Edgar Cayce Readings, 1238-1

(Life Reading Suggestion)

TEXT

EC: Yes. As we find, the entity now known as or called [1238] was born on March (what we would term March now) 15, 1887 (but quite a different name). [GD's note: A simplified version of his Russian name which, he later said, was unpronounceable.]
In giving the interpretation of those influences in the experience of this entity, whether from the astrological aspects from the sojourns through the interims between the earthly appearances or from the sojourns in the earth that make for urges through the sensory forces or the sensing, we find:
As indicated astrologically, manifestedly, the entity is a very highly SENSITIVE individual. And the experiences of supersensitiveness have at times in its experience in the earth stood it in good stead; while at others they have become at times rather embarrassing; at others they have produced differences and gradually built up barriers that the entity would like - if it would analyze itself - to eradicate.
Hence as in all experiences, for this entity as with others, there are constantly the periods - mentally, materially - in which choice is to be made.
There are those influences that are to be governed by that which is the ideal, mentally, morally, spiritually.
For the experiences of each soul, as with this, are to be judged according to that which is the purpose in self as in relationships to the ideal.
Hence we have found in the entity's experience that in varied activities in the present the entity has judged according to that which has brought to the entity conveniences, satisfying experiences in the physical body AT TIMES of rather a selfish nature. Yet the very intuitive forces have through these experiences prompted the entity to attempt to here and there do that in relationships to others which would within self at least satisfy, atone for that. And this has kept a sensitiveness to the individual experience of the entity. For each soul attempts to justify itself in whatever may be the dealings with its fellow man.
Either then does the justification arise in that self is sufficient, and that which will add to the satisfying of the longings, whether mental or material, self-indulgence or self-aggrandizement, or that adds to that as will draw in the experience that which is held as the entity's spiritual ideal.
Hence with this entity, as with most, self needs to be understood, to analyze self as to what HAS been, what is being sought, in this material experience in the present. Is it that the way may be made easy for self in its appetites for its body? Or is there a mental and spiritual ideal? and that there is the desire that those forces, those activities in its relationships to its fellow man still draw those principles of equity and justice and peace and harmony and mercy and understanding? Or is it for self ALONE, IRRESPECTIVE of others' disturbances, duties or obligations?
Hence the entity's abilities, as indicated from those very experiences through which the entity has passed when it has in the least turned to the introspective self and looked into the heart of self or as to the motivative forces, are such that there ARE obligations, there ARE duties, there ARE those things in which the self may hold self in check. For there has come into the consciousness of the entity, though oft it has been held in abeyance, that there IS a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof is confusion, the end thereof is death, the end thereof is turmoils and strife.
Thus does it behoove the entity to take stock of self and see in what direction the sails of its own life have been set, in what manner the vine of thine understanding has been trained; that the fruits of thy life shall be trailed in the dust of the earth or proclaimed - not as laudation to thee as an individual or personality, but rather that what thou hast accomplished in the hands of thy fellow man is worthy of acceptation, and is that which may be taught to the young of the earth that they - too - may look up and know that the Father of Fathers, the Lord of Lords, the God of heaven and of earth, has taken cognizance and hath said, "Well done!"
These be those first principles in which the entity must FIND its relationships to its Creator and its relationships to its fellow man. And when this is sought, the END will be - if correctly pointed, correctly guided - that it is as has been given of old, "Know, O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE!"
For, "As ye have done and as ye do it unto the least of thy brethren, ye do it unto me, thy God!"
In the aspects of the astrological forces, we find a home loving individual. And this as a part of the entity's experience in the present is that hope that some day, somewhere, somehow, there might be that place that the entity, that the self might call "and this is home."
