This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 27th day of January, 1942, in accordance with request made by the self [2677], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., through his mother, Mrs. [2454].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [2677] and Mrs. [1223]. Born May 26, 1920, in Okanogan, Washington.

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: (In going back over years from the present - " - '39 - changes - '37 - purposes and ideals - '23 - a change in the environ - '22 - " etc., on back to birth date.)
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2677].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, many phases of this entity's development through the material planes are to be taken into consideration. But these we choose from the records, with the desire and the hope that this information may be a helpful experience for the entity; enabling the entity to better fulfil those purposes for which it entered this present sojourn.
5. From the latent and manifested urges that arise in the experience of this entity, these have their impulse from definite activities of the mental or physical being, as well as those experiences or consciousnesses of the entity in those realms to which it, the entity, was attracted during those interims of experience in a physical consciousness.
6. That these urges at times conflict may be seen from the character or nature of the urge, and the sources from which the urges arise.
7. In the attempt to visualize for the entity a point from which to reason, or from which the purpose may be drawn, the terms used do not always adequately fit; yet these represent, or are the shadow of, that nearest akin to the terms that may express same - if there is the study of all the information intimated as to the sources of influence upon a mental and spiritual entity.
8. All has its concept in the spiritual purpose of an entity, and the basis of same may then be said to be that from which the activity arises; and the use of the urge may be according to the sincerity of the entity's desire to seek the SOURCES of wisdom, or knowledge, or understanding.
9. Thus, as we have for this entity, - when there is taken a composite view of urges from the material sojourns AND the astrological aspects, or the consciousness of the entity through the periods of consciousness in other than the purely physical realm, - these are latent:
10. One rather stern in his judgment of individuals.
11. One rather prone to set metes and bounds about his OWN conduct and less prone to do so for others.
12. One prone to read or search the experiences of others in a great measure.
13. One of a mathematical turn of mind, and yet seeking expression as to the whys or reasons for same.
14. One attracted to music and the harmonies, or the mechanics of same rather than the actual application in its own self.
15. A good critic then of music, as well as of writing or authorship.
16. One rather mystical in its judgments.
17. Thus, as indicated, overlapping that as may be said to be mathematical or purely the reason, - or the intuitive natures also.
18. Hence we find a great confusion, as might be termed, in the astrological aspects.
19. In Mercury we find the high mental abilities. And remember, mind is the builder, - whether in spiritual, material or mental, in its fuller term mind is the builder.
20. Also from Venus and Jupiter there is the appreciation of art in its mechanics, as well as in that for art's sake. In Jupiter, too, we find the sincerity, as well as the abilities to be a good conversationalist, and yet ever leading, directing or controlling others' manners of activity.
21. Hence we find that the entity would make a good corporation lawyer, or a materially successful one; though, unless there is kept a spiritual import and the source of that represented in keeping with the ideals, this would eventually pall on the entity's nature.
22. In Mercury and Jupiter we find the abilities in the field of engineering or mathematics. Thus, if there is the necessity for service of a personal nature in the army warfare, seek expression in the signal or communications corp, that makes for the use of such abilities; and these may be part of the entity's experience in this sojourn.
23. But prepare self for corporation or coordination, or company service; not the prosecutor. Rather one to keep people out of, not to defend them in, wrongdoing.
24. As to the sojourns in the earth, we find - as may be indicated by the astrological lapping, as in Uranus and Saturn's changes, as indicated by the earlier environs of the entity even in the present sojourn, - these may be said to be the key, - that is, the sudden changes that have come about are not merely circumstance nor chance, but a part of the whole influence that is necessary.
25. For, reason in the physical from this premise: God IS. Man is. Man is an enigma to himself, unless there be an influence from without that may work within.
26. The body of the individual soul, then, is the temple of the living God. God is God of the living, NOT of the dead.
27. While ye may never be a Paul (though ye may reason as well), remember that Paul had a vision. So may ye, if ye ask for and live such a life as to be worthy to be the channel for the expression, the manifestation of that power in thy seeking.
