Reading 2441-2

TEXT OF READING 2441-2 F 36 (Housewife, Schoolteacher,

Text

Date: 3/11/1941 Sex: F Age: 36 ReadingID: 9283

Theosophist) This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 11th day of March, 1941, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [2441], Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

Born July 23, 1905, in Kane, Penna. Time of Reading 3:35 to 4:40 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, Penna.

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, that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:

2. EC: (In going back over the years from the present - ” - ‘37 - ‘36 - What an intense person! - ‘35 - ‘34 - ” etc., on back to birth date.)

3. Yes, we are given the records here of that entity now known as or called [2441].

4. In giving the interpretation of the records as we find them here, a great deal is to be interpreted from the varied experiences of the entity through the sojourns in the earth as well as from the astrological aspects that become as latent and manifested urges.

5. The astrological aspects are not as active, however, as the urges from the material sojourns; yet often there is much reached through same - in the entity’s meditation.

6. Then, in these interpretations, we find that these appear somewhat varied from that as we have indicated through this channel respecting the interpreting of the records that each entity makes upon the skein of time and space.

7. But these we choose, with the desire and purpose that this may be a helpful influence in the present experience of the entity. Yet these latent and manifested sources of urges, as may be indicated from interpreting the composite of these, may be somewhat questioned.

8. For we find one who is very determined and intense; and an idea once conceived is hard to eradicate from the activities of this entity.

9. While this is a virtue in many ways, do not allow such to defeat the very purposes of the entity - or the purposes for which the seeking is made at times.

10. Know in self the author of thy ideal, as well as what may be construed from the principles and tenets set forth.

11. For, life is a manifestation of that one would worship. One must attain to that oneness, from the one source.

12. True, the answer is ever present in one’s own experience, - to be sought, to be embraced, to be experienced in the relationships to others in daily spending of life.

13. As to the latent urges, - color as well as tone is a part of the entity’s seeking.

14. We find the abilities in that of instruction, direction, and in those conditions as would be manifested in all phases of these activities. These are outlets for the entity’s latent and manifested abilities.

15. Astrologically, we find Mercury, Neptune, Venus and Jupiter are those influences that would be construed by the accredited urge from those activities.

16. There are the high mental abilities, the quick wittedness, the desire for knowledge, the seeking for unseen influences. The promptings as to all phases of human experience, human endeavor, arise from the oft sojourn of the entity in those astrological environs.

17. We find little of a negative influence. Saturn appears to be OUT of the realm of the entity’s course.

18. In Neptune we find the far away influence; yet there are the mysteries made manifest as a portion of the experience - not too practical, but as a workable experience.

19. Harmonious relationships are sought; there are the desires to attain to a set position physically, mentally, spiritually, before starting certain undertakings. Hence, little of chance is sought by the entity, but surety, security in the material and in the mental activities.

20. Make the spiritual one also.

21. In Jupiter we find the universality of relations and activities, or the entity’s thought of others - in its desire to help, to manifest.

22. Let it not be said too oft by others that the entity attains no matter what means are needed; for this puts question marks at times in the way of accomplishing the most of which the entity is capable in this present sojourn.

23. As to the appearances or sojourns in the earth, - here again we find many. Some may appear confusing, from that urge or emotion that arises in the present experience of the entity.

24. Before this the entity was in the land of the present nativity, but about Chicago or Fort Dearborn.

25. The entity acted in the capacity as an instructor, or as an attendant to the teaching and ministering for the varied conditions in the experience. The entity held self rather aloof, or it was so considered by most of the associates through the period. This was indicated in a particular incident or happening in the experience. For, when there were those necessities for the evacuation of the Fort, because of the sure attack and attempt for destruction by the natives as well as others supposedly friends who incited them to activity, the entity kept self aloof from many who were acting as guides and aides to those in that trek to the river - in which so many lives were lost.

26. There the entity was closely associated with many with whom the entity has come in contact through the present experience. The entity was among those saved, and purposely. Hence from same there arises those innate and manifested purposes of material security, not only for the material things but the seeking for safety in the mental expressions of the entity, or in the line of thought for the moral and the religious forces.

27. Hence from same we find the entity being INTENSE, as may be called, in everything attempted by the entity. In its religious life the entity is intense, but far from being orthodox - according to the common usage of the term, or implication of the term; yet consistent. As we have oft interpreted through these sources, consistency is a jewel - but jewels even may at times rub the wrong ones!

28. The name then was Lola Baird. In the latter portion of the sojourn the entity was near unto the environs of the present activities. Hence oft there have come periods when it has seemed or appeared to the entity as being its IDEAL place of activity. This is well.

29. Before that the entity was in the English land, during those periods when there were those turmoils of church and state, just preceding the activities of Cromwell.

30. The entity was among those of her present sex who raised a voice against the persecutions of the working peoples for an idea that others attempted to call ideal, that was anything but ideal so far as concerned the consideration of other than those administering authority; even experiencing, as did the entity, the condemnation of those who set themselves as being given authority from the powers on high.

