This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 15th day of March, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [Miss] [1551], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., via Dr. Henry S. W. Hardwicke.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born December 18, 1900, in Durham, N.C.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the records of that entity now known as or called Miss [1551].
2. As we find, while giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, there may be the inclination to counsel with the entity in the present - but we give these that they may be used in the experience in the present for greater development, and for the bringing of contentment and peace and harmony - that are real - and not that which has so oft even in the present experience been taken for security and surety in self.
3. There are influences that bear upon the experiences innately, as well as upon the emotions. But know that these are not impelling, but must be used as signs, as omens.
4. And know that there must first be found within self that which is an ideal. Not merely the ideal home, the ideal economic security, the ideal channel or outlet for the physical and mental emotions, but that ideal which ye would have thy God, thy Lord, have in relation to thee.
5. Then know that it is indeed necessary in self for the ideal of every phase of the experience - physically, mentally, spiritually - to be founded in that which is eternal, that is as Life itself.
6. For Life IS, and it is earnest, and it is good, and it is sad, and it IS beautiful, and it is ugly; just as ye apply it in thy dealings and relations with thy fellow man - as patterned from thy ideal.
7. Then indeed it is what it is in the present because of what ye have set in motion or done about same in thy experiences here, now, and THROUGHOUT the ages of thy sojourn in the earth as well as in the interims about the environs of the earth between the earthly sojourns.
8. Hence we find in giving the interpretation of those things and conditions that influence the entity as a whole in the present, these may be drawn from the astrological aspects - not because the Sun, the Moon, the Planets or even any of the signs of the zodiac were in a given position at the time of birth. But know rather that thou art indeed a portion of that great whole. And these positions, yes - the conditions that exist are because of what ye have done about these things!
9. For as ye experience, that ye think, that ye study, that ye dwell upon mentally ye become the more greatly influenced by - in thy mental self, and physical self. And ye either feed thy soul upon the husks of right and righteousness or give that full measure that makes a growth.
10. For the Mind is the Builder, and ye build then through the application of same in thy dealings with the conditions, the circumstance, the relations with thy fellow man, either that which is eternal - as good, as righteousness, as patience, as brotherly love, as kindness - or ye starve thy soul with the husks that satisfy only the desires of the body for the moment.
11. Then, know in whom ye believe as well as in what ye believe; trusting in the divine that manifests itself in thy own inner self, in thy very life itself, that ye may build that which will bring harmony, peace, contentment - thus making the world, yes, thy environ, yes, thy associates day by day, BETTER for thy having passed that way!
12. Not that ye are to become long-faced nor saintly in a manner that is not in keeping with the way ye think and act and treat thy fellow man - but they are one! And it is only the things of the spirit that are eternal, or that can bring that harmony which is so necessary in the experience of each soul as it journeys through the veil of the earth or dwells in the shadows of sorrow, or finds in the bright lights of the promises of tomorrow the glories that may come ONLY from just being kind, just doing EVERY day, in EVERY way, just that to others ye would have others do to you.
13. In the experiences of self, but irrespective of what ye have done or may do, ye find these: Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn as the ruling influences in thy experience, all in the order as indicated.
14. Hence we find one that is very susceptible to affection; directed by same; liked by and attracts those of the opposite sex. There are the abilities in making friends, yet often chooses and at times unwisely.
15. There are the abilities in the field of ANY commercial activity in which there is the trading element, or the sale element; or in descriptions of same.
16. Hence we will find, either in the capacity as a saleslady - of ANYTHING of which the entity IS convinced as to its value - or in writing; stories that describe not only love scenes but the effect of such conditions upon the lives of individuals in every walk of life; the entity may succeed.
17. These of every nature may be a part of the entity's experience, if it gives itself to attempt such.
18. One that finds in self often that the little rift, the unkind word grows and is magnified and taken as an individual insult, will become as a separating thing from those with whom there is not only duty, not only obligations because of associations and relations. But do not let ANGER be thy DESTRUCTIVE principle! Be mad, yes - but sin not!
19. Also from Saturn we find the inclinations for seeking new fields; whether these be for material experiences, a mental emotion, or the seeking for things because they are new or strange. These become a part of the experience.
20. Then, temper, TEMPER all of these with that thou would set as thy ideal; and ye will find these may be turned from many of the hardships that have been thine - even in the present - to those experiences where life and its joys and sorrows becomes a REAL EXPERIENCE, yes - worthy of making the most of same under EVERY circumstance!
