This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 23rd day of October, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [2385], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., via his sister, Mrs. [1523].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. [1523]. Born February 24, 1906, 6:00 P. M., in Oceana, Virginia.

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: (In going back over years from the present - " - 1940 - yes, a change - '30 - changes - " etc., on back to birth date.)
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2385].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, these are chosen with the desire and purpose that this be a helpful experience for the entity; enabling it to fulfill those purposes for which it entered this experience; thus being warned respecting the weaknesses of inclinations towards the non-creative, as well as the virtues that are indicated with the creative forces in same.
5. This we find to be rather an unusual record in many ways; and there are conflicting urges - as the seal of the entity would indicate, for there are very few seals that would have - as might be said - the reverse as well as front side to same. In this case we find on the one side the indication of the purely mechanical-minded individual, - or the wheel - with motion, or the appearance of same, but divided as to only four directions. Then on the other side we find the tree, or shrub, of the nature that might be called the hazelnut bush; indicating the correction, the growth, and the inclination towards the instruction in things pertaining to theological subjects.
6. The entity would have made a very good minister, had he not become too orthodox by his studies. The entity will make, or should make, an excellent mechanic with things having to do with the turning, - or influences of electronic or electrical natures.
7. In the astrological aspects we find these, too, at some variance, - Venus, Jupiter, Mercury; Mars as combined with Uranus.
8. Hence we find one strong in character yet given to detailed description of things or conditions; and the niceties of associations as well as of things and conditions are of import to the entity.
9. Hence one with a sensitive nature; not supersensitive as to personal things but as to conditions and circumstances, relationships and activities. These are very much indicated in the Venus forces.
10. The home life is of special interest, and is a necessity for the better development of the entity.
11. DO NOT attempt to live alone, then, or among strangers, but make a home and build that which is for constructive forces in the experience.
12. The greater forces having to do with the Jupiterian aspect are of the universal nature in their activity; while in Mercury we find the mental, the argumentive, the inclinations towards the theological - or more of theology, oft, than of spirituality.
13. Not that the body or the mind, or the entity, is not spiritual-minded, but these expressions are for the niceties - as might be termed. To the entity, there should be a reason to reach, and thus the theological portion of the spirituality as might be practised by the entity.
14. In Mars with Uranus we find the adverse influence, or the quick-tempered nature, as well as the extremes at times when the entity becomes moody; at times apparently without cause.
15. The entity may rise very high in its abilities in whatever activity is chosen.
16. There will always be, and should be (and thus with the home there is the greater opportunity for expression) the purposes or desires to be somewhat argumentive upon theological subjects. Keep away from this in the home, however; but do the practising in the home of that you would argue in this respect with others! The home is the best place to try it out; and that which is not practical, or that may not be applied by self, is not well to be preached to others!
17. As to the appearances in the earth, - these, as may be indicated, have been quite varied. There have not been sufficient in number (that influence the entity in the present) as to make the entity highly emotional; yet the entity IS emotional both in temperament and in individuality. That is, the entity ITSELF - as an entity, as an individual - in any group or crowd or mass would be picked out by nine-tenths of the individuals in such a crowd as being "different" from others.
18. Before this, then, we find that the entity was in the land now known as the Chicago or Dearborn area; during those periods of turmoils and strifes as brought about the destroying, or destruction, or warring upon the old fort.
19. The entity was among those peoples that were oft in question as to their activity; that is, as would be termed in the present experience; being a trader, yes, - an associate with the ministers of the period, as well as with those of the dance hall and barroom.
20. Hence the entity was an active force as to the changes being wrought in the land during that sojourn, - in the name then Robert Fellows.
21. Many of the associates in the present were associated with the entity in that experience; and especially the son was an acquaintance, an associate and a friend during that sojourn.
22. Thus we find one of those influences especially toward the seeking for argumentations with others respecting theological subjects. These in the present, in relation to the son, should be an experience for the entity in DIRECTING the spiritual life of the son.
