This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 23rd day of June, 1936, in accordance with request made by the parents - Mr. [391] and Mrs. [934], Active Members of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [391], Thomas House and Hugh Lynn Cayce. Born June 21, 1936, at 2:45 P. M., Sunday (Father's Day), at the home of his parents, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

TEXT

1. EC: [[1208] named.]
2. Yes, we have the entity here, those relations with the universe and universal forces, that are recorded in the the experiences of this entity through the earth's plane as well as those environs in the activities about the earth. Its earthly experience as related to the activities of the entity to many, especially in the land of the nativity and especially at this particular season would become most astounding. Yet if there are the developments through the environs, it may be seen that THIS entity - [1208] - may become more important in the affairs of the WORLD than this entity in its previous experience has been to America - Thomas Jefferson.
3. In giving the experiences of the entity, and those influences that will bear upon the development of the entity, we find that these - for this entity in the present - have some peculiar or unusual turns.
4. From the astrological aspects we find the entity almost EXACTLY upon the cusps. Hence we will find two influences, and the entity oft needing, requiring, a consideration by those making the choice of environs for the entity during the early portion of its developments.
5. That there are then responsibilities, this becomes apparent. For there has been into this keeping, in these beginnings, entrusted in this experience an entity that may mean as much to the world as the entity meant to, means to, America.
6. Make then for those influences that there may be not the pampering, yet a development wherein there may be the OPPORTUNITIES for the ENTITY'S OWN development. Yet choices of that as is to be the entity's ideal will depend upon the manner in which corrections are made, the manner in which moral fortitude is manifested, the manner in which the general impressions are made upon the developing mind of this entity.
7. Coming under those influences of Gemini and Scorpio, as are indicated, there will be tendencies for weaknesses in the early developing; requiring that those caring for the body be mindful as to the digestive forces and that there is kept an equal balance - else there may come, of course, those experiences of an early change in the activity, or in the sojourn. In these then the proper precautions should be taken, that there are the proper relationships and that there is the proper balance kept between those things that produce acid and those that keep an alkalin balance in the digestive forces of the body. [See 1208-2 through 1208-5, etc.]
8. Save from these, as we find, if these precautions are kept, little experience of anxiety may be felt as respecting the activities in the conditions throughout the entity's experience.
9. Hence if these precautions are taken and the care of the body is made in this direction during the first year and six months, the entity would almost grow and care for itself.
10. As has been indicated through the periods, this influence in Mercury will make for a high MENTAL development. With the experience as has been indicated this must be directed. For if these tendencies are turned from the right MENTAL attitudes AS to choices, these may be as detrimental as they are beneficial. For the entity will be, as it has been, an extremist - in ALL of its associations. And what it wants it will WANT NOW! In these respects then there will be needed the proper precautions as to the reasoning with the entity. For, as will be the natural nature, it will be an arguer from the beginnings - and making for demands such that there will have to be a reason, and this expressed in no uncertain terms in the entity's development.
11. From Jupiter, which we find as the ruling influence, then, there comes the influence wherein the entity will make for friendships in EVERY association, off all characters. Here again there must be not the associations without a reason, but a reasoning with the entity for its choice of associations. For, as the entity in its relationships must belong as it were to the WORLD, it will regard all peoples alike. For those influences and activities will be the greater influence, if those directions are made in the experiences of its development as to its proper relationships and choices as to its associations.
12. For the high and the low, those of fame and those of defame, will be AS ONE to the entity without reason - unless guided aright.
13. The influences of Mercury as combined WITH those in Venus make for the natural tendency for what may be termed a piddler; that is, in EVERYTHING will the entity in part excel, whether this be in music - as a fiddler - or whether as one that would make for new applications of the OLD conditions in the affairs of individuals. A natural arguer; then a natural orator also.
14. And he will be able to argue most everyone down, unless those tendencies are directed aright.
15. A natural scribe, as is indicated from the very LOVE of EXPERIENCES through the entire experience of the entity in this sojourn. Hence by some it will be termed a meddler; for it will be into everything - as a curiosity. Nothing will be strange to the entity, but - to know WHY it works!
16. As to the appearances in the earth and those that influence the entity in the present - if there are the activities directed or guided as has been indicated in its sojourn in the early portion, or the formative years, in the choice of of the entity:
17. Before this, as given, the entity lived in the earth during those periods when there were the turmoils in that known as the Revolution, and in the activities of the Colonists.
18. The entity then, as Thomas Jefferson, made these contributions to the activities of the people - that are well known, or may be had through the many references that may be drawn upon my those seeking to know. [Yrs. 1743-1826]
19. But rather seek to know the BASIC FORCES that DIRECTED same. For the inventive genius that PROMPTED the activities of the entity then, the curious nature that made for the many oppositions that arose in the experience, are those things that are indicated in the two natures that apparently will be in the developing period of the entity's activities.
20. Hence in the application of same, not because of "HE WAS" but because these may be USED, there should be the correct guidance and training in his formative years. For as a great landowner will the entity be if it reaches the years of its majority.
21. The experience before that we find was in those periods when there were the disturbances in or the establishing of that land now called France, when there were the first of the separations through the Gallic Wars, through the activities that made for a separation for the east or for the west portions of the Helvetic activities - the Romans and Britons and the Normans. [Yrs. 200-100 B.C.?]
22. The entity then was among those that made for the establishing or the setting of this apart in those periods of the experience, in the name then Donquiellen.
23. In the experience the entity gained and lost. Gained, and through those activities brought into the influences of those peoples that which has remained much of the basic forces of that as a nation, that as a people, that has been as a SEPARATE influence in the affairs of the world throughout the periods since that establishment.
24. Hence we find in the application in the entity's experience in the present, those very influences for power - if they are not merely idealistic but purposeful, with the ideals of a union for an application - will bring not only material but the spiritual benefits in those activities of the earth.
25. For the entity from those very things may become that one who may make of the world as ONE nation, and those of other lands as but states in ONE grand kingdom.
26. Before that we find the entity was in that land during those periods when there were the activities that made for the rise and fall of many lands, in the Grecian, the Persian, all of the eastern lands; when THAT entity now known as Alexander the Great made for the conquering forces of the earth - the depleting that there might bring to self the exaltations. [356-323 B.C.] [See 3976-4 on 2/11/27.]
27. HERE the entity lost. For these will become in the experience of the entity those influences that might makes for right, or power making for indulgences. And if these are not conquered in the experiences as the principles that are set in its earthly experience, these may run as wild in the very activities of the entity - even as then.
28. Before that we find the entity was in the land now known as the Atlantean, when there were the disturbances upon which those divisions arose.
29. The entity then took the part of those who later became the heads of those that warred against those of the Law of One, and then in the name of Sululon - as would be termed in the present.
