Edgar Cayce Readings, 1156-1

(Life Reading Suggestion)

TEXT

EC: Yes, we have the record of the entity now known as or called [1156]; and those relationships with the universe and universal forces, that are latent and manifested in the personalities of the entity in the present.
In entering the present experience, we find many influences having to do with those forces that manifest themselves in the innate and in the active influences in the experience of the entity.
While the astrological sojourns have their bearing, have their inclinations manifested, these are but INCLINATIONS. And what the entity does about the urges that are in relationship to that the entity sets or makes its ideal makes for the greater influence in the experience in whatever may be the application of the self in the present experience.
For while, as we find indicated, much arises from those innate urges, the application of self in material sojourns - for this entity - makes for the greater urge; both in those things to be warned as respecting same and in that as may be used as stepping-stones for its material as well as mental and soul development.
Remember, though a man gain all the world - fame, fortune - and loses his own self respect, loses his own soul, it is as nothing.
In the applying, then, set first thine ideal in that which has made, does make for those influences that may grow in thine inner self. For He will meet thee within thine self and there ye may know, ye may commune as one with Him.
In the astrological indications, though, we find Mercury making for that inclination for a seeker; the high mental abilities; an analytical mind; one delving into the mysteries.
But keep thine self, thine ideal as first and foremost in thy seeking. For He set as thy standard may guide thee in making for an application in thy daily experience, those influences and forces that will make the experience in the present worth while.
The influences in Mars, as indicated even by the entrance in the earth's plane in the experience, make for the tendency within self to be self-sufficient. This guard against. While one must, as in Him, be ever ready to give an answer for the faith that lies within and that moves the self, yet know that in Him alone have ye promise, have ye life. Live the life that makes for rather a service, then; for as ye mete in judgments, in thy activities to thy fellow man, ye do it unto thy Maker.
In Mars also we find those influences in which anger, madness at times arises. Be angry but sin not. For he that never is angry is worth little, but he that is angry and controlleth it not is worthless.
Then KNOW that the emotions that arise from those things that in thine experience become antagonistic have their place, but use - do not abuse either in knowledge or in thy freedom in Him.
In Venus we find the making for those innate influences in which sympathy and friendships and relationships with those of the opposite sex will have their appeal. Do not become overburdened with those forces that portend only to the gratifying of self's OWN desires or self's own emotions. WEIGH them well, rather in the balance as He hath given in thine own understanding. For these may be used for the advancement in the material, the mental. And SURELY a spiritual understanding arises only from love. Yet these abused become as stumblingstones that make for regrets and for those forces that become as millstones about thine own endeavors, thine own opportunities.
The influences in Jupiter are at present arising to the opening, as it were, of opportunities before the entity, in the expressions of what may be the chosen activities of the entity. For these have to do and deal with the activities of the groups and the masses. Yet these used for THY thoughts, thy activities, may be guided in the way and manner as to sway the emotions, the thoughts of the many. Especially in the manner then that same may be presented, it will become rather as an expression of HIS love, HIS activity. For the time is fulfilled when many must and will become as channels, as emissaries, for the teachings of that which is as the foundation of Him that gave those promises to all peoples, "Love me, keep my commandments." Abide in that which has been given, for this is the whole law, "Love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, thy body, thy mind; thy neighbor as thyself."
These are innate, these await thy activity in the applications of self in THY relationship to thy fellow man.
As to the appearances in the earth that have to do with thine own experiences in the present (though not all), we find:
Before this the entity was in that now known as the English land, or the Irish land, or Ireland, when there were those establishings of the activities in the relationships between those of other lands, and those of the Church and the State.
The ENTITY then was among those that represented the Church from those that were of the peoples that would represent only the MATERIAL sides of the experience.
Through the experience the entity gained and lost, through some of those reports that made for the condemnations of some that were not in the way of making for those activities that brought about the disturbances.
Then the entity was in the name Oajuean.
In the activities the entity made for that which if applied in the present may make for not only an undoing but a meeting for much in self. In that holding to those influences in those activities among thy fellow man, let the judgment be rather as between the individual and its Maker. For to Him is man accountable for the opportunities that are presented day by day. Measure YE up to thine OWN standard, and let thy life, thy activity, be rather as an EXEMPLIFICATION of that which IS thine ideal.
Before that we find the entity was in the land now called the Holy Land, during those periods when there were the turmoils, the strifes that arose in the persecutions of those that followed in the way of the Nazarene.
For the entity then was among the children that were blessed by Him in the way, of the house of Cleopas [?] - he that walked in the way. And those activities that made for the interpretations to the developing mind, the developing body of the entity in that experience, made for one that was zealous as to good works - in the way of making rather PRACTICAL application of spiritual law in the material world.
So few be they who become so zealous of an idea or ideal as this entity that make same as practical, living experiences of those tenets, those truths that were given in that experience!
The entity became an emissary from the peoples who were misunderstood, some on purpose, some for lack of understanding. But the entity represented those in the Roman land, and made for much that made for peace BETWEEN those peoples for the period of the entity's sojourn, AS an active person or individual during the experience.
