Edgar Cayce Readings, 2271-1

Time and Place: 3:40 to 4:10 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. New York City.

TEXT

GC: You will give the relation of this entity and the universe, and the universal forces; giving the conditions which are as personalities, latent and exhibited in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth 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:
EC: (In going back over the years from the present - " - '37 - yes - '35 - " etc., on back to birth date.)
Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2271].
What an unusual life pattern!
The seal of the entity might be almost a portion of the Canadian seal, - the leaf of the maple; yet this of the entity would be rather the leaf of the cherry tree.
In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, - these are chosen with the desire and purpose that this may be a helpful influence for the entity; enabling it to realize its relationships that exist, or that are a portion of the meeting of self, in its preparations for fulfilling that purpose for which each entity or soul enters a material experience.
For, the experience or sojourn in the earth is not by chance, but the natural spiritual and soul evolution of the entity; that it may be aware of its relationships to God - through its relationships to its fellow men; recognizing in each soul, as well as in self, those possibilities, those opportunities, those duties, those obligations that are a portion of each soul-entity's manifesting in a material plane.
In this experience we will find for the entity many of those things that become rather of the unusual nature, for the entity is rather an unusual individual.
The entity will find that in this or the coming year the home will be the greater opportunity, the greater possibility, the greater activity in which the entity may make manifest those ideals and tenets as related to the Creative Forces.
For, the home represents - or is a shadow of - that eternal dwelling place with the Creative Forces. Thus as the entity as it manifests in the present is but a channel through which souls may enter for the expressions in a material plane, there may be the greater awareness of this expressed by the entity, as there is the closer relationship and realization of this activity in the experience of the entity.
The astrological aspects have been and are quite varied in the experience, - and many show influences that might be said to be diametrically opposed in their expressions or meanings, because of their place or position. But it is because of the activity of the entity in and through those astrological environs that they mean something in other experiences, - as in Jupiter, Venus, the Sun, as well as the Moon and Saturn's forces.
In Jupiter we will find the associations of the entity in the affairs of the many, yet individual in its relationships or activities.
The entity would have to do with those matters, places or positions that would be in the public eye, yet - though not a non-entity - the entity itself not expressing before the public, but rather as an individual for the benefit of the public, in its associations and activities.
In Venus we find the abilities in regard to the secretarial activity, as well as in relation to the home-building, the appreciation of art and music, the abilities as a conversationalist, and the experiences which oft will be to the entity as the saving grace - as it were, - the abilities to see the funny or ludicrous side of those experiences that would be indicated as disturbing forces.
Thus the entity may make for companionship with those of all stages or ages, in such ways and manners as to be helpful to such groups or associations.
Those things pertaining to club or social life have an influence, and a place in the experience of the entity that should not be wholly neglected in its relationships with others.
In Jupiter we find an influence making for the great associations with the masses, - though Saturn makes for the changes in such relationships and environs for the entity, as to make for the greater developments.
As to the sojourns in the earth, - these have been quite varied, and quite far apart.
Thus, while we may find the entity as one having great emotions, the great abilities to love, the great abilities to read and to make reading understandable to others, we find that the entity is not the highly emotional type; yet dependent upon the love of others.
But learn that lesson, - if ye would be loved, show thyself lovely; if ye would have friends, show thyself friendly; if ye would not be persecuted or talked about, then do not talk about others; if ye would have forgiveness, then forgive - even as ye would be forgiven.
These are not merely as theorems or theses for the contemplation, but are practical, applicable experiences in the manners of the affairs and associations of each individual, if they will but be applied in the experience.
Before this the entity was in the land of the present sojourn, during the early settlings of the land just previous to those activities known as the Colonial Wars; not the Revolution, but the Colonial Wars among the peoples of the own land.
There the entity acted in the capacity of a teacher, among those who brought changes in the affairs of the governmental arrangements for the land, - in the name then Martha Masons.
The entity gained through the giving to others, and in the tenets, purposes and ideals set in the activities as related to the influences which made for changes.