30. In those experiences the entity made for destructive forces in the early experiences, yet with those activities that brought about the union in body with one of the daughters of the Law of One, the entity then become to each group as one set apart. For the teachers of the Law of One were afraid of the ability, while those that were of the sons of Belial were afraid of the entity becoming what would be termed in the present as a traitor.
31. Hence throughout those periods the entity became then THAT ONE that led the first establishing of the activity in the varied lands that came to be known as later the Mayan, the Yucatan, the Inca, the Peruvian - and LATER the Mound Builders in the northern portions of the entity's present sojourn. [Ohio?]
32. Not that the entity remained there, but established those activities which has become a part of the entity by those divisions.
33. Hence we find in these three expeditions or experiences, while the principles are the same, the expressions of same are in varying MANNERS of manifestation, coming from the one MENTAL or PHYSICAL BEING'S mind - for a development. Or as called by many, as may be in the present, a meddler with things that to many are dangerous.
34. As to the abilities then of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain and how: These become as problematicals in those that may be about, those that may have to do with, its early developments. But RULE rather than be ruled, for the entity will tend to rule all about same.
35. When the entity has passed its thirteenth year, begin again.
36. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Parents
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See previous readings for parents, Mrs. [934] and Mr. [391], regarding preparing for entrance of a (this) soul into the earth. [934-3 and 391-16]

REPORTS

1. See subsequent Physical Readings.
2. 2/04/37 See 1208-7, Par. 15-A in re early training; also 1208-7 Background.
3. 5/19/37 Aunt [288]'s letter to Mrs. [903]: "His parents have managed to stay together, though there is a flare-up every now and then. I'm just praying, and 'sitting tight.'"
4. 12/08/37 See 1208-8, Par. 15-A--17-A advice to parents in re training.
5. 4/04/38 See 1564-1, Par. 34 in re his associations with [1208] as Alexander the Great, indicating history has given a "very bad concept of why he wept, or why he did this or that."
6. 6/22/38 Mother reported that [1208] loved to draw pictures and to draw figures which simulated handwriting. He also made speeches in a loud voice and seemed to have a lot of rhythm in his body whenever he heard music.
7. 7/25/39 Aunt [288] wrote that [1208] was a determined little fellow, that "He's always trying to change the subject if you go to correct him about anything, but he doesn't want anybody changing the subject on him!"
8. 9/28/39 See 288-45, Par. 15-A in re past Persian-Grecian associations. [10/19/39 See 538-59, Par. 19-A, in re nurse in Greece.]
9. 4/40 & 5/40 See 1196-14 in re [1208] & parents.
10. 8/09/40 Aunt [288]'s ltr.: "My mother [1187] was here about a month, and my little niece [1635], who is only 2 yrs. old, with big blue eyes and beautiful golden curls. [1208] heard people rave over her blue eyes and curls so much that he must have been jealous. One night when he was trying to go to sleep he could talk of nothing else. '[288], why didn't God put blue eyes in me? If I have to keep these brown eyes I'll just die! Pray God, [288], and pray Him I didn't want brown eyes but I wanted blue eyes.' The next morning he wanted me to make him some curls. Really, it was pathetic. I finally convinced him that boys didn't want curls, and that he had just as beautiful brown eyes as [1635] had blue ones."
11. 9/30/40 He started to kindergarten and loved it, but shortly afterward his parents separated again and his mother took him back to her mother's in Ohio.
12. 3/05/41 Mother's letter: "Sunday [1208] and I stayed for church and he amused all the kids around us (grown ups too) by drawing these queer little figures. It's amazing the things he does. I've saved some of them that are really good, and the ideas are all his own."
13. 12/25/41 EC rec'd Xmas card signed by [1208]. His mother said he had sent them to all his friends.
14. 7/13/42 See Ck. Life 1208-18 in re schooling, the advice of which was not followed.
15. 7/13/42 See 1208-18 advising that [1208] be sent to Mrs. [2174]'s school in N.H. See subsequent correspondence between EC and Mrs. [2174] under 2174-4 Reports.
16. 7/19/42 Aunt [288] wrote [1208]'s father, overseas, regarding this conversation she had with [1208]:
    "[288], when does Santa Claus die?" "He doesn't die. Santa Claus is always alive." "Why?" "Because Santa Claus is a spiritual being, like the angels." "Well, [288], why can't we live always, like the angels and Santa Claus? Why do we have to die?" "Because we aren't good enough. If we always did good things and never bad things, we'd get so we could live all the time. Jesus was like that - He was so perfect that even when He was crucified He rose from the dead and kept right on living in the spirit plane and was the same as in the earth." "Well, [288], that's not fair! It's not fair for Jesus and the angels and Santa Claus to live all the time, and we can't! Do you think if I was good all the time I'd live always?" "Of course - but you might not be able to do it in one lifetime. You know, even when you die you come back again and try to live better next time." "I know it, [288], but it takes so long!"
17. [1208] loved pets, won first prize in a pet show a couple of months ago with his rabbit and turtle, representing "The Hare and the Tortoise."
18. 9/42 He signed his order for an autographed copy of THERE IS A RIVER, special edition.
19. 9/28/42 EC's letter to Mrs. [808]: [1208]'s mother got cold feet, said she couldn't bear to think of his being so far away from her when he was so young. Hard to say what is what - just hope she never regrets it. Am disappointed, yet not surprised, but she had been so willing when I made arrangements. Do not know what happened to her."
20. 10/07/42 Aunt [288]'s letter indicated that [1208] was staying with her and going to public school, that he still brought home interesting drawings which the teacher said showed "action". "[1922] says he is real good in school and minds her nicely."
21. 2/04/43 See 1208-19, a Ck. Physical when he had the mumps.
22. His aunt indicated that shortly after the above date [2/04/43] [1208] went to live with his mother and changed schools. His report card early in June indicated he annoyed others in class, made unnecessary noise, was prompt in work habits and response to direction; C in writing, B in reading, B in language, D in arithmetic, B in physical education, music and drawing. [B-Above Average; C-Average; D-Below Average]
23. 4/18/43 Mrs. [2072]'s letter: "What were [1208]'s reactions to the celebration of his 200th birthday, I wonder? Did you see LIFE for April 12th and the picture painted by Charles Wilson Peale in 1791? It seemed to me I could see so much likeness, in the eyes and set of mouth especially. Hardly have I ever SEEN so much proof of reincarnation. Give me a strange sort of feeling."
24. 6/02/43 See cousin's reading, 1635-3, Par. 50-A, indicating their past associations in France and in the early Egyptian period, neither of which [at the same period] were given in his Life Rdg.
