This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 29th day of July, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1650], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., via his wife, Mrs. [1523].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [1650]. Born December 13, 1900, in New York, N.Y.

TEXT

1. EC: (In going back over years from present - "1935 - '32 - disturbing periods - '31 - '36 - '26 - not any too peaceful! - '25, '24 - " etc., on back to birth date.)
2. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called Mr. [1650].
3. In giving an interpretation of the records as we find them, it is well - especially for this entity - that there be given a premise from which the reasoning is drawn.
4. Upon time and space is written the thoughts, the deeds, the activities of an entity - as in relationships to its environs, its hereditary influence; as directed - or judgment drawn by or according to what the entity's ideal is.
5. Hence, as it has been oft called, the record is God's book of remembrance; and each entity, each soul - as the activities of a single day of an entity in the material world - either makes same good or bad or indifferent, depending upon the entity's application of self towards that which is the ideal manner for the use of time, opportunity and the EXPRESSION of that for which each soul enters a material manifestation.
6. The interpretation then as drawn here is with the desire and hope that, in opening this for the entity, the experience may be one of helpfulness and hopefulness.
7. Thus, in seeing self as it really is before the SELF, before the Throne, before the Universal Consciousness, it is the hope that this will bring a better understanding as to what the purposes of an experience are in the material plane; with the daily activities and urges that arise from material circumstance, mental attitudes and the work to be accomplished of whatever nature this may be.
8. Hence we find from the records, the astrological aspects or sojourns of the entity or soul between its earthly manifestations indicate that which has been a part of the entity's experience.
9. For as the tree falls, so may it lie.
10. Yet remember, God hath not willed that any soul should perish, but hath with each temptation presented a way, a manner of correction, of atonement, of betterment.
11. Thus as the soul passes from the aspects about the material environs, or the earth, we find the astrological aspects are represented as stages of consciousness; given names that represent planets or centers or crystallized activity.
12. Not that flesh and blood, as known in the earth, dwells therein; but in the consciousness, with the form and manner as befits the environ. And the judgment is drawn as to the mental attitudes.
13. Hence we find the mental body is both finite and infinite, a part of self and yet a part of a universal consciousness - or the mind of the Maker.
14. Thus those activities of consciousness present attitudes that may be a part of the individual activity of an entity in the material experience; depending upon the choice of that it, the entity, through its will, may choose to manifest.
15. Hence as we find for this entity, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are all a part of the entity's environment - as is the real environment of the mental forces.
16. We find these attributes, then, as a part of the entity's experience through this material sojourn:
17. One of high mental ability. One of mien and manner through Venus (Mercury the mental) (Venus that of the beautiful, that of the sympathetic, that of the ability to make or hold friends).
18. These depend, to be sure, upon what the entity does with these attributes of the real self.
19. In Jupiter we find the inclination for the seeking of larger things, of associations with the masses as well as the individual groups.
20. From Saturn we find the sudden changes that have been and are a part of the entity - in which Mars plays a part. When these are together, there is an adverse influence or force, a wrath or madness is represented in same; and with the changes come great disturbing influences or forces into the mental being of the entity.
21. Hence it behooves the entity to have before itself an ideal; not merely idealistic, but a judgment by which itself's activities may be drawn, to make for that in which there may come the experience - through the turmoils that arise in all the associations and experiences - of knowing what is the Right, the Ideal! Not as for self.
22. For if ye would have life, ye must give it! As the laws are in the spiritual, so in the mental. For the Mind IS the Builder. And if ye would have life, ye must give it. If ye would have love, ye must show thyself lovely. If ye would have friends, ye must show thyself friendly. If ye would have peace and harmony, forget self and make for harmony and peace in thy associations.
23. So oft is the ego so enrapt in self that it feels it will lose its importance, its place, its freedom. Yet to have freedom in self, give it. To have peace in self, MAKE it - give it!
