This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 12th day of April, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [1523], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. However, this Reading is a gift from Edgar Cayce, through $20 Sponsorship of his friend [257] - who is an Active Member contributing to the Sponsorship Fund to enable Mr. Cayce to give Readings without charge where he feels that the case is worthy. Mrs. [1523] is privileged to, at any time in the future, contribute to such a Fund - as she feels inclined or financially able - to enable another to have the same privilege which she has had. However, there is no such obligation; it is left to her own inclination in the matter.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mrs. [1523] and Mrs. [934]. Born December 2, 1908, 5:00 P. M., in Oceana, Virginia.

TEXT

1. EC: (In going back over years - " - '36 - yes, a change - '35 - '28 - what a period of turmoil! - '25 - " etc., on back to birth date.)
2. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [1523].
3. In giving an interpretation of the records here, with the influences under which the entity is passing in the present, many variations will appear. Some at times appear to be somewhat conflicting. For the entity in itself is in the present disturbed in its choice between emotions and the innate influences.
4. These arise as influences, the emotions from sojourns in the earth and the innate influences from the sojourns in the environs about the earth during the interims between earthly incarnations. The innate influences manifest rather in that which is rather as the DREAM nature, or in that which often comes as a FORM of emotion but of a deeper nature.
5. In the present these bring somewhat of a confusion.
6. Varied indeed are the environs and the hereditary forces of the entity FROM these conditions. (This is not speaking of the immediate present, to be sure - but rather the present sojourn in the earth; hence don't confuse self.)
7. In giving then the interpretations:
8. The influences from the astrological sojourns appear or manifest in the experience of self through the innate or the deeper mental self; or - as the entity has experienced, and has begun to lose some of same - in the day dreams. These at one period in the experience (for the entity is psychic in itself) meant a great deal. Some confusions in the material manifestations have put these aside.
9. We find that the EMOTIONS that arise as influences from sojourns in the earth have also at times brought, and do bring, disturbances.
10. Do not infer, please, that there is only confusion for the entity, or in its experience. For know in self that ALL whom the entity contacts will be benefited by the entity's very influence upon their activity. As to whether it becomes a constructive influence or not depends upon those who attempt to classify the emotions aroused by the very association with, the very life and vivacity and strength of an influence. For the spirit with which the entity metes out to others brings a power and an influence in the associations and affairs of all whom the entity meets.
11. Then, all the more reason that the interpretation of the experiences of this entity should be made to become a constructive influence in the present sojourn. For the desire or the purpose of the entity is, and must be held so, for a constructive influence in the affairs or lives of all whom the entity contacts.
12. This does not indicate, then, that the entity is to become long-faced, morose or goody-goody as might be termed. But know in what and in WHOM ye believe; and then act, in thy associations with others, in such a way and manner that thy good purpose, thy desires, thy goodness may not be evilspoken of - or that there is never a question within thy own individuality, thy own conscience, as to whether the choice thou hast taken in thy activities is a thing to be questioned.
13. For if ye know in Whom and in what ye believe, then ye may give - in thy manifested activity - a constructive influence ever.
14. And such influences will be felt THROUGHOUT the activities of what ye call the ages - as they are in the present because of the MANNER in which the emotions are aroused in the minds and the hearts and the beings, physically, mentally and spiritually, of all ye contact.
15. Know, then, that ye possess a weapon; in that ye may make or use such an influence for good or for woe.
16. In the astrological aspects we find Jupiter as the benevolent influence ever; giving abilities in those directions wherein - whatever the choice of activity may be - the masses as well as individuals will be easily influenced by that ye say, that ye do.
17. We find in Venus rather the aspects that are not ALWAYS for good, for these have been under the influence (remember, HAVE been under the influence) of Uranus. Hence we find the entity physically, mentally or spiritually is INTENSE in its love, in its association, in its affection; and this oft has been misconstrued. Also these very same influences bring the DEMANDS of the entity in such a manner that distrust of others in the same relationships is often questioned.
18. Hence the extremes may be the experience of the entity in this present sojourn; and these have also been aided - as will be seen - by the activities of the entity in the material sojourns, or in the body, through the earth.
19. In Mercury we find one of high MENTAL ability, or with that ability - no matter in what phase or field of activity - to carry itself off. Or, if the occasion warrants, and there are things with which it is not acquainted, it can carry it off as if it were well versed in ANY of the activities apparent in the associations or contacts with the entity.
20. The influences from Saturn - when these have been in conjunction with Uranus AND Venus - make for periods when these greater changes and disturbances in the activities and relationships in the material sojourn become the confusing points.
