This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office, of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 2nd day of August, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [3126], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Miss [2988] and the book, THERE IS A RIVER.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born June 15, 1896, in Vellen, Denmark.

TEXT

1. GC: You will give the relations of this entity and the universe, and the universal forces; giving the conditions which are as personalities, latent and exhibited in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth plane; giving time, place and the name, and that in each life which built or retarded the development for the entity; giving the abilities of the present entity, that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [3126].
3. In giving an interpretation of the records, these we would choose - from a very unusual record - with the desire and purpose that this be a helpful influence for the entity.
4. Abilities with this entity are many. There should have been the greater application of self in that direction of commercial art, or some character of art. For this may even yet be a means for giving expression to the best that is within the entity's abilities.
5. However, we find that in any field of activity the entity chooses he may - by his personality - make a material success of same.
6. For, whatever the entity chooses to do may be accomplished; provided that the ego does not get ahead of the I AM in the entity's experience. For, if self is placed first and foremost, this is as the "little book" which when eaten turns to gall within the experience of the entity. Using the abilities in any direction to the glory of the Creative Forces may bring honor and fame, as well as much of this world's goods. Allowing self to become self-centered, the best friends may be as outcasts from the entity, and peace and harmony within self be as naught.
7. These are the characteristics, then, as reached through not only the earthly sojourns but the sojourns during the interims between material manifestations. As may be seen, there have been many, many material sojourns, yet all would not be included in this presentation at present. But the entity very easily slides from one to another sojourn, as to the application of the urge. Hence this is not designed in the present to create confidence or stability in the experience and associations with others.
8. Hence the great injunction to this entity is to find self as in relationship to God's purpose with man in the earth, as a whole, and with self individually.
9. For, the fact of thy own consciousness in the earth in the present should be self-evident as to His mindfulness of thee. Art thou in thyself as mindful of Him?
10. Astrologically we find most all, in varied spheres, reacting through the soul-consciousness of the entity; Mercury, Pluto, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune. All of these in various manners.
11. Sudden changes are indicated in Saturn; high mental ability and capabilities in Mercury; self-centeredness in Pluto, and earthward in the application of self.
12. In Venus we find the attraction to and from the opposite sex; in Jupiter a universal consciousness; in Neptune an interest in psychological and spiritual things.
13. We find in Mars a high, exalted opinion of self; which is well, but abused - as it may be in Pluto, or in Mercury - may become a stumblingstone rather than a steppingstone to advancement in this present sojourn.
14. As to appearances, - these are many. Not all may be given here, but those that make for the greater influence in the present experience:
15. Before this the entity was in the Norse land, when the early explorations told of the finding of a new land.
16. Then the entity's activities were with one Eric the Red. (These would be associations of note, should there be the possibility of same in the present; provided the entity could learn AGAIN to take orders, as then.)
17. Through the experience, as On-Olson, the entity gained and lost; and much of the characteristics of that period may be seen by others through the emotional self in the present; the humbleness of the entity at times and then at others such self-assertiveness as to become one wished away.
18. The entity learned much of strange places, strange happenings for the day. And still there is the innate search for adventure. For, then the entity visited the land of the present sojourn; journeyed far to the central portion of this new-found land.
19. As given, the entity then gained and lost; gained when there was the calling on and the applying of those tenets - or fruits - of the spirit of truth. Not truth itself, yet the symbol or the sign of the seeking of the one applying same.
20. Before that (among those we would choose) the entity was in the Holy Land, following the persecutions and during the early activities of the disciples of Him who set the way and the truth and the light.
21. The entity accepted, the entity rejected, the entity eventually joined in those activities to make greater improvements in self. Yet, from the natural source, there are periods when fear prevents the entity admitting those influences in the earth, and there are others when the entity consciously and unconsciously manifests same.
