This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 1st day of December, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [2981], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. (Notes read to and transcribed by Jeanette Fitch.) Harmon Bro.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you [2981] born October 2, 1909, in High Point, North Carolina. And you will give the reasons for this entity's sojourn, which was made partly by choice of self, and also give specific advice and suggestions as to how the entity may better himself financially and find his true job in life - one which will enable him to express himself mentally, spiritually, and materially. THEN, please answer all of the questions asked:
2. EC: As we find, as has been indicated for the entity, there is a choice of the entity in its entering this material plane. The purposes for entering are, as for each entity, that it might glorify the ideal of the entity.
3. Then it is dependent upon what is the ideal as to whether the entity will grow in grace, in knowledge, and in understanding.
4. When an entity grows in knowledge and understanding, there is then the understanding of the law of the universe as related to man and the Creator.
5. As the activity in the earth is to be a manifestation for the glorification of the Creative Force, it must be then less and less of self and more and more of the ideal - if the ideal is God, or the purpose for which it entered. If the ideal is that the entity may have a good time, be well thought of, become wealthy or famous, then these things it may serve. These, though, it must choose in its application of its abilities.
6. As has been indicated for this entity, the abilities are in certain given directions. Use these constantly in a manner towards the glorification of the Creative Forces and for specific or special benefits - not for individual but a universal benefit for the brotherhood of man; realizing the brotherhood of man, the fatherhood of God. If these are kept as the ideals, in whatever channels - as has been outlined, the entity may succeed. Is the success to be that questioned or judged by man, or is it to be according to that purpose of developing toward the Creative Forces or the purpose for which the entity entered? Again the entity chooses. What is thy God? The Creative Forces, or self? A good time, fame or fortune? Ye must know. Ye must answer. God does not even answer for you. He gives you the free will to use as ye WILL. For He does not want, does not have, other than that one choosing to be equal with Him. If He had to knock you in the head to do it, or you had to become an automaton and pushed about, could you be equal with the Creative Forces? Answer within yourself!
7. Ready for questions.
8. (Q) Is a change from my present condition indicated?
   (A) Depends upon what condition you are speaking of - physical, mental, material, social, or what.
   As far as the present job is concerned, there is a question. This will come about, don't be impatient, but keep on working like the dickens.
9. (Q) Give specific instructions as to my next step and how to attain it?
   (A) Work! Work! Work! Work! Don't think about trying to get ahead until you do that which you really feel makes you deserve to be put ahead. Do you feel that you deserve to be put ahead? Then, act in such a way and manner as to convince others of it also. If you are associated with an organiza- tion that hasn't a soul, find one that has! The General Electric has! So has the Bendix, if you look for it - that is, in a certain group - and express the self in those directions!
10. (Q) In what field of endeavor will my abilities make the best showing for the best service to God and man?
    (A) These have been outlined for you, as to how the general activities should be in the spreading of those things that are for the general benefit of man. To be sure, there are strained conditions under the present existent circumstances, but these won't always remain. Be worthy of being advanced when changes come about.
11. (Q) What firm in the U.S.A. needs the type of service I can produce and who is the proper man to see, to get into it?
    (A) There isn't a one that doesn't need it, but can you persuade them that you are needed in it? All need it, but can you persuade them? Your business is selling! Then sell yourself to the ones where you would work the best! You are in a good organization. You can advance there. If you want to change, change - nothing to hinder!
12. (Q) What business man would the Forces advise me to know for my best future advisor and connections, and if I do not know him, how may I do so?
    (A) We haven't a business man! Do you want to work this out yourself or do you want somebody else to do it? This does not indicate the type of mind of this entity - it is someone else - not [2981].
13. (Q) Is the work outlined above of a nature that will continue to grow and make progress in the peace to follow the present war?
    (A) If you make it, there will be continued progress - if you make it, yes.
14. (Q) How may I best carry on in the transition period following the end of this war, in order that I may continue to advance without interruption?
