This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 23rd day of November, 1943, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [3374], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Miss [993].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. (Notes read to and transcribed by Jeanette Fitch.) Mrs. [3374], Miss [993], and Harmon Bro. Born August 21, 1908, in Rich Square, North Carolina.

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 - what a beautiful record!
3. We have the records here of that entity now known as or called [3374].
4. In giving the interpretations of the records here, there is much that may not be put into words. Just as the entity has found, does find there are experiences in the emotions of the mental and spiritual self that only music may span the distance between the sublime sometimes, and sometimes the ridiculous.
5. The urges that are latent and manifested come from experiences in the earth and experiences in periods between sojourns.
6. Thou hast read oft that as the tree falls, so will it lie. Hast thou interpreted what this means, not alone in material conception but in spirit? Study same - it will mean something different, even in the light of this.
7. In giving the interpretation of the experiences of this entity, we would keep in mind that which has been and is the purpose, but do not ever fool self.
8. The seal would be:
9. A square, possibly fourteen inches or such. In the center of same put the open book, the Holy Bible. Upon same put the lily. For the experience of the entity that has meant the most was in that period when it heard the Master say, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." This is the type, then, the field lily with all its beauty, its whiteness, and yet its center of gold. On same put three bees - these representing the mind, the body and the soul. One upon the center of the flower, the lily; one in the air; the other upon the open book. They may add to, they may take from, but he that taketh from, from him shall be taken the promises that are given in the book. To those that add to, shall be added the hardships, the sorrows that are recorded there.
10. These will ever remind the entity, then, not merely to walk in the straight and narrow way but to teach and live so that others also may know the way in which ye should go.
11. In giving the appearances of the entity in the earth, there is much beauty to be drawn from the life. One may never tell a rose to be beautiful nor a violet to give off its fragrance, nor yet a sunset or the storm or the wind to add their voice to the songs of nature. Yet music and nature, and beauty of all kinds, appeal much to this entity. Have you wondered why? Have you used or abused such? These you must answer within self, as you may in viewing the words of truth, the whiteness of the lily and the voice of Him - who was attempting to give the lesson that our whole trust is in God and not in the material things of the earth.
12. Ever be a worker, as the bee, yes - but in that way in which it is ever a contribution to making thy portion of the earth a more beautiful place for men to live in.
13. For the smile of a baby, the fragrance of the rose, is but a reflection of God's care for man. Would he but learn the lesson of these little things! For it is the foolishness of man that is the wisdom of God, and the wisdom of man that is the foolishness of his Maker. [See 2/71 GOD'S PRAYER TO MAN by Shane Miller, 3374-1, Par. R6.]
14. Astrologically we find urges from Venus as the ruling influences, Mercury as the Judgment, Jupiter as the universal consciousness. Hence beauty, love, music, nature, are those things that answer the most to the entity. The beauty of friendship, the beauty of associations, the beauty of the landscape, the beauty of the storm, and yet a fear creeps in when there is a closing in about the entity - as we shall see - from the lack of the full trust in Him.
15. The experiences in the earth are indicated not merely as periods of sojourn but as periods in which the soul has grown or been warped by what men would call circumstance or environ. Yet the will of a soul attuned to God may change the circumstance or the environment, as indicated in the lily; in fact, all the forces even in nature itself. For all the beauty is of God, all the love is of God. All of those that abide in same, then, are manifestations of His love. These nourish, these cherish in all of thy dealings with thy fellow men.
16. Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those periods when there were the early settlings in the land; not the first settlers but those who came to hunt out those who had been lost.
17. The entity came as much for the adventure as anything else. And it is quite venturesome yet, often daring to do many things that others would not do. These appeal to the entity, because of the beauty, because of the trust in those activities.
18. The name then was Mary Clark, and the entity gained through those experiences; and a pretty good shot with a rifle, as well as the bow and arrow. The entity should keep close to all of those things that have to do with outdoor activities, for it is the best way to keep yourself young - to stay close to nature, close to those activities in every form of exercise that breathes in the deep ozone and the beauty of nature. For you may breathe it into thine own soul, as you would a sunset or a morning sun rising. And see that sometimes - it's as pretty as the sunset!
19. Keep these in thy activities, and it will make for the greater experiences in thy life.
20. Before that the entity was in the English land during those periods when there were preparations for the activities when over-zealousness oft, as it did in the days of yore, led man to do strange things in the name of His Maker.
21. The entity then was among those who were left; being left by the companion to look after and to take care of those things under peculiar circumstances. These have made for the entity a stableness in the belief in self, and the questioning of some who make vain promises.
