This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 21st day of April, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1575], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [1539] and Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born January 25, 1906, in Birmingham, Alabama.

TEXT

1. EC: (In undertone, when going back over years from present, to obtain records - " - '36 - yes - Birmingham records," - )
2. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called Mr. [1575].
3. In giving the interpretations of the records here (and drawing the conclusions from the activities in the material plane of the entity), these are given with the desire to make the shortcomings as well as the virtues of the entity as a helpful experience for the entity.
4. For in this particular entity, as we find, there are great abilities in given directions - which have been latent, and the inclinations of the entity are of such a nature that too easily does the entity choose the easy way.
5. While these inclinations do require the exercising of the abilities, they will not be easy to accomplish. Yet if the entity were to give that study and application of self in those directions, as we find from the records, there would be not only great material gains but there would be offered a channel through which the entity may become not only well known (and bring thus fame and fortune) but be of a great service to the fellow man.
6. The greater abilities, as we shall see, lie in two DEFINITE directions. Either in that direction as a writer or lecturer (or both), or in that field as an actor. But these have been SO latent, and require so much effort, they have been overlooked in the experience of the entity. And the analyses in those directions in which the entity has engaged in past experiences become rather as a matter of CONVENIENCE, rather than choice - or exertion.
7. It would behoove the entity, then, to look deeply within self; analyze the abilities, analyze the faults as well as the virtues; and make the efforts to correct the faults and magnify the virtues. And do these in a way that self is not attempting to take shortcuts, nor to do the easy things - because these are the natural tendencies.
8. To be sure, this counsel is set ahead of that - as we will find - from which conclusions are drawn. But these facts become so outstanding, these are given in the beginning with the hope that the entity will so apply self in this experience as to be the gainer; not only for self as an individual, but know that the ideals - whether physical, mental or spiritual - MUST be constructive and never of a selfish nature or with ulterior motives for obtaining ease along for self.
9. In giving then the urges that are a portion of the experience of the entity in this material plane, that arise from the astrological aspects as well as from the sojourns in the earth, we find:
10. Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury from the astrological aspects become a part of the INNATE influence. Thus we find the entity oft dreaming of and visioning an easy way to comfort and ease. Such an influence comes from Saturn, with shortcuts often desired the most.
11. Not that the entity hasn't the abilities, but the inclinations to SAVE self are becoming too prominent in the thought of self and its associations with others.
12. In Venus we find the inclination for the reliance upon friendships and associations, or for what is ordinarily called "pull," or being dependent upon someone else to analyze the abilities and to give - as it were - the opportunities without too great an exertion on the part of self.
13. Yet it produces within the experience the abilities for the entity to make friends, to enjoy that which is beautiful, to become rather inclined to be adored by the opposite sex; the ability to make friends and hold same. And it gives the entity rather the imaginative influence or force that may be turned to account, if there are the attempts to carry out the innate and manifested abilities of the entity in the direction of writing, lecturing or even acting - as has been indicated.
14. In Jupiter we find the benevolent forces, in that the contacts and the associations will have to do with great masses - or the activities in which the entity may engage for the greater successes mentally, materially, spiritually, will have to do or deal with the influence it has upon masses and groups and the like.
15. We find also in Mercury the high mental efficiencies and abilities, and the ability to tell a story well. Also the greater efforts or activities of the entity may be in using the MENTAL self, rather than physical labors.
16. As for the sojourns in the material plane, while these influencing the entity in the present are not so great in number they are quite varied as to the activities.
17. Before this we find the entity was in the land of its present nativity, during the early stages of the settlings of the land.
18. Then as one Scott Prescott the entity was active in what was termed in that period as barnstorming, or he was as a hail-fellow-well-met in making for associations and activities in which there were the advancements of various schemes in which there might be not only the attainments materially but activities in which there might be the progress of new ideas, or the presenting of new ideas; the presenting of patents and activities in which there were the real estate valuations, and the hunting of things pertaining to minerals and of that nature.
