This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 18th day of July, 1942, in accordance with request made by the self - [2784], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by his wife [808].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. [2784] and [808]. Born December 22, 1898 or 1899, in Alexandria, 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: (In going back over years from the present - " - '24 - yes - changes - " etc., on back to birth date. Then, "December 22, 1899.")
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2784].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them, these interpretations we choose with the desire and purpose that this may be a helpful influence in the experience of this entity; enabling the entity to better fulfil those purposes for which it chose to enter this present sojourn.
5. In interpreting the urges that are latent and manifested, these find expression in the phases of the individual experience. When making an analysis the entity finds itself as a physical being, as a mental being, and as a spiritual being. These are the phases of expression, then, - spiritual and mental, and the material or physical is the result of the activity of mind and spirit in the material or three dimensional world.
6. These in the spirit, for the understanding or comprehension, may be interpreted as the activities of the soul-entity in those interims between the materialization or physical expression in the earth. And these for convenience we call astrological aspects or sojourns. Not that the entity through Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus or Neptune, experienced an expression in the same body as in the earth, but those manifestations that are the expressions of that environ, - just as the body in the material or earth plane is a three-dimensional expression of the mind and soul of the entity.
7. These find manifestations in latent urges, and are the things that cause the entity to think in this or that direction.
8. Thus, as we find for this entity, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Neptune are the expressions latent and manifested:
9. One, then, that is high-minded, in the abilities to reason.
10. Also the entity is one given to be of a universal nature in its choice of relationships with others.
11. Thus those capacities of activity in which there are either interventions, preventatives [preventives], or the building toward a universal consciousness of expression, or the keeping of an equalization between the ups and downs in individuals, or in relationship with things or conditions.
12. Hence, that which should be as a hobby of the entity would be the planning of background for lawns, houses or the like, or anything that would pertain to such - in the planning of same.
13. On the other hand, the activities in the mental would have to do with statistics, and those things pertaining to the keeping of a better universal consciousness or relationship.
14. In Uranus we find the extremes, though the entity has little of Mars in its nature. Yet when there are those crosses between Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune, don't think the entity couldn't fight for its cause! but few would understand the cause of the entity in such; for he would laugh when he knocked you down!
15. These are expressions as in relationship to the spiritual purposes or purports, and arise from those latent urges.
16. In Uranus we also find the ability or interest in unusual or strange happenings, and a good storyteller; while in relationships very moody as to the type of study or entertainment, or those things that would have to do with the mental processes of the entity.
17. We find in Neptune the interest in things on water, in water. Thus the activities of the entity should have to do with things that go upon, in, across, or under water. These are the outlets for the better mental and spiritual import.
18. These, then, if they are directed aright, bring into materialization those things which are the greater helpful influences in the experience of this entity.
19. As to the sojourns in the earth, - these find expression through the emotions of the body; of a mental nature, yet the growth. The mind is the builder, though it is ever tempered with the spiritual import. For, life is continuous. Though the entity may have had varied names and experiences in the earthly sojourns, it is still the same entity, or spirit and mind. As to the physical expressions, - these change. For, all is under the law.
20. And the entity - as others - should learn, the law of the Lord is perfect; it converteth, it directeth, it atoneth in those things as pertain to soul, mind and body.
21. Thus that gift of choice that will make an entity, by its own activity, one with the Creative Forces or God.
22. That is the purpose for materialization in the earth; that ye may be or become one with that Creative Force or God.
23. Thus ye choose within thyself that ye will do with thy ideal.
24. Then the entity should choose, should know in self, what is thy ideal, - spiritual, mental, material. Do not attempt to attain to the material ideal without knowing the author of thy spiritual ideal; for some do to their own undoing. For there is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end thereof may be death.
25. For the law is, "in the day ye eat thereof, ye partake thereof, ye shall surely die." Only Satan, as he did, would banter the question. For ye may not say, as he did, "Ye will not surely die."
26. But by one man sin came into God's creation. By one man death came. By that same man death was overcome.
27. Thus He is the way, the truth and the light; and through no other way may the individual entity attain to its greatest ability in the mental or the material world, save by having that spiritual ideal as set in Him.
28. These, then, bring the entity - as this entity - to what it has done with its opportunities. Not all of the experiences are indicated, but those that have their influence in the present environ of the entity.
29. As we find in the experience before this, the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those early periods of the establishing of this land, the city that is the present capitol.
30. Hence the entity was acquainted with that individual known as the father of the country, and those activities that were a part of the entity's experience were in aiding in the planning of that city. Let the entity think for a moment how well he knows what were the original plans, when this city was first platted or laid out in the environs, and it will be seen that there is an innate knowledge, and the knowing of same even better than those who have attempted to keep records of same.
