This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 14th day of March, 1939, in accordance with request made by the self - Rev. [1842], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended and sponsored by Mr. [341].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Rev. [1842] and Mr. [341]. Born July 31, 1907, in Woodstock, Virginia.

TEXT

1. 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 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:
2. EC: (In going back over years from present - " - '37 - a change - '35 - a rounding out of an activity - '24 - periods of decision - " etc., on back to birth date.)
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now know as or called [1842].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find here, many are the variations in the activities and influences as might be interpreted from the experiences of the entity through the material sojourns, - as well as from the astrological aspects, from sojourns on the planets during the interims between material sojourns.
5. Do not take this as being something of superstition, or as something that would be a good luck charm, - but if the entity will wear about its person, or in its pocket, a metal that is carbon steel - preferably in the groin pocket - it will prevent, it will ionize the body - from its very vibrations - to resist cold, congestion, and those inclinations for disturbance with the mucous membranes of the throat and nasal passages.
6. This is a needed element, then, about the body.
7. Also there are the indications (and these are not given as omens) that the vision of Gethsemane brings to the entity an assurance that that no other vision is JUST the same in its experience.
8. Hence that painting [by Heinrich Hofmann?], whether it be copy, carbon or oil, should be ever in the study or home of the entity.
9. Then, in choosing this as we would give here, - it is done with the desire that the experience may be one as to be a helpful influence in the entity's sojourn through this material plane.
10. For each soul, each entity enters materiality with and for a definite purpose, - to fulfil that which will become as a greater expression or manifestation of the love as the Father has shown in the opportunities that are offered to each soul in its search, in its journey through materiality, - with all its varied effects as come from environment, from activities of the entity respecting those influences or forces that make impressions upon its sojourn as to become the deeds through any experience.
11. For, as He has given, He has not willed that any soul should perish, but that all should come to the knowledge of their relationships to the Creative Forces as may be manifested by the manner of the applications of the tenets and purposes and principles of Him, - who IS the way and the truth, - in their relationships with their fellow men.
12. For "As ye do it unto the least of thy brethren, ye do it unto thy Maker."
13. Then, as to the influences from the astrological aspects or sojourns during the interims, know that these are merely urges. As to what one does with or about an urge is OFT dependent upon what an entity holds as its ideal, - and THEN the application of will as respecting same.
14. In Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus we find the greater influences astrologically speaking.
15. In Venus, - love, brotherly kindness, gentleness; yet, as may be seen in the very influence of the Uranian, this may come to the extremes. Hence those warnings would be given that ye be NOT misunderstood in such relations, such activities that may arise from the very emotions that are a portion, and will become more and more a portion of the experience as the entity applies itself in its dealings with others.
16. From Jupiter we find the influence making for the abilities or inclinations as of the oratorical nature, or of speaking, or of making intercession, or in pleadings.
17. Hence either in the ministry or in those activities as the lawyer, or in such relationships, may the entity find an outlet for the abilities that - as will be seen - are innate and may be made manifest in the experiences in the present sojourn.
18. In the Mercurian aspects we find one that makes for the reasoning, and there must be justification for activities in ANY relationship or ANY condition.
19. WISDOM is well, - the application of such as justification needs not always be that of development. For the spiritual influence needs no justification, - ONLY glorification in thy dealings with thy fellow man!
20. From the Uranian influence we find the extremes; and, remember, only in the Christ-Consciousness do extremes meet.
21. Hence let thy yeas be yea and thy nays be nay, but know in Whom and in what ye have believed, and WHO is the author of same.
22. In such then ye may come more and more into the awareness as to what purposes, desires, principles as He gave may become more and more as experiences in the lives and activities of those whom ye may aid in "gathering in" to an at-oneness with that Christ-Principle.
23. As to the sojourns in the earth, - these, as indicated, are quite varied - if they are judged from the present material standard. Yet know that Life is One, and it is as much - and should be as much of thy thought as from WHENCE thy spirit came as to whither it goeth. For ye are today the result of that ye HAVE applied OF the Creative Spirit in thy relationships with thy fellow man.
24. For heavens and earth may pass, but His Word, His Promise endureth forever - and are ever the same in thy experience.