19. Hence we find in the present experience there are those inclinations and desires in that direction.
20. The entity gained and lost. So long as there was the good for the all, gained. When the activities or efforts were made for selfish indulgence and aggrandizement, they brought - and have ever brought - those very experiences in which antagonistic influences arose; and do arise in the present experience.
21. These may be turned as it were to account in the present. For know, there is the constant meeting of self. And as has been given, if the entity will oft take counsel with self, stand aside as it were and watch self pass by, and see what have been the motivative influences that have caused the entity to choose this, that or the other, it will know as to whether or not these have been efforts on the part of self with a constructive influence or dependent upon other forces.
22. For know, as has been given of old, there is constantly before thee, day by day, good and evil, life and death. And the choice is to be made, by self - good and life representing creative forces, evil and death representing selfish motives, selfish desires, lack of incentive for creative influences.
23. And as the choice is made, know WHO and what is the author of thy hopes; and know they must be founded in spiritual things. Not longfacedness, nor that in which one sets self up as a goody-goody individual for the effect or for the fear of this or that, or because of what people will say. But KNOW that the Lord is ONE, and that thy manifestation in the material plane is to be a channel of blessings to others, if ye would attain to the consciousness of peace or harmony within thy inner self in thy associations and dealings with thy fellow man!
24. Before that we find the entity was in the earth during those eras when there were the gatherings of many into the lands now called France and England for the defense of an idea or ideal.
25. Or, during the Crusade period it was; when the entity, as many another, left those activities of a commercial nature and of a home life for a "play," as it might be said, at being a soldier.
26. Hence we find the entity has ever maintained in the present, and will maintain peculiar ideas and ideals as to why an individual would act in defense of a country, or for a cause.
27. For through that experience, as Deveurch Evilier, the entity became much disappointed as to the glories; and when hardships came the entity gave way to those influences for self-preservation without thought of the idea that had prompted the activity.
28. Hence we find the inclinations of the entity, as has been indicated, to depend upon the directions of others - and to look for the easy or shortcuts.
29. Shortcuts - there are none! to those who would be as an ensample as a success in ANY field in which peace and harmony and happiness and joy become the service of the day or time!
30. Before that we find the entity was in the land now known as the Persian or Arabian, during those activities when the ones in court - or the Persian kings - attempted to overcome the nomads, to keep open the ways between Persia, India, Egypt, the Aegean land or the Caspian, and the peoples from the north of what is now the Grecian or the Ukraine land, for the commercial activities.
31. Yet we find the entity, coming under the influence of the teacher in the 'city in the hills and the plains,' for the time attempted to take the easy way again. Yet, with those activities that were presented by the teacher in the latter portion of the experience we find the entity, Am-Duden, becoming rather as a power for good; when there were the attempts of those Grecian peoples to overrun by subtlety the activities of that teacher - and to supersede those activities.
32. The entity was put into authority and power during those experiences, and thus became - as it were - one keeping the records of all the peoples; and became somewhat of a linguist.
33. Thus we find in the present, from that experience, the ability to tell a good story, and - as it were - the ability to speak before others when the effort is made; the abilities to make friendships, and make these in all walks of life.
34. And these may be used to advantage if the entity will gain the better influence and forces for activities in the present experience.
35. Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there were uprisings and rebellions in the land.
36. The entity joined rather with the Native, and those who took advantage of the situations - and became later rather close in the activities of that entity for the setting up of authority in other portions of the land during those turmoils of experience.
37. And as we find, with closer associations of that entity in the present, there may be an opening of activities in which self may so analyze those conditions which confront the entity in the present as to make them VERY MUCH worth while.
38. The name then was Astu-bed.
39. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
40. First, as has been indicated, analyze thyself. Watch thyself pass by. Know what are thy motivative forces.
41. And in those fields of activity as indicated may the entity, through the effort, find the outlet of the abilities of self and become an experienced one in the field of giving counsel in ways and manners in which many will indeed bless the entity for its efforts in this experience.
