This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 16th day of March, 1937, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1349], new Associate Sponsored Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., membership fee to be paid gradually by self - to reimburse sponsor.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the records here of the entity now called [1349].
2. In giving that as we find that may be a helpful interpretation of the influences in the experience of this entity during this particular sojourn, it might be well to give that as we find as the sum total of the influences - but without respect to the will of the entity.
3. To be sure, this shows the faults as well as the virtues. Then from the astrological sojourns as well as from the material or earthly sojourns we may reason why these conditions or experiences in the material, the mental and the spiritual forces of the body have caused or do cause such in the experience in the present.
4. We may see then, or we may reason WHY and how the entity may apply self in a mental and spiritual manner for betterment in the mental and spiritual manners.
5. Thus the results may be in the manifested or material forms in keeping with the influences and forces for the entity's better soul development in the present.
6. As we find, the summation is as this:
7. One quite sensitive to mental and material surroundings; and often too optimistic as to the mental and material conditions in the experience. These are both faults AND virtues. For while the entity is in the material world, and the mental and spiritual forces, these are well, and must be based upon honest dealings with honest intent and honest purposes. Yet there are those influences wherein advantages are taken of just such - unless these are based upon sufficient of material backing or material proportions for carrying on.
8. Not that the entity would resort to sharp practice or in taking advantage of circumstance and conditions, even as others may of the entity, but these in business associations and relations should be based upon those things that are sufficient to produce the mental and the physical reaction in the proper way and manner.
9. For a business cannot be begun merely upon a shoestring, unless it's a shoestring business! But when it requires not only the outlay of capital, the outlay of the activities of those who are trained or experienced in specific or specialized service, these must be taken into consideration.
10. Also the entity must gain the proper concept of proper evaluation in its proper relationships as one condition to another.
11. Then, when the entity knows it is right in its surmises or its opinions, have the heart, the will, the determination to proceed under difficulties; but - KNOW in WHOM as well as in WHAT you have put your confidence, materially, mentally, spiritually; and know they are ONE!
12. For until these concepts ARE a portion of the entity's inner experience, there CANNOT be made a material or a mental success. For these are the basic forces.
13. Remember that man may labor in material or in mental activities, but only the Creative Forces or God may give the increase. It is not of self that anything is accomplished, but that the opportunities of thy ideals for expression of material forces from the spiritual aspect may be given for expression in a material world.
14. Too easily then does the entity become discouraged. Too easily then does the entity jump at conclusions.
15. True, those influences and forces that arise from activities as a salesman are the field of the entity's activity for a greater expression. True also is it that such a field should be where the entity's activities make for greater convenience for human relationships and human endeavors. These are very well.
16. BUT - as we find, if these activities are turned rather to that which would have to do or deal with school or office furnitures, or conveniences for same, a greater success - in the material, in the mental, yea in the spiritual - may be gained by the entity.
17. Now: How, where, are such conclusions in the experience of the entity gained, from the astrological or from the material sojourns?
18. As we find the entity has come under the adverse influence of Saturn, the benevolent influence of Jupiter and Venus and Uranus. These then make for these as innate experiences in the mental self or the mental entity.
19. Too oft does the entity then grab at or figure upon or carry into the mind too many varied fields of activity; or it is too prone to change without seeing any proposition or any activity entirely "through."
20. The dealings from the benevolent forces, as in Jupiter, are with the masses - as would have to do with individual conveniences or individual activities.
21. Also we find that emotions, from close associations, oft making for bad judgments as to the use to put friendships or associations or relations in every character or nature. Too easily does the entity forget friends who have so oft stood the test for the activities; and too easily does the entity take hold of those who appear to be in the position of power or in a position of social estate or the like.
22. These must be considered then in their proper sphere or proper evaluation in the entity's experience.
23. In the Uranian we find the interest in the mysterious or the occult, or those influences that come from out of nowhere - as it appears to those who are material-minded. Thus the entity appears to others at times to be too much of a dreamer to be considered trustworthy in some of its closer or greater business relationships.
24. These then are all to be considered in the experience or the application of self for a material, a mental and a spiritual development in this particular sojourn.
25. For the entity as a soul-entity comes from without the nowhere, or the Spirit, activates in a material and mental world, passes into the realms of the unseen or unknown - to many. Here the entity finds a field in which study or consideration is worth while to the entity; but not exploiting same upon others, or making for other than that which becomes a helpful, hopeful experience to the mental and spiritual forces of others.