21. As has been indicated, the entity in '36 and '37 entered a period of greater harmony than it has known in this sojourn. This will last until '40 and '41, when AGAIN there will be a period of disturbance - owing to changes that will be wrought in the experience through influence of associations in the material plane.
22. The entity being grounded and founded, though, in that which must be the criterion of the entity - Know in Whom and in what ye have believed, and that it, the belief, is founded in a spiritual import - then the strength of the promises in the Creative Forces, or God, will be able to keep thee in thy disturbing periods.
23. For, if ye make those promises thine, they will become as great an influence in thy individual experience, in thy heart and thy mind and thy soul, even as ye are able to influence and do influence every person ye contact.
24. For when ye smile ye make the world smile with you; when ye weep - oft ye have done it alone. KNOW there are those who care, and ever He will be thy guide - if ye will claim His promises as thine own!
25. As to the sojourns in the earth, we find that in the present experience the entity draws upon a great many - and these, as indicated, may appear at times to even conflict one with another in their present influences. But know that these pass, even as ye passed from the childhood to the first thoughts of the emotions in thy body, in thy abilities to become creative within thy inner self. As ye changed in thy associations with thy friends, thy neighbors, thy foes - yea, with those of the opposite sex - all of these have brought changes in thy pattern of thy life, in thy pattern of thy associations with thy fellow man!
26. Yet the abilities to influence others, the abilities to make others fight for or fight each other for thy smile, thy affection, remain even as they ever have through thy sojourns in the earth!
27. Before this, then, we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity - or was during the latter portion of its earthly sojourn.
28. The entity was among those women of the frontier; one hearty, STRONG in body, in conviction; and even THEN was known as MAE - Mae Umbor; and one considered - as ye would proverbially say - "What she desired she took; what she wanted she got!"
29. During those experiences when there were the establishings of the forts in and about what is now Chicago, or Dearborn, the entity was one who traded not only upon the affections of the traders but who traded with the peoples of the northwest for their wares; the skins, the pelts, the woods and those activities of same.
30. Hence the entity was one who made for turmoils in the experiences of others, yet held true to that influence which the entity held over others to bring material gains to the activities of self.
31. With the destruction and the flight from the place with one through whom the entity lost much in MATERIAL things, [GD's note: In subsequent readings it was discovered that this referred to her association with [294], or Edgar Cayce, when he was John Bainbridge] the entity became embittered. Yet in its activities and sojourns about the very land of [Va.] its present abode the entity gained.
32. And though the entity may - and will - wander far from what is called the Tidewater area, Virginia, it will be drawn ever back.
33. For in the latter portion of that sojourn the entity altered its activity and became one to whom EVERYONE came for counsel, for the words of encouragement, the advice and counsel that gave strength of many of the hearts of those who later became a part of the defense of the land in 1812, and before those periods.
34. For the entity, though well in years, then made for those activities that brought greater joy, greater hopes of ALL phases of man's experience during those trying times for the entity, for many with whom the entity came in contact, for many who were as associates, companions, friends or even mere acquaintances of the entity.
35. As to the abilities of the entity from that sojourn or activity, we find the entity is able to adapt itself to whatever influence that may be surrounding same; and to bring in its own activities a conviction of a purposefulness - which is a virtue that is to be cultivated, and also passed on to others by the very association and in advice and in counsel which the entity is so well able to give and capable of giving to others whom it contacts!
36. Before that we find the entity was in the French land during the earlier period of the Louises, when there were those who first became those to act in the capacity of lobbyists - as called in the present - in the court of the king.
37. There the entity's activities to some became questioned, yet the entity kept itself in body and in the very material or physical activities PURE.
38. Though the entity was questioned by its associates, by those even of its own house - yea, questioned by its own companions as to relationships - the entity was able to carry much of those influences for the good of her individual people!
39. Selfishness arose in the experience of the entity during that sojourn. This is not a portion of the entity in the present sojourn, but lies innate - and when turmoils or distresses arise within the experience it often raises its head as one that makes the inclination for the entity to blame others with those influences and things that come into the experience, when - know that, ever - ye are constantly day by day meeting thy own self, in the choices ye have made as between that which is constructive in a creative way or manner and that which is for self-indulgence, self-aggrandizement, self-praise!
