Edgar Cayce Readings, 3657-1

Time and Place: 4:15 to 4:40 P. M. Eastern War Time. ..., Alabama.

TEXT

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:
EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called, [3657].
Here we have an unusual individuality - and he's certainly missed his calling!
While there are those tendencies, inclinations, abilities in any scientific or mechanical activities, the greater abilities of the entity might, in this experience have been expended in a constructive manner, as heretofore, as an author. For this was one Bulwer-Lytton! [Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)]
In giving the interpretations, then these we choose from the records with the desire and purpose that this information may be a helpful experience for the entity; enabling the entity to better still apply itself in such a manner as to yet contribute much to that even of literature. Though few would give the entity credit. For such abilities, we find that even yet - once begun - the entity might produce greater work than he did as Lytton, and that would have to go some!
As to urges latent and manifested, we find that Mercury, Mars, Venus and Jupiter are the ruling influences from the sojourns in that consciousness indicated in such terms; not as a physical entity but as a consciousness, an awareness in that dimension represented in Mercury, Mars, Venus and Jupiter.
Thus we find an entity with a great imagination, and naturally a good writer.
The entity likes to be alone - hence is good company for himself. The entity is very emotional yet lacking in affection, and very prone to be constantly active, able to work with mechanics, able to be active with art, the appreciation of art, the appreciation of those characters that may be set in a form around which a story might be built - whether as a psychological fact or a historical fiction. The entity could create either, in its own mental abilities.
An individual entity, from the combination of these, in which there are the psychic and the occult forces. The experiences of the spirit of a rainfall, a sunset, a river, a tree, a herd, a flock, a school of fish - from these the entity may gain, as in the aura from same, much that to others would be imagination, but to the entity may be used as emblems of those things that may be constructive in creating, even in a mechanical manner, that which would control, would affect, would direct such things.
And the entity, with the very words or the blessings in planting even a nut, may insure the next generation a nut bearing tree! The entity with its very abilities of the magnetic forces within self, may circle one with its hands and it'll bear no more fruit, though it may be bearing nuts in the present.
These are indications, then, of how the entity may use the energies or vibrations, even of the body, constructively or destructively. Do not use these for self in either direction. For as just indicated, if you plant one, be sure it is for the next generation and not for this one. It is others ye must think of, as should every soul. "Others, Lord, others - that I may know thee the better."
As to the activities in the earth: The experience before this is too well known to be commented upon, except to use the good, discard the bad. While ye have latent within self much of that desired to be overcome - though ye have overcome, not because of age but because of sensibleness - overcome the desire to be the good fellow well met. This has brought to the experience of the entity abilities in creative and constructive lines, yea as a worker with stones, and as to judgments in working with metals - but precious metals and precious stones, not semi-precious ones. These the entity may use, the knowledge of same, as the basis now for its story - first, as serials in not too well known magazines, and they'll become better known if you'll write a story for them! Then a book, yes - for every man, the story of his own life would make a book, if he would be true and not try to make it something else. Write what he is and not what he would like to be or imagines he is! For every individual entity knows himself better than any other. Be sincere with yourself and other outside influences, even disincarnate entities with and through whom ye may obtain much, will be sincere with you. Sincerity will drive away those that might hinder, but do not use them, do not abuse them. Know that these come to thee for aid, not to aid you. Aid them! Thus are we admonished to pray for the dead. Pray for the dead, for they only sleep - as the Lord indicated. And if we are able to attune to such, there we may help. Though we may not call back to life as the Son, we can point the way. For there's only one way. And point to that, that is safe in Him, who is the way, the truth and the light.
Before that the entity was in close association with Alexander the Great in his activities.
The entity then was one who encountered most of those who served under that leader. For the entity set the way for the various groups and was especially active in directing the channels when the besieged cities had their waterways changed, where special barracks or barricades were built for a defense against those even of walled cities.
The entity then was capable of those things pertaining to mechanics of any character, and is in the present attracted to such things. If the entity were to take the time to apply self, the entity - being interested in what makes the wheels go round - may come nearer than anyone else to make, what would be termed perpetual motion, though don't try it - you've commenced too late. But the use of elements as of Mercury with electrical forces, and of weights, is the correct principle, as the entity has visioned many a time. But you need sufficient earth to make it a negative force.
