This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 21st day of June, 1939, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1927], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born February 3, 1875, in St. Johns, New Brunswick, Dominion of Canada.

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 he has submitted, as I ask them:
2. EC: (In going back over years from present - " - '36 - yes - lean years for the entity - '31 - not so bad, but not good - '27 - unusual - '25 - '24 - '16 - yes, these show the real disposition or inclination or tendencies for the entity, and if the entity will analyze those promptings for those periods of experience, much good might come from same - '14 - '93 changed - '92 - " etc., on back to birth date.)
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [1927].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them, these are chosen with the desire that this experience may be a helpful one in the body arriving at the consciousness for what, and that which may be accomplished in the present experience.
5. As an inclination, but irrespective of what the entity has done, or without respect to what the entity has done about same, we find these are shown as a compilation of urges from astrological AND material sojourns, - and may be said to be a composite figure of the urges:
6. One that rarely thinks in detail. This is true whether pertaining to mental, material, financial or whatever nature of conclusions may be drawn.
7. The entity compares an individual activity with a ward, a city, a state or nation.
8. But remember, rather, that all of these are made up of INDIVIDUAL activities, and the greater union of purpose there is, the greater may be the abilities of the ward, city, state or nation, or even the activities of any large group.
9. Thus may the entity well learn to think or seek detailed understanding, as it has attempted to do at times, - and then when it has found that it has thought in too great a term, as it were, it has begun to belittle self, to belittle self's abilities.
10. Such periods have brought disturbing and destructive influences into the experience of the entity.
11. But think, plan, rather in terms of the individual; and we will find the abilities which the entity has may be indeed better magnified, and more hopeful may be the experience for the entity, as well as for those influences the entity may bring into the minds and hearts of others.
12. The entity is indeed an excellent organizer of groups, of any organization that requires the activities of a great number of individuals. While the entity may not be said to be a great leader, it IS a greater organizer FOR those who are great leaders.
13. Also the entity has abilities in the direction of writing such intents or such purposes. Not that it may be complete within the entity's own efforts, but the collaborating with those who have the abilities in these directions should be a serious consideration of the entity.
14. For, the visions as to the needs of great organization of state or of nation, or of any group that would become a power among its fellow man in any particular phase, should be a part of the entity's activity in the present.
15. Such may in the beginning require that the entity take menial positions, - such as reading copy, or studying along the lines intimated from such as Plato's REPUBLIC, but these compared also with any of the smaller writings, as to those individuals who write of nature itself and how or why the various birds nest in such a way and manner. The latter type would seem far afield to Plato's REPUBLIC, or the activities of any of the writings of the old sages, - but these are one in their intent and purpose when it comes to the application of same in thy fellow man's experience.
16. The astrological aspects, - these, of course, have grown beyond much of thst as would be the intent or purpose in the individual's activity; only Jupiter being at a great variance in various periods of the individual's experience or sojourn.
17. Hence we find periods when the associates or those about the entity would consider the entity eccentric, and at other periods there would appear to be a great following or a great deal of interest taken in what the entity had to say. Then at other periods people apparently pay no attention to that the entity would express.
18. However, if there is the thought or the planning in those directions or channels indicated, we will find a great change coming in these directions. For, by the application of will are the general urges made to become effective in the life, - just as an entity may make application of self in the directions of a great mathematician, but if such abilities are used alone in that one given direction, others that may contact the entity may never be aware of the abilities of the entity nor be helped, nor be in the position to be helped, nor where they might be helped by the abilities of the entity. And the entity here in its abilities, in those directions as indicated, stands much in that same position.
19. As to the appearances of the entity in the earth, - these we find quite varied:
20. Before this we find the entity was in the English land during those periods when there was the joining in the activities of the land of the entity's present nativity, - or when Wolfe was at Quebec.
21. The entity was among those who were close to the ORDERLY activity, or what would be termed in the present as an orderly to that General Wolfe during that period.
