This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 4th day of October, 1929, in accordance with request made by self - Mrs. [2485].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Dr. [2659] and Mrs. [2485], Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. Johnson, Miss Mills, and L. B. Cayce. Born November 20, 1884, Norfolk, Virginia.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces, as are latent and exhibited in the present entity.
2. In entering, we find the astrological aspects would be at an variance to conditions as are ordinarily given in respects same. While those as are BEING worked out, rather under the Chaldean system, would be nearer in accord.
3. In entering, astrologically, we find these elements as the influence in the present experience of sojourn in those elements during the interims of earth's experience: Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, and Neptune. In the influences as these have or bring to bear in the present experience, they come not wholly in the order as given; yet love - other than material - rules, governs, guides - yea, GUARDS - the life in the present experience of the entity. Love, or Venus influence, rules or governs the experience. This, then, bespeaks of the advancement or development of the entity, though through many trials, through many varied experiences, has THIS element been attained in the experience of the entity, as an entity.
4. One, then, that - with this influence, with the ennobling forces in Jupiter, brings power with same in influencing the lives and activities of others, even more than is felt often in the entity's self.
5. One that, in beauty, strength, nobleness, and in the elements of same, does the body glory in self, and in the physical do these have their influence in the entity's activities and actions.
6. In Mars, as seen, even the BEAUTY of strength is to the entity a thing to be proud OF; yet those influences as deal with same in an unholy way become abhorrent to the entity, yet in such force, such powers, and in the activities of same, have the changes been wrought in the experiences of the entity, both as to the entity's inner experience, as well as changes in material ways and manners.
7. In those of the Neptune, we find water and waters, with the symbols of same, being the inner influence in the entity's application of those higher elements of love and nobleness. Hence we find, while mysticism is interesting, and the entity often awed at seeming results in same, symbols, signs, and those elements that have to do with constancy as respecting the changes wrought by such influence, is an element to be reckoned with by the entity. Then, in enchantments the entity might be able to influence many, and - as such - might hold sway among a certain character of minded-individuals, yet the love of the higher forces of the elements OF service IN same, changes this to where the entity rather abhors those that are of such element ALONE, as using same - and THROUGH this may gain for self a greater understanding of those elements that make for the increase in power of individuality, rather than an individual amassing power over masses, or classes. This well to be studied by the entity.
8. In the experiences in the earth's plane, and those innate influences as they have to do with the entity's feelings (for many are the influences from such a development as are held as awe-inspiring by the entity):
9. In the one, then, before this, we find the entity one who changed residence much, in the land now it sojourns in, and from the eastern coast to the then far western post the entity came, and carried away the love (physical) of those the entity aided through that period, and journeyed then to the south and near the first post, or what is not known as the first capitol of the land - Williamsburg. The entity then in the name Jane Dundee, and the entity gained through this experience, though - while classed in the eastern land as those that had familiar spirits and dwelt with the cats and the owls for wisdom, yet in the application of that as gained through introspection the entity gave much to the peoples wherever the entity passed, and there may yet be found - in the last dwelling place - the signs and the WRITINGS of Jane Dundee. In that as felt, the abhorrence, or the innate inflection as respecting those things for which individuals held themselves aloof from the entity and the entity's attempts at aid; and to be evil spoken of, even for the good, is still held in the entity as to be studied, as to whether worth the while or not.
10. In the one before this we find in that land now known as the Holy land. The entity then in that period when the Master passed through the land, and the entity [was of] the one [ones] to whom the Master spoke and said "Arise, maiden", [to] then the daughter of Jairus. In THIS experience the entity gained, and in the present over the desire to know more of that love, that force, as emanated through that experience, has the entity sought much - and those influences as have to do with powers of the innate influence does the entity seek, yet fears from within. Here would the entity dwell long upon that experience, could the entity draw much from THAT experience, and ever does there appear to the entity a peculiar sensation when that is read.