21. Look upon it as thy opportunity to be a channel of blessings to someone, not for thy glory but for the glory of Him who gives thee life - in whom ye live and move and have thy being.
22. For HE will take thee up when others desert thee. He will comfort and cheer thee when life and its surroundings appear the darkest. Look then to Him. For He is thy rock, He is thy haven of rest; and ye shall find that peace as He has given. Not as the world knoweth peace but as they alone who walk and talk oft with their God.
23. As to the appearances in the earth, these have been quite varied; and little wonder that when the emotions of the body alone and the experiences in the earth are considered, the entity oft finds itself in turmoils, in wonderments, dissatisfied with EVERYTHING; seeking then new thrills, seeking new associations, new activities.
24. And those that partake of the earthly desires alone CANNOT, WILL NOT, DO NOT satisfy! Only that which takes hold ON life itself as a CREATIVE thing in thy experience.
25. Before this, then, we find the entity was in the land of the present sojourn during those periods when there were the turmoils which arose following the American Revolution.
26. The entity then in the name Cissy (?) Klass was engaged in those activities in which there was the determining on the part of many to bring about changes as related to the furnishings, the factories, the activities of the household productions. These became a part of the entity's experience. Yet these were changed oft by the environs and by the activities during the experience.
27. And the entity gained and lost. Yet in the present experience THINGS, as have to do or deal with the activities of office and home, school and the like, become a part of the urges as for activities of the entity; and yet apparently NEVER satisfy!
28. Yet the abilities of the business woman arise from the experience, but again too oft does the entity harken to the voice of those who would show thee an easier way as pertaining to the material surroundings. And these too late are oft found to be paths that have led the entity far afield from its purposes.
29. Then again as has been given, KNOW in WHOM as well as in what ye believe; and know, by the answer from within, that the voice of such - no matter what may be promised in the material things BEFORE ye choose same - will come to naught unless leading to constructive forces in the mental and spiritual realm.
30. Before that we find the entity was in the Roman land when there were many of the ladies of the court who made for entertainment, and entertained by others in the environs and the surroundings.
31. It was during the period of that one who made the material lives of many very hard - during Nero's activities.
32. And the entity was a danseuse, and a writer also; in the name then Pommeun.
33. In the experience the entity in the material things gained, because of the abilities to attract others of the opposite sex; and the abilities to make quick friendships arise in the present from the experience when the entity was a beauty in body, a beauty in many things pertaining to the material conditions and yet so foreign from constructive experiences!
34. Yet the entity took hold on those that were persecuted for their beliefs, through the very beauty and grace of STRENGTH of body; and the entity was ALMOST persuaded - yet gave way.
35. Hence the entity finds in the present that beauty of body, the desire to see a game of any nature in which physical skill is manifested, is a portion of a longing, of a desire within the innate forces and the emotions of the entity itself.
36. Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there were turmoils and strifes in the land, owing to the rebellions.
37. And the ENTITY joined nigh unto the King's brother who went into activities in what was called the Ibex Rebellion.
38. There the entity rose in power and became as one worshipped by those of her own groups as well as others for a period.
39. And when this Rebellion was broken by the activities of the Natives as well as the King, the entity then fell into what would be called - for the experience - evil days.
40. Yet the entity gained, for with the return of the Priest and the building up of the experiences through which there was the purging through services in the temples of Sacrifice and in the Temple Beautiful, these brought for the entity then - as At-Al-A - that which was indeed an experience in which the latter portion of that sojourn was one of beauty and of strength; for it made for the living of the fruits of the spirit in the life of the entity.
41. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
42. Turning within self, looking upon self as its relationships to the world - little. Looking to the mental and spiritual abilities, and the promise and the covenant with thy Lord, as a living thing, who may say aught against ANY experience to which ye may attain?
43. In those FIELDS of service as indicated - as a writer, as an activity in any commercial field - may the material things be gained.
44. Then, keep thy feet upon the pathway that leads to life everlasting. Let thy yeas be yea and thy nays be nay, not drawn aside from the purpose of finding peace and harmony in thy relationships to others. For, seek the Lord while He may be found!
45. Ready for questions.
46. (Q) Would you suggest my changing my present occupation?
    (A) This may be used until there is the accomplishing of the writing - if so desired. This is a field of service in which material gains may come.
47. (Q) My present [second] marriage lacks mental and spiritual qualities of companionship. Should I get a divorce? My husband recently suggested we get a divorce.
    (A) Let this be according to the dictates of thy own conscience, rather than from any other source.
