This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 4th day of May, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [2185], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended through New York meetings, via Mrs. [1468].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born about 11:40 A. M., November 1, 1883, in Hornell, N.Y., near Buffalo.

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, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2185].
3. What records!
4. As we find, a great deal externally and within the mental self is oft very contradictory to the entity. Not that the entity hasn't abilities, hasn't a great many of those activities or things to which many would desire to attain; yet so much becomes contradictory in the experience of the entity. That which it desires seldom does it want when attained!
5. For instance, the entity may be - and is - very passionate, but never very affectionate.
6. The entity appreciates and loves music, yet if it never heard another piece it wouldn't make much difference!
7. Mostly the entity abhors water, yet has most of its dealings and its activity with individuals who come over waters, and with things that have to do with water.
8. These all appear contradictory.
9. Anything that has to do with the mysterious is of interest, as well as thoughts or purposes that are of an unusual nature. Yet none of these seem to answer just that the entity seeks.
10. These indicate not merely contrariness within the entity, but the needs for the entity to analyze self, to analyze self's purposes, self's aspirations, self's desires; and to then determine what is the ideal, - not merely what the entity would like to have as being ideal, but ideal when all phases of human relationships are taken into consideration.
11. Remember, that which would be ideal for self must also be that which would be ideal for others.
12. Then, self must become selfless, and not in any form or manner desire those things that would be advantageous over others in that others would have to suffer that self might have the advantage, - for that is selfishness, and not selflessness.
13. And selflessness is that to which each entity, each soul, must attain through the varied experiences in the material plane.
14. For, each soul enters not purposeless but purposefully, that there may be a greater manifestation of that the entity has held and does hold as its ideal concerning creative influences or eternal influences in the experience of self and others. That is the purpose for which each soul manifests, that it may make manifest in the lives of others not merely for self but to be to someone else that ye would have someone else be to thee!
15. These become radical thoughts to the entity at times; yet know that one is constantly meeting self.
16. Then, analyze self.
17. As we would analyze or interpret the records as we find them here, - these are chosen with the desire and purpose that this may be a helpful influence to the entity at this time; that it may make manifest that which is its ideal.
18. For, no matter how contradictory the experiences may be for an entity, - as for this entity, - there is ever the ideal manner toward which the entity seeks expression.
19. Learn the LAW; that ye reap what ye sow! The manner in which ye measure to others, it will be measured to thee again! That is an unchangeable law!
20. Then, live the law; be the law, as respecting such.
21. As for astrological aspects, - the entity's experience in the present has been and would be almost contradictory to any of those aspects accorded to the activities of the entity because of the position of this or that planet or star, or this or that phase of the astrological aspects.
22. Yet these give in a great measure those latent appreciations which the entity has, as we have indicated; the love of music, the ability to read and to analyze what others have written, the ability to write or depict itself for others those happenings in such ways as to make them not only entertaining but as a helpful influence.
23. All of these arise as latent forces through the sojourns of the entity in the environs of the astrological aspects, - as in Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn.
24. Hence the entity finds the needs then of the more oft analyzing of self, and determining - through the still small voice as may arise, and does arise within self - as to what IS the purpose, as to what IS the constructive or Godlike way in which you would have others deal with thee. For it is the judgment ye pass or mete to others that ye have measured to thee.
25. These should be the questions more oft analyzed and ANSWERED; not merely thought of or talked about, but ANSWERED! For as ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them! This is not merely a rule, - it is a principle, it is an active force in which one may oft see self not as through a glass darkly but as face to face with the own ideal!
26. As to appearances of the entity in the earth, - we find these have been quite varied; some coming very close together, others very far apart, and under quite varying circumstances.
27. Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, in the periods of the early settlings, but more in that area of the eastern portion of the land of present nativity, when there were changes wrought by circumstances due to the political situations and the various types of groups - or individuals who settled in the land.
28. Hence in the present we find the entity oft adapting itself to those of various environs, because of language or environment of individuals who are under the various forms of activity as may be designated by the political maps of various lands. Also the entity is a very good conversationalist, as well as linguist; for the entity in that sojourn was a teacher (not always a good one), and ministered oft to the better influences for the young of the land.
29. Oft the entity has found itself contemplating the passing of judgments upon the manner in which others conduct their lives and their relationships to their offspring, - because of the own environs and activities.