The name then was Arlebon.
Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land when there were those activities in the replenishing or reestablishing of the activities of the Priest with the return from banishment.
The entity was among those set in charge of the preparations of the precious metals; as a carver of gold, a carver of stones - as of rubies, diamonds, emeralds and those prepared for those in authority and in power.
As each stone indeed has the spirit - as the spirit of the pearl, the spirit of the diamond - it is the fire that may be in a little different vibration, burned - so in its oppression it may bring that which fires the imagination of those who are very selfish or it may bring peace to the wearer. The diamond is selfish in its very nature, while you will find that the pearl is a natural consequence of irritation - and it will bring either peace or irritation to the wearer as will the diamond, while all of the others have their varying vibrations as the blood-stone or the others, as the entity has indicated in the things set down during those periods of activity in Egypt as Ark-uen.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain and how: First, know Him, who is the way, the truth and the light. For thou hast seen His manifested power in much of natures manners of expression. For as indeed the psalmist proclaimed, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork; day unto day uttereth speech, night unto night showeth knowledge." The line has gone out, and ye may go along with it and learn to control thine own self to the glory of God.
And in thy undertakings, do begin to write. This will add strength to thy ability.
Do be a little more patient; not too much alone, and yet this in the field, on the river bank, as meditations in the woods, may keep thee in balance. And as ye warned, there were other worlds to conquer. But the other worlds are walls within self. Conquer self first. For thy body is indeed the temple of the living God. And He has promised to meet thee.
Then, keep that temple holy.
Ready for questions.
(Q) What can I do to develop "Trumpet" or independent voice?
(Q) Find self first, and then decide whether it is most advisable or not. Most who would speak with thee, ever seek help. Don't fail them - ye have the ability. If this is for demonstration, ye only have to close thyself - not merely in a darkened room but sit by a good, nice pine or hickory tree, and listen to the voice within.
(Q) What can I do to serve best in the pattern of Life of the future?
(A) Do write, and this is not only the one right, but the other write.
(Q) How much longer is it indicated I will be with the business as at present?
(A) Just as soon as you wish to change. You won't fail from your second story. What do you need with a business?
(Q) What can I do to relieve my wife of suffering?
(A) This is within self! Aid in unifying purposes from and with others.
(Q) Is it indicated whether the old Homestead or any part thereof will ever belong to me?
(A) Yes - there will be thine own share.
(Q) Is it indicated what I will be doing in January of 1947?
(A) What are you doing at present? You can make it apply to the same. But we would give that you be writing with story of Bulwer-Lytton.
We are through with this reading.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

GD's note: Earlier readings had been given, a business reading for him of which there is no copy, and physicals for his wife, [2457], and children. [4/07/28 See 2457-3, a joint business reading with his wife.]
3/17/25 [3657]'s letter to EC:
Jeweler, Watchmaker, Engraver and Optician ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED
Mr. Edgar Cayce 322 Grafton Ave. Dayton, Ohio
Dear Sir:
Am writing to tell you a funny story and ask if you can help me - will be glad to pay what you charge as I do not think you would overcharge. My Grandma use to tell me that my grandpa buried some gold coins at the old home place which still belongs to us children she did not know how much or where but for fifty years the place has been grown up with pine trees. Just a short time ago some one went there in these woods and dug a hole about 4 feet square and 6 feet deep and evidently got the coins as they left the old container and the print of same in bottom of the hole. I feel sure no living person knew it was there unless they had some scientific means of finding same. And I believe there is more there. I want to know if you can find out some clue to who dug this hole and pulled up this metal vessel or container that was buried there in 1860.
Yours very truly, [3657]
3/25/25 EC's letter to Mr. [3657]:
Dear [3657]:
Certainly is a most interesting story that you have to tell me in yours of the 17th. I think it is entirely too bad that we didn't think of this and take it up a long time ago, and you locate the treasure instead of someone else. From what you say, I'm sure it must be someone who knows a great deal about the happenings, though you are not aware of their knowledge of it, or it may have been located with a divining-rod. I know there are several of them in ..., Ala.