24. These are immutable laws!
25. And as the individual entity practices, works at, does something ABOUT such, so does there come into the experience those things that make the vision broader, the purposes worthwhile, the desires holy.
26. Then ye begin to sow the seeds of the spirit in the mental attitudes and activities; which are: first, patience! For "In patience possess ye your souls!" In patience ye become aware that the body is but a temple, is but an outward appearance; that the mind and the soul are rather the furnishings, the fixings thereof, with which ye dwell, with which ye abide CONSTANTLY!
27. And in patience, in brotherly love, in kindness, in gentleness, in those things that are of the Spirit, of the mental attitudes, ye will find the closer walks with the purpose of the material entering.
28. For each soul is in that process of development to become fully aware of its relationships to its Maker. And in the manifesting of the fruits of the Spirit ye find these are attitudes and activities towards thy fellowman, those ye meet day by day. And as thy Lord hath given, "In the manner ye do it unto the least of these ye meet day by day, so ye do it unto thy God."
29. What, then, is the purpose of the entering of a soul into material manifestations?
30. In the beginnings, or in the activities in which the soul manifested individually, it was for the purpose of becoming as a companion of Creative Force or God; or becoming the whole body of God itself, with the ability - even as thy Pattern, as thy Savior, as thy Guide and Guard - to know thyself to BE thyself, yet one with Him!
31. That is the purpose for each entering into the material activities.
32. And as these from the astrological aspects are a portion of the deeper MENTAL self, so have the material sojourns been a portion of the emotional self - or through which ye become more and more aware of that consciousness, that awareness of the relationships to the Whole.
33. Before, this, then, we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity, - yea, among those environs of its present sojourn, when there were those activities just prior to the Revolution, just in those periods with the reconstruction after same.
34. The activities of the entity then, in the name John Venerable, were as a trader with the peoples of the forest - or the natives.
35. Hence we find nature in all of its forms as a part of the entity's dreams and visions oft; as well as those abilities to draw contracts, trades or activities in which there are dealings with the fellowman - these arise from those activities.
36. The entity gained, the entity lost.
37. In the present the entity finds self meeting many of those same problems. For it is not what someone else has done to thee, but what thou hast done to thy neighbor. For what is the law? "As ye sow, so shall ye reap!"
38. Be not - BE NOT deceived - do not misunderstand - God is not mocked! For what man soweth, man reapeth; and he constantly meets himself!
39. For what ye have done, that ye must meet.
40. If ye attempt to meet it alone in thyself, THEN it becomes karma. But WHO stands - WHO will stand in thy stead?
41. Do good, as He gave, to those that despitefully use thee, and ye overcome then - in thyself - that ye HAVE done to thy fellowman!
42. Through what? Through whom? Through He that is the Creator of all that is good and perfect, He that is the way, He that has shown the way.
43. Why? How? Because He IS that in which ye live and move and have thy being.
44. Thus, as ye measure day by day - not by might nor by power but by "my love" saith the Lord, - so do ye meet thyself in thy daily activities, in thy dealings with thy fellowman. So may ye come to know in whom and in what ye have believed; and ye will find in thy experience that He is able to keep ALL ye commit unto Him.
45. How? In thy dealings with thy fellowman!
46. Before that we find the entity was in the earth during the earlier portions of the journeyings of the Norsemen to the land now known as America.
47. There we find the entity, from the Norse land, came with those early settlers under Ericson - and among those groups who remained in that known as Vinland; or a portion of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts as termed in the present.
48. Hence there is a constant call to the entity for those portions of the land, and they appear oft as those portions in which only those things worth while materially are or may be accomplished.
49. This comes from the experiences and hardships through which the entity passed during those sojourns there as a builder, yea as a waiter; yea as one longing for those things that had been and were not, those lands and scenes and environs and surroundings from which the entity had attempted to escape and did materially - yet the mind, the heart oft dwelt there!