28. Ye have the faculty, the ability. Seek and ye shall find. Not without but from within. For in thine own temple He has promised to meet thee. He hath not willed that any soul should perish, but hath with each temptation prepared a way of escape. Thus He hath given, "If ye will be my son, I will be thy God - Though ye may wander afar, if ye call I will hear, and will answer speedily."
29. These, then, are not just sayings, but experiences that may be thine own. They are for the asking and the acting AS the son and not as a stranger or an alien.
30. Before this, then (and the appearances have been quite varied!), the entity was in the land of the present sojourn, - in and around that place known as the "city of brotherly love." It was during those early periods when those laws, rules and regulations were being formed for the direction of the colonists; when there were the groups gathering for the declarations for the rule of self.
31. The entity with the associate, Zolocoffa, made those suggestions that brought to the writers of the declaration, the declarers of the constitution, activities.
32. Then the entity was in the name Barton Kern, an associate of Zolocoffa - the brother in the present, [2542].
33. In that experience the entity gained. While there were not those offices of such a nature as to become so prominent as many of those whose names in the present represent those activities of the period, the entity was a part of same - and sufficient satisfied as to same in its own self.
34. Thus in the present, as has been indicated, - relying upon those sources of spirit and mind, there may come into the experience the prominence in the present - materially known. Be sure ye measure up as faithfully as ye did in that experience when ye remained among those "who also served."
35. Before that (among the experiences we would give in the present) the entity was in that land when the Master walked in the earth.
36. And the entity was among those, - yea, that one about whom much speculation has been in the minds of many, over what is written there in the records, concerning which many a verbose orator has proclaimed much about which he knew so little. For, the entity was the rich young ruler who declared, "These have I kept from my youth up. What lack I yet?" "Sell that thou hast, come and follow me." "And he went away sorrowing." [GD's note: 7/27/37 See 1416-1 which indicated that [1416] had been the rich young ruler who asked how he might have eternal life, then named Jason. We can only conclude that there were two, maybe more, "rich young rulers." Perhaps Matthew & Mark were recording different incidents of the same nature.]
37. But remember another line, "The Master loved the young man."
38. He whom the Master has favored, in mind or in purpose, may count his soul indeed fortunate. Remember one of those eternal laws, "He hath not willed that any soul should perish."
39. The entity then was in the name Nicholas, and the entity did just that - he came, later, and followed. Who prompted Nicodemus to seek the Lord? Who prompted those that cared for the body when it was placed in a new tomb yet unused?
40. These are the sources of that which is the greater virtue of the entity in the present, - tolerance. This is the basis for patience, and in patience - my son - even as He gave, ye become aware of thy soul and its relationships to the purposes of infinity with the finite, and the ways of man seeking - seeking oft his own undoing, through the gratifying of the flesh and the glory of the own ego!
41. Then, these be channels, - yea, facts, - that may sink into thy consciousness. And the oft reading of same may bring oft the answer to those problems that will arise in thine experience between individuals, groups, corporations even, that seek to conform to judgments pronounced even by others in the finite manner of self-preservation.
42. In thy understandings, hold fast to that as ye gained through that experience. For, the entity then was a student of the law, which meant a student of the unwritten as well as that interpreted from the penal, the spiritual and the marital code. And these will be portions of thy experience in this sojourn.
43. Much of thy ability, of thy understanding, applied in the study of these precepts, - yea, of these concepts of His, the Master's judgments in that experience, will be needed in this world of turmoil - as man begins to learn, "I am indeed my brother's keeper."
44. For, thou may indeed aid in bringing His day to pass. Shun not the privilege that will be thine.
45. Before that the entity was in the Grecian land, when there were those activities in which the arms of the law were exercised by the entity, as well as the searching for the activities in which others might contribute to the material welfare of the land.
46. The entity was among those that were in authority in the land when those edicts were given for the activities in the Persian and Arabian land, in the "city in the hills and the plains."