31. Latently we find such expressions being sought in the material experience of the entity in the present. These are well, provided they be tempered with that which has been indicated for the entity: KNOW that the authority or the law for thy ideal is of a spiritual nature, and that it is able to keep that which has been and is committed unto Him against that day. Then, only He that has gone the whole way comprehends and IS the way.

32. Through that sojourn the entity saw material suffering; gained and lost in the determining factors as to force, and the use of force in ways and manners that even to the entity was a question.

33. The name then was Harkneon. From that experience, in the present hold fast to that urge arising from same in pureness of purpose and the judgment in Him - the whole law given.

34. Before that the entity was in the Promised Land, during those periods when there were those cryings aloud because of the persecutions being wrought by those who overran the land.

35. There it may be said that the entity so fostered those activities of that group later known as the Essenes, as to have been the influence that made the whole ideal and idea possible.

36. That, too, was a noble and an enlightening service to the world; that has made and does make for a strength of purpose so oft manifest.

37. From that experience there may be the same influence; for the entity gained from the teachings of many outside the pale of the tenets of the Mosaic law, - those things that were good in the purifying of the body, not only through the mastering of activities in thought but through the diet, through communion with the universal forces as manifested or expressed in nature itself.

38. The name then was Durkon.

39. Before that the entity was in the ‘city in the hills and the plains,’ during those experiences when there had been the establishing of a center for not only commercial but mental and spiritual aspects of human relationships.

40. The entity - a soothsayer, a mystic, of the East Indian peoples - joined in those activities of that Persian ‘city in the hills and the plains.’

41. While there must needs be in the entity’s experience the altering of much of its tenets, we find that the actual accomplishments there brought that awakening necessary for the entity to become a power and a might for good to those of the various trades and cults and positions throughout that experience.

42. There the entity was after a time closely associated with the activities of the teacher Uhjltd, in the ‘city in the hills and the plains.’

43. Hence in those activities the entity in the present may find much of that it must learn; namely: Make haste slowly. Be not overanxious. Be intense, yes. Be consistent, sure. Be ye perfect, yes - even as ye desire that others be. But leave much of the results with Him - in time, in space - if ye would learn the patience as ye gained there, by those trials of others upon thy efforts.

44. The name then was Lach-maren.

45. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land; among those of the Priest’s household were the entity’s activities more in evidence, as an instructor, or as an aide or guide to those of the Priest’s own household.

46. The tones as induced in the Temple worship were conceived by the entity.

47. The necessary purgings that were begun and then acted upon by the priests in the various capacities in the Temple of Sacrifice were a part of the entity’s activity.

48. The name then was Vat-Elia.

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

50. In an attempt to give an interpretation of the records only the varied material appearances have been touched upon, in a very brief way. But from same there may be drawn the surmise correctly of a very, very active entity in the affairs not only of those close about the entity but as an influence to direct and to cause an ever widening influence among the peoples where the entity serves. This has been the experience, as we have indicated.

51. Hence in the present, as we would interpret the abilities, - the entity is as a director, a teacher, - yea, the more as a scribe or writer of that which has been and is the purifying needed; in body, in mind, for the attaining of the attunement to the Creative Forces.

52. But attune all such to Him, the law giver, the law interpreter, - who came not to do away with the law but to fulfil; even as ye must do in thy daily life and daily application.

53. And if He chooses a director or guide to walk with thee day by day, well; but why walk with a disciple when ye may walk with the Master!

54. For His promise has been and is, “I stand at the door and knock - open and I will enter.”

55. This is to thee, as to every soul that seeks to know the Father’s way with the children of men. And He has committed unto such those abilities to impart same to others; as ye may in thy instructions to others, as to the manner that is good to thee.

56. Hence in teaching, in writing, in interpreting symbols, dreams and the like for others, ye may become that inspiration to the many - as ye have been through thy experiences in the varied lands; that have in their varied needs supplied the leaders for that of instruction to the seekers after God.

57. Then, WHY not offer thy body - now - for such a channel!

58. In all thy getting of knowledge and understanding, get wisdom also; asking of the Father in Him who upbraideth not but alloweth every soul to seek, to express, to manifest in its own sphere. Only keep Him first.

59. Ready for questions.

60. (Q) What has been my relationship in other lives with the following: First, Edgar Cayce? (A) In the Dearborn period before this, in the Persian “city in the hills and the plains,” and in Egypt.

61. (Q) [1100]? (A) Most particularly in the Egyptian; an instructor of that entity.

62. (Q) My mother, […]? (A) In the English, or in those periods when turmoils were in the life. An aid one to another, though defiant one to another oft.

63. (Q) My father, […]? (A) In the period before this, and in the land of Promise.

64. (Q) He disappeared in 1931; is it possible for me to know whether he is still living, and what condition he is in at present? (A) This may not be given here, and proceed.

65. (Q) [2462], my husband? (A) A companion in the experience before this, in the latter part of that sojourn; and associated also in the activities of the Palestine land, and in Egypt.

