This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 27th day of May, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1597], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [1564] and Mrs. [1602] [sister] and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Esther Wynne and Helen Ellington. Born July 14, 1907, in Yonkers, New York.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called Mr. [1597].
2. In giving the interpretations of the records here, as we find there are many experiences that in the application of the opportunities might not be called complimentary to the entity.
3. Yet these, as they produce urges, must be met in the experiences of the entity in the earth's sojourn - or that environ in which they influence the entity the more.
4. Thus we find how that it is indeed through grace and mercy that there is continuously before man, before each entity, the opportunity for choosing that in the experience which will be to the glory of the Creative Forces (call them what we will or may), to the better self, rather than to that influence which may be for the gratifying of appetites; or for experiences where it would appear that the shorter way would be needed, or that the lack of discipline within the real self would make for hardships or the lack of the gratifying of desires.
5. Desire, as will, is a portion then of the spiritual self. It is a continuous thing. Then gratifying of self, or the gratification for itself alone, may oft turn and rend they that would indulge in same without standards, ideals, or the showing forth of a purposefulness in the experience or activity.
6. The records as we find them, then, and in the interpretation of same - these are chosen that the hope in the individual may be stimulated to that activity as to bring into the experience and consciousness of the entity the desire to be more and more at a oneness with the Creative Forces.
7. Thus the entity may live, experience a purposeful life; making the environs for others much more comely, a much more hopeful place. Or the world will be a better place for the self having given, and brought into the experience of others, hope in the eternal; which is the good that may come to the experience of every entity that seeks to know His will.
8. In the reading or interpreting of the records that are written, or that are impressions upon what we call time and space:
9. We find that with patience we may learn of same, that - being forewarned - we may be forearmed; and thus see ourselves as we have recorded same upon that manifestation of Creative Forces or Energies AS time and space.
10. Time and space are occupied or are peopled with the elements, or spheres, that become activities for souls or entities in their journey through time and space; seeking that home not built with hands but with the thoughts and with the deeds and with the manners in which we have dealt with our fellow souls, our fellow beings.
11. Hence we find these as places, or as spheres - or as planets; sojournings in that environ, not as individuals as we know them in the material experience of the earth but in that form fitted to that environ during the interims between earthly incarnations.
12. Thus we find it has been accredited by students, sages, men of renown of old, that the astrological aspects have an influence upon the activities of individuals in a material sojourn.
13. Rather, we find that the entity - the ENTITY - has influenced the stars or the planets, or the various phases of moon or sun, by its activity. And in THAT manner they become as influences in the experience of the entity in the present. In the same manner as the study in this material experience of any subject that is considered of the arts or sciences. The KNOWLEDGE of same influences the entity as an individual to act in such and such a way or manner under circumstances or conditions in which the use of such knowledge becomes a part of the experience.
14. Thus we find the astrological aspects influencing INNATELY. Not aware, at all times, yet knowing within self there is an urge in this or that direction.
15. These become (the astrological aspects) a portion of the MENTAL or the spiritual-mental self.
16. Just so do the material sojourns in the earth leave in the senses of the individual the inclinations in given directions.
17. Just as the entity - by those who have had authority; whether as teacher, minister or what - has been often warned as to its associations, as to the character of individuals with whom the entity would or did or might associate itself in activities.
18. Why these urges? Because of those innate forces that have produced within the UNSEEN forces the impelling influences IN the emotions of the entity as a being.
19. For you have a physical body, a mental body, a spiritual body - or soul. These are DEFINITE influences or phases of your experience. They are ONE in manifestation in the material plane.
20. Just as you know from your spiritual interpretations, and from that you have been taught, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are One; so are your body, mind and soul one.
21. These in their phases then, and with their attributes, are to be dealt with in that manner as you would those unseen influences which you know are the real - yes, the greater influences and forces in your experience.
