Edgar Cayce Readings, 2982-4

Time and Place: Set bet. 10:30 to 11:30 A. M. Eastern War Time. ..., N.J.

TEXT

GC: You will have before you the life existence in the earth plane of [2982], born February 12, 1909, in Bristol, Connecticut, and the earthly existence of this entity as Lido-La, a seeress, prophetess, or head nurse in the 'city in the hills and the plains.' You will give a biographical life of the entity in that day and plane of earthly existence, from entrance - and how - into the earth's plane, and the entity's departure; giving the developing or retarding points in such an existence. You will answer the questions the entity submits, as I ask them, concerning the associations and practical application of urges arising from that sojourn.
EC: Yes, we are again given the records here of that entity now known as or called: [2982].
In giving the interpretation of the activities of the entity as Lido-La in the 'city in the hills,' it is well that something of activities there and the entity's relationships to same be indicated, that the entity may the better apply those latent and manifested urges which arise from same.
In the experience the entity, Lido-La, was born in the low country of what is now known as the Indian land. Thus the activities of the entity in the study of mind and matter were hindered by conditions which existed, even then, as to position of the entity as an entity and the sex, in the study or application of same.
With the hearing of that which had been begun in the 'city in the hills and the plains' with Uhjltd as the teacher, the entity journeyed to the 'city in the hills and the plains' with the attempts of the individuals who had been sent from the Grecian land to undermine the principles, or as to how the Grecians might overcome or conquer the peoples, as a trade center, as the city had become.
The entity, with a great deal of patience, had attempted to interpret the teachings of Uhjltd. But under that in which the entity had been taught or trained, some differences arose; yet with the activities as the one Lord, the one purpose, each soul as an entity, each soul as a definite purpose in God's relationship to man. And these being applied in the applications personally to groups of every tribe and every group who had used those routes from Egypt even to the 'city in the hills,' the Grecians, the land of Saad, those from the Gobi land as well as from what is now Indo-China, all of these made their impressions.
The entity as a sand reader, a student of the stars, became more and more as a helpful influence in the experiences in the 'city in the hills.' With the establishing of the open activity for those who were sick, the indigent, the lame, every tribe, the entity eventually was appointed as the advisor, as would be called today, of the activities; using many in the groups from Greece, Egypt, Persia as interpreters, as helpers.
The entity contributed much then to the establishing of that which later manifested in the religious purposes which come out of Persia in the present.
As to the application and the influences those experiences have upon the entity in the present:
There is that constant seeking for an interpretation of the laws which control life, man's relationships to the universal aspects as well as man's relationship to the universal consciousness or God. This has become, may become, more and more that sought by the entity, as to how same may be made practical in the daily experiences of individuals.
These are the urges. The manners of approach have oft been given. There is the one approach to the Father through the Son, who manifested in the earth through the activities which were later, in the son of Uhjltd, the manifestations of that which eventually became the consciousness in the Nazarene. For this was outside of that accepted in some centers as the only channel, but "who is my mother, my brother, my sister? he who doeth the will of my Father in heaven, be he of this or that group." Not the outward measures only as did those who made, as He gave, a mockery of the principles.
These are the things, then, to be considered by the entity in its abilities that the understanding then brought the entity; not the desire to be out of the body and work with the body, but those influences from without and within. Keep ever, then, in the mind, in the purpose, in the soul of the entity this: That there must be the response to that within from that without self. The spirit of the law of love, not the outward expression of same but the spirit of the law, as interpreted in the life, in the manner in which He met those day by day. Not that any individual may force another, then. For, God Himself forces no individual to seek Him, save by the natural law. It must be free will, that which was given as the birthright to man, as that which the entity here has applied, may apply; the true law of love, not of self, but of Him who giveth all things to all men. For it is not of self but by the grace, by the mercy, by the love of and for the fellow man; not that self must be or even may be exalted in name, in place, in position. For He thought it not robbery to make Himself equal with God, yet came from God's presence that others, His brethren might know; that His activities would offer for man the way.