22. The name then was also [...], though it was changed in the very purposes to make for those associations and activities owing to experiences which arose in the material sojourn of the entity during that particular period; or changed to Robert D., as chosen.
23. In the experience the entity became rather as one not exactly lording over others, but one capable and with the ability to direct large expeditions, large surveying of activities of many peoples, - through the very efforts and activities of its companion, or of the General. And the abilities of individuals were estimated by the entity, in those directions partially mathematical, partially economic, and partially political as to the effect varied conditions would have upon the peoples during those particular periods of activity.
24. Thus we find the giving expression to self in the present in that form or tendency not to work the details, but rather seeing the activity as a whole.
25. And, as has been the warning, the tendency should be to reverse such in the experience of this entity.
26. Before that we find the entity was in the Grecian activity during those periods when there were the tenets expressed by those who argued as to the necessity for the mental as well as the social developments of the day.
27. Hence we find that the entity was acquainted with those often called the sages, or the classical writers of that particular period. Hence, as we have referred to, the entity should again read much as written by those peoples of that period. They become those that are the tenets of the MENTAL elect, yet they are principles that may be well applied by detailed application in the present experience of individuals - not because they are idealistic, but because they are capable of being put into terms whereby man in his search for the spiritual nature may gain counsel from same for the practical application of the spiritual life.
28. The entity was a writer, a lecturer during that experience, - known as Cispeo.
29. Before that the entity was in the land now known as the Persian, in a period that may be termed just previous to the Athenian or Grecian sojourn, for the entity made what might be called a quick return to that land.
30. The entity then was active in the early portion of the building up of the "city in the hills and the plains," being among those of the opposition to that leader in the early period, - hence a nomad, as well as one that might be termed among those who considered might and power alone as being the strength of the people's activities of that particular period.
31. We find the entity was then a bedouin, or an Arab, - this description is given in the broader sense, rather than indicating the particular type; for the entity was a descendant of those people of the Hivite land, or of Japheth.
32. In the experience the entity gained, and lost a great deal through the attempt to impose upon its fellows the determining to satisfy its own self.
33. Hence the entity is meeting self again in the present experience, when it attempts to impel or to impose those directions for a general nature. And we may see how these are combined with those experiences that come later, that bring in the present rather a lack of companionship in many ways or directions.
34. Yet the very INNATE forces, and the eventual coming under the tutelage or direction of the teacher in the "hills and plains" brought quite a difference in the entity, then known as Esdern.
35. In the application of such in the present, then, turn more and more to those imports that are spiritual, - not merely from those natures as indicated from the classical writers of old, but drawing a comparison of same with the admonishments of Moses, the admonitions of Samuel, - and separate them, - not merely as general teachings but the admonitions of Moses, of Joshua, of Samuel, of David, of Asa, of Habakkuk, of Malachi, of Jesus. Not only read, but make a part of self, especially the 17th of St. John, - also including the three chapters before this; and know that they apply to self. Draw them as comparisons, to make a practical application from the classics of old, and learn how in the organizing of one, two, three, to the hundreds, to even the thousands, ye may as YET be able not only in person but by thy writings and collaborations to be of service to many, by collaborations of those that will become more and more interested in the activities; and greater and greater will be thy abilities as ye learn to apply self as in the Persian period.
36. Before that we find the entity was in the Atlantean period before there was the general exodus, but at that period of the general breaking up and the first inundations through the use of spiritual powers in the attempt to carry determining factors in material experience.
37. Remember, such are against the creative laws or forces, and must eventually bring - as to every man - the result of that sown - the time to be happy, the time to be sad, the time to laugh, and the time to mourn. For as one sows, so must one reap. For the entity made misapplication of those tenets through the Law of the Children of One, and tended to give to the children of Belial those activities that were misapplied in their experience.
38. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
39. It may well be said to the entity, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed; but dividing and divining the words of truth, analyzing self and the purposes, keeping self unspotted from the world.
40. And in those fields of activity as we have indicated may the greater abilities, the greater joys and the greater peace and harmony come to this entity, [1927].
41. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 3/24/39 [1927]'s letter to EC:
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Association For Research And Enlightenment, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear sir,
   Out of severe illness, death and destruction, has come to me, interest in Psychic. I have gained a little, clairaudience, clairvoyance and telepathy, unsought for and unexpected. I now have health, in fact so much I have gained that I doubt not. What I ask for is enlightenment as to what steps I can take to earn my daily bread, all tell me it will come, yet I see not, nor do I know what to do or which way to turn. Charity I don't want. Always I have paid my way, and now comes the time, as to what to do or how to find employment. You can help me, and to this end I humbly write. Man is so much judged as to what others think and not what he really is that I find by holding to my pleasant personality non [none?] believe I want.
   Enclosed is 25 cents for your booklets, Record sheet, for the 19th did not get to me until the 22nd therefore was of no use.
   If it will please you to give me a reading at a normal cost, I will do my best to avail of it.
   Thanking you. I am,
   Truly yours, [1927]
2. 4/30/39 [1927]'s letter to EC:
   Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia Attention of, Mr. Edgar Cayce,
   Dear sir,-
   Reverentially referring to the inspiring interview you so gratuitously gave me Thursday afternoon, and to the letters already written I can add little. [EC offered him a reading without charge.]
   Having come through destructions while others having been crushed by lesser burden, I by the grace of God am here.
   What I want to know is: Shall I pursue these spiritual enlightenments that come to me, to the benefit of my fellow man, and what steps I may take to bring forth that hidden power within? How in some way I may gain enough of the material substance that seems so necessary in this day and age, to provide my meager requirements; adherence to the association and books to build up this work?
   I was born, February 3rd 1875, at St. Johns, New Brunswick, D of C. Brought to Boston, Mass. as a child and always lived in the U.S.A. My mothers name: [...]. My father's [...]. Born in poverty reared in poverty, I have tasted success and failure many times. Always following the sacred teachings of the Scriptures. I ask no charity nor dole. Divine power cares for the little I require. By doing with my might whatsoever my hands find to do. Whatever kindness may be extended to me I will repay, I have always done so and I see no failure now.
   Extending to you my great appreciation for the interest you have taken in me, I am,
   Gratefully yours,
3. 5/15/39 [1927]'s letter to EC:
   Association For Research and Enlightenment, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia Att. Mr. Edgar Cayce,
   Dear Mr. Cayce;-
   Being very pleased with your kind favor of the 12th inst. I would say that the time (29th inst, 10.30 to 11.30 E.S.T. which is an hour later here D.S.T. which I presume is a.m.) is alright with me, in fact whatever is convenient for you is good for me.
   The following questions are all I know that will complete my desire.
   First;- What human steps should I take to gain sufficient employment to enable me to provide the seeming necessary requirement to further my plans in the assistance of my fellow being?
   Should I continue to prepare for to lecture and expound these impressions of the continuity of life, that come to me and will they be helpful to; and successful for, my fellow man and what steps should I take to further same?
   Should I continue to write these exponents and should I publish and will they be acceptable?
   Should I carry on this work alone, or should I seek companionship, (in marriage) and can, or will, or should, the present conjecture or possibility be worked out to conclusion and the best interest to all.
   Thanking you, and awaiting your further advice, I remain,
   Sincerely,

REPORTS

1. 6/29/39 [1927]'s letter to EC:
   Association For Research and Enlightenment, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Att. Mr. Edgar Cayce,- Ref. 1927-1
   Dear Mr. Cayce,-
   It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge receipt of the wonderful reading also your kind favor of the 22nd. Having carefully read and re-read and will continue to do so, I would have enjoyed some comment or explanation from you. I recall my past experience;- from the present back, to early '33 were very lean years, (36 disastrous) '33 to '39, very good, excepting a few months in '30. '28 to '25 - up and down. '25 to '20 very good. '19 to '10, good excepting for a little set back now and then and a disaster in '16. From then back the usual up and down of any life, joy and sorrow.
