This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 22nd day of March, 1937, in accordance with request made by the self - Miss [1352], Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., sponsored by Mr. Edgar Cayce.

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

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [1352].
2. In giving the mental and spiritual aspects with reference to the activities or life's work in this experience, it is well to consider the temperament, the emotions, as well as how they relate to the mental and spiritual influences in the activities of the entity as an entity.
3. As we find, the body is inclined to be very spiritual, and there are the inclinations for a deep conviction; also the inclination for a life of service is an emotion of the entity.
4. Yet as we find, music and the execution of same would be in keeping with that which is the deeper emotion.
5. The activity in that direction, then, combined with the inclinations - and yet kept in the way of spiritual aspects and relations - would make for that as would be in greater keeping with the most, the best that this entity may accomplish in the present experience.
6. The inclination to be secretive, the inclination to resent rote or confinement would not be in keeping with activities that would require the making for such changes in the innate forces of the body as to become a missionary, or a nurse or a nun.
7. But activities as a pianist, as an organist, would give that freedom of body, mind, associations, and yet - if these activities are made especially for religious service, religious training of those as an organist for choirs, as a pianist or as a teacher in same - would still give a life of service that would leave the freedom necessary for the greater accomplishments of this entity in the present.
8. The mental forces and inclinations are in those effects of music and art, and the beautiful. Yet there is the desire for freedom, the desire not to be beholden to others but rather to have others dependent upon self. Hence this combined with too secular forces, or as combined with that which would become hard rote - as of servitude - would bring about those emotions and influences which would be very, very much inclined to make a double life; and this is not in keeping with the sarcasm that the entity innately expresses for that as to self is beneath or out of keeping with that professed by anyone.
9. Then should there come about influences or experiences where the entity's spirit or the mental self is abased, abused or disillusioned, or made to bring about those forces where there is lost confidence or faith, these would bring such sarcasm as for double-mindedness, a double life, and an inversion of that which is to the entity - and should be to each and every soul - the highest motivative forces in the mental and spiritual experiences of an individual.
10. Or, each soul enters the earth to meet its own self, in its own shortcomings. Yet there is an advocate with Creative Forces, with God; in Jesus, the Christ, who has set the example of every nature - and He has set the example of freedom of speech, freedom of activity; yet bound within that which is ever constructive. He has not given freedom that is licentious, or freedom that is self-indulgent, or freedom that does not consider the needs, the desires, the positions of others; but in the example as is set in Him each soul may find that stimulation for activities in material associations with others to see not the sordid things of an experience, not grudges, faultfindings, but rather those that are set as He hath given - "In patience become ye aware of your souls."
11. Hence He meets with those who give of themselves for a material service in that in which they themselves may find the greater heights of beauty - as in song, in music, and the activities in such. He meets them in those very influences - as has been given by Him, as to whom He gave the keys - longsuffering, self-abasement, humbleness, patience.
12. These be those things in which or against which there is no law, but they are the fruits of the spirit. Then live them day by day in thy associations with not only thy companions and thy friends, but with thy foes and with those who even speak despitefully of thee - for they spoke thus of Him.
13. Then, if ye will keep those things that have been committed unto thee, the love of the Father as is shown in the Son, and apply same in those fields in which thy mind, thy activity may find a more beautiful expression - in the fields of music, as the pianist or the organist (but these for service to Him, for the praise, for the glory, for the honor of Him) - ye will find the greater source of happiness, the greater field of expression, the greater means of building that in the experience of self which will bring to THEE peace, harmony, freedom in Him, and glory in thy service to thy fellow men and to thy Maker - through Him!
14. Ready for questions.
15. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See below [Par. B3] describing mental difficulties in deciding whether or not to become a nun.
2. Mother [1690] secured 3 Physical Rdgs. for her when she was a child.
3. 3/13/37 Letter: "I suppose this is the first time I've ever written to you, but I am sorely in need of some help. I am sure that you can help me in the wonderful work that you do. Although I do realize very deeply that I am asking an awfully lot, when I have nothing to give in return. Here is my trouble. It isn't bodily but mentally, which I feel at present is even worse than bodily ailments. It might not seem like much to you but to me it is VERY much indeed. My mind is absolutely torn to shreds. I feel as if I'm hanging in mid-air and don't know which way I'll fall. I want very much to be a nun, but I don't know whether that's my true vocation or not. It's just like being on something high and have to jump to save your life and yet you can't decide whether to jump or not. Truly, I don't know how to describe my feeling. I'm in a state of frenzy all the time, and just say to myself, 'Well, what am I going to do?' I've gotten to the point where I have to know or know something definite to work on.
   "I even went so far as to stop school. There wasn't anything to keep me interested, not even my associates. I couldn't keep my mind interested on my studies long enough to learn anything. I didn't see any use in trying any longer when my mind didn't run in those channels. Then the question again, 'What will I do?' I wish sometimes that I could run away from myself.
   "I would appreciate it more than I could ever express on paper, if you would give me the information I desire, to ease my mind from this state of doubt, that I may know the vocation to follow."

