Edgar Cayce Readings, 1791-1

Time and Place: 10:50 to 11:15 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 which 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 that may be submitted, as I ask them:
EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [1791].
In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, these are chosen and interpreted with the desire and purpose that such information may become an experience helpful in the present life of this entity, [1791].
We find, in the interpreting of same, these are manifested, - but irrespective of what the entity has done or may do about same. This is the sum of both the astrological and the earthly or material sojourns.
One of a very high mental ability, with special talents in the field of literature, music and art.
Hence the entity is finely attuned.
One very dependent, and yet independent.
One that believes in religious thought yet has done so very little, or inclined to do so little about same; and yet is dependent upon spiritual things and spiritual sources.
Well that this phase of the experience be cultivated. For the entity will find that self - as the earth and that it may view about it - is a three-dimensional BEING; three phase activity; mental, physical, spiritual; each with its attributes that must find expression but ALL as in one, as in the body, should be, must be prompted by spiritual import, and not merely mental or physical aggrandizement or self or selfish motives or promptings.
As to the astrological aspects, we find these - as from the beginning of man's expression in materiality, through the God-given forces - are for signs and symbols, and indicate tendencies because of associations or affiliation of the entity in that particular environ.
This may be illustrated in this entity's entrance in the present experience. Because of the material or earthly sojourn in a particular environ, it is accredited with a race and with an environmental impulse. And as indicated, tempered by what the entity - through material manifestation - has done or may do about same in its present activity, sojourn or environ.
In Venus we find the beauty, the love of romance, the love of the beautiful, the artistic temperament; that of dependency and that yet of a seeking for truth WHEREVER it may be found.
And one that well deserves being called by others a bit hard-headed. For when the entity finds it has once found that it seeks, it will "carry through."
One that might indeed live by its wits, by its abilities in those directions of the application of the intents, the influences from the Venus forces. Yet it is of such a stable nature that such would become repugnant to the entity in its associations with its fellow man.
Truth is too deep-seated.
The entity must GIVE if it will have, - this is innate. And the entity may apply or disregard or abuse this influence in its experience.
Hence in a commercial effort or field, where there may be the daily dependence that the entity may carry on, - yet in the artistic or especially literary field - as in writing - the entity may find material gains coming into the experience.
For Jupiter, in the last portion of thirty-eight ('38), becomes a benevolent influence in the experience of the entity. And while the purely material sources or forces apparently are insecure, we find there is builded a security - by the associations, affiliations and activities of the entity - that is growing to be a broadening influence in the affairs of the entity in its relationships with others, and the activities of the public and masses in general.
Poetry is especially appealing, yet not that of the nature that is softy or too elemental; rather that as of power, vim, vitality of expression. Yet these are NOT the channels through which the greater sources of material income may be a part of the entity's experience; but rather those activities in the commercial field, - as a secretary, or of such natures; as of an activity where there may be the outlet of expression yet in the quieter moments there may be the building in self of the outlines for the fiction, the truth, the endeavor, the romance, the poetic reaction of song and the like, - these will be the channels through which great source of income may be a part of the entity's experience.
Do not let material love affairs interfere with those directions of the greater gain. While a home is the greatest career for any soul, we find the abilities of this entity indicate that it may indeed have a career AND a home, and yet make those expressions that may bring the greater help, the greater influence upon the lives of others in those fields and activities in the writings that the entity may accomplish.
As to the appearances of the entity in the earth's plane:
Before this we find the entity was in the environs, rather than the land, during those periods when there was an exodus of people from the Slavic land; as well as the land of the Huns.
The entity desired to make that journey to the new found land, where an individual might worship according to the dictates of his own conscience; where there might be activities in those fields of developing for a greater and yet greater broadening of the mind of purpose and opportunity.
Later the entity came, and was disappointed, - and yet gained. For in the environs of that portion of the land now known as Cambridge and New Haven, Connecticut, the entity - in the name Myrtle Halnlsen - was active in the developing of the home ties and the home building that brought about a new era of activity in those peoples in an environ.
In the present we find the abilities in those directions of home decorations, office equipment, things pertaining to conveniences in either of these activities, are a part of the entity's dream.
And the entity may aid much those who would give service in such an activity in the present.
Before that we find the entity was in that known as the Promised Land, during those periods when there was the returning of those peoples who had been in exile.
Then entity was among the peoples who had been left in the land, and attempted to make overtures to those who were setting up again a service there.
Being rejected by those activities, the entity wedded among those who made the associations of establishing the various customs and different activities and places of worship, in the periods when there was a different turn.
Such brought into the experience of the entity disturbing forces.
Hence the innate feelings towards various sects, various groups, various peoples because of their birth in varied environs.
All of these yet may bring, in the descriptions the entity may write of such, a greater understanding and an awakening to the entity itself.
The name then was Shalmar.
Before that we find the entity was in the land now known as the Egyptian, during those periods when there was the separating of the peoples after the return of the Priest, and the affiliated activities with the peoples from the Atlantean land.
The entity was of the Natives who embraced the teachings of the Priest, and became the recorder - as would be called today - in the Temple of Sacrifice.
Hence those abilities for description, especially of influences of ANY force that is a sacrifice; whether material, mental, spiritual or their correlated and cooperative ideals, may be a part of the entity's experience in the present.
Then the name was Oll-en.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
First, know within self what thou believest; in Whom thou believest; and that it - that thou believest - is founded in spiritual things.
Then, apply thyself in thy present environs; first, not as a whole security but to satisfy thy conscience for thy labors, whether in the field of commercial activity as a secretary or as a sales person. But build - Build - BUILD towards the abilities for writing! This will bring to the entity those channels of activity where the greater outlet for its mental and spiritual and its artistic temperament may find expression for mental and soul, as well as material security.
Ready for questions.
(Q) What preparation do I need for this work?
(A) Only to apply self in its environs.
(Q) Through whom should I go to get into this work?
(A) Use that thou hast in hand - the individuals and their associations.
(Q) How may I find my true place?
(A) As has been indicated.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