26. As to the appearances in the earth's plane that have an influence upon the activities of the entity in the present experience, we find:
27. Before this the entity was in the land about that known now as the southernmost portion of the Lake region. Or about what is now known as Toledo, and those areas about Chicago - or the southernmost Lake regions.
28. It was during those periods when there were the settlings in the land, and the preparations for the greater expression or training of the young - and the establishing of schools or trading posts where the activities were those that today would be termed as industrial schools.
29. The entity's activities in those directions were among those who gave the first expressions in same, in the name then Guy McCullough - and the entity gained. Yet to many the entity always remained much of a mystery.
30. For while the entity held to those principles that those who labored not would not eat, those things pertaining to art and the artistic abilities of others were a portion of the entity's experience - and were not understood by those of the material-minded.
31. There are those in the experiences of the entity in the present, then, where the love of the art, the love of the beautiful, the love of self-adornment, at times becomes stumblingblocks.
32. But those things that pertain to conveniences for application, those for educational purposes, those for the assistance in these directions, become the greater abilities of the entity for material and mental benefits; and, applied from a spiritual purpose - may bring just those in the manifested forces of the entity in the present sojourn.
33. Before that we find the entity was in the earth during those periods when there was the return of that people to a promised land.
34. In those activities the entity journeyed with those under Nehemiah and Ezra, and was active in the restablishing of the walls and the redecorations of the temple service in that known as the new temple.
35. The entity then made for conveniences the first shades that would roll up and down. These were as a portion of the experience during that sojourn and that activity.
36. Hence things that were mechanical, or are mechanical, things that have to do with conveniences for others, become a portion of the entity's activity in material manifestations. Then if these are combined with the educational and the arts and those for the convenience of the home, the office, the schools, these as we find will become the better means for not only expression but abilities.
37. For while the entity, as has been indicated, is a salesman - unless an entity or a body is "sold" himself on that it is selling - in body, mind and soul, and that it is the fulfilling of the needs in the experiences of others, the best may not be accomplished by the entity.
38. Do not be too easily discouraged, as in the experience in Jerusalem as Abineleck, because of those differences or changes, and turn to the satisfying of bodily appetites or the drowning of self in self-indulgences.
39. Before that we find the entity was in the earth during those periods when there were the journeyings of the peoples of promise from the Egyptian land to the Promised Land.
40. The entity was among those numbers that were in the households of those who went as the spys or the leaders into the land for the interpreting of not only the qualities but the abilities of the children of promise to take possession of or to enter into the new land.
41. Then in the name Abitha, the entity was among those of the tribe of Judah. These were those who were chosen as to the abilities.
42. Those periods made for developments spiritually, and the activities with others, and those for conveniences in the manners of transportation and in such activities.
43. As to the abilities in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
44. First, as has been given, know thyself - bodily, mentally, spiritually - and what are thy desires as respecting same? That self is to be exalted, or are its own personal obligations to take preeminence over its purposes for being in materiality from its spiritual angle?
45. Know as to what thou can measure or mete to others. Choose those fields of activity as has been indicated, studying to show thyself approved unto that thou hast set as thy God - whether it be for fame, for fortune, or for soul development.
46. Ye may attain to either of these, but he that may gain the world of fortune or the world of fame and has lost sight of his relationships to his Creator has lost all; and must indeed even in materiality - as has been experienced - become as naught; distrustful, for he is distrusting; dishonored, for he has been dishonest with himself - if he has satisfied only material desires rather than the longings of the heart and soul.
47. But if there are put the first things first and the proper evaluations of those of material and mental and spiritual forces, then there may be a life of harmony, a life of happiness, a life of joy in this experience. For it will make all of those whom the entity may contact day by day aware, by the very dealings and the expression with same, that he hath taken thought of his relationships to his God and his fellow man!
48. Ready for questions.
49. (Q) Is there a way to work out my present economic depression?
    (A) Only in the ways and manners as we find that have been indicated. The present associations seem to be hopeless, unless there may be the bringing of other interests - which should have been considered, as indicated, in the beginning. But make the associations rather with those types of activity as indicated, if these are appealing, or if these answer to that something within that seeks expression; and we will find the greater economic change, the greater satisfaction in every way and manner.