66. (Q) Lawrence Bergmann Wallis, a friend who showed me a new way of life? (A) A son in the experience when the entity entered the “city in the hills and the plains.” One that relied much upon the entity, and a burden at times through that sojourn; though he became a mystic, a reader of times, in the latter portion of that period of experience but back in his own land, India.

67. (Q) Through him I saw some very penetrating “eyes” whom at the time I thought was the Christ. Since then I believe they were the eyes of the Master M. Is this true? (A) Rather the indication of the abilities that lie within self to raise the vibration to such an extent as to bring light to the inner self. They were rather the eyes of the Master, - not of Mora or Marhi. [Mora or Marhi - the way these words sounded; correct spelling unknown. - GD]

68. (Q) What was the significance of the appearance of the eyes to me? (A) ABILITY! And that may be sought again. Hold fast to that promise!

69. (Q) [2520]? (A) An aid in the English, as well as in the experience before this.

70. (Q) In my meditation, do I make the proper preparation, and how may I perfect the technique? (A) As to the manner, as has been indicated, - each soul, each entity should of its own volition and desire perfect that approach which to the self answers that need within. No one may tell another how to fall in love, or how to bear up under same in meeting desire in self. Neither may one tell another that which answers to that awareness within.

Study to show thyself approved unto THY God!

WHO - WHAT - WHERE - is thy God? WHAT is His ministry to mean? Keep self from condemnation of self, of others.

Show thyself worthy of accepting His direction.

71. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Ass’n file

[Experience of Gladys Davis during quiet period at beginning of Reading, while Mr. Cayce was going back over the years to obtain the record: “Just as a picture would be flashed on a screen, I saw a radiant figure of the Christ - with lights shooting out from His Body in all directions.”]

(Notes: According to their own Life Readings, Mr. Cayce was Ra-Ta the High Priest in Egypt and Mrs. [1100] was his daughter. See a copy under separate cover of our Egyptian material on this particular period.

Mr. Cayce was also Uhjltd, the teacher and healer, in Persia - the “city in the hills and the plains,” grandfather of Zoroaster.

He was also John Bainbridge of the Dearborn period, who led in the “trek to the river” and was drowned there.)

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 3/17/41 [2441]‘s letter to EC:

…, Penna.

Dear Mr. Cayce,

You said to me in your last letter that you hoped that I had found my Life reading of interest. I most certainly did! I too had the desire to be with you to read it and have certain passages gone over together.

I think I shall go over it from the beginning through to the end and have you help me with some of it, if you will please.

Please explain the meaning of the words: universal forces. Although I have been studying Academic Occultism and also through a Hindu Self Realization Fellowship, yet the exact meanings of their words and phrases don’t always mean the same as we find in science. So perhaps this word Universal Forces is one that might be interpreted in several ways.

To the part on Astrological aspects - that is one subject that I don’t know much about. But strange as it may seem I made the remark the other day that I should like to know more about it. What would you advise in the way of study either in book form or papers to find from the beginning the important parts. Perhaps the members of the association have contributed to the group articles on the astrological aspects.

Yes, I certainly am a determined person and I have wondered whether that is the form of will I have to bring under God’s will.

Throughout you speak of PURPOSES and the Purposes for which the entity is seeking at times. Could you tell me what this purpose is that I seek? Is it alignment with God? You speak farther on of “holding fast to that urge arising from same in pureness of purpose and the judgement in Him…the whole law given. Please explain my purpose as you see it and the last part given on the whole law given.

When Ideal is given does that mean the Christ? Do you think that the Bible is the only source of material on His principles and tenets set forth? I have read that he gave His disciples more intensive training than to the multitude and I wondered where these lessons or principles might be found other than in the Bible?

At to the latent urges - I have been teaching Art in the Public Schools but hope that some idea comes to me where I might work on Color and Tone outside the regular classroom.

On the part about Neptune, please explain “there are mysteries made manifest as a portion of the experience…not too practical.”

I should be glad to have any material on the other incarnations in which we have been together. Strange this life is the fourth one for us. And to think that I haven’t even seen you this time and yet through Mrs. [1100] as she talked to me about you it seemed as if I were not in … together talking but had been transplanted into space and her voice talked on and told me of these wonders you were able to perform. The Egyptian life you sent me on Ra-Ta [294-147—152, 281-42—44; also [5748] series] is certainly fascinating. It seems to me that the last three given on my incarnations were more interesting than the one in England and Dearborn. Altho’ I have had moments in my meditations when I felt that I was being submerged in water and I wonder now since the reading on the Dearborn experience whether that feeling of being under water is from my subconscious mind. Or doesn’t it incarnate each time with an individual. Is the subconscious and the other parts of the mind incarnated with the soul? I was interested in the story of Ra-Ta to learn where he had chosen the family in which to be born and the tribe. I have often wondered about that very thing. More seems to be written on after death and where the Ego goes but not much is said before conception. Also it interested me to know that Ra-Ra was not begotten of man. Then in a book I have read on Mystic Christianity where the author tries to prove that Christ was not born without a father but in the natural way - he said that God did not need unusual happenings to manifest. Which do you believe happened?