25. And it depends upon what ye do ABOUT same as to whether an experience becomes a growth, a retardment, a development, or as to whether the virtues applied become vices in some directions.
26. For ye may ever judge same by the fruits of the spirit. If ye conform to them in thy dealings with thy fellow man, then know it is a growth and ye will find ye are at peace with thyself in Him.
27. Before this we find the entity was in the land now known as the English, during those periods when there was a great attempt to make for the separations of Church and State, - through those activities that have oft been misunderstood, and those acts of individuals used or held as the causes, when they grew from MUCH of that the entity accomplished during those experiences.
28. The entity was in that activity of what ye would call today a blacksmith, or a worker in iron, and in forming of those things that were as the armor and for the activities of those that came into power or that set out for special service.
29. And BEING one that was burned in body - upon the side - the entity was known as Burnside in the experience, - and yet stood for those things, those conditions that became as a part of the activities throughout the sojourn of those peoples in that period.
30. For, from the influence then of another experience or sojourn of the entity not given here as an active force in the present, in what is called the missionary endeavor of that land, the entity was in that experience making for those influences as to bring men to understand their individuality and as to how that those principles of a religious thought were individual.
31. Hence freedom of speech, freedom of thought is ever an innate and manifested principle in the experience of the entity in the present sojourn.
32. Speak, then - as ye oft gave to others in thy admonition through that sojourn - only as the spirit moves thee; remembering that - as He gave to that one who TEMPTED Him, as it were - "No power is given thee save it is granted of God."
33. In thy application of that experience in the present, stand ye firm upon that principle of freedom of activity, yet ONENESS of purpose of all that would love His coming.
34. Before that we find the entity in those days when the Master walked in the earth.
35. The entity was a youth, and of Grecian parentage; coming under the ministry of Paul. And if there will be studied - alone - those epistles or letters written to the entity, as Titus, ye will find much of that admonition that at times becomes as living fires within the emotions of the inner self, and at others a rebellious force or not fully understood.
36. The entity knew of, rather than being closely associated with the Master; yet those disciples or Apostles who came through that portion of the land - Andrew, James, Thaddeus, Thomas - all of those were not merely acquaintances but associates of the entity during that early portion of its experience.
37. Yet those activities of the entity - especially in the churches of Asia Minor and the activities in Rome, when - in the latter portion of Paul's sojourn there - the acquaintance with Peter AND Paul brought to the entity a CONVICTION that will EVER be that which causes it to proclaim, "There CAN be, there IS only One church - even Jesus, the Christ!"
38. Hold fast to that! Let not those disturbances as caused thee through those experiences in Pamphylia and Laodicea, bring about such disturbances as arose between thee and Lucius as part of the activity in the church there; but rather hold to that which IS the criterion - "I am determined to know nothing among men save Jesus, the Christ, and him crucified!" Not the man, Jesus, but that which would keep men from knowing of that consciousness and promise that has been and is a part of every soul that seeks to know Him.
39. For He indeed stands at the door of every consciousness of man that seeks to know; and will enter if man will but open.
40. Let thy activity, then - whether in that capacity as the minster of the Gospel or as the minister of the gospel of the law - be in that attitude of loving and making for that intercession for the wish in the experiences of every soul that is seeking to know more of its relationships to its Maker.
41. Before that we find the entity was in what is now known as or called the Promised Land, or Palestine, - during those periods of the return of the children from the separation.
42. There we find the entity was with the first of the groups under Zerubbabel that came into the land.
43. There we find the entity acting as the intercessor for those peoples of that later called the Samaritan land, and the attempts to make for those periods when there would be a united effort in the rebuilding.
44. Losing in the efforts and the activities there, the entity lost faith, lost "face" with those leaders, - until there were those activities under Nehemiah that brought the greater numbers and the altering as to the relationships of individuals.
45. There we find the entity acted in the land as one developing the mineral resources of the land.
46. And when there were the rebuildings of the walls, the entity aided especially in the manner of the activities that made for the binding materials used in the stones.
47. Hence we will find in the present experience that any building of wall or any activity of the nature holds an interest for the entity; as also does the study of that which will bring UNION out of the devious manners of thoughts of various groups.
