This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 18th day of August 1939, in accordance with request made by the self, through Mr. [257], Associate Sponsored Membership by Mr. [257] in the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Hugh Lynn Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born August 29, 1905, in (82 Allen Street) New York City.

TEXT

1. HLC: 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 have been submitted, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [1977].
3. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them, these are chosen with the desire to make the experience a helpful one in this sojourn of the entity.
4. These are approached, then, from the phase of the entity's SOUL development. For many are those awarenesses that must be sought for, if the entity would bring into this experience that which will make for the peace and harmony that comes only with the consideration of life as a whole.
5. For, as has been given, it is not all of life to live, nor yet all of death to die. For life and death are one, and only those who will consider the experience as one may come to understand or comprehend what peace indeed means.
6. From the astrological aspects, as well as the application of self in the material sojourns, we find:
7. One who innately dislikes poverty.
8. Those of the better things, those that are satisfying for the moment are the desires of the entity - MENTALLY. This as we find has brought, does bring the lack of consideration for the freedom of self and the consideration of others and their rights.
9. This then must be the first consideration of the entity: Know that just as ye are a part of a family, ye are part of a city, a part of the law, a part of the country, a part of the universe.
10. And unless one is as considerate of others as there is the desire for others to be considerate of self, in that whole relationship, there come turmoils and strifes.
11. On every hand it may appear that advantages are taken of individuals, and there may appear conditions in which there is a lack of those things necessary. But remember, God is not mocked, and whatsoever a man soweth that must he also reap.
12. Hence is considering those influences and forces that have had to do with that which has brought the experience in the present, with which the entity is faced:
13. Know that these have GROWN, even as thy body has grown. And as ye feed those desires mentally, physically, so they grow.
14. Then, what will thy harvest be if ye only sow, or grow, seeds of selfishness, of carnal desire, of the thought of self and of pleasant surroundings or environments without regards the thoughts and purposes of others in their relationships?
15. It IS NOT as some mighty deed of valor, or a mighty purpose to accomplish some spectacular experience, but rather that as ye THINK in thy heart daily!
16. As to what the astrological aspects would be, - these ye have treaded and do tread upon in such a manner as to make them rather as naught, - only Saturn and Mars having had an influence, bringing the accentuations of material desires into the experiences.
17. But know that the power to overcome is within thine own self. For, as was given of old, it is not who shall descend from heaven to bring thee a message as to what ye shall do, or who would come from over the sea, but rather is it in thine own heart!
18. Then, as ye purpose in thy heart to do, let these first be thy considerations.
19. What IS the ideal life? Let it be answered from each phase of thy experience. Ye find ye have a body, physical, - with all its appetites, with all its desires, with its needs for food, with its needs for that with which it shall be clothed. Ye find a MIND - ye THINK, ye act, - this also is in need of food and of clothing. As ye clothe thy thoughts in words, are they in keeping with that as would bring thee blessings or a curse upon others?
20. Know that ye sow, that ye use as thy ideal, that alone may ye reap in thy experience.
21. Ye find ye have a longing that is a manifesting of thy soul, - unless ye have so submerged the thoughts of same as to clothe thy thoughts only with gratifying or satisfying of carnal or physical desires.
22. These then are the conditions with which ye find thyself confronted.
23. Ye have a will. That is the birthright which thy Maker, thy God hath given thee.
24. It is at this time, this experience, in which He, thy God, hath given thee the OPPORTUNITY to use that mind, that body in such a way that thy soul, thy individuality, may be made manifest; and ye know thyself to be thyself, yet one with the Father-God.
25. Then, what is the ideal? Is it only that as will satisfy the mind, or only that which satisfies the appetite, for the very thoughts of the fleshly desires?
26. Thy appetites - are they bodily or do they partake also of the mental and spiritual aspect of thy three-dimensional self?
27. On these ye would think, if ye would present thy body as a holy sacrifice, which is acceptable unto God, thy Maker. And if, and when ye would be safe, be on the Lord's side; for man cannot fight against God nor His laws. In his ignorance man has desired and has attempted to pattern the penal laws after the ordinances of God, but in thy body, in thy mind, become rather the law itself, and then ye are not subject to same.
28. Thy appearances in the earth have contributed, do contribute to those conditions which confront thee in the shaping of thy life, thy affairs, thy purposes, thy desires. For as given, life is one; for Life is the manifestation of that influence or force called God - and hence is eternal.