50. (Q) Is my present business occupation one which will materialize into something profitable or not?
    (A) Follow rather that as has been indicated.
51. (Q) Would I find better opportunities on the sea-board, east or west?
    (A) Rather in the surroundings as has been indicated, in which the entity labored, may there come the greater activities - or through the central portions of the land.
52. (Q) How can I improve my memory in regards to remembering names, faces, incidents, etc.?
    (A) As ye apply these in their RELATIVE evaluations - RELATIVE, each thing becomes associated. Numbers are associated with people, colors may be associated with individuals or names; and these will gradually make for such an association as to make the mental visions or pictures that bring to the experience that which will bring the remembrance.
53. (Q) How can I locate that field for which I am best fitted?
    (A) In the manner as has been indicated. Choose from which of those that thou would serve, or act in the capacity of the salesman - these are the better.
54. (Q) Why am I always so tired and logey?
    (A) Too much expended in the way and manner as indicated; overanxious - and this uses up the energy without taking in sufficient of that to make for the proper recuperation. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Sponsor [257]

BACKGROUND

1. 2/12/37 Letter indicated he was referred by Mr. [257].
2. 2/22/37 [1349]'s letter:
   My chief problem, as you no doubt can see, is one dealing with the material. I have within my grasp a business which presents a very fine potential, but where to find someone with the necessary capital to invest in order to put it over, is a great problem. Then too, since I have no income I am wondering how to straighten out matters with my creditors. I do not know whether to continue trying to raise money for this business or to forget about it and start all over at something else? I am not asking how to get rich, but instead HOW to keep from sinking under entirely and give my wife the kind of living she deserves.
   If there is any possible way that you can see fit to defer the application fee temporarily, and yet extend me some guidance, I shall be always grateful, and assure you that your efforts will be fully rewarded.
3. 3/09/37 [1349]'s letter to HLC:
   Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce, Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   Your very interesting letter of March 3rd, and the literature which followed have been read with the very greatest of interest and gratitude.
   Quite true, I was confused on the difference between Physical and Life Readings. It is exactly the LIFE reading of which I am in need. Not only has your pamphlet covered each point most understandably, but has thrown a new light on the future, as has the new story about Edgar Cayce.
   Regarding the membership fee, you may be sure I will sincerely appreciate the assistance of a sponsor. And, payments will be made just as fast as it is humanly possible for me to do so. I am in such earnest and great need of the reading that I only hope that it can be arranged very soon.
   Perhaps all of the questions arising in my daily activity cannot be answered, but I shall list the leading ones and pray for the answer.
   1. Is there a way to work out my present economic depression? And, to avoid such a future condition? 2. Is my present business occupation one which will materialize into something profitable or not? 3. Should I continue my present efforts or is there something else I can do to make it a success? Will this company ever rank among the leaders in its field? 4. If my present work is futile how can I locate that field for which I am best fitted? 5. Would I find better opportunity on the sea-board, east or west? 6. How can I improve my memory in regards to remembering names, faces, incidents, etc.? Why am I always tired and logey? 7. How can I conquer my intemperance in all things? 8. Is there a way to accomplish happier and more complete sex relations for my wife? Is the fault her's or my own? 9. How can I most quickly fill her expectations of me?
   I hope, Mr. Cayce, that I haven't asked for too much in these questions, and look forward eagerly to hearing from you just as soon as it is physically possible.
   Appreciatively, [1349]
   EXCLUSIVE IMPORTERS OF ... AND MANUFACTURERS OF ... PRODUCTS [The trade name did not indicate type of product. GD.]

REPORTS

1. 4/02/37 HLC's ltr. to [257]: "Several weeks ago we heard from [...] of Chicago. After an exchange of letter we arranged a life reading for him. The reading indicated a complete change of occupation. You may be interested in helping him get located, so we are enclosing a copy of his reading for your information..."
2. 5/18/37 [1349]'s ltr. to HLC:
   ..., Chicago
   Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce, Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   I have tried for several weeks to write you in thanks for my Life Reading and to let you know how I was coming out. I have studied my reading very carefully, and although it took me a little time to really comprehend its full meaning - or as far as I could interpret it - there is still a great deal I can learn from it. I carried it around with me constantly, studying whenever I had the opportunity, and now I am ashamed to say that I have mis-placed it somewhere. I hope that I won't be putting you to too much trouble in asking if I can have another copy. I will be glad to assume any expense that this might involve. Also, I truly hope to be in position very soon to send you a substantial part of my membership fee.