48. The entity will oft be asked to act in the capacity of the peacemaker; but only when remembering that which has been indicated - that as to the principles to which the entity adhered when in those activities in the Grecian churches - may the entity with even impunity act as such. For the temper, and those inclinations for too quick a judgement, may tend to lead thee to have thy good evilspoken of in such a manner as to be misunderstood.
49. As to the activities in the present from that sojourn, - we find that the BUILDER of groups, masses, organizations for definite purposes will be a part of the entity's experience.
50. The name then was Abdjah, - of the children of Judah.
51. Before that we find the entity was in the Atlantean land, when there were those divisions which arose through those periods when destruction was coming upon the land.
52. The entity was among those who chose to go with those groups that came into the Egyptian land, during that period of the reconstruction.
53. And the entity, acting in the capacity of what would be called in the present a chemist, made for the turning of much of those lands of the Nile to that of being more productive in the supplying of foods for those CHANGES that were being wrought by the laboring people through the Temples of Sacrifice.
54. From the experience we find the entity in the present is rather inclined to hold to rote or ritualism, and yet at other periods is very averse to same.
55. Yet in those experiences, those activities, we find the entity gaining much of the lessons, - even as He gave, "It must needs be that offences come, but woe to them by whom they come."
56. There we find the entity was associated with Ax-Tell [487], Araaraart [341], and those in the activities of the Temple of Sacrifice.
57. Throughout the experience the entity gained, in the name Armada.
58. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
59. As may be indicated from that which has been the experience of the entity, the limitations are only in thee and thy faith. For as He gave, "According to thy faith, so be it unto thee."
60. Thou KNOWEST the way. Keep in those paths that there may never be any question marks as to thine own conscience, as to whether ye have chosen aright or not.
61. Study to show thyself approved, a workman not ashamed; rightly dividing the words of truth, and keeping self unspotted from that ye would censure in another.
62. Ready for questions.
63. (Q) What was the status of my association with [...], my wife, and what urges have come from that association?
    (A) In the experience in the English land (that one indicated, though there were other sojourns there also), the relationship was the same as in the present, - a helpmeet one to another.
    As the relationships were - and will be found in the present - relying upon, depending upon one another for strength, but never for words!
64. (Q) What was my relationships with my son, what urges have arisen from association with him, and what ought I to do about these with reference to his training?
    (A) The close association here was through the ministry or the activity as Titus in the Grecian land. As to what may be the better manner of DETERMINING the relationships, or what to do about same, - this may be best drawn from the paralleling. For, as will be the experience, these were not always easy through that sojourn! As to the relationships, very close - or what ye would term cousins.
65. (Q) What particular urges influenced the choice of my life work, and on what particular phase of this work would it be well for me to concentrate in order that I may be of the greatest service?
    (A) When these are judged from that here indicated, you will find that they arose from the ministry in the Asiatic and Palestine and Roman land, and ALSO the innate urge from the rebuilding period.
    Hence those activities that are for the replenishing, the rebuilding, the reestablishing of activities in any phase of that nature, - in such will the entity excel, - or has all the abilities for making the more excellent choice in such environs.
    Not that it builds upon the faults or failures of others, but USES those rather as stepping-stones than as stumbling-stones.
66. (Q) What weaknesses of personality or character should I particularly seek to control, and what suggestion may be offered toward controlling them?
    (A) As has been indicated, in the acting in the capacity of the peacemaker or the arguer.
    Do not enter into those things that there is ever the question within self's own consciousness, as indicated.
67. (Q) How prominent was Peter in the life and work of the Christian church?
    (A) As has been indicated here, these variations and differences that arose in the establishing of the church by Philip and by others even rather than Paul (in the Roman church), - Peter stood first and foremost of those in the ESTABLISHED organizations in and about Rome. PAUL was rather among those that were in authority or power.
    Let that which has been the answer, that does answer to thee within, bring again the voice of Him as He calls thee to prayer.
68. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

REPORTS

1. 3/17/39 [1842]'s letter to EC:
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   What a delightful event a birthday must be for one who spends his life helping others, for with each passing year there must come increasingly the inevitable blessedness which is the lot of all who give rather than receive. May I take this simple but sincere means of wishing for you the happiest birthday you have ever had, and of expressing the hope that your fellow man may have occasion for many years to come to be thankful for your presence among us.
