This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 1st day of July, 1944, in accordance with request made by self, Mrs. [5277], new Active 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 April 28, 1879, in Bedford County, Va.

TEXT

1. 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 place, giving 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:
2. EC: Yes, yes we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [5277]. [See 5277-1, Par. B2.]
3. Many changes have come into the experience of this entity in this sojourn. Many are the changes in the environ of the soul-entity from its entrance to the present experience.
4. In analyzing that which may be a problem for some, as to whether an entity seeking expression becomes aware of the changes which environs may make in its entering a material plane, here is an example of such. There have been developments, growth of the soul-entity, not as the physical being or mind grows, but the soul-entity becomes aware of the influence of Creative Forces or God during a sojourn in the earth, and thus makes applicable those experiences which are building towards the companionship with the Creative Force or God. And thus, as is stated, ye grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding.
5. These are the basic principles of repentance, as well as the basic interpretation of grace.
6. How, then, would one obtain grace by application of knowledge in relationships to others?
7. In analyzing the influences and abilities of this entity we have much to be considered. As a development, and in comparing urges from the material sojourns and urges in the interims, we find these as characteristics of the entity, rather than as the personality or individuality; but of each:
8. One who is capable of instructing others in those things which would pertain to material association in activities one with another, as well as in spiritual interpretation of the mysteries of life, or mysteries of that which is commonly called the metaphysical portions of life. For the entity in its activities through the earth in varied experiences has lived, has applied directly for beneficial influences for others and also for personal gratification.
9. One who, through the experience, is emotional in nature.
10. One who has had experiences in psychic or spiritualistic experiences, psychic as we would give, rather than spiritualism or spiritualistic influences; for easily may one be misinterpreted and, as is experienced in daily life, things and conditions and purposes of individuals are not always what others would have you believe.
11. Thus warnings, and yet there are latent and manifested abilities in the experience of the entity.
12. Do not attempt to write as one who would do automatic writing. Do attempt to write as one who would be directed by inspiration, but let that inspiration come from Him, who is light, and the source of knowledge; and thus may the individual in its choice and in its activities be so surrounded by the Christ-consciousness, manifested by and through Jesus of Nazareth, that there will be ever helpful forces.
13. It may for the present curtail and yet even require revisions of much which has been thought, and expression given to through some channels.
14. Astrologically we find Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Saturn all are influences.
15. We find the benevolent, universal consciousness, or the basis mostly of Venus; as the entity latently, not manifestedly but latently, is Bohemian in purpose. This has caused at times questions in self, as well as others; but while there should be less contention and also should be concentration to the more perfect way, use the influences of body, of mind, through the spirit of truth, for improvement of relationships with others.
16. In Saturn we find the great changes which have come about. Yet, if the entity does find self it will be through paralleling purposes and aims with the promises of the Christ.
17. As to the appearances in the earth, these have been quite varied. The entity has had experiences in its own life when there have been almost visions of some of its own experiences, especially as:
18. Before this we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity when there were the friendships of the entity, as Leila Fitch, which made for associations with the offspring of the medicine men of the Virginia land; not too far from the present environs but between the areas close to the river, yes, but on the other side and above Jamestown and Williamsburg.
19. The entity then learned from nature, understanding of the manifesting of life in the earth. The entity had the abilities in the hands to make things, to bring to pass in the experiences of others by using what is sometimes called magic. It is natural law of attraction or repulsion of activities by rote of mind, as well as elements in nature itself; for, as is understood by those who would interpret man correctly, the body-physical if alive is composed of all the elements in the earth. Some have antipathy, others have attraction, and the attraction may be used to create, or antipathy may be made to work against or produce thoughts, conditions, emotions in the bodies of others.
20. These the entity used, not too seriously, yet to its own questioning by others.
21. Thus in the present, in relationships which have been with peoples and groups, sometimes a question mark, and yet greater are the abilities of the entity even in the present to use divine science, or divine attraction, to bring to pass in its experience those things which may help or hinder.
22. Never use thy abilities for self-indulgence or self gratification; it becomes sin.
23. Before that we find the entity was in the French land during those periods when there was the beginning of questionings as to sincerity of some who were in authority in the church. The entity was associated with those who heeded not all the laws of modesty, much less of sobriety, yet the entity learned from these conditions that sincerity is that which is the key to the more perfect understanding, and that there is so much good and so much bad in every individual that they who bespeak little of others condemn their own selves.
24. In the name then Lichens, the entity gained mentally, in the material not much change in the attitudes of the soul-entity.
25. Before that we find the entity was in the Holy Land when the Master walked in the earth, and the entity was among those of the household of Bartimaeus when he was healed of his blindness by the Master.
26. The entity was a helper, but a resenter of those who would question the experiences that came to the entity through the administrations of Bartimaeus, of which little is told, and yet how great were the influences of his activities through those periods of development.
27. The entity was not always a spiritual helper, but ever a material helper through that experience, in the name then Esthen Esthen.
28. In the experience the entity, before the passing, gained the ability to heal; and in the present may apply if self is put entirely aside, vibrations from even the hands, or magnetic forces, if they are used for good.
29. Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptian land when there were those preparations of individuals for the emissaries or teachers. The entity was then among those prepared both through the Temple of Sacrifice and Temple Beautiful for activities as companions, or being companioned to those who went into the Corsican [Caucasian?] land.
30. The entity was helpful, the entity aided.
31. The entity's abilities in home-making, the entity's activities as a student arise, from those experiences in the land as an administratrix.
32. As to the abilities of the entity, then, these are limited only by that which becomes the prompting of the purpose of the entity.
33. Study then to show self approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly dividing the words of truth and keeping self from condemnation of others or of others condemning thee.
34. Ready for questions.
35. (Q) Is it true that "Many now living will never die," as predicted by some?
    (A) No one ever dies if they believe in God. Not that those who are living materially will not die, for those who live materially, who are in a changing world, must die; and that change, that transition must come to all.
36. (Q) Give me further light on the meaning of the mysterious message I received several years ago: "I am Gabriel, the Great Head of Eden. God has heard your prayer to deliver Eden from sin - few women have ever been blessed as you are blessed."
    (A) This would confuse the entity. Make application of the warning, yes, but live that which has been given, as to thy temptations, thy abilities, thy weaknesses, thy fears. No condemnation would we give for the use thou hast put, but don't be misled. Gabriel is, to be sure, the announcer, but did ye earn, have ye earned that as to be thy day? For that has passed.
37. (Q) In view of the inconsistency of opinion held by various groups of earnest students of the Holy Mysteries regarding the Second Coming of Master, what should be our attitude?
    (A) As has been indicated, be prepared each day to meet thy God. He will bless those, as is the promise, who love His coming. Then, whether it be in this experience or when ye have returned, let thy prayer ever be, "Lord, use me in Thy way. Thy will be done, not mine."
38. (Q) Explain the phenomenon of the widely, beautiful face upon which is written recklessness, sorrow, pain and despair, which often fades in upon the canvas of my inner vision?
    (A) The experiences as in the companionship of one healed by the Master, should answer itself. Ye used it not too wisely. Don't make the same mistake again. No condemnation for the fact that ye are aware of yourself, and a student of the life that may set thee free indeed should make thee conscious that the Lord hath need of thee.
39. (Q) Another face which becomes confused with that of my father (both have passed on).
    (A) This is purely material. Let this depart from thee, save if ye may help. When the face appears say, "May I help, Lord!" He will either immediately vanish or speak the Word.
40. (Q) How may I overcome the feeling of being ill at ease when in a crowd of strangers?
    (A) Self gets in the way, or lack of confidence because the inner self condemns at times. Put self away. "Lord, speak Thou through me as the opportunity is given," that should be the attitude.
41. (Q) Am I right in believing the real crucifixion of Jesus consisted in the suffering He was called upon the endure in meeting the tests involved in the initiation tactics to which He was subjected before He began His ministry?
    (A) No. The real test was in the garden when in the realization that He had met every test and yet must know the pang of death.
42. (Q) In what way can I best serve as a member of the Association?
    (A) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly dividing the words of truth and putting stress where it belongs, and keeping self unspotted from the world. It is not to serve the Association, it is to work with it that the glory of God may be made manifest in the earth. It is Association by name only, the work is within thine own heart and mind to the glory of Christ, the King.
43. (Q) Should I make any further attempt to formulate any ideas and experiences into writing for the benefit of others.
    (A) Formulate the ideas and write them. Write them!
44. (Q) Am I aware of the name by which I as a personality was known in my last incarnation, as well as that of one with whom I was intimately associated?
    (A) You have seen the face often enough, it should be.
45. (Q) Why were two separated in the present semester of our soul's education?
    (A) You needed a different education, for those who have been indicated to you were not always used for God's glorification.
46. (Q) May I hope for the renewed companionship of my soldier-son whose principles and ideals are so happily compatible?
    (A) You may.
47. We are through for the present.

