Edgar Cayce Readings, 5056-1

Time and Place: Set bet. 3:30 to 4:30 P. M. Eastern War Time. ..., Iowa.

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 a very unusual personality, being also an Atlantean. This experience may make or break the entity in its search for that which is to answer those spiritual interpretations or the carnal forces in the experience of the entity through the earthly sojourns.
Then, as indicated, we have those unusual experiences in the earth by the entity and the definite urges which are at variance to the general activities in the sex relationships. For in the experience in the Atlantean land, the entity sought to be both and wasn't very successful at either.
In giving the interpretations, then, of the records as we find with this entity; these are urges latent and manifest:
Music should be the career, should be the purpose of the entity in its activity but should be accomplished by its own efforts within itself for the very love of music itself and should be only of the classic and operatic nature.
For the entity was a student under Saint Cecilia, who attained to the realms close to infinity, or able to interpret the music of the spheres and yet failing in some respects, for the entity became enamored of the Saint and you can guess what happened.
In the application then of self there must be the attaining of that spiritual awakening such that the influences, relationships, activities, are not other than save that of searching for an answer to the voices of the night, the rhapsody of the moon upon the water and the voice of a sunrise. These and similar actions in nature itself, which take the entity out of the realm of physical emotions, should be stressed, so that only the mental and spiritual emotions take their place.
The entity should, then, work towards making or engaging in a year's service or work, save every penny, spend every penny, only for music and lessons, but make of and for itself the physical hardships. Sleep on a hard, hard bed. Don't eat too much, don't indulge in things such as sweets, or add to the body, nor engage in those activities in which the movies (such as are shown today) are a part of the activity. Refrain from same. Oft go for days only on bread and water, but do it of thyself if ye would succeed, and ye may become even a greater pianist than Hoffman. [GD's note: Hauptmann?, Hofmann, Josef Casimir?]
As to the activities in the earth, as has been indicated, these are far and wide and yet give and show the pattern of this unusual entity; but with an opportunity in the present experience to outshine materially, as well as spiritually, many an individual; yet most of all finding its true relationship to the infinite.
As in the experience before this, in the name then Giovana Bactioo, the entity sought the activities in its music with the Saint. As the activities progressed, the music was forgotten in the desire physically for the Saint and it eventually destroyed itself.
Before that we find the entity was in the activities in the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem when there was the choosing by David of those who were to be prepared for the service of music in the Temple which was yet to be built. David chose young men and they were given the physical as well as the mental and spiritual training through the activities in the preparations in the school as had been undertaken or begun by Elijah in Carmel.
Thus the entity in the name Apsha was among those who were in the temple service when the activities were begun through those periods of Solomon's reign. Those were the periods when there was the great amount of what today would be called notoriety, or during those periods when the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon the entity was chosen as the one to make music for Solomon to make love by, to the Queen.
The entity was lacking in some material as well as spiritual undertakings, and yet these are those influences which are to be parts of the entity's experience.
DO NOT, then, make an early choice of companionship! For this would be thy undoing. DO NOT wed before the thirty-second year of age! DO NOT wed, then, until at least ye have conquered thyself in the full training of the body, the hand, the mind in thy music! Use the piano alone!
Before that we find the entity was in the Atlantean land and in those periods before Adam was in the earth. The entity was among those who were then "thought projections", and the physical being had the union of sex in the one body, and yet a real musician on pipes or reed instruments.
As to the abilities of the entity, then, that to which it may attain and how:
There is nothing impossible for the entity to attain in fame or fortune or in its spiritual unfoldment and yet these will NOT be easy until the entity has conquered self.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Should I take the position as a "Watkins Man" or start school in June?
(A) If that is the desire. Whatever may be the choices. DO work for same and don't let anyone give you anything.
(Q) Where and with whom should I study piano after graduating from Iowa State Teacher's College?
(A) With some piano school in New York. But when you go to New York, beware!
(Q) Am I homosexual?
(A) Read what has been given.
(Q) What have been my previous relationships with [...] of ... Long Island?
(A) You were good Atlanteans together but not very good people.
(Q) Any further mental and spiritual advice?