I would like to be of help to you in ferreting this out, if it was possible. However, under the circumstances and the condition in which I feel sure that this would run, were we to undertake it, I'll have to say that it is out of my line. I'm in hopes that you will be able to ferret this out in some way that is satisfactory to yourself, and find out if possible just who it was that removed it. I'm sure it has excited your curiosity and is quite exasperating to know that someone else has taken that which rightfully belongs to you. I will certainly be glad to hear from you from time to time and to know what progress you are making in ferreting this out. I'm sorry that I can't do this for you, for I assure you there's no one in the world that I would rather try and be of help to than yourself, but I'm thinking it would not be in keeping with the other things I'm trying to do.
I'm sure from the conversations that I've had with you from time to time, that you would like to study this work that I have been accused of doing, and if you would like to have any of the data that will be published on the findings of the Association, who are investigating this work, would be glad to have you enrolled as one of our members. This carries with it no obligation whatever, save a real heart felt interest in the work, and if persons desire to make contributions to same, it's purely a free will offering.
Hoping that this finds you real well, and business good, with kindest personal regards,
Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
10/30/31 Friend Mrs. [310]'s letter: "[3657] is drinking harder than ever. This is most distressing as to business, humiliation for [[2457] - his wife] - sometimes he is not himself at least once a week, but sometimes not so often."
5/18/32 Mrs. [310]'s letter: "[3657] is barely making a living, in many ways is simply 'rolling his stones before him.' I do not think he is giving way to the weakest of his weaknesses, as he did so much last fall, or [2457] has had no opportunity to really talk to me of this, if such may be happening."
3/01/41 Wife [2457]'s reply to Questionnaire re readings given to her and the family: "[3657] had a business reading, if you remember, and wore it out carrying it in his pocket - read it every chance he had. I do know that some excellent advice was given in the reading, but I don't remember if the reading was carried out to the 'letter.' [3657] has changed so much in many ways for the best that I am sure the reading had its effect." [GD's note: No copy of the business reading is in the files. It must have been given between 1917-1923. His wife wrote in the 1930's about his interest in a spiritualist medium, Mrs. [3914]: "Psychometrist is what [3657] says she is. He's been reading up a good bit on the phenomena and is greatly interested from two or three standpoints."]
1/44 [3657]'s letter: Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Va.
I was born on the ... Homestead, Wilcox County, Alabama, November 8, 1885, 9:10 Central Standard Time.
1. What did I do in life before this? 2. What can I do to develop Trumpet, as Independent Voice [Spirit Communication] 3. What can I do to serve best in the pattern of Life of the future? 4. How much longer will I be with the business as at present? (Optometry business) 5. What can be done to relieve me of suffering with hemorrhoids? 6. Will the old Homestead or any part thereof ever belong to me? 7. What will I be doing January 1947?
"Paul said there was a time and a reason for all things" I have always wanted a life reading but just could not ask for it. So the time must be at hand and I will most appreciate whatever the forces wish to tell me.
Very respectfully, [3657]
EC made appointment for 1/29/44 - 3:30-4:30.

REPORTS

2/15/44 [3657]'s letter to EC:
Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Va.
Dear Sir:
The reading came, and it is certainly a curiosity as well as the greatest surprise I ever experienced. I have often felt the urge to write stories but it never was a necessity that I try. So just passed it up. Now I want to make use of the Reading and I hope five years hence I can say Cayce read the writing on the wall - my efforts proved it true.
It took me off my feet when I saw what was said about perpetual motion. That is not new with me, but I never connected Mercury with the magnetic current and weights. I ask about Trumpet or Independent Voice. There is none to discuss such as this with so I have held these ideas alone, but independent Voice has helped me out of many tight places. On one occasion I needed a mixture of metals to make some work, easier and expense lighter. I could get close enough to know it could be done but I couldn't do it. After trying hard one night I quit - went home an sometime in the night the Voice came saying add small portion of zinc. I was up early to try and it worked and made work easier and saved lots of expense during the great depression, I am very pleased and think I can use much of the information given you. Always keep the money we send you, as your readings have been valuable to us and others.