30. The name then was Tessie Langstrom; and the entity gained and lost.
31. In the present the entity finds those varied influences which have oft changed its activities and associations with others, - also much of the interest in the mystical things, or the unusual or rare conditions and experiences.
32. Before that the entity was in what is now known as the Promised Land, especially in Laodicea and Greece and the lands nigh unto the places where the church activities were first established in those lands, - following the activities of the disciples and the Apostles of the Master.
33. The entity was among the women of the church in that particular land which was a part of the activity of Mariaerh and Lucius during that particular experience, - being of the household in which that minister was active, through the influences of the entity.
34. We find that the entity changed much in its activity because of some of the teachers; bringing disturbing forces in the church at times, and disputations which caused the activities that brought changes in the lives and experiences of individuals.
35. Hence we find in the present those conditions arising in which the entity is not very orthodox in its relationships, - whether they be of the marital nature, or as to friends, or as to the social order or as to church affiliations, or the spiritual activities.
36. Consequently, there is the need for analyzing the own self and its soul relationships.
37. Then the entity was in the name of Josephine; and the entity gained and lost and gained. And those experiences that brought so much of the changes need to be analyzed again in the present activities of the entity.
38. Before that the entity was also in that land which became known as the Laodicea environ, but during those changes wrought by the wars of the period; and we find that the entity was in the middle of great disturbances, though bringing activities which made for betterments for the peoples in that experience.
39. And in the analysis of disturbing factors in the present, the entity may find much ability to bring joy to others; through the analyzing of the self, of groups, of friends, and the applying of same in its own experience. Thus may the entity find the greater joy, the greater blessings from its attempts to accomplish in the present sojourn.
40. The name then was Letica.
41. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there was the exodus of the children of promise from the land.
42. The entity was among the household of the pharoahs of that period. Hence all of the mysticism as wrought by that people, as well as the magicians of the own people, was a part of the entity's experience.
43. Thus we find the entity INNATELY, as well as manifestedly, is drawn to activities of the nature in which all such influences are a part of the experiences of individuals.
44. The name then was Zeta-Elda; and the entity gained. For, though there were trials and sorrows, the activities innate brought the thought of - and the attempt to correlate - the relationships of man to man, with the relationships of man to the eternal influence. This brought great development, and abilities in the experience of the entity that may be applied in the present in an analysis of self and of that which forms the impetus for activities in the lives of others.
45. Before that the entity was also in the Egyptian land, during the periods when there were turmoils and strifes through the activities of the Young King and the Priest sent into banishment.
46. The entity was among the Natives who joined with the Ibex Rebellion; not even holding to the influences of its own people, being loud and outspoken in its condemnation of the Priest as well as of the Natives who joined with the activities of the Priest when he returned from captivity, to bring peace and order into the experience of the peoples of that land.
47. In the latter portion of that sojourn the entity found itself active in the Temple of Sacrifice, because of the needs of such activities as the entity understood.
48. Consequently, in the present the entity finds itself in a manifestation wherein there is the necessity for a self- analysis, and also a self-effacement at times from personalities and personal things.
49. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, and that to which it may attain, and how:
50. Many are the abilities of the entity, as we have indicated, - in the appreciation of things and experiences in the lives of others.
51. In the appreciation of them, give that measure of strength to others in their attempts to bring hope and help and understanding.
52. Then, with patience, - then, with self-analysis, - then, with purposing in thy heart to walk justly, to deal mercifully, to be humble before thy Maker, - we will find that the associations, the affairs physically, mentally and spiritually, will shape themselves in a much more satisfactory way and manner.
53. For, fame and fortune may take wings in a moment and fly away, - but love and truth and honor remain ever, and are within themselves blessings to those who practise them in the dealings with their fellow men day by day. For, virtue is its own reward, and brings peace and harmony such as not understood by those who are worldly-wise or who are material-minded in their false principles.
54. Love the Lord; eschew evil. Keep SELF unspotted from condemnation of self or others.
55. Condemn not that ye be not condemned. And in these ye will find JOY, happiness, and many, many days worthy of acceptation.
56. Ready for questions.
57. (Q) Have I known [ex-husband] in previous lives, was the marriage a karmic debt and is it now finished?
    (A) It is now finished. There was much to be worked out. It is complete in itself, but will be met again in another experience.
58. (Q) Is it indicated that his business will pull thru this depression of recent years?