22. All of these then bespeak most of what? Continuity of consciousness, continuity of life!
23. LIFE then is the expression in the material forces of that Creative Energy we may call God, Lord, Father. All of these are one in their influence in our experience.
24. Then, your sojourns in Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, all have brought or have a bearing innately upon your MENTAL self, rather than the physical.
25. For the activity is first in spirit, then in mind, and THEN it may become a MATERIAL manifestation. One is the projection as it were of the other into materialization, as we see about us in the earth.
26. In Venus we find the influences of beauty, love of friendship; the desire for knowledge of the unseen forces becoming a part of the entity innately. There are LONGINGS within to know of those things that are mysterious; as Love itself in the physical, mental or spiritual experience.
27. The WHY is the question ever in the entity's experience. And too easily, from those influences of Mercury, they may be reasoned away (the real answers to the questions from within) and the easier way chosen for the moment.
28. Yet - as in Jupiter - the might, the power, the duty, the station or position in material or mental influence holds a check as it were upon such influences in the experiences of the entity.
29. Just so do we find that Saturn's forces have brought, do bring, the sudden changes, the questionable influences, the things which the entity must constantly eradicate as it were from itself; whether as a thought, or a habit, or an associate, or an environment; and begin as it were all over again.
30. Let each of these influences then be rather as a stepping-stone.
31. For if this entity - as others - will embrace and be embraced with that thought, that idea which is the basis of faith and hope, "Have Thy way with me, O Lord! Not my will but Thine be done," and hold to same, it will be as a guiding light, as a criterion in every influence. And it may save much suffering, it may ease many a disappointment, it may bring light to the entity often out of shadows and out of the slough of doubt, and out of the casements of fear!
32. As to the appearances or sojourns in the earth, we find that not all are indicated or given at once - but those that in this particular cycle of experience have the greater influence or bearing upon the entity's opportunity for development.
33. For, as the very influences of the body are a growth day by day, so is the spiritual development a growth. We are told that in each seven years we are entirely new. Rather is it not true that SOME portion is new each day? It is a growth! For it is moment by moment, and not WHOLLY cycle by cycle, that the change comes.
34. Hence we are told - and we will experience in our relationships with the Father, materially, mentally and spiritually - that we grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding.
35. And it is not the experience alone that makes for the growth, but what we HAVE done, what we will do with same! For it is the DOING, rather, that makes for either a steppingstone or a stumblingblock in our journey to give an account of the deeds done in the body, before our Lord, our Master!
36. As to the appearances in the earth that influence the entity in the present, then, we find these as the more outstanding for the present period of application:
37. Before this we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those periods that just preceded what is called the American Revolution; in the outlying lands nigh unto the present entrance of the entity in this experience.
38. We find the entity, in the name then Edward Sherland, was a portion of those who were active as traders, who made associations or connections for activities with the natives of the land - as well as the sojourners from other lands, and those with whom disputes had arisen and those who would make for the disturbing influences.
39. In those periods when there were the preparations for defense, and the activities in the opening of lands and the buildings in the various places, the ENTITY acted rather in the capacity of one who kept the records for the various groups; bearing the news from one group to another, thus bringing the words of encouragement or the words of disappointment, the words of those who were optimistic in their outlook and of those who were pessimistic.
40. Not always was the entity true to its own beliefs. OFTEN these were turned rather into that way which would SEEM, for the moment, to be the safest course to pursue; without thought of the end or of the principle or the ideal involved.
41. Yet it may be said that the entity gained, and lost.
42. Thus the innate forces are brought into the present experience, as indicated, that are represented by the warnings which have so often been a part of the present experience; as to the chastisements, the questionable companions, questionable associates, and those conditions that might even with the own self have a question mark after same!
43. Yet in the material application, and with an ideal, these as we find may be used as steppingstones for not only the judgement of peoples in the manner of choice but in the conduct of thy relationships with thy fellow man! if ye will but learn, if ye will but hold the thought, "As I do it unto the least of these, my brethren, so I do it unto the Lord that I worship! So do I do it unto Him to Whom I must give an accounting as to that which has been entrusted to me as a keeper in the Lord's vineyard!"
