Edgar Cayce Readings, 5729-1

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

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: Why'nt you keep your right name?
Yes - we have those records here of that entity now called [5829].
In interpreting these we find a composite of those urges arising from the interims of sojourn in other realms or spheres of consciousness than the three dimensions experienced in the physical earth.
We find here an entity almost always feeling self-sufficient, yet when the urges that have arisen are considered and when the opportunities are given, we find there should be companionship - yet even in companionship there should never be the attempt for these individual entities to work together. For the entity is a speaker, a teacher, an instructor; and such in the opposite sex would never appeal to the entity - rather those who would be rather in a commercial activity that deal with things that may be interesting for individuals or peoples.
The entity's activities should be, and are, in fields of instruction, whether by teaching or by writing. We find that the entity, even now, may write a treatise on vocational guidance for people that would be not only an outlet for the entity in expressing itself but would contribute to the general and better individual welfare of many.
Astrological urges have become less and less a portion of the entity, for not merely material things but the controlling of material things has become the deeper urge for this entity.
Hence the appearances in the earth and those that have a particular influence in the present are indicated, that the entity may take warning. Know that it isn't all of life to live. Neither is it all of life merely to make a success socially or financially. It is not satisfying to the soul, any more than the taking of thought will gratify the appetites or longings of nature in the body itself. These must have their answer one in and with another.
As to appearances in the earth:
Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, when there was the exchanging of lands during the early settlings, between groups of people.
Then the entity's name was Esther Stuyvesant; no, not of the original group but among those same groups of people, of the same land. The entity was one well given to body-control in the physical, in the mental, and in the application of self to the controlling of groups in authority, even though not appearing in that role or capacity at all - rather as the power behind the throne.
Hence materiality. These expressions are very well, but they are short-lived. Remember, the soul, the mind of the soul is eternal.
Before that the entity was in the Roman land when there were those persecuted for seeking to emulate a spiritual principle.
The suffered in mind, in body; hence the reverse came in the sojourn that followed.
Then in the name Leitus, the entity was beautiful in body, answering to that which prompted many another individual to live for a cause, for a purpose. In the experience the entity found much of that which it may apply in the present, as a speaker, as an instructor, as a teacher; also as one enabling others to find their own vocation, their own activities, by the impelling forces - not merely by circumstances that attract an individual in certain periods of its development.
Before that the entity was in the Persian land during those periods when the "city in the hills" was builded, when many of the entity's household were drawn into the activities through the associations gradually builded in the commercial world.
The entity was among those who, with the destruction of the king's school, were set in charge of same; then in the name Casse. In the present experiences we find that the lessons which were a portion of those of that period may be well applied.
Before that the entity was in the land of the present sojourn, but in the areas of the Southwest; for the entity then was among those called the Cliff Dwellers, being of those peoples who came up from Yucatan to the Northeast and to portions of Arizona and New Mexico - as now known.
The entity was a teacher, a leader, a priestess of the people.
As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that to which it may attain, and how:
Apply self in instruction, especially towards those things which will enable the young to choose their proper vocation; as in vocational guidance. Be a teacher, an instructor.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Shall my school continue or will I enter metaphysical work with Maxwell or under some other auspices?
(A) As we find, best that there be the continuation of the school - but add special features in enabling others to find vocational guidance.
(Q) Will I marry; if so, when and under what conditions will we meet?
(A) This is possible, but as to whether it happens depends upon whether or not you continue to say NO! One in a commercial field would be correct - and don't mix those relationships with the activities of self!
We are through.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file
Copy to for indexing

BACKGROUND

8/06/43 Letter indicated she was unmarried, no one thinks she is over 40, became interested in metaphysics about 4 yrs. ago, was brought up an orthodox Presbyterian. Worked as a stenographer several years, then became a commercial teacher, first in private schools, then started her own. Now thinks she should make a change.

