This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 11th day of April, 1941, in accordance with request made by the friend - Mr. [...], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [5717]'s friend, Mr. [...].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. GC: You will go over this body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time; giving the cause of the existing conditions, also suggestions for help and relief of this body. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [2478].
3. Now as we find, while there are physical disturbances, these are more of a mental reaction than of the purely physical.
4. While there may be brought about better physical and mental conditions, we find that little in the physical sense may be accomplished in the body unless through individual friendship there may be created within self the hope, the wish, the desire to be well again.
5. Then, do not allow those conditions to interfere that have brought about the changes in the attitude of this body to others.
6. Rather if there will be allowed the body's close friends to approach him, showing the care, the personal attention, the personal desire, combined with the prayer of all of these, - there may be something given, some help indicated through this channel.
7. First there must be the desire on the part of the body, and the creating of a hopefulness towards returning to real activities in a physical, mental and material way or manner.
8. Through the channel of that one seeking this information, much may be done - if there is the time taken to accomplish same.
9. Ready for questions.
10. (Q) Just what should be the first steps taken by [...] [friend] to create a desire in the body to be well?
    (A) Go talk, speak, reason, work, pray with the individual.
11. (Q) How long should the body remain where he is?
    (A) This, of course, depends upon the attitude taken by those who are in charge of the body at present, as well as the circumstances surrounding same.
    But more may be accomplished by the one seeking this information, than may be done through other channels.
12. (Q) Would another Reading be helpful later, if the desire is created in the individual?
    (A) If there is the desire from the individual seeking help, yes; that is, from [2478], see?
    We are SURE that help may be brought, if there will be the attempt - not to intervene in the conditions, but to get the mind of [2478] to react so as to WANT, to DESIRE, to return to activities!
    Then much may be accomplished.
13. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Mr. [...] [friend]
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (Let us know when you have been able to secure Mr. [2478]'s cooperation, and another Reading will be made - without cost to you.)

BACKGROUND

1. GD's note: Mr. [2478]'s friend had previously referred Mrs. [5670], Mr. [5656] and Mr. [2371] for readings.
2. 4/09/41 Friend, Mr. [...]'s letter [whose application showed that Mr. [2478]'s wife had died a few months ago, and that he had two adopted children.]:
   Mr. Edgar Cayce. Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:-
   Please accept my thanks for your letter of the 2nd.
   The party I am interested in has greatly befriended me upon several occasions. I have known him for about 14 years.
   Recently he has had several tragic events in his other-wise peaceful and financially successful life. The point was reached where he turned his entire affairs over to attorney, a mutual friend of his and mine.
   When I was in Ohio last week end I discussed your work with his attorney, advising that he obtain your services. Then when I returned to Philadelphia I sent him a copy of your letter of the 2nd to me. Inasmuch as you stated that it would be necessary for the subject to be aware of the reading he felt that nothing could be done, not only because of his skepticism but the anticipated skepticism of the subject as well. Consequently I have returned to him, this day, the check mailed to me for your fee.
   This has been a great disappointment to me. I have the utmost faith in your gifted power to be of help in a much needed instance. Such a vast amount of good could be done by the subject if he were in position to resume his business activities.
   As I previously mentioned, my motive is entirely unselfish. I implicitly believe in Divine Power and have literally lifted myself up "by the boot straps" through association with the Oxford Group and following its teachings. I feel absolutely confident that I am again on the road to the accomplishment of many good things.
   Under these circumstances I am wondering if you feel that you could accomplish any good in readings. I would want both mental and physical and would have to have a little time to pay your entire fee. Enclosed is a cashier's check for $10.00 and a judgment note for $30.00 payable in three equal monthly payments. I assure you that payments will be made promptly regardless of results. Also enclosed is application form properly filled out. As you will observe, the subject is in St. Luke's Hospital, Shaker Heights, Room 144 East. If you can proceed I would be very grateful, and if you cannot, please return all of the enclosures.
   I am very earnest in my attempt to be of help, not only because of my natural inclination, but because of my indebtedness to the subject.
   Yours sincerely, Mr. [...]