    There have been those periods in which there have been turmoils in other experiences with thy present companion; as in the Egyptian and in the experience just previous to this. There is much then ye have to work out together. But NOT just materially; MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL!
48. (Q) Should my relationship with Rolf Hammer be continued or broken?
    (A) Again, this may lead to destructive experiences or glories. If the relationship is creative in that it IS showing forth constructive things in thy experience, hold fast. If it is leading to disturbances in thy own mind and in the minds of those of thy own self to whom duties and obligations are a part of the experience, leave it off.
49. (Q) What can I do to make my son's [[1677]'s] life happiest, healthiest?
    (A) So create the environment and the surroundings for him that these become constructive forces. Train him up in the way of the Lord while he is yet susceptible to the things that are constructive, and when he is old he will not depart from them and he will indeed call thee blessed.
    Never do anything ye would not have him do. Never say anything ye would not have him say.
50. We are through for the present.

BACKGROUND

1. 3/13/38 She submitted questions for Physical and Life Rdgs.
2. 3/15/38 A.M. She obtained a Physical Rdg., 1551-1.

REPORTS

1. 3/19/38 HLC's letter to EC: "The life reading didn't suit Miss [1551] at all. [GD's note: She used her maiden name in business, which did not appear Jewish, although both husbands' names did, or at least foreign.] She resented the being preached at and wanted more on her incarnations. We went over the reading and I feel that she understood it much better when she left. Her Ibex attitude made it a bit harder and I can well understand how she could irritate me easily. She was more impressed with the Egyptian incarnation of course and much interested in our history of that..."
2. 3/21/38 Miss [1551]'s letter, after giving report on 1551-1:
   With regard to the Life reading: my reaction was and still is one of disappointment. However I hope that each day to come will lighten this disappointment by a greater understanding.
   I feel that with regard to the questions I asked that no specific information of help was given. I was told for instance on one question that I would have to use my conscience. Now that happens to be what I have been doing, and could not get a decided unmistakable answer from it, and for that very reason had asked for specific help from the reading. The answers to the other questions also seemed general and not specific. This general information I had available without psychic reading. Throughout the reading too much of the information seems to be general and very little specific. Too much of admonitions; too little of facts from which I could draw my own admonitions.
   It would seem to me that the purpose of a life reading would be to get what the words imply: a reading of one's past lives pure and simple - as other than for this reason I would not need to apply for Extra or Super Sensory advice. And I cannot see any need either for one to wish for this specific information with regard to their past existences except for the purpose of studying them for the light that they may throw on the present existence in ones search to study and improve the present. With a specific knowledge of the past existences and a precise knowledge of the ascendencies and descendencies of each and the whys and wherefores of same - one could have a clear consecutive record of past experiences from which to make a study of the present. We can get to Know Ourselves pretty well here without a study of the past - but if one gets a record of the past it should be a specific record of background - a straight consecutive record for it to be of greatest help to the present.
   I do hope I am making myself clear. This is meant as a constructive and not a destruction criticism of the reading. Incidentally I have spoken with another person who also had a life reading and from what I heard of that reading it was a great deal more specific in every way than mine, and included six past experiences while mine only included three and were much less specific with these three then were her six. I believe that she got a great deal more of specific helpful information from which to make her own studies and deductions than I did from mine. I refer just now to [1058] readings - for comparison with mine. I have not yet read hers but she has told me a great deal about them. This is absolutely no personal criticism, and there is no resentment in my disappointment. I did not receive as much of the I of information I expected to receive, nor it as specific as I expected. Out of about five or six pages more than two-thirds of it was not information that one would have to go further to get than their own Bible and other books easily accessible and easily readable.
   The very facts of your own ability are to me a dance of thanksgiving, a reason for unlimited faith and search for the creator that is behind it all. So why should I ask for any more than just this or feel any resentment for having received any less?
   May I wish you continued power. The stewardship of it is a sacred thing. The world being so blind - sick - unhappy, and you with so much to offer in the way of help. May every avenue be open to you to help you on your helpful way.
   Sincerely, [1551]
   [GD's note: On 3/13/38 she had also submitted these questions which did not get asked in the Life Rdg.: "What action should I take with regard to my property in Conn.? What action should I take with regard to my son [1677]'s father, my former husband...in connection with his help in supporting, financially, our son?"]