    (A) It won't be a carrying on! It'll carry you along if you will present yourself in the way and manner in which you may better serve, because in the periods following you'll be too busy to think about it being transition until you have passed it!
15. (Q) What specifically do you advise that I do with Russian Bonds that I own?
    (A) Do what you want! Won't be very valuable until there's a great big settlement. Don't throw 'em away - they are worth more than bung paper.
16. (Q) What charitable work can I do to make me more worthy to my fellow man?
    (A) It isn't charitable work that's needed! It's yourself that's needed. It is yourself that you need to expend in helping others! Charity doesn't go much farther than the fellow you contact talking about what a big fellow you are in glorifying yourself in an organized work. But serving yourself is quite different - and is that which counts the most.
17. (Q) In keeping with the foregoing advice, exactly what city or place is the best place for me to live, in order for me to express myself more fully?
    (A) Where you are - wherever you are! For as has been indicated from the beginning, the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. The organization with which ye affiliate yourself must be the same. If it is not, change it. Use thyself in those activities, then, that will bring honor to yourself, glory to your God, and correct dealings with thy fellow man. As ye would that they should do to you, do ye even so to them. An honest day's work, an honest day's pay. For the laborer is worthy of his hire. Even the ox and the ass are considered so. Art thou not much more valuable than either?
18. (Q) How can I learn to be more patient with myself as well as others?
    (A) By practicing it in thy daily life.
19. (Q) Considering my physical body, what can I best do in life for a continued calling?
    (A) Being active in whatever you choose. You are no different! Do not consider thy handicap. This is rather the testing that you can prove to others that you can carry on when others may not, for ye have - or can have if ye choose - the Lord with thee. And it is better to enter into the kingdom with one foot than to have both feet and hands leading into hell - as some that consider themselves even most as good as you!
20. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. Questions based on Life Rdg., 2981-1, given on 4/27/43:
   And you will give the reasons for this entity's sojourn, which was made partly by choice of self, and also give specific advice and suggestions as to how the entity may better himself financially and find his true job in life - one which will enable him to express himself mentally, spiritually, and materially. THEN, please answer all of the questions asked.
   1. Is a change from my present condition indicated? 2. If so, give specific instructions as to my next step and how to attain it. If no change is indicated, please give specific instructions and guidance as to how I can make myself more valuable to [...], with whom I am now associated, so I can increase my income now and in the future. 3. In what field of endeavor will my abilities make the best showing for the best service to God and man? 4. What firm in the U.S.A. needs the type of service I can produce and who is the proper man to see, to get into it? 5. What business man would the Forces advise me to know for my best future adviser and connections, and if I do not know him, how may I do so? 6. Is the work outlined above of a nature that will continue to grow and make progress in the peace to follow the present war? 7. How may I best carry on in the transition period following the end of this war, in order that I may continue to advance without interruption? 8. What specifically do you advise that I do with the Russian Bonds that I own? 9. What charitable work can I do to make me more worthy to my fellow man? 10. In keeping with the foregoing advice, exactly what city or place is the best place for me to live, in order for me to express myself more fully? 11. How can I learn to be more patient with myself as well as others? 12. Considering my physical body, what can I best do in life for a continued calling? 13. Why have I always become restless, after a time, in any position I have held? 14. Would it be to my spiritual as well as material advantage to move to California, and if so, please tell me exactly where, when, and how.

REPORTS

1. 12/14/43 Mr. [2981]'s ltr. to EC:
   Altitude of 6,000 feet 100 miles east of Yuma, Ariz.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   This seems to be about the only chance I have to write. I hope you can read this because the air is quite rough.
   I left [2982] at 12:45 this morning. She has been acting up again. Had this Flu everyone else has had. She's coming around OK now. Her physical [2982-2] was quite a shock I am sure. She had thought she was perfect you know then to find so many things wrong would be upsetting.
   I am greatly impressed with mine. It has really given me an entirely new outlook. Seems all I have to do is keep on as I am (the way I work) and I will get along. Of course the forces take a couple of good health pokes at me but "I can take it."
