This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 14th day of September, 1936, in accordance with request made by the mother - Mrs. [2003], new Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Miss [380].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Shirley J. and [1261] and [380], and Connie Crockett. Born November 3, 1919, in Georgetown Hospital, 35th & N St., Washington, D.C.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [1261].
2. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find here of the sojourns in the earth, the activities of the entity in the environs about the earth, these are rather inclinations. And the will of self in its activity as regards that the entity sets as its ideal makes for the developments or retardments in the present experience. What the entity has been makes an influence about the same as what an entity studies inclines or induces the trend of thought, or the thinking becomes along given lines, controlled by will and the ideal as chosen by the entity.
3. Hence with this entity in the present we find from the combination of the earthly sojourns and the influences in the entity's experiences about the earth, one of an exceptional nature, choosing for itself the more often the exceptional things. And unless these are to the entity those that accord with its own ideas and ideals, these become as naught to the entity.
4. Hence the entity needs those influences where there may be not only the choosing of an ideal of a spiritual nature but must of self exercise same and not condemn others but live within self that as an example that the entity would have others be. And the entity will find, as those influences have been given, these will awaken the natural tendencies towards those influences that have been exercised in the earth towards that of a jurist or the law, or those things not that make for judgements but as to how peace may be kept between individuals for their own better comprehension and understanding.
5. Hence not those things of the criminal code but rather those as of the nature that make for a better association between the employer and employee. These as corporations, these as associations, these as organizations would be and are in keeping, as will be seen, with the experiences of the entity in the earth.
6. Oft those experiences arise where for the moment, as it were, there are interferences, those conditions hard to be met owing to circumstances that apparently have little to do with the entity's own mental self. But remember that self in the experience is the result of the application of the ideals in self.
7. Hence each entity, each soul, is responsible to its own better self. For that is the birthright to each soul, in an experience in the earth. And to judge or to condemn another for thine own environment, thine own influence, is only to shame self; for that has been builded in self.
8. In the astrological influences from those experiences of the entity or soul outside the earthly environment, we find the astrological aspects making for the Sun, the Moon, Neptune, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, all being a portion of the experiences of the entity.
9. In Neptune we find the watery sign, or those influences through which the entity made for those experiences which bring what others may term peculiarities, oddities; or the entity apparently takes a peculiar attitude or unusual attitude towards things, conditions, people, and the likes and dislikes in respect to these arise from oft that the entity may not in itself know the cause for, but is innate; yet in the application of self and self's own mental force (that is the builder), apply according to thine ideal. And let not thine condemnation bring upon thee that ye hate. For that ye hate ye become. This is the law.
10. In the Sun, the Moon, we have strength, we have weakness. Oft those very influences that some would succumb to, the entity has little or no difficulty in meeting; and yet those little things that arise from associations, whether they be family, friend or those environs that apparently should make ties, they become as the stumblingstones for the entity in its consideration. Yet when it has taken thought and the strength again is urged forth by the will, all of these take their rightful place in the experience as they should. Exercise these, then.
11. For in thy mental self, as in Mercury, makes for the high mental abilities, good judgements as of peoples. And use same, not for self but rather that thy own vision, thy own scope of judgements may be broadened by the exercising of those very forces. For how hath it been given? As the man thinketh in his heart, so is he. That is an ideal, that is a living experience for each entity.
12. In Jupiter we find the influences that make for groups, peoples, large numbers of peoples, being influenced by the activities of the entity. Know that as thy service is a portion of the Creative Energy or God, as it is exercised it influences the pulse - as it were - of the universe. Hence not only is there beauty, strength, glory in the living of an experience, but the more in the exercising of the birthright in relationship to same especially in one endowed, as by one engendered with the abilities to become a worth while experience for the many.
13. As to the appearances in the earth, we find:
14. Before this the entity lived in the earth during those periods when there were those meetings again and again through the various colonists, the various groups that would exercise those privileges of becoming free and independent again.
15. The entity then was among those peoples or colonists in what is now called Jersey, one William Armstrong, and aided in rounding out - as it were - the first of the meetings for those developments that became the constitutional privileges, the constitutional rights for those peoples in that particular group.
16. In the experience the entity gained through those activities of service. When there was a rejecting, and the entity took offense by some of those things said by those that were more glib with their tongue than their brain (as Franklin), these brought a period of submerging. But with the acceptance, with the building of the conditions later, the entity rose to one of authority, one of power, one of service.
17. Know, he that would be the greater among his fellow man IS, will be, the servant of the more; serving not as for self-exaltation, not as for self-indulgence but that the glory of thy ideal may be made the more manifest in the lives, the experiences of thy fellow man. For as ye do it in word or deed unto the least of thy brethren, ye do it unto thy Maker.