    (A) We haven't his business, - only the relationships as deal with the self. These will be kept satisfactory, or as promised at least.
59. (Q) How deep and far-reaching is my relationship with my mother, [...], and is she being loyal to me as regards my inheritance?
    (A) Judge not that ye be not judged. Measure that to others as ye would have measured to thee. These principles will apply in these relationships as well as in other dealings. As we find, these have been long and often in the relationships. In the experience before this, also in the Laodicea sojourn, and also in the Egyptian. Much is to be crossed between these two; but condemn no one!
60. (Q) What specific work did I come to accomplish in this life?
    (A) To let thy light so shine that others might take HOPE, by the good ye accomplish in thy dealings with others!
    Be a light, then, to others, - in darkness, in sorrow. For, if ye save a soul from sorrow, from shame, ye have covered a multitude of sins. Learn what that means in thy experience!
61. (Q) Would you recommend a visit to my daughter, [...] in Jamaica, B.W.I., if so, when, and by air or water?
    (A) By air; and when there is the better convenience to the daughter.
62. (Q) Is a second marriage indicated for me?
    (A) This as we find is not impractical, but there would necessarily be changes wrought as to purposes and intent of self in order for such to be consummated in this experience.
63. (Q) Would the 30 year old friendship be a karmic condition, and might marriage be a possibility, with [A...]?
    (A) Possibility, but there are necessarily some changes in the attitudes of each - even under the great friendship.
64. (Q) Have I been associated in any past life with my son [...], Jr., if so, when, where and how?
    (A) As we find, the son was the brother in the Egyptian experience, and was among those taken when the death angel passed over.
    Learn what THAT means also, - as it may be analyzed, as to the experiences that have been a part of thy present relationship. How many sorrows, and yet joys and variations of same, in this relationship!
    Joy may come out of same, if self holds to self-analysis and determinations.
65. (Q) With my daughter, [...]?
    (A) This as we find was in the experience just previous to the present.
    These may be better determined by the paralleling, than by the one-sided application.
66. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 4/25/40 Letter to EC: "Monday of last week I had the very great pleasure of being your guest & taking a guest [Mrs. [2799]] with me to your meeting at the Hotel McAlpin.
   "It was a delightful evening, even nicer than last year, more of you - which is what people want & please accept my thanks.
   "The experience I now relate took place Thursday of last week thru the friend I had with me Monday evening. She is a devoted student in the esoteric field [Mrs. [2799]] but never has given messages of any kind, as we were sitting talking Thursday afternoon she seemed to be what might be called over-shadowed & I received the following advice: 'It would be a good thing to have a 'Life Reading' with Mr. Cayce this spring. The eyes need the careful mental attention he can give them & for me to absolutely follow any instructions he might give.'
   "I inquired if it might not be best to have a Physical Reading instead of Life, with the eyes in mind; definitely no, was the answer.
   "So I obey the instructions & ask you for a Life Reading as soon as you can give me one. I prefer Thursday, as it somehow seems to be my day for important occasions & either morning or afternoon will suit.
   "If you send me the appointment I will answer all the questions you desire when I send the check. Is that satisfactory? [See 5/08/39 letter under 2185-2 Background.]
   "About this time last spring I wanted an emergency reading concerning the head & eyes but could not get one so had some sinus probing done, this year when I feel comparatively fine along comes this order to clear up a condition that must be deep, so deep that only you can help me.
   "Hoping the appointment will come thru soon..."
2. 5/01/40 She submitted questions, saying that Miss [1468] helped her form them.

REPORTS

1. 6/06/40 Letter from Mrs. [2185]: "I am now accepting your invitation to write you concerning the Life Reading of May fourth. As you suggested it might be strange, it certainly was, seemed to be a confusion of words. Now it is becoming more 'me' but still there is much time will have to clarify.
   "Please, let me ask a few questions.
   "How would you handle the remark about being passionate when that state is the very opposite of me in this life?
   "As to not liking water, correct, but as to dealings with people over the waters, that is incorrect except as it deals with my daughter who went to Jamaica five years ago. I have no dealings with things that have to do with the waters. Please help me on that paragraph.
