Edgar Cayce Readings, 2285-1

READING 2285-1
M 16 (Student)

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 24th day of June, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self through mother, Mrs. [1663], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. [2285] and [1663]. Born May 17, 1924, in Durham, North Carolina.

Time and Place: 10:55 to 11:50 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. ..., N.C.

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: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2285].
In giving the interpretations of the records we find here, many varied things or conditions appear to become a part of the experience.
We find that the entity has had many experiences in the material sojourns; thus the entity is an imaginative as well as quite an emotional body, - being influenced by many conditions, many activities and many phases of the experiences of the entity through the material sojourns.
But these sojourns are chosen from same to be given, that this may be a helpful experience, that the entity may realize the purposes for the entering into the present sojourn.
Being forewarned, be forearmed.
Many have been the virtues, many have been the vices of the entity through the experiences.
There would also be given some warnings regarding the physical activities. Beware, within the next year, of injuries to the limbs or extremities. These may or may not be a part of the experience, dependent upon the application of the opportunities and conditions within the experience of the entity; and these will be pointed out, as to why such urges are existent and from whence they arise.
As to the elemental influences having to do with the entity's experience, - we find that the crystal as a stone, or any white stone, has a helpful influence - if carried about the body; not as an omen, not merely as a "good luck piece" or "good luck charm" but these vibrations that are needed as helpful influences for the entity are well to be kept close about the body.
The astrological aspects are many, as are the urges from material sojourns.
Neptune, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Mars, - all are a part of the entity's experience, or the environs of such. These are latent and may develop, and there are other influences which draw or impel also; yet know that no influence surpasses the will of the entity, for that - the will - is the birthright from the creative forces, that brings the abilities of the entity to choose for itself that which it may manifest in its experiences through this particular sojourn.
From the Neptune influence we find that having to do with water, or individuals or conditions coming from over waters, will or may have a direct influence upon the entity for good, - dependent upon the use of same.
The ability as an eloquent and a direct speaker becomes a part of the entity's experience. Thus, any phase of material activity in which there are the needs for the use of the abilities as an orator or a speaker, or an actor in that direction, would be well for the entity to consider seriously.
In Venus we find the love of the NATURAL, or of NATURE; of harmonies, of those influences having to do with the depicting of the natural, or of nature, in forms of music or art. As to directing the activities in these channels or directions, we find that these used rather in conjunction with the abilities as the speaker or the orator or the like would be the most helpful, - as in an illustrative way or manner, by giving expressions to same rather than by the mental or physical activities in same. But the appreciations of these, and the harmonies from same, become portions of the entity's experience.
Also from Jupiter we find the universal activities of the entity; but remember, this becomes something of a secondary nature to the beauty and truth and the ruling influences as may be had through the activities in relation to the forces about the entity, in its using of its innate and manifested abilities.
From the Uranian influence we find the sudden extremes that at times may occur in the experience; and at other periods the entity oft may appear to be indifferent; yet latent and manifested deep within is the study of all phases of things pertaining to the unusual, or the occult, - and these may be developed, according to the will of the entity. But let that indicated as to the purposes and abilities be a guiding influence in the study or the use of such searchings as the entity may do in this direction.
As to Saturn's influences, from which the changes of activities are indicated, - these also become secondary; though they may appear at times in this experience to be very sudden, very unusual. This, to be sure, is a natural thing from Saturn's children, - as to how and where, and the manners in which certain, definite things are sought to be removed from the experience by the entity, yet that find a creeping in here and there.
In Mars, - beware of firearms of any character or nature. The use of same is never advised for this entity, in any form. Neither is the allowing of self to be influenced by grudges that may arise, or of being "gathered in" or "drawn into" disputes as may arise through companions or associates in any way or manner. For, from both the Uranian and the Saturn influence, we find that the tendencies are for the entity to become too easily led into becoming self-indulgent in the desires as to the little things, and the variations that such might bring into the experience not only of the entity but of those with whom it might be associated.
All of these are latent and manifested, dependent upon the manner in which the entity applies self in those directions.
However, from the Mercurian sojourn we find the abilities for good judgments as to activities. Oft the entity senses much as to others, and yet desires rather to hold same in abeyance without becoming very talkative about same.
Hence it may be said that the entity is one who can easily keep secrets, and may oft be able to keep what is called the poker face.
Rather we would give that there be cultivated that ability in the entity's activities to see even at times the highly ridiculous; but keep ever the sense of humor throughout all the relationships with things, conditions or individuals.
Thus the judgments of the entity, through the latent and manifested abilities, may enable the entity oft to judge better those conditions and happenings which may be a part of the experience.
As to the appearances in the earth - we find that these have been quite varied as to the aspects of their activities.