11. In the one before this we find in that land known as Egypt, when there were divisions, and the entity among those who aided in the temple service during the period of the priest's exile, and the entity lost through this experience in taking for self much of the powers as should be given to the office, rather than to the individual. Then in the name Unod. In this experience the entity feels rather the awe of those that claim or anticipate power through activity, yet denies power in NONE, but only answers to that that attunes self to the same character of experience.
12. In the one before this we find in that land known as India, when there were the changes in the earth. The entity then among those who came from the hill country, bringing self to a position of power through the conquering of the land, and became its first female ruler or princess, and much power - physical, mental and material - was gained by the entity; much strength was given to the entity for use through that period. In the name Dfje. In the present the entity finds all mysteries of the lore of those peoples most sacred to self, for some unaccountable reason in self, yet the study of those that will be soon unearthed in this lower portion of Tibet (now known) will mean much to this entity.
13. As to the abilities of the entity, and that to which it may attain:
14. The power through the entity may give to many strength where weakness now prevails, will the entity harken to that call as was heard the entity may impart that to others. Remain true to that call.
15. Ready for questions.
16. (Q) Where is her last residence located, in Williamsburg?
    (A) What is known as the Dundill (?) cottage.
17. (Q) What evidence would be there?
    (A) The writings!
18. (Q) When and in what relation have I contacted in previous lives the entity who is my husband [2659] in the present?
    (A) In the post to which the entity came.
19. (Q) Has the entity the possibility of making such readings as Edgar Cayce? If so, what is necessary to develop this?
    (A) Even greater forces may manifest, for harkening to the call of that that brought physical consciousness to the entity, may the entity disseminate - through its OWN speaking force - that consciousness in others. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Datastician

REPORTS

1. 5/10/30 Mrs. [2485]'s ltr. to MHB:
   Norfolk, Va.
   Mr. Morton H. Blumenthal, 71 Broadway, New York, N.Y.
   Dear Mr. Blumenthal,
   I am enclosing a copy of my Life Reading and a clipping from the New To-Morrow of Dec. 29, 1929 [See R2 below], which is self-explanatory.
   In Oct. I requested a reading on the Jane Dundee incarnation and an appointment was made for Jan. 17, 1930.
   Just before Christmas Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce - asked permission to discuss the reading with some of the officials of the Association [see R3 below], to which, I gave my consent with the understanding that my identity would not be made public. He was very enthusiastic about the possibility of securing, so close at hand, the writings mentioned in the reading and advanced the date of reading to Dec. 27, 1929.
   On Dec. 26 at 10 p.m. I was advised that the reading could not be given owing to the fact that a trustee would have to have a reading on that date.
   The original date was not given me and since then have been unable to get any information one way or the other.
   Aside from the fact that since a child of eight years I have firmly believed in reincarnation and naturally would welcome the opportunity to confirm my belief. I am not writing you from a personal view point, but, I feel that this reading offers an excellent opportunity to establish the Cayce Readings on a scientific basis.
   I have been to Williamsburg twice but have not been successful in getting any information from the data collected by Dr. Goodwin the representative of Mr. Rockerfellow [Rockefeller] in the restoration of Williamsburg.
   Any assistance you may render in securing the reading will be greatly appreciated.
   We are deeply interested in the work of the Cayce Hospital, as eight readings in my family would indicate, and are anxious that the work be scientifically established.
   I would appreciate the return of the reading. With best wishes and prayers for your success in the great work to which you so liberally give yourself. I am
   Cordially, [2485]
2. See 12/29 THE NEW TOMORROW article by HLC on Life Readings, using Case 480-1, pages 27-30.
3. 5/22/30 EC's ltr. to Mrs. [2485]:
   Mrs. [2485] Norfolk, Virginia
   Dear Mrs. [2485]
   Yours of May 10th, addressed to Mr. Blumenthal, was referred to me for answer, as it comes under the department in which I am particularly interested and am trying to get data for; not only the Association but the individuals who are interested in same.
