This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th Street & Ocean, Virginia Beach, Va., this 2nd day of September, 1931, in accordance with request made by self - Miss [1742].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born October 15, 1883, at noon, on Court Street, in Stapleton, Staten Island, New York.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces, as are latent and manifested in the present personality, individuality, of the entity now known as [1742].
2. In entering we find astrologically influences are in Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn. In the astrological influences we find many variations existent in the present appearance, or application of self to those influences in an astrological way and manner as present themselves; the entity being in those signs, and particularly in the influence of Mercury, becomes one VERY high-minded, mentally well balanced, and exceptional in its own individual activities, in that the mental proclivities, the mental attitudes of the body become as one that is often termed too hard-headed to become even practical. With the many VARYING aspects as has come, then, we find these are as the influences - and as manifestedly in the personality of the entity in the present:
3. One capable of dealing either with the MATERIAL things of life - hence capable of making for self that of a career, either in the fields of finance, politics or religion, and they are just about the extremes to the entity in its various aspects; for to the entity each individual phase of every experience of life must be set in its particular niche and be judged from that particular viewpoint. Hence detail, minutia, fine points, fine differentiations in actions - whether mental, material, or what not - are to the entity those of the NECESSARY details that must be adhered to by each and everyone. This also makes for that attitude often considered by others as of the entity being hard-headed, one-minded, one-sided in its actions or activities; yet INNATELY there are those spiritual influences as seen in Venus, WITH Mercury, that WITH Mercury, Venus and JUPITER - and especially from the middle portion of the life, which should begin now near the coming birthday, near the 22nd to 20th of October, would be the meridian of the entity's present experience - and beginning in that atmosphere when the astrological aspects of Jupiter with Mercury and Venus bring those experiences in the entity's present experience, that will make for the developing of, the manifesting of, the LOVE - and the magnificent or BENEVOLENT influences as come WITH that of one well GROUNDED in mental sources and forces, and WITH the benevolence, and with patience, and with the love as may be seen, will bring for the entity that period of the greater development, the greater abilities, the greater source, channel AND manner in which the entity may apply itself in its relationships to others, as to bring for the greater development in this present appearance. True, as the entity has experienced from its appearances, as well as its training and influences in the present, those that would aid must follow in a very DEFINITE line or channel of activity, as must the entity for itself lay its plans well and hew to the line - as all must in their activities, to the ENTITY'S own understanding; yet with these lessons gained, that each in their OWN way must be the channel of blessings to others, may the entity - with the APPLICATION of that gained in self's OWN experience - give to others a greater understanding, bring a greater development for self in the years to come - and these, as we find, will be many in this experience, are these kept much in the manner or the channel as has been laid out FOR the entity by itself.
4. In the appearances, then, and the effect that these have upon the present experience, and that development that may be attained by the study and the application of the variations as may be paralleled in the appearances - and that done with the opportunities as were presented through those experiences:
5. In the one then before this we find in that land now known as the French land, though on the borderland BETWEEN - or that known as the Fatherland and the French land. The entity then in those periods when there were the overrunning of the land by others that would subdue, others that would make for those of a REIGN (rein) in the activities of individuals. The entity then during that period among those that suffered much, and much was there of the attitude of vengeance, of strife, of contention, experienced by the entity; yet the entity gained much and lost much THROUGH the experience. In the NAME Hertziel. In the experience in the present there is seen those many contentions arising over the various fields of endeavors through which most contentions arise in this material plane - the home, the conduct as to the religious life, and the conduct as to the political life. In these things has the entity had DEFINITE ideas, DEFINITE stands taken, as from those influences innately carried over. These with LOVE, these with patience, these with UNDERSTANDING, may be turned into channels where the entity may give much to many peoples in many channels, in many ways, especially in its social, economic, and its spiritual life.