So in the use of thy abilities in ministering to others as ye may in word, in deed, in humbleness, know it is not of self but as the gift from the Father. For He having first loved us, what manner of man should ye be that ye should use, not abuse; ye should apply not as in the way of honor, or of claiming honor. For who would be the greatest? Ye who will be the servant of all may be the greater among thy fellow man.
In the activities the entity grew, as has been indicated, it gained, it lost, it gained as more and more the oneness of the universal consciousness was made aware among those who sought aid.
Help those who are seeking, for as He gave, "I came but for the lost sheep, not for those who are satisfied." Don't persuade then, don't induce others, but so live thine own life day by day that others, seeing thee, may know ye walk and talk with Him, Jesus, who is the way, the truth, the light.
As to the entity's activities, then when rebellions arose from the son who would join forces to become sure of the kingship or lordship with the Grecians, the entity was angry.
The entity lost in that experience, yet as the leader of portions of the activities of Uhjltd brought greater interpretations, understanding, the entity again returned to humbleness of mind that others might know.
Though ye were abused, though ye were forgotten, yet ye gained through the experience, living to be of great age and blessed by those who eventually attempted the return to the worship of the law of One.
Ready for questions.
(Q) How should I go about making practical application of the teaching and healing abilities in the present and how to develop same?
(A) Just as has been indicated, find it within self, practice it, not by preaching but by teaching. Teaching first by the application of brotherly love, kindness, gentleness, longsuffering, patience with thy fellow man. Be not hasty, but as ye interpret it in thy living, let others ask of thee. Then teach, then administer, then apply in thy relationships with others.
(A) What is my seal and its interpretation?
(A) Not a seal in this experience. Seals were from the Egyptian as a pattern, as what might be termed the aura chart of the entity. This should be given separately.
(Q) Was I marked by Ra-Ta?
(A) This again was in another experience. Yes - all who had a definite purpose set - but we are out of this period.
(Q) What and where have been my past associations with my husband [2981]?
(A) In Egypt and in the Persian and in others. In Egypt closely associated. In Persia ye warred one with another, for he then was among those activities which at times made questions. In the present in the use of these, how has it been given? Patience, kindness, gentleness, longsuffering, brotherly love. These manifest in thy relationships with thy companion.
(Q) If my husband's position should necessitate our moving to Los Angeles, where would it be best for us to locate?
(A) This, as we find, is out of this realm, but in the Hills, Beverly Hills.
(Q) What has been my past association with [3051] and how can we best work together now?
(A) This should be paralleled rather from the experiences as have been and may be given respecting each. These should come from careful analysis of purposes of each during those periods of sojourn and activity in the varied realms, as in the present experience. These are under varied environs and yet the law of love lies in each. Be as a helper one to the other, being as a complement. When one is distraught, hold the other in love, in compassion. When one is disturbed, each should become more and more at oneness of purpose.
(Q) Have I been or should I now be connected with the work of the Association?
(A) By choice. This should ever be by choice. As has been indicated for self in seeking to help others, not by force, not by might, but as ye find in the work of the Association that which may be of interest or help to others, that which is good pass on, not by forcing, not by over-persuasion, but as the love of the Father and passed of one's own free will.
(Q) How may I come to a fuller realization of my oneness with God?
(A) The more ye walk, the closer ye walk with that promise "I come - as ye ask ye will receive; if ye knock it will be opened," but it must be for the manifestation of His divine love in the earth.
(Q) What work done in the Persian period in relation to healing, teaching and interpreting would be of value to me today in developing these powers?
(A) The patience, the persistence most of all and, what is lacking in most individuals, being consistent with self, with others.
(Q) Can you advise me regarding levitation (leaving my body) so that I may have more control of myself at this time?
(A) As has been indicated for the body, this should be rather an assurance than as a sought experience.
(Q) How can I be completely protected while levitating?
(A) Surrounding thyself with the Christ-consciousness. Living daily in that consciousness by thy dealings with others. Did He find fault?
Do ye? Did He question purposes? Do ye? Do ye love those who hate thee? He did. Do you keep the words, "Not of myself but my Father who worketh in and through me" as thy ideal? He did. He is thy pattern. That is thy protection ever. For it is in Him ye live and move and have thy being. Ye know that - act like it!
We are through with this reading.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file
Copy for indexing