40. Then, do not allow the ego, the self, to become a stumblingblock. For that ye sow, that ye reap.
41. In that experience the entity's name was Margo Meguiette.
42. As to the abilities of the entity from that sojourn, we find in the present the activities in which the entity - if it sets about to do anything, to influence an individual - no matter whether it be in high position or whether it be the cook or the drudgery one, the entity can wind such an one around her own finger!
43. Use these abilities constructively, never for self-aggrandizements! These are well if used well; these are great temptations at times in thy experience.
44. Before that we find the entity was in the Roman and the Grecian experience. This, however, was during those periods when there were the establishings of the Church in the land of the Romans.
45. The entity then was of royal power, being not of the Caesars that were in power or authority but of the household of the cousins - as ye would term it; and in the position to draw upon the influences of the court as well as the established places of activity of the empire then through Macedonia, through Greece, through Palestine, through the North African land.
46. There the entity's greater experience or influence came in the contact with those who were as the missionaries, or those who had been set in authority over the churches or places of activity.
47. Though through its secular forces the entity was averse to such affairs, the entity acted rather in the capacity of one who looked upon the activities of those for the reporting; or - as ye would term such an activity in the present - the entity was in a diplomatic service or activity.
48. However, the entity was in the same sex as in the present; and became associated especially with one Lucius [294] [12/02/39 See 1990-3, Par. 47-A, 48-A indicating that the present nephew, [1990], had been the son of [1523] and [294] in the Roman-Grecian period.] who drew from those activities in Macedonia, in Mesopotamia, and the northern portions of the Palestine land.
49. The entity was greatly influenced by that association, but when faced with the teachings of Paul - and the activities in which the entity had been the means for SEPARATING Lucius and his companion [1468] [4/16/38 See EC's ltr. under 1468-4 Reports. 5/14/38 Ditto.] during that experience - such influences caused the entity to withdraw, into its activities in the Roman rule.
50. Hence we find the entity in the present oft has those periods when it becomes confused materially or mentally, and it draws then within itself and becomes moody for a period. Yet it is able and capable to put, as it would be proverbially said, the best foot foremost when the occasion arises. Yet this subjugating of the feelings brings on those periods when questions arise as to the motive of the entity's activities during such periods in its associations with others.
51. The name then was Vesta, and of the royal families. Hence the entity may in the present bedeck itself in the very royal robes or in the garments of the ash girl or goose girl and still be queenly in either!
52. Before that we find the entity was in the land now known as the Holy Land, during those periods when there was the returning from the land of captivity - or in the period of the rebuilding of the walls of the Holy City, and of the temple in Jerusalem.
53. The entity was among those peoples who chose to come with the first under Zerubbabel, yet the entity was not wholly of the Jewish or Hebrew blood. And these very influences made for confusions when the entity made overtures or associations with the friends and associates of Sanballat or those who had been left in the land and known later as the Samaritans.
54. This among the entity's own close associates caused confusion and disturbance.
55. And in the present we will find the entity's disregard for ANYONE'S activity as related to place, manner or way of spiritual worship. For the entity looks upon the activities of the individual day by day, as it sought for those during that experience to do for self. For that the entity has held, and well to magnify same: Do not to others that ye would not have others do to you.
56. In the experience the entity was known as Abasha; of the peoples of the tribe of Benjamin but of those - as indicated - of the Persians also.
57. Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptian land, now called; during those experiences when there were turmoils and strifes, owing to the activities that arose between the Priest and the King in their disputes.
58. The entity then was of those peoples of the Native land that sought, with the priests, for the activities in association with the functionings of the Priest's Council.
59. And with the return of the Priest from exile, the entity became very closely associated with the Priest [294] in those activities when there began the classifying of individuals as to definite service.
60. The entity joined with those who were the skilled artisans in the decorations about the grounds, about the temples, about what ye would call in the present landscaping. These were a part of the entity's activities, which drew the Priest close in associations with the entity during the whole of the latter part of the entity's experience there - as Shu-Shi-She-Put.
61. Before that we find the entity in the Atlantean land, when there was the SECOND period of the upheavals in the land.
62. The entity was a priestess in the Temple then of Light, the temple in which there were the activities in associations with the Law of One. The entity held such activities not so close as some, and not so close as the priests especially of the older ones judged she should.
63. For the entity consorted with those who were, to the priests, questioned; and the entity during that experience had seventeen sons by seventeen DIFFERENT men! [See 1523-14, Par. 36.]
64. These brought those activities of many disturbing forces, yet never were the priests - either of Belial or of the Law of One - able to prevent the entity, as Ishuma, from leading in the activities in the Temple of Light.
