Reading 2021-1

TEXT OF READING 2021-1 M 23

Text

Date: 10/7/1939 Sex: M Age: 23 ReadingID: 8560

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 7th day of October, 1939, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [2021], Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended through a friend who is a medium.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.]

Born February 9, 1916, in District of Columbia. Time of Reading … St., N.W., 3:45 to 4:25 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. Washington, D.C.

1. GC: You will give the relation 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, and that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions he has submitted, as I ask them:

2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now called, [2021].

3. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, these are chosen from same with the intent and purpose that the experience may be a helpful one to the individual, - in realizing the purposes for which the soul entered the present experience.

4. As to the purposes, - we find that there were those environs in which the attraction gave the opportunity for the entity, in bringing creative influences and forces in the experience, to meet self; and thus correct much that had been and is in the way of development for the soul-entity.

5. For, each soul enters that it may make its paths straight. For they alone who walk the straight and narrow way may know themselves to be themselves, and yet one with the Creative Forces.

6. Hence the purpose for each entrance is that the opportunities may be embraced by the entity for living, being, that which is creative and in keeping with the Way.

7. For, the Father has not willed that any soul should perish, and is thus mindful that each soul has again and again - and yet again - the opportunity for making its paths straight.

8. In giving the urges which are innate and manifested, - know that these are according to spiritual, mental and material laws. For each entity, each soul, finds itself in a three-dimensional world; body, mind, soul.

9. Hence man in his search has given the Godhead a three-dimensional expression; thus meeting each phase of each soul’s experience. Thus the way is opened continuously; that they who seek may find, that they who believe that He is may know Him and thus pattern their lives, - physically, mentally, spiritually, - according to the pattern which has been set for each soul.

10. The influences from astrological aspects come as innate urges in the mental or the dream state, while the influences from the appearances in the earth come as the emotions of the entity. These for this entity have been many. Thus we find that the emotions, - the senses, or the sensing of influences, - may become a stumbling-stone; as they may for many who tend to satisfy the physical without due mental consideration of spiritual aspects in their experience.

11. As we find, then, - Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Saturn are the greater influences in the experience.

12. Hence the liking for music, - the abilities to play, especially the piano, if the entity applies self.

13. Also we find weaknesses arising oft through the Venus influence, - in the love of beauty. These need not necessarily become weaknesses, unless there is the seeking only for satisfying or gratifying the emotions that are of a selfish nature.

14. Hence we find the entity’s abilities in many directions, yet inclined oft to change; for the Saturn forces becoming in conjunction with Venus, as combined with the Uranian, we find the extremes, - and the changes that are oft of such extreme natures as to become confusing.

15. One of the influences that must first be builded, then, is to first know thy ideals, - spiritually, mentally, materially. And in the spiritual, know that the ideal must be that which is able to keep whatever may be committed unto it against ANY experience. In the mental, it must be ever constructive, creative in its influence, in its activity. In the material it must be not what you would want others to do for you, but the ideal manner and way in which ye must meet those influences, those associations, those affiliations with thy fellowman. For, inasmuch, and in the manner as ye do unto the least of thy brethren, ye do unto thy Maker.

16. These as we find should be studied, analyzed, thought through; and, no matter WHAT the cost may be, they should be lived up to, in accordance with that ideal.

17. And we will find that it will bring harmony, contentment, and sufficient of EVERY worldly, spiritual, material thing necessary for thy soul development.

18. Then, what thy destiny is depends upon what ye will do with thyself in relationship to thy ideal.

19. These become problems within self, - as is indicated also through the material sojourns that have made, and do make for problems, as well as virtues, in thy daily experience.

20. Before this, we find the entity was in the land of the present nativity, in the eastern portion of same, during the early settling; when many of the questionings arose within that known as Salem.

21. The entity was one Bill Edmundson, that followed close after those experiences when there were those who were persecuted for their belief in the spiritual or spiritism activities.

22. We find that the entity made light of, yet experiences those close associations with earthbound spirits or entities who had not found their way. Yet the entity put same aside, without analyzing or doing much about same.