6. In the one then before this we find in that land, and during that period when there were the spreading of those teachings of the peoples from the holy land into the Eternal City, as was then termed - as is oft considered in the present. The entity then among those of the womenfolk who followed those that were imprisoned during those periods, who were forced to give account of the activities before those in power, and the entity suffered in body and in mind, gained after there had been that suffering and that understanding coming in that there BE the needs oft that those of the physical must be crucified that the SPIRITUAL life may be made alive. In the name then Polias, and a follower of him who taught in the catacombs of the city, he who was crucified with his head downward, and a member of his household, being then a SISTER of Peter's wife. In this experience is seen those necessities of the early religious training by the entity, and of those set rules as pertain to the spiritual life. With the awakenings that have come to the entity in the last few years, many of the dogmatic INFLUENCES in this direction have been broken down, and the entity has sought in many channels for that to grasp hold of that would answer for that as seems INNATELY not WHOLLY grasped but by few. In the application then of self in the study of those applications of the spiritual life, as must to the entity be paralleled by the deeds or works as are done, rather than of boastings or of beautiful sayings; but rather in the material things does the answer come to the entity; as these are seen made manifest in self from Polias' viewpoint may there come the broader understanding, and the more ability in the applying of self that others seeing may know and understand that those teachings as were given in that day are alive in those who believe in His name.
7. In the one then before this we find during that period in that land now known as the Egyptian, and during those periods when there were rebellions, turmoils in the land, with the banishment of the priest during that period. The entity then in the name Lei-Diie, offered in the temple many of those sacrifices as were GIVEN to the priests for their activity. In the changed sex, then, did the entity then appear, and - as was seen by the activities of the entity in that period - much heat, argument, much turmoil to the entity under the various strains and rules as came in the period. The entity lost through that experience, gaining only in the latter days when - with the establishing again of the spiritual life, the material affairs, and the dispensing or dispersing of those that would give to other lands and other peoples that as had been gained through those studies, through those applications of individuals in their lives - did the entity begin to understand and to see that peace may come TO those who have CLEANSED their minds, their bodies, of those things that so EASILY beset, by filling same with the meditation of the heart towards SPIRITUAL things. Love, that begetteth grace. Peace, that giveth understanding. Temperance that behooveth the body to be crucified in those things that are DETRIMENTAL to the understandings of the brain, and those that would succor the afflicted, those that would stand instead of those that were tempted. THESE the entity learned in the latter days, and aided much in the distribution of the tenets as were given and applied, even in the foreign lands. The entity then becoming the first of those to establish in the GRECIAN land, as known now, that of the worship of the Most High, THROUGH these efforts as established then in the hill. In the present, that seeking as the entity has reached those periods when the turning of the mental forces of the spiritual body is aroused more and more, this seeking again will bring to the body that which gives peace and understanding.
8. In the abilities, and that to which the entity may attain in the present:
9. To become, then, again an emissary of the Truth, as the entity sees and knows same, will be the channel, the way, in which the entity may gain most in material, mental and spiritual development; knowing that, as was given in those tombs, as was taught by those lowly men of Galilee, this again may be awakened in the minds and hearts of all who would seek to know the Way. Ready for questions.
10. (Q) What can I do to use my unfoldment for others?
    (A) Give out; even as ye have received, give unto others.
11. (Q) Do I still need to unfold in an individual way before helping others in any definite way?
    (A) In helping, in giving out to others may the unfoldment come; not in those things that would become as evil SPOKEN of, but in little acts of kindness, little words here and there - for little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, does one gain in self, and add to others.
12. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to File
    Copy to Ass'n

BACKGROUND

1. See 1742-1 correspondence.

REPORTS

1. 1/03/31 Letter from GD to Miss [1742]: "I am taking the liberty of writing to you, and of mailing your life reading which was obtained yesterday. We hope and trust that your reading will mean as much to you as ours have meant to us.
   "We would certainly be very glad for you to spend the Fall and Winter in Virginia Beach. On the 14th we are starting a study group, which will gather data from the rdgs. on various philosophical subjects and form the basis for other study groups all over the country. Mr. Cayce is going to give a reading each week to this group, and they will ask questions on various phases of Life and their development spiritually. I really think this group will be the means of presenting much good to others. I'm sure you would be interested in that part of the work yourself, from the information in your life reading.
