This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 31st day of March, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1562], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [1561].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born April 29, 1893, in New York City.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called Mr. [1562].
2. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them, some little explanation as to how they may be read or interpreted might be well for this entity; as innately and manifestedly the entity has an interest in occult things and conditions.
3. The records of an entity are written upon time and space, as the skein of things. They may be called as images. For thoughts are things, and as they run, so are the impressions made upon what we call time and space.
4. Hence often there is confusion in the experiences of those interpreting for individuals their activities through any given period, in differentiating between that which was the thought of an individual and that which was the actual activity.
5. But if there is the intent and purpose considered, or that the entity has desired through any given period of sojourn, whether in the consciousness of the realms about the earth (or astrological aspects) or in the physical consciousness of the earthly sojourn, in reference to that which is not merely idealistic toward this or that thought or trend of thought but that which is constructive, THEN the judgment of same may be drawn by the interpreter of such a record for an individual.
6. Hence how much greater the necessity, in the interpreting of such a record, that the one seeking same hold within self those desires for that which will be towards a helpful purpose IN the interpreting of same - even for self! That such may often shade what is given is true, but it is ever the law of Creative Forces, as has been given, that God has not willed that any soul should perish but has with every transgression, with every condition, presented a way, a means, a manner for man's correcting same.
7. So that as may be interpreted for this entity is with that singleness of purpose that it may be a constructive, creative influence in the experience of the entity.
8. That those influences from astrological aspects are arising as urges is true. Not because of the position of a star or planet, or any sign of the zodiac, but rather because of what one has done about what each of those planets or environs represents in the existence, in the consciousness of the individual entity, as related TO the whole of the Creative Force in the entity's experience.
9. How has it been given? Where the heart is, or where the treasure is, there the heart is also. What is thy treasure? Then ye know the purpose, the seeking.
10. To put it in another manner: Do ye know thy ideal - mental, spiritual, material? They may be as far apart as the east is from the west, but are they REAL?
11. For in the very nature of thyself as from the astrological aspects, in Saturn ye find this innate: Ye think one manner, ye oft give expressions in the hearing of others that are not altogether in keeping with that ye really think. Not that it is the intent to be double-minded or two-faced, but rather thy means, thy manner of drawing from others their expressions, THEIR ideas.
12. In Venus ye find that great influence of lovely things, conditions, experiences in thy own activity and surroundings.
13. Ye might have been in thy experience an artist - that is, in the present; even as you will see ye have been in an experience in the earth.
14. Hence innately ye find the love of the beautiful in any expressive manner.
15. Then thy activities should be in any field in which there is the appreciation of art, whether that as may be depicted in nature or the body-beautiful, or the tenets or truths that may be manifested in one form or another. These give the means or the opportunity for expression; these may be in the material activities the work in which the greater joy, greater expression may be found.
16. We find that the channel through which expression may come, then, may be in such as printing; cards, that may express the sentiment for a day or week or month or year, or for certain periods; or the printing of books that give expression pertaining to activities in which there are especially the temperaments, the artistic temperaments; or calendars, or advertising of that character where there are the necessities for using the expression of the body-beautiful for depicting or conveying to the minds of others an interest in things that may be of daily use. Such as these may offer a channel of activity in which the entity, from the material as WELL as the mental, may succeed.
17. Those activities from sojourns in the Mercurian environs, combined with the changeable influences of Saturn and the Venus forces, make for that expression which at times calls for expression from others that the entity is very hard-headed, very determined, very contrary. And oft of the entity it has been said, "You are the most contrary someone I've ever known!"
18. These are but expressions, manifestations. These are only urges. As to whether or not they become manifested experiences, then, will depend upon the application of the will in reference to what is the ideal.
19. For who can ever be called hard-headed, over-indulgent or even temperamental, who indeed uses, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them," as the watchword, as the measure of associations one with another?
20. Then, what is thy ideal? Where - and in whom have ye believed? If in self alone, then self must indeed be the plane from which activity must emanate, as well as that plane which must be acted upon by the call of others as well as the manifesting of the spirit of truth also.
21. But what are ye reflecting? What are ye resounding that is to the glory of the Creative Forces in thy experience, as would by THY measure of the God ye would worship?
22. For, as ye do it unto the least of these, thy brethren, ye do it unto thy Maker.
23. That thou hast purposed oft in thy heart, through this experience, that thou dost hold as thy ideal in the spiritual realm, applied in thy daily life, in thy daily associations will be a NEW VISION - if ye will but hold to same!
24. Look within, and know in whom ye have believed as well as what is thy ideal.
25. As to the appearances in the earth that find expression, as well as the urges arising in what ye know as or call the emotional life, we find that these are not only as related to that which causes thee to feel "that way" about this or that experience, this or that person, but they are a part of thee. Hence they act upon thy emotions.
26. For that we think on, as that we assimilate in our bodies, that we gradually grow to be.
27. Can anyone fill his body with swine and not eventually become piggish or hoggish in his relationships with others? Or can anyone fill self with ANY of those influences without becoming that?
28. For we are constantly meeting that we have MEASURED unto others, as WELL as unto ourselves.
29. If ye disobey the laws pertaining to cleanliness, or the natural laws of nature, do ye not meet same in thy own self?
