This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 8th day of May, 1944, in accordance with request made by the self - Miss [5079], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by the article in Coronet.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Jeanette Fitch, Stenos.

TEXT

1. GC: You will give a Mental and Spiritual Reading at this time, with information, advise and guidance as to her mental, material and spiritual welfare, answering the questions, as I ask them.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the inquiring mind and those intents and purposes, the abilities, virtues, as well as vices which are a part of the whole experience of the entity.
3. That there have been and are those ideals and ideas and purposes of the entity is indicated in the activities, in the general abilities and application of same in the present experience.
4. In giving, then, an interpretation of these in a way and manner that we may find that which may be the most helpful influence in the experience of the entity, these we may outline and thus may the entity in analyzing itself find an answer. For as suggestions may be made, these are to answer within the entity itself. For that which is knowledge or understanding, of a mental, a spiritual or material source, depends only on the entity making a practical application of such in an experience for it to become a part of the individual entity, as to be of use to the entity.
5. These, then, being analyzed by self, find whether that which answers to self can be applied by or in and through self.
6. The entity finds in itself these characteristics: the ability to do whatever it chooses to do. It can bring about, through its influence upon individuals, those things, those conditions as for the entity to have its own way, or if not its own way so near it there isn't much difference. The entity may abuse this at times to such an extent as to become to others disagreeable, and thus lose its hold upon others by its overlording over others.
7. Thus we find the entity a very good speaker, a very good organizer of groups or of any activity in which it may choose to direct its efforts. For, as we would give, these should be the manners in which the entity, then, should apply itself.
8. First analyze its own personality and its own individuality. See the difference. Don't just think on it. Write it upon a piece of paper, what you really think about another personality and what you say to that person. How near are they alike? In that you may see your personality, or that you would have others to see, and that which you really are within yourself. These may be measured, then, by what is the ideal manner should these arise from spiritual. Or are the activities of self first judged from the material needs or necessities? and then make those mental and spiritual aspirations conform to same, or shall it be the reverse?
9. For all things (whether of mind or of matter) arise from the spiritual concept, and it depends upon the sincerity and with what spirit an entity uses these as to the abilities of the entity to control others! Should it be changed as the ideal way, should the change be for thine own good or for the good of all concerned? For if self is put first and foremost it is self-worship. For there is nothing that may separate thee or any soul from the mercies and the grace of God save self, and that by insincerity.
10. In the abilities, keep in the way in which ye judge not, if ye would not be judged. Remember, with what measure ye mete to others must eventually be meted to thee. If ye would have friends, if ye would have love, if ye would have patience, manifest same. Each of these are the attributes of the spirit of truth and as ye apply same in thy experience, the greater becomes thy measure of faith.
11. For if ye have not faith in others, how can ye have faith in God? If ye have not faith in God, how can ye find it in thyself?
12. Keep sweet, keep true, keep earnest!
13. Ready for questions.
14. (Q) Am I following the right line in my behavior?
    (A) As has just been indicated, we have outlined thy faults, we have outlined thy virtues. Apply them. For unless they answer to thyself, who is to say any individual is right in its choice of activities, or in its choice of associates? But use the measuring rod of the Master. "He who would be the greatest among you is he who will serve them all."
15. We are through with this reading.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy for indexing

BACKGROUND

1. Born August 15, 1895, in Omaha, Nebraska.
2. 10/10/43 Letter: "Your letter enclosing leaflets arrived Saturday, during one of my worst spells of headaches. I am most interested and anxious to learn more. Not only for physical help, but the spiritual side too. To me, there seems to be no mystery, only a direct gift of God to a trusty and faithful soul. I too, have been entrusted with a small gift, but am not able to make use of it, due to ignorance. There seems to be a 'curtain' holding back the real connection. I feel sure through you I can get this cleared up and do my part. You say that one must be in a designated place... I may be out of town, or at a hospital, or nurses' aid duty. I go whenever my health permits. This really means everything to me, and I am most anxiously waiting further word from you..."
3. 10/18/43 Letter: "...Having in very recent years been blessed with a strange and rare gift, which I cannot direct or understand, but which controls my entire being and guides and protects me at all times, I feel that with your reading to open the door to knowledge to me, I too can be useful. The day before and the day that I accidently ran across the article about your work in a current magazine, I kept hearing: 'Read II Chronicles, Chap. 1-9.' I am not a bible student, and did not know what those 2 chapters contained; but after seeing the article about Mr. Cayce's work, I knew; also knew I must seek for knowledge. Please help me to do my part. I fully believe in reincarnation as explained by you, and hope to perfect my soul to some extent for a better and fuller nature and future life. There are so many whys and hows, just now... It is not possible for me to express my sincere interest and the great hope I have in this reading..."
4. 4/29/44 Questions submitted in addition to those at end of 5079-1: "(1) Should I endeavor to alter my connections with former associates? (2) What should I do to improve myself to be better prepared for my future life? (3) Should I try a trip now, and if so, east or west? I pray that we may derive great help from this reading and be better able to help many more. Also that Dr. Cayce may not be wearied from the ordeal but that new vitality may be his. Assuring you of my constant prayers and meditation for the good cause, I am."