   "Miss Annie Cayce, Mr. Cayce's sister, has a place on 22nd Street where she takes care of a few people who wish to be in the midst of the work. I think you would love to stay there. She could let you have a private room and bath, with board (including whatever diet you cared to follow), for forty dollars a week. I hope you will consider coming here and getting better acquainted with the work, for it seems from your rdg. that you could be a great channel through which these truths might be given out to others.
   "Hoping that you will let us hear from you again soon, and with very best wishes from all, I am..."
2. 1/05/31 Letter from EC to Miss [1742]: "I am anxious to know just how you found the information that was gotten for you a few days ago. It was so unusual for us to have had the experience we did with the first attempt, and to get the reading so beautifully given as we did in the next attempt. I'm just anxious to know how you feel about it.
   "I certainly do hope that, IF you have found it interesting, it will be possible for you to arrange to spend some part of your time here this Fall or Winter, that we may study some of the information that has been gotten from time to time. I believe from this rdg., and from your ltrs., that you would find it most interesting. The PITY is that we have not been able, so far, to get any of this printed, but we have THOUSANDS of rdgs. in which there is a great deal of information.
   "Hoping that I may be accorded the privilege of hearing from you..."
3. 1/05/31 Letter from Miss [1742] to EC: "I was very happy that you sent my Reading, immediately after your return. "Some of it - I did not understand, but the continuance of unfoldment, impressed me - Also - that I have reached a turning point, as I KNOW that I must have a more definite unfoldment.
   "It interested me that my last incarnation was there, which is now; German-French; - as my Grandfather [maternal], - was a Huguenot. And yet, I have similarity to my Great-Great-Grandfather, on my father's side. I have not at all, - the features of the Nordic type. The straight, strong features of two [paternal] grandfathers.
   "While in Switzerland - in Zurich - I often saw people, who were of my present type and complexion - never in Germany. Yet, I FEEL more German than French.
   "Indeed, I have felt, the breaking up of dogmatism, within, the humanizing - and, clarification of myself as my thoughts, ideas, and feelings were brought to earth.
   "I was amused that people consider me hard-headed, one-minded, one-sided! Of course, to a certain degree, I am so, or was so, but I on the other hand - have considered such criticism - intolerant, narrow-minded, and even conceited!
   "I HAVE tried to have patience, also with myself, and the latter attitude of mind is the most difficult to learn.
   "I know that I MUST be with people from whom I can learn, and who have similar interests - otherwise my individuality would have no soil to grow in. Of course, I have had "Healings" and am continually contacting harmonious influences, and yet, that practical application of under-standing, expressed in outer conditions of life, has not been made manifest.
   "And THAT IS what I crave. And it seems that I learned this lesson as Polias.
   "The answers to my two questions did not seem to help me any. The last answer I did not understand - partially so - at least, 'not in those things, that would become as evil SPOKEN of...'
   "If your sister would really have a room and bath, etc. - for me - as Miss Davis informed me about, it would most probably be the right thing for me.
   "At any rate, I feel that I could learn a great deal and as I need to be away from New York and Florida seemed so far away - no doubt, Virginia would be the magnet of attraction at the present time.
   "The date of my coming would be uncertain, as I am having some dental work done and also will visit a few more relatives. But perhaps the first week of October would be suitable.
   "I will write again. Thank you for the Reading..."
4. 9/07/31 Letter from [1742] to EC: "By this time my letter telling you of my impression of the Rdg. has surely arrived. I understand it better as I read it over off and on. The phrasing is a bit involved, but there are only a few lines which seem complicated now.
   "Of course, as I said before, my past lives do not interest me greatly. You see some of the New Thought Teachers think, or teach even, that we reincarnate continually and do not wait a thousand years or more or less. But, Polias interested me and I'm wondering who Peter and his wife are NOW?