22. Here you find your relationship with your present companion, and it will be necessary that both of you work out some of those things where ye mistrust each other. Keep them inviolate, for the time to work them out is now - through the trust in that which is the center of thy life's seal. Let not those things of the nature of gossip hinder thee, for it is best to trust a soul and that questioning than to doubt that soul which if believing would bless thy life with true meaning.
23. This should be the attitude in thy relationships with all of the individuals with whom you may come in contact that were associated with thee in that sojourn. For ye will meet many of them and there will be question marks behind their activities. But remember as He gave, if ye would have friends show thyself friendly; if ye would have love, be loving to others. For like begets like.
24. Then the entity was known as Rdath.
25. Before that the entity was in the Holy Land during those experiences when the Master walked in the earth.
26. The entity was among those children who gathered first that day when He stood beside the sea and later spoke from Peter's boat. The entity was then a girl in the early teens who heard those words of the Master. When it allows itself in the present, these words can bring into the experience the greater realization of the beauties of water, the loveliness of clouds in the sky, of the storm, the snow, the sleet, the hail. All of these speak to the entity of the closeness, the loveliness of the Master's promises to the children of men.
27. Keep ever faithful to that, of the beauty that is wrought even from the contemplation. Again and again, read the different versions proclaimed by Matthew, Mark and John as to what those passages mean to man.
28. The entity was known as Mary; not of the holy women. For the entity later was among those very much in love with John Mark, until the questionings of Peter and Barnabas brought about dissuasions.
29. The entity later added to the helpers in the churches, in the various activities during the latter portion of the experience, even coming into the Grecian activities; almost being a missionary itself.
30. You almost did this time, for you came near to marrying one, didn't you?
31. Before that the entity was in the Persian and Arabian land, in the "city in the hills and the plains", when the teacher there made overtures to the various people that had come from other lands.
32. The entity was among those who contributed much to the welfare of those who sought help from the teacher.
33. Thus the entity is one who in a visit to a sick room may make the day all the brighter, but not as a nurse, rather as one who might talk with those that are ill. For it can laugh with those who laugh and weep with those who mourn.
34. Keep close to this in all of thy activities. For here ye may contribute often that which will be the helpful force to those who are seeking - seeking - that which seems to be so far away.
35. Then in the name Edeth, the entity gained. In the present there are the abilities to contribute to welfare work, to be an aid in visiting those who are sick or shut-in, and in not distributing tracts but in telling that which ye have heard, and telling others that they may experience it themselves. And be kind to children.
36. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land during those periods when there were preparations of those that were to go into other lands as emissaries and teachers.
37. The entity was among the daughters of the Priest, being sanctified in the Temple of Sacrifice and prepared in the Temple Beautiful for the teaching and ministering in the activities in the land of Saad.
38. Hence in the present we find that ceremony and certain activities of body and of mind, certain formalities at times, mean much to the entity.
39. The name then was El-Ardth-An.
40. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain and how:
41. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly divining the words of truth, keeping self unspotted from the world.
42. Not a little bit might be added, yet that ye may best do is among those in thine own home, in thine own household. For there are those there who may become means of help to many.
43. Let thy yeas be yea and thy nays be nay. But do keep thy wit, do be able to cry - but be most able to laugh.
44. Ready for questions.
45. (Q) What were my associations with the following entities in previous incarnations - when, where and how: My husband, [...].
    (A) In the Palestine and Grecian experience, in the "city in the hills and the plains." In each of these there were the closer associations.
46. (Q) My daughter, [5257].
    (A) In the land of Saad. And there ye had your problems, and here you have a problem. But keep sweet. There is much to be gained here.
47. (Q) [993].
    (A) In the "city in the hills and the plains" were the closer associations. To be sure, acquainted and associated in the Temple Beautiful, but in the closer relationships as in the "city in the hills and plains."
48. (Q) Would it be more advisable to remain in the same household or to make a change at this time?
    (A) Very soon there will be a change made. It will be the better.
49. (Q) Please advise me how I might best develop my soul forces?
    (A) Look to Him, and let thy prayer oft be - live it - be it:
    LORD, HERE AM I! USE THOU ME IN THE WAY THOU SEEST I MAY BEST FULFILL THE PURPOSE THOU HAST FOR ME IN THE EARTH NOW.
50. (Q) What colors, stones, odors, and musical note are best for me?
    (A) The music as of the pastoral nature; that is, as attuning to the vibration of flowers, the song of birds, the wind, the hail, the sleet, the snow. These in their roughness, yea in their quietness. All of these are appealing.
    The colors - mauve and violet. These are the better for the body they are healing to the body.
    The stone - the pearl should be worn close to the body; not as an ornament, but rather as that which gives strength to the body.