65. Hence turmoils were caused; and all the more reason why it is necessary in the present to hold to that which has been indicated: Know in what ye believe and WHO is the author of same!
66. As to the abilities in the present, these become so outstanding, so activative! yet these are dependent upon the application of self.
67. The abilities are within, innate and manifested. Use them for constructive forces of a spiritual nature, and peace and harmony will be thy development. Use them for self and they will bring turmoils, disputes, distrust; and that which makes the heart afraid.
68. Love the Lord who is thy strength, and ye will find that ye will grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding; and in the abilities to apply same.
69. Ready for questions.
70. (Q) [See Par. 72-Q below, actually asked first but left out of original copy and typed on separate sheet.] What was my past association with my present husband [1650] and how can I work out our life together now for the best mental and spiritual development for both?
    (A) In the experience just before this, the companion was in those capacities associated wherein the entity advised, counseled and made for the strengthening of hope in the experience of each.
71. (Q) Just what should be the proper outlet for the expression of my natural vitality and abilities?
    (A) In dancing; as in directing, though, the young people in the athletics, or the still younger in their body-development and of such natures.
72. (Q) [GD's note: The question below was actually asked first, but she wished it left out of the original copy and typed on separate sheet.] What was my past association with my former husband, [2508], and how can I work out the mental and emotional urges from this or these associations for the greater mutual mental and spiritual development?
    (A) Associated more than once with this companion. In the activities in the French period, we find this former companion was then the ruler - one of those whose word was law, irrespective of what others said or did! The entity worshiped from afar; close in association, but body kept inviolate - and these have been almost reverse in the present.
    As to working same out, study to show self approved unto that ideal as indicated; never doing, never being that which is a question to thy own conscience. But DARE to be that thou believest, thou seest - not by feeling alone but because thy conscience tells thee so!
    In an experience before that we find the companion was an associate in the Atlantean land, and the father of ONE of the sons during that experience - one that arose to authority and power later; Ax-Tell [487].
73. We are through for the present.
74. Much more might be given, may be given - that we would give - as to the abilities of the entity to influence young and old. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce for Sponsor, Mr. [257]

BACKGROUND

1. 5/24/34 Mr. [257]'s letter to EC: "This will introduce you to Miss [1523] who is interested in knowing you. She would like to know you and more about the work you are doing. I hope you will permit her to see a reading and maybe some day you will permit her to have one for herself - as she is working her way through school. I was introduced to her by Isaac Lande whom you know."
2. Subsequent report by Miss [1523], on 11/18/40, explaining above note: "On 5/24/34 I was working in New York City at a restaurant named TOSCA and located on Fulton Street between Williams Street and Broadway. Following the separation and divorce from my first husband, [2508], I had gone to New York, it could be said in desperation, and had taken a job as waitress. On May 24th two men came into the restaurant and sat down at my 'station.' One of them, noticing that I was not from New York, asked me where I was from. When I told him ..., Va., he asked me if I ever heard of Edgar Cayce. I told him that I had heard of him, but that I had never met nor seen him. I had been told about Mr. Cayce in 1929 by Mr. [391], the brother of Miss [288]. This man then told me that he was Mr. [257], and that I should not be working in a restaurant as a waitress, and said 'You should go to Edgar Cayce and find out what to do with your life.' He further said, 'I am going to give you a note to take to him. Give it to him the next time you visit Virginia Beach, and he will tell you what to do with your life.' I had not wanted anyone at home to know what I was doing for a living, because I was ashamed of doing waitress work [I had come to N.Y. hoping to get a job singing on the radio or in a night club. Although several prospects had opened up, nothing definite materialized along this line.] and so I told Mr. [257] how I felt about this. He said, 'Alright - in the note I will tell him that you are working your way through school.' Actually, that is what my sister, Miss [1548], was doing in New York, and we were living together there where she was trying to get her Master's degree in Physical Education. I assume that Isaac Lande was the man with Mr. [257]. In any case I did not know Isaac Lande, nor do I ever remember meeting him. This is the true story behind the above note which Mr. [257] wrote on 5/24/34.
   "I did go to see Mr. Cayce that summer and I gave him the note, and he gave me a pamphlet entitled A MAN AND HIS WORK, which was mostly about his health readings. I had the impression from Mr. [257] that Mr. Cayce would tell me something, or explain something to me. All he did was to suggest that I read the information he had given me and then come back. I went over all this with my mother and asked her what she thought I should do. I had no idea what a Life Reading was, and the price of a reading as listed in the pamphlet (or price of membership) was $20, so I just didn't go back at all. The memory of that encounter is with me yet. "It was 1938 before I returned to Mr. Cayce for help." [See 1523-1 through 1523-3, Physical Readings.]