REPORTS

1. 3/24/37 Letter: "I received your letter and the reading this morning. I really don't know how to express my appreciation to you for your kindness. Maybe some time I can return your kindness as in the story 'The Lion and the Mouse.' Do you suppose so?
   "I read it twice very carefully, and it's just about the plainest reading I've ever read. I'm going to carry out the reading to the best of my ability; although I have never taken music lessons I have always wanted to play. I didn't have the slightest idea that it was my vocation. I'm tickled to know my true vocation. I feel much better now since I've gotten that weight off my mind. Oh, you can't realize how it worried me. I didn't know which way to turn. Now I have something to work for to reach my goal! I'll write you all along and let you know how everything is coming out.
   "I realize that I do not like confinement (or rather, it is the same thing over, day in and day out), to be a religious.
   "The reading says I have the inclination to be secretive. That's not so good and yet it's not so bad, when you feel as if you can't get help with your troubles and there isn't any use in worrying someone else, also. I suppose that's why I keep those things to myself." [She writes details about the family, especially her brother, [1089], and her sister, [1306].]
2. 7/13/37, 7/29/37, EC wrote Miss [528] in same town asking if she would give Miss [1352] lessons on the organ.
3. 8/12/37 Miss [528] wrote that she would do what she could for [1352], that unless she had taken piano first it would be very difficult to teach her organ, but would do what she could because EC had asked the favor. [Miss [528] had been organist in a Methodist church before her illness, and after following her own readings was expecting to get back to her work of playing and teaching soon.]
4. 8/24/37 EC's letter to Miss [528]: "Appreciate your interest in [1352] - think you will find her an apt pupil. Will be most interesting to see how it works out - especially when you know what was wished by some for her to make out of her life - all that, though. No doubt you will get firsthand."
5. 9/27/37 Miss [528]'s letter: "I will start [1352] next week. I'm trying to get her music that has been used at first, as I feel that she will progress rapidly at her age."
6. 10/10/37 "I would have written you sooner but school work and practise has really kept me busy. I don't know how to thank you for being so nice to me. I'm really tickled with my music Miss [528] says I'm doing fine! Isn't that wonderful!"
7. 11/04/37 Miss [528]'s letter: "[1352] is getting along fine. I never saw a girl try so hard in my life. She is a lovely girl and I thoroughly enjoy her."
8. 1/26/38 "Good news! I passed all my exams! Isn't that nice?"
9. 2/19/38 "My music is coming right along."
10. 9/07/38 "When school started last Monday I didn't go back. Probably I will regret it later, but at present I don't. I stopped school in my sophomore year - stayed out a whole year - went back the next time and stayed for a year, and now I'm out again. School just doesn't agree with the rest of me, so - here I am. More than likely end up in matrimony anyhow. What do you think of that idea? By the way, do you think there's anything to astronomy? such as people born under sign of Capricorn should marry people under sign of Taurus, etc.? About my music, I'd rather just practise by myself than take from anyone in...other than [528]. Don't even think I'd learn or enjoy music as much under any of the teachers here. I'll see what I can do by myself." Miss [528] moving away? [She requested the fourth Physical Reading for her mother, Mrs. [1690].]
11. 9/10/38 EC's letter: Well just as much happens in ... as any where else - and there is never much to say about what goes on round us we are usually too close to it to see what is really going on - Well am surprised but wouldn't say disgusted at you not going back to school - but if you have the marrying bug - well there is no cure for that but to have the experience, and that will cure you soon enough. Shouldn't say that for it is the hope of every one to some day have their own home - it is God given and do we use it aright is ever the thing to do, and may HIS blessings attend you always.
    Oh yes, there is a lot in Astrology - send me your birth date and will see what I get. Don't think astrology rules any one as most astrologist would have you believe - but it surely shows ones tendencies - but because there are lovely apples set before us doesn't necessarily mean we should eat of them - its the same old thing since the advent of man as a Human being - "There is set before you this day - good and evil, Choose Thou." So in astrology one sees the tendencies.
    Hope you do not give up your Music - feel you will ever find it is a means of expression of yourself that will not be expressed in any other way so well - may be all mistaken about that - but that is way have felt about it - that is why was anxious that you have the opportunity to try your wings in that direction - but you can keep on with your practice - and will - if it is really a part of you, and if not then you will soon forget all about it and fill yourself with something else to take its place."
12. 9/15/38 "I don't think I've got the marrying 'bug' but I have thought about it. Not seriously, though...I'm not gonna give up my music. I'll practice by myself."
13. 2/20/40 She obtained another Physical Reading - See 1352-5.
14. 12/09/40 Sister [1306]'s letter: "[1352] is working at Montgomery Ward during the Xmas season. First money she has ever earned for herself."
15. 8/13/42 She wrote about working in a photographic studio, and later about learning to develop films, etc.
16. 12/16/42 She wrote she had been secretly married since 4/22/41 to a sailor who has just come back on leave; she was very happy.
17. 4/20/43 She wrote about her travels: "The old saying is changed for me - it's 'MARRY a sailor and see the world!'"
18. 6/02/43 See 1352-7, a Physical Rdg. - beginning pregnancy.

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