23. Before that the entity was in the Turkish land, as now known, or Asia Minor; and especially in those activities there as related to the mechanical development of the area and era, - as in relationships to the manners or means in which there would be a correlating of the problems of those who kept the records for the Roman as well as the local government.
24. Hence we find the entity was an inventor, as would be called today, and yet active in the political and non-political issues. Though being of the Asia Minor peoples, the entity was partly of Roman parentage; that is, the father was a Roman and the mother was of the Asia Minor land - or of Laodicea and that area.
25. There we find the entity's activities and acquaintanceships were quite varied. Because of the activities, the political issues of those in authority were portions of the entity's experience; as well as of the laymen and the social activities of the land.
26. The name then was Marcus. The entity gained, the entity lost; gained when there were those activities in which there were beneficial effects as to the types and styles and manners of records that were changed by the entity from the rolls to the ability to bind them into books (as they eventually became), and the stylus for writing, and the points of various kinds for the various characters of fluids used for the matter of keeping the record.
27. Hence chemistry and electricity, and those things, at times are of interest to the entity. Hence in and through associations with same the entity may gain in material experiences in the present.
28. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, in those periods when there were those developments for individuals being especially trained for special service and activities.
29. The entity was among those trained as a stonecutter, first; then trained as one to make instruments for the hospital activities.
30. Thus again we find those influences as relate to making improvements upon mechanical activities as a part of the entity's experience.
31. The entity gained throughout, for the associations and activities brought constructive experiences throughout the entity's sojourn.
32. The name then was It-Eldad.
33. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:
34. First - as we have indicated - know thine own ideal, - from the spiritual, the mental, the material angle. Know they are one; they are dependent upon, and must correlate one with another.
35. Study to show thyself approved unto an ideal, - to that ideal found in self. Being true to self, ye will not be false to any.
36. LOVE those things that are creative; not merely argumentive.
37. Ready for questions.
38. (Q) Considering the best mutual spiritual, physical and material development for my family, please advise which of the following is preferable: a. Transfer to Chicago. b. Remain in Pittsburgh. c. Government work in Norfolk, Va. d. Ford Plant in Norfolk, Va.
    (A) As we find, the NATURAL sources for self and for associations and development of the family would be in the transfer to Chicago area. For, it would bring to each an OUTLET that will NOT be in other associations. While it may bring material hardships for the moment, these should be overcome through the advantages, - both as to the advancement materially and as to greater possibilities mentally and socially.
39. (Q) Should I take my family with me when I am transferred?
    (A) By all means! As has been indicated, keep and maintain the HOME as much as possible, even under adverse circumstances.
40. (Q) Has my lack of advancement been due to my attitude of expecting to be advanced on my own merits - without blowing my own horn? Please explain why I feel sarcastic when I attempt to do this, and what attitude I should hold.
    (A) Remember, actions speak louder than words; and yet he that speaks not for himself is seldom spoken of. Hence the middle road should be rather the attitude taken. The natural inclinations are to abhor those that are so self-centered, and yet the DESIRE to give expression is innate within self; producing rather that attitude constantly of one with a "sore thumb" or a condition within the experience of unappreciativeness from others, see?
    Hence there should be more of self in action, in speech.
41. (Q) What were my past associations with the following, what problems present themselves from these, and how may they best be met for the mutual spiritual and mental development of each? First, my wife, [2336]?
    (A) There were many associations, even more than indicated by those that are as influences in the experience of the entity in the present.
    But in the sojourn before this there were the close associations, and yet NEVER the consummation of the association as in the present. Hence this makes for a helpful experience for each in the present.
    Before that there were the associations when there were the disturbing forces, for - through the associations and activities - the entity owed much to that one who is the companion in the present.
    In the Egyptian, the entity almost worshipped the one who is the present companion!
42. (Q) My sister, [1523]?
    (A) In the experience about Asia Minor, as well as in the Chicago experience.
43. (Q) My son, [1990]?
    (A) You had quite a scrap through those periods when one was a priest, and the other anything but a priest!
44. (Q) What is causing the discord between my wife and I since our son [1990] came, and how may we overcome this?
