This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 15th day of October, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - [3292], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by the book, THERE IS A RIVER.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. (Notes read to and transcribed by Jeanette Fitch.) Born November 18, 1895, in Middletown, Virginia.

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: (In going back over the years from the present - " - '43 - '33 - '13 - lovely person - 1903 - 1895.")
3. Yes, we are given the records here of that entity now known as or called [3292].
4. In giving an interpretation of the records as we find them here, there is much from which to choose. But this information we choose with the desire and purpose that it may be a helpful experience for this entity; enabling it to better fulfill those purposes for which it entered this experience.
5. In choosing the records for interpretation, it is well that the premise from which these are taken be given the entity. For, these records will require study, self-analysis, and the putting away self to become more and more selfless, as the entity is experiencing.
6. Life is continuous. An entity, a soul, if it is to be eternal with Him, the way, the truth and the light, must ever become - then - as His prayer was: FATHER, I PRAY THAT I MAY HAVE THE GLORY WITH THEE THAT I HAD BEFORE THE WORLD WAS.
7. This, then, is not just a saying but a reality. Thus, as the entity is experiencing, each is body, mind, soul. And each realm has its attributes, its laws, its factors; as the body, as the mind, as the soul. So is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So is the attaining from the awareness in time, in space.
8. Then in patience, as He has given you become aware of your soul.
9. The entity has been and is being tried, as in time, in space. It is through patience, through less and less of self, that the entity may become aware not only of its relationships to the Creative Forces or God, but of the manner in which it may contribute the more. Those opportunities have been given through the grace, the love of Creative Forces; that the life, as it presents itself to the throne of grace or mercy may be purified in the light of His abiding presence.
10. Through the consciousness of the entity in this experience, there has become an awareness of faults, failures - in self, in others. Yet, as has been indicated from the beginning of man's experience with the knowledge of Creative Force - make thy paths straight. Not make someone else's path straight, but make thine own path straight. Find in self peace, hope; that ye would present to Him in thy search for thy relationship with Him.
11. Thus we find there are urges latent and manifested. There are virtues, there are faults in the experience of this entity. Yet we would magnify the virtues, we would minimize the faults. For as ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them.
12. In thy dealings with thy problems, with thy fellow man, do to them as ye would as they should do to you. For the prayer is: "Father, forgive - even as I forgive those that trespass against me." Only, then, as we forgive are we forgiven.
13. We find abilities in Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, as a part of the entity's consciousness.
14. Thus the entity is one endowed with the abilities to attract, to meet emergencies.
15. The influences in Jupiter are of that nature that may be applied in contributing to the welfare of others.
16. Yet, as in Mars, we find a dominant self that easily overshadows those not so strong in self, and creates oft animosities in the experiences of others - in making them feel inferior to the abilities of the entity.
17. Learn, then, the lesson as He gave - in thy greater activity: Keep humble. Not that the activities of others humble thee, never; but in thine own hopes, thine own desires. For, the command is, - God first; and thy neighbor, thy brother, thy child, as thyself. See each relationship as self in the other one's place. Even as He, the Master, gave: "He that would be the greatest among you is the servant of all."
18. As ye then minister, so will ye be ministered unto.
19. Thus as we find in the experiences in the earth, one only meets self. Learn, then, to stand oft aside and watch self pass by - even in those influences that at times are torments to thy mind. Remember, MIND is the builder. Just as Father, Son, Holy Spirit; body, mind, soul.
20. Then the Master - as the mind - is the way, is the how, that one becomes aware through application, through administration of the hopes, the desires, the faith of the soul itself. For, mind is of body and of soul, and when purified in the Christ-Consciousness it lives on and on as such.
21. Remember, then, that all are tried as in the fires of self. For He has not willed that any soul should perish, but has with every temptation, every trial, prepared a way of escape.
22. And they that are His, He will not allow to be tempted beyond that they are able to bear.
23. As to the appearances in the earth, -
24. Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those periods of the early settlings; among those that were brought into the land and exchanged for a commodity - or swapped for so many pounds of tobacco.
25. The entity then became a companion to one in the land; thus with a consciousness of something needed to be builded from the material angle and little of the spiritual in the beginning. With the coming of offspring, there were those awarenesses that life, hope, a future, was to be builded.
26. Then in the name Eunice Cowper, the entity in the latter portion gained; but has met, is meeting much of those material experiences in this sojourn - as related to feelings, relationships, companionship. These keep, for ye are meeting ONLY thyself. In thy faithfulness, then, ye may purify thy body as to be worthy of acceptance in His grace, His mercy, in this experience. Keep thou faithful to thy duty, thy obligations, to the end.