47. With those undoings, the entity himself then, in the name of Cerciel, came into that "city in the plains," becoming personally acquainted with those activities of the healing, the ministering to those various influences that brought about the building of the city.
48. And the entity returned no more to the Grecian land. For, he became a part of those activities in that land; aiding through the activity of the sons of Uhjltd to bring about that influence which brought those activities of the leader later in the land.
49. Hence we find in the present the interest in things old, things new; those of customs as to their source, and who made them or gave them power.
50. This is indicated in the experience of the entity, in its ability to mentally control individuals and groups, - in that the spirit of a purpose, a desire, a hope, may give an influence and a power to activities that may not be measured by the yardstick of the materialist.
51. Before that the entity was in the Atlantean land, in those periods when there were the preparations resulting from those activities and disputes between the children of the Law of One and the sons of Belial; so that the various groups were sent to the varied lands.
52. The entity was among the children of the Law of One, - the mathematician, the one who made preparations for those journeys through the air to the Pyrenees; later, with those establishings of the activities in Egypt, the entity took residence there; becoming associated with Ajax or Ax-Tell in those experiences.
53. In the name then Pek-Al, the entity made measurements for some of those activities that brought about the buildings in parts of the Nile, as to make for the governing of the waters of same.
54. These activities brought fame, which the entity could not stand - and later brought disturbing forces.
55. Hence we find that the entity gained and lost, and gained, through that experience. Thus in the applications of thy studies, of thy mathematics, - yea, of thy engineering, as well as law, - seek that which is conforming to the helpful forces in each, rather than the differences that make for separation.
56. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, - that to which it may attain, and how:
57. Analyze, ever, thy purposes. Know thy ideals. Put them as upon the pedestal of hope, - not as to worship before it, but as the guiding light. Know the cause of all force or influence, but let it be tempered with, first, thy ideal in spirit. Then with the mind BUILD, and the result will bring harmony throughout the experience.
58. In law - of that phase which has been indicated - material gains as well as success may come. But use thy abilities to unite, not to separate men OR purposes or nations.
59. In those activities which may soon be a part of thy experience, be the builder - often. Let not thy heart be troubled; believe in God, and in His purpose with thee. For He hath looked on thee and loved thee. Forsake not His ways.
60. Ready for questions.
61. (Q) Is there a reason for [2542] and me choosing the same mother?
    (A) Those experiences in Palestine were so close, and their relations were such that they chose those relations in the present.
62. (Q) Is there any particular foreign language I should study?
    (A) Any of those spoken in Brazil, Lima or Columbia.
63. (Q) Do I have any particular aptitude that I do not appreciate?
    (A) Thy ability to judge music you do not appreciate. Cultivate it. It is oft helpful, and IS harmonious.
64. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Mother
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 7/24/41 See baby half-brother's reading 2542-1, Par. 55-A, in re their associations in past incarnations.

REPORTS

1. 2/13/42 Mother [2454]'s letter: "I wanted to hear from [2677] before I wrote you - had a letter today but outside of saying that your work and you had made a great impression on him, just said he would write a real letter just as soon as he could there at school. Then we will find out what his real reaction was. If he can just understand enough to do his part there can be no limit to the good that will come to him. It was just the kind of reading I'm sure [2677] needed to establish firm convictions where before there were only lukewarm interests. The statement 'you are your brother's keeper' was especially significant as we had had several discussions on the subject and his attitude of 'everyone for himself' was a pronounced conviction. Am sure as time goes on we will get further readings on different periods, especially of the 'rich young ruler' period, until we have a clear picture of the background."
2. 3/06/42 Mother's letter: "Finally had a letter from [2677] giving us some idea of his reaction to the reading and I would say it was certainly worth while to him. Am sending you excerpts from his letter [see below] as you seemed anxious to know what he thought of it. He is very busy, said he didn't get registered until 3 weeks after he started school. He was elected managing editor of the ... which is the daily college paper, and that is quite an honor but it means lots of night work but feel sure he can manage it."