22. During that period the entity aided those who taught and those who chose to execute their abilities in the creating of symbols or pictures depicting events and happenings through those periods.
23. Then in the name Hanz Wybrant, the entity gained in the greater part. And those abilities, those seekings to commercialize whatever may be the principles of the body or entity, are from the questionings of others through that experience in the earth.
24. Before that the entity was in the 'city in the hills and the plains,' but during those periods following the removal of the leader or establisher, Uhjltd.
25. The entity was among those questioned, and lost one of the optics, yet carried on in those activities wherein there was a seeking to commit self to the activities of those who had overrun the land, or those who sought to make that group of people as satellites to other lands.
26. For, the entity then desired to favor the Prince of the Norse land. It could not be said that the experience was all gain nor all loss, for much of the abilities are manifested from that experience in the present to control groups, to hold the character of considerations with other groups almost to the entity's own satisfaction, no matter in what field of activity the entity may be engaged or may have chosen to direct the efforts.
27. Thus a leader, a reader; and these are a part of the entity's present experience. But the greater field of service lies in those activities indicated for the entity.
28. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land during that period just previous to the reign of that entity called Hat-She-ptut.
29. The entity was one who prepared for those activities of that queen who ruled with might and main, and yet contributed much to the welfare of others, and to those who were less fortunate in material or in earthly things.
30. Through that experience the entity sought helpful forces, but was not willing to accede to the full consciousness of the sources of supply. And these are indeed those things needed most in the present.
31. Thus the great admonition would be: Do the first things first. Learn this first, - no soul or individual may have so many friends that he can ever afford to lose the least one.
32. As to the abilities of the entity:
33. First learn to know self, and self's seeking, and self's purpose, self's hope, and self's manner of attaining those influences. Not by wisdom of self alone but to the faith and the trust in Him who gave life, light and immortality.
34. Analyze self, then. And in those fields of art, in ANY portion of the arts, - especially in commercial art, - as in cartooning or the like, - the greater blessings may be had in the experience of the entity, the greater achievements, the greater help in attuning with the Infinite; so that the boat may be brought safely home again.
35. Ready for questions.
36. (Q) In what part of the world will I be most successful?
    (A) In the New York or Metropolitan area, or in Chicago or Cleveland or Toledo where there are the great centers from which there are activities in the field of art; so that whatever field is chosen may bring the entity in contact with the individuals directly.
37. (Q) Is my work in this field attainable now?
    (A) Attainable now, if application is made.
38. (Q) Is it advisable to live the "hermit" life I am after, or shall I "hunt" for my "half soul"?
    (A) These are merited things in thy experience. These must be choices within self. As ye have done to others, so will it be measured to thee. For, ye may be very sure there's nothing in earth or heaven, in hell or afar, that may separate thee from the love - the love of God, provided self is made of no estate.
    [GD's note: Questions and answers Paras. 39 and 40 below were left out of the original reading mailed to Mr. [3126]. The questioning was urged by Miss [2988] who had a few months previously broken off a love affair with him of many years standing:]
39. (Q) How have I been associated in past lives with the entity now known as [2988], and what are the urges to be met in the present?
    (A) In the Egyptian experience, and the urges in the present are still to direct the life of someone else!
40. (Q) Should our paths again merge in this life or should we remain apart?
    (A) If it is to be met in the present, meet it now - for you must meet it again and learn the lesson that each soul stands as the same before the Maker!
41. We are through for the present.
42. Remember, there are other incarnations that we have not mentioned; for instance, there have been two French appearances - but you better keep away from them at the present - if possible!
43. We are through for the present.
    [Notation by GD: The entity who in the past was Eric the Red - according to the Life Readings - is a ... boy, who is a Flight Engineer now stationed about 65 mi. from Los Angeles: Sgt. [2157], California.
    His brother, who - by the way - was also named Olsen in the Norse period and associated with Eric, is stationed about 35 miles from Jacksonville, Fla., as follows: Lt. [984], Florida.
    I just mention these in case you have a chance to see either of them, coming or going. These boys are sons of our friends Mr. [462] & Mrs. [404] ..., Va., who came here from Newfoundland many years ago. According to their Life Readings, the whole family had incarnations in the Norse land during the period of Eric. It would no doubt be interesting for you to meet all of them.]