18. Before that we find the entity was in the land now called the Roman, during those periods when there was much given to the undertakings for the bringing into being those rules and regulations that governed not only the home land but so many of those of the Protectorate.
19. The entity then was among those of that group that spoke oft before that Council, in the name then Philos.
20. In the experience the entity gained throughout, for as the entity held to the representation of ALL the peoples at ALL times before not only the civil, not only the national but all of the greater influences, there grew into the rules, the orders of those periods that activity as was set in motion by the entity during those experiences.
21. These applied in the present may become again as the greater influences in state, national, international influences. Not as name for self but that the glory of RIGHT because it IS Right before the Maker, the Creator of Right. These are the principles that must ever guide the entity.
22. Then before that we find the entity was in the Atlantean land, when there were those periods of the oppressions by the sons of Belial and the children of the Law of One, and those peoples in the lesser position or the laboring class.
23. The entity assisted its companion then to STAND FOR those that were being the greater taxed, the greater oppressed, those that were being given less and less privileges for the enjoyments of the associations of their own families, the associations of the fruits of their own labors. And the entity then, in Ai-jakn, made for those stands that became to Ajax, to Asanain (?), to Alta, the principles for the preservation of the records that were set by the entity then in its stand when even destruction came for the material things of the land.
24. In this again, STAND FAST for that as is thy ideal. For choose today. For there is set before thee good and evil, life and death; choose thou. For the spirit of truth maketh alive. Fear, doubt, condemnation, bringeth doubt, illness, fear, and then dissolution (disillusion?); and the hill to be climbed again.
25. Ready for questions.
26. (Q) What causes me to be antagonistic or resentful of advice from my mother [2003]?
    (A) The mother is not an exception, as has been indicated. Because of the close association, he exercises that prerogative of making the exception. As has been indicated, this must be met in self. To condemn others or to condemn self, or to condemn circumstance, is only to make for greater disturbance within self. Not as a passive attitude, no; but smile and the world smiles with you - frown and it turns its back upon you!
27. (Q) What were our relationships in the past, and what is to be met in the present?
    (A) These would have to come from another relationship. These as we find have been at least twice.
28. (Q) How can I overcome this?
    (A) As has been indicated. Choose thine ideal. Hew to the line. Do not demand of another that you do not exercise thyself! and you won't have much trouble with your mother!
29. (Q) What vocation am I best fitted for?
    (A) Law.
30. (Q) What college should I go to?
    (A) This may be exercised by own self. The choice of self would be in a Jersey school - Princeton.
31. (Q) What course of study should I take this year?
    (A) The more or greater preparations for whatever is chosen as the study. These will in part, of course, lead to writings - but these will be rather as the jurist, or as a compendium upon individual cases. And it's certainly needed in that state!
32. (Q) Should I go to work after I finish High School and go to college at night, or should I go to college in the day?
    (A) As we find this will adjust itself as developments go. For he that has chosen and has a will to work will find the education and the work at hand.
33. (Q) Should I go to work next summer or take a business course?
    (A) We would work part of the time and take a business course part of the time.
    Know self and self's relationship to the Creative Forces, for they are a part of thee. In thy activity, thy dealings with thy fellow man, show forth thy concept of thyself and thy God.
34. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

REPORTS

1. 9/26/36 Mother, Mrs. [2003]'s letter:
   Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va.
   My dear Mr. Cayce:
   I missed meeting you when Dr. Cayce gave [1261] a reading [1261-1] on the 14th instant, and so failed to get the advantage of your interpretation in [...]'s behalf as suggested by your Father, but acting on the suggestion of Miss Davis, I am writing to ask if you will clarify the reading for us a bit.
   We have gone over it thoroughly and in a general way understand it. We see that the Law is indicated for him, not the general practice in either civil or criminal law, nor in the capacity of a judge, but rather behind the scenes and more in the line of writings and as a peacemaker between individuals and groups, and employer and employee. However, the way to attain that end is not at all clear and we do need help. As I explained, it is practically impossible from a financial standpoint to send him to any college, much less Princeton. Could you shed any light on a possible way for him to enter Princeton? Do you have any contacts which might be available to us?