   I have always considered that; - I thought in detail except for an occasional confusion. The study prescribed is along the lines already perusing. To apply the 17th chap. of St. John looks to me like the finishing and I am only beginning. It seems that my work is to write and lecture, last fall I had the urge to do this, why, I do not know. Nothing is said about my health.
   While I am living contrary to medical science since '36, I feel there are many years ahead of me to do the work I want to do.
   I would not have you take anything I write as critical, it is only enlightenment I seek.
   Yes I would have been very happy to have been at the meetings. But I must forego many joys until I have demonstrated the production of the necessary requirements to care for same.
   I will do the best I can with what I have received and lay aside every weight - and run with patience the race before me, being grateful to you for the much you have done and feeling that the seed you have planted must bring forth fruit that you and I will enjoy as well as others also.
   Any enlightenment you may be pleased to give me will be a pleasure to me and, I, thanking you remain,
   Sincerely, [1927]
2. 7/03/39 EC's letter to [1927]: Dear Mr. [1927]
   Have yours of the 29th - am glad to know you enjoyed your reading - I never like to make comment on one's reading unless they ask - for am sure any one should be able to better understand that given than any one else - at time realize the wording is confusing but when one gets that set it either does or does not answer to a something within - and there is here the answer has to be after all. But about the 14 to 17th of John - don't you see that as was with HIM the ending was the beginning - so it is with you in the application of the suggestions there - and in your making His promises to you your very own by realizing they are yours - you are at the beginning of everything. No - Yes -
   Go over the reading carefully Mr. [1927], pick out any part you would like explained and ask a question about it as you have this. I know you either find something there or it just isn't for you - but can never tell unless you give expression to your interpretation of same - if it is all as you felt about this part passe - then there is no harm in saying so - I only wish to help - and am glad to try if know where to step in.
   Thanking you and hoping to hear and see you again real soon
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
3. 7/09/39 [1727]'s letter to EC:
   Association For Research and Enlightenment, Inc., Virginia Beach Virginia,
   Att. Mr. Edgar Cayce,
   Dear Mr. Cayce;-
   Having received your kind favor of the 3rd inst. This will require a little more study before I reply, but there is another matter which I think may be of interest to you.
   Herewith I hand you snapshot of me, taken Sunday June 25th at about 3.30 P.M. D.S.T. on my way to a Wedding at the Catholic Church.
   (All requirements being provided for me, that I should attend. I am not a Catholic, my people Baptist or Methodist, both sides of the house.)
   You will note in this picture; The Shadow Of a Cross, at the right Temple. [GD's note: On the snapshot of himself he sent, I cannot even see the supposed cross. It merely looks like the usual prominent vein, to me.] I am not at all superstitious; - believing as I do that there is a cause for everything if we can always understand.
   This coming so soon after your reading for me has caused me some thought.
   Every theory has been analyzed, every deduction made, both found wanting and the truth remains.
   Perhaps you would like to comment on it.
   Thanking you, I am happy to remain,
   Sincerely,
4. 7/12/39 EC's letter to [1927]:
   Dear Mr. [1927]
   Thank you for yours of the 9th - also for the snapshot this is most interesting. The evidence is certainly there - I too like to look for natural causes, and having been a photographer for 20 years or more this is especially interesting. Oft times I believe we explain away a lot by being skeptical, but with the reference you had given you, am of the opinion - whether from natural cause, or those imposed by other forces - you have a reminder very much in keeping with what I wrote you in my last letter. And feel that you will and should give the information given you more serious consideration from every standpoint. And here you have the assurance - that the way of the cross is the only way.
   May I keep the snapshot - a wonderful demonstration of what may happen in photographs.
   Be glad to hear from you when you have analyzed the information better.