   I will be at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood until about the 20th at the latest I hope. I am going to try to get home for our 12th anniversary the 21st. We are going to try our best to get down to spend Christmas with [5197] and Dad then come by to see you folks for a day. We will have to see how it works out.
   I do wish it could be so that we could be in closer contact with you. I know [2982] would do a lot of good work and feel I might even be of some use. We will have to see what time brings.
   This country is magnificient. I am looking out across a many colored desert at the most breathtakingly beautiful mountains you can imagine. The sheer rugged beauty is beyond description. Clouds float by like balls of cotton. It is not hard to visualize the infinite or the All Mighty here. Sometimes one gets so close to the realization of "The One Thing" then it slips off. It certainly does leave me frustrated to be unable to put in to words what I see now.
   We are going to land in Phoenix, Arizona shortly. I want to write mother a note first so -
   Very best wishes for you, Mrs. Cayce, Gladys, and all the rest.
   Sincerely [2981]
2. 3/12/44 (Sunday) Mr. [2981]'s ltr. to EC: HOLLYWOOD-ROOSEVELT HOTEL 7000 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD HOLLYWOOD 28 - CALIFORNIA
   Dear Mr. Cayce,
   Seems I don't even have time to write [2982] any more. I have been away from home most of the year, so far [2982] is getting pretty sick of it - that is, being by her self all the time - if you see her you might teach her how to practice a little patience along with me.
   I talked to her this morning and she is planning to come down for about a week before the Congress, I believe.
   [2982] was of the opinion that you had something special you wanted to talk to us about at Christmas time. I am awfully sorry we could not get over to see you but we only had 3 days and it was just rush, rush, rush, - really was no rest for me at all.
   Both [2982] and I would like very much to live out here in California for a few years but the readings have warned of "Eruptions and Upheavals" - even warned the [3051]'s and [3436]'s against California. If you have time some day we surely would appreciate your clearing us up a little on this point. Where should we live? Do you have any suggestions?
   The weather is beautiful out here now there are birds and flowers everywhere - The weather and nature always seems to put on a show for me especially out here. Is awfully tempting so I would like some advice.
   It is doubtful if I get down there this summer. I have a vacation due but I think I will stay near home and rest the entire time.
   Give my love to Mrs. Cayce and all,
   Best regards [2981]
3. 3/18/44 EC's ltr. to Mr. [2981]:
   Mr. [2981] ..., New Jersey
   Dear [2981]
   I have your letter of the 12th.
   I suspect [2982] is getting fed up on your being away so long at a time, but every one of us has to try to conform our lives to that which is best for all concerned. I have been practically out of the running for the last month. I was even in New York for a few days, but saw no one while there. Was trying to get some treatments, but I got worse instead of better. Finally came on home and have been tusseling with it ever since. Have just been able to get up in the last few days and have started back to work, though not in a very heavy way.
   I hope you and Mrs. [2982] both will make it a point to try and be at the meeting this summer. I don't know what sort of meeting it will be, but let's hope that we will be able to get something that will make it worth while for all those who do attempt to come. The mere fact of meeting numbers of other people from all parts of the country and hearing of their experiences, usually contributes to the general knowledge of each and every member.
   I don't know just why the information has warned people so often about going to California. In fact, I do not recall it giving more than one or two persons the suggestion that they move to California, and I am sure it is not because I have any aversion to California. Apparently it is because at sometime, just how far off I have no idea there will be a great many changes in California; earthquakes and upheavals, and if one gets set in their work there, such a condition would be very up-setting to most anyone. I don't know, I think individuals will have to be influenced by their own intuition about living in California. I have been told by many individuals of the beauties of California, I have been told by many friends and relatives who live there and have been trying for a number of years to get me to go there, but the information still says "Stay pretty close to the East Coast." You know I can't tell you why.
   Thanks a lot for letting me hear from you, and maybe sometime when we are getting some information for yourself or Mrs. [2982], we can ask the question and it might give you something very definite on California.