Before this the entity was in the Salem land, or the Salem vicinity, during those activities in which there were many meetings or counselings concerning the activities of a young people, or a young nation; finding or determining a place in the activities of a universe, and its relationships to other groups, other lands.
There the entity was somewhat active, somewhat outspoken; for the entity then, because of its abilities as the speaker, as the orator, was able to influence many varied groups.
Hence a knowledge of commercial law, or even penal laws or the various groupings of same, would be well for the entity to make a part of the material experience. For, as might be said, - but dependent upon the use of its abilities, to be sure, - the entity is one destined to be a natural leader. There will oft be the opportunity, then, through this experience, to either accept and become a part of, or to reject and still be in relationship to, public offices dealing with state as well as the activity of the nation.
Through that experience the entity gained in the greater part of its activities. Not only did the entity become acquainted with the relationships of those groups or colonies or various settlements but the problems of each of them.
Hence there was an interest in, and a knowledge concerning, the unusual or mystic or occult influences; yet the entity was not affiliated with or outspoken concerning many of those things carried on through periods in which the entity was active in that experience.
The name then was Morton Sedgwick.
Before that the entity was in the English land, during those periods when there were various groups gathering for activities in the Holy Wars - as termed.
The entity then was among those who offered themselves for an ideal, and who planned many of the forms of campaigns, - in which there were the abilities for the groups in any number to be transported to the lands where there were special activities sought.
Hence in the present we find that all forms of transportation are of an interest, latent and manifested, - whether pertaining to the air, the water, the railroads, the bus, or any form of travel.
Hence in the direction of transportation, or such, the entity might find an outlet through the present sojourn; for the entity is at that stage or place in its experience where choices are to be made as to the direction in which there would be special training given for the activities through this experience.
However, - as we find thus far indicated, and as will be seen from the manifested phases of the many urges latent and manifested, - the greater abilities lie in the direction as a speaker, as an orator; whether this be from the platform, from the stage, from the pulpit, or from the court room. Whatever form or phase of this that may be chosen by the entity will be an outlet for the latent and manifested abilities.
The name in that sojourn was James H. Livingstone. It may be said that the entity gained and lost; gained when the application was more of a universal nature, lost when it was turned into activities which were only for the consideration of self-indulgence.
Before that the entity was in the Promised Land, during that period in which the Master walked in the earth.
The entity was among those closely associated with, and among those endowed of, that group of seventy who were sent as emissaries through the land to proclaim periods in which there would be activity of the Master as combined with the teachings and ministerings of many of the Apostles.
Hence the entity was acquainted and associated with many of those activities. Throughout that period it may be said that the entity gained; for the urges latent in the present from that sojourn are for the considerations of such high moral as well as mental and spiritual things, and their influence in the experience of the entity.
Thus we find that oft those things pertaining to such, through the experiences of the astrological aspects, may at times become very tormenting, as it were; yet at other periods there are the feelings that there must be the greater knowledge of, the greater associations with, and the greater expectancies through the experiences of, those who proclaim such teachings. Yet there is ever the feeling of the entity that ALL is not told of those activities, or of those experiences of the peoples or men of Galilee, or of the Master as He walked among men.
The entity gained throughout that experience, in the name then of Cleopas.
In the present activities, - leave not out of thy life those urges which so oft arise in determining within self to know the truth of the principles proclaimed by those teachings of that sojourn.
Before that the entity was in the Arabian and Persian land, during those periods of the activity of the teacher Uhjltd in the "city in the hills and the plains."
The entity then was among the Persian peoples, being closely associated with the king (Croesus) of that period; for the entity was - not what later became termed as the armor bearer, but - rather the advisor, the counselor to the king, or being one upon whom the king depended oft for the making known as to the activities of those who had been given missions to perform; not as a spy, but as one acting in the capacity of a counselor, - not one of whom those who were commissioned were afraid, but one with whom they most yearned or desired to counsel through those experiences.
Thus we find in the present the entity's interest in, or the latent urges for, those things having to do with individuals in power, or those in places in which there is the ability to counsel those of all classes of individuals in their seeking out of ways and means for men to dwell together better in a unity or harmony as a nation. Yet, nationalism is not that most manifested, but something just between that AND the privileges of the individual in relationship to same.
Then the entity was in the name Esdresen.
Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods of turmoil and strife, - in those periods when there was the banishing of the Priest, and when there were the decrees and activities of those in authority who determined same.
And in the meetings of the Council, and the various members of that group, the entity was one who became what today would be termed the recorder, or stenographer, - or the one who gathered the teachings, or data, or words of the various individuals who were acting in the capacity as the counselors to the King; also the activities and words of those peoples who made known from one group to another the determining factors prompting those individuals, as to the manner in which they would vote or cast their ballot for the actions of decrees to be made.
