This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 3rd day of January, 1941, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [2425], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by her mother-in-law, Mrs. [2174].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born January 18, 1918, in New York City.

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 entity in the present, 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 - " - '39 - some upsetting experiences mentally - '36 - growth, development, change - " etc., on back to birth date.)
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2425].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, many phases of the experiences of the entity through the earthly or material sojourns, as well as the astrological aspects, present themselves for consideration.
5. But these are chosen with the intent and purpose that this may be a helpful experience for the entity; enabling it to fulfill - in a greater measure - those purposes for which it chose to enter this present material sojourn.
6. For, it is not by chance, but - there being those influences from the race as well as of a physical character of environ created, through which the cosmic forces viewed the opportunities - the entity chose to enter at this particular time.
7. Hence first we would then give that which appears as the life's seal of the entity; indicating, to be sure, in a manner, or in symbols, the composite nature of the developments of the entity in material and astrological aspects:
8. A shield in figure, with a growth or a plant bearing three stamens or stalks upon which there is the white, the blue and the purple bell-shaped flowers; the white, purity; the purple, high mental abilities; the blue, the sincerity; the blossoms themselves, the ringing out of the message as may be a portion of the entity's experience in the present.
9. In choosing the interpretations here, the desire is to awaken more those abilities latent, - that arise from the entity's own spiritual or soul development.
10. Know that the power lies latent within self, and may find expression through whatever channel is chosen; for the response is found in self through the expression of the sensory or emotional forces of the body.
11. Hence these activities, of whatever nature, must be interpreted within self, and not imposed upon others, - any more than would the growth of the flower (as the symbol) in shedding its aroma, its seed, for WHATEVER source that may choose to benefit therefrom.
12. Then, in interpreting the records, two channels of urges arise - as indicated - that are related to material experience.
13. The body in analyzing itself finds a physical, a mental and a spiritual body. Thus there may be the questioning as to why two phases of urges arise. These, as will be seen, are as the cause and effect in materiality, or the body and mind - choosing from SPIRITUALITY.
14. For, the ideal that is chosen - in whatever consciousness an entity may find itself - is acted upon by that embraced, as well as that done ABOUT that conceded as truth.
15. Thus we find the astrological sojourns of the entity-consciousness, as well as the material sojourns from which the physical urges arise, have their phase. By astrological sojourns we mean those phases of our - or the entity's own - sun's environ.
16. Thus to each consciousness there has been accredited certain influences in which the astrological aspects become a part; not because of this or that position of a planet at the entity's birth, or any particular phase of the consciousness or of the urges, but because of the environmental force in that consciousness.
17. As we find, then, - the entity is influenced by Uranus, Mercury and Venus; Jupiter and Saturn, with Mars.
18. Hence the high regard for the occult and mystical forces, or the influences or development of psychic abilities; as well as the high mental abilities from Mercury.
19. Thus the entity is a reasoner within self's OWN right, yet with the environs of Mars at times it is easily upset.
20. The influence of Jupiter is rather the not caring, but influenced BY what the great consciousness of masses may think or do.
21. Hence at times - rather at those periods when the influences of Saturn's forces have been or are a part of the experience - the entity finds it does consider what others say.
22. Venus brings the great love life. For, as has been and as will be the experience, all who come in contact with the entity will learn much of the benevolent, beneficent, beautiful influence of love and what it may do.
23. Many, even from the consciousness of meeting the entity, may be able to interpret some phases of their own physical as well as mental and spiritual love life. For, remember, love - as a soul, as an entity, yea as a physical body - IS! For, is not God love?
24. Hence, - dependent upon their material, mental, spiritual or soul development, - it finds many phases or states of consciousness, or being - that called love.
25. In the entity's experience this is a great part of its consciousness, its experience. From the latent influences, there is not always the peace from same, not always the joy; yet it is an influence that may be made to be the greater motivative power in its present experience of the entity.
26. Abilities as a home maker, as an artist in many senses, abilities of companionship, abilities as a speaker and as a writer, all arise from that phase of the entity's character - or being, rather.