50. And these produce oft confusions in the present, deep in the soul and heart of the entity.
51. These bring oft unsettledness, the desires to roam, the desires to change.
52. Yet rolling stones gather little of the comprehension, or of the moss that rests in peace and harmony in the minds of those that would know peace.
53. Then - quiet thyself, even as ye did in the latter portion of that sojourn, in those environs which would now be nigh unto Hartford, Conn.
54. And in those environs may the entity, materially speaking, find some of the happiest, some of the most pleasing experiences. But it isn't the easy way that is always that which makes for the growth. For whom He loveth He chasteneth, or He allows those things to test - even as He.
55. As ye brought then harmony into the experience and environs of many, as Hansen Olensen, so - where thou ART - use that in hand! And as ye use that thou hast, that thou knowest to do today, TOMORROW may be given the greater things to thee.
56. For the Lord hath knowledge of thee, for thou art a portion, - yes, each soul! Ye become not aware of thy pulse beat until disturbances arise. So in the heart and mind of thy Maker, thy Creator, when thou art disturbed He becomes aware of thy disturbing forces.
57. Keep peace, then, in thy own heart and mind. And as ye apply thyself ye will learn, as ye did in the latter portion of that sojourn, that in giving out ye receive. As ye made for the educating and helping of those that were weak, those that were discouraged - in helping the discouraged ye found courage; in helping the weak ye became strong.
58. And so is the law.
59. Then ye were as an educator or teacher, or one who gave those activities in which not only the mind but the hands were directed in ways and manners to bring not only comforts and ease but conveniences in the activities of the experience.
60. Hence those things that are products of the field, products in which life is sustained, are a part of thy own being; the creative forces as in turning the simpler things into the supplying of elements of body and mind to those in a material world.
61. Before that we find the entity was in the Roman land, during those periods when the Romans held a protectorship over the Palestine land; during the days when the Master walked in the earth.
62. The entity was among the soldiery, and stationed in the garrisons of the Roman soldiery about Bethany and Jerusalem - or to the southernmost gate through which the Master passed!
63. These the entity saw, though the entity comprehended little, during those periods of the persecutions; though the entity followed the dictates of those that were in authority.
64. Know, as the experiences then taught the entity, that in whatever place or position an individual may be - whether in a place of authority, a place of confidence, a place of security or of whatever nature the activity may be - no individual is in such a position but that he has merited same for the opportunities of manifesting IN SUCH POSITION the glory of the Father through his activities with his fellowmen!
65. As ye used throughout that experience those opportunities for learning and gaining a comprehension as to the meaning of life, and the truths as were manifested by those who were the professed and true followers of the teachings of the Master, so may ye apply in thy present experiences, in thy present dealings with thy fellowman those tenets, those laws that were His - and the whole gospel to love the Lord with all thy mind and heart and body, and thy neighbor as thyself; this is the whole law!
66. The entity gained THROUGHOUT the experience, as Pitmumus; for ye gained much. And ye rose to positions of power, ye rose to places wherein little or no censure could be drawn from thy judgments about thy fellowmen, whether they were Roman, Greek, Parthenian or the hated Jew in a portion of thy activity.
67. Thus may thyself find that He, thy Lord, is not a respecter of persons but to do good unto all men is the whole duty of man.
68. Before that, we find the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there were turmoils and strifes; when the Priest was banished, and when there was a Guard set by the Young King to see that there was the carrying out of the edicts of the Council.
69. The entity was among those that were the guards, and those that reported to the King during those activities, - yea, during the whole period of the nine years sojourn of the Priest in the Abyssinian land - or what is now the Abyssinian land.
70. Thus the entity came closely in contact with the activities after the return of the Priest, in the united efforts of not only the Egyptians but the Atlanteans and those from Mu and On, and from India and Carpathia and the Incal land, and from all of those lands where united efforts were a part of the activity of man.
71. There the entity in the latter portion saw to it that the edicts of the various groups were carried forward.
72. Hence the abilities as a datastician, a statistician, were and are a part of the entity's experience; the abilities to make reports to those in authority as to all conditions.