REPORTS

1. 4/11/41 EC's letter to Mr. [...]:
   Dear Mr. [...]
   Have yours of the 9th - can appreciate your anxiety for your friend, and in same undertook the reading for Mr. [2478] this afternoon. The Secy. will mail you the copy of that gotten in the next day or so - do hope you will be able to do something about it all. If I understand it from what have been told so far about that gotten - you will have to first have to get Mr. [2478] to wish to get well - doubt if there is any one that can do this but you. Will be most anxious to know what you think of the information, Mr. [...], and most of all what success you have in your talk with Mr. [2478]. Am returning the note, Mr. [...], you can send the balance for the membership next month - and should you wish the check-up when you have talked with Mr. [2478] and aroused some real wish to live, the next will only be 10.
   Glad to hear of your help with the Oxford Group, have known some very lovely people with that group - and some marvelous things being done. Was quite interested to find that the Chaplain of the fort near here was a very close personal friend of the founder of that Group.
   Do hope the suggestions in the information will be of help - and assure you we are most anxious to be the means of being of help if possible.
   Thanking you and hoping to hear from you soon
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
2. 4/15/41 Mr. [...]'s [Friend] letter to EC:
   Philadelphia, Pa.
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:-
   I thank you kindly for your reading of the 11th, and for the considerate manner in which you handled the financial end of the transaction.
   In your letter you ask what I think of the reading.
   Confidentially I was told by the party in charge of this man's affairs that the trouble is apparently one of severe mental depression just as your reading indicates. In addition to this I know that there has been certain physical trouble over a period of years, diagnosed differently at various times. At one time this physical trouble was apparently very serious causing quite lengthy hospitalization.
   If I had a reading from you of that phase of the situation I would then be well fortified to lend personal assistance in the manner indicated in your reading which I now have. One of the obstacles in that direction is our relative position in business and in material things of life. However, I feel sure that in time the way shall open for me to make the approach and be of help which I feel capable of rendering.
   At the moment I do not know how or when I can see the party. To create the opportunity will require diplomacy and help of a mutual friend. Then if and when that opportunity presents itself I think considerable skill will be necessary to bring about any good.
   In the mean time I am enclosing another $10.00 and should you so feel inclined to give me another purely physical reading so that we may know more exactly what procedure must be followed to heal and cure the physical trouble, I would be very grateful to you for it. Mrs. Cayce can so frame the questions to you to obtain the best results. If you do not wish to do this, then apply the enclosed $10.00 to my membership fee - otherwise I will send the balance of the fee in 30 days (May 9th).
   For reasons previously given I am extremely anxious to be of help in this case which I kindly ask to be not disclosed to anyone else.
   May I please hear from you. Thanks & regards.
   Sincerely, [...]
3. 4/16/41 EC's letter to Mr. [...]:
   Dear Mr. [...]
   Thank you for yours of the 15th. Am most anxious to be of help here, Mr. [...], but from the information received - I think there is indicated, there must be some desire on the part of Mr. [2478]. Of course we could go ahead and undertake it, but do not believe from past experiences this would do any good. However, believe if it is at all possible for you to see and talk with him, that his attitude would be such that we might be of help.
   Of course we never know what the reading may say - yet when it (the information) has taken a stand have never known it to change, and here it has suggested that there will have to be a desire on Mr. [2478]'s part to get well - then help may be given.
   But you read over the reading - study it a bit in that light and let me know what you think.
   I wish to help - but with out some desire on his part believe it will be useless.
   Thanking you
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
4. 5/26/41 Mr. [...]'s [Friend] letter to EC:
   Edgar Cayce, Esq., Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:-
   Your solicitous letter of the 24th is very much appreciated. I attributed your failure to answer my letter of April 17th to the fact that you felt nothing would be gained by a further reading.
   The reading which you sent to me, I forwarded to Mr. [2478]'s counsellor and advisor inasmuch as I had no way to make the approach individually. Since then I have heard nothing, although I do understand that he has again taken up his executive duties in the business, at ..., Ohio.
   As I explained to you in other correspondence, Mr. Cayce, this is somewhat of a delicate situation for me to handle. I would not care to place myself in the light of an aggressive meddler, or interfering with the affairs of others. On the other hand I feel positive that, through you only, we can get the answer to his problems. During my association with him I was well acquainted with his numerous hospitalizations which would seem to indicate some more or less physical disturbances. For that reason I was quite anxious to obtain a physical reading which I could get to him as soon as possible.
   I am of the opinion that he would personally cooperate if I had the opportunity to speak with him personally. That opportunity I do not have, and therefore am trying to handle the matter in the best way possible in the circumstances, and without his knowledge of what I am trying to do. I am sure he needs help.
   In addition to his own condition, he has a young (about 22 years old) adopted son who is confined. I am certain you could do him a world of good, which I am looking forward to in due time.
   If you think a physical reading would be of value now I would appreciate your trying it. You would have positive cooperation through me, and I do not believe negative through him. I shall be satisfied with your decision.
   With kindest regards and best wishes, I remain
   Sincerely, Mr. [...]
5. 6/09/41 Mr. [...]'s [Friend] letter:
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:-
   Your letter of the 5th was received this morning in which you advise that you think you will undertake a physical reading for Mr. [2478] on Thursday, the 12th.
   This morning I talked with Mr. [...] [[2478]'s atty.] over long distance telephone on a business matter and took occasion to inquire whether or not I could see Mr. [2478], if I could arrange to make a trip to Cleveland. Inasmuch as the answer was negative I would assume that his condition requires strict privacy according to the advice of his physicians. My inquiry was merely a further attempt to create an opening for a personal talk, but apparently that cannot be done at the present time.
   I was informed that Mr. [2478] is in the same room at St. Lukes Hospital, Cleveland, as previously (when you made the first reading). When I return home this evening I will look up previous correspondence and append the room number to this letter. He will undoubtedly be in his room at the time you say.
   If it is Divine Will that we be of help and service in this case your reading shall be successful, and if not then I shall feel that I have been misguided in seeking your help in a somewhat irregular manner.
   Should you make the reading please forward it to me in the enclosed self addressed and special delivery envelope.
   I trust we may be successful and thank you very kindly for all that you have done.
   Sincerely, Mr. [...]
6. 6/12/41 See 2478-2.

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