   "The other Rdg. might have been more helpful than this one; it does not solve any present problems, which are galore! - One friend here, who through too much kindness to a wastrel brother and before that to a husband, must now work and support her daughter and Mother. I really think quite a number of relatives are in lack of funds. I think they expected me to BOARD with them in a dinky room and of course share the bath. It would be cheap of course, but I freeze too horribly in N.Y. and their interests are not like mine. It seems selfish and I will, no doubt, have to help them some financially. AND there are plenty of others who see the dollar sign when they see me - and nothing else! It's rather depressing, and I simply MUST have an individual life. I feel that I could learn much at Virginia Beach. Of course, if I freeze too horribly I could scoot down to Florida. But usually, if I am really interested I can stand a lot of cold. I was in Zurich one winter, and went to the University there, enjoying it tremendously. I SUFFERED with the cold and yet I always remember that year with pleasure. I took courses on philosophy, religion and literature. I grasp these things intuitively - not intellectually. I am not a mental person at all, therefore it's so difficult to 'give out.' People who take so long to reason and think out anything make me nervous. I can't understand why they don't see the point.
   [rest of letter on back of 3 postcards of different scenes of N.Y.C.] "Guess I have a tremendous lot to learn as yet! My horoscope told me, too, that I would be about 98 yrs. old. Of late, I'm not so sure of it! My eyes are not so strong any more. I have six false teeth, and I am not as enthusiastic as I used to be. In fact, sometimes everything seems rather useless to me, and all PEOPLE a great disappointment. But that may be just the right starting point for greater self-reliance and independence. "Please excuse the various postcards; am completely out of writing paper, and as I expect people for lunch, I did not take time to call for any [at Commodore Hotel].
   "I wonder if you would mind to tell me the month and date (not the year) of your birth? In fact, perhaps, your wife's - Miss Cayce's and Miss Davis'. I would then know if I really would fit in. I hope you do not consider it rude? I take it from a scientific angle and know[?]!"
5. 9/09/31 She requested Physical Reading appointment for her nephew, Mr. [3760].
6. 9/11/31 Letter from EC to [1742]: "I have yours of recent date, and am very happy indeed to know that you find the information in your rdg. interesting, and that a greater understanding comes as you read and re-read it. I have to admit, Miss [1742] this has been - to my mind and way of thinking - the ASTONISHING thing about the information that has come from time to time through the years. THOUSANDS of individuals have said the same over and over again, "As I read the information, and re-read it, gradually it dawns upon me as to the meaning - and I get a broader vision of what it is all about." That is what seems to me to make it so worth while. My position is such a peculiar one. I've never heard a rdg., you see, yet have been the channel through which thousands upon thousands of them have come. It is SO hard to separate myself from the information, yet I HAVE to realize it is so different from my own self! I know that such conditions are questioned by many, and no doubt justly so. So many feel that I should be able to obtain it consciously. From my own life reading, however, it can be easily seen WHY I have to build so much in this present experience.
   "You ask respecting our birthdays:
   Edgar Cayce (myself) - March 18th Gertrude Cayce (my wife) - February 22nd Annie Cayce (my sister) - November 20th Gladys Davis (my secretary) - January 30th
   "Some very, very unusual astrological reports have been given on all of these - especially with my wife and myself. Ten years ago several astrologers (giving my rdg., with my wife's rdg.), said that she must pass out within a year to eighteen months. I'm sure she HAS been reborn as respecting her association and affiliation with the work. They said, however, PHYSICALLY. OUR information has not agreed with that, as it said we had a great deal to work out from our Egyptian appearance in which YOU played such an important part. I am sure, from your interests, that the life readings which we have gotten together respecting the associations of individuals in this period (the Egyptian) will be one of the most interesting things you ever read, as you were at that period one of those who dispersed, made it possible for individuals in other places to know something of the development, the advancement, the civilization - if we choose to call it such - of those people gathered there in Egypt. Many, many of those are gathered together at the PRESENT time, as the information says, to do something towards the establishing of the same thing now.
   "As respecting your visit to Va. Beach, it may be something of a selfishness within us that we are desirous of seeing you and knowing you - from your interest, and from your varied EXPERIENCES in the fields of mental thought - yet I really believe you will find this a very interesting place. The winter is not too severe, and I BELIEVE your association or stay with my sister would be pleasant - and I hope you can arrange it.