Then in the choice of a companion it is seen that it becomes necessary to choose one whose purpose in such would become or BE as one with the entity's; and not such an one that would tear down such a place. Choose one who also seeks for a home; not rest, not convenience alone, not that which is an excuse for the activities of satisfying the bodily needs, the bodily ambitions for fame, fortune, position, or the exploitations of its worldly knowledge, but that at such a fireside, at such a place, in such a home, there might be peace and harmony and an understanding of those influences that make for the creating of that which becomes as the material or earthly representation of that called a haven, a heaven, a place of rest; a place where the turmoils of the world, the cares of the days may be for the moment laid aside and there be visioned rather that hope, that promise which has been ever in the hearts of men since it has been given, "Be ye fruitful, multiply, establish thyself in the earth; for thou art lord of the earth and not lord of one another." Never has been the command to man to lord over his brother. For indeed he is his brother's keeper.
Those influences then that arise from the sojourns in Venus make for a loving, a sympathetic, a patient entity. Yet these qualities or virtues (as may be termed) have oft been stretched to its own breaking point, that MIGHT and POWER of possession and of "MY this and MY that" have brought those periods when it has sought within itself - to make rather that activity as penance - which has only debased self; but atonement is an activity in the relationships to its fellow man.
These make for quite a variation in the experience of man's mind and soul and body; for atonement and penance are as far as the poles of the earth in their influence in the experiences. For no one may buy himself into the good graces of his friend, his foe, much less of his God. But as ye sow, so shall ye reap. And with what measure ye mete to thy fellow man, to thyself is it measured to thee again.
For the Lord is not slack in His judgements. Neither doth He forget those that would do good, though they be hindered in their material efforts.
As to the appearances in the earth and their activities or their influence in the emotional forces of the entity, we find these few as compared to many; yet an old soul, and one that has meted judgements to his fellow man not always wisely, not always well.
Before this, then, we find the entity was in the land of its present sojourn, during those periods when there were the clearings of the land and when there was the comprehension that the plainsland - in what is now Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska - would produce grains; or when there were the provisions that the other lands were to become a portion of the whole.
The entity then was a landowner, and in the name then of Gilbert Koskukei - though KNOWN as Gilbert Kirk. And the entity made for those activities that brought for his fellow man the opportunities for expressions in the preparations and the makings of homes, and of those things that dealt with that as provided for places of sustenance and places of preparations. Or as would be called in the present day, a real estate agent - or a dealer in bread and in lands.
In the present the entity will find that the activity and the associations that deal with those things used in homes, used upon the lands, and in preparations for such should be that in which the mind, the mental self, the activities of self will find the greater expansion; not only of the abilities to help but to bring material gains, to bring that wherewithal there may be the using of same FOR the satisfying of the higher desires as well as those that are earthly.
Beware of the use of same, then; that it is used as an ensample that ye would stand with as before the throne of mercy and grace and justice. For as ye mete it is measured again.
Before that we find the entity was in the land now known as the Promised Land, during those days and periods when there was the return of the children of promise from the heathen land; during those days when Nehemiah led, as it were, the third of those peoples back to the land for the reestablishing not only of the temple service but the rebuilding of the walls of the city, the reestablishing within the hearts of men and in the experiences those longings that had been the cry of a mighty peoples for lo, those many, many, many days.
The entity then was as a scribe to Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubbabel, or as one that made the lists for the needs and the abilities of the peoples of the land to give - and of those to whom they were needed to be given.
Thus from those experiences of the entity then, as Medekiah, the entity obtains its seeking of freedom - from its earliest memory; and yet the feelings of the necessity of establishing the spiritual relationships to the influences from without and of being as one who is a helper to his brother that is not so fortunate as self either in body, in mind, in material gains or in affluence with those in authority.
Hence these have been, as were builded in that experience, that which has been the saving grace. And count it not as of thy wisdom; rather that ye have done that which was prompted from thine inner self, the REAL self, and God hath prospered thee that ye may be the greater light to thy brethren in many, many lands.
Before that we find the entity was in the earth during those days and periods when this chosen people from the Egyptian land journeyed towards a land of promise, and when Moses chose the seventy elders that were to be judges among thy brethren.
The entity then was of the household of Reuben, chosen as among those that acted in these capacities; in the name Eleasiah.
