This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 8th day of July, 1941, in accordance with request made by the self - [2533], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., via his wife, Mrs. [2390].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [2533]. Born December 22, 1904, in Norfolk, 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, that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we are given the records here of that entity now known as or called [2533].
3. Much might be given in an interpretation of portions of the records here that have not been written right in some of man's made records.
4. But these are chosen with the desire and purpose that this may be a helpful influence in the experience of this entity; enabling the entity - from the spiritual and mental angle - to better fulfil those purposes for which it entered this material sojourn.
5. For, it is not by chance that each entity enters, but that the entity - as a part of the whole - may fill that place which no other soul may fill so well. For He hath not willed that any soul should perish. Thus with each material manifestation there is an undertaking by an entity to so manifest that it, as a part of the whole, may become more and more attuned to that consciousness, and thus glorify Him in the entity's relationships to others in any and in every experience.
6. Each soul was, is, and is to be a companion with that creative influence or force called God. Thus each entity is a child of God, or is a part of that whole.
7. Thus the urges latent or manifested are expressions of an entity in the varied phases of consciousness. In the material or earthly sojourn these find expressions or manifestations in a three-dimensional manner. Each entity, thus, finds itself body, mind and soul. These phases represent the three spiritual attributes that are understandable or comprehended in materiality. Yet as the mental and the spiritual become more and more expressive, or controlling through the experiences in the earth, the entity becomes aware of other dimensions in its material sojourn.
8. Hence there may be the greater expression materially of mental and spiritual aspects of each soul. While body is subject to all the influences of materiality, it may be controlled - the emotions thereof - by the mind. And the mind may be directed by spirit. Spirit is that portion of the First Cause which finds expression in all that is everlasting in the consciousness of mind OR matter.
9. Thus the manner in which a soul, an entity gives expression. And no urge - whether of the material sojourns or of the astrological aspects - surpasses the mental and spiritual abilities of a soul to choose its course that it, the soul and mind, may take.
10. In materiality, then, as may be expressed in whatever environ a body has chosen, it becomes accustomed or attuned to the environs of that particular sphere of activity. Yet these may become localized; or they may become state or nation-minded, or spiritual or fellow man-minded, - thereby altering the manner in which the entity may express itself, though under the same environ of others in that particular sphere of activity.
11. So are the urges from the sojourns of the soul-entity in materiality, or astrological sojourns during the periods between the interims of consciousness in materiality. These are but the lessons that have been learned, the latent and manifested urges that find expression in the abilities of an entity - as in this.
12. Through the activities in the Mercurian consciousness we find the manner in which the entity thinks, - the latent urge in which there is the analysis of circumstance, of conditions, of mental abilities, of the directions of things.
13. Thus any form of activity becomes a part of the entity's experience in which there are the requirements for statistics, for data pertaining to facts or figures. And the entity finds greater expressions in those fields of activity than it would in mechanical or any purely rote activity, - yet these are a portion of the entity's manner of activity. That is, in the entity's activity there are all of the systems represented that may be a part of the experience, but not as mere rote for rote's sake - rather purposefulness in the routine with which the entity might acquaint self, or to which it might submit itself to attain or gain a place or purpose or condition or circumstance.
14. This then indicates the manner in which the mental and the spiritual forces may react. But these, too, can or may be submerged by the will, the choice of the entity; that influence, that characteristic which makes each soul different, or higher, or more universal with the cosmic consciousness, - by its ability to choose or to direct the manner in which the phases of itself may react to conditions, to circumstance, to that as may be the choice of the entity.
15. In Venus also we find those urges latent and manifested. While there is the appreciation of beauty, the appreciation of art, the entity would never go "haywire" (for a slang expression) over anything of the kind. It has its place, yes; it has its influence, yes; but to the entity let it have its influence upon whom it will and "I will choose that I like and that I dislike." This becomes the matter of fact urge from the Venus activities.
16. Also the marital relationships become not merely as something that should be an obligation, but rather as an opportunity, - as a relationship that should have its part in the experience, for not only the material but the mental and the spiritual satisfactions, as well as necessities in the experience of the entity.