Next please explain the statement - Consistency is a jewel…but jewels even may at times rub the wrong ones! The part about thinking that this is the place for me to be of most service is certainly true as all the other parts are true.

I certainly am going to be on the look out for material on the Essenes. During one or two lives I must have been more alive to the spiritual mind. My wish to attain it in this present life to a fuller degree ever known before to myself! Could you tell me any thing about “the teachings of many outside the pale of the tenets of the Mosaic law - those things that were good in the purifying of the body, through thought, diet and communion with the universal forces (those two words again) as manifested through nature.”? Do you have any material on the Persian period, Palestine for background? It is strange that I have always wanted to go to Egypt and to India. To find then that in the Persian incarnation I was East Indian. The name Lach-Maren is beautiful. Is it male or female do you know? Here we were closely associated. No wonder that I listened to Mrs. [1100] and never doubted that all would be well if I contacted you! I could not wait to have these two readings done. And in this life to think that the two very good pieces of advice were gained Make hast slowly’ and Be not over anxious! So very much needed by [2441]. Also patience!

And to think I was an instructor, aide, guide to those of the Priest’s household and an instructor to Mrs. [1100], your daughter, then. She must have been very dear to me then, I loved her so much immediately. Wonder what she will say when she finds out the relationship? Interesting about the tones in the Temple worship and then we find tone again a latent urge again in this life.

Please help me if you can on “What has been and is the purifying needed in body and in mind for the attaining of the attunement to the Creative Forces?” Does Creative forces refer to Universal Forces mentioned above? and will I receive help through the spiritual mind for this? In saying “Why not offer thy body…now…for such a channel?” Does that mean for me to supply a leader for that of instruction to the seekers after God - a child who would become a leader or does it mean that if I offer my body for a channel I shall receive much inspiration for the writing of instructions to others who seek God.

Down in the questions and answers you speak of “vibration” and the ability to raise it. What do you mean and how may I do it again? The part on walking with the Master pleased me much because I have been reading where “If He and those associated with Him find an aspirant who is engrossed with the work to be done in self-discipline, who is faithful and conscientious in his endeavor, they look to see if the light within him has reached the point of “the shining forth”. If they find one who is anxious to serve his fellowmen that he is looking for no phenomenal contacts for himself and is not interested in being patted on the back and having his pride and self-satisfaction fed in this manner, then they may reveal to him the work that he can do in his own sphere of influence to further the Divine Plan. The Teachers and Masters of the race work through souls.” This quotation is taken from Alice A. Bailey’s book “FROM INTELLECT TO INTUITION.”

In the last part, it set me to wondering very much? “Who, What, Where is thy God?” and what is His ministry to mean? Am I so devoid of any conception as all that? I know that since I have been studying about these things in Secret Doctrine that I have doubted my ability to define my own conception of God. I feel that God is a Spirit, but where?

And the interesting thing that happened to Gladys Davis? Is this a revelation to her of Ability as the “eyes” were to me? Do you know of any books on Symbols used by peoples in the past? I certainly shall appreciate any help you may be able to give me in explaining certain parts and would appreciate also any names of books or papers on the questions asked.

Thank you for all your help!

Sincerely yours, Mrs. [2441]

P.S. Where do you get your information for these readings? Akashic records?

R2. 3/21/41 EC’s letter to [2441]:

My dear Mrs. [2441]:

Thank you very much for yours of the 17th. I’m happy to know that you found your Reading of interest. I’m only too glad to try and answer your questions. I would that it were possible for us to sit down and do this, for I’m sure that many questions arise in our minds as we find new meanings attributed to words used by those of various thought. But I will do the best I can, and possibly this summer we will have a chance to study over this again.

Universal forces as used by the Readings seem to indicate the divine influence from without, as it may manifest on each individual as he has applied and does apply knowledge of same in his daily life, - whether this is now, in the past or in the future. This may be somewhat different, but I believe it is the interpretation we get from the Readings.

As to astrological aspects, - of course, astrology is considered by many as a science, and of course is tabu by many others. The Readings do not follow either of the schools of thought in this, though very often are very much in keeping with either the Egyptian or the Persian line of thought. Mrs. [1100], having made a special study of astrology, will no doubt be able to better explain the attitude of the Readings in this respect than I could; for I have never looked inside an astrological book.

The Readings’ ideal is the Christ-Consciousness, and the holding fast to same - and the urge that arises from same, in pureness of purpose I’m sure refers to that.

While there may be many sources of information regarding the teachings of Jesus as a master, anything that is contradictory to the principles set forth in the four gospels

• to the Reading - is tabu. Not that it isn’t possible for an individual to so attune himself as to receive the wisdom, as to how he may apply these tenets in his daily life; for that - from the Readings - IS the purpose of our being in the flesh at present. Not that we have a private interpretation, but to us it has become an individual thing - a personal thing; and thus a real, living thing.