25. 6/03/43 See cousin's reading 2892-2, Par. 33-A indicating their Egyptian association.
26. 7/23/43, 8/13/43 See letters under 1837-1 in re rare books on Thomas Jefferson which Mrs. [1837] and EC bought for [1208]. [See in A.R.E. Library.]
27. 10/43 Miss [288] reported that [1208] was again staying with her and had entered public school. In '44 and '45 she reported that [1208] was with his mother most of the time, but that he was switched from one school to another, staying a month or so in a public school and then switched to a private school for a few months, and so on.
28. 5/14/44 See 281-65, Par. 21-A personal message.
29. 3/47 Miss [288] wrote: "I heard [1208] and [1635] arguing about their respective birthdates in June. [1635] said: '[1208], you will not so be 12 years on your next birthday!' "[1208]: 'Well, how do you suppose I get to go to all the Scout Meetings then?' "[1635]: 'I don't know, but you're just 2 yrs. older than I am, and I'll only be 9 on my birthday.' "[1208] (Thinking a minute): 'Yes, [1635], but I saw my birth certificate, and I was born a year before I was supposed to be.'" [She gave this as an example of how he argues everybody down, just as his reading said.]
30. In 1947 she reported that [1208] had been changed three times in his school that year, and that his general standing was D. In 6/47 the teacher advised that he repeat Grade 5A. [In the summer of 1947 he spent a week at a Jewish Boys' Camp with his cousin, whose mother, sister of [1208]'s mother, had married a Jew. Off and on his mother would spend months at a time with her sister and the two sets of boys would live together. [1208] was very fond of his Jewish uncle. Briefly his mother and father had remarried after the war but had again separated.]
31. 10/08/47 Miss [288] reported that [1208] had rec'd an A [in another school] for a map of South America which he had drawn and colored, marked, etc. At the end of first period of 1947-48 school his teacher wrote on his report card: "[1208] doesn't seem to be able to apply himself or try to keep busy. I would be happy to see him really put forth the effort to be cooperative in the class room and study. I am sure that he can do his work. There are 43 in the class and not much time for individual attention and no time for PLAY." Second period: "Okay 2nd period all the way through - much improvement shown. In the fall of '47 and spring of '48 he had a paper route and saved his money. It was his only school year in which he was allowed to "stay put" and finish the year out at the same school.
32. 3/28/48 He joined the church - a Protestant denomination, where he had been attending Sunday School. [In 5/48 his mother married again and when school was out he went back to Ohio to live with her. The marriage did not last very long and there was much moving around with many changes during the next two years, his most important 12th and 13th years.]
33. 4/25/49 His aunt (mother's sister)'s letter: "He is happy here, having made many friends and he is active in sports. He belongs to a knothole team and they just rec'd their new uniforms Sat. He got a real thrill out of that. He looks well and is making good grades."
34. 12/49 Miss [288] reported that [1208]'s father, who had been an alcoholic problem for years, was now suffering with T.B. and spent much of his time in a Veteran's Hospital. Outside of the few months he had been with her in '47-'48 while [1208] was staying with her, the father and son had no contact other than letters, exchange of gifts at Xmas, etc., etc.
35. 6/18/52 He wrote his letter to his mother: "A few friends and I drove up to Charlottesville on a little trip last Monday, to see Monticello. We saw his [Jefferson]'s home and where he was buried. That's where I want to go to college - the University of Virginia."
36. 8/01/52 His aunt [199] wrote: "I wish [1208] could have known [391] as he was during high school days." [During the next 3 yrs. [1208]'s Jewish uncle died, of whom he was so fond and who had been like a father to him, treating him like his own sons while [1208] lived with them. His Aunt [288] got married but [1208] continued to live with her and her husband. He was very active in sports, excelled in fact, but was not a very good student. He had played in a band (cornet) during his 1947-48 school year in Va., so he again became interested in music (which he had been forced to give up when moving to Ohio). He obtained a bull [bass] fiddle and seemed to be able to play it right off without any training. He went wild over jazz, attending every jazz concert possible. One summer he spent a very enjoyable three months as a life guard. Often in school he would be caught working on very lifelike drawings instead of paying attention to the instructor.]
37. 5/07/53 Mrs. [288] wrote that his teacher reported he hadn't been turning in his assigned work. Something was the matter, perhaps girl trouble, but Mrs. [288] felt that [1208] had boasted a lot about her marrying a rich man (which was not true) and [1208] was unhappy because his friends would find out it was not true. [Later she reported that he failed in English and was supposed to go to summer school. Instead he and a friend ran away to Florida. Later they got into trouble on account of "borrowing" things and not returning them. They escaped punishment only because of being under age, and because of the help of friends.]
38. 5/04/54 His mother, [934], wrote: "The other night I was standing by the sink and I was alone. Edgar Cayce came up behind me and I turned around. He went over to the kitchen table and sat down in one of the chairs beside it. He looked at me very intently and said, 'Don't worry - He IS Thomas Jefferson.' Then he came back over, looked down at me and smiled. Then he was gone. The kitchen got real chilly after that and then I got the willies, you might call it. I thought, was he here or did I dream it? But it did happen... [1208]'s been doing fine in school in ... [Ohio since early in yr.] and he can graduate from there. I guess he told you he was M.C. at the Jr. & Sr. banquet. I've been sending his board money to Mrs. [...]. She's a fine woman and her family is nice (has 3 boys of her own)."
39. 2/55 Mrs. [288] reported that [1208] had enlisted in the Marine Corps for four years. The recruiting officer told her husband that [1208] made the highest mark of anyone they had in ..., Va., a high #2, the highest being #1 which was a genius, and they hadn't had anyone with that rating. [She said she found many life-like drawings in his room, one that was a perfect likeness of Harry S. Truman. He seemed to have a knack for catching facial expressions, etc.]
40. 11/27/56 He successfully completed the United States Armed Forces Institute (Madison, Wisconsin) tests of general educational development high school level.
41. 2/04/57 A friend of [1208]'s in Calif. wrote that [1208] had had left his collection of records with him when he left on ship, destiny Japan. They had enjoyed listening to music together and talking about A.R.E. and his Life Reading. [1208] said he liked the Marine Corps very much and that it had done wonders for him. [His mother said that even when [1208] was a baby he liked to listen to good music on the radio, even opera. In high school his cousin [1635] said he was the best dancer in school, that no party was complete without him.]
42. 2/13/57 Mother rec'd this letter [written on high seas]: "Seems like everything I ever did I completed only by the skin of my teeth. That, my dear Mother, will cease. When I start college I will have prepared myself to such an extent that there will be no stoppers or detours. I'm going straight to the top. I will be the greatest thing in law since 'ole Thomas Jefferson himself."