27. Then, in giving the urges which arise from the material sojourns, - it will be found that these will at times appear to conflict with the latent or soul urge. Thus, by many students of occult science or force, it may be indeed said that the entity is an OLD soul; though all souls, to time, are as one, - even as love, as life, is one. And in physical consciousness, it is according to what an individual entity has done or does do about such an awareness, such a consciousness OF this state of being in any or all of these, that gives even the words to say, or to be classified in any such manner.
28. Thus it may be determined that the entity has used the material as well as the astrological sojourns as an active entity, and we find same manifested in the very BEING of the entity in the present.
29. For, whether it is to the senses of the physical being as arise from the awarenesses of the sensory forces, or from the deeper inner consciousness, the entity is ever aware, alive to the awarenesses about the entity.
30. Hence it may be said that the entity is supersensitive to its environs, physical, - just as experienced in the sojourn before this in the material plane.
31. For, the entity before this was in that land now known as Delaware, during those periods when there were activities in which there were the political factions and factors having to do with this land of the entity's present sojourn coming into being as a separate or as a definite country, or government.
32. The entity in its present sex, though not outspoken in activities, was among those who wielded an influence in the affairs of those about them, that prompted the associates, the friends of the entity to be among the first to declare themselves FREE and independent.
33. The name then was Margaret Weiss. In the experience the entity was not only a home builder, but a state and a nation builder.
34. Hence we find in the present experience of the entity that it takes very sudden, very definite stands as to its beliefs in this or that activity in which others may be engaged; not merely respecting the home or the state or nation, but as to associations even and their influence or activity in relationships to questions, - whether they be pertaining to a mental or a material development for others.
35. Before that - which has again come as an urge in the present experience of the entity - we find that the entity was in that land now called by some the Promised Land, during those days when there was the looking forward to the channels through which there was expected to be the coming of the Messiah.
36. The entity was among those of that group chosen as ones to present themselves as a channel worthy of acceptance to be such.
37. Hence in its youth, as well as through those periods of girlhood, motherhood, the entity knew many of those who were so active - as was the entity - in those periods for a DEFINITE religious experience, as would be called today.
38. The entity then was of that sect or group known as the Essenes, and of those who were of the house of David, but of the kinship little to Joseph or Mary - and yet of those same groups.
39. The entity was among those who saw that vision on the stairs, when the first choice of the maidens was made. The entity knew then of the voice of the unseen forces as were aroused within the groups, that made for the speaking with the unusual tongues; not unknown yet unusual tongues, or the ability to make known their wishes to many in many tongues.
40. Throughout that experience the entity gained, though - as many that were of definite groups that set metes and bounds for their activities in relation to groups or masses, or even individuals - there were periods when the entity doubted.
41. But with the advancing of the activities which brought about the fulfilling to the entity of the various experiences, that answered to all phases of not only the material but the spiritual and mental phenomena, the entity was a believer, and among those who in the last day stood at the Cross.
42. The name then was Sophie.
43. As to the activities in the present, - let those things which have and do come be controlled by what thy ancestors have given as religious experiences, and not merely phenomena. For, phenomena - or phenomenon - is but an awakening to that in which there ARE to be choices of activity upon the part of the self, and is as an assurance and not to be boasted of, nor to be other than that of the ANSWERING to that within. For, thy body - as ye experienced then - is indeed the temple of the living God, and there He hath promised to meet thee. There His awareness - even as then - may be seen, may be heard, may be felt, may be tasted - yea, experienced in all manners; but the reality is to self, not to others.
44. For, of thyself ye may do nothing; but as His spirit, His truth may work in and through thee, ye may indeed be a channel, a blessing, a way for others to become aware of THEIR relationship also to that divine experience.
45. Before that the entity was in the Persian land, during those activities when the entity came to know of the teachings of that teacher in the "city in the hills and the plains."
46. The entity asked for and sought the meanings of those undertakings there. In those periods the entity became aware of those activities as tenets that were made practical experiences in the lives of many.