   "...Mother, I have not had time to really work out anything on Mr. Cayce's reading, except I do know that the principle of the thing must be sound. I do firmly believe what you have tried to tell me, and it has done a great deal in making me see the things in this life that are important. I have read the reading over a great number of times and each time, it gives me a little more determination to try my darndest to reach the things it speaks of.
   "I am astounded at Mr. Cayce's reading, if for nothing else, because he was so able to pick out the problems that confront me, problems that I really never put into words even in my own thoughts. It is a great help in keeping me at this business of getting an education. I find that things at which I spent a great deal of time in the previous semesters holds no interest for me now, and studies that used to be very tiring, are now interesting and rather easy."
3. 3/30/42 [?] [2677]'s ltr. to EC:
   ..., Washington
   Mr. Edgar Cayce Association for Research and Enlightenment Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Mr. Cayce, and all the rest of you: Perhaps you have felt just a little disappointment in the weeks that have passed since I left after my reading because you have not heard from me. That is as it should be, but do not feel so for I have certainly not forgotten you. It is just that I wanted to figure this thing out myself before I wrote you. It is a slow process, and the fact that I want to believe so much makes it even harder for me to believe.
   I know now that I do believe in God - and it is so strange that a mind could make such a complete reversal so easily. I have discussed this matter over and over with students here, and those that take my old attitude are in some way close to me, for I can see them as I used to be, and I know that they can change as I did.
   When you told me what a help the reading would be to me, I did not realize how true your words were. It seems impossible that those six pages could have so much power. For the first time I can see that there is a deep purpose in man's existence, that we have a goal, not only as an idealist, but as a factualist. That this new knowledge I have is even more true than all I knew before.
   Now, as never before, I can separate the things that are important, and those petty things which take so much of our lives. It is a guide for the true, and a barrier around the false.
   Though sometimes, because of the pressure of living today, I may lose sight of this importance for a few hours, I know that truly, never again shall I be blinded as I used to be.
   I find myself continuing some of the old habits, and am ashamed. I find myself thinking some of the old thoughts, and a wonder falls over me that I could do so. Once in a while, when I find myself being intolerant, or a little impatient, the thought of the reading is enough to erase all the feeling that is negative.
   You have done much for me. I shall try to measure up to your standard. I shall reply in kind. Words are useless things if they are not followed by action. Saying a thing cannot make it so, but a will directed, a mind concentrated, a body energetic, and the thing can be done.
   My deepest affection to all of you, [2677]
4. 6/08/42 Mother's letter: "Yes, [2677] was called into the Army just as his reading said. He takes his final examination today."
5. 7/15/42 See mother's reading 2454-2, Par. regarding their associations in past incarnations.
6. 9/42 Mother reported that he was in training at ..., Utah.
7. 8/43 A.R.E. Bulletin, secondary article under the title, WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A LIFE READING? written in fiction form by [2677]'s mother, [2454], regarding his birth and his experience as the "rich young ruler":
   INTO THY KEEPING
   "I'm sorry to interrupt this nice nap, Mrs. Barmon, but Junior will sleep much better in the nursery." Janifer Barmon struggled back to reality at the crisp tones of the nurse, as the baby was taken from her arms and hustled off to his crib in the nursery.
   She must have been dreaming, - but no - this was a vision, she was convinced - the most poignant experience of her life. In retrospect her mind skipped the twenty centuries since the Master walked the earth and was again at the scene she left when the nurse's voice recalled her.
   The place - the slope of a hill on the far side of a river - Jordan, yes, that was the river's name. It seemed strange, but as she mingled in the crowd gathered there, the sense of strangeness faded. She was one of the many thousand people of all groups and stations - some sitting or squatting, some standing, many kneeling - all intent on the words being spoken by a man sitting at the crest of the hill. Janifer knew this was Jesus and that He was teaching the people there on the hillside, teaching the truths He lived.