BACKGROUND

4/27/43 See 2982-1, her first life reading.
6/19/44 She submitted questions. The ones below did NOT get asked:
No. 12. How and where have I been associated with [2011]? No. 13. How can I learn to interpret my dreams and visions? No. 14. In trying to help others help themselves - why am I judged as being domineering - and how overcome that? No. 16. How many incarnations have I had on this earth plane? No. 17. Have I ever been a male, if so where and what were my accomplishments? No. 18. How can I best show my appreciation to this entity Edgar Cayce? No. 19. Can you suggest any business in Va. Beach that my husband would be successful in, so that we might make this our home? No. 20. Why am I so disturbed by [993]'s eyes? What is the significance of the feeling I have when looking into her eyes? Did I work with her in Persia?

REPORTS

9/21/44 [2982]'s letter to EC:
Dear Papa Cayce,
It seems so long since I have written to you and yet knowing how busy you are I hesitate to even write now. However I did want to give you a little report on our classes. However Mr. [5395] probably told you something about that. We really are just getting started, and as I explained to you before, this class will separate around the first of the year so each member or couple may start one such class in his or her own community, having had a little first hand experience. As Mr. [5395] said last week, we can hardly compare our efforts with yours as with you the teacher in Va. Beach your group is doubly blessed from the start. However we are so glad to even have your Bible translations that we are satisfied. As I did not hear from you while you were at Clearwater nor since. I assume that you were not able to do any more about the Bible notes. I know that you would see that they were gotten out if you could, because you do realize how much they mean to us here, struggling along as best as we can. If I could get only one set I would see to it that sufficient copies were made for the others. But that may be as difficult as getting out a lot. Just a suggestion.
I have had several people write or call me regarding you and your work, who were told to write to me by Gladys I guess. As nothing makes me any happier than to discuss your work and teachings, I have been delighted. [2981] said he could just see me rolling up my sleeves, and licking my chops in anticipation. I feel honored to be able in some measure to serve the Association. I hope that I may do you all justice. I know I have to soft pedal the job, but that is the toughest part for me, but the best I know. In all this work, including the classes I'm trying to remember your advice to me in our last confidential talk about my always being the leader. Finesse is what I need - and I think your advice was very good and what I needed. I am very happy with the study group and I hope that good will come of it. Mr. [5395] was greatly impressed with the work down at Va. Beach and his trip to see you did much for him I know. He has much to offer the world and in his present position can do much good - as he has already done. I like him very much and he will be a great asset to you and your Association. I hope that sometime when you come to N.Y. you will be our guest and maybe give us some pointers. In the meanwhile I hope it won't be too much trouble for you to answer some questions that will come up from time to time regarding the Bible. In Genesis, where you speak of the various planes of consciousnesses, 6th, 7th, etc. are they comparable to the seven centers in the body or what exactly did it mean? Also Harold asked this question, if there is a negative and a positive to all things, the sun being positive what is its negative? I thought that we the lesser planets might be or that the sun in itself was both negative and positive but I am not sure - can you enlighten us on that?
There is a church in N.Y. called "James the lesser" [brother of Jesus?] what does that refer to? Just one more question - is the soul the same as the Christ consciousness?
[2981] asked me to tell you that when you need more film to just say the word, I think that I told you some time ago that [2981]'s father was dying of cancer and we expect to be called down there any day or week now. [2981] said the other day that when we do go down, we shall stop at Va. Beach and see you if you think you would have the time to talk to us. [2981] hasn't seen you in a long time and I think it will do him much good. We hope that your health is steadily improving and that you have been able to rest a little more than was your wont! You will be delighted with [3051] and [3436] the next time you see them. They are both growing beautifully. They attend the study group of course, and I feel that [3436] stimulates us all into thinking the more, because of his legal and penetrating mind - and the questions he asks - well you should be there. He is indeed a grand person. I have been talking with a Mr. Stroesser who has a physical coming up in March and poor man he is so distressed mentally too. I can see how you must have suffered with all these souls who need help so badly. I get an inkling every now and then. [3351] is certainly blossoming out - its a pleasure to note the change in her. You did that. You should have many stars in your crown and you will too.