73. The name then was Il-Enar-ar.
74. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, and that to which it may attain, and how:
75. Study to show thyself approved in all good conscience to that thou dost set as thy ideal, and know - as has been indicated - that thy ideal is only in Him who is the keeper, who is thy Brother, who is thy Friend, thy Lord - even the Christ!
76. Then as ye pattern thy life by His, ye will mete the fruits of the Spirit to thy fellowmen day by day, in whatever field of service is chosen.
77. And as indicated, as a statistician or datastician in all directions as may be given by others that are in authority, the entity may carry forward the services; and thus find himself coming ever to that standard as set.
78. For as ye report in thy material plane, so in thy mental and spiritual self - be able to give the answer for the faith thou hast in thy Lord, by the manner in which ye measure to thy fellowmen those tenets that are His, - yea, that are THINE! For thou art His, if ye open thy mind and heart to Him!
79. Ready for questions.
80. (Q) What specific life work am I best suited for?
    (A) As indicated, the datastician or statistician - or in ministering or giving or carrying out the orders by those that are in authority.
81. (Q) Would you consider my present work and position a work suitable?
    (A) A work suitable for the stepping-stones. As ye apply thyself in the work in which thou art engaged, ye will find this will bring about greater opportunities in broader fields of service.
    And "He that is the greatest among you is the servant of all."
82. (Q) In what specific geographical location may I expect to make the greatest success?
    (A) As indicated - but as also has been indicated from same, use that thou hast in hand. Either in the Tidewater, Virginia area - as is called now - or around or near Hartford, Connecticut.
83. (Q) Should I take any steps at all toward making a change of any kind?
    (A) Let this be an outgrowth of service well rendered.
84. (Q) Is the present relationship between my wife and myself constructive for both of us?
    (A) It may be made so. It is NOT so in the present.
85. (Q) How may it be made so? Please advise.
    (A) That's all that has been given! Studying to show thyself approved unto all good conscience, doing that thou knowest to do TODAY - joyously!
86. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    [Questions 84-Q and 85-Q above were left out of the orginal copy.]

BACKGROUND

1. 4/12/38 See wife's Life Rdg., 1523-4, Par. 70-A, saying they were closely associated in an early American Incarnation. [They both had been previously married and divorced in this life.]

REPORTS

1. 10/07/38 He and his wife secured a joint reading on their marriage. See 1650-2.
2. 10/38 In reply to a request for a report on his Life reading, he submitted these comments:
   "Several months ago, you gave me a Life reading. I have read it many times, and I have profited by each rereading.
   "It is my conviction that everyone, whether their manner of living be peaceful or turbulent, dull or adventurous, can, in the course of their experience point to one or more incidents or events that are milestones in the path of their progress or retrogression. In my own case, my life reading is THE milestone that marks the beginning of a new understanding - a full consciousness of what I am. This understanding of self is a veritable Gibraltar which can withstand any assault that threatens to upset my peace of mind, fixity of purpose or sense of justice, for the reading has taught me that this turmoil is of my own creation.
   "In everyday experience we are confronted with all those traits of mankind that are good and bad, and their attending reactions.
   "The understanding of self has helped to develop a useful and practical philosophy when confronted with those problems of everyday life that are an effect of my own creation. The understanding of self has enabled me to take the resources of previously unknown abilities, and latent talent, and has made me a better individual, mentally, morally, socially, spiritually and physically.
   "Frankly, when I first read it, it had no meaning for me. The statements all seemed abstract and I could not find anything concrete in it. It was not until I had summed up enough courage to stand under the uncompromising light of Truth, that I recognized that which seemed abstract WAS concrete if I applied it to myself in the light of truth. I realized that the reading did not tell me what to do, but what I had been doing and why I HAD been doing it."