29. What, then, will ye present in thy body, in thy mind, as ye grow, as the growth of thy soul, that ye must present before thy Lord, thy God?
30. This, then, is that ye shall live in peace, in harmony first with God's laws, and then ye will find that man's laws are patterned after His laws in such measures that there is not to be found but GOOD in thy relationships to others.
31. As to the appearances in the earth, -
32. Before this we find the entity was in the periods when there were the many who came to the land of the present nativity for the purposes of making an attempt for the new life, new environs, new surroundings, new purposes; praying, living those lives in that new endeavor in such measures as to build a new concept of life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, - not of indulgence or of aggrandizement of the desires of appetites, but happiness in the freedom of serving a living God according to the dictates of the own conscience.
33. There the entity excelled in activities as a soldier, but because ye were forced to fight for a something of which you knew not as to the differences in a land divided as to purposes regarding ownership of bodies of men and women, the entity became a struggling individual.
34. Yet the entity made a good soldier, - not for purpose but because of that innate desire for freedom.
35. But with the opportunities of plunder, there came those inebriate desires for gratifying the appetites for things beautiful, for things that were lovely to look upon. And these brought dis-ease, discomfort and disturbances that are STILL a part of thy being.
36. Remember that He has given (and it applies to thee, thyself), "Though ye wander far afield, if ye call I will hear - and answer speedily." That is the promise of thy Maker, thy God! And He answers to thee within!
37. Will ye then not look up, lift up thy heart to Him?
38. The name then was David Piehl, and in the land of what is now a part of Pennsylvania, Maryland and the like. And thus we may find in the present experience that if the entity would choose rather to dwell in the cities along the coast, or the larger towns along the coast of Maryland (the ocean coast), greater opportunities may be thine, - IF ye will turn about!
39. Turn thy face to the light of God, the light of a clear conscience, and the shadows of the past will fall far behind.
40. Purpose in thy heart - Look to Him and trust in Him, and work with thy hands and thy mind in those manners and ways to feed the bodies of men, offering a channel through which these things may be made manifest. And thus as ye feed their bodies, also feed thy mind, that thy SOUL may grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding of WHY ye enter into the experiences of the material life, - to give expression of faith, hope, justice, mercy - as has been shown thee.
41. Then give the credit to thy Maker, thy God. So live each day that ye may look EVERY man in the face and know, as ye said of old, "If I have done wrong by any man I give back fourfold."
42. And in those experiences when there was the choosing of individuals in the Holy City for the greater services in the rebuilding of the walls about same, there - too - ye sought to serve; though those things of the land from which ye had wandered or returned came with thee - not of thine own.
43. Yet purposing that ye would, through the very influence of the might in building a temple to the living God, consecrate self to service, ye thus proclaimed thyself.
44. The name then was Jaerel. In the experience ye gained. So may ye experience today, if ye will but consecrate the temple - thy body, the temple of the living God - to the service of God and thy fellow man.
45. For it is the manner in which ye treat thy fellow man that ye do services to thy Maker. For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of thy acquaintance, of thy fellows that ye meet day by day, so ye do unto thy God.
46. Thus may ye rehabilitate thy mind, thy body, to thy purposes in the earth.
47. For in the experience as among the children of Belial in the Atlantean land, ye sought to make for the use of the spiritual laws to gratify the beauty, the joy of carnal living. So ye brought destruction, not only to thyself bodily but to those of that land; and thus brought destruction.
48. For hath He not given, "They that turn their face far from me, I will blot them out"? Yet souls must indeed again and again meet themselves. For hath He not made thee equal with Him, IF ye will love His coming?
49. Then, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed of thy daily life. Though ye may be in need of those things that would bring the pleasures as some ye see about you, PROVIDE the needs of thy body in love and in justice and in mercy; for the silver and the gold are the Lord's, and those that love Him shall not beg bread.
50. Know thy ideal, then, and not as to what others are to do for you as the ideal, but what ye would do for others, - in the manner ye would have them do it unto you!
51. Thus ye may know the face of hope, of love, of brotherly kindness, of mercy.
52. And do it ALL in patience; for God is the God of patience.
53. We are through.

    Two copies to Mr. [257]
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 8/04/39 Mr. [257]'s ltr. to EC: "Attached herewith are two [[1977] and [1978]] applications in their own handwriting. You will certainly find these worth while.
   Please send the originals to me with the copy, or if you prefer send them the originals and send me the copy.
   When you are in New York, you will meet them and also the District Attorney.