43. 6/08/57 He graduated from Clerk Typist School in Marine Division.
44. 7/30/57 Letter to Aunt [288]: "I wish it were possible for you and [...] to visit Japan - it's such an amazing country. They're such brave little, polite people, living in such poverty - the larger percent anyway. You know, I've never seen a Japanese child cry, always they laugh. I wonder what their secret is - maybe some day I shall find out. There's so terribly much to see. Once while visiting Kamishiro I saw the Buddha and Shinto Shrines. Have you ever seen a real Buddhist temple? It's really something to see.
    "Are you sure I have never been Japanese or at least Mongolian? Say, wasn't Alexander the Great oriental? Oh well, I don't know why I feel so much at home here with these people. I can speak Japanese almost as well as English now."
45. 8/08/57 [1208]'s ltr. to Mr. [391]:
    Thursday Afternoon
    % FPO San Francisco, Calif. Hi Dad [391],
    You don't have any idea how happy I am here you've quit drinking. I'm so proud of you. You've done, probably one of the hardest things a man can do. Admitting alcohol is the cause for all the unhappy hours he has made for himself and others.
    I leave for the states in April of '58. I'm going to be in San Francisco from there I'll more than likely be sent to Camp Pendleton near L.A.
    Then I'm sure will have a chance to find each other all over again. I'm a little too old for bouncing on your knee or playing ball in the yard etc. But I'm sure their are other important things we can talk about and do together.
    I'm looking forward to being a civilian once again after four long years' a steady way of life will greatly be enjoyed. I'm just thankful to God that I didn't have to go through the terrible pain of a world war. I'm a very fortunate person. I'm happy to say I don't drink.
    Have you been to Hollywood yet. I was there a few times I was in the "Peacock Lair" and "Zardies" wow! Their just a couple of jazzy spots. I love jazz.
    Well dad, sayonara.
    Love always your son, [1208]
    P.S. I don't have your address so I'm sending it c/o [288].
46. 8/58 Mother's letter indicated he was playing his bass viol in combo band in Los Angeles, making records and filling engagements in night spots, saying when he saved up enough money he was going to buy a Mercedes Benz, "the greatest in foreign cars."
47. 3/01/59 His mother said he was selling shoes "to girlies at ... Shoe Store in ... and playing in a combo on week-ends."
48. 8/01/59 "I work at the Hotel ... during the day and play in a jazz quintet at night. Incidentally we are very good." [For the next 2-3 months he spent most of his time in an artist colony and enjoyed the Bohemian type of life.]
49. 9/17/59 Letter from Florida indicated he was in love with a new job writing and selling commercials for a radio and TV program, travelling all over the state "getting together with sponsors and figuring out a befitting advertisement for our program."
50. 10/05/59 Aunt [288] wrote that he was back in Va., had applied, or was considering applying for a job selling insurance. She noted these sentences he had written on the sample application, indicating specific work done in the Marine Corps in "Correspondence, Legal and Discharge Clerk," after MC "Musician with the ... Club", athletics "High School football, basketball, Varsity 3 yrs.", special qualities "I have perfect health, an excellent appearance. I also get along with people no matter their race or religion quite well." [Shortly after that he started clerking in a shoe store but spent every spare minute in evenings and on week-ends practising in a jazz combo for occasional paid engagements. He started buying an M.G. sports car.]
51. 12/59 He said he'd decided he wanted to go to college and major in music, perhaps prepare himself to teach music.
52. 2/13/60 He got married to a lovely little girl of Jewish parentage, cashier in a finance company office. They were married in the synagogue. Mrs. [288] thought perhaps her Jewish parents and home life reminded him nostaligically of his happy childhood days with his half-Jewish cousins and their father who had been like a father to him. Very shortly after their marriage [1208]'s wife put a stop to the jazz combo ideas; he settled down to married life, working hard six days a week and playing golf for recreation on Sunday a.m.
53. 2/09/61 He started a correspondence course in law with LaSalle University Extension and was doing very well on his tests, but it was hard to find the required ten hours a week to spend on it.
54. 12/18/61 Aunt [288] wrote that his father, Mr. [391]: "The most exciting thing that is happening to us, at least to me, is the looking forward to your grandchild, [391]. [1208] and [...] are expecting a baby in late Feb. Wouldn't it be something, [391], if it were born on your birthday? [...] is still working, since they have so many debts yet... [934] has come recently and expects to be with her and take care of her baby. [...] is a darling little girl, very sensible, and just what [1208] needed. He has settled down so that you would hardly recognize him. He sits and watches TV in the evening and works on his law books. They have a little dog named Cedric and [934] brought her dog, of course. For almost 2 yrs. they lived with her parents, who were very good to them, and now they can appreciate a place of their own." [Baby son was born 2/22/62, Washington's birthday!]
    When the baby was a few weeks old they moved back to her parents' and the law studies ended; no space or quietness for study. His wife continued working and her mother kept the baby.
55. 5/63 They moved into an apt. and took the baby to her mother's each morning to keep all day.
56. 7/63 Mrs. [288] reported that [1208] while on vacation had become infatuated with art and spent every spare minute painting. He joined up for an art course one night a week and the teacher said he showed extraordinary talent. He also began haunting libraries and reading everything he could find on art, philosophy, etc. He especially liked Gibran, Dostoyevski, Tolstoy. He sought out people he could talk with concerning such things, saying that all of a sudden he wanted to learn everything. [Soon after the baby's birth he had gotten a wonderful job which he liked as Assistant Manager of a clothing shop that catered to teen-age groups. He had always been a good dresser himself and seemed to know exactly what styles to buy that would interest the customer. It is of interest to note that when he was a teen-ager himself he expressed the desire to work in a clothing shop; it is also of interest to recall that his Jewish uncle whom he loved was Manager of a clothing shop in a big department store during the years that [1208] knew him as a child.]
57. 8/63 He and his wife had their first serious disagreement. He became so involved in outside contacts and studies that their home life was not as closely knit; their interests were not the same. Though she tried hard she could not share his feelings for art and literature.
58. 8/63 Mrs. [288] said [1208]'s wife gave her the following which [1208] had written to her [his wife] one night after an argument:
    One moment of awakening has passed. Daylight illuminates what was dream-like before. Yet love loses nothing in the glare, rather realizes a greater intensity and beauty.
    'Whatever will befall I cannot lose you that have become my all, life, bread, and heaven withall, so did I choose you. It's so very hard to express my feeling toward you - as love is always hard put for words - This book, my bible [The Prophet, or another book by Kahil Gibran. She wasn't sure which], I hope will become yours - for it is the only one I've found that intimates the completeness that must accompany love. There can be no love except between complete individuals and to be complete - you only have to be you! "For love is sufficient unto love." [1208]
    [He would sit up all hours of the night to paint and/or read. Heretofore he had not been known to complete the reading of a book.]