   Cordially yours, [1842]
2. 9/24/40 He referred Mr. [2366] for a Physical Reading.
3. 4/07/43 He obtained a Physical Reading for himself - See 1842-2.
4. 8/04/43 Lt. [487]'s letter, in part, to Rev. [1842]:
   I am writing you this letter since I have always considered you a very sincere & open-minded person for a minister. (If you will think that a minister usually represents one branch of a religion and usually one religion, you will see why I qualified the statement - no offence intended.)
   I expect one reason for doubt and half-heartedness that exists in religion today, and the reason for the present condition, is that people think too little about religion and certainly do not apply it to their everyday lives.
5. 8/10/46 Mary Ann Woodward's letter to [1842]: [[1842]'s answers to her questions are notated in brackets within the letter]:
   A.R.E., Inc. Virginia Beach, Va.
   Rev. [1842]
   Dear Rev. [1842]:
   The association for Research & Enlightenment is compiling the information given in the readings on gems and stones, for Mr. Greene [Stephen N. Green], a gem collector. We would like to make as complete a report as possible so are asking you to bring us up to date on your case.
   Your particular reading suggested that you wear a piece of carbon steel. Have you secured this particular mineral or metal? [No] If you have not done so, perhaps Mr. Green, the Gem Exchange, Gem Village, Bayfield, Colorado could help you obtain this. He collects and studies stones as a hobby an is sponsoring this study for the Association.
   We would like as exact and detailed information as you can give us if you have worn the mineral. That is how long you have worn it and just what effects you have observed? Is it beneficial; either mentally, physically or spiritually? Do you feel the vibrations or note any effect of them? Your reading said "it will prevent, it will ionize the body...from its vibrations...to resist cold, congestion, and those inclinations for disturbance with the mucous membranes of the throat and nasal passages." Does wearing the mineral improve your general physical condition or health? Is it a stabilizing influence? Did the effect appear noticeable immediately or within what length of time? Does the effect seem to increase or develop? Or does the effect seem to develop and then stay constant? If you add any other details we will be very grateful.
   As you know the names of individuals do not appear on information sent out from the association. Names are still held strictly confidential, only excerpts from the readings are used. We are therefore asking now whether you would object to Mr. Green having your name for any future correspondence on this subject? [I would not object.]
   Since the time we can devote to this study is very limited will you be good enough to send us a prompt reply? Please accept our thanks now for this information. You will probably see the results of this study in a future bulletin.
   Very truly yours, [signed] Mary Ann Woodard.
   P.S. If you have not secured the mineral or metal and do so in the future will you please send a report later? [I would be glad to report on this if and when I secure and use the metal and you request it.]
6. 4/29/48 [1842]'s letter to HLC:
   Dear Hugh Lynn,
   This will find you sleeping lightly with the car running ready for that dash to the hospital. I, too, am pulling for a boy for you if that is what you want.
   It doesn't look like we shall get to the Beach this summer. Our plans call for two weeks at ... (near ...) beginning July 19 and a week or ten days in ... early in August. You will have to come this way if we are to get in that bull session.
   By the way, I am looking forward with much interest to reading Tom's latest book. How is he doing physically these days?
   You will be interested to know of my latest hobby, - one which bids fair to being permanent. I am a confirmed numismatist. At the moment I collect only American coins. I am fascinated. [...] says I have gone "hog wild", but she is pleased because both she and my doctor have been ordering something like this for years. I get a great deal of relaxation out of it. How does that fit into my reading?
   Maybe you have some coins I am looking for. I am especially interested in securing one of the commemorative half dollars which was issued in connection with Norfolk's bicentennial in 1936. Do you have one you could spare, or do you know where I might be able to secure one (buy, that is)? I also collect Indian head pennies and all other old American coins.
   Work here goes well. I am at last pretty well established in the church and community. It took me a long time to get adjusted here (to forget [...], that is).
   No kidding, why not drive to ... late in August. By that time you and Sally will need a breathing spell. Come to see us.