3. 3/28/38 EC's letter to [1551]:
   Dear Miss [1551]
   Thank you for yours of 21st. It is very hard to give explanation by mail, of anything that is basically spiritual - or nothing - but appreciate your writing me as you have. Feel sure however that Hugh Lynn our son is as capable of giving you an explanation as I.
   To be sure unless you can make the information practical, they are worth very little to you, however our experience is when an individual attempts to live the suggestions, whether you consider them just sermons, lectures or what, they become very practical. Am sure however, if there is the least resentment, at some of the things said, or the manner in which they are presented, you will not be able to get much out of them. For they follow a natural law, or are nothing - "there must be an answer within".
   As for the physical [1551-1] - feel sure with the application of the suggestion you will get results. There is little or no question there.
   "Body should be near normal" well it might be put like this. There is we would say a post all clear and beautiful, someone drives nails in same, (ills of the body - no matter what nature) now we may pull the nails out, but the holes are still there, may be normal in all appearances, yet, the weakness caused by the trouble is there. Do you see what I mean. In that sense I believe the information speaks.
   How or why such as the mention of odors, I do not know, evidently there was something to cause this. Why don't know, but feel very sure were you to have the odor as suggested would be helpful to you in many ways - now the why can't say for don't know certainly would not hurt to at least give it a trial. You evidently are very sensitive - as indicated by your experience - and the reaction to same - and would surely respond to the odor as suggested, whether there was an awareness of any character of one being there at the time or not.
   The only answer about your LIFE reading is, as you study same feel sure you just as many others have done will find more and more in same, unless you just lay it aside, say you are disappointed and do not do anything about the suggestion for instance - saying your conscience should guide you. Ask your mental self the question, make up your mind the answer is yes or no. Then go into meditation - or pray about it - and get the answer there, it may or may not be the same - but if not the same be sure you are questioning your better self. I may not be making this plain to you - but if you will try it feel sure you will get some where with it.
   You may be correct about the purposes of the information of a life reading - it happens not to be just that in our experience. But feel sure that if you will give the data a little thought, read it several times lay it aside, forget it for a few days - then read it again several times, do this for some time - and feel sure you will grow as it were into what is trying to be presented to you. Anything worthwhile - is rarely handed us on a platter. And if it is, it is soon forgotten. Now to compare a reading with another - am sure very very few of the appearances are given compared to the many we may have experienced - however those that are affecting us the most at the time are given for our edification. Do we take them so we are the gainer - do we cast them aside, we are the loser - it is only as we make use of that we know are we ready for more - or are we able to absorb or be absorbed by the suggestion. That the information or the source of same consider you enough to preach at you certainly would indicate you are worthy of a great deal and as you apply that given - tho it may be veiled in indefinite suggestion, you in your heart know the meaning, else you would have never asked for it. And you can use it if you WILL and only in the use of it may more be given you.
   Now, please know Miss [1551] my whole desire is to be of a help, and no matter how many times may need to try and answer your questions, am glad to try for wish you have the greatest good that may possibly come to you from same. So please do not just lay it aside, let's try and do something about it all. Won't you. What ever power there may have been or is given me is at your service for good, and the seeker finds.
   Keep sweet, search, pray often, for if your spiritual life is not awakened, well you had your answer in the physical experience, "seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you."
   We are of course - three dimensional - Body, Mind and Soul. They are one as they manifest in us as living human beings, yet, each has its faculties, just as the body with all its organs, appetites, its abilities and its limitations without the cooperation of the other phases - Mind and Soul. So with the MIND there are its faculties, with all its abilities and limitations; and the Soul the same way. Then we must learn to put the emphasis where it belongs, not accredit this or that to one portion of our being when it is the functioning of only one phase of our being yet, never forgetting WE as our GOD are ONE.
   Don't mean to become preachy again - but am sure you understand me. Thank you again and again, know I want to help you get the most out of the help we are trying to give. Just don't get the accent where it doesn't belong - for unless we can stay well balanced - in all phases of our existence, and consciousness, well we are sure to get sidetracked.
   Please let me hear how you come along with your analysis of the information and the use of the suggestions.
   With all good wishes, and love in his name.
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
4. 4/01/38 [1551]'s letter to EC:
   New York City Dear Mr. Cayce -
   Thank you so much for your long letter which I have read and re-read very carefully.
   I enclose two checks which I wish you would deposit ON THEIR DUE DATES - to complete payment of my donation to the Association.
   I will most assuredly advise you of the results from the readings and remain
   Sincerely, [1551]
5. See subsequent correspondence under 1551-1 and 1551-3 [Physical Readings].

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