BACKGROUND

1. 7/22/43 He submitted questions, saying he was a chauffeur at present but had over the years served in many occupations. "I know I shall be able to better myself - find a safe foundation to build upon, when I have my reading." Actually, he had given Miss [2988] a copy of There Is A River. See her Life Reading in 5/43, 2988-1.

REPORTS

1. 9/10/43 [3126]'s letter to EC:
   Mr. [3126] L.A. Calif. (12)
   My dear Mr. Cayce:
   My sincere thanks for your kind letter AND my reading, which I have first read now as I have been away ever since the 4th of August and first returned yesterday.
   I fully realize the great importance of the reading - and look upon it as a CORRECTED compass, which show me the TRUE COURSE I am to take if I want to avoid any shipwrecking - however I feel within myself that I wasn't so far off course as I thought I was in some of the aspects. There is one particular point I should like much to have clear - namely is the record taken in its ENTIRETY from my AKASHIC record or have you applied some PSYCHOLOGICAL viewpoints of your own to it?
   There seems to be a few instances where I feel that that is so, as to example when I am suggested to take up cartooning - well I can't even draw a straight line or sharpen a pencil correct - let alone drawing a cartoon. I have tried earnestly to get INTO THE FEEL of my drawing something - but it seems absolute foreign to me. If the suggestions had been to try the stage or screen - "business" or similar activities - I might have felt more at home there, - but as I have said I feel that it is a suggestion of your own, rather than from the Akashic records?
   Concerning the negative of "The Hall of truth" picture you ask for - I am more than happy to give it to you - and have written to New York for it, and as soon as I receive it I shall forward it to you at once.
   About California - well you haven't missed anything not to have been here. It is lacking the GREEN freshness of the East - and I do not fine people more religious or spiritual than in - say - New Yorks metropolitan.
   There are two places though with a high SPIRITUAL atmosphere and that is SEQUOIA national forest - and Yosemite national park, they must be seen - and FELT - in order to be fully appreciated. - Once more my heartfelt thanks for the "trip" you took for me, and I shall follow the compass as close as possible.
   My kindest regards to ALL who participated in the reading.
   Sincerely yours [3126]
2. 9/25/43 EC's letter to [3126]: Mr. [3126] Los Angeles, 12, Calif.
   Dear Mr. [3126]
   Thank you for yours of the 10th. Though it is unusually addressed, it came through, possibly a little bit slow, but it made the grade.
   I am very glad to hear from you again, and hope things are going pretty well with you. I think the information is taken from the records themselves. To be sure, as is stated in the first portion of the reading, it is as it would be interpreted by whatever is reading the record, as that is the way that is it stated. Of course, I have no personal recollection, though it may be a personal thing. However, my impression is the individual seeking the information really gives the information. I merely happen to be the channel that in putting my own conscious self entirely out of the picture, the super conscious or God-self following the line of the desire of the seeker and consequently, the information is just as good as the sincerity of the person asking for same, for I believe the Book is true, where it says "My Spirit beareth witness with your spirit". Of course, I can't prove this, but following the line of thought that has been presented, and watching many thousands of people's lives through forty years of experience, I think I am convinced of this fact more and more each day. I don't know what others think of it, but that is my theory.
   The example you use is quite interesting, according to an experience we have had. Sometime ago a young lady [338] who had for eighteen years done nothing except pound at telegraph keys, in a reading it told her that she should be an artist. She said just like us, "I can't draw a straight line, though I am interested." Her brother [256], who at the time, was an officer of the Association, persuaded her to undertake it. She studied art for a year and has become one of the best commercial artists, I suppose in the business, from what they say. It was soon found she could draw a type of curved line that possibly not one in one hundred thousand could do, and her work has proved most interesting, and as she says, she has made more money in any month than she ever made in any year, as a telegrapher.
   Thanks very much for the record. I will be glad to have the film, and I think I would make some place cards with it. Thanks a lot for the card and the picture. It is very lovely to have this. Some years ago when my son went there, taking a group of boys, as he was Scout Master here, they gathered a lot of material there. I think he, very much like your- self, felt that Sequoia was about the most sacred place he found in California. Thanks again for everything. Let us hear from you whenever you have the opportunity.
   With every good wish, I am
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce EC/vw
3. GD's note: Mr. [3126]'s estranged wife [3246] and son, [5188], obtained readings; also his brother, Dr. [3034].
4. 8/27/47 Mrs. [...]'s letter: "Your name was given to me by a friend who obtained it from a Mr. [3126] here [in Calif.]. It seems that this gentleman has been in touch with you and praises your work highly."
5. 8/14/52 Son [5188]'s letter: "My wife and I had planned to come to Va. Beach for our vacation. Unfortunately we had to call it off because of my father [3126]'s death and because of my mother [3246] entering the hospital at that time. Things are better now, but it looks like we will have to wait until next year to get down your way."

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