And these bring into the present experience of the entity not so much the activities in relationships to religious forces, - for these appear rather to the entity as something to be attained or gained when the usefulness of life and its emotional self has been spent.
But know, - rather as in and through those experiences, - while the influences brought hardships and routine, these are livable, practical things that should be a part of the experience throughout.
Just as it might be with the self in its home building, or in the preparations for the home, - would it be well to have the best of self fully expended and not have it to give to those where duty and obligations and love are fully enthroned? Then the same applies to thy heavenly home.
Before that the entity was in the Roman land, during those periods when there were the activities in what is now known as the Promised Land, - during the period following the activities in those times of John the Baptist, as well as the Master.
The entity, though in the Roman household, was acquainted with many of those activities. Thus in the interpretations of the various sects of the groups in that land in which the entity interested itself, the entity became partially a historian.
Thus we find the entity a good story teller of the unusual and the mysterious, and the little things that go to make up the big things in the experiences of people, - as the detail activities that become as an expression or an experience of the entity.
The name then was Thais. In that experience the entity gained, the entity lost; gained in the helpfulness as maintained through a portion of the experience, and losing when the opportunities were taken advantage of for the self-aggrandizement for position and place among those who were put in authority, without thought of those from whom much of that which was expressed by the entity had been gained.
We find that the entity was acquainted then with many of those with whom it has been associated, and with whom it may be associated, in the present experience. For the entity is meeting much of self in the present from that experience.
Also from that sojourn we find the entity in the present well adapted in the activities of a secretarial nature, or in writing or in activities as would bring the influences of groups or associates before the public eye, and the relationships with groups as related to various activities for individual or specific purposes.
Before that the entity was in the land now known as the Egyptian, during those periods when there were the preparations for individuals to act in the capacity of emissaries, or missionaries as they would be called in the present.
There the entity was among those individuals who were prepared especially for the home building.
Thus innately, as well as will be found to be manifested, the entity finds that the home becomes the ideal, - and the only position for the real understanding of the relationships for an individual.
We find that the entity then became the mother of many who were raised for special purposes and individual activities, though THEN the entity had many husbands or companions - as they were known. For the choices then were by the individuals, through those experiences.
The name then was Tid-El-Os.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, - many are the fields of activities through which the entity may find expression of self.
But first know thine own ideal, and - as has been given - know, though it be in Holy Writ, it is within self that the greater expression and response must come, and not from any exterior or external things.
Then, keep in those directions that are of the ideal nature, - not merely idealistic, but practical, applicable in the experience of the everyday life.
In the home the greater success may be attained.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Am I correct in feeling that marriage is more necessary to my present development than anything else?
(A) As indicated.
(Q) Will I marry, and when?
(A) That is the choice of self. There are two, that either of these may be had. It should be within the present or the next year.
(Q) In what way can I be relieved of financial strain?
(A) The better way will be in the relationships of the home.
(Q) What shall I do to satisfactorily solve my problem of living arrangements in the Fall?
(A) As has been indicated.
(Q) Please give me detailed information concerning my association in former incarnations with the following entities, the influences and urges from same in the present, and how best to utilize them for helpfulness and development to each now: First, [E...]?
(A) These associations and relationships had best be paralleled with the indication of the individual's activities through ITS incarnations, than by giving same from the individual relationship indicated here.
For, these all must be classed - or may be classed - under one head: So live in this experience toward THEM as ye would others live toward YOU!
As to the problems, - these have varied, do vary. But this is a general rule that may apply in each individual case.
(Q) [S...]?
(A) These associations will be best determined in the manner just indicated. But here again we find there have been material relationships that will need meeting in this experience, - as they have needed in others.
(Q) What karma do I have to overcome in order to free myself mentally and spiritually?
(A) KARMA is rather the lack of living to that KNOWN to do! As ye would be forgiven, so forgive in others. THAT is the manner to meet karma.
(Q) What are my most positive and constructive qualities and how can I recognize and develop them?
(A) The abilities as an entertainer, the abilities to instruct others, the abilities to so live that ye may make whatever association or experience better for thy activity with same.
