Edgar Cayce Readings, 1786-1

Time and Place: 10:50 to 11:20 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. New York City.

TEXT

GC: You will give the relation of this entity and the universe, and the universal forces; giving the conditions that are as personalities, latent and exhibited in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth's plane, giving time, place and the name, and that in each life which built or retarded the development for the entity; giving the abilities of the present entity and that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions she has submitted, as I ask them:
EC: (In going back over years from present - " - '37 - '36 - very bad period - '23 - brighter outlook" - etc., on back to birth date.)
Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [1786].
In giving the interpretation of the records as we find them here, these are with the desire that they may make the heart and mind of this entity aware of those influences which if applied in the experience may bring a mental and material satisfaction.
For the natural inclinations from the astrological as well as the material sojourns are for the first half of the entity's experience in this sojourn to always be under a cloud.
But with the awakening as to its faults and fancies, as well as its virtues, the entity may apply itself in such a manner that it may take advantage of the greater opportunities presented in a material and mental manner for being a greater channel of blessings to others.
These we find evident as the urges that are in keeping with rather the innate influences, but without respect to how such may have been or may be applied; as the entity may find if it will but analyze itself:
One of a high mental ability, but too easily does the entity find fault with others and discount their abilities.
Too oft is the entity inclined to feel that its own concept is correct, so nothing else can be true.
The inclinations are innate as to a temperament towards the writing, or of becoming a reporter on special articles of special natures; and may be manifested if the entity will apply itself in those directions.
And in its writing, whether of short story or of copy, of advertising or what, give credit always where credit is due; but let it ever be constructive in the experience of those who labor in an humble, self-sacrificing manner for a purpose.
For this experience of every soul in the material plane is not mere chance, but the fulfilling of that as was set in motion from the entrance of Spirit into matter; that man may know his true relationship to the Creative Forces.
And that exemplified in the life and experience of the Master is the only manner in which such may be known; for only in the manner in which an individual applies self in his relationships to his fellow man is there materially manifested one's concept or one's glorifying of the Maker.
For, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least, ye do it unto thy Maker."
In the astrological aspects for this entity we find both adverse and beneficent influences being a part of the experience. And then with the position of Jupiter, Uranus and the other forces which are a part of the experience with Mercury, the Sun and Saturn, these should become rather beneficent influences, - and the relationships and activities then in the field of art or of literature or of every nature should bring greater opportunities, a greater amount of moneys, a greater amount of prestige; also the abilities of an influence wielded by the very thought and purpose of the entity, if there is gained the concept that each soul must given an account unto its Maker for the talents it has.
For each has some talent, some activity in which it may excel in its relationships to others above ALL OTHERS - for some individuals! Hence know that each soul is as precious in the mind or eyes or heart of God as the other.
Hence we find the marital relationships or love of the opposite sex as something the entity desires to lean upon. And as always has been and ever will be, these prove to be just the opposite; with the tendencies and temperament of a continual finding of fault, and to know that self is right and no one else can be!
These are hindrances. Change them to seeing and knowing that ye must see in those who are thine enemies, in those ye dislike the most, something ye would worship in thy Creator!
For each soul is a portion of that Creative Force, that Spirit of Right and Justice.
And YE may be able, YE may be the one to cultivate that in the experiences of those who may have apparently harmed thee most!
Have they rather not whetted thee to the realization that there is a work for thy hands?
Truth of itself needs no justification.
Do not continue then to justify thyself or thy stand or thy principles. GLORIFY them rather in that as ye do to thy fellow man!
For what ye are and what ye desire innately for GOOD speaks so loud, no one hears what ye say, as to what ye profess in this or that direction.
Thy life is an open book, though ye oft turn some pages down and others ye would blot out.
As to the appearances as related to the influences upon the entity's activities in the present:
Before this we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those periods when there were the activities in the trades being established with other lands, as well as in the land of nativity.
Many of the things experienced in the commercial and in the closer relationships of home became very confusing to the entity, as Edna Connell.
For those activities brought disappointing influences, and the entity developed and lost, and gained through the experience.
In the latter portion of the activities, the entity became one who was active in the greater accounting for the activities of special endeavors; as to forestry, as to portions of the animal kingdom and their supplies for pelts, their furs or meats and the like.
There are in the present the abilities in special subjects, or those that are of special interest to groups of various natures should be the activities of the entity in its applying itself in the literary attempts.
Before that we find the entity was in the English land during those periods when there were the preparations made for the journey of the men into other lands for an ideal; in the defense of that known as the Holy Land.
These brought for the entity material and mental disturbances; and the differences of opinion that arose between the entity's associates, the entity's companions, brought a great deal of distress.
Hence in the present we find that peoples and their activity constantly become disturbing factors in the entity's experience.
Look, my child, rather to thine own skirts. Keep them clean. Live towards others as ye would have them live towards thee, and hold THAT rather than any condemning of those who live their OWN life according to that THEY have partaken of, - whether for the weal or woe.
Let thy yeas be yea and thy nays be nay, to be sure; but learn TOLERANCE! THAT is thy lesson to gain in this experience, and with it its sister - not step-sister either - PATIENCE! Patience, persistence, tolerance! These must be kept in thy activities, as ye did NOT in those experiences as Myra Kingdsley.
Before that we find the entity was in the Pyrenees land, or portions of Spain and Portugal; for in these were the activities of the entity following the destruction and the distributing of the peoples from the Atlantean land.
The entity was a native of that land, or being born of those peoples in the land.
There we find the greater development of the individual activities of the entity; for we find the country and nature as the teacher as it were of the activities of the entity.
Hence we find that the experiences of the entity in the country, in those places close to nature, where the rain, the sea, the sun, the sand, the trees, the birds, the animals of nature of today may be about the entity, may ATTUNE the entity to a greater ability in the bringing to the consciousness of self and others the awareness of NATURE as a teacher to mankind!
As to how, - while it clashes, yet it is cooperative ever as one phase of same to another.
The name then was Lepesdeo.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
First, find self. Study self and SELF'S relationship to thy Creator. Know in WHOM as well as in what ye believe. Let thy activities ever be constructive, - in the field of literature, short stories, or of ANY nature where there is the telling of nature's activity, - whether it be individuals or things or conditions with which individuals have to deal in their becoming cooperative with nature for the production of any phase of man's activity.
THESE be the channels through which the entity may gain the greater insight, the greater awareness of its abilities, of its activities; and through same find harmony, peace and understanding.
Ready for questions.
(Q) What are the first steps I should take to get into this line of endeavor?
(A) As has been indicated, find SELF! Know SELF!
(Q) What contacts, which I now have, should I follow up, which will lead into this channel of endeavor?
(A) Throw them overboard and commence with thyself and thy God! THEN use that thou hast in hand for CONSTRUCTIVE experiences in the lives of all ye meet!
(Q) Are there any studies you would suggest that would prepare me for the work, or any course of training?
(A) SELF! SELF! as is shown in God's word to man! These become only as hearsay, until ye know HIM! Then they may be thine OWN experience. And until it is thine own experience, He is none of thine; rather as a hearsay, someone heard of! But the promises are to thee, and to those who love His coming!
(Q) In what section of the country could I do my best work, or be apt to attain the desired vocation?
(A) In the COUNTRY; wherever it may be! Close to nature, rather than in ANY city!
(Q) How may I accomplish one urge I have always had?
(A) Is it in keeping with that which would exalt self or thy God? Then He alone may direct thee. Or ye may through thine understanding of Him so turn it into those channels that will bring better understanding to thee.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file
[Questions submitted which did not get asked, see at 1786-1, Par. B2.]