    (A) As just indicated, there should be rather the drawing together than the separating - from this experience. Thus the needs for analyzing of purposes, of desires, of hopes, of attainments. And, as there were those activities together in the experience before this, we find that such an environ - for this entity, or for this group - should work to the advantage of all.
45. (Q) In light of extensive defence program, how may I aid in a constructive service? Through what channels, and when should this begin?
    (A) This may begin in those activities in which the entity is engaged, and would be the better; for these are the correct channels for such assistance. Then let it be the normal thing through the general connections, rather than separate or distinct.
46. (Q) What are my musical possibilities, and how much should this expression be stressed?
    (A) Rather as the hobby.
47. We are through with this Reading.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 12/02/39 Young son's reading 1990-3, Par. 60-A indicated they had been associated as companions, also as father-son, in 2-3 past incarnations.

REPORTS

1. GD's note: Mr. [2385] visited EC and discussed his reading with him. He was extremely interested in all phases of it. He did move to Chicago and lived there very happily with his family for several years.
2. 4/19/42 He wrote that he had been transferred to a job with an electric company, in the engineering or manufacturing end of the work.
3. 5/07/42 Wife [2336]'s letter: "[2385] is so crazy about his work. I've never seen him so satisfied. His college education is coming in handy now. He considers himself lucky that he was transferred to such a good job and with no cut in pay."
4. 1/23/57 Sister [1523]'s report: "I don't know how to interpret the seal given in his reading, but the 'conflicting urges' reflect back as far as I can remember. Also the interest in mechanical things. As a very young child I remember [2385] playing with a toy that had wheels. If it were even slightly out of perfect working order he would spend hours on it trying to make the wheels work just right. This type of thing reflected in his thinking. He will spend much time in talking about any given subject, going into minute detail, explaining the mechanical workings of an idea or an object. By the same token he loves to take the floor in groups, presenting ideas and 'preaching', as it were, about how they work - or should work in theory. This inclination made for 'rebellion' most often in the home, specifically in connection with his wife. He also would take the time to talk or reason with the children, his son [1990] and daughter [2695]. This proved to be something of a karmic problem with his wife.
   "It is so correct that he was sensitive 'as to conditions and circumstances, relationships and activities' - certainly and most often reflected 'in the Venus forces'.
   "Each time he attempted to 'live alone' he would become depressed, feeling sorry for himself, etc.
   "Argumentive to the nth degree, particularly in connection with theology.
   "The statement about 'Mars with Uranus' - so often I have observed the 'quick-tempered' reaction, and the moodiness would come without any particular cause, often confusing one and all. This dates back that I can remember - throughout his teen age life and is still a part of the major stumblingblock. This, coupled with being argumentive on theological subjects, proved to create 'differences' in the home. [See note at bottom of next page.] He has worked on trying to eliminate this, but so far as one can see, not with the success of bringing oneness in the home. "He is and has always been one who 'would stand out in a crowd'; one with high ideals; one who did not have a date until he went to college - and then a minimum of dating; one thoughtful of others - far above the average; one very sentimental; one who does not indulge himself physically - quite the contrary; does not drink, but does not hold a stiff-laced attitude about drinking; one who has kept his moral standards far above the average person; one might say, above reproach.
   "Much of the relationship implied in the reading regarding his son, [1990], is reflected in his life; the son being more of a favorite of his mother and the daughter, [2695], his favorite.
   "He has always had an above the average interest in electricity."
5. 5/16/63 Sister [1523]'s report: "For the last seven years my brother, [2385], has been teaching Math in High School; he seems to be very good at it. Just recently, however, he has taken over the job of handling the transportation problem of all the school buses for the same school (of approximately 2400 students), which ties in with the mechanical and coordinating activities indicated in his seal. He likes this job very much, but he was told that he can go back to teaching Math if he does not like it.
   "The family problems seem to have ironed themselves out as the two children have grown up and are now out on their own."
   [Note: "His wife is a Catholic. It should be of special interest for one to study the father [2385] and son [1990] readings together, since there are so many clues in them as to the WHYS of their karma as a family."]

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