In this capacity, judgements were not always the best. And when those days came when Beth-Korah(?) made for rebellions, we find the entity was among those who were not called but who gave his counsel, being moved by the promptings that had been in the experience through the very associations of those experiences in the mount.
Thus we find those changes coming over the entity then, and the later days were spent in what has often been felt within self; whether it is to be an atonement, at-onement, or penance.
Choose rather the LIVING way, that ye may know Him. For God hath not mocked man, but the promises have ever been, "When ye call, I will hear," if ye are in earnest; if ye are in doubt - FEAR has crept in!
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
First know self. Hold fast to the faith of thy fathers, as thou hast HEARD in thine inner self proclaimed even from the Holy Mount, as thou hast seen established in the City and in the re-reading, the re-writing, the re-establishing of the law of the Lord; for it is one - "Love the Lord, thy God, with all thy mind, thy body, thy soul; thy neighbor as thyself."
In this and in those fields of service or activity that may bring this awareness more, and in establishing it about the home, the greater joy and peace may come.
Ready for questions.
(Q) What should [1238] and [...] know to make their life happy and content with each other?
(A) As has been indicated, if there are the purposes as to a home and as to what such a place stands for - ONE; if their conceptions are at an at-onement, and of penance; and if their hopes and obligations and duties, joys and sorrows, peace and understanding, are ONE, these may then know that their lives are joined in a singleness of service. For as He hath given of old, "Those that are united as one in God's service, let man keep his hands away."
We are through.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

7/23/36 Mr. [1238] requested a Life Rdg. and a Physical Rdg., having his friend Mr. [257] prepare and submit the following questions:
You will have the physical, mental and domestic affairs of [1238], and [2nd daughter of [2667] and [4376]] [GD's note: Perhaps in her late 20's] both present in the room ... Medinah Club - Chicago. Please advise these two entities on the proper attitude for their marriage giving them guidance for their complete happiness and answer the questions.
1. What medical advice for [1238] would you recommend to correct his physical condition, if need be to make him physically fit for married life. [Prostate condition? See 1238-3.] 2. What should [...] and [1238] know to make their life happy & content with each other. 3. What does the future hold for these two people. 4. Where should they make their future home. 5. Why. 6. What is best for them to do for their mental welfare when married. 7. Before marriage. 8. When best time for marriage. 9. Where. 10. What mistakes if any have been made thus far that should be corrected. 11. What principles should I follow ([1238]) as my guide to serve best all the people all the time. 12. In what business interest would I be most happy for my best & happiest welfare. 13. Should I sell my interest with [1238] Corporation of St. Louis or hold it. Their home office is St. Louis, Missouri, ... Ave. 14. Please advise them as to their conduct with [...]'s father & mother - Mr. [2667] and [4376].

REPORTS

8/03/36 See 1238-2, a Physical Reading.
8/13/36 Letter - See under 1238-2 Physical Reading Reports - said he did not understand the Life reading and wished the message rewritten in simple and plain language: "I can see that I am a difficult person for even Cayce to find. Since God is not on this earth and he is very busy, I figure he will never be able to find me, so I want to find him. Now how am I to do that, and what road am I to take? If possible in rewriting of the Life Reading, I may be able to find the avenue."
9/01/36 EC wrote him and later sent him the carbon copy since he had lost the original and wanted to study it - so there is no copy on file.
9/21/36 HLC's letter to [1238]:
Dear Mr. [1238]:
My father, Mr. Edgar Cayce, referred your letter of August 13, to me.
I note with interest your request for explanation on your life reading. I am enclosing a paper [See under 2265-1 Reports.] giving a general survey of terms used in life readings and am also including a more detailed analysis of your own reading.
After you have gone over these papers I would suggest that you make out a set of questions based on any point which I do not cover or on any further explanation you desire. I will be glad to answer these questions to the best of my ability.
For several years I have been making a study of the life readings. The point of view from which the information is given must be quite different from our three dimensional concept of life. The number of individuals who are finding this type of reading helpful are increasing and we are always anxious to assist in any way possible in making the reading of practical value to each person obtaining a life reading.