59. 1/64 They entered their beautiful, extraordinarily smart little boy in a nursery school (just before being two years old!), from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. In the evenings and on week-ends they tried to plan and do things with him. [1208]'s wife tried to find a hobby that would fill her life during the hours he was engrossed in his painting, etc.
60. 4/23/64 Albert E. Turner, a friend of both [1208] and his wife [...] and their little son [...], wrote this outline for them:
    10 POINT - PROGRAM OF PROGRESS
    1. [...] MUST become interested in at least one of [1208]'s interests.
    2. [1208] MUST become interested in at least one of [...]'s activities, as work with little [...].
    3. A certain time each day must be set aside for both [...] and [1208] to play with little [...] HAPPILY. For at least 15 minutes together.
    4. A certain time each day must be set aside by [...] and [1208] for at least 15 minutes of complete silence together.
    5. [...] and [1208] must each think of the other FIRST ALWAYS. Agreed.
    6. [...] and [1208] must read October 1956 A.R.E. "Home and Marriage" pamphlet, and live by it.
    7. [...] and [1208] must always keep a constructive attitude.
    8. [...] and [1208] must always live within income and rearrange debt (refinanced if needed) so payments do not exceed income, extending due date if necessary, to decrease payments; also put aside agreed amount for future "recreation" fund, so that money would always be available for this necessary purpose.
    9. [...] and [1208] must must both made the home A home.
    10. [...] and [1208] must live by Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18, both in Old Testament.
    EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE IN DECENCY AND IN ORDER.
61. 6/64 Mrs. [288] said that [1208] was still seriously working at his art, hoping to be able to afford going to night school this fall. In the meantime he studies and practises with an art student friend who passes along his lessons to him. [See also 1208-5 Physical Reports.] The following are scraps the wife found in his desk, apparently copied from books he had been reading:
    For what power, or wealth, or Prestige can compensate for the silent agony of the hearts' bereavement?
    Remember, my brother, that the coin which you drop into the withered hand stretching toward you is the only golden chain that binds your rich heart to the loving heart of God.
    Humanity is the spirit of the Supreme Being on earth, and humanity is standing amidst ruins, hiding its nakedness behind tattered rags, shedding tears upon hollow cheeks, calling for its children in pitiful voice. But the children are busy singing the anthem; they are "Sharpening the swords" and cannot hear the cries of their mothers.
    Our knowledge of Death is part of our knowledge of life to live from moment to moment to an endless now.
    Thou art my brother because you are a human, and we both are sons of one Holy Spirit; we are Equal and made of the same earth -
    You are here as my companion along the path of life and my aid in understanding the meaning of hidden truth.
    You are a human, and, that fact sufficing, I love you as a brother.
    The universe is my Country and human family my tribe - "As love enlivens a man's heart with pain, so ignorance teaches him the way to Knowledge."
    Pain and ignorance lead to great joy and knowledge because the Supreme Being has created nothing vain under the sun.
    To hate is to be caught amidst lifes Longing to be between an inner self, this self which separates me from I.
    From the center I seek the empty bowl of kindness.
    STOP!
    Two Red eyes peering from black faces. Is this the mask of love of which I fear?
    Which road from Innocence do I go in here?
62. 6/10/64 Aunt [288] reported that although deeply in debt from installment buying, and payments on an expensive foreign sports car which he doesn't want to give up, (though his wife wants to exchange it for a cheaper car) he nevertheless felt it important recently to pay the fee for becoming a member of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
63. 8/26/65 Aunt [288] reported: "[1208] and his wife have been legally separated for several months now; he leads a vagabond existence, often following art and jazz festivals, neglecting his appearance and dress to the opposite extreme of his former great care; he has a steady stream of changing companions of both sexes. Such great possibilities are apparent, if only he could find the incentive to stick to a definite purpose long enough to succeed with it. His only staying influence at the moment, it seems, is his periodic association with his little three and a half year old son who spends most week-ends with me."
64. 4/66 Aunt [288]'s report: "[1208] has recently started working with a young couple near his own age in an effort to establish a kind of cooperative community project. They are beginning with a leather shop, arts and crafts gift shop, clothing, etc. Their intent is to stimulate creative efforts and to 'rehabilitate' young beatnik types who are drawn to them, and to work toward discovery and the real spiritual or soul development of the inner self."
65. 10/01/66 Aunt [288]'s report: "Here is a written analysis of [1208] by his good friend [...] who is one of the leaders of their project:"
    Now we are involved in a great problem, for one who is close to us and whom we love dearly, is causing a destruction and failing in us as a group, because he is so close to us and is supposed to be working for us. And he says "How can we reject anyone under the Law of Love", and he calls us hypocrits. But like a lawyer he is involved in semantics and tries to make the law work for himself for his own purposes. At these moments he is allowed a certain privilege of immunity and triumph because I cannot think clearly and formulate immediate responses. So a great deal of self analysis is involved which I commit myself to. I know he is not right, that he is acting as a lawyer, judging me, so I work out the answers that I have been formulating before and during, and now. He is using the words, not the spirit, and is trying to keep his position, assert his importance. But the law can't be used for Self, for defense and power. It is something to understand and live by. Now the contradictions are in himself, for he was openly manifesting hostile feelings toward several of us, admitted to one that he had hated us, made a determined effort to hate us and was successful for three days; had mocked two openly in front of two others for his Self's aggrandizement, and so on, all actively of the last few days. And he asserts the semantics of the Law of Love - for what? For his own position. He has a strong powered centered ego, and the ego does not want to give up but use. And he seeks to get power over us by using the semantics, not the spirit of the Law. And maybe he is not conscious of what he is doing, and this was asserted through honest inquiry and the desire to know. So it must be explained to him, and so it must be explained to him in a patient, straightforward manner, as honestly as as I can. I have not the ability to orate with him, so how can I? It is only to add to his confusion if I do for he wins his points for himself - but what has been gained. He has not permitted me time or the opportunity to explain. So how can he win over my knowledge when he has not heard it. He only wins the points he wishes to make, and that he already knows because that is his strongest insistence - To Preserve the present ego in tact in spite of all the manifestations occurring around him that cannot function with that ego he is asserting - for it is not him, but his ego that I cannot love, for it serves no purpose other than for himself, and we are trying to function out of self, as a group, for an ideal. He is worried about the problem of individualism - but what kind of an individual is he, bought and sold and traded back and forth by his ego. As an individual he is controlled - he tries to set the school against the shop, he tries to take friend away from friend - not for any higher purpose, but only for his own. In a minute he is espousing high ideals, mouthing them for his own purpose, and then when this is no satisfaction or has not worked his ends, he goes out and lives the bases [basest] and lowest form of principles. If he is not accepted in tact as the leader of the ideal, then he switches sides seeks out the enemies of and ingratiates himself with them, says to one he is going to be on Bad Lou's side now, and for a period tries to lead them. But how long can he do that. He sees and knows too much, and this is only a temporary satisfaction, an "unglad pleasure", so he comes back to that which holds the highest he can become, but he will not allow himself to become that, for his ego fills his vulnerable mind with fears that he is not going to be an individual. But look at what an individual he would be, would have to fulfill what he knows is his purpose. So he is not operating on faith of his own being, but on the fears of his ego. And he can't understand why we have no fear.