30. Just so it is with thy mental and thy spiritual environment and association. To whom do ye accredit those influences that are so much a part of thy mental abilities and faculties?
31. Then, before this we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those periods known now as the American Revolution - and those activities are given that are the main portion of what became the development or adverse, or advancing.
32. The entity acted as the informer. Not so much what ye would commonly call a spy, but that one who sought out - before the Army, and of the Colonists - as to the abilities of the lands to maintain or sustain those who would be in a manner dependent upon those in that campaign or activity.
33. Then, as Gordon Weathford, the entity was active in considerations for others. And these oft brought into the experience the lack of the thought of self. This in FACT was development, but this in application in the present may become rather retarding. For because of the lack of appreciation of that accomplished, the entity held grudges; and these do build - as does goodness. The one builds destruction, the other builds hope and glory and patience and brotherly love and kindness and gentleness.
34. Keep, then, to that thou didst gain there. For as ye sow, so must ye reap.
35. Keep the faith in Creative Forces.
36. Before that we find the entity was in the French and the Flemish land, when there were the considerations of those things pertaining to the depicting of the beautiful; to a greater extent even than in the present.
37. The entity then was associated with those who were of both the schools of the early Renaissance, and brought to self as well as others the appreciations of the efforts on the part of those who made the depicting of nature, the beauty of the body-beautiful, upon canvas - and the water colors.
38. Then the name was Aruel Meneaux, and the entity in the mental and spiritual gained, in the material not so much - yet the manifesting of these influences in the present experience may bring to the entity the material gains that were during those periods lacking, as it were.
39. For the fruits of that ye sow must one time be reaped in thy experience.
40. Before that we find the entity was in the Arabian and Persian land, during those periods when there were the gatherings of the peoples in the "city in the hills and the plains," especially of those from the Grecian land.
41. The entity then was of the Grecians who came into the land not so much for plunder as to absorb and make those lands a portion of the Grecian experience.
42. Yet coming under the influence of the teacher of the period, greater things came into the experience of the entity, as Arrar.
43. Thus the entity attempted to preserve in tiles and stones those experiences of many, from the varied lands, who came into the "city" for the aid - mental, physical. These were a part of the entity's experience.
44. And in the present there is that influence which is an aid to give others the appreciation of the beautiful, that as the self found to be lacking in others. Yet this has brought to self those periods of doubts and fears.
45. Hence KNOW - KNOW in WHOM ye believe, and WHO is the author of thy desires! Is it creative or destructive forces? WHO is the father of thy wishes? Is it thyself or thy appetites?
46. Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there were the beginnings of many of the buildings and repairings of those things which had been a portion of the developments of that land.
47. It was especially during that period of the King Araaraart and Ra-Ta that the entity made for the decorations of many of the edifices, both as to palaces and as to tombs, and as to graineries, as well as those things which later became as altars, as well as places for the gatherings of many.
48. Then, as to the abilities of the entity in the present, and that to which it may attain, and how:
49. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed; rightly divining the words of truth, keeping self unspotted from thy own conscious condemnation.
50. Thus ye will find grace, mercy, peace and harmony becoming more and more a part of thy experience.
51. Love others, not merely because they love thee but because it brings harmony and hope into thy own experience.
52. The fields of activity are as indicated, in the fields of service that mete out what ye would have meted to thee.
53. Ready for questions.
54. (Q) What has been my past association with my present daughter, explain the urges and just how I may be of most help to her.
    (A) Very close together during those periods just before this of the American Revolution, when there were many counselings, many disputations as one to another.
    The greater help the entity may give is not only in precept but in example.
55. (Q) What has been my past association with my present wife? Please explain the mutual urges which cause difficulties at times and how I may do my part in working these out constructively?
    (A) In those periods when the activities were in the Grecian and the Persian-Arabian land, the entity and the present wife were very closely associated. The disputes as to the activities that arose during those experiences find expression oft in misunderstandings in the present. But holding fast to those principles indicated, we will find harmony coming into the experience again.
56. (Q) What has been my past association with Harold A. Pumpelly, a present associate, and what should be the extent of my present activities with him for our mutual good?
    (A) These we do not find as associated directly. Rather they were as ones heard of, interested in, but not closely associated personally as we would call such.
    Hence in the present there are often found in each NEW corners, new phases, new sides of each, one with the other. As to how these are to be applied, much as has been indicated - as ye would, so do you.
57. (Q) With J. Carson Adkerson?
    (A) We do not find ANY associations.
58. (Q) What should be the extent of my present activities with him?
    (A) These may be builded according to the desire of each.
59. (Q) With J. J. MacArthur?
    (A) These, as we find, were as companions or associates in especially the Egyptian period, and in the Persian activities as well as being acquaintances and close - yet not actively close - in the French or Flemish experience.
    In the present MUCH may be accomplished by cooperation. But if ye fight one with another, what it can grow to!
60. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

REPORTS

1. 4/18/38 [1562]'s letter to EC:
   "...I find the Life reading [1562-1] very interesting. At first the language was a little confusing and the greater part of the reading seemed a bit general and somewhat vague to me. The more I read it over, however, the more it seems to apply to me. Probably as time goes on I shall find out more of the truth of this and shall be able to give you a more worthwhile account of my reaction and results of application. Since up to now my mind has been so occupied with other things, I really have not given it sufficient thought or study.
   "Frankly, I am not sure where I stand with regard to the idea of reincarnation, but your reading would seem to explain certain circumstances of this present incarnation... I would very much like a personal conviction of truth. To date, I have to rely on a feeling or inclination in certain directions. I feel therefore, that I am still seeking and have not as yet many strong convictions.
   "I have enjoyed meeting your son, and hope to attend some informal gatherings, which he has mentioned, with him in the near future.
   "I should greatly like the pleasure of meeting you and hope that events may make this possible. In the meantime, let me which [wish?] you God's blessing in your work..."
2. 4/28/38 [1562]'s letter to EC:
   "...As I study the reading you have given for me, I realize more and more how well it fits me; in the main certainly.
   "I am often minded to do as you state the urge to be from the influence of Saturn, but I usually find that it is difficult to hold out long enough and that I say what I really think before I have taken time to find out just what the other fellow thinks completely.
   "The Venus urge is very noticeable but I am still uncertain as to just how I am, 'to show myself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed; rightly divining the words of truth, keeping self unspotted from my own conscious condemnation.'
   "I think that I am contrary only when I am not convinced and that if anyone will present logic, which is sound and in order, against me, I am as quick to see the point and acknowledge it as the next fellow.
   "'As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,' has always seemed the kernel of the nut to me. But I fear that I have seldom lived up to this principle. "From this point on, the next six paragraphs [Par. 20--25] have me groggy and will take a lot of self-searching. When you say, 'to whom do ye accredit those influences that are so much a part of thy mental abilities and faculties?' I am tempted just to say to God, but I suppose these must be thought of as coming from my own soul's self.
   "A former incarnation such as you describe in the Persian-Arabian land would seem to explain the relations now existing between MacArthur, my wife and myself.
   "At the moment the great bulk of the reading does not appear any too specific, but perhaps that is due to my worldly mindedness. Perhaps the directioning counsel will become more pointed as I meditate upon the matter further.
   "I went to a little talk which Hugh Lynn gave a group of us this past Tuesday and I hope to attend again Wednesday of next week. These are helpful in leading me to understand what you are doing. I fear that I am pretty much of this earth and none too spiritual.
   "I guess that we can but seek and watch and pray and wait for guidance.
   "Thanks for your kind letters and your interest, and all success to your undertakings..."
3. 4/30/38 EC's letter to [1562]:
   "Thanks for your good letter of the 28th. You are quite right in not taking the whole matter to heart without a great deal of thought and study for 'we know in grace and knowledge and understanding' as we apply that we do know day by day. Then when something like this comes along, if there is not the answer within our own selves, then leave it alone. For it is within our own temples He has promised to meet us, so the answer must be there. For, as said again, the kingdom of heaven is within.
   "I do not mean to just quote you scripture, but, bless me, if we do not find it there, to me, leave it alone.
   "I know the admonitions sound trite, or copy from that we are tempted to question often because of what others have done in its name, but that is all the more reason I say look within, see what is thine own experience, and that will tell you so much, and tell you of your own relationship to God. To me, it appears we have lost the idea that God is ever present, could we but get, LIFE itself is the manifestation of that influence, force, we call God. Then, we see the ability to do this or that lies within our own selves. "I think you will get a great deal from Hugh Lynn's studies of the Life readings, but as I said, the understanding and the realization, of course, must come by the answer to something within.
   "I appreciate your interest, and assure you I am anxious that you get something out of your reading; not by reading this or that meaning into what has been said, but by what has been said answering a something within. Please do not hesitate asking me any questions. I may not be able to answer them all, but I will try..."
4. 2/23/40 [1562]'s letter to EC:
   "I have never made a report on the Life reading which you gave me on March 31, 1938. This has been because I have only just now begun to understand the beautiful counsel given me through this channel.
   "As I read it now, it is as though I sat at the feet of some dear elder brother and heard from him words of hope and guidance, and, still more, of encouragement.
   "There must unconsciously have been such an influence exerted by this 'reading' ever since I received it, for I have been seeking, studying and striving, as counseled, until now I begin to get some faint understanding of what you have, and are thus giving me.
   "Little progress has been made as yet, but I have marked many passages which serve particularly as guides to the future. On these I shall ponder and meditate until they are assimilated into my body, as you indicate, and I come, in fact, to be those things.
   "Thank you, dear teacher, for what you have given..."
5. 1/10/43 [1562]'s letter to EC:
   "The book, THERE IS A RIVER, has resolved certain doubts which have beset me and will serve as a finger-post marking the safe channel through this earth experience. The wonderful revelations given in the chapter entitled 'Philosophy' are something I did not expect to have opened to me, and I believe this will mark a turning point for me..."
6. 2/17/43 He requested a Physical Reading for his wife, Mrs. [2926].
7. 6/65 Routine mailing was returned marked DECEASED.

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