(A) Decide in self which you will choose, for there is here set before thee good and evil, life and death, choose thou and know ever within self: If ye are one in and with the Lord in His purpose, naught can be against thee.
We are through.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file
Copy for indexing

BACKGROUND

IMG's note: In 1943, Mr. [5056] served as a sailor in the Navy and was stationed near Virginia Beach. At that time Mr. and Mrs. Harmon H. Bro were at A.R.E. Headquarters. Miss [...], a mutual friend, wrote the Bro's suggesting that they contact Mr. [5056], saying that they would be keenly interested in the young man's unusual talent as a pianist. Shortly thereafter, the Bro's followed the suggestion. As a result, Mr. [5056] came to the A.R.E., met Mr. Cayce and the office staff, and was an occasional visitor on the premises. In the spring of 1944, he was discharged from the Navy and returned to Iowa. This development distressed him so much that he wrote to Mr. Cayce requesting a reading.
4/22/44 [5056]'s letter to Harmon H. Bro: "...I'll have to rush this as I have to get down to the store to start the day's business of selling men's haberdashery. There's not much business and it drives me nuts just standing around. I'm supposed to play for a WCTU banquet tonight, but I haven't practiced once. I'll just get up and do some imitations.
"Below are the questions to be asked in my reading. If you can think of any more pertinent ones, slip them in. You will be present during the session, won't you? Please be my proxy."
1. What should my life work be? (Where and with whom should I study piano after graduating from Iowa State Teacher's College?) 2. Am I am homosexual? (Whew - that was hard to write.) What was my relationship in a previous life or lives with [...], now of ..., Long Island? Also any information about involvements in previous incarnations that are apt to carry over into this life; also a cure, if any. 3. Should I ever get married? Who or where is the right girl? Is it [...] now of ..., Illinois?...
4/27/44 [5056]'s letter to Harmon H. Bro: "There's another question I'd like to stick in if I may: Found out yesterday I could be a Watkin's man and earn $100.00 a week (presumably) which I would save up for years of future education. Now I don't know whether to do that or start school in June. See if the forces will answer that one. That fourth question on the envelope sounded peculiar. I have considered myself saved but Mother said she doubted it. Even asking the question shows spiritual ignorance. And I would like to know in what way I can improve my piano playing, either technically or interpretatively.
"Yesterday was Mother and Dad's Silver Wedding Anniversary. We had a dinner party with a Catholic friend and his family. He and I had a most stimulating discussion as he is a very broadminded Catholic..."
5/05/44 Harmon H. Bro's letter to Miss [...], [5056]'s friend: "...Your letter arrived in hand with one from our mutual friend [5056]. He is to have his Life Reading tomorrow, if all goes well and was sending his questions. You bet we had a good time with him. His musicianship is thrilling and his humor can be the life of the party. Sometimes we had to bawl him out, too, but I think he knows that he has become almost a member of the family to us. Not only to us; all the girls who work here, married and unmarried, have taken an interest in him. He is so brash and good-natured that he makes friends quickly. They ask about him often and interest is high over his reading tomorrow... Give my regards to [5056] and keep up the good work. He's a swell guy, and if he can get his rudders at the right angle, he should be able to climb and climb..."

REPORTS

5/09/44 Harmon Bro's letter to [5056]: "...I couldn't begin to tell you how overjoyed we all were to get your reading. Not only because it held such wonderful promises, but because it seems to be what you need to get hold of yourself... What it says about music being your career was said slowly and emphatically, as was most of the reading... Study over and over again the paragraph beginning: 'In the application then of self...' [5056-1, Par. 7] - it was so beautifully given that it brought tears to our eyes...a phrase that was said most meaningly was: 'yet most of all finding its true relationship to the infinite' [5056-1, Par. 9].
That last answer was at first very stern, and then like a benediction. We were all so moved that at first we didn't know what to say, and then everybody started talking at once. Even Mr. Cayce, in his sleepy state, got interested. Do write and tell us what you are going to do. We are not interested in whether you 'liked' the reading (although Mr. Cayce would like to hear that). The rest of us want to know what you are going to do about it. Write soon..."