47. Then in the name Zanzeba, the entity gained, the entity lost. The entity gained in the seeking, the entity lost when the application was turned to that of self-gain for position or for fame.
48. In the present experience, let that lesson be practised, "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it will be opened unto thee." But know the ideal, and that the application is for others rather than for self.
49. Before that the entity was in that activity when there were those preparations for changes being wrought in the relationships of Creative Forces with the sons of men.
50. The entity was among those, or that one chosen by Japheth as the companion in the ark.
51. With the relationships to that activity, the entity finds within self the visions of changes, in the relationships that are again soon to be established by and through the elements themselves in their dealing with man and Creative Forces or God's laws.
52. The name then was Rezepatha.
53. To be sure, many other experiences in the earthly sojourns may at times become a part of the entity's awarenesses or consciousnesses; as there is caught the vision in some. But these are here given that there may be the greater awareness of thy purposes to fulfil that He would have thee do.
54. As to the abilities in the present, then:
55. These lie in whatever direction the entity may choose; and these should be rather chosen as definite activities, - a home, a teacher, a writer, an artist. This fourfold life should be the outlets, as it were, one with the other; that there may be the greater appreciation of the abilities, - yea the virtues of the entity, - without the self growing weary in any.
56. Study then, first, to know what is thy ideal, - physically, mentally, spiritually; the ideal relationship of God to man, of man to God; the ideal relationship of home, of neighbor, of friend, of foe. These not as to what others would be, but thy relationship in each of these phases of man's experience.
57. And then know that these are that activity in which ye shall judge thy own relationship to others.
58. Study to show thyself approved, then, unto God; a workman not ashamed but rightly interpreting, rightly placing the accent, the emphasis, upon the various phases of thy endeavor; and keeping self so attuned to Creative Force and Law that others may never find aught for which to censure thee.
59. Ready for questions.
60. (Q) Is there any reason I should not conceive a child now? What can I do to help me in this?
    (A) No. This, as we find, needs only that care, that attention which was given as a part of thy development through that Palestine period; that is: a body strong in the activity of accomplishments in physical strength, a mind attuned to Creative Forces, and an attitude of:
    "FATHER-GOD! USE ME AS A CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS TO OTHERS; TEACHING ME, IN BODY, IN MIND, THE MANNER OR WAY TO PROTECT SUCH AS WOULD BE GIVEN ME, THAT THEY MAY BECOME GREATER BLESSINGS IN GLORIFYING THEE."
61. (Q) Do I have psychic and mediumistic powers?
    (A) As has been indicated, all forms and natures of same may manifest through the entity.
    As to the branch that may be chosen, THIS is to be determined by the entity - when it has analyzed itself.
62. (Q) Do I need training and further guidance other than that which I receive through myself?
    (A) Thy body is the temple. THERE He hath promised to meet thee. Be not overcome by others, but overcome in HIS name - Christ's name!
63. (Q) In what ways have I pursued such activities in former incarnations?
    (A) As indicated, in the manner in which there was the preparation - in the vision, in the activities, and in the directing of others in other appearances.
64. (Q) Any advice as to what form of mediumship I should use?
    (A) Rather this should be, as indicated:
    "FATHER-GOD! HERE AM I - USE ME; NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS THOU SEEST IS THE MANNER IN WHICH I MAY BETTER SERVE THY PURPOSE WITH MAN!"
65. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self - Special Delivery
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 12/27/40 Mother-in-law [2174]'s letter: "You will see the child's quality through the questions she has asked. She has the power of automatic writing and has had interesting experiences with William James... Through an unhappy childhood she used this as an escape. She is now ready, we both feel, to use it purely constructively; hence the questions asked..."
2. 12/27/40 Questions submitted that did not get asked [in 2425-1]: "May I follow my own inner guidance with complete safety? My faith in my powers was shaken by ([2410], psychologist). Should I accept this guidance which took me off my former path? What relationships did I have with William James, now-dead-professor of psychology at Harvard, in former incarnations. May I trust his guidance to lead me on the right path, as he comes through to me? What were my relationships with the following in past incarnations: Mother-in-law, [2174]; husband, [2627], [...], Mother [...]?"