23. The entity then was a storekeeper, a general storekeeper in that land; closely associated with some of the ministers, as well as what ye would call councilmen, or those peoples who directed the affairs of that province or that city.

24. Thus we find those things pertaining to commercial interests, the abilities to speak, and those things pertaining to influences or forces having to do with the occult or psychic forces, are a part of the present experience.

25. And ALL of these have their place in the experiences of individuals. But, as body, mind, soul, they must be treated in their individual sphere, and the entity not become too rabid or centered without due consideration of others. Just as, - freedom of speech does not privilege any entity, or individual, to speak ill of his neighbor, but rather there is the privilege of thinking, being, a constructive influence in speech, in thought, in activity. And thus is freedom free indeed, as truth makes same so.

26. Before that we find the entity was in the English land, in those periods when there were the wars in the Holy Land.

27. The entity was among those with one Bruce; and Bruce was the name of the entity in that experience, - as a soldier, not so much of the intent and purpose but because it was “the thing to do.”

28. Thus we find again the entity in the present is meeting itself, in that oft it questions morality and duty, as in its relationships to its fellowman, to those of the opposite sex, and as to law and order, as to the various groups or societies.

29. These may become stumblingblocks unless the IDEAL - as we have indicated - as necessary in the experience - be followed without altering. For he that walketh in the shadow shall be afraid. Walk rather in the light of Creative Forces, of truth, and ye will NOT be afraid.

30. Before that we find the entity was among the Roman soldiery who were in that land during those periods following the Crucifixion, the questionings, when Pilate was recalled. And the entity was acquainted with, and knew much of those activities; coming under the influence of those who were persuaded, or who were in the way of Him, who accepted that teaching as the principle.

31. There again we find the entity acted in the capacity of a recorder, one who made records not only of its own company but of many of those things in the land.

32. And there is the ability of the entity in the present as a writer, as one that might make a clerk to an organization or group, or society, or activity. All of these activities become a part of the entity’s experience. And the entity must choose for ITSELF as to WHAT endeavor it will do in its relationships to the material affairs. For it finds itself with MANY abilities.

33. This then is a part of the entity’s problems, - that only in self may the choice be made. Know, as it has been given of old, it is not that someone should come from heaven to tell thee what to do with thy life, or to bring thee a message; or that one would come from over the seas that ye might hear. For, Lo, it is in thine own self! THERE He has promised to meet thee! For thy body is indeed the temple of the living God. In what manner of temple have ye entertained, do ye entertain, thy ideal?

34. This is thine OWN problem. Ye ALONE may choose. For each day there is set before thee good and evil, life and death. Thy birthright is choice. What MANNER of life, of purpose, will ye choose?

35. The name then was Zebra.

36. Before that we find the entity was in the Arabian and Persian land, in the “city in the hills and the plains,” where many peoples of many nations, of many lands, came for the ministering of those teachings through that period of experience.

37. There the entity, as a Persian, came under the influence of those teachings, and became as an aid, as a helper through those periods of activity.

38. The abilities in that experience were in keeping the records, as would be called in the present an accountant to those various peoples and groups that came to be about that city, as it was turned into a place of exchange between the east and the Egyptian land, the far east and the Mediterranean lands. For that city grew; and only with the periods that arose through the activities of those who would attempt to overthrow same did there come desolation to same.

39. Then the name was Dedon.

40. Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptian land, during those periods when there were the classifications of groups of individuals for definite service and definite activities, through those periods of preparation.

41. We find the entity was among those who were of the hospitalization force, and of the natives of that land.

42. Hence we find the abilities in the present as one who may minister, or one who may nurse, or who may give of the activities of self in such a way and manner as to bring the hopeful influences and experiences in the lives of individuals.

43. Ye chose well then.

44. Choose thou, ever, then, to be a channel of blessings to someone. For to know love ye must yourself be lovely. To know truth, ye must indeed thyself seek after, hold fast to, BE, truth thyself. For what a man holdeth in his heart, that he becometh.