Hence it may be said of the entity, if the entity will but become as a counterpart, as an active influence in the present in the experiences that bring the entity in its relationships to the world in the various forms and manners as it presents itself in those activities, the world will indeed be a better place for the entity having lived in same.
Hold fast, then, to that thou didst gain in that experience, as Joseph - who in that experience made not for a tenet, as an ideal only, but that men might - even as He - make practical application in the daily life. Not some great deed, some beautiful story told, some beautiful vision obtained, but living day by day, "As ye would that others would do to thee, do even so to them."
Put forth in thy application those that are the fruits indeed of the Spirit, that maketh not afraid. For love, judgment, fellowship, patience, longsuffering, brotherly love - against such there IS no law. It IS the law of love, and bringeth forth fruits worthy of acceptation by Him. For He hath given, "They that do such shall be known, shall be loved of men, of my Father in heaven."
Before that we find the entity was in that land now known as or called the Persian or Arabian, during those periods when there were those gatherings of many from varied lands for those interpretations, those healings that came to many; that interpretation that made for those activities that brought for cleanliness in the experience of individuals that made for the greater perfecting of the bodily activities.
The entity was among those peoples from the Indian land, that came into that experience, and made for the aiding, the interpretation of same for its OWN group, in the relationships that were established - as the trading post for other lands.
Also the entity aided in publicizing, as it would be termed today, the activities of others that were of a kindred thought. Those made for periods of development AND retardment. For there the entity interpreted rather in those things at times that were for the self-aggrandizements, and especially in those relationships when the entity attempted to establish those rules of more than one woman in the own household. Of THESE beware!
The name then was Sen-eiul, as would be called today.
In the present application of those experiences there, the abilities in writing, the abilities in being rather the reporting type of writing, will be an innate and may be a manifested experience in the activities of the entity. CAPABLE, as then, to interpret rather those of other lands and those motivating forces and experiences that are brought about by the activities of certain conditions that become either of an economic or a social order in the various groups to which such tenets or such lines of activity may be given, for their OWN development or undoing as the application of same may be made in the experience.
Hence to apply self in the present, to become rather as a foreign correspondent or a foreign interpreter, whether associated or connected with varied groups or whether for those that would represent particular interests. But in thine endeavors, in thine application, whether for the whole or for individual groups, remember thy standard, thy measuring stick. For as ye do it - AS YE DO IT - unto thy fellow man, ye do it unto thy Maker.
Before that we find the entity was in the land now called the Egyptian, during those periods when there were the turmoils and the strifes from those uprisings of the natives of the land, with whom the entity joined in those rebellious forces that arose among the kings as well as among what would be called the laity in those experiences.
Yet the entity aided much in bringing - when there were those activities for the correlating of the truths of many of the lands - with the return of the priest - that which aided in establishing an economic condition in the land as related to the peoples who labored, the peoples rather that interpreted, or those that made for the correlating of activities during those periods with other lands.
Hence the interest the entity may find in those things pertaining to that PARTICULARLY to mechanics related to flying, and those activities that same bring to individuals for their greater development in relationships with other groups.
Not those things, then, that would deal with same commercially, but rather as a means of communications. So when the entity becomes in its activity that of a wire chief, or with the instruments without wires - as then, KNOW that there is a way that seemeth right unto a MAN that the end thereof is death. For MAN'S ways are not beyond reproach, but love, mercy, peace and JUSTICE are of the Creative Forces. So abide and keep in those, though the temptations come to use that thou knowest for that which brings material gain.
Then the name was Aar-Sheput.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
Study first to show thyself approved unto thy ideal, and let not that ideal be set in man's ways; rather in Him that hath set before thee the Way, in Him thou didst know, who has indeed blessed thy soul!
Hence the opportunities are before thee and He may call thee by name, if ye will JOIN thyself unto HIS ways; being rather a channel through which others may know that He INDEED liveth and seeks that men should know their Maker.
In thy activities in the material field, draw upon those activities that represented thy material sojourns in Palestine and Rome, as well as in India and in the Persian and Arabian land; for thou canst become the representative of a group, of a nation. But be ever a representative of thy Savior!
Ready for questions.
(Q) Is the contemplated enrollment at Washington and Lee the best procedure for the entity?
(A) This, as we find, is well. This offers an opportunity for those associations and relations that will make for that as was given of old, and know in all thy dealings day by day that the same present themselves not only to others but to thyself individually, "TODAY - NOW - there is set before thee good, evil; life and death - CHOOSE THOU!"
(Q) What should be the life work of this entity?
(A) As has been indicated, REPORTING.
(Q) What were the relationships of this entity in past incarnations with his present brother, [849]?
(A) In those lands as indicated just previous to the present, the entity was the superior in those activities in England; though not held to their full development.
In the Egyptian, the reverse; for the brother THEN was as one superior in the leading of the rebellious forces, though making for those greater developments in those experiences for the spreading of that which has ever created, and does create, hope in the experience of the souls of men. Not false hopes builded upon that which may be another's experience, or of man's achievements; but know ye the Lord, for He will do thee good!
We are through.
Two copies to [849]
Copy to Ass'n file