   "I think the reason I was advised to have the rdg. was to 'learn self' or 'go within' & to me that is next to impossible even to contemplate. I seem to be in such darkness but let me add, beautiful in that darkness as to mind, thots, habits, etc. PLEASE advise me as to how to 'Know self'. It may be very easy for some but awfully difficult for me. PLEASE advise me.
   "Miss [1468] thot the rdg. excellent & helped me as much as she could also loaned me the 'Egyptian History' [See 294-147 thru 294-152] which seemed my very life. That was vital in its intensity to my consciousness. I would like one of those copies, if I might.
   "On page four, could you clarify the 'bringing of disturbing forces in the church' etc. That is not at all understandable but as to orthodoxy, especially in the church, I have still with me a dislike & even stronger. Hence I so want to know what created it. See?
   "Please help me with the Ibex Rebellion, I never heard of it, about when was it & in the Temple of Sacrifice what would have been my duty. Oh! please, give me help here, as I tell you truly, the paper Miss [1468] loaned me actually talks to me, to my very heart.
   "If I have another 'L.R.' what would you suggest I ask for & from where or rather time?
   "Thank you again & again."
2. 6/10/40 Letter from EC: "Thank you for yours of a few days ago regarding your Life reading. Am glad to try and help you get the most out of same, for think it a very beautiful rdg. and one that should be a lot of help to you. While it may appear quite severe in places, am sure this is to bring you a vision of the real help that can and would come to you from a careful study of same.
   "It begins by saying some things will appear quite contradictory to you - that you have even realized they were true - just as it saying you are quite passionate. Not necessarily does this apply to sex, but rather whatever you go into it becomes like a passion to you - and it modifies same by saying this will appear to you as being contradictory - by meaning by nature you are like that and have curbed it often. That is why it insists that you analyze yourself often - your motives - your reason for this or that activity look back over your life and consider the things you have done - and see if you do not find this in the background somewhere. That is why I felt you would have to read and study this carefully to get the real meaning - am sure Mrs. [1468] can help. She has studied the rdgs. I think rather carefully and has the mind to get the real meaning out of them, and her experiences has especially fitted her to interpret the readings from me.
   "Now as to water - and things as come from over water - this would need careful analysis. For you possibly have been and are drawn to things of this nature without being aware of same - not that you deal direct - or have a hobby for such but it [is] a natural thing in your experience. Your daughter being away over water to hear from her - makes you aware of persons rather than things as are referred I think to here - ask Mrs. [1468] about this. See if she doesn't think I am right here.
   "Now - if the things be true - if your real likes and dislikes have been submerged - and you can best determine this by having these first two answered in your own mind as to whether they are right or not - then you will see here is the opportunity for you to learn your inner self - for you must at times appear contradictory to yourself.
   "How to know self. Personally I feel there is one sure way, take the old book the Bible and read the 30th Chapter of Deut., then turn to the 14th - 15th - 16th and 17th of John, not merely read them or learn them by word, but get their real meaning - there you will see the ideal relationship between God and man as exemplified in Jesus a man - who became the Christ by living just that. Now measure self up to that standard - then you have the inner sight - there you have the way the manner to look within self - for it isn't somewhere else but within you one must find the answer to every problem.
   "The story in the Egyptian history - was man's attempt to live just that you will read in the chapters referred to - surely would then be of special interest to you. "Bringing of disturbing forces in the church, evidently at that period there were many questions that caused dissension - you joined with one that the more orthodox called disturbing - hence in the present are not orthodox in your views, but take the broader view of moot questions.
   "I doubt if anything is known save what the readings have given regarding the Ibex rebellion - however as you read the Egyptian history you will find it explained there as best I would know how to say it - it seems at that period there were many factions in Egypt one of them being the Ibex - or led by the brother of the then king - you evidently joined this group that is referred to as the Ibex rebellion. Believe a careful study of the paper on Egypt history [294-147 thru 294-152] which am sending will help there. You will also see what is meant by the temple of sacrifice. Now hope this has been a bit of help - but read carefully the chapters referred to then study over your reading again - see if it doesn't throw light on the whole meaning of the paper.
   "Wish had the opportunity to sit down and go over the whole rdg. paragraph by paragraph, but after reading as suggested and other questions come to your mind, write me and will be glad to do best can to explain on paper.
   "Thanking you and sincerely hoping to have been of a bit of help - and know am glad to try and help if possible." [In his own typing in original]
3. 12/11/40 She obtained a Physical Reading - See 2185-2.

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