Reading 2144-1

TEXT OF READING 2144-1 F 41 (Officer Clerk, Protestant,

Text

Date: 3/11/1940 Sex: F Age: 41 ReadingID: 8806

Rosicrucian Student) This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 11th day of March, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self - Miss [2144], through her mother, Mrs. [464], Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

Born July 3 or 4, 1898, at midnight or about 4 or 5 minutes to 12, Prospect Avenue, Buffalo, New York. Time of Reading 3:55 to 4:40 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, Ohio.

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, as I ask them:

2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2144].

3. In giving the interpretations of the records as we find them here, these are chosen with the desire and purpose that this be a helpful experience for the entity.

4. Hence, with the analytical mind of the entity, it is well that the premise, at least, from which this is taken, be indicated.

5. But know, for the information to be helpful, it is to respond to something within, and to be acted upon.

6. The records are upon time and space, which are manifestations of that influence or force we call God. They are both old and ever new. But only in patience does the finite mind become aware of the VALUE of same upon the infinite, or the spiritual self.

7. Thus the records are taken from this skein of time and space. Hence, as an entity enters and leaves consciousness in materiality, there is left upon time and space that which has been the activity, - thus there may be the interpreting of same.

8. There are influences, urges latent and manifested in the entity; the entity being body, mind, soul, that which manifests in and out of material, mental and spiritual consciousnesses.

9. Thus we find urges, owing to that which has been practised or applied in the various stages of development or retardment, that are measured by what has been called astrological, numerological terms, or by that to which the entity in any phase of its consciousness has attributed or given an urge or influence.

10. Then, we find there are the varied influences, that are termed by those of varied thought or study, or cult or activity, according to that needed in this or that experience.

11. Know, however, that no urge, no influence is greater than the birthright of the entity - the will; that which is given to the soul to manifest in the beginning, as to be active within itself, independent of or in coordination with its source, or divinity itself. Yet the very gift of the Maker is divine. But this may be used or abused. It may be applied or laid aside.

12. Thus we find that the sojourns about the earth, during the interims between earthly sojourns, are called the astrological aspects. Not that an entity may have manifested physically on such planets, but in that consciousness which is the consciousness of that environ. And these have been accredited with certain potential influences in the mental aspect of an entity. We find that these become more and more applicable AS that influence is exercised in any given period of an entity’s material experience.

13. As we find with this entity, there are the influences from sojourns on Venus, Mercury, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter - about in the order named these have an influence. Thus we find, irrespective of what the entity has done in the present, these are manifested in these manners in the physical, mental or spiritual activity of the entity in the present, and may become MORE of an influence as such application is made to increase their efficacy or efficiency in the experience of the entity.

14. In Venus we find the nicety of things, of conditions, - the appreciation of influences and forces; yet demure, quiet in its manner, because of the relationships same HAS borne through the application of that very force in other sojourns in the material plane, - as will be indicated through the appearances in the earth.

15. From Mercury we find the high mental ability, the necessity for reasoning things out - within the own mind, that of reaching conclusions by the entity.

16. Also from Uranus we find the extremes that have been and will be in the experiences of the present sojourn; the interest in the occult or mystic, and the studies of same, and away from that which is called orthodox in every phase of human experience and endeavor. Yet, from Saturn we find the tendency to store within, as well as to make sudden changes without giving thought or credence as to what others would think.

17. The entity is hemmed in, then, at times, by convention of others, or as to the needs of this or that because of what others will say or do.

18. Jupiter, making for the benevolent forces in all of these, will bring in the latter portion of the experience - and it should begin within at least the present year - more satisfactory conclusions as to travel, as to unusual scenes, - indicated both in Venus and in Uranus, as well as in Saturn. These should in the latter portion of this present sojourn find material manifestation. For the love of travel is indicated, not only by the astrological but from the material sojourns, as will be seen by the very varied experiences in the material sojourns.

19. The astrological influences arise as latent forces, or as the dreams or the thoughts of the entity, while the influences from the material sojourns find expression through the emotional or sensory forces of the material body - which ofttimes are confused, especially by those who attempt to study or to materially apply mystical forces. For, the emotions of the body do not wholly correspond to spiritual awakenings.

