Edgar Cayce Readings, 5142-1

Time and Place: 11:00 to 11:30 A. M. Eastern War Time. ..., Ill.

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 he submits, as I ask them:
EC: Clinton, Minnesota - yes, on a different cycle. Yes - cantankerous fellow!
Yes, we have the records here of that entity now being called [5142].
In giving an interpretation of the records as we find them, there are those virtues, there are those vices concerning which we would give warning to the body.
As indicated, while the body has a tendency towards religious thought, the entity can easily become so centered as to forget that "the Lord thy God is one."
That should be the basis from which this entity should reason every principle.
There are then those tendencies for the entity in relationships with others to become self-centered, or to feel that what is known by the entity is self-sufficient. Remember, as was given by Him from the beginning, He came not to save those who are satisfied. Then, do not hinder those who are really seeking. For, as has been indicated throughout the experience of man in his search for his Maker, there are those channels, those consciousnesses which answer for this or that period. Yet remember, "the Lord thy God is one Lord!" O that man would but attain to that consciousness and apply that principle in his dealings with every activity!
Just as one may see illustrated in conditions existent in the earth today: Each nation, each individual head of a nation, is not in the position it occupies merely by a "happen chance" but by the grace of God. Thus it is needful for man to interpret in his own experience "the Lord thy God is one." Each and every individual are attempting to give THEIR interpretation, and you may be sure that each is just as sincere as the other. That they each have found something which does not answer to that something within the other is not evidence that either is wrong, or that either is right! The answer is according to that each one is doing about that which answers to the first and the last command to man: THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, THY MIND, THY BODY: THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF! Those who conform the nearer to that are correct. Yet, do any? Do you? Does your neighbor? Do those with whom you find fault? Do those to whom you apply the principles?
These are the questions. For this is the beginning and the end of the law.
In giving an interpretation of the urges which arise - that there are characteristics, that there are latent urges, the entity would not deny; yet the entity would have that because this or that individual said and thought this or that, during an experience of the entity in the earth, it has made the taking on of a characteristic or an urge. But do you think so little of yourself? GOD thought sufficient of thee to make thee a companion with Him throughout eternity. God cannot think more of thee than ye think of yourself, or more than that measure in which ye treat thy brother Godlike. That's what God thinks of thee! The manner in which ye treat thy fellow man! For ye must answer as from the beginning: By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin. Thou art then thy brother's keeper, in mind, in purpose, in ideal; not to force it upon thy brother by the power of arms or by the might of circumstance. For God himself did not force it upon Cain. Art thou a Cain or an Abel?
These should be thy considerations, in regard to the abilities thou hast to lead others. For as ye will find, whether ye like it or not, ye are a politico. Ye play politics! Ye played politics in school, as well as in your playground! When you were only eight years old you began it! Did this urge or characteristic arise from something that happened when you were sixteen? How, then, did you begin at eight? Such urges you began to apply at an earlier period, for as the tree falls so does it lie. Thy body, thy mind and thy soul are one, as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one. And these have their attributes, their urges, according to what ye have done with same.
Through the interims between earthly sojourns we find that Saturn, Mercury and Jupiter have all been a portion of thy experience and consciousness. Ye have oft changed. Ye find circumstances changing in thy present experiences.
Ye find Jupiter in its benevolent influence, in the desire for power within self. And it would be used to the advantage for all, but in the manner ye would dictate! Don't become a dictator, any more than you would have others dictate to you. These are parts of the warnings for thee.
The activities in these bring the latent urges, and the reason why ye may think and determine in your mind one evening through discussion that ye know the way you will go, then the next morning you think something else! What happened? Did thy own mind change, circumstance change, or was there not the answer within? As the law is, there must ever be the answer according to the purpose within. For the law is, "My spirit beareth witness with thy spirit, whether ye be the child of God or not."