BACKGROUND

1/05/39 HLC's letter from N.Y. to his parents: "Sun. a.m. - I slept and then dictated for 4 hrs. in the afternoon to [1786], the young woman who is working off her reading." [GD's note: Altho widowed recently she was using her maiden name.]
1/11/39 Questions submitted which did not get asked:
2. If finances are needed to carry out the securing of this life work, where may I obtain such finances?
3. When and where was I formerly associated with my mate who has just recently passed on? What were the urges that drew us together? Please explain this relationship in the past, and this present existence. Where has he gone? Is it advisable to try to contact him?
4. In my association with my husband, I had the problem of alcoholism to deal with, and had an impelling urge to try to interest others in the subject - and to work out a cure. Was this urge to do something scientifically constructive along this line, brought on thru my interest in him - or was he EXPERIENCE for me to gain on this subject - and should I continue? What would be my definite work in connection with this? What specific persons should I contact to bring about constructive action along this line of endeavor?
5. Is there a CURE FOR ALCOHOLISM? And what persons would be instrumental in doing something financially to further this cause?
6. Is all of this merely a Karmic interest on my part, and should cease now that my loved one has gone on?
7. Should I consider the passing on of this man, the end of that part of my life, and should I sever all connections with it? What is the present and past relationship that I have with his Aunt, now in the living? Should I continue my present association with her?
8. If I should start a NEW life - where should I locate? How may I gain social contacts, friends, etc?
9. What channels will bring me financial security?
May Divine Intelligence guide you in your seeking for this information, Mr. Cayce, and give you the longed-for answers.