   With all good wishes
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
5. 7/18/39 [1927]'s letter to EC:
   Association For Research and Enlightenment, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Att. Mr. Edgar Cayce,
   Dear Mr. Cayce;-
   In reply to your kind favor of the 12 inst. I am pleased to leave the Snapshot referred to, with you, and should you at anytime desire an enlargement of it I will have one made for you as the shadow is more evident on an enlargement. I agree with you regarding the cause and effect although you do not commit yourself as to the spiritual possibility as fully as one would expect. I am not credulous, I do believe in growth and development and if you could realize the steps that have led up to this you might be more confident of spiritual interpretation.
   Had it not been that I (though not seeking) have come to vision both the here and the departed in the past nine months I would never have sought enlightenment from you.
   The here I have verified beyond any question of doubt, of the departed only I can know.
   The more I search for material cause the further I get away from it. Indeed if you know of anyone who can solve it from a material standpoint I will gladly give all the information I have. Of course I know that we only attract the kind that is within ourselves even though it be below the surface. Therefore it is but natural for me to see a spiritual side to it after what I say above, never-the-less I am willing to learn.
   I am giving my best to the study of the reading you gave me. Am now reading "Plato's Republic" altho I do not agree with much of this "Platonic love" etc. yet I believe it will help me solve my problem. All I can say is that everything I put my hands to in a material way seems to crumble and decay. All I take up from a spiritual standpoint seems to be smooth and easy. I want to keep in correspondence with you and will give you detail of whatever progress I make. And you may be sure that I will do all I can to further the work that seems to be the best for me that some others may be happy. Believing as I do that the reflection of whatever I may do will gain for me the benefit necessary to conclude the whole. Again thanking you and wishing you the best of everything, I remain,
   Sincerely, [1927]
6. 7/20/39 EC's letter to [1927]:
   Dear Mr. [1927]
   Thanks for yours of the 18th - certainly would appreciate the enlargement. Would like to have it to illustrate what to me is a very marvelous development manifested in a very fine manner. Pardon me Mr. [1927] if I did not appear appreciative of a very wonderful spiritual manifestation - that to me could have but one significance - but such to me are really sacred - and are Holy to those who have experienced them - or are to me and we are in awe rather than expressive. For such can't be put into words - but is an assurance to the recipient and must and does mean more than anyone can ever know.
   One easily may persuade themselves - they are not worthy of such an holy manifestation - but must live it to really experience it.
   Do hope you will make much from the suggestions in your reading - and will and do appreciate every experience you tell me about.
   Thanking you for everything and hoping and praying His standard may guide you ever
   Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce
7. 8/07/39 [1727]'s letter to EC:
   Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Att. Mr. Edgar Cayce,-
   Dear Mr. Cayce;-
   In answer to your favor of the 20th ulto. I deferred reply in order to get the picture I promised which you will find herewith.
   I am doing my best to study along the lines of my reading and feel sure that something worth while will come of it. In-as-much as you display confidence in me I can tell you the unusual that take place of which I can give little proof. Shortly after the taking of this picture, one day in vision I saw some hieroglyphics, I jumped up and put them on paper as near as I could recall. They looked Chinese, so I took it to an interpreter and he said it read; - love and protection of a Chinese philosopher, he couldn't make out the name because I had not finished it.
   So it just seems as if, that which I am to do is expressed in your reading, and I'm looking forward to something material to take place that will enable me progress more rapid in this work.
   Thanking you for the much kindness you have extended to me and believing that the end will justify the means.
   With kindest regards, I remain,
   Sincerely, [1927]
8. 8/16/39 EC's letter to [1927]:
   Dear Mr. [1927]
   Thank you for yours of the 7th enclosing the enlargement thank you very much. The mark is quite evident here, and its import will grow on your consciousness am sure - your experience with the Chinese characters was most interesting. Whatever the characters or symbols - just don't let them take you away from the Cross. There is no other - but am sure you understand that but whether the symbols be presented in English - Aryan - Jewish - Chinese or what have we - know it must be that way.
   Let me hear from you at any and all times always glad to hear and hope to be of a service to you.
   Just come back from a weeks' vacation - think I feel better and hope to be of a greater service.
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce

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