We have quite a number of papers on various periods in which many individuals have appeared, somewhat similar to the one on Ra-Ta. We have had one on the Persian Period, where evidently we were very closely associated. This is being re-printed, and when we have it ready we will send you a copy. Also we have so much about the Dearborn experience that I’m sure a paper on this will be prepared in the near future. This would I’m sure prove of real interest to you. It’s most interesting, your saying you have a “feeling” of being under water at times. Apparently, a great many were drowned at that time; I being one of those, though apparently managed to save you and quite a number of others for whom we have had information. Sometime I’ll tell you a little experience that to me, personally, was a proof of these facts.

Yes, I think there is in the subconscious - or the superconscious - an awareness brought over with us, especially where the environs are very similar or where the period of being “out” is rather short. We have had quite a bit of interest manifested in the idea of immaculate conception. The Readings indicate that there was a time in the experience of the “beings” we call men [[364] series] when all births were of that nature, - as might be indicated from the story of Eve’s entrance into the earth. There is no doubt in my mind but what Jesus had NO EARTHLY father, and that in his incarnations he was his own father.

Consistency is a jewel. Here, I think, it is indicted that there are times when you possibly have formed an opinion and will not listen; and that is what it means by a jewel rubbing the wrong way.

I wish I could give you some idea as to where you might get material on the Essenes. I know of several that have been trying and have so far found very little. This, too, may be some day put into a paper; as considerable has been given through the Readings for individuals, and we have to take a little here and a little there. But we have found that the history is rather consistent, even though the Readings may be even months or many years apart.

We have a great deal on the Persian Period, and we will have a paper on this - which I’m sure you will find very interesting. My understanding about the name - Lach-Maren

• is that you were a female, though I may be wrong.

Evidently, from other Readings as well as your own, you were an instructor in the household of the Priest in Egypt.

Consequently, you had a special feeling towards Mrs. [1100] even when you first met her.

“What has been and is the purifying needed in body and in mind for the attaining of the attunement to the Creative Forces…” Here, if you will refer to my definition of Universal forces, I think you will find it applies to the divine from without, as we make practical or personal application of it in our daily lives. As to how this is to be done, - I do not believe any individual has the right to tell another just how this should be done. For, the Christ must be a personal Christ to each individual. God must be a personal God; not a person, but a personal God to each individual. I feel that He is mindful of each soul, and is not a respecter of persons. For, as the Master said, “Who is my mother? Who is my brother, my sister? He that doeth the will of the father, the same is my mother, my brother, my sister.” His promise is, “Lo, I am with thee always,” and is to each soul that seeks His presence.

“Why not offer my body - now - for such a channel.” Yes, to me this means it is possible for you to so hold the creative ideal as to bring into the world a channel of blessings for others.

“Vibrations.” The Reading indicates here that in your deep meditation you raise the vibrations in your body to that plane, or attunement, where you may walk with the Master. Then the implication is that you desire only the Master of masters, as manifested in Jesus.

Your quotation from Mrs. Bailey’s book, I think, is in keeping with my idea as stated above; don’t you?

“Who, what, where is thy God?” I think this is only intended to indicate that you, as every individual, should oft make self-analysis; to determine within yourself as to whether you are allowing your own ego or self-interest to replace “Thy will, O Lord, not mine, be done in and through me.”

God IS Spirit. So are we. Then to us, as individuals, where our spirit of purpose is there is where God is.

Miss Gladys, as many of us, has had many experiences; and I think this is a revelation to her - as it has been to you. As to whether it would signify the same to each of you, of course, is a different matter; depending upon the ability to make application of the purpose such a revelation reveals.

I suppose a great many books have been written on symbols. Possibly one of the best has been compiled by Manly Hall. Another is The Great Book of Magical Art by de Laurence. As to how good this last one is, I wouldn’t say; for it appears to me that it is seeking to have individuals obtain experiences for the experience’ sake - and not for the good that might be done with same. Personally, the Bible - though we may question it - is the source of symbols, as well as of all other forms of manifestation that may be personally or practically applied in one’s daily life for soul awareness or development.

I hope I haven’t made the explanation more mysterious than the Reading itself. Know that I’ll be glad to try to answer any questions or thoughts that this may bring to your mind. I’m very sure that you, as practically everyone else, will see many things in your Reading from time to time that you did not see the first few times you read it over.

If we can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to call on us.

Thanking you, and hoping to have been of a service, I am

Sincerely, [EC:GD]

R3. 3/26/41 [2441]‘s letter to EC:

…, Penna.

My dear Mr. Cayce,

I want you to know how grateful I am to you for the change you have helped me to make in my thinking. The meditation seed thought for this month has been, “The extremity of the disciple draws out the interest of the soul.” I feel that when I made the application for a Life Reading the need of my soul reached out for help, should I say to the “Universal Forces”? and received oh so bountifully! Confidence and true serenity are beginning to take hold of me.

The beauty of one of your answers in your latest letter to me has been of great inspiration. I have used it over and over to myself and to my husband and to a friend. It is this, “God IS Spirit. So are we. Then to us, as individuals, where our spirit of purpose is there is where God is.” Thank you for this.