Must stop now and write to [3051]. My love to you all -
ME [2982]
4/08/48 GD's notes to Mrs. [2454] in re Mrs. [2982]:
Was fascinated by reading TIR early in 1943; wrote requesting a Life Reading:
"Been a student of metaphysics for several years, but for the last year I've been at sort of a standstill... It seems that I should be doing something other than just being a wife, but I don't know exactly what."
Her Life Reading [2982-1], 4/27/43, said in part:
"...the ability to control, direct, to lead others by the entity's own persuasive way or manner.
"Hence as teacher, as an instructor, should the entity be led by the way of life, and light, and truth - and thus teach others...thus the entity may find the outlet for its abilities...
"Who would tell the rose to be fragrant? Who would tell the sun to shed its heat? These are gifts from the application of self in doing creative forces, as in compliance with spiritual and mental law...
"Yet study thyself the more. And this will enable thee to interpret others and their motives...
"But let thy light so sine that others, seeing thy good work, may be constrained to glorify the Father - not an individual, not a group nor an organization, but the Father, the Maker, the Creator of the heavens and the earth..."
From her Egyptian incarnation, active in the Temple Beautiful, where "the tenets and truths were proclaimed to those who sought to be a channel of blessings or help to others" it was given regarding the present influence:
"Thus we find again the entity giving itself in the pursuit of those activities in which there might be the better helpful influence in the experience of self, to help others help themselves."
It was through [2982]'s efforts that the New York Study Group of the Ass'n was formed in 1944, which is continuing to this day, lecture series, etc.
She and [2981] moved to California in 1945 and immediately started the Los Angeles Group. Members of the Group call her "The Angel With the Sword."
The L.A. Group supplied over 200 libraries with copies of TIR, sponsored public lectures, the Western Conference of the Ass'n which had over 400 in attendance at the closing meeting, with standing room only, etc.
The Group members laughingly say that they see her with a sword, but here at Headquarters we seriously think of her as a torchbearer for the Association (or for truth wherever it may be found). GD.
4/14/92 Obituary:
THE VIRGINIAN PILOT
Elsie R. Sechrist
Virginia Beach - Elsie R. Sechrist, 83, of the 3800 block of Atlantic Ave., an author and worldwide lecturer, died April 12, 1992, in her home. Mrs. Sechrist was born in Bristol, Conn., and was a member of Baylake United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Association for Research and Enlightenment and was the widow of Wilfred A. Sechrist.
Survivors include two sisters, Helen Steinke of Dallas and Alma Curran of Danvers, Mass.
A memorial service will be conducted at 5 p.m. Friday at the Association for Research and Enlightenment Inc. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel is handling arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad or to the Association for Research and Enlightenment Inc., 67th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach 23451.
12/92 Article in the Virginia Wesleyan College Report:
Bequest creates scholarship
A bequest of $100,000 from the estate of Elsie R. Sechrist will establish the Wilfred A. and Elsie R. Sechrist Endowed Scholarship at Virginia Wesleyan College. Mrs. Sechrist left one quarter of her estate to Virginia Wesleyan, including a portion of the revenues from the sale of two books she wrote. Additional funds which come from the estate will be designated for other purposes as they are received.
Mr. and Mrs. Sechrist were residents of Virginia Beach where they attended Baylake United Methodist Church. Mrs. Sechrist was active with the Association for Research and Enlightenment and was an author and lecturer on dreams.
In announcing the scholarship bequest, president William T. Greer, Jr., said, "I believe that most thinking, caring people would hope that someday they might possess the means to leave something, financially speaking, for future generations of young people. That is precisely what the Sechrist family has done. This enormously fine bequest will provide scholarships for deserving young people at Virginia Wesleyan College from now on. At Vriginia Wesleyan, we are grateful for this very thoughtful and generous gift." [JT's note: See also husband's readings, [2981].]