42. Ready for questions.
43. (Q) Along what lines should the efforts be directed, in the writing or lecturing or acting?
    (A) Any of those that may depict the closer relationships of the masses to those who are in authority, or the relationships of characters in various portions of the land - those associations with Capital or Labor, or those of any particular sect or group and THEIR activities in a given section, and what they become; as: The influence of the Friends upon the land in and about what is now eastern Pennsylvania. The activities of the Dutch and the German in the western portion of Pennsylvania. The effect of these in the South land; the effect of the mixture of the French, the Indian, and the conditions that exist from these mixtures in that land in the present.
    Such a line would become rather an outlet for self.
44. (Q) Just what should be the first step to get into a work of this kind?
    (A) Analyzing of self, and - as has been indicated - why, and what for, and whether these would be constructive or in keeping with the best within self.
45. (Q) Would it be wise for me to move from New York to some other section of the country? If so, where for best development?
    (A) This depends upon the choice of the entity, as to which field of activity it expects to undertake.
    To be sure, for a period it would be well to sort of WITHDRAW from those activities, until the entity has analyzed self well - for six months or a year; and then - work like the dickens!
46. (Q) Would it be wise for me to push my efforts to make a connection with the Waterman Steamship Corporation?
    (A) Water and those activities are very well. As we find, the GREATER successes of the entity may be gained in writing or acting and these do not bespeak very much of steamships!
47. We are through with this Reading.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 4/14/38 "Bring out through questions any other information that will follow in line with the suggestions in Life Reading." H. L.
   "Note: This young man has developed a business as indicated on his check of handling estates for people. He had one client and that one is leaving him. He is especially anxious to know in just what direction he should turn his activities. The field of his choice is limited and times for it bad, if he is to change he wants to know to what and if to continue just how to do so."
   Questions for Life Reading 1575-1.
   1. My work of handling the estate of my one client is about to cease. I am faced with the problem of directing my talents into some field of activity. To just what type of work should I turn for the greatest development in this life experience?
   2. If work of similar character as have done is indicated - With just what firm or firms would you advise me to seek employment?
   3. Would it be wise for me to move from New York to some other section of the country? If so where for best development?
   4. If move is advised - What concerns in the section indicated should be approached for work?
   5. Would it be wise for me to push my efforts to make a connection with the Waterman Steamship Corporation?
   6. Would it be wise for me to invest the remainder of my capital in taking up the Kansas gas lease which I am considering?
   "Note: Times are bad in this field. Mr. [261] was telling me of having to let men go."

REPORTS

1. 5/01/39 [1575]'s letter to HLC: "I have a pleasant surprise for you. Remember the life reading your father gave for me in April of 1938? Remember that, in answer to the question as to what lines my efforts should be directed, he advised those that depict the closer relationships of the masses... such as Capital and Labor? And remember how I could not see my way clear to follow his advice - even disagreed with it? To be honest, I filed the reading away and forgot all about it.
   "The latter part of last year I became interested in the Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor. I became convinced that the "Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938" was a step in the right direction towards adjusting the unbalance created by modern machinery and unfair practices. As a consequence, I filed application for the position of Supervising Inspector. You will be interested to know that I possessed every one of the required qualifications.
   "The job, itself, is under Civil Service but I understand certain endorsements might prove helpful. Driven by a force that could hardly be classified as mere enthusiasm, I visited Washington and secured the endorsements of Senator Hill and Congressmen Frank Boykin and Luther Patrick, of Alabama. I also visited Wage and Hour and made myself known there. No examinations have yet been given but they have made many provisional appointments by having Civil Service approve applicants with the necessary qualifications and backing. I have attempted to secure one of these appointments for fear the position I am seeking will be filled before the examination and regular appointments occur, but no luck, so far.
   "However, I firmly believe that my destiny is in following your father's advice, and that this can best be done through the medium of Wage and Hour. Somehow, I will find a way to get through to Mr. G. H. McEwen, Acting Business Manager, or Mr. A. L. Fletcher, Assistant Administrator in charge of Cooperation and Enforcement, and get that job. All this can't be coincidence.