Yours very truly, [3657]
1/18/46 Mrs. [310]'s letter to HLC: "...I know that you will be most interested that Mr. [3657] is coming along FINE - you remember some past weakness - well, none of that for quite some years now..."
GD's note: Mr. [3657] lived to the age of 74 and was active in his business until a few days prior to his death. He died 9/04/60.
9/11/60 His wife [2457] wrote: "Just went to sleep and woke up 'Over There!'"
12/09/75 Joseph Myers' letter to GD:
Joseph R. Myers, P.E. Route 5, at Tyro, Box 172 Lexington, North Carolina - 27292
Dear Mrs. Turner: We never imagined that it would be so long before we were back at Virginia Beach since our last visit with you in Spring. Mary and myself are among the many, many people who feel deeply indebted to you for your part in the work of Edgar Cayce and feel it is a privilege to spend even a few moments with you.
Since we showed you our pictures of individuals of the past for whom we have identification and pictures in the present, we have acquired several more fine examples. Our last was an identification by Mary of a young man now very close to us as the rebirth of the English poet Francis Thompson, who wrote, "The Hound of Heaven". Mary was memorizing this poem and studying the life of Francis Thompson when I brought him into our home. He had been injured by the drugs (as was Francis Thompson), but after a period of almost a year of Mary's care and good nourishment and of meditation and prayer with us, he has made wonderful strides toward recovery of his will and mental faculties.
The pictures of this young man and Francis Thompson are remarkable but in this case we also have a photograph of a plaster cast of the left hand of Francis Thompson which showed their hands to have amazing similarities. They are both left handed and Arnold Askew is also a gifted poet like Francis Thompson...and the son of a doctor as he was!
On our last visit to Washington, D.C., to speak on reincarnation at the American University, a very lovely young lady from Scotland invited us to come to her home in Reston so that she could tell us of the circumstances and experiences that convinced her that she was indeed Dickenson. We have no reservations of this identity because of the circumstances, personality traits and, of course, the physical appearance is startling for the resemblance. She was living in Scotland and entirely unaware of who Emily Dickenson was when the name came to her.
Concerning Lord Bulwer Lytton, the English author, we talked about, our hope is that we can compare pictures and handwriting samples. At present, we have not yet obtained the handwriting of Bulwer Lytton but are working on this. There is a copy of the handwriting of the man identified with him in the Edgar Cayce files. Possibly this man's family would be glad to furnish us all the pictures and other information about him. It is very likely that there is a cast of Bulwer Lytton's hand that possibly could be compared with this man's.
Please let us know if you are able to contact his family about these things.
Mary and I would like very much to have a visit with you when we are next able to come to Virginia Beach. We think of you often and often mention you in our prayers.
With His blessings... Most sincerely, [signed] Joe Myers
12/10/75 GDT to Joe and Mary Myers:
I am sending to the daughter [Mrs. [259]] of Mr. [3657] [formerly Bulwer-Lytton] a copy of your letter, so she can correspond with you if she is interested in cooperating with your experiment. Best wishes to you and Mary, [signed] Gladys
12/12/75 GDT to Mrs. [259]: Last spring when they [Joe and Mary Myers] visited me suddenly one Sunday afternoon about TWO HOURS, asking if I would put them in touch with Bulwer-Lytton's family [in this life], I said I would try to locate you. Please, if you do reply, let me have a copy for the files of your correspondence. We are not asking you to cooperate with him. I doubt very seriously if a person's handwriting or personal appearance this time would be proof of a former life, even if almost identical. I don't think the readings indicated this. In fact, there were cases where the individuals CHOSE to have an entirely different physical appearance in the next life.
Love [signed] Gladys
4/02/76 Daughter [259]'s letter to GD: "I've read one of the books suggested and I'm not sure yet what that man in N.C. [Jos. Myers] (all correspondence is at the other end of the line) wants from me regarding [3657] (previous Bulwer-Lytton). I can tell you this - reading Bulwer-Lytton's novel was like listening to Daddy [3657] talk! The observer's comments he makes. I guess I need to realize everyone doesn't have the same 'exposure' I've had during my lifetime, but I'm still amazed at how thickheaded (including me!) some are."
3/14/80 GD's note: Some of Bulwer-Lytton's books are in the A.R.E. Library.