6/12/44 Miss [...]'s letter to Harmon Bro: "...I had a grand time with [5056] yesterday. You know how he is. The longer I live the surer I am that my feet are guided by a power not human. That he was sent to Norfolk, that I had the foresight to know what you might do for him, and in the end for me, through the whole thing. He has probably written you by now, though he said last week that he had neglected it. In any case you will want to know that he is back in school, and doing the work as he has never bothered before. He is practicing seriously and finally with a purpose, I think. The reading was really what he needed though no one can ever be sure it will last. Luckily, he is in an environment here that has always encouraged the profitable life. The practical part of what he has told me of his reading, impresses me with its common sense. I knew it two years ago when I first met him. For him I thought the reading was necessary, for he was so confused and would neither believe his own inner urges, abilities, conscience, or anyone else..."
6/15/44 [5056]'s letter: "Dear Folks: Forgive me for not writing months sooner... First of all, let me thank everyone of you for your helpfulness and consideration and interest. And you, IMG, for sending that telegram. Frankly, I didn't expect to get a reading because my faith isn't in very good working order yet. So I was overjoyed when the girl read it to me over the phone. And the memory will always remain of the following Saturday when the reading arrived. Curiously enough, some of the things it advocated had already taken place. While still at ..., Va. I used to eat three candy bars a day. Haven't had one since returning home. And for years, I have slept on a hard bed, and I've become quite loath to spend time in the movies. However, there are a number of things I don't understand. I'll think those over and then write Harmon Bro..."
7/08/44 EC's letter to [5056]: "...I am in hopes that as you study over your reading that you will find something more and more worthwhile. If we can be of help to you in interpreting it, we will be very glad to do so..."
12/04/44 [5056]'s letter to Gladys Davis: "...I know I should have written sooner to give you a report on the reading, but I've been so mixed up and so variable, changing attitudes from one day to the next, and sometimes becoming furious with the situation, that I've made no progress at all - just gone whizzing around in circles, and thus there was nothing to write about. The reading has been a decided comfort, for I didn't know whether or not to go into music. But it seems to me the reading gets one or two things mixed up. For example, I'm supposed to work my way and accept nothing from anybody, [5056-1, Par. 5, 8; 19-A] and of course, walk the straight and narrow morally. And then that lovely paragraph concerning my interpreting the voices of the night [5056-1, Par. 7]. As I see it now, those two are mutually exclusive. Also, I believe that art and sex are closely related and to completely repress the latter, as I am supposed to do, plays havoc with the former. I spend all my strength resisting the devil and have none left over with which to do anything constructive. In fact, I've stopped studying the piano. Just struggling along trying to finish the last three months on my B.A. and teaching 9th grade English through the college and privately for money..."
7/31/49 [5056]'s letter: "...Enclosed is a money order for $1.50. Would you please send me the book A SEARCH FOR GOD. Also, please tell me how to obtain a copy of my reading which Mr. Cayce gave around May, 1944. The original was lost after my mother died and the house was broken up. Thank you..."
8/04/49 HLC's letter to [5056]: "...The book is being mailed to you under separate cover and enclosed you will find a copy of your reading..."
4/24/50 Questionnaire-letter sent to [5056]. No reply.
10/14/50 Excerpt from 'The ... Daily Statesman' [re 5056]: "A Review: Mezzo-soprano...American born and trained star of opera and concert stage, opened...new recital season... A word for Mr. [5056] at the piano: Here was a young accompanist and pianist whose assistance to the artist was both brilliant and positive. He stole no scenes, but one will always remember that he was there. His Rachmanioff preludes and his encore, Clair de Lune, were markedly excellent..."
10/26/50 [5056] visited A.R.E. and gave a report to IMG: "I joined the Baptist Church at the age of 14, under some emotional stress and with a feeling of guilt, since masturbation preceded my joining the church by one day. I was very successful in getting many others to become members. At that time, I prayed to be free of this urge to masturbate. Since my prayer was not answered, I had no further desire to pray to anyone for help. Further, I concluded that a vow many times broken was not more damaging than once broken. This feeling of guilt persisted throughout my teens. Once I asked a clergyman whom I respected very much, to tell me whether it would be all right to have intercourse outside of marriage. The clergyman thoroughly disapproved of such a relationship. I felt that if at that time, I had such an experience, it would have changed the entire course of my emotional life.