   We will be very glad to take this up just at the very first opportunity, but I am sure you would answer for yourself - that if the work is what we presume it to be, emergency readings and the hospital readings - for the time being, until the work is more permanently established in that phase of it - are the more important than the historic; or do you agree with me? We are anxious to prove the information scientifically, just as much as anyone. I think that has been really one of the things that has held back a more universal distribution of data respecting the work; for I have felt that each step MUST be proven as it went along. Of course, we cannot develop all of the departments or phases of the work at once, but we are taking them along in routine and trying to develop them all together. WE had no idea that we were going to be SWAMPED with requests for physical readings when the appointment was made in December or January. True, we try to KEEP each and every appointment when we make it - unless there are conditions that we feel justified in changing for. You may be quite right in saying that we changed your appointment to give it to one of the trustees. I don't remember. However, if so, it was for an emergency reading.
   Mrs. [2485], Mr. Blumenthal can't help you get a reading as much as you can help yourself, if you go at it properly. Appealing to outside won't do a particle of good. We are very anxious to follow this out, but I THINK this will have to take its regular turn. Do you think I am right or wrong?
   With kindest personal regards to all, and hoping to see you again sometime in the very near future to talk this matter over with you, I am
   Sincerely, [EC:GD]
4. 10/21/31 See 421-5 indicating that Miss [421] was also of Jairus' household and "heard that Voice" that called Jairus' daughter back to "service."
5. 5/25/34 See 559-7 indicating that little [559] was "that one whom the Master called again from the deep sleep - Jairus' daughter."
6. 7/27/39 See 1968-1 indicating that Miss [1968] had been "the mother of Jairus' daughter who became aware of His presence to heal body, mind and soul".
7. 7/31/42 See 1968-10, Par. 23-A indicating that [2485] was one of Jairus' wives but not the "maiden's" mother, but desiring that HER daughter (Jairus' stepdaughter?) also received a blessing. [GD's note: In those days weren't all the women living in a household referred to as "daughters" of that household? Many "thronged him" before and after the healing, while in that household, the healing of THE daughter was private and they were "charged" to tell no one. Perhaps that's why many details were not recorded.]
8. Historical Committee's letter sent out to membership:
   The Historical Committee of the Association wishes to announce the opening of a department in this magazine. This committee was created to delve into the historical data which we have on hand and furnish for the members a source of information concerning Life Readings. The members of this committee have for several years been making a study of this type of reading and have tried to prepare themselves to be of service to you. They do not claim to be able to answer all of your questions but they can assure you that they will put forward an honest effort to help you with any problem concerning your reading.
   In opening this department it is the idea of the committee that there will arise from time to time questions that will be of general interest. They propose to answer such questions here. Moreover they believe that much of the data of a historical nature will be of general interest. This will be especially true of archaeological findings which will be used to establish the theory of reincarnation and push back the boundaries of man's knowledge of history. From time to time ancient writings of members of the Association will be used as they are located. It is the hope of the committee that they will be able to publish in the next issue the writings of one Jane Dundee [2485], a witch during the early settlement of Virginia, at present the wife of a well known Norfolk doctor.
   We wish to serve you. Please use us. We are your committee. Signed The Historical Committee [Hugh Lynn Cayce, Thos. Sugrue, Gladys Davis]
9. 2/06/71 (Saturday) Newspaper article from the Ledger-Star by Reba Karp:
   VIRGINIA COLONY NOT OUTDONE BY SALEM WITCHES
   PORTSMOUTH - There's more to being a witch than meets the eye...at least that was the case several hundred years ago when witches were hunted with as much vigor as rabbits.
   "As in everything, Virginia is always first and best and has the mostest," according to Mrs. Richard M. Keever who presented biographical sketches of "Witches in Virginia" Thursday afternoon at the main branch of the Portsmouth Public Library.
   The only reason, that Massachusetts was allowed to slip ahead of Virginia in this category was that "The Virginia Colony didn't have good public relations people or a chamber of commerce then," said Mrs. Keever.
   But Virginia has had its share of witches, she said.
   Mrs. Keever, in her search for witches in Virginia, has rummaged through the courthouse records of Northampton, Accomac, Surry and Princess Anne counties as well as records left in the Virginia State Library, the library at the University of Richmond and local libraries.