   "I started out by saying I had a surprise for you. The surprise was really mine. While all these efforts have been going on, the life reading has been dormant in my mind and hidden in the files. The other day, before attending your father's lecture, I got it out and read it over. I was amazed when I considered the advice given in the light of subsequent events. Fate seems to have taken me by the hand and lead me where I didn't have sense enough to go by myself.
   "I'll let you know the outcome. In the meantime, my best to you and your father."
2. 5/09/39 HLC's P.S. to Mr. [1575]'s 5/01/39 letter which he sent, with attached description of qualifications, etc., to Mr. [1151]:
   "This is an old friend of yours who needs a hand. "I requested that he send me the material which follows - so that you could get a complete picture if you felt it wise and possible to say a word for him in the right place."
3. 5/26/39 Mr. [1151]'s letter to HLC: "...I shall indeed make it my business to contact [1575] as you suggest..."
4. 9/08/39 [1575]'s letter to HLC: "I met your Mr. [1151] quite some time ago and a very nice person he is, too. He seemed quite interested in my case and commented that, fortunately, he was leaving for Washington in a few days and would speak to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for me. I reached him by 'phone shortly after his return and he reported that he had been unable to accomplish anything for me but that he would try again. I have called him several times since but he has been very busy and, so far as I know, has done nothing further.
   "Many things have happened, however, on other fronts. It would seem that the Powers that be are putting me through an acid test to determine my endurance.
   "You will recall that an official of Wage and Hour reviewed my application and had some very nice things to say about it. I was given to understand that as soon as they received their appropriation in July (last) my petition could hardly be longer denied. Imagine my surprise and consternation when Civil Service informed me that my application did not show that I met MINIMUM requirements and that I would, therefore, not be permitted to take the written examination. Remember, please, that the application, which was to show education, experience and fitness, was worth 70%, which made it highly important as compared to the written test with a value of only 30%.
   "Naturally I appealed and fired so many letters, telegrams and long distance calls to Washington that they finally allowed me to take the test, withholding my grade pending the submission of additional evidence regarding my qualifications. Incidentally, they paid compliment to my executive and accounting experience but said I fell short on experience involving the betterment of labor conditions. This means that, in the final windup, the Division is apt to be padded with labor organizers, etc., which makes me all the more anxious to get on the inside.
   "My grade has finally come through, and it looks pretty bad. My application was graded 74, weighted 7, and my test graded 91.40, weighted 3, giving me an average of 79.22. This is subject to revision - up or down - after an oral examination, which offers some ray of hope. No one seems to know anything about this oral exam, however, and I can get no information as to when, if or how it will be given.
   "News that might finally prove to be much better was contained in a letter under date of August 15th. It was from Robert C. Smith, Director of Personnel, Department of Labor. He stated that they anticipated several immediate [temporary] appointments to the position of Inspector, Wage and Hour Division, and wanted to know if I would be interested in such an appointment, if offered. He requested that, if my answer was yes, I fill out a Declaration of Appointee form, state the earliest date I would be available, return it to him by air mail and report to the Navy Yard as soon as possible for a medical examination.
   "My answer was, naturally, an immediate yes but I certainly had a problem to face. Only three weeks before I had secured a position as field auditor for Grand Union Stores. They were planning my immediate transfer up-state and were to shift several other auditors based around this move. I could not allow them to go through with this if I planned to leave them any time soon. So, rather than play a dirty trick like this, I resigned in order to allow them to start training another man for their contemplated changes.
   "The sad part is that I have been unable to get any further information on the "contemplated immediate temporary appointment" and yours truly is out of a job without even knowing if the appointment is going through. As you know, I can ill afford to remain idle so I have been once more making the rounds of the agencies during the day and writing my letters regarding Wage and Hour at night.
   "This just about beings my story up to date. I am hoping to see Mr. [1151] sometime next week and I'm still hoping to hear from Wage and Hour any day. In the meantime, a prayer wouldn't do any harm."

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