I hope you will continue to study your life reading in light of your experiences day by day, for it contains material that will be most helpful in guiding you to a better understanding of yourself and your place in the scheme of things.
Very truly yours, Hugh Lynn Cayce
HLC's interpretation of [1238]'s life reading:
Introduction Your Life Reading is a brief report of your spiritual and mental development up to this present life. The information indicates that mind is independent of matter, that a soul is a spiritual being created by God and that this spiritual being uses the human body as a vehicle of expression. This body is like a coat which is put on at birth and taken off at death. Throughout many lives many coats (human bodies) are used.
Between the lives (incarnations) on this earth plane the soul goes through various other planes (states of consciousness or dimensional planes of consciousness) just as it passes through this earth plane. We know that this earth plane is three dimensional, that is, it has only three dimensions that we can perceive with our five senses: length, height and breadth. These other planes through which the soul passes between lives here are of other dimensional extent and hence require entirely different types of bodies.
All of these various spheres or planes constitute a series of grades in the universal school of experience through which each soul passes for its development. All of the urges, talents and capacities developed in other lives both on the earth and in these other planes may be used by an entity (individual), if that individual can understand himself. It is the purpose of the life reading to help an individual to do just that - understand himself.
The period of time between each incarnation (life) on the earth differs according to the need and development of the individual. Sex changes frequently according to the needs of the soul development, the urges and desires of the individual in any given life.
In each life reading only those appearances which have a definite influence on the present life at the present stage of development are given.
Par. 2: In this paragraph reference is made to the two major influences bearing on the present life; (1) "Astrological aspects from the sojourns...etc." which means the various planes of consciousness through which the soul passes between incarnations (lives) on the earth. Urges from these experiences influence the inner emotional nature, inner impulses. (2) "or from sojourns in the earth...etc." which refers to past lives on this earth. Urges and talents developed in these lives find expression through the sensory system or in simple language through some liking for or ability to perform easily some definite type of work. Development of one or more of our five senses in a given direction governs our choice of life work.
Par. 3: Both from the planes between lives on earth and from urges from past lives there is a tendency toward sensitiveness. This may be emotional sensitiveness or quick mental perception of feelings and thoughts of others which are allowed to react on self. The reading indicates that in your life this has at times built barriers - perhaps between you and others or in relation to certain types of surroundings. This might take many forms. Let me suggest a few possible ones and then you can work this out for yourself. Inferiority complexes; sensitiveness to certain types of people; uneasiness or embarrassment under certain surroundings; any of these might be present as a result. None of these may fit you but this will give you an idea as to the meaning and some of the latter paragraphs will perhaps give further enlightenment.
Par. 4: Simply pointing out that you are a type of person that must constantly make decisions in which the will must be used to choose. Stop and think for a moment how many people in this world merely drift along. Their development has been such that it brings little of a disturbing nature to them, consequently is little opportunity offered for either development or retardment. Your urges are such that you are constantly faced with this kind of taking a stand one way or another.
Par. 5: Here is the key note of the reading in relation to the setting of a standard, an ideal, by which all urges, feelings, emotions, etc., are to be measured. This idea is developed and stressed throughout the paragraphs which follow.
Par. 6: Here it is indicated that a man is judged by his purpose in relation to whatever ideal he holds.
Par. 7: This paragraph is fairly clear. At times you have chosen without thought of a standard or ideal in relation to others, but simply to satisfy self physically. Such thought and action is followed at times by periods of making up for this, an attempt to justify your actions and thoughts before others. It would be well if you go into this pretty clearly. Do not toss this aside because it is slightly critical and say that is bosh. Check on yourself. Think back over your actions and thoughts and see it this is not true. If it is you can begin to place some more reliance upon the analysis given here.
Par. 8: Here it is pointed out that such experiences of justification - explaining to self or others your actions and thoughts - must add either to your selfishness or to a greater hold on your spiritual ideal, depending upon just how the will has been used.
The following paragraphs seem clearly a discourse on the importance of studying self in relation to whatever ideal is held. The importance of setting that ideal outside of material things is stressed.