REPORTS

8/08/44 [5729]'s letter to EC:
Dear Mr. Cayce:
I am putting the number of my reading on the envelope of this letter, so that it will surely be brought to your attention. Even though the reading was in April I wish to report on it at this time. As I am a very busy person it has just been a case of not having the time until now, when our vacation has begun.
My Reading was the 19th of April between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. your time - making it 12:30 Pacific time. About an hour before the Reading, I went alone into a quiet room and prayed and meditated, relaxing and knowing that whatever I was to know would be revealed in the Life Reading.
I do not know if other people have the same experience which I did; but at about 12:35 (I looked at the clock) I was sitting with my eyes closed and suddenly felt a physical tap on the left side of my head just above my forehead - it was not hard, but it startled me as it was so unexpected. From then until about 1:10 I was conscious of pressure in the same region of my head, which gradually lessened and before the hour was over, it had gone. I assumed that it was the beginning of the contact, though I still do not know. I should be interested to hear if other people have the same or like experience.
I should like to ask another question. At the beginning of the Reading, you said "Why'nt you keep your right name?" My name, since I was baptized when I was seven and I remember it, has been [...] Prall [...] - is there a definite explanation to the question? [GD's note: In the Suggestion for the rdg., and in her correspondence, middle initial was used. I think the rdg. meant she should use full name.]
On the strength of the Reading I went to the Summer Session at the University of Southern California and took a fine course on Vocational Education and Guidance.
Regarding Associate membership - am I correct in the following; that the $20 for the Reading needs another $15 to continue membership? I shall be glad to send a check. I should also like to know if anything is being planned to start a Study Group here in Los Angeles. We would be more than glad to cooperate with any such movement.
With kindest personal regards and the hope that I may be of service to the Movement, I am
Sincerely yours, [5729]
P.S. At this time may I order a copy of the Public Reading which you gave at the Conference in June.
8/15/44 EC's reply to [5729] via Grace Premo:
..., California
Dear Miss [5729]:
We have your letter of August 8, and were glad to hear of your experience during the time of the reading.
Many have written us that they experienced similar sensations, and it is our hope to be able to compile these some day for the purpose of comparison and for research.
Although it is not the usual case, the information has, at various times, made some comment as a sort of sidelight. Sometimes it is of an unusually beautiful scene, or that the person is not where they said they would be during the reading. No explanation is given as to why this is done. In your case, it may have referred to the time when your name was "Casse" but that is only conjecture on my part, for I don't know, when I am awake!
Your order for the Congress Reading has been handed to Miss Wirsing, who takes care of publications, and your inquiry about Study Groups in your city, to Miss Wynne. If you will write Miss Wynne direct, at this address, she will give you any information and she can on the subject of Study Groups.
The Associate Membership fee is $20.00 for one year, which includes one reading during that period. Active Membership is $35.00 for one year, and also includes the one reading. If you will refer to page 17 of the booklet, "Edgar Cayce - His Life an Work," you will find an outline of purposes of Active Membership. Since you are already an Associate Member, you would need only to send the additional $15.00, if you care to become an active member.
Thanking you for your interest, Edgar Cayce [EC:gp]
5/09/45 Letter: "I belong to a metaphysical group - we call it 'Truth' - under the leadership of Elizabeth Maxwell. (Fullerton, Calif.)
"I had a very wonderful career reading through Mr. Cayce in April, 1944."
11/13/45 GD's letter to Miss [5729] who had been an active member of A.R.E. and interested in furthering the work:
Dear Friend:- This is indeed a late date to be acknowledging your renewal Active Membership and your nice letter. I put it aside expecting to answer the next day and I'm just now getting to it. More and more I realize that unless I answer a letter as soon as I open it, gradually it gets farther and farther behind an ever increasing stack. One of these days soon I'm going to be able to keep up with each day's mail.
Hugh Lynn got home last night - I just talked to him on the phone - he'll be by to see us this afternoon. It'll be hard on him coming into this house for the first time and not seeing his parents, but if anyone can sense their presence he can. I'm so glad that he has his little three-year old son and lovely wife to comfort him, though no one could ever take the place of his beloved Muddie and Dad, of course.
I'm wondering if you've met Elsie and Bill Sechrist yet. She wrote me that Mrs. Maxwell had helped them find an apartment. I'm sure you'll like them very much. They're just swell!
Words cannot express our appreciation for the confidence you have in the future of our work (which is, of course, your work, too). I'm sure it will be rewarded some day in one way or another. There has been much confusion and delay caused by too big a program and too little help to carry it out, but little by little I'm sure we will get and keep on the right track. Every encouraging word from you good people helps more than you can know.
Elsie's address (though I'm sure you know it) is: Mrs. Wilfred Sechrist, 1806-1/2 N. Wilton Place, Hollywood. I do hope all the members in that area will meet and become acquainted. The Association really draws together more people from different walks of life, different backgrounds, different races, creeds, etc., than any organization I know of. That's one reason why I know it is so worth while to keep plugging at the things Mr. Cayce stood for, as a person and his readings.
Again thanks for your help and God bless you.
[signed] Gladys Davis, Sec'ty
P.S. We certainly look forward to having you at the Congress next year. Maybe Elsie can come, too, and some of the others.
11/30/61 GD's note while working on the case: I think [5729-1, Par. 2] of the reading refers to use of her middle name. In all correspondence and also in presenting her name for the reading there was used a middle initial. In writing her letter of 8/08/44 she used all three names in full, which is evidently what EC was referring to as being best for her to do.