(Q) Have I any habits, or do I indulge in any actions that retard my spiritual development?
(A) Who is to say as to what is wrong, or sin, for anyone? As we have indicated, this may be only answered in self. What is thy standard? Dost thou measure up to it day by day? According to thy own self-analysis, in accordance with thy ideal or standard, so may the judgement be.
The doing or not doing may be an error to one, and to another merely a question. But what is thy ideal?
(Q) Should I engage in the study of metaphysics, occultism or the psychic to further my spiritual development, and if so, what particular school?
(A) These as we find are not of particular interest to the entity, save as a MEANS towards an end. RATHER would we give, study thine own spiritual nature - and thus will it unfold to thee thy psychic self. THAT is the better study, as is the home.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

4/29/40 Employer Mrs. [1472]'s letter:
My secretary, Miss [2271], is very anxious to have a "life reading". She earns only $25 a week, and has no parents, so has to support herself entirely on that amount. She cannot therefore pay the full price of $20 at once but says she could pay $5 down, and five a month until it was all paid if this is satisfactory to you. I told her I am sure it will be, so if it is will you set aside the first Saturday afternoon you are free to give her a "life reading", and let me know the date? I will then have her write you herself, and send her questions in advance to Hugh Lynn, as she will not know how to word them to get the most information out of them, and she just may not want to ask MY help because I rather think she will want to ask questions about her job with me which she will not want me to see. She is a curious sort of girl, very self-centered and indifferent (at least apparently) and hates to work about as badly as anybody I ever met. She tells people right in my presence that I drive myself so hard she can never keep up with me. Yet she is just half my age! It may help us both if she gets a "reading", as she is a considerable trial to me, and I reckon I am as great a trial to her. I feel we each may have something to learn in being so different in our dispositions; ideas, etc, and having to be all day long associated so close together as we are, right in one office, so I have made up my mind not to fire her, no matter how much she tries me, but to work it out. It may be that I am having so much difficulty with secretaries because I had such a wonderful girl with me for thirteen years, and another equally so for four more years. Since I have found no one to measure up to either of them. They probably taught me to expect too much or at least more than the average girl has to give. In any event I am glad Miss [2271] wants the "reading", and hope it may give her real help. As she has no time off except Saturday afternoons and Sundays she could have a "reading" only on one of those days. If you prefer to do it on a Sunday rather than Saturday afternoon, that will be as satisfactory to her I am sure.
5/11/40 [2271]'s letter to EC:
Dear Mr. Cayce:
Thank you for answering my letter so promptly.
Saturday, June 1st, between 3:30 to 4:30 E.S.T. is fine for me and I am looking forward to having a Life Reading at that time.
Mrs. [1472] is going to help me with the questions and I shall send them in, together with the form which you enclose, before my reading on June 1st. I assume that all the information I give you, as well as the reading itself, is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and is not seen by anyone outside of your son and the person taking down the notes at the time of the reading. It is probably unnecessary for me to mention this, but I want to be sure that this is the case.
I feel that you are going to be of real help and I am looking forward to June 1st with great anticipation.
Sincerely, [2271]
5/14/40 Mrs. [1472]'s letter to HLC:
"...When [2271] has her questions ready, I think she wants to send them to you for any necessary revision... I shall give her general instructions about their formation but not knowing what she is asking, may not cover the ground sufficiently, so please take care of it for her..."
5/23/40 She submitted questions.

REPORTS

Two questions submitted but not asked:
Q. [M...]? Q. What accounts for my being born a Jewess?
6/07/40 [2271]'s letter to EC:
New York City
Dear Mr. Cayce:
I received my Life Reading a few days ago and am not losing any time in writing you, as I know you would want me to tell you exactly how I feel about it.
My first reaction to my reading was one of great disappointment, as there seemed nothing in it of any PRACTICAL or SPECIFIC help. Mrs. [1472] was good enough to go over it with me, but I still cannot find anything that I could use or that throws light on my path in this life plane.
I do not understand the paragraph on the first page of the reading [Par. 5], viz:
"The seal of the entity might be almost a portion of the Canadian seal, - the leaf of the maple; yet this of the entity would be rather the leaf of the cherry tree."
