This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 29th day of May, 1944, in accordance with request made by self, Mr. [5247] new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by the book 'There Is A River'.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Jeanette Fitch, Stenos. Born Sept. 8, 1896, in Alcester, Union County, South Dakota.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, yes we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [5247].
2. In giving the interpretations of the records, we would give that which, as we find, would be of a helpful influence in the experience of the entity in the present. For the very fact that the entity is aware of its consciousness in the three-dimensional world should be proof that the Lord, thy Maker, thy God hath need of thee in this present experience.
3. Thus, as one analyzes the virtues, the abilities, these far outpass, far exceed the vices. For there are those virtues that need only to be stresses, that the entity may not only find a greater harmony, in the material experiences in the earth in the present, but may add to its mental and material associations, and thus be the greater complement to the periods of awareness in this particular experience.
4. As we find, when there are those analysis of the earthly sojourns, and the interims, these as a complement in the experience, mechanical appliance, yes, these are a part of the experience but those which maybe the better are judgments as a lawyer or preferably in the position as one set in authority as a keeper of records, as a secretary, as a clerk in a political position, as of the keeper or records of the courts, or the keeper of records of organizations, political influences, then, because of the lack of abuse of power, fairness of judgment and of that of not becoming too self righteous because of position.
5. These are both the virtues and the warnings. If they do bring self-righteousness, self-importance by the counsel of others ye are entertaining those vices with which Satan would use you.
6. Astrologically we find Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus all become parts of the consciousness. Mars: quite a busy individual and one who oft has to settle disputations or disputes.
7. In Mercury judgment, as also in Mercury and Jupiter the ennobling, helpful, uplifting, counseling associations with organizations, groups, political activities and the like.
8. As to the abilities of the entity, first, choose that which is to be thy ideal, thy measuring rod by the judgment not of thyself. For, as ye judge, so will ye be judged. Put yourself in the other fellow's place and as ye would that men should do to you, do you even so to them, even though it may be at times to thy material undoing. But the law of the Lord is perfect and as ye measure unto others, it is meted to thee. For ye can only be forgiven according to that measure in which ye forgive those who would do thee good or do thee harm.
9. As to the appearances, while not all are given, these indicate the pattern and how and why certain influences are a part of the consciousness:
10. Before this, we find the entity was one from the Eastern land who journeyed towards the land of the present nativity. And as one to whom all went for counsel and advice. For the entity then was a store keeper, who stood in the position of not only supplying the physical needs but most of the mental needs of the community.
11. Thus, the entity is ever a leader, ever one to whom others look up to, come to for advice, and thus the entity will be able by a natural means to counsel with others.
12. Then in the name of Walter Welch.
13. Before that we find the entity was in the Norse land in those periods when there were many changes being made. The entity was among those who supplied to most of the people the means for locomotion; buggies and vehicles that would move or roll were parts of the activities. In the name then, Joel Olsen.
14. In the experience, the entity excelled in its abilities to give advice and counsel to those as they journeyed from one land to another. And thus, the entity finds those peoples of many varied groups, from many environs, seeking for counsel from the entity in the present. Remember, the Lord is not a respector of persons.
15. Then, in choosing thy ideal, know in whom ye have believed and that He is able to keep that ye may commit unto Him against any experience, and keep Him as thy ideal.
16. Before that we find the entity was in the Persian and Arabian land, in the "city in the hills and the plains" when there were various groups journeying from one land to another.
17. The entity was among those who were of the helpers to the first of the caravans that brought individuals to be healed. Then the entity interested in, and worked with,those activities in the land. Becoming then, eventually what today would be termed the mayor of the "city in the hills and the plains" in the name Ishamel. In the activities in the present the entity feels capable and yet ever afraid to take hold of an independent activity. This is very well from the nature, yet know that ye should be in the place as of authority as indicated, either in political or labor groups or organizations, and as their secretary, their spokesman and guiding hand, would the better things come to the entity.
18. As to the abilities of the entity, that to which it may attain, and how: these are limited only to the effort the entity makes, so long as it completes the golden rule as its measuring stick, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Through the channels indicated may ye work the better.
19. Ready for questions.
20. (Q) Would a change be an improvement?
    (A) Not necessarily a change; just let it grow into that. Offer self more often in the political position, whether in groups or organizations or to county offices.
21. (Q) Is it because I have never really lived a truly righteous life, that I seem to be at a stand-still?
    (A) You are at the beginning of things. Hold fast to that which is good. Cleave to that ye know is right.
22. (Q) Would it be advisable for me to adopt one or two children at my age?
    (A) It would be very well.
23. (Q) I have an opportunity in radio work, would it be advisable to accept?
    (A) This is not so well as in the political field.
24. We are through with this reading.