44. Before that we find the entity was in the English and French land during those periods when there were the preparations for these combinations of peoples to be drawn into the Holy War.
45. The entity then, in the name Beloith, was a worker in iron, in wrought iron; in the making of those things that were as decorations upon boxes, cases, homes and the like. These were the activities of the entity during those experiences.
46. Yet when there was the setting forth by others as to the needs of defense for a cause, in which there was the involvement of a place and a time and a period, the entity joined with the many. And yet through the very activities there came to the entity in that experience the consciousness that the outward appearances do not always coincide with that which would be the activity under the stress of material hardships.
47. Thus we find there has grown innately within the entity a questioning, as it were, as to the promptings of those things pertaining to that called the religious, or even the moral life of an individual.
48. And so oft is it the inclination for the entity to give expression to it, in "Oh well, under other circumstances he would do just as bad as the other!"
49. This is innate; yet it may be used also as a steppingstone - in such periods - by which there may be greater grace found.
50. For indeed the kingdom is within. Indeed thy body, as has been indicated - with its soul, its mind - is the temple of the living God. And there He may meet thee! There He has promised to commune with thee!
51. And as the Master gave, the day is at hand when it is neither in the temple nor in the mount, nor in any place AS a place, but within the hearts and minds where worship - yea, where counsel - may be had with the living forces!
52. For as He gave, keep thy ways before thy own conscience and ye will find peace that comes not of duty, obligation or fear, but of love that casteth out fear, that maketh not afraid, that thinketh not of its own, that is not puffed up, that is NOT all of those things that fade but those that grow with understanding into the PATIENCE which makes thee even aware of thy relationship to thy Maker. Thus ye become aware of His love in giving His Son that ye THROUGH Him might indeed know that ye have an advocate with the Father in thyself - in Him! as thy friend, as thy brother!
53. Before that we find the entity was in the earth during the reconstruction periods after the death of the Lord, the Master; in the Roman and Palestine land.
54. For the entity was among those who drew pictures for those at home, who wrote for those at home concerning the activities among the peoples in the Palestine land; the entity being a Roman.
55. Hence the entity was what would be called today a reporter of news or messages that would be carried.
56. Then in the name Echun, the entity gained. For the entity made the attempts to draw the life of those people, to depict same in such words that those in authority, as well as those who would be entertained by the descriptions of the travels and the activities, would see, experience and become aware of that motivative force which in the hearts and minds of those who were oppressed in certain quarters could prompt such activities.
57. It was before the days, though, of the great oppression - under the later rulers.
58. From that experience, we find that in the present the entity may enjoin much by looking within. And as He gave, search ye the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life. In them ye HAVE eternal life, with the applying of the lessons there in thy OWN experience!
59. Before that we find the entity was in the land now called the Egyptian, when there was the tempering as it were between the King, the Priest, the peoples from Atlantis, and the messages from other lands with their questionings.
60. When there began the activities in the Temple of Sacrifice and in the Temple Beautiful, again the entity was in the capacity of what would be called in the present a cartoonist, or an artiste, or one who drew those things that might build character, purposes, desires in the individual activities of individuals; as well as those things that presented manners for others to follow in that experience.
61. The name then was Su-Bendo.
62. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then:
63. As we find, first there is to be the analyzing of self. What is it you desire of this experience, of life? What are your purposes in same? To take or to have the "Gimmie - gimmie - gimmies!" or to be that which will present before your fellow man the beauty of life in all its phases, in such a way and manner as to bring - to thy fellows whom ye may meet day by day - the consciousness of the grace and beauty that does exist, rather than the sordid things in the experience?