20. As to the sojourns in the earth:

21. Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, in the early settlings of the land; when there was the pushing forward from the eastern shore within, owing to the needs of the peoples of that experience for the greater opportunities for material expansions.

22. The entity was among those born in the land. Thus we find innately ties that are of the nature to which the entity feels an urge or drawing, not only because of family but the innate urge of something from various conditions, experiences.

23. Also there are the abilities of the entity to innately FEEL the urges or drawing towards individuals or groups, or studies of certain phases of man’s experience.

24. For, the entity was a teacher, a minister to those activities during those experiences; and was in the opposite sex then, - Jean Nathanson. In the experience the entity gained and lost. In the application of self for greater aid and help, gained. In the material experiences for self-aggrandizement, lost.

25. And in the present from same there is the inclination or intent which has been exhibited at times for becoming critical of others, in the attempt to justify self or some particular thought or trend. Yet in the last analysis, the entity will find and will realize, truth needs no justification, - ONLY glorification in the application of same in one’s relationships to conditions, experiences, individuals, things.

26. Before that the entity was in the Roman land, during those periods just following the sojourn of Him who is the way, the truth and the light in the earth.

27. The entity was a companion of one who was an emissary, or a teacher, or a lawmaker in that land of promise; then in the name of Cassius, and the companion or wife of one Claudius - a follower of that procurator who sentenced the Master.

28. In the experience much of the turmoils created between the political and religious thought of those periods became a part of the entity’s experience.

29. From same in the present we find the lack of adherence to ritual, the lack of rote as might be related to church or state; yet an interest in politics, in the manner of studying or knowing the background of those who are in authority.

30. The entity gained mentally throughout that experience, for it studied much, it wrote much, that was helpful, enlightening, encouraging to those of the faith in those periods of activity.

31. Also in the present we will find abilities to be an analyst, or a keeper of records of one character of another, whether it be as related to a business or as to political facts or figures. And the entity would succeed the better as a keeper of statistics for those who are in authority, in state or nation or city, or in counsels of any nature or character, - whether pertaining to groups in their study or in those factions of political interests. Any of these would be channels through which the entity would find the outlet for its ability as statistician, as was experienced through that sojourn when so much help was given others.

32. Before that we find the entity was in the Iran or Persian land, during those periods when there was the building of the ‘city in the hills and in the plains.’

33. The entity was of the household of Croesus, - not of Croesus’ family, but of the households related to the companions of Croesus. Thus the entity found objections to the first activities of that portion of their groups who joined with the activities in the ‘city in the hills and the plains.’

34. And until there came those periods of the Grecians attempting to override same, there was little attention given by the entity - as Exterca, in those periods.

35. Thus again we find the study of the mystic, and the activities pertaining to healing art, - the abilities to use unseen forces and powers for the accomplishing of material things.

36. And as the entity learned eventually in that experience, so will it in this: All such must emanate from the spiritual, for a spiritual purpose and not the use or abuse of spiritual forces for material gains.

37. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land. There the entity was among the children of that land who were the offspring of those who had entered through the Temple of Sacrifice, for those activities in the developing of the great spiritual truths as were proclaimed and announced through the period.

38. The entity was of those chosen by the Priest, as well as those of the King’s followers, and the followers of Ajax or the Atlanteans. Hence there was the combination of those groups to be as an example of what MIGHT be the outcome of such preparations before the periods of conception, in that part of the development.

39. Then, the entity stood as an example.

40. And in the present it will oft be pointed out - throughout its period of sojourn in this land - as an example of what would be the outcome if individuals were given to thought, study, practise or application in varied lines of endeavor or activity; and will be the example for those for good, as well as those that are warned respecting other disturbances.

41. In the experience the entity gained throughout, - as it may in this experience gain throughout.

42. As to how:

43. Analyze thyself, thy purposes, thy desires. Know that others have opinions also, and those that are workable.

44. Yet study to show thyself - in thy activities, in thy thoughts - approved unto that thou hast chosen, or may choose, as thy ideal. And in the ideal, know that it is not as to what one may attain only, but as to what may be spiritual, mental and material ideals.

45. Faint not at waiting, for in patience ye become aware of thy soul.

46. As to the application of self, - in those fields and endeavors as indicated may the greater abilities become manifested.