Page 3, Par. 1 [Par. 14]: This indicates that the love of home comes from urges developed in one of the planes of consciousness between the lives on earth. In the explanation of this section read carefully the explanations given in the paper on life readings dealing with the astrological section of such readings.
Par. 2 [Par. 15]: This is a simple and rather beautiful suggestion regarding the choice of a wife with stress placed on the importance of harmony of principle and ideal regarding a purpose of a home.
Par. 3 [Par. 16]: Here there is a reference to Venus (as is explained in the paper on life readings the ancients associated the planes of consciousness through which the soul passes between lives here with the other planets about the sun). The name is retained to describe one of these experiences from which this particular urge comes. There is another interesting reference to periods of selfish activity followed by periods of penance or sorrow for acts and thoughts. Only you can interpret this and it is either true or not true.
Par. 4 [Par. 17]: This gives a discussion of the difference between penance and atonement. All of this seems to be definitely tied up with your thinking and mental development.
Par. 5 [Par. 18]: Indicates that you have been on the earth only a few times in comparison with many individuals, but that nevertheless you are rather an old soul, that is, one who lived on the earth during early periods of its history.
Par. 6 [Par. 19]: This seems clear enough. It would be interesting to check up and see if some record of this activity as Gilbert Kirk may be found through the sections in connection with land transfers. From this experience come the present talents and abilities to go into business successfully in those things dealing with homes or farm lands, farm machinery or the like. I would imagine that any type of equipment for the home would come under this head. The reading is specific that in this field you will be able to make the greatest material success in this life.
The second appearance at the time of the return of Ezra and Nehemiah to the promised land brings to you some of the finest urges you have. The desire for freedom and your attitude toward others less fortunate than yourself. As is indicated these urges should be magnified and understood as a part of the very best that is in you. In the last appearance we have again that idea of atonement and penance showing up. Apparently an urge was created in that period through some misuse of power and the desire to make up for the wrongs done.
You will find that a reading of something of the period history of each of these appearances will be of help in understanding the urges from them.
The final paragraphs are simple spiritual advice and should be studied carefully.
Note: I hope the explanation has not been worse than the reading. At least this will give us something to work on. Study this carefully with the other paper and let me have your questions.
11/06/36 Mr. [1238] and his young wife [...] whom he had married in the interim were present for a second Physical Rdg. for Mr. [1238]. [See 1238-3, Par. 9-A--15-A giving advice relating to his Life Reading.] GD' note: She, whom I met in 1924 when I was in their home with Mr. Cayce - her parents, Mr. [2667] and Mrs. [4376], said she was having the time of her life here in NY on her honeymoon, that Mr. [1238] was buying her everything she had ever dreamed of in the way of expensive clothing, such as fur coats, etc., etc.
2/10/37 GD's letter to [1238]:
Mr. [1238] ..., Mo.
Dear Mr. [1238]:
Several times we have attempted to get your Check Life Reading on the period of the Seventy Elders, without results. I don't know whether it is because of an unsettled state with us or with you that we haven't been able to get it. So I thought perhaps if I wrote and we made a contact again through correspondence it might help.
You may be interested to know that some of your suggestions for our Work were used at the meeting on the 2nd of this month of our Board of Trustees. Details will be sent to all members of the Association during this month. Have you been receiving your Bulletins regularly (monthly)?
Trusting you and yours are well, asking that you remember us to [...], and that you will drop us a line at your earliest convenience, I am
Sincerely, Gladys Davis Secretary
3/30/37 GD's note: A routine mailing was returned, giving his new address as "Villa..." in Hollywood, Calif. Evidently his wife had persuaded him to move to Calif., against the advice of 1238-3, Par. 15-A. Her mother, [4376], lived there and she [[1338]'s wife had prior to her marriage been in business there, having as her clientele rich movie stars, etc., selling to them fine imported linens, etc.
8/03/38 Mr. [257]'s letter: "[...] [[2667]'s 2nd daughter] and her husband, [1238], seem to be having it - a battle royal. Her dad [2667] divorced the 2nd wife."