps Duke or Columbia, to appoint [1135] present in this room, as a special investigator to undertake an extended observation and collection of material already furnished through this channel. We feel that a thorough study of the psychic phenomena as manifested through this channel will contribute much to a scientific knowledge of psychic laws. [1135] presents himself at this time seeking, in cooperation with the Management of the Association and Edgar Cayce, present here, suggestions and advice on this proposal. You will answer questions.
2. EC: In considering such a series of tests and the like, that which has been given as to the purpose or the intent should be considered first.
3. As we find, if there is an extensive study made as the information is given for individuals under the varied circumstances who present themselves for such help or aid as may be had through these channels, this would supply any question that may arise in the minds of those who seek in or from the spiritual and mental angle for the determining of the value of such information in the experience of individuals.
4. There may be specific tests in Mind Reading, Telepathy, Thought Transference, Moving of Objects even; yet these when presented out of their realm of activity dealing with the individual for a helpful experience in the seeking, become channels that are of an entirely different nature - and partake, as we have given, either of subconscious impressions or the activities of consciousnesses in the realm of the inter-between that would become as detrimental to the value of such information in the experience of consecrated seeking individuals for their aid and help to an understanding of their relationships to Creative Forces in this particular experience.
5. Hence the manner as we would find that there should be the study:
6. Take the information, the data, or the regular routine of seekers. Find their relationships, their mental attitudes, their desires, their hopes. And then watch the effect of the varied status of condition or development, first of the individual and then the effects that are produced in the lives of such individuals. Not only from the purely physical angle but the moral, the mental and the spiritual activities and relations of same in the individual's experience.
7. And if these, or a series, or a continuation of the studies of such would be undertaken by one such as we find as has been indicated - as [1135] - we would find there may be almost every form of psychic phenomena and psychic experience.
8. For as we have given, there are almost as many types of psychic phenomena or psychic experience as there are individuals.
9. For PSYCHIC is of the soul, if in its true constructive sense. And as the soul is an individual, intricate portion of the whole, then the experience of each soul in its reaction with, upon or from experiences in that field of activity, presents a study within itself.
10. This then as we find should be rather that to any group or any university:
11. There be presented what has been the experience of individuals taken in every way and manner that have been recorded by the Association and those interested in same. If these do not present sufficient truth, sufficient confidence of there being not only the unusual but that which the individuals applying - not merely knowing of but applying in their experience day by day - will make them as individuals better citizens, better neighbors, better parents, better friends, then forget it!
12. For unless such experiences create such in the lives of individuals that interest or apply themselves in the study of such, then it is indeed of little thought; nor has it any place in man's experience, and is not worthy of a name or consideration of ANY sort - or of any soul.
13. Then, these are the manners as we would give for the consideration:
14. If experiments are sought, these then must be weighed in the light of that given.
15. MANY an individual, many a personage has given his all for the demonstrating of a truth. As it has been indicated from the first through THIS channel, there should ever be that ideal, "What does such information as may come through such a channel produce in the experience of individuals, as to not their thoughts, not their relations other than does such make them better parents, better children, better husbands, better wives, better neighbors, better friends, better citizens?" And if and when it does NOT, LEAVE IT ALONE!
16. Ready for questions.
17. (Q) [1135] presents the following plan. Advise us if this may be undertaken through this channel. The plan: Please describe contents of package on filing case in Room 215, Schermerhorn Extension, Columbia University, N.Y.
    (A) This may be done; and if [1135] and those of the Association and their ideals and officers consider it worth it to be done, it will be done!
    But REMEMBER - what has been given!
18. We are through.