REPORTS

1/14/39 EC's letter to [1786]:
Dear Mrs. [1786]:
Hope you find your reading of interest - feel sure if you will have Hugh Lynn go over this with you - he will be able to help you out - and assist you in making the most of it.
Will be expecting a line from you when you have studied it over carefully. And can I be of any help please don't hesitate to call on me - hoping to have been of a service.
Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
6/27/39 [1786]'s letter to EC:
New York, New York
Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Va.
Dear Mr. Cayce:
You may recall that in January you gave me a reading, which I appreciated very much. I believe I wrote and thanked you, but if I did not, I know that I sent my thanks by Hugh Lynn.
I've had such a difficult job of trying to adjust since my mate's death, that that, coupled with no work and no motivation, got me down to the point of collapse, and I had to go away for awhile. Which also explains why I've not written you, whose ability I greatly respect, and asked for your further guidance. I submitted a list of questions, at my reading, which you partially answered, and wrote you would answer further, at a later date.
You would be doing a GREAT service for me, Mr. Cayce, when I am so helplessly bewildered as to what to do, if you would tell me what comes to you in connection with my problems. Just now I am not in a position to remunerate you, but I know you will realize that I should be glad to do so, when I am able.
I need guidance as to my life's work, i.e. what it is - how I may secure it? Also what to do about this terrific sense of loss of companionship?
I was keenly disappointed that Hugh Lynn's radio program was not continued, for I feel it was very worth while. I feel the work has suffered a loss thereby - and also an unexpressable loss in the passing of Dr. Hardwicke. I was away at the time, and even though I was not a member of his excellent forum - I've thought of him many times, and wondered if he will be able to demonstrate his theories, and communicate with those interested here on this planet.
With a heart full of gratitude for your assistance,
Sincerely, [1786]
6/28/39 EC's letter to [1786]:
Dear Mrs. [1786]:
Have yours of the 27th - sorry to know every thing has been all so wrong for you - and you know we are glad to try and be of help when ever possible. Am giving you the Period Monday morning the 10th - 10.30 to 11.30 E.S.T. Please let me have the address you will be at that hour - and note we are on Standard time - also there may be other questions that you would like to include at this time - make note of those and we will include them with those we feel were not included in the last.
Wish you might have been with us for the Congress - had good meeting and quite a crowd this year. Think all were pleased that were here from their reports since. Hoping the time set is satisfactory and that we may be of a real service.
Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce
7/06/39 [1786]'s letter to EC:
New York, N.Y.
Dear Mr. Edgar Cayce:
My deepest gratitude for your generous letter of June 28th.
At this writing, I am planning to go to the Calvary Church on Monday morning, July 10th, at 11:30 AM and remain thru 12:30, the period you have assigned me. You state you are giving me from 10:30-11:30 E.S.T., and we are on Daylight Saving Time, hence 11:30-12:30. This Church is located at the Corner of 21 Street and Fourth Avenue, New York City. I prefer to go there, to be in solitude at the time of my reading.
Should some work come up on Monday, and I would not be at that address, I shall wire you, if possible.
I am anxious to have guidance concerning what should be my life's work. I have great difficulty in knowing what I would be happiest in doing? And what I would be best qualified to do? Also, how it would be possible to attain it? There are many obstacles such as age, appearance, lack of specified training etc. which seem to hinder me. The next problem, which has become quite a serious one for me, is how to overcome this terrific sense of loneliness, since my mate passed on. How to get motivation for living? How to FIND MY PURPOSE IN LIFE, since I have been left here, and he has gone on?
Should I try to see if I can do anything further in trying to become associated with those trying to help alcoholics? Since Mr. [...]'s death (July 19, 1938), I have done nothing along that line. Can contact be made with him now, since death? Does he know of my prayers?
I have a feeling that there is some definite work I should do - that I am here for - but what is it?
Because I have worked for so many different lines of endeavor, University, Theatrical, Commercial, Psychological, etc., and have not yet found my permanent place, I am completely bewildered. I have had stenographic training, and have written publicity. However, in trying to analyze the situation I am handicapped, for people do not seem to be inclined to take me for routine stenographic work (for which I'm grateful in one sense) and I've not had specific training in anything else. I have abundant sales ideas, executive ability, and very broad experience. I though I WOULD BE LET IN PSYCHIC WORK as "hunches" - intuition, premonition and mental telepathy are very strong with me. I've always had a keen desire to be of help to humanity. That seems to be my only answer for living. But as fate will have it, I seem to have amassed "human" experience chiefly - and do not know how to employ it - as I am not trained to be a minister, doctor, nurse, scientist, etc. - those who serve, or a Social Service Worker.
MY CHIEF QUESTIONS: 1. Have I any further contact with [...] since he has passed on? 2. Am I to continue on thru life alone? 3. How shall I "know myself", "find myself" - I have prayed every day and night for this answer. 4. What IS MY LIFE'S WORK? How shall I find it? What am I now here for?
May God guide you, Mr. Cayce, and may you truly find these answers for one who has earnestly tried to find them herself, and apparently has failed. My present difficulty is in getting a job because they do not want to take me because I've had so much varied experience - and because I do not seem to know one outstanding thing I'd like to do. At present I'm working only a couple days week - thru the courtesy of a Welfare Organization.
With a heart full of gratitude to you - I am [1786]
7/10/39 See 1786-2.