   You may be interested to know that just as the reading indicated the business I was attempting to put over has been discontinued. It was impossible to raise a sufficient amount of capital to successfully promote our products. As a consequence I am now attempting to locate a new connection. As the reading also indicated, I have been very carefully investigating the office and school furniture field. Frankly, it is extremely difficult for me to find it very interesting or especially progressive. It seems to be overcrowded with men who have been at it for years, and whose contacts would make it next to impossible for a neophyte to get very far. The American Seating Co. is my best prospect in this line, and I am in contact with the Bissell Carpet Sweeper Co., but have had nothing definite from either as yet. Is there any way of knowing whether I am on the right track?
   As you can probably guess, I am in a terrible position financially, and must have an income somewhere, somehow. But, I'm at a loss to know which way to turn, although I feel that if it is possible to gain a little clearer picture from you as to just how to work this out NOW, I will make the Right move once and for all. If you can throw any light on this particular portion of my reading, I will appreciate it. Shall I disregard any opportunities other than those indicated in the reading? I have always wanted to take a part in Radio Broadcasting, do you suggest I look further into this? Do you think that I would be wasting my time in trying to work up an unusual type of restaurant - or new advertising ideas? I shall look forward to hearing from you at your early convenience.
   Sincerely, [1349]
3. 5/21/37 EC's ltr. to Mr. [1349]:
   Dear Mr. [1349];-
   Yours of 18th addressed to Hugh Lynn came to hand and as he is out of town for few days I am writing a note and he will write you fully when he returns next week.
   Glad you have found the information of help just you hold to what you have. Keep on reading the information over again and again, will have the Sec'ty send you another copy. Get the spirit of the matter, not just the text, that only comes by meditating on what is given.
   About places, jobs and the like, take what ever is at hand for it is when we use "that we have in hand" that other may be given us. So if an opportunity presents itself in any field take it and it will lead on to that in which you can and will make the real success. But know as am sure the reading points out, success isn't just making a financial killing, a name in fame or fortune, but rather with a purpose for justice, peace, mercy, service, purposeful service and the rest will be added in its proper place - proportion.
   Hugh Lynn will write you tho let us hear if we can be of a service; glad to do so.
   Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce
4. 5/25/37 GD's ltr. to Mr. [1349]:
   Mr. [1349] ..., Ill.
   Copying Life Reading of March 16, 1937 - $1.00
   Mr. [1349] as you will notice, I am sending a copy of your Life Reading to Mr. [619], ..., Mich. Do you know him?
   It has occurred to me, after studying your Life Reading (and his), that he may be able to help you get located in the line of work suggested in your Reading. Mr. [619] has been a salesman for years in the furniture business, and has made a success at it. Besides that, he is a wonderful person to know.
   Consequently, if you feel inclined, I would suggest that you get in touch with him and solicit his aid in getting you located according to the suggestions made in your Reading. I know he has connections with all the leading furniture businesses, and is well regarded in that field - as in every other line where he is known at all.
   This is just my idea; merely a suggestion. You may use it or not as you see fit. However, the way I interpret your Life Reading, for you to go into any other field of endeavor than that mentioned would be almost repeating your last experience; and I would not see that you would succeed in it - that is, interpreting purely from your Reading - which is all I have to go by.
   Hugh Lynn Cayce has just returned and will probably write you in a few days.
   Trusting you may soon get located in the field where you may best use your abilities to your own advantage, as well as to the advantage of others, I am
   Sincerely, [signed] Gladys Davis, Sec'ty ASS'N FOR RESEARCH & ENLIGHTENMENT, INC.
   [No reply]
5. 10/04/37 HLC's ltr. to Mr. [1349]:
   Mr. [1349] ..., Ill.
   Dear Mr. [1349]
   It has been some time since we last heard from you. How have things been getting along?
   In your last letter you asked a few general questions about parts of your life reading. By now the matters under question have probably changed a good deal.
   I would suggest that you go over your reading again and make out a few specific questions on sections that are not clear to you. Indicate page and paragraph. I will be glad to try and clear these up for you.
   If you have gotten located we will be glad to have something on your membership fee. Sincerely, [signed] Hugh Lynn Cayce
   [Above letter was ret'd marked NOT THERE.]

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