47. In the latter portion of thy experience or sojourn, as indicated, there will come material gain from unseen sources in the present, - or from legacies not understood or thought of so much in the present. But use those travels, not merely as a gratifying, but teach as ye go. Thus may the entity find harmony and happiness in this experience.

48. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 3/15/40 (Friday Night) [2144]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cayce -

Thank you very much for the Reading. I really do not know what to say about it. I have read it several times tonight, and the more I read it the deeper the meanings seem to be or else I’m just plain stupid. Mother and I were trying to get a full understanding and the first thing we knew, we were arguing about something entirely different. She and I do not always agree on one subject.

This is what I get from it.

The Reading seems to be based on Astrology, now when I think of Astrology - WHO was the originator and how do we know he was accurate in his findings. In other words, I must have proof before I believe, (as the girls at the store always say about me). Then again, somewhere, I have read, what right does man have to question the almighty - as we are taught “all things are possible” with him, or with the cosmic powers (whichever you prefer to call it). How do we know, that each planet has a definite meaning or influence on our lives, how has it been proven? We are only taking someone’s word for it. See? I’m not trying to be sarcastic, I just want to know.

I think I understand about the entity belonging to the different ages, - influenced by astrological influences of each time - (or sojourn). As to the sojourn that is listed first - (which would be the last sojourn) my name is shown as Jean Nathanson, alright - why is the first name not changed, as well as the last?

And about being critical of others - yes, in my work at the office.

And the second listed sojourn: “just fits me”.

I just don’t get the meaning of Analyze thyself - I thot, I had done that, as to analyzing my desires and purposes. Naturally it would me materially. But the lack of money or means prevents me from attaining my desires. As to purpose

• it looks as though I’m supposed to be a servant to others, hemmed in by conditions I have no control over.

Even small pleasures have a way of “passing me by” - because I have a duty to perform, which MUST BE DONE FIRST.

I’m not a pleasure hunter, but would like a change, and to be able to feel free once in awhile. As to travel - I would spend my last penny to see places I have never been before.

I suppose there are plenty of others that enjoy other scenery too.

At this time my thoughts are quite confused concerning spiritual ideals etc. I even wrote to the Rosicrucian Order to cancel further lessons - but they wrote a very nice letter to me and suggested I continue with the lessons, that they would do all in their power to help me.

I have reached the crossroads I guess and am undecided which way to go.

Mother said she thinks I have read too many different subjects for my own good.

I seem to pick out the same meaning in all the subjects, and still I’m no further ahead for all the knowledge I gained from them.

Never having a good education, it is hard for me to try and explain things to others without them getting an entirely different idea. I can’t express myself correctly.

It just seems to me every time I analyze a subject it goes right back to spiritualism. I mean anything along these lines.

On the last paragraph - (there will come material gain from unseen sources in the present - or legacies not understood) the question in my mind is - what legacies would it be. I have no inheritance of any importance in the material that I know of. I thot it might mean - a “Spiritual understanding”. I have always had a desire to heal people of sickness but it doesn’t work for me - something is missing.

Surely, healing the sick wouldn’t be using the mystic powers or cosmic powers for material gain would it? As I understand it, sickness is caused from disobeying the natural laws and if another could straighten it out - or help to correct the opposition, surely that would be a spiritual, (help ye one another) gain. I have had some experiences during my life that I could not account for. When I try for them, I do not get anything. It comes when I least expect it.

Lately I haven’t had any. Due to my confused state of mind I suppose.

Well Mr. Cayce - I hope you can read this. I write fast to keep up with my thots. We just had a beautiful snow storm, but hard on traffic, the streets are ice coated. Downtown streets are shovelled clean. Every one here seems to be well with the exception of colds.

You spoke of planting sweet peas. My goodness, the ground here is frozen hard and covered with packed snow, but not for long. The winter will soon be over. The days are getting a little longer. At least I get home in daylight at 6:15 p.m.

It is 12:30 pm. now - so will stop for tonight. Will study the reading again. I may get more understanding another time.

Mother wanted me to answer right away. But I was not home last night.