31. The name then was Andrew Batellu. The entity gained, though it had a great many of those disturbing influences because of choices of others. For many, as did the entity's friend, chose rather where there is the hill, for the laying out of the grounds, instead of the site where it was eventually voted to be done.
32. How oft has the entity thought of what a difference there would be, even in this experience, if there had been a little different planning here!
33. Before that the entity was in the English land, during those periods when there were those turmoils between church and state, when there were the uprisings in the land and the beheading of Charles the First, and the establishing of the rights of individuals.
34. There the entity was a factor in those activities; being of an aid and a help to that individual who rose in power, and yet eventually gave way that the peoples of that land might choose for themselves - when there was the eventual reestablishing of the monarchy there.
35. Hence political activities have their interest and a part in the present experiences of the entity. Yet these, as has been seen and as will be seen in others, are the natural environ for the entity. And in these it should remain; not so much in politics as related to the environ of same. For, as it did in the English experience, the entity may oft bring that weight or balance wherein such activities may not become so severe as to become dictatorial in their nature.
36. The name then was Juan Pierce. In the experience the entity gained and lost; lost when the activities were attempted to be turned into that channel for self-aggrandizement; gained as there were those attempts to give the free action for the individual for its individual expression.
37. Thus the entity finds itself individual and yet tolerant towards others, as to their beliefs and tenets also, and not too rabid at the differences as may arise. But know thy ideal in politics as well as in religion, and know they MUST come from the same spiritual source. And they must be one, for the Lord thy God is one, - as thy body, mind and soul are one. And know that the answer comes in thy body, in thine own temple, as thy body is the temple of the living God. There He has promised to meet thee.
38. So keep thy ideals one in spirit, in mind, in material attempts. And know that the try may oft be counted for righteousness. For man looks on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart, the purpose, the intent, the desire. Man may fail in an individual experience, but His law is perfect - it SHALL not fail! It is to thine self as to whether ye are in keeping with same or in opposition, or self is put first.
39. Before that the entity was in the Persian-Arabian land, in the "city in the hills and the plains."
40. There the entity was a brother of that leader Uhjltd. When there were those gatherings and a uniting of the efforts, after the periods of the suffering when these were begun, the entity then - as the brother of Uhjltd - came and aided in the establishing of this as a center, and became what would be called today as the lord mayor, or the ruler of the "city in the hills and the plains."
41. Thus again the entity was in a political position, where there were the assurances of certain directions or activities in following out the tenets of the teacher; in aiding in the establishing of the various forms of activity in the city.
42. There the entity was closely associated with its present companion [808], as one of those Grecians that the entity prevented from becoming one of the stumblingblocks in the activities in the "city in the hills and plains;" with the attempts of the Grecians to undermine.
43. Again the entity acted in the capacity of the go-between, or ruling by those activities of a physical and mental nature, the outcome from those conditions as were wrought.
44. The name then was Elhasen. In the experience the entity gained, more than in most of those activities in the earth. For, there the entity prevented those disturbings that arose between those who were attempting to become the rulers, when there was the demise of Uhjltd the teacher - and those disputes that arose among his sons there.
45. Those were periods of the greater stress upon the entity, and the establishing of teachings or tenets of the teacher were the greater activities of the entity in that experience.
46. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there was the reconstruction, - when Ra-Ta, the King and those peoples from Atlantis and the Natives had those conferences.
47. The entity, it may be said, was a record keeper or those meetings, being the go-between for the Priest as well as the King, as well as a representative chosen by the Natives and the Atlanteans. For, the entity behaved himself well, thus gaining the confidence of the group. And yet attempted to make himself as the king, when there was the attempt of uniting; and thus misused his political powers or abilities.
48. Hence, those conditions that arise in the present of doubts and fears in the minds of others, especially when the entity meets some of those who were in authority during that period.
49. The name then was It-Ebd-Lem.
50. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain, and how:
51. First, as given, know thy ideal. The abilities are within. Of thyself ye may do little, but if ye bear witness of His spirit working in and through thee ye may accomplish that ye set thyself to do.
52. The entity may find the greater outlet in those fields that would have to do with water and things pertaining to water, the insurance or assurance that would have to do with the greater relationships of government or of activities in such.
53. As to hobbies, - do learn and do work at beautifying of lawns, of grounds, - for such has oft innately been the urge; and ye will eventually work this out in material ways in another experience!
54. Ready for questions.
55. (Q) For some years I was located with the Maritime Commission, Division of Insurance. Recently I have transferred to War Supply Administration, Wartime Insurance Division. Should I continue in this present position or seek a place in some other Division?