45. As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, and that to which it may attain, and how:

46. As has been indicated, many, many fields of material relationship and activity are open before the entity. Whether then in that of an organizer, a clerk, or a minister or a teacher, - choose thou. And in the choosing, hold fast to that determining to be the BEST there CAN be in whatever field of service or activity ye choose.

47. Thus ye will find ye will attain to that which will bring honor, fortune, and contentment in thy experience.

48. Ready for questions.

49. (Q) What is my destiny in life, and how can I best fulfil it? (A) Read just what has been given.

50. (Q) How may I finance my attainment of a vocation? (A) Choose what ye would do, and work toward that; using that ye have in hand from day to day. Not as to what others may do for you, but what ye may do for them!

51. (Q) For what purpose did I enter this earth plane? (A) As has been indicated.

52. (Q) What mistakes did I make in previous lives, and how may I succeed in overcoming those mistakes? (A) Read that as has been indicated.

53. (Q) Would it be better for me to marry, or to remain single? (A) When the time comes ye should marry. Marry one of thine own coloring, and of thine own choosing.

54. (Q) How may I avoid hurting any other? (A) Don’t hurt yourself! Being true to self, ye will not be false to any.

55. (Q) Who is my spirit teacher, “Amicus,” and how may I best cooperate and keep in touch with him? (A) Read that as has been given. If ye choose less than the full creative forces, thy Maker, ye fall short of thy abilities.

56. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 10/11/39 Letter from Mrs. [264] to EC: ”…[2021] came and discussed his reading with me last night. I helped him the best I could, which was not much, except to encourage him. He says he is still in a ‘fog’, and he seems to be. His father wants him to be a lawyer, and he has entered law school. He does not want to be a lawyer, and I am sure he is not fitted for it.

“At present he is most temperamental and a little flighty.

“Mr. Cayce, will you or Hugh Lynn read over Mr. [2021]‘s Egyptian experience, and write me from that any help or suggestions which I may pass on to him. He is coming back to see me Saturday, and he asked me to write you for some suggestion there, as it said at that time, that he ‘chose well’.

“He also asked me to ask you if he got a reading on that Egyptian experience, as to just what he did then and how he could use it in the present, if you thought he would get any more definite information. You see, he was told over and over again that he must decide within himself as to what he shall do. He says he hasn’t the remotest idea what he wants to do.

“He has been delving deeply into spiritualism, and has done much meditating, so I asked him to meditate on that Egyptian experience, and try to bring it to his memory. He certainly needs help, and I know he will appreciate any suggestions which would give him a thought as to what he should actually do. I believe he would do it with his whole being…”

R2. 10/13/39 Letter from EC to Mrs. [264]: ”…Now for the reading for Mr. [2021]. Thank you very much for taking the time to help him with same, and will do my best to tell you what I make out of same.

“The Egyptian experience - it appears he was among those who were nurses or Dr.’s we would call them now - and anything of that kind that would be of interest to him now would be easy for him to do. Or from the Persian - a consulate position would be of special interest. Of course, it says he chose the better in the Egyptian, so such as that would be fine; but he has to make up his own mind. That no one can do for him, for he is of the nature when one views the entire reading that if someone else insists then he doesn’t care for it eventually, and feels he is persuaded. But if he will make up his own mind by real prayer and study, he will be able to succeed in whatever he undertakes, as ‘Organizer, Clerk, Consulate, or Teacher.’ Yes, of course an entire reading on the Egyptian experience would give the entire activities at that period, whether it would help him make a decision I do not know. It might…”

R3. 11/14/39 Letter from [2021] to EC: ”…I am enclosing ten dollars for a physical reading for my mother, Mrs. [2045]… born 15 Nov. 1881, in Brooklyn, N.Y. and now residing at the above address.

“I also wish to thank you for your help to me with my reading, which, gradually, I am beginning to understand…”

R4. 11/17/39 Mr. [2021] referred Mr. [2043] for a Physical Rdg.