"Today I am of marriageable age and yet I cannot bear the thought of the relationship of marriage. However, I am seriously considering marrying a Lesbian, in order to be free from the approaches of women. I really believe that intercourse outside of marriage is a sin. Further, I am skeptical of marriage because of my observations in that direction, especially in connection with my immediate family.
"I feel that music and sex go hand in hand. To eliminate one would be to destroy the other. I have made spasmodic attempts to discipline myself sexually. Once I abstained for five months and felt that I was in danger of losing my mind. It wasn't worth taking the chance. However, I am more discriminating now in my choice of companions. I used to eat three candy bars a day. Now I have lost interest in that and other rich foods.
"I have spent from five to seven hours in one practice period to perfect the technique of one finger for a particular number and constantly work at new finger techniques. Today my favorite composer is Rachmaninoff. At present I am an accompanist for Miss [...] on a concert tour. I have no interest in any other instrument outside of the piano. I prefer to play in small communities where I can take liberties interpreting the music without the fear of critics. I dislike being asked to play on the spur of the moment - it excites me sexually. I need at least four hours to prepare myself mentally and physically before I give a concert. I am determined not to let anyone give me anything that I have not earned, and I know that I must solve my problem myself, without resorting to prayer. I still question the theory of reincarnation, but I cannot entirely reject it."
10/30/50 IMG's note regarding [5056]'s 10/26/50 Report: "We talked especially about his Italian and Atlantean incarnations. He was very much interested to learn that he was a woman in the Italian incarnation and did not understand the implications involved. He wondered how he could have been so foolish as to ever have taken his life in that period, and said he was determined that it would never happen again. He told me that his mother died in 1945 and although he was not too fond of her, he felt adrift since then. He mentioned something about incest in connection with his mother in his early life. He seemed more alert than I remembered. Although his humor was keener, he was more subdued. When I spoke to him about his great talent as a pianist, I was impressed by his humility."
5/23/51 Mr. [3132]'s letter to Harmon Bro: "...We had a musical with some women in the evening and afterwards [5056] played the piano; much talent and very good... He was on T.V. yesterday..."
1/24/72 General Questionnaire sent to [5056] and returned by him 7/20/72:
Q-1. What jobs have you held since your reading? (In chronological order) A-1. "In the field of music: Accompanist, soloist and teacher (private and in college). In leaner times: Chauffeur, typist, secretary, farm worker, church organist."
Q-2. Have you ever spoken with Edgar Cayce? How well, if so, did you know him? A-2. "Not at all well. I tended to stay out of his way because those blue eyes saw too much."
Q-3. Do you feel that Edgar Cayce's source or information depicted you accurately? A-3. "Yes."
Q-4. At the time of the reading, did you have confidence in his counseling? A-4. "Yes."
Q-5. Do you feel that the reading helped you? How? A-5. "Yes. It reassured me as to my life's work."
Q-6. As you look back, do you see patterns that were shown in the readings that you didn't see before? Please explain. A-6. "I'm afraid not; am still rather dense about the meaning of the reading."
Q-7. Do you think that your life could have been made better by following the advice more closely? A-7. "Yes."
Q-8. If Edgar Cayce were alive would you refer people to him for help? A-8. "Yes." Q-9. Did any of his predictions manifest themselves? (Granted that you followed his advice.) A-9. "I won't know that until I pass out of the body. Predictions about professional success possibilities have not worked out. That is my fault."
1/24/72 Questionnaire Part Two:
Q-1. Did you have a career in music? With the piano? A-1. "Yes [to both questions]; also some church organist work.
Q-2. Did you marry before your 32nd year? A-2. "No. The reading quite underestimated my basic antipathy to marriage (a state referred to in psychology textbooks as 'horror feminae')."
Q-3. Did Cayce help you to "find yourself"? A-3. "It (the reading) supported me during the difficult days of following a difficult profession."
Q-4. Did you have any serious doubts as to the validity of his (Cayce's) source? A-4. "No."
See Source File Key #5056 for Encyclopedia Britannica articles describing Saint Cecillia and Josef Casimir Hofmann re 5056-1.