27. Before that the entity was in the Holy Land, during those periods when there were many convinced in their minds on the day of Pentecost. The entity later was among those that were as messengers to the church in Laodicea. Being among those caught in the disputations that arose with Paul, Barnabas, Lucius, Luke, the entity became as one adrift because of the circumstance, because of strife - and turned again to the world experience.
28. Then in the name Eloirn, the entity gained and lost, and gained again through the latter days when the entity became the minister unto those ill, those unfortunate.
29. Thus in the present experience, the entity's abilities as a nurse, as a teacher, as one ministering to the needs of those less fortunate, may be stressed.
30. In the activities, much may be gained from the lessons of that experience. Let not strifes nor differences of opinions concerning morality, those activities that may direct such, enter into thy experience. Who made thee a judge of thy brother?
31. As has been indicated, nothing in heaven or hell may separate a soul from the knowledge of God save self. For ye are, ye have been - as ye learned in the experiences in the earth before and in the present - a co-creator with God, in being a channel for souls to manifest in the earth.
32. Before that the entity was among those people journeying from the Holy Land to the lands where they were carried away in bondage.
33. The entity was one who became as a maid to a ruler. Yet as the entity gave of itself in its daily activity toward the living God, in just being kind, just being patient, just showing brotherly love, just keeping in an even temper, the entity brought to the household of Ajar [?] the knowledge of the true and living God. Thus the entity paved the way for the eventual return of all those people to rebuild the temple.
34. Remember, now, thy body is indeed the temple of the living God and He has promised to meet thee and as ye seek Him within thy temple, He will never forsake nor leave thee - as He then would not.
35. From thine own ministrations in the present, then, though the way seems long and hard, though darkness overtakes thee oft, there may come to those about thee the greater awareness of the living God. Know that the light in the hope of the Christ is ever before thee and will fail thee not - even as it did not through that experience, as Ishla.
36. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there was the building up of those activities following the return of the Priest and the establishing of the relationships with all peoples.
37. There the entity became closely associated with the Priest, as one of those to act as an emissary, a teacher to the Atlanteans. And the entity was an Atlantean; yet coming into the Egyptian land and under the influences of the Priest, the entity brought discords - in a manner - to its own groups; and yet the eventual understanding that made for better relationships throughout those periods of activity in the earth.
38. The entity was acquainted with those activities in the Temple Beautiful, associated with those in the Temple of Sacrifice.
39. Hence again the entity is finding an outlet for the abilities in ministry to those who are passing through changes in mental, in physical, in experiences of sickness and of sin in their lives. For, all illness is sin manifested, as the entity has interpreted and may interpret in its experiences with others. WARN, but ye may not chain, ye may not drive. For, God has only willed - and man may only follow where He leadeth. Keep thy paths straight. Fret not thyself of others. For, He only in His own way may give them, too, their lesson.
40. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain and how:
41. First, find self, self's relationship to the Creative Force, God. For, God is not mocked, and whatsoever a man soweth, that must he also reap.
42. Learn the lesson of faith, of patience.
43. In any field of service where thy hands find work to do, serve - as a message to those that may not justify but glorify God in the Christ.
44. Ready for questions.
45. (Q) Is it my fault that I am failing in every way in my home and marital relationship?
    (A) The entity is NOT failing. Do not condemn self. Condemning of self is as much of an error as condemning others. Live thine own self. Leave the results with God. Man may sow - only God may give the increase; whether in material, in mental or spiritual body. Keep self, not selfish, but selfless.
46. (Q) How can I correct my faults?
    (A) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly construing the words of truth, keeping self from contamination or from condemning others. This is the way.
47. (Q) How may I encourage my children in Christian thinking and living? How may I bring this about, regardless of any sacrifice on my part?
    (A) Only as just indicated. Live it thyself. Preach it little. For, what ye are speaks so loud, others seldom hear what ye say.
    Live each day as to look each of them in the face and say as the Father has said, "Though ye wander far away, if ye call I will hear - and answer speedily."
    Then, let thy life be a pattern that they may take as the light along the road. Do not that, nor attempt that, which is God's work. He convicteth, He convinceth, He judgeth not. Why should, how should you? It is written, "Judge not that ye be not judged - forgive as ye would be forgiven." Living that, all will come to the knowledge and glory of God.
48. (Q) Under the circumstances, is it best that I divorce my husband?
    (A) When there is full accord or agreement with thy children that they would stay, would abide with thee, then divorce him.