In the Life Reading the phrase, “in daily spending of life,” also has made such an impression that I have used it in my art classes. Which brings to mind one more question, in the Reading both color and tone were given as urges. Do you suppose that means tones of music or tones of color? I enjoy both and would like to be able to help others through my art work. I had already given an illustrated talk on symbols to the Art group of the … chapter of American Association for University Women. They thought it was beautiful and the President who never comes to our meetings was there and now wants me to send it, the illustrated talk, to the … convention. So you see my desire to have more material on symbols of geometric form as the Star, Sun and Wheel, Cross and Heart, the Lotus and the Tree. The Interlaced Triangle (known as the Insignet of Hermes) also the Serpent and the Swan and the moon and the Pyramids, the Chalice. These were from a course I had in New York - Alice Bailey’s group. They want me to take Secret Doctrine and the Gita and thought that I couldn’t take any more load. I had suggested studying the third and fourth years of Symbolism. The forms and my interest in color make a fine way for me to serve others. What do you think about this? Should I practise the patience I need here?

What a child I am when it comes to interpreting the Bible. Perhaps the literal translation has spoiled it for me and now I hardly know where to start but I’m not discouraged. Every day in my studying I find something more that just amazes me at my ignorance.

Thank you for offering to send me copies on the different periods. That must be very fascinating work! Synthesizing into a whole from the various component parts. The one on the Egyptian life was very interesting. I’ll look forward to reading the others.

Good night and thank you sincerely for everything you have done for me.

Gratefully yours, [2441]

R4. 4/2/41 EC’s letter to [2441]:

Dear Mrs. [2441]:

Thank you very much for yours of the 26th - to have been of some help makes me feel very grateful to a loving Heavenly Father, for that is my whole purpose if I know it. There evidently were several occasions when we must have been very closely associated, is possible from our records. May have helped then - so should help a lot this time. Think it will be most interesting to you, when you are here to read over some of the data, and see just how close we were associated. Won’t try and explain all of that here unless you get anxious about wishing to know before you come down - then would be glad to try and tell you what we have, or suspect, if you wish, may be best that you get the answer first to what you “reached out for” and if you find that, then the why and wherefore may be of particular interest.

I deserve no credit for any good line may have written, for it too came from a reading some where along the line, but can I but learn to live as well as quote some of them think will do fair at least, but thank you for that idea - has sustained me many many times - and am reminded of what happened once in a S.S. class of young men, I gave that to some one of them who asked about God, and when I quoted that to him - he thought for some time and then said to me “My, why haven’t I been told about this before, that gives me a better understanding than have ever had before.” That too made me feel good.

As to “in daily spending of life,” to me it would refer to both - for tone of music, takes color, as well as tone of color becomes music to the soul. Wouldn’t you say that.

Why not give us a bit of your illustrated talk at our meeting

• am sure many that would be here would enjoy it very much. Can’t you do that?? Do you find the time - am sure any help that gives you an understanding of better help for others and their problems is a help in the right direction.

A lot of the papers are now just being prepared and will send them soon as they have them in shape. Believe you will find a paper or booklet just now in print of special interest - Meditation [Later used as first chapter in SFG I]. Am told the manner of the presentation here is a bit different from most on such, tho am sure many volumes have been written on the subject.

Our class as meets every Tuesday night, I believe is getting much from the study of the Bible. We are reading straight through, should we ever be able to finish - will certainly have a world of data.

Thank you again Mrs. [2441]. Have you heard from Mrs. [1100] of late.

With sincere good wishes to you and yours [signed] Edgar Cayce

R5. 5/19/41 [2441]‘s letter to EC:

Found the following material on the Essenes which I think might be of interest. It is taken from that book I quoted from before “The Science of the Initiates.” It is given in question and answer form. Question. - What period in the life of Jesus has always puzzled the New Testament scholars? Answer. - “The Silent Years!” - as they are called. “Where was Jesus during these years?” “What was He doing?” - these pertinent questions have been the subject-matter of endless inquiry and controversy. Q. - Let us have a reading of the Esoteric Records. A. - Following His spectacular appearance in The Temple - a mere youth amazing His elders with the profundity of His wisdom

• He entered the Order of the Essenes whose “preparatory” school was near the shores of the Dead Sea. (Before His embodiment as “Jesus of Nazareth,” He appeared as Jehoshua, Son of Nun, Jehoshua in the time of Ezra and again as Jehoshua in the in the time of Zachariah, as related in the Old Testament record. When He entered the Koinobion at Mount Serbel, His name appears on the record as Jehoshua Emmanuel. Q. - Who are these Essenes? A. - The word is Greek for the Hebrew word meaning “Healer”. Their origin is clearly marked for the Initiate as Buddhistic. Q. And Jesus lived in their community? A. - He became a Brother! The title, Brother, was also used in the early Christian Communities. The Sacred tradition reveals that He lived in the Koinobion until His nineteenth year. When He entered the full Essenean training in their monastery at Mount Serbel. Q. - Tell us about this monastery. A. - It also served the ends of our Great Ones precisely after the fashion of the Ashrams of the East. Here Sages, Masters, Initiates, Messengers of the Supreme Lodge “beyond the mountains,” visited on their journeys from East to West. Indeed, it was established by “The Great White Lodge” as an outpost of the Wisdom-Life and Wisdom-Teaching on these far-flung frontiers, a mighty magnetic link between the East that was and the West that was to be.”