   "Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
   Just then there arose a man from among the crowd and went forward. He was tall, young, strongly built, he wore fine garments of white linen bound in purple and lavishly threaded with gold that flashed in the sun as he picked his way to where the Master sat. There he fell on his knees and bowed his head. Jesus reached forth His fine, strong hand and caressed his head, bidding him speak. And he answered, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit the eternal life?" And Jesus saith unto him, "Why callest thou me good, there is none good but one - that is God." And Jesus stroking his head loved him, and said to him, "Thou knowest the commandments, Nicholas." Haltingly and sadly, Nicholas answered, "All these have I kept from my youth, Master. What lack I yet?" Then Jesus said, "One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven, and come, take up thy cross and follow me." Nicholas arose from his knees grieving, for he had great possessions, and sadly walked through the crowd, mounted a lavishly girdled horse and rode around the turn of the hill.
   Slowly Janifer returned to the present and the white hospital room as she lay nursing her new baby, born only yesterday. A white radiance beamed in upon her and the sleeping child. It filled the room, which grew larger and larger, brighter and brighter, until the walls and the ceiling melted into the light, there was only beauty, and from somewhere there came a fragrance. Beautiful music drifted from unseen realms. A quiet peace and ecstasy prevailed.
   Somewhere above, atop an ancient stone wall, an open window shone with radiance, only many times brighter. The perfection of the hewn stones and their perfect forming impressed her; never had she known stones could be so beautiful. They must be centuries old, for moss grew in the joints and was on the stone steps leading down the side of the wall from the open window. Her attention flew again to the window. She sensed warmth and beauty beyond comprehension, then the Master stepped through the open window, and in bare feet descended the mossy steps and was beside her. His face was the same as before, beautiful and serene, the creamy gray of His robe took up life; the same strong hands reached out and rested on the sleeping babe. Then He began to speak:
   "Janifer, I have given into thy keeping this soul, - it is the soul of Nicholas whom I love. Give to him the precepts of My Father; teach him the Way. Yea, these concepts will be needed in this world of turmoil as man begins to learn; 'I am indeed my brother's keeper." For he may aid in bringing His day to pass. Shun not the privilege that will be thine. Thou art chosen to train him in the ways of righteousness."
   Here the voice of the nurse had broken in, and everything had resumed to normal status but Janifer. Never again would she be as before. As she meditated on these things, and thought back over the months before this child's birth, she realized that many times she had been conscious of a presence, other than herself, at times she had almost heard a voice. She had been aware of a personality that had already manifested itself in the infant body of her son.
8. 8/15/43 [2677]'s ltr. to EC:
   Stanford Univ., Calif.
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   It has been well over a year now since an afternoon in January that I shall always remember - an afternoon in which a whole new world opened to me. It has also been over a year since the day when I took off my civilian clothes for the uniform of the Army of the United States.
   In that year, Mr. Cayce, many things have happened to shape the forces which shall control my destiny. The job is not yet finished, nor will it ever be, yet there is a road ahead, and thanks to the greatness of some human souls, I have been given a map. A map, it is true, with which I am not too well acquainted; a map which I have not followed too closely; yet I know that as each day goes by, as each milestone is passed, the significance of what I have learned will become more and more important.
   Through the patience and confidence of my mother, and through the Corporation, I have learned a new philosophy, a philosophy which is slowly crystallizing into a code, a way of life. It is true that I am slow - that always I have not followed that code - yet with each deviation, the ties become stronger - not weaker. If I do not write often, if at times you become worried about the worth of your work, know that I am one more friend among the thousands who will want to become more and more acquainted; yes, one who will want to become an active member when this war is over.
   For the present, the army is giving me specialized training in Area and Language at this University. The purpose, it does not make clear, and we can only guess, but the value is clear, and I am indeed thankful for this opportunity. Someday, I shall have to pay this debt back - they are giving me an education in trust, and I hope I shall not weaken and betray that trust. Your work has certainly gone to better equip one soldier, at least, for his job.