51. (Q) What is the best procedure to use in leading my morning devotional group?
    (A) Open thy heart to God, surrounding self with the consciousness of the promises of the Christ - "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments, and I and the Father will come and abide with thee." And as this is felt and spoken in body, in mind, visualize the coming of the Christ as He spoke in the day by the sea.
52. (Q) Would appreciate advice and counsel on my meditation periods; and why do I seem to go unconscious so quickly - is this advisable?
    (A) If there is the attuning of self, the surrounding of self with the Christ-Consciousness, be not afraid. If there is the experience and fear creeps in, as it did in those closed places when ye were questioned by Paul, be fearful.
    But let thy meditation be, as given, "Here am I, O God! Use me, send me."
53. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

REPORTS

1. 12/21/43 See personal message in 5758-1, Par. 21-A.
2. 6/13/44 She had a Life Reading for her daughter, [5257].
3. 3/05/48 [3374]'s letter to GD:
   ..., Virginia
   Dear Gladys:
   After reading my weekly diary letter and receiving the news about your giving it up, I feel I just must write you to let you know what the news has done for me. I am very sorry your duties have become so that it is necessary for this change but feel sure the work you are now doing takes your entire time and is far more important. I know that no one could be more capable in handling the readings than you. I shall miss your messages very much, but want you to know how guilty I feel for not telling you before of my deep gratitude for the way you gave us the inside news of what happens at the Association.
   You always made one feel as tho he were sitting down by you looking in to your sweet smiling face having a long welcomed visitor with friends; interested in higher things. Hope you will forgive me for waiting until the end to thank you. The messages you have written will always be cherished by me and I shall be able to read them over now and remember the many happy things you have given everyone. Don't really see how you could have kept all these things going as long as you have. Hope you like your new home and will be happy there.
4. 1/13/52 Report: "I first heard of Mr. Cayce's work through [993] since I was a member of her prayer group...and was seeking spiritual knowledge and physical help also. Had a very hard struggle over a serious problem and when I heard of Mr. Cayce, tried immediately to get a reading and [993] made the appointment for me. She also helped me get the questions up to ask at my reading. I have not had my seal drawn or painted but haven't been able to do much about it since no one in my family knows anything about my reading except my daughter [5257] but she doesn't believe in anything like it so it has never been mentioned in my home. That accounts for my delay in writing you about it... I do not understand all about my seal but would like to and if I ever can will try to have it drawn. I did not almost marry a missionary to my knowledge in this life, in fact I never thought of marrying anyone but my husband, this part of my reading I don't understand - it doesn't mean anything to me. It is true, however, I can laugh with those who laugh and cry with those who weep. And music does play on my emotions. I always sing when I am deeply troubled about something. In my childhood my mother said she could always tell when I was worried about anything because I kept singing softly. The out of doors calls to me often. It makes me feel full and strong. I love to walk in the open and talk to God. The answer comes so quickly that way. The change I so longed for in my fourth question has never come about and it grieves me more than ever today. It will soon be ten years since I asked the question but the only change has been the death of my husband's father whom I loved dearly. He gave me courage and strength at times when I didn't think I could go on. I loved him as I did my own father. Things have grown more difficult since then. I know that all this could only come if I had lived up to all that was possible to make it be. I have truly tried with my whole being and have constantly called on my Father for help, but have truly failed so all I can do now is have faith and pray for strength to go on until the end..."
5. 10/09/62 GD's note: Mrs. [3374] has remained interested as a member of A.R.E. all these years and is always ready to give an encouraging word in the work we are doing.
6. 2/16/71 GD's note: Today a student in Shane Miller's A.R.E. Bible Class in N.Y. gave me the following GOD'S PRAYER TO MAN, written by Shane Miller, which I think is pertinent to the symbology in Par. 13 of the reading 3374-1:
   GOD'S PRAYER TO MAN
   Hear this, my children -
   Certainly I am aware of your sufferings in the earth. I hear of little else these days.
   But can you honestly say that I left you there without a star to steer by, or left you ignorant of the Law? If I had not allowed you to do as you wished, wouldn't you have said that I was spoiling your fun? So I gave you free will. No one can walk off a cliff or a tall building without expectation of the consequences. Gravity is one of My Laws, too, you know, just like all the others -
   What I really want to know is, O man, have you noticed any of my sunsets lately? Have you thought about the delicate balancing of forces that go to create a flower? What about the tears in the eyes of a beautiful woman or a baby's smile? Whole symphonies are composed and performed by the seas in their movements. Have you stopped to listen? Why not? I made it all for you -
   My prayer to you is that as the sun needs a grateful world to shine upon, can you not love ME a little?
   Amen

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