Best regards to all Miss [2144] …, Ohio

R2. 3/18/40 EC’s letter to [2144]:

Dear Miss [2144]

Thanks for yours of the 15th regarding your reading. Wish it were possible for me to sit down with you and go over it paragraph by paragraph. Might help, but feel sure if you will read it every week or so there will come to you from the studies you have had in the mystic much that will be of real help - only those - and thankful to say there have been very very few of those who have discarded such after reading over casually - but have said they have gotten a very great deal out of them - one man wrote me recently - he said “when I first read my life reading you sent me it all seemed very vague - nothing definite, all far fetched - but have studied it over carefully for the past year - and now wish to report on same - it is the most worthwhile piece of paper that has ever come into my possession - while I realize haven’t gotten it all as yet - each day now - I see more and more in same.”

So hope as you read yours Miss [2144] you will not hesitate to make note of questions - and be just as severe a critic as you wish.

No - the reading is not based on astrology - that is astrology as we usually think of same, and think if you read it again you will see that.

Of course there is little or no proof save as is experienced in the lives of those such readings have been given for, and that is only proof to them and not to any one else unless they can and do feel something within - as answers to a longing of some nature within, and expands such to a real manifestation then it isn’t much but just an interesting tale.

Why the name is given the same - do not know. Evidently you have some aversion to the name - and there must be a reason for its being given you this time - why, do not know.

To analyze self - as I understand from the information - is to set down what is your Ideal - Physical - mental and Spiritual. The very fact that you say you are confused would indicate that is something most necessary in your experience; then it tells you how to judge these, which isn’t a bad philosophy, to say the least. Are all your purposes - material - then all the more reason for self analysis and, am sure, most of us do eventually come to the realization that things as well ideas, that are not material are the most helpful and the most valuable in our lives, and one makes their environment - that is no matter how hard one may have to work for even the bare necessities of living - they can do it with a happy, thankful heart - and make the experience of every one they meet more worthwhile. Isn’t that your observation? It is mine - have known and do know many that have the luxuries of a material existence - yet their lives are a veritable hell.

TRUTH alone can and does set you free. What is truth? The same answer that was given Pilate is truth to me, and it grows as my capacity to understand and apply it comes to me. As to being servant - am persuaded as HE said he that would be greatest among you is servant to all. That has been my experience - and is the story of all our great men - they who served best - are looked upon as the greatest men and women among us.

Do not know the Rosicrucian lessons well enough to even give an opinion on them. Of course have seen some of them, get their magazine each month for the files and for members to read - personally I take only the Scripture - and find solace there.

Don’t think we can read too much, but to read or know something that we do not put into practice usually it becomes dissatisfying to us to be sure. Same old thing as Mrs. Adam experienced - or Eve.

Like to think of spirituality - rather than spiritualism. While I know there is communication with the departed, but my experience has been, many of those need awakening as well as those here. Don’t think we have or do change merely because we in what is called death go through God’s other door. The room is different but the real purpose is the same - and are necessary parts of our experience to become one with Him, as our homes are made up of the various partitions, so our experiences in consciousness.

Now - as to the source of the legacy, who knows, but from past experiences this will be a part of your experience. Why

• because of the life you have and are living. How do I know that - as said where such things have been given before they have come to pass. Am sure if you deny it - say in your heart of hearts, it can’t. Then it can pass you by.

You can become or are already a spiritual healer - is the desire there only to become aware of the laws as pertain to same from the material standpoint then is all that is necessary - but as Jesus said - “when the finger of God has pointed out health - know the kingdom of God is nigh unto you.” It is something evidently then requires leaning heavily on the arm and the knowledge of God for as all life is a manifestation of God - the use of such is allowed of God

• then one must to a greater or less extent rely only on God for the use of such, and no one else, nor for other than to be a channel for the expression of God.

Am sure it is the experience of each of us - that when we try so hard seemingly nothing happens - then when we least expect it something apparently foreign to us happens. Why, the poor concept we have of time and space - we are in a three dimensional world of manifestation, as Body - mind - soul, or length - breadth - depth, or God - Son - Holy Spirit, or Time

• space - Patience. One works not without the other. That we long for then - we patiently wait for believing HE is able to give it, and He does in HIS time, and have we shown patience we know what to do with it. Have we been like Saul
• we do not know even as he knows what to do with it.