R5. 8/23/58 Oral report to GD in response to questions asked him: His wife, he said, was a blonde - Scandinavian; three children, the oldest a daughter born in 1945, another daughter in 1947, a son in 1948. He assumed his daughter was an Atlantean, because she was born in 1945. The reading’s advice to marry one of his own coloring he had interpreted at the time to mean one with the same tastes, background, etc., though it could have meant actual skin coloring, etc. He is fair of skin (also all three children) but his eyes are light brown and his hair dark.

When asked about his work he said he had done the wrong thing, he had studied law and had become a lawyer - law was always very easy, he could master it with little effort. He then became an army officer for many years, was active as engineering official in international affairs, geo-politics; was with war crime commission, sitting as judge in prosecuting courts; is now a war planner, representing the U.S. in the writing and negotiating of treaties. However, the tension, frustration, nervous strain, etc., is getting to be too much for him; he definitely feels that he is in the wrong work - morally, etc., he thinks he should have nothing to do with war.

Language has been very easy for him - could pick up Japanese, Italian, German, almost any language very easily when spend- ing a little time with it.

His reading mentioned an aptitude for music. At that time (of the reading) he could play the piano - was struggling through Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, etc., without instruction. However, for ten years he had practised on the violin without results.

In school he took Latin for five years; didn’t have to study, it just flowed.

When ten years old he knew more about Egyptology than he does today; was very good at it.

As a soldier this time he feels he has relived his life as a Roman soldier, though the Persian incarnation does not find an answering within - he can feel nothing about it. An assistant professor at the University of Padua (also Padove), in Italy, recognized the name Zebra as being the insignia of a particular legion whose commander, by that name, had lived at a period parallel to the Crucifixion and knew of Jesus, was persuaded to believe in Christianity, but didn’t do much about it. He died in Rome.

The name [middle name this incarnation] has meant much in his life this time, having been the name of his Scottish ancestors; his mother has told him much of this ancestry.*

A William Edmundson he found in the Library of Congress, born about 1624, in England, described in a couple of books about himself, an autobiography in approximately 1700 - died in 1712. An account is given of four trans-Atlantic journeys to America, stopping at Salem each time. He was asked not to stop at Salem again, due to his speaking against the use of force by man against man - making it difficult to retain and maintain the militia. He had attended Friends’ meetings in Maryland and along the coast as far south as South Carolina; he was at that time sort of an organizer or, rather, protagonist of the Friends, spending the bulk of his time and energy to promote the cause of friendship among men. (Perhaps ancestor or relative of THE Bill Edmundson of Salem, mentioned in the reading?)

• [8/29/64 GD’s note: Mr. [2021] visited A.R.E. and on reading the above made the following correction:

P.8, para 4. [2021-1, Par R5 above]

Anent my middle name, “Bruce”. The name is NOT a family name. None of my ancestors were Scots. But, for no apparent reason, my mother insisted on giving me this middle name. That the reading suggests the same name in another life is perhaps explanatory. It has been speculated that my present mother was also my mother before in the incarnation as Bruce.]

Background

Background

B1. 9/22/39 Letter: “I am so befuddled at the age of 23 that I am wasting years without accomplishing my mission - nor do I know what my mission is, yet have enough understanding to know I have one. That statement doesn’t make good sense, but I trust you understand what I mean. So please, Mr. Cayce, let me know when I should come to see you, or whatever I should do.”

B2. 9/29/39 Questions submitted in addition to those which got asked in the reading: “Considering my present understanding, in what vocation could I best serve my fellow-man? For what vocation am I best suited? What other activities should I engage in? What is my genealogy? How can I school myself to stand aside and let the Christ in me speak or act so that I may attain the mastery? (Is it permissible to ask where the Ark of the Covenant is, and how it can be gotten?) Give me any other advice which will aid me at this time.”

Mentioned Entities

Entity (Cayce Term), Egypt, Soul, Ideal, Purpose, Incarnation, Persia, Creative Forces, Records (Atlantean), Rome, Crucifixion, Crucifixion of Jesus, Destiny, Free Will, Jesus Christ, Meditation, Reincarnation of Jesus’s Circle, Resurrection Appearances, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Ark of the Covenant

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 2021-1, ReadingID 8560.