REPORTS

1. 5/22/44 Letter: "...It is quite impossible for me to express my gratitude...for the reading... My doubts are all gone. I know what is what now, and no one can convince me of anything else. I must clear off the material entirely, and see only the spiritual part of my past experiences, and all is well. My entire life has been a very busy complicated and most interesting one. Every word of the reading fits me perfectly. But of all I am most grateful for the advice. I have learned so much from the readings sent out monthly, especially the April issue..."
2. 6/08/44 Letter: "...Not being able to come there and learn the many things I wish to learn, and to talk with you, I do feel it only right to explain something of my life that your reading so ably fitted. For several years, I have been conscious of the unusual power of getting my way without much effort, but was mostly surprised too. I was connected with a large organization of people of foreign descent, for more than 20 years. I originally went to them as a schoolteacher and lived in their large home to teach them English (after school). After one year of this, the young lady who was head of the organization, died of flu in 1918. Her dying wish was that I remain in the home in her place, to take care of the 10 orphans she was rearing, and has very old parents, until someone else could be found. Well, I waited over 20 years, and of course, the children grew up, the dear old people died in my arms, and the place and business flourished. I learned the Greek language, was housekeeper, executive secretary of 3 corporations, and miscellaneous other things. Finally, spent nearly 2 years in Europe, mostly Athens, and my health broke completely on my return in 1937.
   I was [in a] subconscious [state] for 6 weeks, and from that time since, I have known of many things you write and teach. I tried to tell people about them at first, and was sent to a mental hospital for life. Ha! Ha! Well to say I decided I couldn't live in such a place, so just left and came back here. As the reading says, I did make a new life for my present and future. It is not impossible for you to believe that in my most miserable time of pain, that a voice within gave me certain instructions. I didn't understand them, and tried to learn who or what, much to my sorrow. After my return to ..., I just followed instructions and kept still. When I read your article in 'Coronet', I was so full of hope, because I knew of my great need for enlightenment. You can now understand something of my reading. The paragraph about 'judge not', I was given this same law definitely about 20 years ago in a dream, because I held a feeling for a former fiance who was dead. I had a hard scolding then, and have been very careful. Hence the expressed 'keep in the way, etc.' Many other parts fit just as well.
   My former boss was quite aware of this ability of power. He never went to bankers for a loan, or to ask other important favors of anyone. Always sent me. I thought it was because I was an American and could express myself better. Now I know why he often laughed and said: 'Don't fool yourself; your English doesn't make the difference.' He was a most religious person too, but I could not and do not agree with much of his teaching. Because of these misunderstandings with his people here, I was not sure if I should go back to visit them... Now I know, I want better measurements than I was giving... Have you ever had a health or life reading dealing with 'extreme migraine headaches'? If so, could I have some help on it? Have terrible ones lasting weeks at a time and no relief. I truly feel that they may be for my own good to meditate and learn more. Maybe I was very wrong in my former experiences..."
3. 7/31/44 Letter: "...I have read and re-read Dr. Vincent's 'Lighted Passage', and it has been so helpful to me. It is truly a beautiful piece of literature, and so splendid at this time. Do you suppose there is a chance for a Life Reading for me? If so, I intend to be there in person. We can then have a real talk which may be helpful to others, and I know would be most helpful and interesting to me..."
4. 8/18/44 EC's reply: "...It would not be possible to give you an appointment until sometime in the late fall. My being away from the office has certainly mixed up the appointments, and we are already more than a full year in advance..."
5. 8/24/44 Letter: "...I wrote you about a reading before I received the Congress reading. This has answered my questions that most troubled me. You see, I get the message constantly with other lessons that my next experience is to be Budapest. I couldn't quite like the idea, but after learning the future of Europe, I understand a number of warnings I get and why... I know what I am to do here the little time left (a matter of months it seems), but here is where you can help me. Do I have the privilege of carrying on to my next experience the knowledge and truth of God that I have learned this time? If I can be sure of that, I am really ready for anything, anywhere. My spiritual reading says (4th paragraph) that I have the power to use knowledge any time I wish, and make it apply to me as an entity. I am striving every minute to fill the measure of understanding and wisdom and pray constantly that I may have many experiences to be a real true part of God's ideal. To me it is as necessary and sensible as following a road sign..."
6. 12/27/44 Letter: "Dear friends: Now I can write that in all sincerity as I have just finished 'There Is A River' by Thomas Sugrue, and I know you all so much better, my connection with you has been run completely backward. I first read of Mr. Cayce in 'Coronet', wrote for information and upon receipt of it, found there were 3 kinds of readings. I left the health and life reading and asked for a Mental-Spiritual, being sure if I could get that part straight I could either help myself or know how to endure my pains. Then I read all the literature sent me and last of all, the book. The book was wonderful for the Christmas season, and I intend to read it several times, at least in part, because it just fills my needs. I too, am self-educated and am, trying to understand the gift I have and how to use it for good. Please look up my reading.