17. Thus the entity itself finds that it will ever be true to those promises or vows made, - not only as an obligation but as for the beauty of rote as expressed in Venus as well as in Mercury.
18. From the sojourns of the entity in Neptune we find rather the influences of water, as well as things coming from water, are a part of the entity's experience.
19. Thus the entity should ever keep a pearl about the self or upon the person, not only for the material vibration but for the ideal expression. For, it will be an omen, - not only because of the vibrations that it may give to self but because of keeping the even temperament, yea the temper itself. For the entity can get mad, and when it is mad it is really MAD!
20. This arises more from the material sojourns than the astrological, - for these the entity chose to meet in the material rather than the fourth and fifth dimensional phase of its activities.
21. As to the sojourns in the earth, - these, too, have their place; rather as indicated in the emotions, while the astrological sojourns manifest an awareness in the mental thinking - or the manner of thinking, or the manner of approach from the spiritual through the mental to the material. The manifestations from the material sojourns are found in the emotions, in the mind, the body and the spiritual, according to the judgment or choice of the entity.
22. Not all of the appearances in the earth plane may be given at once, yet these are chosen as the indications to which the emotions and activities of the body turn, - and that there may be the helpful forces:
23. Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, but in quite a different portion of the land; during those periods just before and during the American Revolution.
24. The entity was a character there, the story of whose power and influence wrought has not been completely given. For, the entity was first a philosopher; a teacher, a farmer, a general in the Continental army; the entity who left his plow, his oxen, and went in defense of an ideal, a purpose; one who defended itself by riding down a very steep steps to escape from those who would produce or bring about activities in the experience of the entity that would have been at variance to the purposes of the entity.
25. Through the experience the entity gained, not only in its purpose but in the material manifestations, - in that it was more and more selfless, more and more purposeful for the greater good, not only materially but mentally and spiritually; that men might be free.
26. From that experience we find in the present the love of, and the search for, unusual historical facts; the love of certain characters of books of adventure, and of those pertaining to the basis upon which various thoughts or movements have been founded, - whether religious, political or economic. These are the expressions found in the present experience of the entity.
27. The name then was Israel Putnam.
28. Before that the entity was in the Aryan land, in the periods when there was the spreading of the church through Laodicea; during those activities of the part Grecian and part Roman experience, of which the entity was a part.
29. Then the entity was among those who heard of, who analyzed, and then eventually accepted, the teachings of the early church in Laodicea. Then, though, the entity was of the Romans who made an analysis of the people's activities as related to the home and the government activities in the land.
30. The entity was not a soldier, but rather as a political guide; yet gave expression of its activities among its fellow men by being a part of them, - not as a spy upon these of other faiths, but rather as one that would give counsel and advice to aid those who were put in authority, or the natives who were put into their place of activity because of their abilities.
31. The entity's training brought the experiences of a mind analytical, as to activities, in the analysis of purposes and causes - both as to individual and group activities.
32. Thus in the present, in any phase of activity that would have to do with the analysis of the abilities of individuals for useful service in relationship to groups, or to family, - whether semi-political, economic or social, - the entity may find the channels through which there may be the greater expressions in its relationships to others.
33. The name then was Belden.
34. Before that the entity was in the Persian land, during those periods when there arose the turmoils between the bedouins or Arabians and those of the Persian land; when the activities of Croesus made for the greater rule through the eastern portion, extending to the great sea.
35. The entity was an interpreter, and might be called the keeper of the treasury for Croesus. For, the entity analyzed the abilities of the peoples of the various lands, - as to how, in what manner, in what form, tax or payments for the upkeep of the land might be best brought from the varied groups.
36. Thus the entity became an interpreter of signs, as well as of the mysteries and stories of the east; and the entity in that experience OWNED the larger collection of pearls from the Persian Gulf and area, - which is still the source of the most beautiful of these precious stones.
37. Keep such an one about the body, not only because of the vibrations but because of the abilities indicated. For, as is realized - and is oft analyzed by the entity - this is among those of the precious stones that indicates in its formation, in its beauty, the hardships overcome by the very source that made the beauty of the stone itself.
38. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land.
39. There, during the reconstruction periods, the entity was put in that position to INSURE to the families, the groups put into certain services, that the state would look after the offspring - as well as the families, where the activities brought detrimental influences, or separation in death, to those who through their labors provided for such families, such groups.
40. These became, then, those things that eventually grew into the activities known as the assurance of this or that faction, or group, to those that were engaged in hazardous or semi-hazardous activities as of beneficial relations for the whole; that is, the governments, or the peoples as a whole, or to the king or those in authority.
41. Such were a part of the entity's own influence added to the groups in that period of reconstruction. Thus the entity rose to the position of one in power in associations with Araraart as well as with Ra-Ta, and with Ax-Tell (or Ajax) [See 470-33, Par. 19-A saying Ax-Tell and Ajax were one and the same.] who made for the setting up of the principles for those groups in the land.
42. Then the entity was in the name Exderenemus - Ex-der-enemus.
43. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain, and how:
44. First, - as indicated, - know in self thine OWN ideal.
45. The fields of activity and of service materially have to do with statistics, or of political natures, or of insurance. These will find the greater response in the entity.
46. The abilities to WRITE instructions for those who engage in such activities WILL be a part of the entity's experience, if the entity will apply itself in that direction. For, the entity has a natural ability for data of such natures - and to prepare same in such measures or manners as to be helpful to others will be adding, as it did in Egypt, to a STRONG defense for the needy, as well as those principles of protection to all.
47. Keep the faith that ye gained in Laodicea. Keep that spirit as ye did in the New England land. And keep the purposes in Him.
48. Ready for questions.
49. (Q) What place or city is best for my general welfare and success?
    (A) This will depend upon those directions which the activities take. In the present, keep in the present environs. Later these may go towards the north and east. Or, if there is the choice for the directing of others, it will be to the west and the northwest.
50. (Q) Does National Defense offer me any opportunities?
    (A) Only as the counsel that thou may give to others at this time, as to the manners in which homes and families should be protected - by the general or national defense counsel and activities.
51. (Q) What is the exact means or method by which I can consciously reach the divine power or psychic force that is within me and draw upon it for the knowledge, strength, power and direction to accomplish great deeds that will bring about desired ends?
    (A) This lies latent, of course, within self. First find deep within self that purpose, that ideal to which ye would attain. Make that ideal one with thy purpose in Him. Know that within thine own body, thine own temple, He - thy Lord, thy Master - has promised to meet thee. Then as ye turn within, meditate upon those promises from body-mind (which is the soul and the mental self, or the Father AND the Son in activity), so that there arises that consciousness of the at-onement with Him. And there may come, - yea, there will come, - those directions; by that constant communion with Him. USE this, practice this in thy daily dealings with thy fellow man; not as one that would make himself ABOVE his brother, but even as the Master, who made Himself one WITH His brethren, that He might save the more.
    This will bring the abilities to meet the issues, because of thine own inner and former experiences and directions, in such ways that ye may become a might, a power - as ye have in former experiences - in meeting the needs of the hour.
52. (Q) What numbers vibrate best for me?
    (A) Thine own birth date, which is the highest that may be! Two - Two.
53. (Q) What hobbies will benefit me most in developing any latent talent or ability I may possess?
    (A) The study of stones, - especially precious stones. Not necessarily the owning of same, but what part they have played, do play not in the lives of the idle rich, nor of those so begone by carnal forces; rather as that ye may gain by keeping a pearl close about thy body.
54. (Q) What colors are best for me?
    (A) Gray; those shades between the blue and gray, the gray and blue.
55. (Q) When, where and how in the past, and under what circumstances, have I been associated with my present wife, [2390]?
    (A) In the experience through the Laodicea period, the entity eventually became the very close companion and associate with the present wife.
56. (Q) Is [2390] best for my future marital happiness?
    (A) Ye are helpful forces, as then, one to another. As we find, these may change, but these are the better - and may grow the better by the application of those lessons ye gain in thy meditation.