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

BACKGROUND

1. 9/27/43 Letter: "...There are present times when it seems I am living a life of frustration, and I am sure a reading would help... I most emphatically believe in psychic power and have often wondered if there isn't a bit of it in everyone of which if properly encouraged and instructed... First of all, we must get right with God, that thereafter a field of endeavor for doing good unto others would open up, the potential enlargement of which defies description. That you have never commercialized on the power or ever permitted it to do any harm, is proof enough that it was given to you by the Almighty..."
2. 10/22/43 Letter: "...While there is a physical ailment involved at the present writing, still I feel that the life reading is worth more at the moment, because of the sureness that it will help me in finding myself..."
3. 1/23/44 Letter: "...Here are samples of the type questions I will submit for your answering for my life reading: (1) When I attended church, particularly when I hear a person extol and proclaim the worth-whileness of living a righteous life in the Lord's service, how come, no matter how imbued with a new ambition I become at that very time, that, afterwards when I am out and confronted with daily worldly incidents, that all previous spiritual enthusiasm seems to wane? (2) How do you account, that with the background of education which I possess, I lack confidence in starting a business of my own? (3) Was there any particular incident in my early life which has seemingly produced unto me this lack of confidence which is so essential in the process of running a business of my own? (4) Is there anything indicated in my life reading and history that reveals that I am better equipped for farm life than a life in a city?"
4. 5/07/44 Questions submitted in addition to those at end of Life Rdg.: (1) Is it my lot always to work as an employee for the other fellow? (2) Recently being elected to a political position for the plant where I work, is it advisable to follow a political career?"

REPORTS

1. 7/23/49 Reply to questionnaire: "I still have a copy of my life reading which I have read about 5 or 6 times. In addition to this, I have read it to my brother; in fact, I have just read it again today. There were things said that were absolutely true of me; however, many things were said which would apply to thousands of people. I can't make up my mind how accurate the reading is. I don't really know what the concept of karma is. I have not consciously changed my vocation, thoughts or actions towards others as a result of my life reading; my concept remains pretty much as it was before. Once, I did set apart a time each day for self analysis of my inner self, but have not done so lately. I presume it's because I'm just negligent. My whole problem is 'how to fulfill my purpose in this life'. Just what is the purpose? I didn't adopt the children as suggested in my life reading; my wife being 9 years older was hesitant because she was so afraid she would never have the necessary patience."
2. 12/07/51 Letter: "'Seeing is believing', and I always have felt that had I have been able to have seen Edgar Cayce before he passed away, and had I been permitted to have watched him in his readings of others, as well as myself, I fully believe that a great deal more reliability would have been experienced on my part in the evaluation of my reading. Somehow, though, as things stand now, I find that I am unable to work up any enthusiasm over the reading. There are no parts that I have followed out to the letter, i.e., that I am fitted for the part of secretary to some political or labor organization. While in a sense I am well aware that secretarial work is clean and a dignified position, still, I am just an ordinary laborer in the ... Motor Company's ... plant in the Production Department. And from the way the future presents itself, I will continue to be just a laborer. Because of the way in which you wrote me, I would appreciate still another letter from your offices, if you have any suggestions to make in how to follow out any part of reading."
3. 3/26/68 He requested a copy of his Life Reading.
4. 4/10/68 He sent a contribution, saying: "I am proud and happy that your Association is so active. I look forward to receiving the additional [current] literature which in your letter you stated you were sending under separate cover. Best wishes to your continued good work which has benefited so many."
5. 2/03/82 He wrote to A.R.E.: "Sometime ago I rec'd a copy of your circular (typed 4-page letter signed 'Robert O. Clapp') - no date on it. Having laid it aside, I have just now discovered it anew.
   "Please, I am not new to your offices. My name and address will surely be in your office files. "In Sept. 1943 I requested and in May 1944 I was given a Life Reading by Edgar Cayce.
   "I would like to become a member of A.R.E. Please bill me. Also I would like the Free 287-page book referred to in the circular letter. I would appreciate a copy of my 'Life Reading'. Please bill me."
   Very sincerely, [5247]
6. 3/16/82 GD wrote him:
   We have just received in the Edgar Cayce Foundation your request of 2/03/82 for a copy of your Life Reading, marked by Lyn Reed in "Communications" that your request for a membership and a free copy of the 287 page book had been sent to the Membership Dept. for handling. I'm sure it will be taken care of promptly, as Lyn sent a copy of the same letter I have before me.
   Enclosed is a copy of your reading, for which you can send us a $1.00 contribution at your convenience. Please address it to me personally, % Edgar Cayce Foundation, so that I can turn it into Accounting to be credited in the proper place. (My? What a change from the old days when everything took place in two little offices!) At the same time I'd like for you to enclose a note from you telling me what you have been doing out there in Arizona since you retired. I hope you have found some activity that interested you more than your old one seemed to, according to your correspondence with us in the past.
   I had the pleasure of attending the A.R.E. Clinic Medical Symposium in January, three years in succession, following the obtaining of its charter. Phoenix is a beautiful place - I enjoyed being there. Other than Virginia Beach, it would probably be my next choice of a place to live.
   I'm sending a copy of this letter to Robert O. Clapp in the Membership Dept. so that he can be sure to check up on the rest of your order.
   How about visiting us in Virginia Beach sometime?
   Sincerely, [signed] Gladys Davis Turner

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