I hope that his might be of some help for the records.

Sincerely, [2441]

R6. 5/23/41 [2441]‘s letter to HLC:

…, Penna.

Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Dear Mr. Cayce,

The subject I have for my illustrated talk is “SYMBOLISM.” The material to be covered includes a definition of a symbol, where symbols are found and have been used throughout the ages, the Science of Simple Numbers, the Tree, the Pentagram, the Hexagram, the Cross and the Lotus. It takes about half an hour to present this material which is hand-written and illustrated upon twelve by eighteen paper so that a very much larger group than fifteen persons would not be able to see the illustrations. Although if you think that more than that number would be interested in a talk on Symbolism I should be glad to enlarge the illustrations.

As for myself, there isn’t anything to say except that I do enjoy studying and working with symbols in daily life and in the Art work which is my means of showing to others the beauty of symbols.

Would you kindly write me prices for a room at the hotel for one and also the price for a room for two during the week of the Congress. Are meals served at the hotel and about the approximate amount for the week.

I certainly am interested to know more about the work you are doing at the Beach.

Sincerely, Mrs. [2441]

R7. 5/23/41 EC’s letter to [2441]:

Dear Mrs. [2441]:

Thank you for yours of the 19th. Wonder if Hugh Lynn or I had mentioned to you about our preparing a paper on the Essenes. This is most interesting, that the very day you wrote we attempted to check up on the data that is being compiled by the writer of this paper [See 254-109] - most of which is taken from the information - given in piecemeal in individual life readings - so this paper should be most interesting to you - and the data given by you is most helpful. Thank you more than you know. Think Hugh Lynn will write you about this.

Believe you told me you were studying with Mrs. Bailey - when was in N.Y. last fall, met two very prominent students in that school - and one of them again this last trip - both very charming people - just fell in love with both of them at once, and think that possibly both of them will be here for the congress. Am sure you will be happy to meet them.

Lovely that you have the new “symbol picture”. Will be lovely to have it at the Congress if we may.

Thanks again for every thing - and am anxiously awaiting your arrival at the congress. Mrs. [1100] was in Texas when last heard from her, but expect her at the Congress, she and [470] also - isn’t Mr. [2462] coming - hope so.

With all good wishes [signed] Edgar Cayce

R8. 5/23/41 [2441]‘s talk given at the 1941 Congress [See 254-108, Par. R4]:

SYMBOLISM

A symbol is defined to be a visible sign with which a spiritual feeling, emotion, or idea is connected. Man’s earliest instruction was by means of symbols. The wisdom of the Chaldeans, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Jews of Zoroaster, Syrus, Pythagorus, Socrates, Plato, of all the ancients that is come to our hand, is symbolic.

The objective character of a symbol, which presents something material to the sight and touch, as explanatory of an internal idea, is best calculated to be grasped by the infant mind, whether the infancy of that mind be considered nationally or individually. And hence, in the first ages of the world, in its infancy, ALL propositions, THEOLOGICAL, POLITICAL, or scientific, were expressed in the form of symbols. Thus the first religions were eminently symbolical because as one philosophical historian has remarked, “At a time when language was yet in its infancy, visible symbols were the most vivid means of acting upon the minds of ignorant hearers.”

To the man of mature intellect, each letter of the ALPHABET is the symbol of a certain sound. When we instruct the child in the form and value of these letters, we make the picture of some familiar object the representation of the letter which aids the infantile memory. Thus, when the teacher says, “A was an Archer” the Archer becomes a symbol of the letter A, just as in after life the letter becomes the symbol of a sound.

“Egyptian tombs and stiles exhibit religious symbols still in use among Christians. Similar forms, with corresponding meanings, though under different names, are found among the Indians, and are seen on the monuments of the Assyrians, the Etruscans, and the Greeks.”

“The Hebrews borrowed much of their early religious symbolism from the Egyptians, their later from the Babylonians, and through them this symbolical imagery, both verbal and objective, has descended to ourselves.”

“The early Christian architects, sculptors, and painters, drank deep of symbolical lore, and reproduced it in their works.”

Art, the lapidary, has preserved for us something of the beauty and magic of the ancient symbols. Many a pattern and device that we use haphazardly for the decoration of buildings, dress, or china were once of religious or cosmic significance.