   "Last Wednesday night we organized in Norfolk a study group [A.R.E. Group #1 - SFG I - [262] series], a group of women and men (mostly women) who have - for fifteen to twenty years, some of them - been studying the various phenomena of life, taking lessons from various teachers in New Thought, Science, Unity, Theosophy, the Yoga, and the like. All of them have been attending my little talks which I have given here from week to week, and also the addresses which have been made from time to time by other members of the group who have attempted to study the phenomena. This group will attempt to study information firsthand from the rdgs. themselves, through questions and subjects tending to bring out the ways and means that this INDIVIDUAL group may be able to assist others, as well as themselves, in FINDING THEIR place and THEIR interest in Life itself. I believe it is a real undertaking, and by some manner of means I believe you are really going to be interested in this study group when you come down this fall and winter.
   "When I was in New York last month for a few days, it was agreed upon that I would be there again about the latter part of this month. My plans, if they carry, will put me there by the latter part of next week. If you have not already left by then, I hope that we (my wife, Miss Gladys and myself) may have the pleasure of meeting you at that time.
   "I am sure that you must have many, many demands upon your resources and your abilities. Let's hope that we may, in some way or manner, be of some assistance or aid to YOU in meeting those needs and demands made upon you.
   "With all good wishes, and thanking you...
   "P.S. Thanks for your letter. We are making the appt. for your nephew for the morning of Thursday, the 17th, between 11:00 and 12:00 o'clock Eastern Standard Time, and have written him to that effect. I hope this will be satisfactory to you and to him."
7. 9/13/31 GD's note: She wrote a note enclosing the astrological extracts and inviting us to lunch with her when we get to N.Y.
8. 9/15/31 Letter from EC to Miss [1742]: "We received yours enclosing the extracts of astrological inclinations. I certainly appreciate your sending these. I had no idea we would be so fortunate as to get a copy of what you found. In many ways I think these are very, very good. As for my own, however, I might have made a good politician but I was so sickened in my very early days with the crookedness in politics, that it has held little or no interest. True, when Cleveland was elected the second time I was very enthusiastic, though I had no idea at the time that our birthdays were the same. Later some correspondence with those very close to him brought this out.
   "We were glad to make the appointment for your nephew, and I certainly hope and trust that we may be of service.
   "It hasn't been decided yet as to just when we will get to N.Y., if we come. The trip may have to be delayed, on account of circumstances over which we have no control at the present. We wish to thank you very much for your invitation, and certainly hope to have the pleasure of meeting and knowing you in person in the near future.
   "With all good wishes, and again thanking you for the astrological readings, I am..."
9. 9/23/31 Letter, reporting on her nephew's Physical Reading, 3760-1:
   "I believe I know why you could not receive a 'Reading' for me [in 1742-1]. I was really DOING the correct thing, physically, as I have a similar constitution to that of my nephew. Mentally, I have also tried to apply myself, as far as my abilities permitted, and spiritually I've always had a tussle, but I have always TRIED my best, tho' negative states of mind continually assail me. I have had quite a spiritual tussle, while here in N.Y. Outwardly, I have enjoyed myself, but I always ask myself: 'Where do I really belong? Where could I live the happier life, and how?' I am glad my brothers' family returns soon so that I can see them...
   "I will write to your sister when I can come down."
10. 9/28/31 Letter from EC to Miss [1742]: "Many thanks for yours of the 23rd. I am indeed glad to know that you found your nephew's rdg. interesting, and in line with that you know to be correct. That more often than otherwise, Miss [1742] has been the astonishing thing with the information. Where there was the proper cooperation of the individual seeking information, it has been very direct and very definite, and most people have been able to get very definite results. Apparently, as I have said before, the information takes the individual WHERE they are, physically, mentally and spiritually, and gives them that which - if they WILL apply, first searching out their own selves - will bring the desired results.
    "We are looking forward to the time when we may know you personally, and we hope that we will be able to help you find just where you belong. That is what helps us to make our lives most satisfactory; for if we cannot get that joy out of living that is the heritage of each and every child of God, it must be because we are working in an opposite direction from what we should.
    "Looking forward to seeing you, and with all good wishes...
    "P.S. Miss [1742] I don't think I have thanked you for the lovely horoscope which you sent for me, and now wish to do so. It was sweet of you to do it, and I appreciate it very much. We are hoping to see you soon."
11. 10/09/31 See 1742-3, a Physical Reading.

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