    So as to the Law of Love - we love him dearly for what he is, for what is obvious to all that he can be. And we have compassion for him for what he has let himself become and seems so inextricably bound to by choice and desire and fear. But we can't allow that person to work with us to become known as us. He is not a representative of us, only of himself. We can not carry his weigh. We cannot lift him physically and act as puppeteers, controlling his actions and words. He has to act from himself, as an individual, for we are not manipulators or puppeteers. Each has his own being to guide, to choose for, and to advance. We develop our own individually as regard to Self and to purpose, which is to manifest the ideal of human existence on the earth plane. We cannot coerce or force or manipulate - each must make his own decision all along the way, and he has his own free will to choose, advance, follow, lead, or leave at any point along the way.
    So as an individual, he has his individualism. He stands alone, representing only himself, with his own personal hill - [hell?] inside him, a hell for his own creation. So let him stand alone, trying to work his own hell's influence by influencing others - but those he influences will not stand long by him, because he moves too fast, switches too often. He can only create hell in others and leave them. And that is not our purpose - ours is "the heaven within." So is it any wonder we can't work with him.
66. 10/12/66 Aunt [288]'s report: "With the help of the couple he has been working with all summer [1208] has just started to work managing a small clothing shop in a nearby community. He is on his own again and seems to have the desire to make good. His friends hope that he will learn to stand alone, to take responsibility, to stabilize himself, and that he will again later join them in their cooperative project."
67. 10/28/66 Aunt's letter: "[1208] got married Sat. to [...]. He seems very happy. She is a very quiet girl, just 21... a profile resembling his, almost as tall as he. Last summer early when he first met her he told me he had never felt the same way about a girl before, sort of protective like. She is about as different from [[...], his first wife] as one could possibly be, I reckon. He says, 'She loves me the way I am and won't try to change me.' It is strange - she also is Jewish - an only child, but adopted."
68. 11/03/66 Mother [934]'s letter: You know, I'm really thrilled and happy for [1208]. I know just what he means when he says, 'Take me as I am, or let me go.' She will help him, and he her. [1208] has all the potentials. [288] and I have always known that - and we loved him as was and is...
    "My heart goes out to [...] [his first wife]. You see, I thoroughly understand her. Even when she gave me such a rough time [when I was keeping house for them and taking care of the baby], I knew how her mind worked. There's a lot of good there, and she tried. It was a rough go for them. I saw what was happening and, as is the way with inlaws, I was powerless to do anything.
    "If I had been as wise when [391] and I were married, I might have saved ours. That's hindsight, though - so now to make the best of what lies ahead."
69. 7/09/67 His wife [...] gave birth to their baby son in ..., Ky.
70. 8/68 He and his wife separated and were subsequently divorced.
71. 2/06/70 His Aunt [288] wrote: "[1208] phoned me today. He is managing a successful boutique shop in the D.C. area. He told me he has just finished reading the life of Alexander the Great which tells details about him from the age of four, and he, [1208], can REMEMBER the incidents of Alexander's childhood - in fact, some of these things have come out in his dreams during the last year or so. [1208] says he is going to getting touch with Dr. Walter N. Pahnke, M.D. (psychiatrist) in Baltimore, Md., hoping that Dr. Pahnke can help him get straightened out. I asked him if there was any special problem. He said, 'No, just the same old thing - trying to get hold of myself.'" [Later he told us that he did NOT see Dr. Pahnke.]
72. 4/70 He wrote Dr. Harmon H. Bro, psychotherapist, who had been counseling him:
    Dear Harmon:
    This letter may turn out to be more barabajagal than letter but then being the wise man that you are I'm sure you will be able to wade through it. In any case here I am.
    First, He was in the world... And the world was made by Him... And the world knew Him not...and we both know why...
    Second, Let the dead bury the dead.
    Third, I say, let us believe in tomorrow. Also, the shadow of our lives never goes away. Do we not belong to each other, all of us, every single twig and branch, brook and ocean, are we not One great consciousness of the unity of all life? I think we are... Then that makes love the most important thing in the universe. I say let us believe in love for it is the only way we have. The strength, then, of being positive in the face of good is ALWAYS easy. But, what of the strength of positive in the hungry face of sin, failure, stubbing your toe, teasing a crippled mind. That is the test of love, patience, the way of light, the Light! Now, in my life, I have never been so sure of myself, so at peace, so in love with life, so positive. I wish you were here to see, it would make you smile. BUT... What of this? She is, He was. They are. We were. Separate from the whole. I am. I am what? What! And, so, according to what - what is what according to? And yet if I know nothing - which is what I think on occasion what can I say about anything? Anything and something eliminates nothing? I don't know. I've read stories by many brilliant men and women. They say things which to me are still only illusions. But, in salvation and away from nothing and something and anything and it and that I can find the God I know, in the green growing grass, in the wise old oak tree, who has stood proud and mighty for many years and is STILL MAGNIFICENT! I listen to him spread tales of sunshine and moon mist and of the little people that play at his feet. So where does one start when he becomes curious of the self mystery that is ever screaming is his head and his heart? I think he might look to nature. Study its harmony, its perfect balance, its obvious love for its brother. Nature in its silent humility renders ONLY the reflection of God, and man is QUICKLY making that an illusion as well. So, look for me among the wild flowers in a sand castle by the sea for Love is all there is. And I want to see and touch and smell the colours of the morning. I want to feel the fresh air in my lungs that is the very breath of our Creator. I want to roll in the turning, fallen leaves of autumn and kiss the earth with my fingers. I want to run naked through a rainbow. There are no secrets there.
    Thank you all, [signed] [1208]
73. 4/70 His poems sent to Dr. Harmon Bro:
    A ujourd 'hui C'est toi by [1208]
    There were three castles, in the beginning. Three fairies at last. Silence cast no shadows under rainbow skys. And I flew away from the black cat that hides in the terror of no sky. And, I am not afraid, for I am the sky.
    the end.