   With love to you all,
2. [257]'s note to EC:
   Dear Judge:
   Please mail me copies - the boys are worth while - they are pitifully appreciative - you will be more pleased than many things we've tried -
3. 8/04/39 [1977]'s ltr. to EC:
   MEDINAH CLUB OF CHICAGO 505 North Michigan Blvd. Chicago, Illinois Whitehall 4100
   Mr. Edgar Cayce
   Dear. Mr. Cayce
   I am taking this liberty in thanking you for the interests and time you are willing to give in my behalf to help me. I am anxiously awaiting to meet you in person. Would you be kind enough to answer these questions I am sending you. Respectfully
4. 8/04/39 [1977]'s ltr. to EC:
   MEDINAH CLUB OF CHICAGO 505 North Michigan Blvd. Chicago, Illinois Whitehall 4100
   Mr. Edgar Cayce
   Dear Sir,
   1. What work am I best suited for? 2. Am I the type to be misled & how can I prevent same? 3. What is the cause for me being in trouble so often? 4. If given the change to make good would I? 5. Have I true friends? 6. Do I break trust when other people have in me? 7. What is the best state in the Union for me to live? 8. Why was I the only one in the family to get in trouble? 9. Do you think if given the opportunity the faith people have in me I would up hold it? 10. Do you thing the last time I got in trouble would be the last? 11. Do you think I would work if it were given to me? 12. Do you think I would come to live outside of NYC? 13. What are my chances for success? 14. What can my future be? 15. Thru whom should I go? 16. What business best for my future happiness?
   I remain [1977]
5. 8/05/39 [257]'s ltr. to EC: "It is really very wonderful that you are willing to help people such as Mr. Hill has suggested from District Attorney's Amen's office.
   I do not know what can be done for these men, but since they want to go straight the District Attorney's office wants to help them and as long as you feel you want to help them I am willing to do my part.
   I sent for these men yesterday and had them in my office nearly all afternoon and sent their questions down to you yesterday.

REPORTS

1. 8/18/39 P.M. EC gave a Life Rdg., for the other man the District Attorney and Mr. [257] were trying to help, Mr. [1978].
2. 8/21/39 EC's ltr. to [1977]
   Dear Mr. [1977]:
   Was very glad to try and help - hope you find the information of interest, it may be an unusual way of an approach to any phase of human experience, but has through the years been a very effective one. Will a body just given the suggestions of a fair trial.
   Hope you will have Mr. [257] go over the reading with you, and then study it very carefully yourself and make it suggestions a part of your life - am sure you will find much good in same. Let me hear when you have the chance.
   Hoping to have been of a service
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
3. 8/25/39 [1977]'s ltr. to EC:
   ..., Ave. Brooklyn, N.Y.
   Mr. Edgar Cayce
   Dear Sir:
   I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you, and to know that I have made a friend one who is trying to set me on the right road with God and people that have faith in me. Dear Sir when I received your letter I went to Mr. [257]'s office and went over the Psychic Reading you have so kindly given me. Mr. [257] and myself went over question for question, and was pleased with what you laid out for my future and to build my life around it. Mr. [257] asked me if there was any questions I wanted to asked and find the answer I should write to you Mr. Cayce. These are the questions I want to know -
   1. What business best for my future? 2. Could I operate a store in or near Norfolk? 3. Do you think I could make good in the furniture business? 4. How can I get a position of any kind along the coast to make my self valuable in the eyes of God and man? 5. What town do you think is best for me? 6. Do you think when I go out of town for work should I take my wife along? Thanking you for what you have done I hope that we can meet in person real soon. Please send a copy of the answers to Mr. [257].
   Thanking you again for the service you have given me, I remain
   Sincerely, [1977]
4. 8/29/39 EC's ltr. to [1977]:
   Dear Mr. [1977]:
   Thanks for yours of the 25th - glad to try and help, hope you will be able to make much of the opportunity Mr. [257] is given you - we all stand equal before God, and do we realize as we treat our fellow man we are doing just that to GOD, well we will all want to do right.