Thus it is evidenced in thine own consciousness, when turmoils and strifes arise - even in circumstances, that there is turmoil and strife within self. Just as has been indicated, the power, the might is within thee - but sin lieth at the door! Whose door? Ye are to judge; we would not from here. For ye are to make thy paths straight.
As to the appearances in the earth, all may not be given; yet these may indicate the pattern of the consciousness of the mental, or physical-mental, self. Is the spiritual-mental self in that ye have done about thine own ideals?
Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, during those periods when there were the explorations being made through the activities of thine own peoples; through the St. Lawrence, the Lakes, and then into what is now the north-central portion of the land.
The entity was among those groups with Eric the Red, as he made explorations through the land of the Lakes and the heads of the waters, of the father of waters in the land.
Then in the name Sheman, the entity was an adventurer and adventurous. And the entity in the present dares to say and do things that few others in association with the entity would dare to do! The entity takes risks with its own friends as well as its own mind, as it acts and reacts upon the principles to which the entity would subscribe.
Then, as has been and may be indicated, the first thing is to study self. Know what you believe - spiritually, mentally, materially; and seek thine own ideal. For the pattern has been set. The Lord hath given grace and mercy to thee. What will ye do about it? These should be thine own choices, thine own answers.
Before that the entity was in the Roman land during those periods when there were the teachers from the Holy Land coming into Rome with those who had been in authority in the various portions of the land.
The entity was among the Romans who did not altogether hold to the tenets which had been a part of the activities of Cornelius or of the ruler who, under the entity, had built a synagogue for the people in Antioch.
These activities to the entity appeared to be unpatriotic to the cause of Rome, and yet with those associations there came a softening, and finally an acceptance.
Be as sincere in the present in thy activities as ye were through those periods; as Shugard.
In that period the entity gained, and it would do well in the present to apply self in the greater principles which were then a portion of the entity's experience through that land or that period of sojourn.
Begin with those principles which have been indicated.
Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land during those periods when the policies of the Priest were being changed to meet the activities that followed the establishing of homes, the building of purposes in individual groups. To the entity such activities were still in error, and yet with the own experience there came a political rather than a mental or spiritual change during the period.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain, and how:
First, as indicated, analyze self. Find thy ideals, and then study to show thyself approved unto same; rightly stressing the words of truth, applying them in that same phase of consciousness, whether to spiritual, mental or physical-material phases. For, judge not spiritual things from the material angles nor material ideals; but let spirit answer to spirit, mind to mind, body to body. These, then, are one; as the activity has indicated for the entity.
In those things that will have to do with the universal or international nature, as a representative in activities of that nature, the entity may be the more active; provided it has found itself and its relationship and Whom it will serve. As in those activities in other lands, as were the judgments of the entity through the varied experiences in the earth, the entity may apply its abilities in the present.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Has the friction in the present environs during the last eight months blocked my opportunities for further advancement and service in the Navy?
(A) Not necessarily. This is a material, purely a material angle but the mental and material may be applied to bring unison of purpose, a coordinating of activities, out of a seemingly troublesome condition.
(Q) Is it indicated that I will soon be sent to active sea duty?
(A) That depends upon the application of self, and how much you talk! You will find that talk, as has been indicated, sometimes gets you in trouble! People wouldn't dare say the things you do, about yourself or those associated with you - or your superiors! People don't like talk!
(Q) After the war, should I continue in the field of choral music, or some other?
(A) The better would be in the diplomatic service. Though the choral music would be well, you need the direction in purpose in order for same to be effective in the ideals which should be creative in thine OWN experience.
We are through with this reading.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