12/06/38 Miss [1791]'s letter to EC:
New York, N.Y.
My dear Mr. Cayce:
I have heard thru a friend of mine who thru a friend of her's knows of your work and she told me you would be at the McAlpin tonight.
It seemed I must have been searching for you - for I have gone to so many paces and channels both for vocational and Physical Guidance - and am still without either, that is seemingly, for I know God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.
Having gone to so many people and places I know I have found that for which I have been seeking.
Since the age of 15 I have been going to business that is for 19 years, I've always worked in offices as Telephone Opr. and the past 11 years as File Clerk and Supervisor.
But with the exception of a year on W.P.A. work I haven't been able to find work for 4 years, that is why I have taken so many vocational guidance courses, but without any success in finding work or my true place.
I know there must be a place for me somewhere and a pattern and reason for my being here, but what is it, where is it? and what am I to do now, as I've already gone thru all the money my Parents left me, I am indebted to the Bank for $600.00 on the only Bond I have kept, so you see how much I need your help.
Now as to my physical condition. I have spent hundreds of dollars on shoes and none of them can I wear but a few times and then have to throw them away. I have never bought cheap shoes, I'm either worn Coward's shoes which cost anywhere from $12.00 a pr. up, I've had Orthopedic shoes made costing from $14.50 to $40.00 a pair but still suffer pain and discomfort.
What is the cause of this, the Doctor claims it's nerves, and at times causes skin eruptions on my neck, non-assimilation of food, not the right kind of food, constipation and poor circulation, etc. I have also had Chiropractic and Osteopathic treatments, - but the condition remains the same.
I do not wish to impose nor ask you to favor me, altho I am in great need as you see Physically, Spiritually, financially. I am willing to wait my turn, as I realize how tremendously busy you must be. I will give you a description of how I am situated. I live in a furnished room house, on my floor there are 4 rooms, I am on the 3rd floor rear, but next to me is another room which is also 3rd floor rear, you see we have no numbers on our doors, but if you like I will put a number on my door.
I would deeply appreciate it if you would let me know when I can expect a reading, the instructions, fee, etc. for the "Life" and "Physical" Reading.
May God richly bless for the wonderful work you are doing.
Sincerely,
[GD's note: The peculiar spelling of her name made it practically unpronounceable, at least for me.]

REPORTS

1/18/39 EC's ltr. to [1791]:
Dear Miss [1791]
How is your reading? After you have studied it over carefully let me hear from you. Get in touch with Hugh Lynn, my son, and have him go over it with you - am sure he can help you.
Wish we had a place here for you. Am sure any one is very fortunate that can have you about.
Hoping to have been of service.
Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce
1/18/39 [1791]'s letter to EC:
Wednesday
My dear Mr. Cayce:
I received my Reading also your letter. It seems that I have always known that eventually I would write but due to lack of education and training along that line I have postponed it, waiting for the opportunity of both time and money to study along those lines.
What I definitely wanted to know was where to go to contact some sort of work with remuneration and then devote my spare time to study. In your "question" period at the last, you say I use the means at hand, well that is what I have been doing right along. I've gone to agencies, stores, both for office work and Sales work but with no success so far.
In your letter you state to get in touch with your son Hugh Lynn, but I do not know where he is, perhaps he can clarify the last question for me.
Thank you ever so much, and my best wishes to you and all your co-workers for a Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
1/21/39 EC's letter to [1791]:
Dear Miss [1791]
Yours of 18th - well the thing now is for you to make the information work. You have plenty of determination - of them am sure. Now you know the direction to take. Begin to write don't wait. The rest will come as you use that you have. You can get in touch with Hugh Lynn Cayce - my son by phoning LExington 2-7680. Leave word with Miss Brown for him to call you, and he will, am sure be glad to go over your reading with you and help you make it worthwhile.
Still think you should some way be working with us but all that may come in due time.
Thank you - and please let me know from time to time how things work out for you. Wish to see every thing works out if possible, for feel you have a great future before you.
Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
2/27/42 See 1791-2, a Physical Reading, with Background correspondence reporting on 1791-1.