Nor was [1472] able to interpret this for me.
The answers to my questions Q-5 and Q-6 (regarding the association with my sister [E...] also [S...]) [Par. 48-A and 49-A] - were most unsatisfactory and incomplete.
I cite just these few instances, but the reading, as a whole, did not give me the practical help and enlightenment that I so fervently hoped it would. I had been so expectant and looked forward to such a wonderful unfoldment, that I must confess it was quite a let-down.
I am writing you very candidly, as I know you would not want me to do otherwise.
Please let me hear from you.
Sincerely, [2271]
6/10/40 EC's letter to [2271]:
Dear Miss [2271]
Thank you very much for yours of the 7th - and for being just as you are about your reading. However this has occurred so very seldom hardly know what to say. Wish could sit down and talk it over with you. Would suggest if you find it possible to do so - wait a few days then read it over again carefully, lay it aside for another few days then try it again, tho of course if you find it so absurd, please just forget it, and will make it right with you in any way that you suggest.
As to the paragraph on 1st page [Par. 5] - regards seal - in possibly a 3rd of the life readings it has mentioned a life seal, and oft times these have been described in detail - others merely mentioned as yours. From this it might be inferred that it was trying to say - "your seal would be a figure like the Cherry leaf - rather than the Maple as is the Canadian. As to what the significance of this do not know just now - but Leaf is as a fruitful like, - Cherry as strengthening - especially of the voice - or conversation.
Thank you for your candid report for would not wish it to be otherwise - as said this is so unusual. Well, name your own suggestions regards same.
But if at all possible try the suggestion of reading it again. Several have told me they saw nothing at first - in fact found such very revolting, but later with study - found same most helpful.
Thanking you
Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
6/13/40 Mrs. [1472]'s letter:
I did not mention Miss [2271]'s "Reading" in my last letter because I did not have time to write you fully in this connection, and did not want to talk of it at all until I could go into detail.
When I came into my office the day after she received the "Reading", she immediately told me she was "bitterly disappointed in it"; that it was, of course, "interesting, but too general to be of any practical value" to her. I expressed my regret, of course, and offered to go over it with her, and DID SPEND SEVERAL HOURS IN MY APARTMENT THAT SAME NIGHT ANALYZING IT. When all through she said much she had not understood was made clear to her, but that still it offered her no help in her present life and its problems. Then only think I did not know about was the seal as I had never before read one in which the person's seal was given. I suggested she write you frankly how she felt about the "Reading", as you would like her honesty, and would not take what she might say personally, as you cannot help what comes through at a "Reading", and are not even conscious of it at the time. I can understand Miss [2271]'s disappointment, because the answers to her questions are either general or evasive. She wanted information regarding her association in former sojourns with her sister and her sweetheart; what to do with these influences now etc., and was told in each case THEY would each have to have a "Reading" to get same. As neither of them has the money for a "Reading" Miss [2271] felt she had as well not have asked the questions. She felt the answers to her other questions were not specific enough to be of much practical service, so she felt terribly "let down" because, she said, I HAD LED HER TO EXPECT SO MUCH HELP FROM HER "Reading". Well, my dear, perhaps I was over-enthusiastic, but I COULD ONLY SPEAK FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE. MY "Readings" have been, and will continue to be, of great value to me. I am convinced they are true in all essential facts, and I study them frequently. But even you, friend Edgar, "cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear", so do not be too much disturbed over Miss [2271]'s disappointment. She is one of the strangest young women I ever met, and utterly unsatisfactory to me as a secretary. Thank heaven, [...] is coming back to me July 8th. She is the one who was with me nearly fourteen years, and like my right arm. Her husband does not want her to work, - now that she has a home and a seven year old son, but has consented to her doing so since it is to be for me. I am very, very happy that she is to return to me, and can hardly wait. Miss [2271] does not yet know anything about this, so please do not mention it in any letter you may write her. I feel sorry for her, for I fear it may be hard for her to get another job, as so many really efficient people are out of work here in New York. However, MY office is certainly NOT THE PLACE FOR HER, so I can only do what I can to help her find work elsewhere when I let her go.