REPORTS

1. 1/06/41 [2425]'s letter to EC:
   ... Farm, ..., N.H.
   My dear Mr. Cayce,
   I received my reading this morning and although I have only read it twice I am compelled to write you at once.
   Here on our farm I shall meditate upon it many times. Some day you will visit us and partake of whatever we can give.
   Through this guidance I shall truly enter my inner temple and receive therein the guidance of divine law, that I may fulfil my purposes in this life. I send you my blessing for giving me what is beyond measure the greatest inspiration I have ever had.
   I was informed that you have readings at 2:00 and so it was then that I entered into meditation. Unfortunately at the time you gave it I was driving through the snow-bound country - but it seems to have made no difference and from my feelings it would not.
   I am a humble soul and so I feel that you have probably not read my reading - but I would be pleased if you should for someday we shall meet. I have so much to speak to you of but it does not come just now.
   I was interested that I was chosen to go on the ark - for here we truly have one which may later come to resemble it in purpose.
   I remain a devoted friend to you and yours, and welcome you to ... Farm whenever it may be.
   Affectionately, (Mrs.) [2425]
2. 1/14/41 Mother-in-law [2174]'s letter: "[2425]'s reading did not come before I left Sunday and things interfered, but it does not matter. I have not seen it but she sent me a digest of it and I know the quality. Nothing could have helped her more and in helping her, of course, my son and myself. It is rather a close circle. I still have a funny feeling inside when I think that it was my son [2627] that brought [2425] to [...] out of the blue - for what - something farther-reaching than we can see, but good - good! The last mental picture I had of her she was walking down a snow-white road into a snow-white world with two goats and a dog (we were following slowly in the car) watching things - did not even suspect - and suddenly Mother, at my side, burst into tears and said she [2425] had come to save the [2174] family - dear Mother whose whole life has been a fear of showing emotion. [2425] up to this time had been using her automatic writing as an escape from a very troubled childhood, but last summer she found all that and now it will all be dear and to have the reading set her free is good..."
3. 10/02/41 Mrs. [2425]'s baby son, [2607] was born. 10/17/41 see EC's experience re [2425] and son [2607] under 2441-3 Reports.
4. 10/27/41 Mrs. [2425]'s letter see under son's 2607-1 Reports.
5. 11/20/41 See husband's Life Rdg., 2627-1, Par. 55-A, regarding their associations as man and wife in the period of Noah's ark.
6. 11/29/41 She wrote thanking EC for the Life Rdg. for her childhood nurse, and now her baby's nurse, Miss [2625].
7. 6/15/43 She gave birth to her second son, [5008].
8. 1/12/44 She requested a Life Reading for him, [5008].
9. 6/28/44 See letter under 5008-1 Reports.
10. 10/01/54 She wrote GD that she and [2627] had separated in 1946; that she later had remarried and had two more sons. She told of recent psychic experiences in which Edgar Cayce had appeared to help her in time of need.
11. 12/09/56 Letter to GD: "My second marriage ended much as my first. This is far sadder than death to see a loved one lose himself, but perhaps through this he will come up, and only this experience with us could make the impression - he learned to believe in others, now he must learn to believe in himself. He has faith now through us, but must find it in himself. I can only pray for him now, as he couldn't be allowed to hurt five others any more than he had."
12. 8/06/60 She wrote reporting on son [5008]'s Life Reading, then: "I am teaching the first grade in ..."
13. 2/10/70 GD's note: Mrs. [...] ret'd a few days ago from placing her daughter in Mrs. [2425]'s mother-in-law's school. Mrs. [2174], the mother-in-law, requested copies of all their readings, since the original part of the school had been totally destroyed by fire several weeks ago including their books, papers, etc. She commented to Mrs. [...] that her daughter-in-law, Mrs. [2425] "has had such a terrible life."

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