REPORTS

1. GD's note: On waking from 1523-4, EC told Mrs. [1523] that he remembered having the usual experience of going to the hall of records, but that during this reading he was given a book that was very large and beautifully bound, but quite thin.
2. 9/38 Mrs. [1523] visited her friend Mrs. [1277] in D.C. for a month and got a job there singing in a cocktail lounge, such songs as: THE ONE ROSE, I AIN'T GOT NOBODY, I CRIED FOR YOU, YOU LEAVE ME BREATHLESS, WHAT'LL I DO, DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL, THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE, BLUE HEAVEN, LONESOME ROAD, etc. She had a lovely, deep, husky voice. On 9/18/38 She wrote EC: "This singing job can be considered a first step, and if I could stay here and feel right about the situation at home, I sincerely believe I could make some very definite progress in the direction of radio work, which is really my goal, but Mama [1541] and papa [2051] are quite upset and I can't do my best under these conditions... [1650] (husband) called me up last night. He seems to be in better spirits than a week or so ago, probably because I told him I'm coming home."
3. 7/24/38 Mrs. [1523] reported on her readings to date [See under 1523-1 Reports and 1523-5 Reports], saying: "An additional comment would be that I have achieved complete physical recovery and mental comfort due to my association with Mr. Cayce and his work, a better understanding of self and my relation to others."
4. 10/07/38 She obtained 1523-6 in re her home and marriage.
5. 5/29/40 She obtained 1523-11, a Ck. Life on her Dearborn incarnation.
6. 3/17/41 She obtained 1523-12 in re her home and marriage, preparation of herself and husband for becoming parents, etc.
7. 6/02/41 She obtained 1523-13, a Ck. Life on her French incarnation.
8. 4/28/42 She obtained 1523-15 in re her mental-physical-spiritual welfare, associations, etc.
9. 10/15/42 She obtained 1523-16, a Ck. Life on her Roman incarnation.
10. 2/20/43 See 845-9, Par. 27-A indicating past associations in Egypt.
11. 3/20/43 See 2390-7, Par. 29-A indicating past associations in Egypt.
12. 12/02/79 Dream (Mrs. [1523] told to GD on 12/03/79):
    December 2, 1979 - my birthday - I had this beautiful dream, just before awakening.
    It seemed that I was in a building with an altar. It was church-like in design on the inside and yet I thought it must be an auditorium.
    I was standing a short distance from the altar, in the center of an aisle. There was a soft white light beaming down on me, and I was aware that there were people on both sides in the semi-darkness. The altar was in the same semi-darkness. My feeling was that there was a small group of people and I was talking to them about Mr. Cayce and the many experiences that had come about in my life since meeting him. I remember that I was aware of being the last person alive that had known Mr. Cayce, and I was telling these people (with enthusiasm) about the change in my life since knowing him.
    A man, who I thought and felt to be Mr. Cayce, (same height and size) came down from the altar, joined me, and we walked down the aisle away from the altar, with the circle of light shining on us, and I was aware that on each side of the aisle, in the semi-darkness, there were benches such as you would see in a church, and all seats were taken. We walked on and on, and I couldn't believe that there would be a building so elongated as this one. Eventually we turned and walked back toward the altar, and I thought, "Is it possible that all of these people were hearing the stories I had been telling when first I became aware of being in the circle of light?"
    When we reached the point where I had been standing in the first part of the dream, I stopped and found that I was standing in the same circle of light and Mr. Cayce had returned to the altar, which was still in the semi-darkness.
    Then I began to look around, and saw that there was a seat for me. But there were a few barriers, which I quickly stepped over, and took my seat which was in the aisle a few steps away from the circle of light. Then I realized that the entire aisle - in its entire length - had filled with people, except in front of me. That area remained unoccupied.
    When I was seated, the dream ended; however, I felt that this was just the beginning of a happening, which was not yet to be revealed to me.
    I can still see the entire happening in my mind's eye and recall the feeling I had in the dream as I talked with the people, and I was aware that I was the only one there who had known Mr. Cayce. It was as if I really was the last person alive who had known Mr. Cayce.
13. 12/03/79 GD's note: I felt this dream [See Par. R12 above] should be included in 1523-4 as a supplement, because she has continued through the years to share her experiences with others; what she has gained from knowing Edgar Cayce and following the advice in his readings has been of inestimable help to thousands.

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