   It is so hard to express my feelings on paper, but from the time I received my reading I have worked very hard on the instructions. Please be sure you have done for me what no one else could have done. I have reached the stage where I was frightened. The inner voice gave strong and definite instructions and the people were so strongly against all of them. One long trip of 20 months in a mental hospital put the fear of people and their unkindness into one. Since I received your reading, I have been given some excellent books and they have helped to find a way; also I devour the weekly writings from Extracts, and have not been disappointed one time yet in getting a problem solved, I find my power is in thought. I do not need to speak; just to think as I should and the help is given. My reading said: 'the entity finds in itself the ability to do whatever it chooses to do' etc. Here was a great power, I could find no other use for than to help others be happy and at peace. Instead of abusing it, as I was warned against doing, I have put all my efforts in letting myself be completely quiet and asking God to shine through.
   Believe me, I am astonished at the quick results. Yes, it works; I can even save an unborn baby and its mother from dying, simply by giving her baths and praying all the time for God to shine through. No one even has an idea of this; I just tell you because you gave me the key. But when some young married couples came by to wish me Christmas cheer and told me, 'Miss [5079] you are our leader in the new way; we really are your disciples', imagine my surprise! All I had done was to assure them that God was just, never let us down, everything always happens for the best, and we just have to believe it and do our part. This has been the happiest, by far, of any Christmas in my life! I am helping everyone I can in better thinking, and just do lots of it to them. I find a great change in my Gray Lady work in the Army Hospital at ... Field here in Alabama. I work with all the service men and women in the hospital; I enjoy it so much and find our boys and girls to be tops all the way. Also in U.S.O. work; such young boys and dear old country kids, city boys and just all Americans. Yes, the world is great. I just feel sure I cannot expect any reward for any of it, because the harder I work, the happier I am, and there goes my credit. What can I do? I do not seem to find any self sacrifice possible. I get paid in advance. Please, I thank God for a migraine and that it is nothing worse. God bless you each one, and may the New Year bring you such happiness. Please, Mr. Cayce, do not worry about too many readings. Anyone enough interested and not too lazy can learn enough from your past work to help themselves. Perhaps there were too many with greedy and selfish interests. God always does things just right, so I know he is protecting you."
7. 5/15/45 Letter: "...Along with my active membership check, I am sending $2. for some repairs; to me it is keeping up one of God's best loved homes... I am looking forward to the day I can visit there."
8. 6/17/45 Letter: "Your diary letter of June 15 has made me ashamed of my neglect. Please forgive me for it. My reading was a Mental-Spiritual one, and I just didn't realize how much you needed the 'follow-up' letters to give you some help. We just take and do not give. To begin with, mine was a startler. It startled me! But I began at once to pick myself to pieces and try to discard all the useless parts. I have followed the advice as nearly as possible, and believe me, the results are amazing. I did not ask for a Physical Reading, believing that if I put my mental and spiritual self on the right road, I could handle the physical all right. This is true. I have kept all the extracts from the weekly papers, and find in every one some part which applies to my immediate needs. There is so much material in these reading extracts that any one really interested can find what applies. 'The Coming Of Man' pamphlet is a whole study in itself. I just finished Stewart E. White's 'Across the Unknown', and the whole thing ties in with this perfectly. I wish I had more brain capacity to retain everything that comes to light. Surely we are living in the most wonderful age, and there will be little excuse for us if we do not measure up when our number is called. The knowledge alone of: 'That to which an entity may attain is limited only by itself and what that self sets as its ideal'. Here indeed is a challenge to all. We can blame no one but self, if we are short of our hopes... May God bless you in this splendid work..."
9. 3/23/46 Letter: "As I have moved to ..., Ala., and hope to keep this my permanent home, will you please change my address?... I could write a small book on what my 'spiritual self' has been these last months, but I fear no one would believe me. It is all too good and wonderful. Hope to come to see you some day and tell you all about it. It will be something for your file."
10. 10/21/46 Mrs. [2457]'s ltr. to HLC: "Miss [5079] said she was much better in every way and happier than she had ever been."
11. 12/46 Miss [5079]'s Xmas Card: "Really didn't mean to just throw those pecans at you without a word, but was taken to the hospital in an ambulance that day. Came home yesterday; much better."
12. 6/04/47 Mrs. Frances Durham sent a 6/02/47 newspaper with Miss [5079]'s death notice, saying:
    "Just a brief note to send you the attached clipping. Miss [5079] was so devoted to the Cayce group. She was a bright and happy soul, even under the most depressing of circumstances, illnesses, etc. Her life was fantastic to a degree. No details as yet, though we all knew she was very ill with high blood pressure, etc., and had been in the hospital with convulsions. She told me of sending you the pecans. We all thought she overdid things - that her energy was so much greater than her physical strength. It is a shock after all, to come so suddenly. Her happy, smiling acceptance of pain and illness was a lesson to us all."

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