64. In those channels as would be associated with the artist, or the selling or distributing of pictures or works of art in ANY nature; or the gatherings of those things that represented the characters in ages or of periods, and these presented in manners to become those experiences in the lives of those who see same as the beauties of each age, or the beauties of each period - rather than the sordid things.
65. Things pertaining to the arts of every nature; whether the workings in brass or in iron, or in carvings as of ivory, or in those things pertaining to such - all of these would be fields or channels through which material EXPRESSION might be given of that which is innate.
66. But the purposes of same would be not merely for the material gains that come from same, but the material GAINS would come from same by that which is brought into the hearts and minds and experiences of those who behold same!
67. Hence in those fields in which these things and these characters may be presented for the edification, and for the knowledge, and for the teaching of the young or old, or all, are the fields through which the greater active service may be had.
68. Yet with it all, study to show thyself approved unto that consciousness, that God within; rightly dividing - and divining - the words of truth; keeping self from those questionings within thy own conscience - or, as He put it, unspotted from the world.
69. Ready for questions.
70. (Q) What contacts and associations would you suggest for carrying out the work suggested?
    (A) In all of those fields. It depends upon which is that which appeals to that within. For as has been given and indicated, the kingdom is within. What is meant by the kingdom of heaven? It is that which not only, not merely satisfies; for that is indicative of sluggishness, laggardness. But it is that in which contentment, peace and beauty may be found!
    Then until the answer comes from within as to the chosen field, there may not be the contentment in the experience.
    As to whether the work would be associated with certain galleries, or certain institutions, or places where such activities as indicated are a part of the experience, the answer MUST be within!
    Study all of these, and ye will find the MATERIAL association!
71. (Q) Should I attempt to foster my apparent latent ability for inspirational writing?
    (A) This should come rather a little later, as there is builded in the inner experience the beauty and hope of such as thy work brings into the minds and hearts of others.
    Let's for the moment illustrate these; that the entity may gather as to what inspiration really means. It is not of influences without, but the ANSWER to something WITHIN. The real inspiration is the arousing of a consciousness of that WITHIN!
    As one beholds the paintings (we would say) of the Last Supper, or the Virgin, or the Flight into Egypt - and these are new, or these have not been beheld by the individuals before - there is seen the awe, the love that flows into the heart and soul of the beholder. Then such an one (gifted as thyself) may, beholding same, become inspired as were those who depicted these. Not for the preservation of same as history, nor as even a place, but - as has been indicated - the day is arriving - the day is at hand - when it is neither in the temple nor in the mountain but in the HEARTS of men that the worship and the glory of God is beheld!
72. (Q) Just how would I proceed to avoid the difficulties of automatic writing and express the real inner self?
    (A) As has just been given, leave it off until ye are more set or deeper-seated in the consciousness that what ye really seek is to be inspired by Him who gave, "If ye love me, ye keep my commandments - and if ye keep my commandments, I will come and abide with thee." THAT is the inspiration, THAT is the direction - or whom He may guide or direct.
73. (Q) Just what phase of the work suggested would offer the best opportunity for him?
    (A) As just indicated, it MUST appeal to thee WITHIN!
74. (Q) Should I marry and if so about what time would be best?
    (A) In the thirty-fifth or sixth year.
75. (Q) Is there some particular individual with whom marriage would be best for me and if so have I already met this individual?
    (A) Such choices should be the answer much in the manner as indicated as to how the inspirational activities should be begun.
76. (Q) Should I attempt to practice the Yogi philosophy of regular meditation, breathing, exercises, etc.?
    (A) Not as we find. For, first - as has been given - study to show THYSELF - thy SELF - approved unto that which is thy ideal; that is, pattern thy life - what it requires for the deeper communion within; whether the washing of the body, the cleansing of the mind, by the use of odors, incense or what not, or characters of music. But let thy IDEAL be raised; not that of any Yogi! For who IS yogi?