Don’t know whether this has helped any or not - for of course it must answer as said at first to something within ourselves

• the Kingdom is within. But please don’t hesitate to ask any questions that may arise - only want to help and not have you believe anything because I do or say that I do.

Hoping too that you will like so many others find real enlightenment in that given you.

Lovely here for last day or so - and very pleasant in middle of day - you must have had some snow storm from picture your Mother sent.

With all good wishes from all here. Sincerely Edgar Cayce

R3. 4/28/40 Mother [464]‘s letter: “I think [2144] will be getting married this year, all so unexpected. I lose my best friend and pal, my [2144]. As the reading said. I have been worried over [2144] and what would become of her if anything happened to me, so now I think she will be well taken care of, but I will miss her as nobody knows. She and I were so close - I might just as well be a widow as far as […] [Husband] is concerned.”

R4. 5/14/40 Mother [464]‘s letter: “I am not so keen over [2144]‘s marriage. I don’t like the set-up and I am afraid after the novelty wears off she will be very unhappy and discontented over conditions. [2144] has always been used to nice things, and his set-up is anything but that according to what daughter […] tells me. He is living in a little home-made summer cottage. No water. They have to carry their water in big bottles from … to the resort, about 6 miles. No bathroom or toilet. The walls are covered with plaster board, not any too neat a job, and the place is very small. No stove, just a two-burner oil contraption. The kitchen is like a hall bedroom, and when I think of the say [2144] has always been at me to fix up this, that and the other thing in our house. Daughter […] said our house seemed like a palace to her when she came home from that place of his. He is not a young man, neither is [2144] a young girl. [2144] is 42 and he is 50. Eight yrs. is too much difference in their age. There is 8 yrs. between […] [Husband] and I, and I think that is too much now. He is a widower and has mighty little to show for his age. His wife died just last Easter and 4 wks. later he was after [2144], and I don’t like that in him either, and he talks too much and says a lot of things he doesn’t mean, about all the wonderful things he is going to do. I would like it better if I could see more wonderful things he has done in the past…

“If I say too much [2144] thinks I am trying to spoil her chance and her happiness, and if I don’t say anything and she wakes up she will say, ‘Mom, why didn’t you tell me?’ So what can I do?”

R5. 5/24/40 EC’s letter: “Think you can only point out the facts and let it go at that…but from [2144]‘s Life Reading, this may be just the job for her to straighten this fellow out. May be a real pleasure to her to do so; if she makes the right start with him, I imagine she will change many things, and all for the best possibly for them both, and yet may be a sad awakening for her. Let’s just hope for the best.”

R6. 6/5/40 “[2144]‘s boy friend wants to take […] [Husband], [2144] and me over to Canada in his car. We are all beginning to look on the sunny side of [2144]‘s love affair. She will have him regardless, so what!”

R7. 9/23/40 Mother [464]‘s letter: “[2144]‘s name will be Mrs. […]. She is to be married on 9/28/40.”

R8. 10/3/40 ”[…] and [2144] were married on the 28th as planned. They had a very nice wedding and are very happy so far.”

R9. 1/17/41 Mother [464]‘s letter: “Four of us are down sick with the flu. [2144] is here to help out. I don’t know what we would have done without her. She is good with the sick.”

R10. 5/22/41 Mother [464]‘s letter: “[2144]‘s husband gave me a Bartlett pear tree and it is coming on fine.”

R11. 6/5/41 “[2144] and husband seem to be very happy.”

R12. 1/29/43 “[2144] is fine and seems to be happy. She and her husband and the cat, Hoab. She tells some funny stories about their cat.”

Background

Background

B1. 2/28/40 Request for Life Reading by mother, Mrs. [464]: “She gets so little pay where she works in that auditing office in […]‘s dry goods store, that she never felt she could afford a reading. She is so unselfish - she has always helped so much in the home.”

Mentioned Entities

Entity (Cayce Term), Incarnation, Astrology, Purpose, Ideal, Soul, Records (Atlantean), Healing, Adam and Eve, Book of Job, Egypt, Gertrude Cayce, Jesus Christ, Ohio, Resurrection Appearances, Ajax, Atlantis, Canada, Dreams, Egyptian Temples

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 2144-1, ReadingID 8806.