    A L'ombre De Nous also by [1208]
    Beware of white knuckles in the sand! Seven were there. and one remained. He walked on black sand and his skin were made of stone. His eyes clicked once and I was all alone. Teeth clenched, knuckles white, and out of the great quiet came the darkness that cast no shadows. And I was not alone...
    A POEM [of Progress] [8/27/68] by [1208]
    As a young man I worshipped the black cat that lived in the silence, in the shadows, in the memories of one's own back yard. I played with skeletons and other creatures that once lived and sucked the very wisdom from my mind. I came upon a playground - a see-saw - a fountain - and a clown-I-am. I played and played until my feet were able to once again touch the ground. And now that I can walk and run and even see - from within-I-am.
    No longer do I linger in the shadows - no longer do I take my meals amongst the swine. Rather I seek the way of all great men - to return to my Father and the heaven within.
74. 9/02/70 He visited A.R.E., saying that he had just come from Charlottesville, where he had seen Monticello for the first time - in this life; he could at last really KNOW that it was all true, what the reading had said. He had the knowledge beforehand, as he entered a room, of what he would find there. "I love it," he said, "I want to live there NOW!" He announced that he was going to Greece - he wanted to spend the winter there. "I've had several experiences in dreams which make me know I must go. For a long time I've been complaining about conditions of the world and the so-called 'establishment.' Now I've come to realize that I personally was responsible for starting much that has come to pass. So I must go back over there where it all started and see if I can find myself."
75. 9/07/70 His mother, Mrs. [934], wrote: "[1208] will probably leave for Europe this week and I trust it's right for him to go. God will guide him, I'm sure. This excerpt I found in one of my little books I read by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I was pretty low one day, worried about what my boy was doing with his life, and turned to this. It seems appropriate, doesn't it?"
    HE WILL WEAVE NO LONGER A SPOTTED LIFE OF SHREDS AND PATCHES. BUT HE WILL LIVE WITH A DIVINE UNITY. HE WILL CEASE FROM WHAT IS BASE AND FRIVOLOUS IN HIS LIFE, AND BE CONTENT WITH ALL PLACES, AND WITH ANY SERVICE HE CAN RENDER. HE WILL CALMLY FRONT THE MORROW, IN THE NEGLIGENCY OF THAT TRUST WHICH CARRIES GOD WITH IT, AND SO HATH ALREADY THE WHOLE FUTURE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HEART. R. W. Emerson
76. 9/13/70 He wrote: "I'm in a small fishing village on the Aegean Sea [postmarked Mykonos]. It's here, I'm told, that Alexander used to play as a child, the most beautiful place on earth. No wonder it's produced so many men of genius. All the men sound just like Anthony Quinn in Zorba, the Greek. I've learned to speak quite well, apparently, for they seem quite impressed with my Greek vocabulary. Wow! We go to the moon, shoot Indians, let the poor die, cheat the old and stupid, and these people - so poor yet hearts of gold - they wear their rags like kings. The poorest Greek has as much dignity and strength of mind and soul as the king and queen. They're incredible. I swear, they're too much. They ride around in their little donkey driven carts like nobody's business, and they don't hurry unless its absolutely necessary. I love it. We should all be Greeks again. It would do us good. Do you know the whole darn country closes down between 1:00-5:00! No sir! They don't hurry - they are in complete control, and they are one people... Everyone loves everyone - no communications gap, no put-ons. Oh, there's quite a quality here that America needs so badly. I'm going to stay 'til I find out what it is. I'm sure it's a simple and obvious one, so it may take a while...
    "Well, I can't begin to explain the beauty of this new world where I am now living. First let me tell you the cities are almost the same, but! the countryside is unreal; no, real. Real beauty. Not a piece of litter anywhere. It is unmistakably clean. These little farms and big ones, too, look scrubbed clean - windows so clean you don't know they are even there. Floors - not a speck of dirt to be found!
    "Yesterday I went through the Black Forest. Remember Hansel and Gretel? Today through the Alps. They stand like white soldiers - tall and strong, guarding this green, green, fertile countryside. If America is afraid of this - wow! Each one at home should see it and remember this is the old, backward country that we left to build a new America on. There is not one thing at home that I can compare it with except Jefferson's home. Boy!
    "Flowers everywhere. The people are simple, beautiful people who seem so happy and content. I could live here for a thousand lifetimes."
77. 10/08/70 He wrote: "Well, you're not going to find this easy to believe, but this is what's happening to me. I ran into a friend of mine and [...]'s from Norfolk, Va. He came to Mykonos for a few days and we ran into each other there. Isn't that far out? Anyway, he's going to school here in Italy. It's the University of Italy. It's a school for linguists and international law. He convinced me to take the entrance examination and I was stone sure I couldn't pass it. Well, that night I had a dream and 'Eddie Cakie' was my prof. In my dream he [Edgar Cayce] was the head of the school and Gladys was his secretary. Mrs. Cayce worked in the cafeteria. Anyway, I took a test given by Harmon Bro. 'Wow! What a bunch of smart people to have in a dream.' I passed. So, the next day I decided to try the real exam. at the University. Anyway, I did really super. Imagine that! So, I enrolled, and applied for the G.I. Bill."
78. 11/25/70 He wrote Hugh Lynn from Perugia, Italy: "Things have taken a delightful turn for the best, via school, etc. I have made some interesting discoveries, in the Italian vein of E.S.P., Edgar and so on. It seems I'm in the midst of Perugia's underground, as it were (much the same as when you and I were boys), followers of the Edgar Cayce advice. So, as per many meetings with a group of about 20 persons I've begun a translation of 'A SEARCH FOR GOD, Book I.' Also, when I arrived on the scene they were Ouija Boarding it up - medium trances, etc. Well, I straightened that out right away with a quick experiment that I conjured up via some hasty praying. The experiment was, if they insisted on seances, my idea was, don't settle for any run of the mill spirit when you can go to the head man. Always ask the top man, right! So, I said to the medium, 'Ask to speak to Christ and ask Him for the Way.' Well! That was surely an experience most will not forget for some time to come. I don't know if we had a confrontation with Him or not, but it looks like we did. In fact it makes no difference, 'cause the information was this: This was the first time the medium did not talk as if possessed momentarily by some vagabond entity. Instead the experience was more like a dream. The medium said he and Christ walked in a garden and that - well, to make a long one short - the Way is, SEARCH FOR GOD and your discourse on Meditation. How about that? By the way, could you send me a copy or two of that paper on meditation, the one you used for the Free University lectures?
    "Please excuse my rotten grammar and sentence structure - it's just a handicap that I must live with for now."