    Rather know in WHOM ye have believed, as well as in WHAT ye believe. And know that He in Whom ye have believed is able to keep that thou dost commit unto Him against ANY experience that may rise within thy undertaking!
    For He gave, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for my yoke is easy, my burden is light - to THOSE who love the Lord and His coming."
77. (Q) About two years ago I had a vision of myself as an American Indian. Did I have such an incarnation?
    (A) Rather ye saw thyself in association and in activities with same, in the incarnation just indicated.
78. (Q) What man or woman - or what organization - is best grounded in the true religion as taught by Christ and can be advantageously contacted by me for greater spiritual growth and enlightenment? Consider this from my personal needs in relation to my spiritual growth.
    (A) How has it just been given? SELF! With whom has He promised to deal? SELF!
    As to individuals - as ye give, so may ye receive.
    When ye may see in those things that are to thee hateful, in those peoples' lives that are to thee distasteful, SOMETHING GOOD - what maketh it! It IS the life, the experience, the indwelling of the Christ-Consciousness within the earth!
    Then WHO is the bridegroom, and who is the bride? Thyself - thy Lord!
    Trust not any other than Him. For as He gave, it was not that ye should come unto Peter nor to Paul, but "unto ME! If ye will abide in ME, I will come and abide with thee!"
79. We are through.

    Copy to Self - Special Delivery
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 5/17/38 HLC submitted his questions, saying: "He is especially interested in getting settled in his proper life work. If some general type of work is indicated try to bring out by question just what phase of this work would offer best opportunity for him."

REPORTS

1. 7/22/38 Mr. [1597]'s letter to EC:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   Enclosed is a slightly belated remittance. This still leaves ten dollars outstanding which I will try to clear up at the earliest convenience.
   My Reading has been thoroughly digested. I feel it is a good interpretation of my life as I've seen it unfold so far. The mention of my life's work having to do with art treasures and museums, however, rather amazed me as I have never had any predilections along that line. I will admit to an inner appreciation of art, in fact for any and all of the finer things of life. But my interest has been entirely dormant - never having felt any urge to delve more deeply into it. But in view of my reading, I am trying to make myself more sensitive to such things - and perhaps something will come of it.
   I trust the Convention was well-attended and successful from every angle. Business kept me in New York, although I would have liked to have been with you.
   I shall look forward to seeing you soon, perhaps in the Fall if you plan another visit to New York. In the meantime, best wishes.
   Sincerely
2. 11/12/38 He referred Miss [1744] for a Life Reading.
3. 8/29/39 Mr. [1597]'s letter to HLC:
   Dear Hugh Lynn,
   Being better acquainted with you than with your father, I am addressing this note to you.
   I have interested a friend of mine in a Life Reading. Being at a recent point in her career practically an agnostic, getting her now to the point of actually looking forward to a Reading is no mean accomplishment. I have known this particular young lady in question some odd fifteen years. In fact, we were practically weaned together. Born a Roman Catholic (more properly, I suppose I should say - "She grew up in the Church") she had plenty of the devotional strength that is inherent in most of those spiritual descendents of the early propagators of the Faith. But after being kicked around rather generally by life - her earnest prayers bouncing back at her unfulfilled, she eventually turned in her rosary beads for a drab set of fatalistic philosophies. By dint of much haranguing, I think I have managed to point out a few tarnished spots on what seemed so glistening bright and attractive. Anyhow, I've lured her on to the point of wanting a Reading. Did I say "lured?" I meant charmed. But seriously, she needs help and direction. And if a Reading can give it to her, it will certainly be Providence operating. If you will send me a blank, I will have her fill it out and return it to you. I will, I guess, be able to help her frame a few questions. [See paragraph [below] which was used 1976-1 Reports. Nephew]
   It was too bad that you couldn't have joined your father and brother on their recent visit to the St. Lawrence River. From all accounts they got in plenty of fishing and seemed to have enjoyed themselves. And [1602] I know, enjoyed having them. I'd like to have been present myself, but it was necessary for business reasons for me to get my vacation out of the way before August rolled around. As it was, I only missed them by a week or so.