   All the rest here are pretty good. I am the only one that's not worth anything. Thanks a lot, and with every good wish, I remain
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce [EC/gm]
4. 5/25/45 GD's ltr. to Mr. [2981]:
   Dear [2981]:
   Perhaps by now you and [2982] are out on the west coast, adding the sunshine of your presence to the already sunny slopes of California.
   Anyhow I'm writing to tell you about a project now under way here at the Association. We're compiling a number of life readings for inclusion in a book. We're selecting the most interesting cases and those which best seem to illustrate or explain the laws of karma.
   We would like very much to include your life reading, as it involves so many interesting points; and it would add to the effectiveness of presentation if we could make some explicit indication of the nature of your present lameness and how it came about.
   If you would be willing to assist us in this matter we would be most appreciative. We would like to know, for example, 1) at what age you were crippled; 2) in which leg; 3) how the accident occurred; and 4) any other detail that you think might be pertinent.
   You understand, of course, that all cases will be published under a case number only, and the identity of the subject will certainly not be recognizable. By the way - you may be interested in knowing that Mae didn't even know that you were lame!
   Thanking you in advance for your co-operation, and wishing you and [2982] the best of everything.
   I am
   Yours very truly, [signed] Gladys Davis, Secretary [GD/gc] [per Gina Cerminara]
5. 6/03/45 (Sunday) Mr. 2981]'s ltr. to GD:
   HOLLYWOOD-ROOSEVELT HOTEL 7000 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD HOLLYWOOD 28 - CALIFORNIA
   Dear Gladys:
   Darn it we are not on the Coast. Arrived back East a few weeks ago. It won't be long before we go back though.
   Sorry we can't be with you at the Congress however we will be there a few weeks later and spend 2 or 3 days on our way west. At the time you can bring us up to date on all the latest.
   Glad for you to use my reading also that no names will be mentioned. My accident happened in 1923 (Nov. 23rd). I was 14 years old. It was banged up in an Auto wreck. Among other things; received a compound fracture of the left leg. Dry gangrene set in. As a result I had either 9 or 11 amputations - Don't know which. I was walking on crutches 3 weeks to the day from the accident - Put on an artificial limb 3 months later and I have worn it ever since. It might be interesting, to some of the boys in service who have suffered the same loss, to know that within a year after the accident I was a clerk in an A & P grocery on Saturdays and after school. I ushered in the theatre for a couple of years, installed radios in the days of outdoor antennas. For the 10 years prior to the war I spent all of my time in sales work both showroom and covering the whole U.S.A. As you I know, since the beginning of the war, I have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours doing flight test work in all types of military aircraft.
   I can't think of anything else but don't hesitate to ask questions if any.
   We are looking forward to spending a few days with you all soon.
   Sincerely [2981]
6. 8/10/52 Questionnaire:
   GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
   Answer all questions as completely as possible. Merely "Yes" or "No" is insufficient if you know inside yourself that you have more thoughts you want to express. Remember that thoughts ar deeds and that the final judgements are on the thoughts, not the deeds or actions. Every paper in our files is inviolably confidential as to source or individual with present appearance. Please do not hesitate or be in any respect afraid to express yourself. We welcome and cherish even the most meager expression because we know the value of that which stimulates it.
   (Use reverse side, and additional sheet, if required.)
   1. Do you still have a copy of your Life Reading?
   2. How many times have you read your Life Reading? (If many times, give approximate number.)
   3. Did you read it to or with someone else and, if so, what was the relation of the person to you?
   4. Have you given a copy of your reading to anyone and, if so, what was the relationship to you of that person?
   5. How recently have you read your Life Reading?
   6. In what respects do you feel that your Life Reading was (1) true, (2) false, (3) correct, (4) imaginary, (5) hocus pocus, (6) inaccurate, (7) incomplete, (8) trivial? 7. Do you believe in a reincarnation of the soul and, if so, why?