   Now as to your Questions. These I take from the information 1st - Think you could make good in an eat shop or restaurant of some kind. Thou of course if the opportunity offers you something in the furniture business take it, the other is the natural business for you. 2nd The shore places of N.J. is much more favorable to you than this low down the coast, tho will be glad to try and help if you decide to try here. 3rd - The Eating is best I believe - tho if you feel you wish to try to Furniture nor reason that you shouldn't make good. 4th - How to obtain a position or place to operate, that you will have to work out for your self, but in making arrangements do not tie your hands. 5th - Any town along the Jersey coast would be best. 6th - Unless there is some reason for leaving your wife at home or some place - by all means take her, you should be one - and any is much more respected that has his wife with him in any undertaking - you should be able to work as one - and both to the Glory of God. 7th - Don't become discourage - trust in God - keep his ways and HE will not fail you for his promise has been "tho you be far off, will you call I will hear and answer right speedily" and that means you as it does any honest to goodness man that wants to go right.
   Am glad to try and help But rely on God and work like you really meant it with sincere regards
   [signed] Edgar Cayce
5. 5/08/46 Gina Cerminara's ltr. to [257] and [903]:
   Dear Mr. [257] and [903]:
   Today, going through the life reading files, I chanced upon two very interesting cases which you sponsored back in 1939. They are the cases of two men who, I gather from the correspondence, had criminal records. Their names are [[1978] and [1977]].
   In the case of [1978] no previous incarnations were given; he was told they wouldn't be particularly helpful until he changed his inner attitude. In the case of [1977], however, 3 lives were given: one as a paid soldier in the Civil War, who took to plundering; one in Jerusalem, and one in Atlantis as a Son of Belial. Both cases are very interesting, and especially that of [1977] since it shows a criminal tendency to have begun as far back as Atlantis. If in this life the man has been a thief, it would be a striking instance of how the desire to plunder is carried over from one life to the next.
   And so I am writing you for further information on the two men, as I am sure that the cases will be useful in one way or another. I would like to know, about each of the two men!
   1) What was his criminal offense? 2) Had he served a prison term? 3) Was the reading helpful to him in any way? If so, how? 4) What has his career been since the time of the reading?
   Any other details about the man's appearance, personality, family, environment, or life in general that would add human interest to the story will be very helpful in writing up the case.
   I know how busy you must be, Mr. [257] and hate to impose on your time; but maybe you could give this information to [903], and she might write it down and send it to me. I will certainly appreciate it!
   Tom tells me you had quite a successful open meeting last week; I'm delighted to hear it.
   My very best wishes to all of you.
   Sincerely yours,
   P.S. In [1978]'s reading, an experience is referred to as occurring in 1918 which "set the innate - self against others"; apparently this experience gave him the determination to "get even with others". Do you happen to know what that experience was? He must have been 8 years old at the time. Of course, he may never have explained this to you, but on the other hand - since I gather you went over the reading with him - he may have told you explicitly what it was.
6. 7/08/46 Gina Cerminara's ltr. to [903] and wife of [257]: ..., Street, New York City
   Dear [903] [wife of [257]]:
   Thank you so much for your very nice letter and for the information on [759] which you sent. It will be very helpful, I know.
   I am glad to know of the success of Tom's [Thomas Sugrue] lecture and wish very much I could have heard them; I would especially have liked to hear the last one, on humor.
   Yes, I enjoy working on the life readings book very much. Congress week there were so many people around that no sooner did I get started working, then I was substantially interrupted. I finally gave up trying, and am now grimly making up for lost time.
   At present I am going through all the drawers of readings systematically, to be sure of having read every case and having complete coverage. Often valuable - little side lights turn up in the oddest places. That reminds me: I am still very eager to have details on the [1978] and [1977] case. I wrote you and [257] about them in May, but perhaps you mislaid the letter. These were two criminals, for whom arranged reading some years back. Inasmuch as their past lives were rather interesting, and the cases are the only ones I know of in the files that show a criminal tendency persisting over several lives, I would very much like to have some details about the two men.
   Perhaps you can get this information from [257] and send it to me. I'd like to know, about both men:
   1) What was his criminal offense? 2) Had he served a prison term? If so, how long? 3) Was the reading helpful to him? If so, how? 4) What has his career been since the time of the reading?
   I would also appreciate any details about the man's appearance, personality, family, or environment that would add to the human interest of the story.
   I was glad to hear of Lindley's [Denver Lindley's] continued interest. That is the one thing that worries me every now an then: the possibility that after all my labor - and all the N.Y. group's faith in me, and financial backing - the book may not meet Lindley's approval. But then, there are other publishers; and perhaps Lindley's non-committal attitude is the safest attitude for a publisher to take with an unknown writer. Do remember me to all your simpatico family, and with all best wishes to you, I am
   Yours very sincerely,
7. 1/50 Routine mailing to Mr. [1977] was returned marked UNKNOWN AT ADDRESS.

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