    Sincerely, [1208]
79. [1208]'s note to HLC:
    ASSISI
    Chicsa di S. Francesco - Tomba del Santo La Basilique de Saint Francois - Le lembee du Saint The Church of St. Francis - The Saint's Tomb Basilika St. Franziskus - Grab des Heiliglum
    Hugh Lynn -
    This is where I attend Church - It's mentioned in Elsie's Book - the one on dreams: "[?]"
    She might like to see it. By. [1208]
80. 11/25/70 He wrote: "Soon school will be out for two months and I'll be leaving Italy because it's much too expensive for me. I suppose I'll go to Africa where I can live for about 80 cents a day."
81. 12/02/70 He wrote: "I've decided to leave for Spain and stretch out my dollars there... I hope I can earn some money so I can stay on in the spring to finish my school."
82. 12/28/70 "Here I am in Africa... I never in my whole life expected to be in Africa. It is so HEAVY." [Marrakesh, Morocco.]
83. 1/10/71 He ret'd to U.S.A., but said he expected to return to Italy by Apr. 1st.
84. 2/10/71 GD's note: I came across this extract from a book which I copied some years ago and thought it would be well to add to the Reports on 1208-1:
    Copied by GD 9/16/54 Apparent parallel between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander the Great, according to the following extract from E. Schure's book, JESUS, THE LAST GREAT INITIATE (Wm. Rider & Son, London 1917), pp. 3-4:
    If there was one who understood what the world needed, and who endeavored to restore this need by an effort of heroic genius, that one was Alexander the Great. The legendary conqueror, initiated, as was also his father, Philip, into the mysteries of Samothrace, proved himself even more of an intellectual son of Orpheus than a disciple of Aristotle. Doubtless, the Achilles of Macedonia, who, accompanied by a mere handful of Greeks, crossed Asia as far as India, dreamed of universal empire, but not after the fashion of the Caesars, by oppression of the people, and the destruction of religion and unfettered science. His grand idea was to reconcile Asia and Europe by a synthesis of religions, supported by scientific authority. Impelled by this thought, he paid homage to the science of Aristotle, as he did to the Minerva of Athens, the Jehovah of Jerusalem, the Egyptian Osiris, and the Hindu Brahma, recognizing, as would a veritable initiate, an identical divinity and wisdom beneath these differing symbols. This new Dionysus possessed a broad sympathy and mighty prophetic insight. Alexander's sword typified the last flash of the Greece of Orpheus, illuminating both East and West. The son of Philip died in the intoxication of victory and the glorious accomplishment of his dream, leaving the shreds of the empire to selfish and rapacious generals. But his thought did not die with him; he had founded Alexandria, where Oriental Philosophy, Judaism, and Hellenism were to be fused in the crucible of Egyptian esoterism, until the time might be ripe for the resurrection word of the Christ.
85. See Source File Key #1208 for astrological chart submitted on 2/74 by Dorothy Moore, 6842 Merrille Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 re 1208-1.
86. 7/13/77 GD's note:
    He [1208] gave me this poem today, based on a dream he had. I think it was composed for him by a friend. [1208]
    A child of light conceived by impact of such force of purpose and desire to change the world and bring a new world into being.
    A child of love conceived in space by union of two worlds held separate, apart to make a union together more by separateness except for peaks of oneness in their being that puts the sunlight in the sky.
    A cosmic child conceived by oneness of such magnitude to slip the bonds of earthly form and testify the union of "I AM" a man to heal the world.
    A child of splendor conceived in shimmering water in promise of a final universal union through which the One, the All declares this early Wednesday dawn "This is MY son!" Rejoice!
87. 12/05/78 [1208] to his 16 yr. old son [GD copied from his handwritten letter which the son wanted returned to him]:
    Hello [#1 son],
    I was glad to get your letter and am flattered that you would seek my advice. So, here are my ideas on a subject I am not strange to. For one thing, indiscriminately eating drugs that you KNOW very little about is a DANGER. It does sometimes start as a game. However, drugs are quite real and quite serious. So, don't be fooled by the "hemes" (people) who 'laugh it off'. I know it's for real because real people I have known have ended in an O.D. (overdose) and quite DEAD literally! Thinking all along a GAME of chicken.
    A person's body is not a replaceable toy. It IS your vehicle for life on this planet. Take CARE of it. There are lots of flashes to be had on lots of different levels. The thing is not to jump into anything you aren't sure of. Know your limitations. Speed is real dumb but shooters are a sad and lonely trip. However, this subject is better discussed in person. Maybe we will get the chance soon. Just understand that artificial flashes from drugs isn't really such a big part of life. Don't feel like you have missed out on anything especially good. Your "friend" who said "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it" should know that that is one of the most asinine sayings ever invented. That's like saying "Don't knock scarlet fever 'til you've tried it" - or hard times, or confusion, etc. Don't fall game to a fool's ploy, [...] [Son], or reassure them that what they are doing is all right by joining in. Deep inside you know what is right. MAKE the time to sit quietly and get to know your feelings. Space out a little on the subject - it helps to clear the mind, you know. Feelings will always tell you right from wrong for you, if you learn how to cut through all the illusions; meaning other people's hang-ups and your own. (Everybody has hang-ups; the object is to try to master them instead of letting them master you). See through to the TRUTH.
    There is a lesson to be learned almost everywhere you turn. It is my feeling that it hasn't been learned until you feel good about your decisions - at that point you become a leader of good leadership.
    One of the fine tricks of life is how to enjoy. How can you have a good time, even at a party, if you are not enjoying life? A sense of humor is essential. If you can see it through a sense of humor you are not, or can't be, all bad. Another trick is to enjoy some little things; like walking from one place to another - some sunshine, a cold glass of milk, etc. The point is that it is all the little things that, bunched together, make up your life. IF you take pleasure in all these little things, life as a whole will be more enjoyable. Being sincerely happy DEEP DOWN is where the best highs are. Learning how to get the real thing is much more of a challenge than a quick flash, that is as easy as taking a pill - Big Deal!
    Hang in there and listen to YOUR self, not a bunch of people that you will not even remember what their faces look like in ten years. Life is a trip and yours is in its beginning. You have lots of hours to live. Spend your TIME wisely - it's more, MORE precious than money. When you run out of money you can get more. Needless to say, when you run out, your time - it's just gone! Soon you will be on your own, so try for as much positive learning as you can. Try not to do anything you will regret later. Know your limitations.
    This letter was composed unitarily by [GD's note: His 3rd wife] and me; hope it is a help. Advice is not cheap if it comes from the experience.
    Hang in there, man.
    Love, Dad ([1208]) and [...] P.S. Nice paper, huh? [GD's note: He wrote the letter on legal size sheets of paper cut from a brown grocery bag, and mailed it in an envelope he made from the same paper. I read the letter to Les and he said, "Well, for the first time he sounds to me like Thomas Jefferson."]

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