   8. What is your idea or concept of Karma? Is it (a) a state to which a people aspire, (2) a state to which an individual aspires, (c) an environmental influence, (d) a hereditary influence, (e) something you yourself have done or thought or left undone and unthought in a previous incarnation?
   9. Have you in any respect consciously changed your (1) vocation, (2) thoughts, (3) actions or reactions toward others as a result of your Life Reading?
   10. Assuming your life to be no casual accident or experiment, do you have any new or different concept as to the purpose of your life as a result of your Life Reading?
   11. Have you ever systematically or otherwise set apart any part of your day, week, month or any other period of your time for introspection or an examination and analysis of your inner self (and we do not mean writing in a diary) as suggested in your Life Reading? If not, why not and, if so, are there any results measurable to you?
   12. Do you regard your vocation, whether it be as a laborer, supervisor, manager, official, engineer, lawyer, doctor, housewife, mother, or what not, as the dominant force in your life or do you look upon your vocation as an agency through which you can the better fulfill your purpose in this life?
   13. How, in your opinion, can our Association best carry on the work of Edgar Cayce and the good for which he stood?
7. 8/10/52 Reply to Questionnaire:
   No. 1. Yes.
   No. 2. About 20.
   No. 3. Many people who are interested in the Association have read it.
   -4- I believe one Assoc. member, who is doing research, has a copy.
   -5- About two months ago.
   -6- I feel it was true because there is so much substantiating evidence, tendencies, inclinations, etc.
   -7- I do. It is the only way in which so many unanswerable questions can be logically explained. -8- Cause and effect - Something earned in this or another lifetime - good or bad.
   -9- Yes, I believe my outlook has changed - Maybe a little more tolerant and more understanding. This especially since Mr. Cayce (Edgar, Sr.) went over it with me.
   -10- No new or different concepts but rather strengthening and clarifying a concept previously formed.
   -11- No. No reason for not doing so other than pressure of every-day affairs.
   -12- I look upon my vocation as a means to an end. It provides the wherewithal that enables me to do some of the things that I tell myself I want, or ought, to do for my own soul development.
   -13- Big Subject!!! By a methodically planned, very factual, un-glamorous and carefully detailed MERCHANDISING program. To some this may appear to be a trite statement but this is not the case. The Cayce work must be sold in the same sense that Catholics and Protestants "sell" their doctrines. This is not difficult!! The Cayce work has the appeal - to all religions - but it must be presented in such a way as to be in-offensive, non-sensational, and completely believable. ([2981] could do it.) Only difficulty - MONEY!
   -14- General; suggestions on back of questionnaire...
   I am greatly interested in GOOD music and am sorry that I am not the master of some instrument. I am passively interested in all but can only get "worked up" over photographic art. The subject of "Universal Consciousness", while interesting - extremely - is so over-powering and confusing that most times I have consciously steer my thoughts away from it. Though I think of myself as on the "oafish" side I do seem to have a relatively high degree of mental ability. I do not think I understand the "Affliction in Saturn". This could be a mental affliction, psychological, pathological or the physical affliction that I suffered. The need for my learning patience is daily seen and felt. All of the foregoing, as comments on specific portions of the reading, "hit the nail on the head".
   My attitude toward Karma, based on the reading, is not so much "change" as it is "greater understanding".
   I very definitely seek knowledge IN EVERY FORM AND MANNER...
   There is no question but there has been more given me because of using what I have at hand. With the exception on a small set-back I have progressed materially and, I hope, spiritually and quite steadily for a long time now. Indian lore was always particularly fascinating to me. The story of Powhatan and Raleigh were, as a child, very close to me. I, as a child, lived in the woods and along streams - always alone. I always cried when I was taken from the country, and solitude, and set down in town again. After my reading, several years later, I had the feeling of great familiarity in driving through the Powhatan country of Virginia and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I like reed music, particularly the clarinet, oboe and bassoom but detest the saxophone. I love the flute and piccalo. I have never had the time to cultivate the hobby of imitating bird calls. True, I have no difficulty in identifying bird calls often after having heard them only once and that long ago. I have always been fascinated by the tide-lands of North Carolina and Virginia but prefer living on the west coast to any other place in North America.