   Mother wrote me a few weeks back that she had arranged an appointment for a reading for Miss [3355], whom I plan to marry. Mr. Cayce someday you shall meet Miss [3355] and you will know why I wish a reading. She has beauty and goodness - a depth of emotion one seldom encounters, and yet inside, she is sad, terrifically so, and doesn't know why. So Mr. Cayce, I would like to find out what I may about her chances for a reading.
   I have mentioned you several times to her, frankly she doesn't seem at all pleased with what I have told her. Of course, Mr. Cayce, I shall discuss the whole matter when we get together on my first furlough. That will be October 2nd. I would like to hear from you about the possible date for the reading, and what I must do - [3355] has already given her approval for that, only I have much to explain about your work, and all that I know. In closing, I wish to express my congratulations for the book - There Is A River. Many of my friends have shown a deep interest in your work, and the book has been a wonderful source of material for our discussions, which incidentally are quite common in the barracks.
   My address now is: S/Sgt. [2677], Stanford University, California.
   Sincerely yours, [2677]
9. 8/25/43 EC's ltr. to [2677]:
   S/Sgt. [2677], Stanford University, Calif.
   Dear [2677]
   I thank you very, very much for yours of the 15th. I feel that if we accomplished nothing else than what you indicate that is your experience with the work, I would feel that it would not have been in vain. Yes, many strange and curious things have happened since you were here. The world seems to be torn between many confused thoughts and activities. That your life and the work that they are giving you to do is in keeping with the suggestions made in your reading is just as much of a mystery to me as I know it is to you, but God in His wisdom moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.
   Yes, I know it isn't easy, but it brings something of a peace that most of us find others do not have that hasn't come to know Him as a directing influence in the life.
   We have been privileged to have your mother with us at several of our meetings in the last year and once in a while, Mr. [2746] has been here, too. They are wonderful folks, do you know it? And we all think worlds of them, and I am sure your mother would never, knowingly, direct anyone in the wrong way. She has made several appointments. They are all through next Spring, for everything in this year has been taken up and almost doubly, but I am making a special reading for you for the young lady. I am sending you one of the booklets - I do not know whether you have it or not. You may want to discuss this with her or you may want to get a copy of the Sept. issue of Coronet which tells of one phase of the work, and I know that you know that our only purpose is to be of help. The date I have set for yours is the afternoon of March 2 from 3:30 to 4:30 EWT. Let us know if this time will be satisfactory and I will acquaint your mother with the fact that I have given you a special time for I do not recall that she had mentioned to me, but I believe her's that are in April and May are for you. Do, when you have the opportunity, write us again for we appreciate your letters. We think and speak of you quite often here. Hoping to be of a real service and with every good wish, I am
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
10. 11/10/43 See 3355-1, Par. 27-A--29-A in re marriage with [2677].
11. 4/24/44 Mother's letter: "[2677] is in the mountains of Calif. for a toughening up. Came out of Stanford the 1st of April. Says he is the toughest one in his outfit. Not bad for one the Coast Guard and Navy turned down for complete disablement for rheumatic thrombosis. That came through Unity. I am teaching at Unity Center here now."
12. 5/31/49 Mother's letter:
    "[2677] takes his bar examination next year - year from this June. He was chosen out of all the students at ... Law School, last fall, when only a Junior, as Assistant Professor of Law with full pay.
    "He has followed his life reading - 'Study to keep people out of trouble instead of getting them out of trouble' - international law, which he's preparing for, and all the languages. Now he has learned 4 languages - certainly has gotten the breaks - went to school almost all the time in the Service, even when he was in the Battle of the Bulge, he was able to have a German tutor. When he came home he had the German language."
13. 5/22/53 Mother's report: "[2677] is prosecuting attorney now, in ..., Calif., where he lives."
14. 5/19/58 Mother's reply to Questionnaire: "Yes, he did marry [3355] and they now have three children."

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