57. (Q) Are children necessary for our future welfare?
    (A) They should be in every home!
58. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (7/08/41 Remarks after Reading: "So perfect, can see myself all the way through it. I'm glad it didn't tell me to change in my work. So many people go into the insurance business as a last resort, when they can't do anything else, but I CHOSE insurance - I gave up another job to go into it.
    "Have always been interested in precious stones - am wearing a sapphire that means a great deal to me. I shall surely get a pearl, now.")

BACKGROUND

1. 11/02/40 See wife's reading 2390-1, Par. 73-A mentioning their past relationship in an English incarnation.

REPORTS

1. 7/08/41 Remarks after Reading [2533-1]: "So perfect, can see myself all the way through it. I'm glad it didn't tell me to change in my work. So many people go into the insurance business as a last resort, when they can't do anything else, but I CHOSE insurance - I gave up another job to go into it.
   "Have always been interested in precious stones - am wearing a sapphire that means a great deal to me. I shall surely get a pearl, now."
2. 8/26/41 EC consciously read [2533]'s aura in a group meeting - see under 5746-7, Par. R2.
3. 12/08/41 He obtained a business reading, 2533-2.
4. 8/21/46 Reply to Mary Ann Woodard's inquiry - she was collecting data for her "Beneficient Influence of Gems and Stones" article:
   Dear Miss Woodard,
   Any attempt to determine the direct effect of wearing a pearl upon the mental, physical, and spiritual experiences must finally resolve to opinion because of the interplay of many other forces in our three dimensional consciousness.
   To quote from my life reading, we find, "Thus the entity should ever keep a pearl about self or upon the person, not only for the material vibrations but for the ideal expression. For, it will be an omen, - not only because of the vibrations that it may give to self but because of keeping the even temperament, yea the temper itself, - this is among those of the precious stones that indicate in its formation, in its beauty, the hardships overcome by the very source that made the beauty of the stone itself."
   I purchased an oriental pearl late in 1941, had it set in an old fraternity pin, and now wear it pinned in my shirt pocket. As suggested in the reading, it has become a symbol of beauty evolved by action and friction through continued experiences in its own realm of being, holding ever to an unchanging purpose or ideal.
   So far as I have been able to observe, the effect of the pearl has shown its influence in the mental, physical, and spiritual expressions in my own life. The continuous mental awareness of the beauty of the pearl resulting through action and friction upon a central purpose stimulates my mind to hold and know a main purpose throughout my present incarnation. This of course reflects the statement from the reading as to the ideal expression. This may easily be followed through the metaphysics of the inner assurance of the spiritual acceptance of the ideal and the consequent physical benefits resulting from the law of cause and effect. I cannot speak with authority on the material vibrations. I know that I miss the pearl if I do not wear it. However, this may be a mental reaction. Be that as it may, the pearl remains an omen of the eventual full realization of my purpose in this three dimensional experience. I have made progress during the past five years and will continue to wear the pearl for the results already obtained as well as those yet to come.
   Cooperatively yours, [2533]
5. 4/03/63 GD's note: To this date Mr. [2533] has remained an active, participating member of the A.R.E.
6. 3/15/69 R. Mason's ltr. to Mr. [2533]:
   ROGERS ISLAND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Box 481, Glen Falls, New York 12801
   Please reply to: 526 Gospel Lane Orange, Conn. 06477
   Dear Mr. [2533]
   I read with interest in Ruth Montgomery's book "Here and Hereafter" that Edgar Cayce said that you were the reincarnation of Israel Putnam. I was particularly fascinated by this because I have been researching Putnam's life now for many years. His service in the French and Indian War has been most interesting to me. Putnam was stationed for a period of time on our Rogers Island along with Robert Rogers and his Rangers.
   For your interest, I am enclosing a copy of our publication "The Diary of Jebez Fitch Jr." which was written on our island in 1757. You will note many references to Israel Putnam in this diary.
   I wonder, Sir, if you could tell me if Cayce's reading describing the events of your life as Putnam are written down somewhere so that I could obtain a copy to study. Perhaps there has been further information other than Cayce's concerning events in Putnam's life or perhaps your own recollections may help.