   Failing any light on this point, could we attain the same end another way? Washington has educational advantages beyond most any other city, and we have the advantage here of being able to save board at least. I have made inquiries at George Washington University, also Georgetown, and learn that credits from Wilson Normal College are acceptable on an A.B. Degree. Wilson Normal is in reality a teachers' college and is part of the public school system; it is fully accredited and course leads to a B.S. Degree; no tuition is required - books only. I felt that if he could go there for two or even three years, then transfer his credits to George Washington or Georgetown, he could get his A.B. in this way, and continue on to his LLB. The saving of tuition for a few years means much for my other son is but two years behind this one and will have to also be taken into consideration soon. I want to do everything possible to set him in the proper path and am wondering if any adverse effect would be had by getting his law training here rather than in Jersey, which is indicated for him. He is now in his fourth high school year and his course consists of English, Economics, Biology, French and typing, which leaves him two study periods; when he graduates next June, he will have 17 good solid credits from an accredited high school and be fitted for college work anywhere. It is also possible that he could get some kind of work after graduation and get his college course at night, as so many Government workers here do, but this takes so much longer and is so hard on young folks that I hesitate to require it of him if I can do otherwise. Please let us have the benefit of your advice, not only on this point, but on the reading in general. Dr. Cayce says you have worked lots with young folks, particularly boys and could do much for Andrew in making clear the things he does not understand. I wish it were possible for you to call on us sometime when you are in Washington and talk with him personally - it would mean much to him at his age. I hesitate to ask any more questions in this letter but shall be glad to receive any comments you are able to make on the general subject of his reading and otherwise.
   Thanking you, I am, Sincerely [2003]
2. 10/02/36 HLC's letter to [1261]:
   Dear [1261]:
   Your mother recently wrote me about your Life Reading which was given you by my father. I have been making a study of this type of reading for a long time and have known several boys your age and a bit older who found their readings very helpful in getting into a type of work in which they were happy and could get ahead, and also in understanding themselves.
   I am sure you find a great part of your reading just a jumble of words without any meaning. Anything so important as selecting a life's work and understanding yourself take time. Try to make a habit of reading your reading over now and then. Think about it.
   Enclosed you will find some suggestions for understanding your reading and a few experiments to try on yourself. It does anyone a lot of good to stand aside and "watch yourself go by." The Life reading helps one to do this.
   I hope sometime to have the opportunity of talking with you about your reading. Later on there are several men I would like to introduce you to who are in the type of work suggested for you.
   Sincerely, Hugh Lynn Cayce
   Introduction
   The information given in your reading is based upon a reading of the records you have made: (1) In planes other than the earth of 4, 5, 6 and other dimensions. (Our earth you know is a three dimensional plane: that is, we can only be aware of length, height, and breadth.) (2) In other lives here on this earth.
   The readings indicate that you have a soul created by God millions of years ago. This soul is made up of mind, spirit and will. The soul lives in the various other planes like Mars, Neptune, Venus, etc., and on the earth in bodies adapted to the surroundings of the respective plane. While in the earth your soul has a physical body, which is like a coat. You live here many times in the course of your development, wearing many different coats.
   The Life Reading summarizes all the things you have accomplished in the other planes and in other lives in this earth, describing for you the urges which effect you now, contributing to your development or failure according to the way you use your will.
   Notice how frequently the reading mentions the fact that your will, the power in you to choose to do this or that, to say this or that, is supreme over all urges and inclination which may come from other experiences. To be successful in life, to be happy, we all must learn - through experience - how to control these urges and make the best use of them.
   Body of the Reading
   In paragraph 1 [1261-1 Par. 2] on page one you find references made to "... the sojourns in the earth, the activities of the entity in the environs about the earth..." You are the entity. This means your individuality, the part in you that makes you entirely different from the millions of other people in this world. Your soul has passed through many experiences like grades in school - it has acquired much understanding and knowledge - just as you do in school. The result - this soul of yours with all its experience - is the entity, it is you. "Sojourns in the earth" refer to your other lives in the earth as described in your reading when you were William Armstrong in New Jersey, Philos in Rome, etc. These are not all of your lives (incarnations) but merely those which influence you most right now. From each of these lives you bring over certain talents and abilities, certain feelings and urges. It is these urges that you must learn to control and use to the best advantage. The "activities of the entity in the environs about the earth" refers to your experiences (your soul's experiences) in the other planes mentioned above. In each of these planes you have a body which is adapted to that particular plane. We cannot understand these planes or these bodies because while we are here in the earth we can only see and feel matter which has just three dimensions. We are unable to see a body such as might exist on Venus because our eyes cannot see fourth dimensional objects, just as we cannot see sound sound waves - but because we cannot see them does not prevent them from coming into a room and out again - amplified - over our radio. A long time ago people associated these other planes with the planets about the sun, Venus, Mercury, etc. So the names of the planets have come to stand for the various planes of experience through which the soul passes between incarnations. On each of these planes it develops urges and talents, etc., which are expressed here in the earth-plane.