   Kindly remember me to your father, and I'd be obliged if you'd send me that blank.
   Best regards,
4. 9/01/39 HLC's letter to Mr. [1597]:
   Dear [1597]
   Enclosed you will find a blank which you may pass on to your friend. Under separate cover I am mailing you a set of booklets. You will know which of them she will be interested in reading. I certainly hope that the reading will be of help to her. If there is anything I can do in arranging the questions, let me know.
   The story about your brother [1723] [See 1723-1, a Life Rdg.] is certainly most interesting. I can hear Dr. Warner now bringing up the question as to whether this act completed the reading. Any way you take it, it was a peculiar incident. The reading itself was outside of the usual run. It certainly should be very interesting to watch the development of this child, [1976]. [See 1976-1, a Life Rdg.]
   Dad and brother certainly had a fine time up on the river. I have never seen dad so rested as when he came back. I was sorry I couldn't make the trip with them but I have been very busy this summer taking care of Tom Sugrue. I have to be here pretty regularly.
   Remember me to all the members of your family when you see them.
   Sincerely, HLC
5. 12/08/39 He obtained a Physical Reading - See 1597-2
6. 2/28/69 Mr. [1597]'s letter to HLC:
   Just finished reading Noel Langley's book - "Edgar Cayce on Reincarnation". In fact, over the course of the last ten or twelve years, I suppose I've read just about everything that's been published about Edgar Cayce.
   On the assumption that you will find interesting word from one who has had a Reading by your father, I thought I would take the liberty of writing. I rather imagine that my Reading would not be classified as distinguished either on the basis of its past tracings or present implications. In other words, in my opinion, it would have to be catalogued as a prosaic, uneventful, run-of-the-mine sort of a thing.
   I study it from time to time and try to square it up on the basis of three things. First, there are the frequently mentioned and repeated warnings regarding associations - those of mine, the entity. Whether by instinct or such forewarning as provided by the Reading, I sincerely believe I have avoided any really giant, and perhaps irrevocable, missteps. There have been numerous decisive or crisis junctures in my life. But although often on the brink of potentially grave misadventure, I feel as though I have eventually made a turning and followed the safe path peopled by angelic celestials and earthly good guys.
   Please understand that I have lived life fully. But it has never been (at least, not for long) in direct opposition to any milestone civil or moral laws.
   Second, there were in my Reading many references to a lifetime career with some sort of an art polarization. In one of my past lives, I was a worker in wrought iron. In another, I informed by means of pictures. Even though I was sympathetic to these guidance references at the time of the Reading, since I was actively looking for direction in the selection of a career, I could never seem to bring anything to pass in either of these areas. I have never been able to manifest a real spark of interest from viewing or working with wrought iron - and I actually rate a minus zero talent in drawing. I even have trouble drawing a straight line. Perhaps with study, which seemed never available or fostered, I might have evolved into an art dealer or art critic. But neither of these fields of endeavor opened up to me in a natural way.
   I believe the third area of consideration in my Reading perhaps was along more prophetic lines. In what was indicated as my last incarnation, I was a sort of courier, reporter, or contact between people. Here - there would seem to be a direct carry-over to the present. Although most of my life was spent in advertising, an obvious avenue of communication, for the past seven years I have headed up direct mail activities for a large industrial manufacturer. While my years in advertising provided a living and were rather indifferently successful, my present employment has brought with it what must be viewed as unusually fine, if limited achievement. But above all has been the sense of naturalness and ease of accomplishment that I experience. Of course, in my present job I am continually projecting communications and various types of messages.