   I would most certainly appreciate any help or leads that you could give me concerning Israel Putnam and sincerely hope that you might find the time to write to me. If I can furnish you with any information concerning Putnam, please let me know.
   Very truly yours, [signed] Richard A. Mason, President
7. 3/24/69 Mr. [2533]'s ltr. to R. Mason:
   ..., Va.
   Mr. Richard A. Mason 526 Gospel Lane Orange, Conn. 06477
   Dear Mr. Mason:
   Thank you very much for your letter and copy of the booklet, "The Diary of Jebez Fitch Jr."
   The Life Readings given by Edgar Cayce usually gave a short sketch of four or five previous earth incarnations, in my case four, that have an influence in the present life. I have enclosed a photostat of the information given regarding Israel Putnam which you may find informative if carefully read.
   I have visited my birthplace in that incarnation, now Danvers, Mass. which in the Eighteenth Century was Salem, Mass. I have also on two occasions been to Brooklyn, Conn. and talked with a few people about Israel Putnam without revealing my interests.
   You will note from the Reading that the history descriptions of Putnam's life has been somewhat slanted to suit the author of the historical account. I find the diary somewhat hard to understand but am working with it to see if I can get more from it than is revealed on first reading.
   I am sending a copy of the letter to Miss Mickey Woolworth whose interest in Putnam seems to parallel yours.
   Of course, I will appreciate hearing from you again on this subject.
   Sincerely yours, [2533] [bp]
   cc: Miss Michael Woolworth, 280 Kearny Ave., Apt. 1, Kearny, N.J. 07032
8. 4/19/72 Letter from H. Robert (Virginia W.) Booth:
   Hillandale Farms, Corporation Hillandale Handweavers, Inc. R.F.D. 2 Pomfret Center, Connecticut 06259
   Edgar Cayce Library, Va. Beach, Va.
   Dear Sirs: I understand Edgar Cayce made a reading on [2533] - from ..., Va. who in a previous life was Gen. Israel Putnam. Since we own the farmhouse where Gen. Putnam died and much of the land that he was to have worked on & planted - would it be possible to have a copy of this reading? I shall be happy to send any money to cover cost of reading - mailing & etc.
9. 4/27/72 Mr. [2533]'s ltr. to V. Booth:
   Mrs. Virginia W. Booth Hillandale Farms, Corp. R.F.D. 2 Pomfret Center, Conn.
   Dear Mrs. Booth:
   Obviously it was not by chance that I was in the library of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., doing some research for a lecture on a subject of interest to me, when your letter to the Edgar Cayce Library was delivered.
   The librarian gave the letter to me for reply instead of having it go through the customary routine of a reply to you explaining the policy of A.R.E. has always been to refrain from sending information from "Readings" given to individuals when the recipient may be identified other than by file number.
   My wife is going to southern Europe early in May, for a vacation, and will return early in June. Later in June I plan to drive to Connecticut and Massachusetts for two or three weeks to see if I pick up any memories of the Putnam incarnation.
   I have been to Danvers and Brooklyn twice but apparently did not spend enough time in the right places or with the right people to awaken memories other than a vague feeling of familiarity with the area.
   I will be making the trip alone for this reason.
   The enclosed copy of one page from my "Life Reading" gives a clue as to the inner purpose of Putnam and remains the same with me today.
   During the last four years of Mr. Cayce's life, I had eight personal "Readings" in which much information of a metaphysical nature was given. The nature of the information is universal in character and does not limit itself to any creed, theological system, and or any one segment of the healing arts. From the tone of your letter, it occurred to me that you may be interested in a somewhat detailed and comprehensive discussion of the philosophy and metaphysics of the information given in the Cayce "Readings".
   Cordially yours, [2533]
10. 4/28/72 GD's note: Mr. [2533] gave me above letter for file and says he is going soon to visit the place and will talk with the Booths.
11. 3/16/88 Mr. [2533] died January 2, 1987, at age 83.

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