   In paragraphs 2 and 3 [1261-1 Par. 3, 4] on page one the first mention is made of the need of you choosing an ideal of a spiritual nature, and the dangers in condemning others. An ideal is something that we work for, strive for, but which, if we are wise, is something beyond our reach. There is no secret about attaining success - it is a four letter word spelled W-O-R-K. But we many times find ourselves in a worse fix after working hard for a long time - if we have not set our ideal high enough. Haven't you found that there is really more fun in working for something than in getting it. And many times after we get something we find that we really didn't want it after all, that it wasn't worth working for. Many people waste their lives working for things that don't mean anything to them after they have reached their goal. To avoid doing this you should set a standard, an ideal of a spiritual nature. Lets look for a moment at the ideal Jesus set: It was SERVICE. He took every opportunity to do something for other people. This is an ideal that we can forever keep working toward. In working toward it we will find happiness, but the goal will always be ahead of us. Let's be more definite Lincoln's ideal was to bring harmony between the north and south, to preserve the Union. That ideal had a spiritual purpose. Wilson sought to bring peace to the world. Such ideals have material objectives but they are expressed in spiritual terms. Don't let your ideal be just making money, or getting a car, or building a house, or becoming famous. All these things follow if your ideal is spiritual in nature. Your Life Reading indicates that you have ability to bring peace between groups of people. This is a much needed service in times when labor and capital will sooner or later be at one another's throats. Express this ideal of service in terms of spiritual qualities and work toward it. Work to be the best, fairest and straightest corporation lawyer you can.
   Again and again in your reading there is warning of condemning, criticizing people. Notice that in all of your incarnations you had trouble with being criticized and fighting back. As the reading points out do not require of others anything that you do not require of yourself. Fault finding, condemnation, etc., are destructive and only hurt the one who uses them in the end. Such things as urges like this must be worked on carefully, they cannot be changed in a day. Little by little you must try looking for something worthwhile in people rather than something bad, some fault. You know it is an old saying but a true one, that we cannot see in others anything that does not exist already in us. When we see a fault in someone else we water that fault in ourselves, we make it grow.
   The first and second paragraphs [1261-1 Par. 4, 5] on page 2 indicate the type of work in which you will find the greatest happiness and success. Evidently it is corporation law. You will find in any good library books describing the work of corporation lawyers get some of these books and read them. Plan your courses in school so that you prepare for that type of work. If you know a good lawyer there in Washington go and see him and ask him to explain to you just what corporation lawyers do. You will find, when you get into the subject, a natural interest for all of the problems involved. Keep thinking and reading and planning on this type of work.
   In paragraph four [[1261-1 Par. 7] on page 2 you will find one of the most important statements in your whole reading. It is the answer to the question which causes so many people to fail. We are all prone to blame our position and circumstance in life on other people, on God or the Devil. We may say that we are born in one place and can't help that, that we did not choose to come here and have no responsibility for being here. That is not true in the light of the information given in the life readings. We are responsible for our environment and our heredity - indeed for everything that happens to us in this world. We all should be man enough to take that responsibility and not try to blame others for it. We are just what we have made our- selves. We have just as much understanding, sense, power, etc. as we have merited through our development in this earth and in other planes. It is our job to study self and through the use of our will power carry on our development.
   Experiments
   1. Try doing a little reading on the early colonial period around the time of Franklin. Don't use histories too much but get some novels dealing with the period. Check on yourself as to how you feel about the things you read, especially anything about Franklin or the early settlement work in New Jersey.
   2. Make a check on your self for one day very carefully. Plan during the day to make a note of each time you say or think anything unkind or critical about anything or anybody. Each time you do this force yourself to think about some quality or thing about the person or thing that you like. Make a game out of it. Keep this up and gradually try to eliminate your critical attitude. You will be surprised when you check on yourself how many times during one day you think or say something critical.
   3. Check up on the reading's statement that you take unusual and peculiar attitudes towards things, conditions and people. Make a note of the times others tell you that they think your way of looking at something is peculiar. This will be a good check on this part of the reading. You might ask those around you to help watch for this too.
   P.S. Write me anytime you have a question or questions. Study your reading and study yourself. You have real possibilities - its up to you as to what you do with the talents and abilities you have.
3. 8/09/37 Mother Mrs. [2003] requested first Life Reading for younger son, [1442], saying:
   "You will be glad to know that [1261] enters Georgetown Univ. on 9/13, in the Freshman Class of the College of Arts and Sciences. He is required to have an A.B. Degree before he can qualify to study law, which your reading indicated he should follow at Princeton Univ., but this is 3 years hence and while we see no way at present to accomplish this, we hope a way will open up at the right time."
4. 9/10/37 See brother's reading 1442-1, Par. 51-A, 52-A regarding their past associations.
5. Subsequently their mother, Mrs. [2003], obtained a Mental- Spiritual reading.
6. See GD's letter to her under 2003-1 Reports, 8/29/63.
7. 2/74 See Source File Key #1261 for a Solar Chart of [1261] re 1261-1.

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