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

BACKGROUND

1. 3/15/44 Questions submitted besides those which got asked at end of 5277-1: "Can I do anything more to make the psychological atmosphere of our home more congenial and satisfactory for all concerned? By revising and eliminating, is there any part of the manuscript I have written worth retaining?"
2. 4/03/44 EC attempted 5277-1 at which time we did not have the details as to her birthplace, except ... County, Virginia. After repeating the suggestion made by GC, EC answered: "That's rather a large County to look over. We would undertake this later, with a more definite birth location, close to some definite place." Another appointment was made for 7/01/44, asking Mrs. [5277] to give birth location details, and the rdg., was obtained [See 5277-1].

REPORTS

1. 1/30/45 Report from [5277]: "Each time I read my rdg. I feel a new inspiration, for there are parts of it which never fail to present themselves in a new light. And sometimes the new version is quite startling in effect. So, I know it must be the same with thousands of others. First, the reading is for the individual to study, understand and rightly interpret. After that, when it becomes common knowledge among the A.R.E. members, it is inevitable that all should profit by the revelation, and thus it (the work) should grow and reach out to include thousands of others."
2. 7/30/48 Letter from [5277]: "I shall ever regard my contact with EC and the A.R.E. as a gainful experience in my life, and shall treasure the large book of quotations I have from the many psychic readings given by EC, which constitute a valuable heritage to all who care to lay claims to them."

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