    (A) By all means remain in this and carry on through the duration. And then keep in those things that will have to do with ships, water, assurance, and government.
56. (Q) How can I better insure advancement in my work?
    (A) Study to show thyself approved unto God, first; rightly dividing the words of truth and keeping condemnation from thyself and others. This is a spiritual law. This may be made a practical thing in the daily life. Not as studying to show thyself approved unto the man higher up, but unto God; and speak and live and be that in your daily labors, and as ye have experienced in others - in other sojourns in the earth, ye will come to be head of these departments.
57. (Q) Considering the government retirement plan, should I consider getting out of government service after the war, and if so into what type of work should I go?
    (A) Read what has just been indicated. You won't be out, if you go and do that as ye should!
58. (Q) Would it be wise for my wife and me to have a child now?
    (A) You'll have to correct some of those little conditions as related to your physical life, if this would become best in the present. It would be most advisable! But leave off those hops of evenings!
59. (Q) Should I consider going into the Military Service? If so, what branch, and should I seek a commission?
    (A) Rather in that service in which ye are rendering the greater service in the present, would we keep.
60. (Q) Where, when and how have I been formerly associated with my wife, [808], other than in the Persian period?
    (A) In the Egyptian, as well as in an experience not indicated here - and which wouldn't be best given at present.
61. We are through for the present. [See 2784-1, Par. R1.]

    Two copies to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

REPORTS

1. GD's note: Mr. [2784] commented that the reading was absolutely true and described his character better than he could have done. [For more complete report on Mr. [2784], see his wife's correspondence. She mentions him in almost every letter over a period of years.]
2. 7/20/42 See wife's Life. Rdg., 808-18.
3. 8/04/42 Wife [808]'s letter: "I think [2784] is much more satisfied in his job since we've gotten back. He isn't nearly so restless and although I don't think he realizes it, his attitude has seemed to have changed. Several times I have asked him about the office and he says everything is just fine!!! The office couldn't have changed that much in two weeks as he seemed to be undecided and upset about it so much before we went away. The fact that he knows he can do the most good there would in itself free his mind of any uncertainty, and that in itself would help considerably."
4. 12/23/42 Wife [808]'s letter: "[2784] has transferred to another section in War Shipping Administration and likes it a lot. At first I was a little concerned that he was going against the reading, but after reading it over I think he is doing exactly as the reading intended him to. This job requires more responsibility and it carried a higher grade. He is so much happier here too - That other office was so mixed up - No one knew where they stood. [2784] has something to do with shipping oil all over the world in their vessels. He is really quite thrilled about it."
5. 3/03/43 Wife [808]'s letter: The Minister of the Presbyterian Church called on us last night. He is trying to get [2784] to join the Pres. Church in our neighborhood and I must admit isn't having much success. [2784] says he is going to do it sometime but not right now. I don't know of anyone in this world that has the influence that you have over [2784]. If you were here you could turn him right around your little finger. And, without the least bit of effort on your part. He sure thinks the world of you!!! Gosh, wish you did live near us - It would be so wonderful to drop in to see you and for you to drop in on us. We haven't given up hopes of coming to the Beach. I sure would hate not to.
6. 4/23/43 Wife [808]'s letter: [2784] was telling him [Thomas Sugrue] all about his reading [2784] is proud as punch about his reading, but always tries to act very nonchalant about it) and told Tommie how he was always very powerful in politics until this life and Tommie said he was probably just resting up. [2784] immediately told him that he didn't mean he wasn't happy that the Lord had been very good to him - that he had a sweet wife and nice home and everything his heart desired. What he meant was he just wasn't anybody important - just an inconsequential Government Clerk. I thought that was pretty cute, and was so tickled.
7. 4/29/44 Mr. [2784]'s note enclosed with [808]'s requesting appointment for Ck. Physical in her approaching 3rd mo. of pregnancy:
   "Am not superstitious, but would like you to arrange [808]'s ck. rdg. for any date but the 13th or 23rd, as these are dates I always avoid for important matters whenever possible. [808] doesn't know that I'm enclosing this request, so don't mention it to her when you write."
8. 12/04/44 Wife [808]'s letter see under 808-20 in re coming home from the hospital with their baby son, [2784]'s reaction, etc.
9. 12/14/48 Wife [808]'s ltr.: "[2784]'s blood pressure is very high (210). Doctor has ordered a lot of tests to find out what causes it."
10. 3/12/50 Wife [808] wrote of [2784] being in a government hospital and receiving shock treatments following a severe nervous breakdown. [See subsequent correspondence under 808-18 Reports.]

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