Hence we find that the entity was acquainted with all of the periods of turmoils, not only in the King's household and the rebellions which arose, but the attempt of the old King to overcome those activities pertaining to the peoples who were active there first, as well as the periods of banishment of the Priest and later his return, as well as the individuals who came from the Atlantean land for their experiences and activities in the Egyptian land.
Hence the entity in the present has the ability to oft act as the diplomat; yet, as we have indicated, do not become embroiled in disputes, but counsel oft for those who have been in same.
The name then was Ten-Ek-em.
Then, as to the abilities of the entity in the present, and that to which it may attain, and how:
In analyzing the experiences of life, the experiences of the developing years, - take them oft in the light of thy ideals as ye determined through those experiences as Cleopas, and make them conform in the thought and in the activity to those principles so determined.
As to the fields of material service, - we find, as indicated, that the material activities as a student of law and order will be well for the entity, or in any field in which the abilities may be used constructively as a speaker and an orator, or reader, or interpreter.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Will my life work in this incarnation be along the line of public speaking?
(A) It should be along the line of public speaking. Whether in either of the fields indicated, this is to be a choice of the entity; but, as outlined, the better expression of the abilities may be had in those directions through which there has been the greater development in the sojourns in the earth.
(Q) In which specific field is the entity best fitted to serve?
(A) As indicated, that in which there would be the counseling between those among whom there are disputed conditions; but rather this shall be the choice of the entity as it GATHERS its activities through practical application of self, see?
(Q) Could I be successful in some phase of arts and crafts? If so, what specific line?
(A) Could be successful in commercial art, but - as we have indicated - the art should be used AS the means FOR the expression in public speaking, or public activity of some nature, - preferably.
(Q) How can I best start to carry on my life's work?
(A) Study as a reader, as an actor, as a student of all phases of law and order.
(Q) Should I go to college? If so, what college? Antioch in Ohio, or U.N.C.?
(A) Antioch in Ohio is very well, but as we find these of the East would be PREFERABLE for the entity, - especially as its relationships and activities in the field of search and research were in that environ; for there would be greater response to the entity. While it would require a great deal of metal on the part of self, - that is, there would be conflicts, - we find that these are needed, if the entity would find self and keep self in the balance.
(Q) Any suggestion as to which college would be best?
(A) Any in the East, - whether in Jersey, Connecticut or Massachusetts.
(Q) In the event of war, is there some specific constructive work I could do, or training I could take? If so, what and where?
(A) As we have indicated for others, unless chosen by individuals, there will not be the necessity for armed conflict upon land; provided people live as they pray.
If there are the activities for the entity in the fields indicated, we find that the understanding of law and relationships of disputes between groups and masses and the like, would be the better field of service, - and the preparation that will be a part of the entity's experience.
(Q) In what part or section of the country am I to work?
(A) The North and East.
(Q) Am I to marry?
(A) Why not! Should marry, at least twice!
(Q) How many children am I to have?
(A) This will depend upon the companion, rather than upon self.
(Q) Could you describe the best type of mate for me?
(A) One born in October - not born in May or in the months before your present calendar year of October would be the better. Let it be one with whom there is not necessarily so much agreement, but that the ideas and ideals of each are a complement of the other, - but by all means let her be born in October!
(Q) What connection have I had in past lives with my mother [1663]?
(A) This can best be seen by the paralleling of the experiences of each, for in those periods when they were together we find that their associations and connections have made for a complementary experience one toward the other.
(Q) My father?
(A) We find that the associations were in the period just previous to the present, also in the Persian land, as well as the Palestine - for these were twice associated there; then in the Egyptian land.
(Q) My brother Frederick [...]?
(A) We find not such a close association, but a companionship will be helpful one for the other.
(Q) My brother [2012]?
(A) We find that the brother in the period before this was a student of the activities of Morton Sedgwick; for we find the entity then undertook those things which brought later an activity on the part of the one who is now the brother. Hence we find that the associations were not of the physical nature, in that sojourn. Then there were associated activities in other periods, from which the activities may be paralleled.
(Q) My brother Bob [...]?
(A) We do not find an association save in the Egyptian.
(Q) How many years am I to live in this life?
(A) To a good old age, unless the conditions which have been indicated as to warnings should come to be experiences in which much of the activities might be hindered or changed by same.
(Q) Will I, or any of my immediate family, reincarnate with Mr. Cayce in 1998?
(A) This is not to be given, or things of such natures, but is to be determined by the desire, the need, the application of those who may desire to do so.
(Q) Should I go on with any phase of psychic research?
(A) That will be a factor that will grow more and more. Thus let the studies of same be more from the angle of SPIRITUALITY than the spiritism of occult science, or psychic phenomena.
(Q) What is my seal, and what is its significance?
(A) This would be rather as a bell or berry, with all the various forms; but the colors ranging from white in the center to the very deep purple at the end of each little globe or lobe, - as a berry opening, see?
The significance is the ability of the entity to classify itself or to become activative in any phase of endeavor for creative activity or energies on the part of others; thus becoming - as the center indicates - a light unto many.
We are through for the present.
Two copies to Mother
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