   To go back to the earlier reference to uncomplimentary associations which I was exhorted to abhor in my lifetime, I mentioned that perhaps some serious missteps were avoided through instinct or insight. And this always seemed so very true, especially in my younger and more error-prone years. For I can distinctly remember many occasions when questionable activities were attractively presented to me - when, with freewill I could have entered into them, but did not. It was as though I could "see" the whole experience and emotions involved in them before they happened. It was as though I knew the end before the beginning - and hence it became unnecessary to put myself in jeopardy, even though my close associates embraced these happenings with verve and full vigor. At such times, I always deemed myself as an "oddball" - felt old, wise and all-knowing beyond my years.
   Very briefly, since I don't want to overburden you with a long, egocentric harangue, I am now long since married - having married within a few years of when your father said I would. I have six children and a loyal and sensitive wife. My children, perhaps because I was always obsessed with athletic pursuits - are strong, healthy, active children. They have never caused us a moment of concern - making my wife and I very proud of them. And were your Dad alive, how I would love to have a Reading on my youngest child - a three year-old son. I just feel he is something very, very special. [GD's note: He then reported on his sister, Mrs. [1602], his brother-in-law, Mr. [1564], his nephew [1581], his brother [1723] and nephew [1976] - see details under their respective case reports.]
   Sorry to burden you with so many words. Perhaps you will find something of interest or value in them.
7. 3/24/69 HLC's letter to Mr. [1597]:
   ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23451
   Mr. [1597], ... Company, ..., Mass. Dear [1597]:
   I was happy to have your letter of February 28th. It was on my desk when I returned from an extended trip.
   Thank you very much for bringing us up to date, not only on your own reading but on all the members of the [1564] and [1597] family. We have a number of readings in our files as you know.
   At the first opportunity I hope you will stop by here at Virginia Beach and see just what has been done with the records. Names of course and any way of identification have been removed as we have duplicated the readings and cross-indexed them. There are more than 14,000 of them as you may know from the books. In the indexing process, we have come up with more than 200,000 subject index cards. It's opened up what I suspect is one of the largest collection of psychic data in the world on one man.
   [1597], I can't but be curious about what kind of manufacturing items you are selling through direct mail. Working in wrought iron in an incarnation might in our modern society may - be even turned into stamping out dies or dealing with metal products of almost any kind. At the first opportunity I'd like to go over the reading with you. There are a lot of detail questions that I'd like to ask and also some catching up I'd like to do on the total history of the family.
   As you probably know we got separated or cut off from [1564] and [1602] after the involvement with [1561] and The Little Prophet [2156]. I think I saw [1581] once after that.
   Again, thank you for the other reports. They will all be added into the readings just as you sent them, at the end of the correspondence and Readings, to bring the cases up to date. I wish we had complete records of all of the readings in this fashion. We continue to write people about this.
   Let's do get together either here at Virginia Beach or in New York at the first opportunity.
   Sincerely, HLC [HLC:nml]
8. 3/28/69 Mr. [1597]'s letter to HLC:
   Since it is highly improbable that I will be in the vicinity of either New York or Virginia Beach shortly (as mentioned in your recent and most appreciated letter), I am going to follow up with you at this time on the suggestion that my present employment might well be a modern-day extension of latent wrought iron interest, talent, or capability carried forward from the past. Of course it is. The pieces seem to fall so nicely into place. The business I am in most certainly is a projection of just such an activity. It is one in which iron and steel stampings are first fabricated, then assembled into finished instruments. The instruments themselves are incorporated into "systems" - which run various processes, even entire plants. With computers, which we also can supply, complete plant automation may be achieved.
   Our company makes in excess of 3500 process instruments. We are by all odds the largest such supplier in the world. The brochure [which was enclosed] is just what it says - a "pocket" catalog. Our complete product literature is extremely voluminous.
   It really has always troubled me that there was such stress in my Reading on a wrought iron career, and yet I could never honestly evoke any sincere interest in wrought iron per se. As mentioned in my earlier letter, I could relate my past with my present writing efforts. Thanks to your letter, you have supplied a key which seems to open several doors.

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