6/17/40 [2271]'s letter to EC:
New York, N.Y.
Dear Mr. Cayce:
Thank you for your nice letter. I appreciate very much your attitude, and can only say I wish it wasn't necessary to write you as I had.
I followed your suggestion and re-read my Life Reading several times at different intervals, but must still admit that it does not give me the much-hoped for enlightenment and help.
I am truly sorry that I have to ask you to release me from the balance of my payments. If I were not a working girl and dependent solely on my weekly income, I would not ask you to do this. I would gladly have paid for the reading despite the fact that it had not satisfactorily answered my questions. Under the circumstances, however, I know you would not want me to make the necessary sacrifice.
May I thank you for trying to help me and for your very generous spirit.
Sincerely, [2271]
6/20/40 EC's letter to [2271]:
Dear Miss [2271]
Thank you for yours of the 17th - might not it be best that you return the reading and let us refund you for amount paid.
Sorry to have not have been of a help.
Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
6/26/40 [2271]'s letter to EC:
New York City
Dear Mr. Cayce:
As you suggested, I am returning herewith the Life Reading which you gave me on June 1st.
I am indeed sorry that it turned out the way it did, but I want to again tell you that I appreciate your effort and your generous spirit about the entire matter.
Sincerely, [2271]
6/26/40 Mrs. [1472]'s letter:
Miss [2271] showed me your brief note to her suggesting that she return her "Reading", and offering to refund the first payment she had made on it. This was certainly very generous of you, and I judge she will take advantage of the offer, altho I remarked to her (after reading your note) that YOU had put as much of your strength and power into her "Reading" as in any other and are in no way responsible for what came through. I also said if it had been MY "Reading" I would have felt it gave me a great deal, - certainly enough to make me feel the money spent for it amply repaid. She said it "gave her no practical help and that is what she needs," - so I just told her to do as she thought right, and dropped the matter for all time.
The whole experience makes me hesitate to influence people to have a "Reading", because what same means to me may not mean to others. However, I did not PERSUADE Miss [2271] to have a "Reading". I DID TELL her about you and she went to hear you talk when you were here, and said at once she wanted a "reading" and would have one if she might pay for it on the installment plan. So I am afraid the whole experience for all concerned in it will have to be laid to one of those unfortunate things no one can help. I gave Miss [2271] her notice yesterday, and am getting my fine secretary, [...] back July 8th, and hope a month later to go right up in the wildest part of the Adirondacks for two weeks of complete rest, study and meditation. I will be able to go away in peace with [...] back in my office, for she was with me fourteen years, and is thoroughly capable and experienced. She is also a joyous sort of person, and this means a lot.
7/03/40 "...When given her 2 weeks notice, Miss [2271] subjected me to numerous embarrassments by going over my head and behind my back with matters which concerned her, instead of taking them up with me, or letting me know she intended doing otherwise, and I have had a very unpleasant 2 weeks with her here but this week ends all this, and has been a lesson to me because I have had to really work to keep the clamps on and not throw her out on her ear..."
7/18/40 [2271]'s letter to EC:
New York, N.Y.
Dear Mr. Cayce:
Not having heard from you since writing several weeks' ago, I am wondering whether you received my letter, together with the enclosed Life Reading.
In your last letter, you asked me to return the Life Reading if I had not received the required help, on receipt of which you would remit the $5.00 initial payment made on same.
AS you probably know, I am no longer associated with Mrs. [1472] and at the moment very much in need of the above remittance. I would, therefore, appreciate your sending same without delay.
Sincerely yours, [2271]
7/19/40 [2271]'s letter to EC:
New York, N.Y.
Dear Mr. Cayce:
Just received your check for $5.00, for which please accept my thanks. It was just yesterday that I wrote you, advising that I had not heard from you, and our letters must have crossed in the mail.
I want to tell you once more of my sincere appreciation of your very kind attitude and effort in my behalf.
Sincerely, [2271]