   I like detail work but prefer "detailing" my work and in this lies one of my greatest proclivities. (I often wonder if this is not what the reading meant.) I am mildly interested in transportation, generally, but especially interested in aviation. (Average upwards of a hundred thousand miles a year.) I have not had any particular occasion to work with timber in this life-time. I do it well - and like it. I was particularly interested in wood-working in high school manual training - always loved the smell of saw-dust and fresh-cut timber.
   The thing I have found most useful in my own study of metaphysics, very personal, is determination! My initiation did not come easy... My method of reaching for logical conclusions, concerning Universal Law, is to accept that which is most logical to me gleaned from what I See, Hear and Read... I am not keenly interested in politics, I seem to only want the greatest good for the greatest numbers. I feel religion and politics are two entirely separate subjects, but, with politics administered with religious understanding.
   I have always been in sales work. Started selling left-over truck garden produce when I was 5 or 6. While other fields have looked greener, temporarily, I believe I have always preferred sales work. At present I am general sales manager of a firm manufacturing boat motors - nationally marketed. I like it and, all things being equal, prefer it to anything else I have done.
   I am considered hard-headed by myself - AND others. Worry easily and about anything! Don't have any interest in expeditions to other lands because the opportunity has never presented itself. Could become enthusiastic about it... Decisions come rather easily for me though I am not always content with them. I think my life reading has been a help in that it has enabled me to better understand some of my urges and inclinations. I have, generally speaking, been guided by it in my activities. It has definitely been of help.
   I do not smoke. (Would like to.) Drink an occasional glass of wine. Eat meat - not too much red meat. Don't think I am any judge of my spiritual growth, at this time, so can't say whether meat is a bar or not. I'm sure that, in itself, is not my most serious bar.
   Questions regarding work reading [2981-4]:
   I was doing test flying at the time of the reading. I stopped this about a year later and left the company 2 years later. (1946)
   Q-2 - Yes, the concern did have a soul. Very good firm with which to be associated... We moved to California thus necessitating my changing positions.
   Q-3 - Great advancement has come about but with a different company.
   Q-4 - [Did the advice given help you in applying yourself more effectively?] I don't think so...
   Q-5 - This was was not my question. Dave Kahn suggested this question!!!
   Q-6 - [Any comment about outcome of this advice?] No.
   Q-7 - [Were you aware of the transition period when it was taking place?] Don't believe so. Was actually too busy...
   The physical handicap has probably aided in my spiritual growth in that it has held me down to a certain extent. (I would have been a wild one!)
   The Russian bonds did show material value but too late for [2981] who sold out early, much too early.
   I can best bring this to a close by saying that I am hereabouts about to follow very closely in the foot-steps of Edgar Cayce. My wife has kept me in the house all day doing this report. I am on vacation.
   I AM GOING FISHING!!!
8. 1/29/87 Obituary:
   The Virginian Pilot Wednesday January 28, 1987
   WILFRED A. SECHRIST Virginia Beach - Wilfred A. "Bill" Sechrist, 77, of the 4000 block of N. Witchduck Road, died Jan. 25, 1987, in a hospital.
   Mr. Sechrist, a High Point, N.C. native, helped found Texas Budget Rent-a-Car Co. He was an international representative for the Association for Research and Enlightenment. He was a member of Baylake United Methodist Church and Rotary International.
   Survivors include his wife, Elsie Sechrist.
   A memorial service will be conducted at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Association for Research and Enlightenment. Memorial donations may be made to Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad Hollomn Brown Funeral Home. Bayside Chapel, is handling arrangements.
9. 1/11/93 JT's note: See 2982-4, Par. R4 for article which appeared in Virginia Wesleyan College Report, December 31, 1992, on creation of Sechrist Endowed Scholarship.

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