3. "The New Philosophy" by [1650]:
   "The events of the past two or three months, when reviewed coldly and dispassionately, have taken the form of a huge monument - a gigantic, gross monstrosity which reveals in all its ugliness my hypocrisy in thought, my weakness and indecision in actions and the unreasonable resentfulness that has been a canker to my own peace of mind and to the peace of mind to those about me. This idol is the unbreakable mirror of my mind. It's presence is insidious, constant and forceful. It distorts and demands the true meaning of that which is good and constructive and magnifies that which is not good. I have just become wholly conscious of this terrible thing. That it has been a part of me since the beginning, I do not doubt, but I know that I have never been called upon to face it before - for if I had, either it or I, would have been destroyed.
   "I stand before it now to challenge it with the very weapon it controls - my mind. If I can control and direct my thought processes into the proper channels, they will be transformed into mental thunderbolts that will smash this obscene thing into nothingness. This should be my new philosophy: 'Not to be in anger, for those that Gods would first destroy, they anger.' My pen must be my sword, for me. It is more facile and adroit than my tongue and better equipped to place before in orderly fashion, the tenets to which I should subscribe. If a million words and a million thoughts would but cause a slight flaw in the mirror, the results would more than justify the effort."
4. 5/29/40 See wife's reading 1523-11, Par. 27-A, 28-A giving urges and karmic relationships with [1650] in early American incarnation.
5. 5/17/41 He and his wife had another joint reading in re making themselves a channel for the entrance of a soul into the earth. See 1523-12.
6. 6/02/41 See wife's reading 1523-13 in re karmic relationships from earthly sojourn in French period with [1650].
7. 4/28/42 See wife's reading 1523-15, Par. 11-A--16-A in re karmic relationships, antagonisms, in relation to [1650].
8. 10/14/42 See wife's reading 1523-16, Par. 27-A, 30-A in regard to their relationships in the Roman incarnation, indicating [1650] was then a fisherman.
9. 10/44 He and his wife [1523] were separated and subsequently both were remarried, to someone else.
10. 1/05/45 [1650]'s Letter to GD: "...When I heard of his [EC's] death I thought of you particularly, because of your long association with the Cayce family and of the selfless devotion and untiring effort that you gave to his works and his interests. The emptiness and the hopelessness that you now must feel will go with the passing of time, believe me. It will go because all who have been closely associated with Mr. Cayce have been engendered with a spiritual fortitude that will survive all material things. His work is done, Gladys. If it is to be that you are to carry on with his work - Kismet - if it is not to be, you will, I know, find the new horizon..."
11. 2/24/49 Letter to HLC: "...After two years of Hawaii, China and the South Seas, I've returned to Washington to accept a position in the office of Secretary of Defense. The travel was wonderful, many strange sights and experiences, but I am glad to be back. Perhaps some day I will return to China. It offers a way of life that has many advantages socially and culturally. My sister, who is secretary to a psychiatrist in N.Y., wrote me several days ago and asked if you were still engaged in the work of cataloging your father's readings. I visited my sister, and was ashamed to have to tell her I did not know, but promised I would write to you...If you should come to Washington, be sure to look me up. I am in the book or can be reached at the Pentagon in the Munitions Board..."
12. 8/55 A.R.E. issue of the SEARCHLIGHT carried an article by HLC based on 1650-1, entitled, "Who Am I?"
13. 7/18/61 A man who worked under Mr. [1650] visited A.R.E. and reported that Mr. [1650] is "top civilian" in the Navy Department, at the head of the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, with emphasis on the 'supply.' He forms the policies for the Navy supplies, thereby being at the head of the department of policy in his job. He is excellent in his job. When he has occasion to make reports (and this entails many figures, etc.) he does so with a confidence and authority that is quite impressive. "Mr. [1650] told me about Mr. Cayce; said he used to go fishing with him. He has started writing a book about Mr. Cayce. He asked to be remembered fondly to Gladys and Hugh Lynn."
14. 7/25/63 Mr. [1650] died suddenly with a heart attack.

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