Born 3/26/00 in Minnesota; single.
Mr. [5142]'s reading was arranged primarily through the enthusiasm of Mr. [3188]. Their friendship was based on a mutual interest in choir activities.
4/13/44 Telegram to Mr. [3188]: "Excuse neglect. Thanks for wonderful concern. Sending form [A.R.E. membership blank] airmail but keep confidential. Spending 17th at ... choir, plus their concert orchestra hall evening."
4/21/44 Questions submitted by Mr. [3188] in addition to those at end of 5142-1: "(1) Is it indicated that there is some particular climate or environ that I should live in, such as Arizona? (2) How can I be of the most help to my nephew, U. M. B.?"

REPORTS

4/24/44 Mr. [3188]'s letter to [5142]: "Yes sir, we got your reading. The stenos are about 75 behind on copying, so if you don't mind, I'll send some introductory comments on ahead. The reading should arrive in a few days after this one. Now, I'll tell you something - there are parts of this reading you won't like. Parts that I didn't like in a reading which I want to send as a gift! But this information is no respecter of persons, or of other's wishes; it simply talks as though you and it were the only 2 people on earth at that moment, and talks very straight. You may be glad at first reading this to get the suggestions about your post-war career, but you may think the suggestions for your attitudes in that career are gratuitous. It suggests that you take for your theme of living, the idea from way back in the Old Testament that 'the Lord thy God is one.' This is the basic statement of the philosophy that has been given in 40 years of these readings. You will find some statement of it in the back of 'There Is A River'. The idea is something like this: that all creative forces and things are really of God, that in each individual his body, mind and soul are as much one as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one. That in social structures all people are one in purposes, hopes (it give you a little essay on this). The idea that God is one seems to apply not only in psychology, but in physics, physiology, music, in every area of experience. I guess a person only learns the meaning of that idea, which was the center of the Hebrew religion, by keeping it always in mind and forever studying its meaning in relationship to what he's doing. The readings tell us that our souls come into the earth in a particular family at a particular time to learn a certain lesson, to solve a certain problem. It says your purpose was to learn in every way you can that 'the Lord thy God is one'. It's not an easy assignment.
That's why it tells you to go into the diplomatic corps when you get out of the Navy, where in contact with different people you will have abundant chance to see how all creative influences, wherever and whoever they are, are one. The abilities for such work come from experiences in politics in lives before this one. The evidence that you have abilities in politics is indicated in the way - according to the reading - you have played politics all your life. It will be interesting to note if you can check in your mind the events of your childhood it refers to, in playing politics. But the politics it suggests is no longer 'play'; rather in dead earnest, affecting the lives of many people. This reading talks to you mighty straight, for just one reason: it is not so much that you need it more than others, but that you are bound to lead others and you must lead them right. Keep that in mind as you feel like cussing over anything said.
The experiences given 'astrological' names simply mean lives in other environs, other consciousnesses than the earth. It is as though in one lifetime you lived in a family that was always hopping around from one thing to another - like the family in 'You Can't Take It with You'. That's what is meant by Saturn; it has nothing to do with its so-called position at such and such a time. Then in another lifetime, off the earth you lived in a family, a community, a consciousness which emphasized mental brilliance, quick judgments; that's what is meant by Mercury. And one more experience away from the earth is mentioned as having an influence now, that in Jupiter, which makes a fellow care for the underdog, love his fellow man, want to do something for people in need. It is a fine background for diplomatic work where politics can either be used for the selfish interests of power politics or for the good of people, just common people, in the nations involved.
As for the experiences in earth - I had to laugh when I heard the reading tell about your adventurousness! The experience in Rome was the one in which I knew you, apparently, for it's the only place we overlap. You must have been a fine person then - and you can prove it by looking up the name and incidents given in history books of the Roman Empire. I'm pretty sure you should be able to find a reference to the synagogue built at Antioch from the way the reading referred to it. In Egypt apparently the experience was one where playing politics took the place of real thought and spiritual growth, and apparently stands as a warning in what you are about to undertake - that you must know Whom the politics will serve. I got your question about friction and patience mixed up, but the answer seemed to understand what was meant. It indicated that you wouldn't be sent to active sea duty unless you talk too much, about yourself and others! I have no idea whether these things fit - you are the only one who can say that. Your question about your nephew was not answered - in fact the reading didn't give us time to ask it - because it only has one person in focus at a time, and the most it could tell you from your life records is what little you might do to help him. However, if you'll have someone write me the details of his illness, I'll send back some of the material we have found helpful in treating that disease during the last 40 years.
Your question about Arizona was in effect answered by suggesting that you go abroad in diplomatic work. It didn't give details of what nation, how to get the job, where you should be sent, etc. If, about the time your Navy service is up, you are really interested in the idea, you could find out those details in a 'check' life reading, made up of just such questions. You would also want to get some attitudes figured out before getting such a reading, I think. If this kind of work does appeal to you and you get your purposes and ideals lined up for such work, it is the philosophy of this information (which is really the philosophy of the bible), that such an opening will turn up for you. Even it doesn't become apparent, later, and you aren't thoroughly disgusted with the whole business of readings, it will be easy to secure another to find out just whom you should see and where to get into diplomatic work. It never suggests such a step without being able to suggest the exact opening - that has been my experience.
Well, that about winds it up. I sent you a pink pamphlet called 'Life Readings' which may help to clear up a few problems about this reading for you. But it isn't very clear. Even less clear is a pamphlet somebody wrote called 'The Oneness of All Force', which I will send you. It is exactly the idea the reading suggested for you to meditate on, but it is made up in such a wordy, confused way that I doubt if it will be any help. A Life Reading is something you read and then lay aside, read and then lay aside, dozens of times. One of the most frequent comments about it is 'I never saw that in there before!'... I repeat that this is confidential. I am hereby forgetting all the details, and will be unable to recall them unless you ask me about them. Nobody but my wife [5070] knows that you have had a Life Reading, and she too is dismissing the memory now that it has been taken. The only thing we will remember is that if you are not in either choral music or diplomatic work, influencing the lives of hundreds of thousands of people for good, and learning for yourself that the Lord is One, we will know you're not giving the best of the wonderful qualities that are in you. My wife and I believe in you with all our hearts; you know that. I guess that faith began back in Rome It will go on for a couple more lifetimes. So go to it brother, the world is yours and we know you'll lead it straight. Just remember: 'Ruler of the nations...upon a troubled world' and a few other tunes to keep you going."
1945 Second Class Test Mailing. Whereabouts unknown.
3/09/50 Questionnaire sent to Mr. [3188]. No reply.
3/26/52 No record of verbal or written contact on this case since date of reading.