REPORTS

5/05/39 Mr. [849]'s ltr.: "My brother [1156] has been elected editor of ... (college paper)."
5/42 His brother [849] reported that [1156] had joined the Navy, along the line indicated in his reading.
2/08/43 See baby nephew's Life Rdg., 2922-1, Par. 57-A in re their past associations in Egypt and Palestine.
3/15/43 Mrs. [2955]'s letter: "My son, Lt. [...] brought home your spellbinding story, There Is A River, and has begged me to write you for help in my present condition...he was on night watch in N.Y...with [1156] who told of the marvellous help you gave [849] when he was smitten with arthritis."
12/07/43 Mrs [...] who requested Life Rdg. for her baby son, [5306]: "My sister [...] is engaged to [1156]."
4/27/44 He requested a Physical Rdg. for Miss [5237].
11/44 A.R E. Bulletin carried an article by Ensign [1156] in answer to a request by the editor to A.R.E. members in the Service asking them to give their views of the part the A.R.E. should attempt to take in the post-war world:
FROM SHIPS AT SEA
by Ensign [1156] LST ..., % Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California
If the future gives a war veteran life and health, it will be all that he can ask, for life and health contain inherently every possibility he can expect from this world.
The golden promises and the quasi-ideals of a brave new world mean little to him. They are made to satisfy the thinking mechanism of the American mind at home. Periodically this American mind, observing that its normal way of living is being disrupted, sets out to think. It is then that catch phrases and programs which promise plenty for all arise like summer weeds. They are supposed to solve the problem.
Actually, the American does not expect such an easy way out. He has in the past been a spectator of the struggle between man's animal and soul natures, and he has observed the weird manifestations of this dualism. He has begun to understand, now, the nature of the struggle, and he is self-consciously cognizant of the solution.
The solution, which is, in fact, no more than a true understanding and interpretation of Christianity, can be found at the core of any religion, once the cover of ritual and dogma, sewed with the threads of rationalization, compromise, and superstition, has been removed.
Essentially it is the evolution of man's soul toward the realization of its ultimate spiritual goal - unity with God through free will.
Man must learn through his free will - through self-destruction if necessary - that his fate has an affinity with God's fate; that in order to find happiness and the miracle of contentment he must not only refrain from coveting his neighbor's wife, but must make a living form of love - love for God, love for his neighbor. He must develop a deep understanding of the meaning of tolerance and patience; he must respect the integrity of his own soul, and realize that it is responsible to a universal spirit, not merely the spirit of America.
Service men do not expect a realization of the millenium when the war is over. In spite of his suffering man does not yet realize the nature of his sins, and there is little hope of creating anything comparable to a perfect state in the near future.
It is obvious if you are willing to observe the facts and abandon wishful thinking, that there will be no peace while individuals and nations are determined to preserve the status quo and establish standards of living at the expense of someone else's freedom and well-being.
Edgar Cayce, through his readings, has clearly set forth the pattern of life which individuals must follow if they are to reach their spiritual goal.
It has always seemed to me that the questions which have been asked of Mr. Cayce - except perhaps those of a medical nature - have had their answers latent in our own self-consciousness. If we were making the proper attempt, and were not seeking an easy way out, our outer consciousness would clearly hear the voice of an inner direction and would proceed in the right pattern. But that is the human part of us - not hearing, and not wanting to hear.
In 1936 I had a Life Reading. I was then a senior in high school. I have not had a reading since, but it is not because I lacked faith in Mr. Cayce, or that I did not need his help. Rather it was because I was aware, however dimly, of the general direction my life should take in order to best mesh with my soul pattern, and so long as the way had been pointed, why should I stop to ask for more directions before I had proceeded beyond the first few steps? Often the course seemed dubious, undesirable, but there was no denying the force which impelled me to follow it, and I was always aware that it had to be followed, however fateful the ending. I think it is the same with nations; when they depart from the path of their destiny strong measures are necessary to set them right.
Another reason why I did not go to Mr. Cayce with my little personal problems is that I never considered his work to be a fad - something to please the semi-neurotic, the easy intellectual, the frustrated person seeking solace in the possibility of a colorful past. His life was not devoted, it seemed to me, to entertaining, or amusing, or acting as a bedside necromancer to hypochondriacs. The meaning of his work and his life seemed always to me very clear - a finger pointed in the direction of Calvary, telling us that the way of Christ is the only way.
As a returning service man I will be more aware of this than ever, and more inclined, I hope, to do something about it. And I will be far more patient with the intolerance and lack of patience of the ignorant than I will be with the same manifestations in those who have preached Christianity and not practiced it. Now is the time, I feel - and I believe most service men have the same conviction - to do something about the greatest opportunity mankind has ever had, and which so far he has refused to accept.
The Association for Research and Enlightenment, of which I count myself a member, can do much to bring modern Christianity into a better alignment with truth. It can do that, or it can miss this opportunity and end its days as just another querulous sect, whose voice, fading into time, can hardly be distinguished from the noise of the passing parade.
12/14/61 GD's note: Mr. [1156] is still a reporter on the staff of the big newspaper with which he was affiliated after finishing college, and which he only left for the duration of his service in WW II.