6/22/39 Letter from [2285]'s mother [1663] to EC: "...Let me quote from [2285]'s letter to his father, written from the Warner Hotel, Friday, June 16th:
"'We [mother, [1663], and I] stayed at Courtney Terrace up until Wednesday afternoon, but when we heard that the Congress was to be held at the Warner, we moved there. By the way, I'm sure that this Congress about Mr. Cayce and his work would interest you greatly. It even has me fascinated. I went to one of the readings yesterday on meditation [281-41]. Even though I understood very little of it, it interested me greatly... Mother [1663] spends so much of her time talking with people that she doesn't seem to have time or energy to write, but she continually keeps thinking of you... P.S. Mum says to tell you that she is thrilled with this work.'
"This was written without my knowledge and before you read his aura. I didn't know what the child's reaction was so I was pleased with this letter..."

REPORTS

7/04/40 Mother [1663]'s letter: "[2285] was deeply impressed by his life rdg. and is already planning a dramatic course for his senior high school yr. - a beginning for his public speaking later on! I have a feeling [2285] will use his rdg. to good advantage - in fact I see a slight change in him already."
8/01/43 Mother [1663]'s letter: "This is just a little comfort which has come to me as I re-read [2285]'s life rdg. When he went to Ft. ... to be inducted he asked for Army, as he has a deep aversion to the sea. That is why he did not go into V-12 which he could so easily have done. The authorities at ... shoved the child into the Navy and he was bitterly disappointed. But he is a good fellow and is really making the best of the situation and is getting along well at ..., Md. as an apprentice seaman. Now from his life rdg. from an astrological aspect..." [See 2285-1, Par. 11.]
8/10/46 Questionnaire to [2285]: "...Your reading told you that the crystal or any white stone carried about your body would be a helpful influence. Have you worn or carried any such stones and what effects have you noted?..."
8/14/46 Letter from [2285]: "...In reply to your 10 August letter:
"My Life Reading told me that the crystal or any white stone carried on my body would be a helpful influence. Several years ago, not long after my Reading, I began carrying a coin-purse in which I was able to tote small articles of sentimental value which I picked up from time to time. Among the trinkets that I carried and have carried intermittently to this very day - was a small, clear, hexagonal crystal of quartz which, since it is a crystal and is descriptively 'white' or crystal, I have assumed is specifically what the reading prescribed.
"This stone has given me a great deal of pleasure because, as I bring it out of my purse once-in-a-while, it incites a pleasant nostalgia. On the other hand, in all fairness to the results of the survey that you are conducting, I must assert that I have never been able to detect any particular influence, beneficial or detrimental, that can be traced to the presence of that stone on my being.
"I am indebted to Mr. Cayce's messages for much that I could have found in no other way. However, on your tally sheet it must be recorded that I have found no influence that can be attributed to the crystal that I carry.
"Yours sincerely, with hopes that we contributors will hear about the results..."