    Copy to Dr. [1135]
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce

BACKGROUND

1. See 1135-5 on 5/06/36.
2. 11/08/36 HLC's note to EC: "Talk to [1135] about this. Want you to feel sympathetic and be a party to it. Change to suit your ideas." Love, HL
   "Consider this most important step for GENERAL SERVICE ever taken." HL

REPORTS

1. 11/12/36 Dr. [1135]'s letter to the Cayces:
   Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cayce and Hugh Lynn Cayce:
   I am writing this to all of you and sending one copy to Scarsdale, one to Virginia Beach.
   After studying over the Reading we had yesterday I find myself very much in sympathy with it, and encouraged by it. I can't help but feel that our aims are in harmony with the principles expressed. From my point of view tests proposed by Professor Murphy are no more than means to a good end. If such tests were just being done for themselves as tricks there would be no sense or excuse for them. I, and I think all of you, feel that the university cooperation which we hope to receive as a result of our own willingness to be tested first in the way they may propose - that such cooperation is worth winning because it should help broaden our knowledge of the phenomena the Association is studying and ultimately increase the Association's ability to be helpful to humanity. If this were not what we would expect from such cooperation I would see no reason to ask for it.
   If you, and the other officers of the Association agree with me in thinking our motives to be in harmony with those of this reading could we not embody this in the next suggestion? Could we not simply say that we are not interested in tests for their own sake but merely as a means of reaching a goal which we feel would be helpful to the Association's main purposes.
   Turning now to the reading which you have offered to let me have on the afternoon of Thursday of eighth [19th]. I will come to you not as a psychologist at all, but as an individual who has been through some bitter and difficult experiences, who has made many mistakes. I have been the cause of no little unhappiness. Perhaps I can never atone for this directly to the people I have hurt [GD's note: Perhaps in part he is referring here to his three marriages, etc.]. But I might be able to atone indirectly to some degree if I could help others who are making or are about to make such mistakes as I have made. If I were to incorporate what I think I have learned through my errors into a sermon it would be so dull no one would read it. Instead I have tried to express my thoughts in a more palatable form, a novel. It is very important to me that this novel be good in two respects. First, it must be able to win many readers. Second, it must do more than amuse its readers, it must help them.
   I am hoping that you will think this over, particularly with a view to helping me frame suggestions for the reading. Should I bring the manuscript of the novel with me? Or should I just assume that the information will know what I am talking about (the novel has no title). Perhaps you will feel that some suggestion regarding the novel should be given previous to next Thursday so as to prepare the information for our questions. You know so much better than I do that I would rather leave all this to you. I will cooperate in any way you suggest to the end that the reading be as helpful as possible. It occurs to me that to avoid confusion (since I have two other novels here in the apartment, too) that the one under consideration might tentatively be called, "Kenneth," that being the name of the central character. I tell you this in case you wish to refer to it in a suggestion.
   I am looking forward to next Thursday very eagerly for I am confident that I shall be helped.
   Sincerely yours, [1135]
2. 11/14/36 EC's letter to Dr. [1135]:
   Dear Dr. [1135]
   Thank you for yours of 12th, appreciate your attitude regards the information received, I believe it is trying to tell us we must see the spirit of the law as respects the sources of such information and not the letter only. That may be very vague, but surely His laws are not past finding out, for we are told to "try and - to hold to that which is good".
   Am looking forward to seeing you again next Thursday, and trust we may be indeed be of a real service. No not necessary, I should think for you to bring the manuscript, tho it would not hinder, but would be necessary for you to be able to designate it, either by name or place, or both. If you decide on a title, fine if not it may as it has in many places suggest one. Think have mentioned such instances to you, from times passed.
   Assure you will be glad to cooperate in any way possible to try and be of the greater service. And just hope and pray that we may be of a real help. We can possibly best decide on the suggestion, when you come.
   Thanks for introducing us to the young man, [1177]. Do hope we may have the opportunity to see and talk with him again, if he has the desire to do so.
   Looking forward then to seeing you on next Thursday afternoon assuring you of our appreciation of your interest, and trusting to help in some small way along the way.
   With all good wishes.
   Sincerely Edgar Cayce
3. 11/16/36 HLC's letter to Dr. [1135]:
   Association For Research and Enlightenment INCORPORATED Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dr. [1135] New York, N.Y.
   Dear Dr. [1135]
   A copy of the reading obtained on November 11th, is before me. In view of the information contained in it my suggestions are as follows:
   Undoubtedly the best results will be obtained by giving readings for individuals in order to help them. I feel that the information indicates that results in mental telepathy, clairvoyance, etc., would result in such a series and still be in line with a purpose on the part of the psychic to aid someone and therefor without changing the source of the information as would appear necessary for straight experiments. If possible why could we not proceed as follows: Through you and your friends at Columbia secure three or five individuals for whom physical readings would be beneficial. Explain the procedure to them and secure their interest and cooperation unless in the case of children, where the parents or someone responsible may be interested. My father need not see or know of these individuals until the time of the reading, except on the basis of their usual request. you and anyone there interested sit in on these readings and we will add to the suggestion enough to secure excellent clairvoyant experiments. If you do not feel that this can be done without explanation why not let me prepare several case studies and a brief report of the work upon which to base the value of such a series of experiments.
   Regarding the use of direct tests such as recommended by you my feeling is the following. From the information in this reading it is apparent that for such an experiment it would be necessary to lower the source and range of the psychic. Such experiments have in the past, when continued over a period of time, been harmful to my father. We would not under any circumstances curtail the value of the work by such experiments when the other way is so much more direct and in line with the suggestions. The same result is obtained. I personally do not feel that one reading on an experiment such as you suggest would be harmful if we could be absolutely sure that the result would be a carrying on of the above plan in line with the readings and not a desire for more such experiments.
   Dr. Rhine, as I told you, suggested that a series of readings such as indicated above could be carried on with a doctor in Montgomery, Alabama. I am writing him at once to make those arrangements. Why would it not be possible with a similar group there with professors at Columbia observing? If this can be done without the experiment reading I would strongly favor it. If any experiment reading is to be given we will have to preface it with a suggestion regarding the well fare of my father, and be reasonably sure that success would make possible further experiments on the basis suggested. Please write me fully and frankly about this.
   As you know I feel that your connection is far more important to us and to you as a personal one than as any scientific purpose. Science is going to prove and accept all of these theories in a few years any way. It is important that some good be achieved in the process and this we can have a hand in.
   I am sending a copy of the reading to Mr. Johnston [Douglas T. Johnston], Chairman of our Board of Trustees and asking that he advise me regarding his opinions at once.
   Regarding your reading on Thursday I would suggest that you leave the manuscript at home, but that you designate it plainly in some manner, such as by name, as you suggest. In the suggestion include something like this:
   my novel "Kenneth", in manuscript form in my home at etc. also you will have before you my mental activity in building this material, my purposes and desires concerning it.
   on the end of the suggestion just before you ask for questions add something like this: any examples of the power of telepathy or clairvoyance which may be given at this time will be most helpful in line with the suggestions given through this channel on Nov. 11 [in 1135-6].
   Have a complete list of questions prepared on your novel, regarding development of characters, plot, handling of situation or character, etc. If you like make these such that a knowledge of the other material would be essential and make the questions as definite as possible. Assume that he can see your manuscript, inside out and have some knowledge of your mental processes regarding it, how clear depends on you.
   Best wishes. I am sure you will get something helpful.
   Write me fully and talk the matter over with Dad. You know how we feel. We cannot take any chance however small (we take too many already) in destroying the value of the readings. Too many people are being helped by them. Remember the goose that laid the golden egg? Sincerely, Hugh Lynn Cayce
   cc Mr. Johnston - Please read and return.
4. 11/19/36 See 1135-7.
5. 11/20/36 Douglas T. Johnston's letter to HLC:
   Douglas T. Johnston Graybar Building New York MOhawk 4-0350
   Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce c/o Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Hugh Lynn:
   I received and have read carefully the copy of the reading [1135-6] given to Dr. [1135] last week and which was enclosed with your memorandum of the eighteenth [See R6 below]. The letter to Dr. [1135] which you mentioned I have not as yet received.
   The reading made a great deal of sense to me and I am thoroughly in accord with the recommendations made in it. The readings given to individuals in response to a real need on their part would appear to furnish the best sources for research and all that is really necessary for that purpose. In view of what the reading gave I would certainly hesitate to attempt any specific tests in mind reading, telepathy, etc.
   I went over the latest draft of the HHRC letters today and expect to have final drafts on Monday at which time I will forward them to Miss Davis.
   Hastily yours, [signed] Douglas T. Johnston
6. GD's note: He subsequently initialed the 11/16/36 letter (1135-6, Par. R3) to Dr. [1135].
7. See subsequent reports regarding the research readings, for individuals, under 1135-7 Reports.

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