   Her findings bear out the fact that "everything Massachusetts claims happened in Virginia before the Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock." At any rate it was the same kind of situation.
   "Actually there were witches waiting for the colonists when they reached Virginia," she said. "Most of the Englishmen feared the Indians or thought most of them to be witches or sorcerers who could do harm with their magic."
   The word "witch," Mrs. Keever said, comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, "wicca", which formerly meant a man who practiced magic.
   "Today witchcraft has a great new interest for the many young people who are looking for some kind of religion that is not formal," she said.
   But in early Virginia, witchcraft took on another meaning. The people, who were frequently ignorant and superstitious considered a witch to be anyone who was against the church, she continued. To be against the church, was "a most serious crime." Consequently, the woman who did not attend, or had her family participate in the church's sacraments, was branded as a witch.
   The first witch of Virginia was the Jamestown witch, a Mrs. Grindon, the wife of a doctor. She was accused in 1639 of using magic powers.
   In 1659 Virginia's Eastern Shore produced the only "verified" witch in Virginia from the Northampton County. "The Rev. Francis Doughty accused a charming lady, Barbara Winbrow, of leading an illicit life. (She didn't attend church often enough for him.) She was brought to trial as a witch, and the verdict showed she was guilty of witchcraft."
   For the lack of knowing what to do with her, they gave her a fine, handsomely-written document declaring her to be a witch, Mrs. Keever added.
   Then there is the story of the witch of Dismal Swamp. She reportedly turned herself into a deer, causing great frustration to the hunters who chased her and lost their way. "People declare today the witch still lives in Dismal Swamp," Mrs. Keever said.
   Mrs. Keever's research shows only one witch in Virginia history who suffered the death penalty.
   "And that crime was committed at sea. A violent storm rocked the ship's superstitious passengers who insisted it was caused by a woman named Katherine Grady.
   "The ship's captain allowed her to be hanged from the yardarm," Mrs. Keever said.
   Although witchcraft was considered a most serious crime in Virginia, the penalty never reached the severity of those in Salem. The Colonists were reluctant to pass the death penalty due to the tragedy of the Salem trials, she said.
   Consequently, there are many records on file where women accused of witchcraft turned around "and accused their accusers of defamation of character."
   The last person tried for witchcraft was Grace Sherwood. She was born Grace White in 1658, daughter of John White, a carpenter. She married James Sherwood in 1680, who was also a carpenter. They had three sons, John, James and Richard.
   Grace, so the legend explains, was accused of casting spells. One family accused her of getting into the pig pens and causing all the hogs to die, another for ruining the cotton crop, and still another said she changed a woman into a cat. In defense the Sherwoods sued many of her accusers. Grace was tried in 1706 and a jury of women examined her for unusual markings, Mrs. Keever continued. Her trial was "by water."
   The test of the witch or "trial by water" consisted of tying the right thumb of the witch to her left big toe and dropping her into deep water. If she sank she was innocent, and if she swam, she was guilty, Mrs. Keever said.
   Grace was tossed in to the Lynnhaven River off Witch Duck Road in Virginia Beach, which accounts for the name of the Road.
   A great crowd gathered to watch "that beautiful sunny day," and among the people, reportedly was Adam Thoroughgood. As Grace was put into the boat she cursed those present, and according to legend, a great cloud came over from Cape Henry and the worst rain ever seen descended upon those assembled.
   When Grace was tossed into the river, she swam to the amazement of all present. However, the court still did not put her to death, for this was shortly after the Salem disaster and they were afraid to condemn her.
   Grace was put in jail and later freed. She lived to be 82, and died in 1740.
10. 7/09/96 JT's note: The great-nephew of [2485] and his wife visited 7/09/96 to obtain copies of readings for [2485]; [2659]; [5508]; [5509]; [5510]; [5511]; and [2729]. They will share the results of their research into [2485]'s Williamsburg incarnation which will be added here when it is received. They also told me that Mrs. [2485]'s sister (no reading) was a student of the original Atlantic University.

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