   Best to all of you and yours, [1842]
7. 5/03/48 [1842]'s letter to HLC:
   Hugh Lynn,
   Apropos our discussion of the "Chicago heretics" and my classification of them as "old fogies" (my term for outmoded thinkers) I came across a book review of "Ideas Have Consequences" by Richard M. Weaver of the University of Chicago, in which the reviewer said:
   "Mr. Weaver lays bare the inward corrosion of Western civilization. He turns our culture inside out and shows us that the seat and cause of its disease is found in a certain wrong way of thinking... It goes by various names - empiricism, pragmatism, naturalism. Its distinguishing characteristic is that it finds reality and truth only in the immediacies of sense experience and denies the reality of the transcendental... It is particularly significant that the author is a teacher in the university where this philosophy achieved its most definite form a generation ago. His is one more voice coming from the same quarter telling the world that the philosophy of empiricism, pragmatism and naturalism has about run its course in its earlier stronghold, as well as elsewhere in the centers of modern culture." Am in the middle of "Stranger In The Earth". Find some sections more stimulating than others. Right now am enjoying his recollections of W. and L. and his discovery of your Dad. Interesting to run across names of acquaintances and friends in one's reading.
   This is not a letter. Don't owe you one.
   Best to all of you, [1842]
8. 5/21/48 (Dictated May 12th) HLC's letter to [1842]:
   Dear [1842]:
   Thanks for your note of May 3rd.
   I appreciate you writing me about Richard M. Weaver of the University of Chicago. The matter that is troubling me is the question as to whether we are going to be able to preserve our civilization long enough to recover from the effects of this denial of transcendentalism. After all, the University of Chicago and many other seminaries throughout the country have been spawning these ministers, steeped in naturalism and pragmatism, for a long time and the effect on our churches is most noticeable.
   I think, without question, it is responsible for the masses of people who have turned away from the churches and have sought elsewhere for an understanding of real spiritual thinking.
   I am sorry, as I wrote you recently, that we are not going to have a chance to really thrash this out sometime during the summer. I stopped again in Chicago on my way back from Los Angeles and the situation certainly hasn't improved very much out there.
   We can't do much about deciding this question by letter so I'll look forward to a real long chat before too long. Sally and Tommy are both well and we are looking forward for the baby almost any day now.
   Best regards.
   Sincerely, [HLC]
9. 5/15/49 [1842]'s letter to HLC:
   Have just finished reading "Report to Protestants" by Marcus Bach (The Bobbs-Merrill Co., N.Y.), and thought of you. It is well written, an autobiography of a Christian minister who found his zeal for church unity dampened by a small-town sectarian spirit, and who gave up the pastorate and spent fifteen years in a devious search for some answer to the question, "What is happening in the religious life of America?" Did you collaborate with him on page 276? You MUST read this book!
   Am going to the Seminary in August to begin work on my doctorate in theology. I intend to concentrate on the general field of "Denominationalism."
10. 7/17/54 Card giving change of address: "Did you know this? Am to be Associate Professor of Bible."
11. 1/15/73 Report by Anthony R. Selthofer, 111 Chestnut St., Coplay, Pa., 18037:
    TOPIC - My findings on the product I used.
    Product - Carbon steel [EC reading 1842-1, Par. 5]
    Reason I used this product - To eliminate my constant colds. My condition could be described as very run down. I am a full time student, and a full time worker. I've been doing this for the past 2 1/2 years. Since then I had colds on top of colds with about 2 weeks between a cold. Since I do as much reading on E.C. as I can, I would like to give his formulas a chance. I began with this product on 12-27-72, and will keep this carbon steel around my neck until I die. Harsh words aren't they?
    Results - This part amazes me to this day. I put this piece of steel around my neck the day I received it. To my surprise, "within 3 hours," yes three hours, I noticed a big - big change within my body. My cold actually began to break up. I couldn't believe what had happened. To this day, I have been out in all kinds of weather while I am at work and others have began to get sniffles, and I have yet to sneeze. I have not taken anything, no cold tablets or anything, only the steel around my neck. The cold disappeared and has not returned, and I hope it never will.
    Ratings - "Excellent"

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