49. (Q) Can I help my children more by divorcing him or remaining with him?
    (A) This will depend upon thy children, and their sincerity in themselves and their love for thee.
50. (Q) What lesson am I to learn from my husband's unfaithfulness? Is it my fault?
    (A) Of thine own unfaithfulness in the experience before this.
51. (Q) Why do my two young daughters apparently have little respect or courtesy for me? What has brought about this attitude? How have I failed?
    (A) Ye have not failed. Ye have not applied the whole truth. Be not a preacher. Be ye "doers of the word."
52. (Q) What has caused them to have such an attitude toward me?
    (A) Why judgest thou?
53. (Q) What has been my past relationship with the following, and how can I best help them in the present: My husband, [...]?
    (A) In the experience before this.
54. (Q) My daughter, [3807]?
    (A) In the experience in the Holy Land. Here there is a closer tie than with many others in the household or about thee. You were close in those associations in Palestine, Laodicea, Judea, and also in the activities in the Persian and Holy Land experience.
55. (Q) My daughter, [3806]?
    (A) In Egypt you disagreed, owing to the circumstances or decisions. Hence, keep in the open and walk in the light, ever.
56. (Q) How have I failed to use wisely what God has given me? Why am I so confused about so many things?
    (A) Do not - do not feel that ye have failed. Do not judge self. You have not failed YET. You only fail if you quit trying. The trying is oft counted for righteousness. Remember as He has given, "I do not condemn thee." Go be patient, be kind, and the Lord be with thee!
57. (Q) Is it God's will for me to know when and how my husband's affair with [...] will end?
    (A) This will end very suddenly and right seriously; but be patient and judge no one.
58. (Q) What is the significance of the dream I had recently regarding the completed circle with a design in the center?
    (A) This is as the circle of life. The design represents the imprint of the self, and it is fading away as that which must be made secure by ever being in the light. The color and the snow represent the purity of same. For, as He has given, God has fixed the doors, has fixed the chambers of snow, as He has fixed the purposes through which man's own activity may pass. Yet he leaves the choice to man.
    So, as in thy vision, perfect the circle of light, of love.
59. We are through.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 6/07/43 Letter: "On October eighth I will have been married twenty-two years. My husband has many excellent qualities and is generous to a fault. Physically I am nicely taken care of, but there are other conditions that cause me much concern and I hardly know what to do about them. I have two daughters, one sixteen and one fourteen years of age. For many years my husband has been interested in other women but never too seriously until now. This is one of the problems I am facing. I have only known about the other woman for a little more than two years, altho the affair has been going on for seven or eight years. My husband has done some very wonderful things for her - things that are done only for those one loves. When I first learned about it I thought I just wouldn't be able to endure it but God heard my prayers and came to my aid in a very wonderful way by removing the anguish entirely. I can't tell you how it was done, I just know that it is gone for ever. Even though I am no longer hurt by his actions, I do not wish to stand in his way of happiness but I feel my first concern should be the children and what is best for them. My children seem to have very little respect or courtesy for me. I do not know what has brought about this attitude, it hurts and distresses me so much. Surely I must be at fault to be such a failure in every way... Maybe my vision and understanding is just too small. Maybe I haven't used wisely what God has given me. I seem confused about so many things. I just don't know what to do but with all my heart I desire to do the right thing."
2. 6/10/43 Letter: "I shall pray and meditate about the reading for I want only such information as He is willing that I receive. I want to do my duty to the best of my ability but I do get discouraged and I am not always sure that my decisions are right. Above all else my desire is to do the will of my Father and not disappoint Him. He has not promised us anything in this world but trials and tribulations but my hope is that thru Him I will have the faith, courage and strength to overcome them. Your voice over the phone seemed so friendly and near."

REPORTS

1. 2/02/44 Report: "I had read and reread my reading and find there is much more than at first meets the eye. It seems strange that so much of the scriptures quoted in the reading are favorites of mine and that a special emphasis has been placed upon them. I am inclosing my check together with applications for membership for my daughters [[3806] & [3807]]. You will notice I have given their school address, where they will be at the time the readings are given, however, I do not wish the readings be sent to my daughters. I prefer to have them sent to me at my home address, so that at the most opportune time - when it will have the most effect, I can give it to them. I am much concerned about their future, the choice of their school and many other things. [3807] will enter college next year and I am in doubt about which college to choose. I want to place her where she will do the best work and be happy in her environment. My daughter [3806] has given me considerable anxiety... I know you will be able to help."

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