Symbols are at once the world’s secrets and revelations and the philosopher or student may sometimes find an ancient key to the mystery of life engraved on his teacup or dinner plate. In the standing stones and circles of prehistoric times, in the buried tombs and temples of Egypt and India and in ruined places of Assyria, Crete and Chaldea, we may find a veritable book of revelations. Not in the words that could be deciphered only by the learned, but in pictured or sculptured forms beautiful, as the artist could make them, significant as the priest or teacher could conceive them, the enigma of life was propounded and solved by the wisdom of remote antiquity in symbols that were universal and yet characteristic of the races that evolved them. Many meanings have been given for the Greek word “Symbolon” a gathering place, a pledge, a sample, and perhaps the last in spite of its associations, is one of the most illuminating definitions. For a symbol is, as it were, a sample in the material world of that which is too great to be shown in its completeness. It is a miniature of the same form and substance as the whole, only reduced in scale, for the convenience of the messenger and for the readier apprehension of the receiver.

A symbol should be the simplest expression in matter of some law that shapes all degrees of matter.

PRIMITIVE MAN

AND THE SCIENCE OF SIMPLE NUMBERS. THE IDEA OF THESE SIMPLE NUMBERS BEING INVESTED WITH SOME STRANGE SIGNIFICANCE - A SECRET THAT PERHAPS ONLY THE MEDICINE MEN OF HIS TRIBE HAD ANY NOTION OF -

[diagram showing one vertical stick]

Counting by rods or sticks led no doubt to the earliest geometrical relations of human thought. One stick would represent existence, a fact or a thing of man’s perception, maybe a woman or a child, an ox, a sheep, a flint-head, a day or a night. Also one-ness of God; power descending upon mankind from above, or in the opposite direction, yearning of mankind toward higher things.

[diagram showing two vertical sticks]

Two, then, would stand for relative existence, and would use to the faculty of comparison, as by one being longer or shorter than the other, thicker or thinner, and thus heavier or lighter, stiffer or more supple. What a great deal man began to know when he counted two!

[diagram of two sticks leaning together and touching at the tops]

Could he not bind these two sticks together with the thread of destiny snatched from the pampas grass or the water reed? Things were thus as they should be, and when he came to examine all their relations, he found he could bring their tips together so as to form an inverted V and thus was evolved the first symbol of humanity - the creature with two sides, a male and a female, one that is supple and one that is strong.

[diagram of a triangle]

But he could not enclose a space between them, and this suggested an incompleteness and gave rise to a new idea, and the number Three was born in the human mind. By placing the divided ends of two sticks upon the ground he could remedy the incompleteness by given them a solid base on which to rest, so the Earth was called Son, child of the Father-Mother, by name Tu. Now this was a perfect thing - Father, Mother, Child; and its perfection was made manifest under an everlasting symbol when the man walked around the woman, and a circle of which she was the center, was inscribed upon the ground.

[diagram of a circle]

The idea was one that fastened upon the primitive mind, and the number Three was henceforth invested with a special significance, altogether magical, wonderful, divine. Then of course, the three greatest things in Nature answered at once to the native thought, the Sun as Father, the Moon as Mother, and the Earth as Son; and thus they have persisted, through the religions of all nations, in no form more familiar or less obscured by lapse of time than in the Egyptian trinity Osiris, Isis and Horus.

THREE

Aristotle looked upon the triad as the number of the complete whole, inasmuch as it contains a beginning, a middle and an end. The importance of the triad conception and the hold it had and still has, on the imagination is shown by the way thought instinctively groups itself in threes. Sun, Moon, Stars; birth, life, death; heaven, earth, water; the three fates, three furies, three graces. There are the three dimensions, the three parts in every sequence of thought. We speak of the ‘world, the flesh, the devil’ as opposed to the ‘good, the true, the beautiful.’

Light, Life and Love Will, Love, Intelligence Physical, Emotional, Mental

[diagram of three vertical sticks with a circle above the middle one]

With his circle before him, suggesting the round of a tree, and his three sticks in hand, the camp stool would soon be evolved.

[diagram of a three-legged foot stool]

Home was already in sight, and soon the round sherd, supported by three sticks over a fire, would be bubbling over with the good things of earth. (Man existed long on earth before he discovered fire.)

[diagram of a pine tree]

Man’s veneration for trees as symbols of the abstract qualities of WISDOM and INTEGRITY led him to designate as trees those individuals who possessed these qualities to an apparently superhuman degree. For example, the Druids, whose name, according to one interpretation signifies the men of the oak trees, in many instances, the trees themselves were believed to possess the attributes of DIVINE POWER and INTELLIGENCE, and therefore supplications were often addressed to them. The beauty, dignity, massiveness and strength of oaks, elms and cedars, led to their adoption as symbols of power, integrity, permanence, virility and divine protection. Temples were often built in the heart of sacred groves and nocturnal ceremonies were conducted under the widespreading branches of great trees, fantastically decorated and festooned in honor of their patron deities.

The tree has also been accepted as symbolic of Man. The serpent so often wound around the truck of the tree signifies THE MIND - THE POWER OF THOUGHT - and is the external tempter or urge which leads all rational creatures to the ultimate discovery of reality. While the tree is apparently much greater than its own source, nevertheless that source contains potentially every branch, twig, and leaf which will be objectively unfolded by the processes of growth.

Trees are repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and evil, the burning bush, the famous vine and fig tree, and the grove of olives in the Garden of Gethsemane and the miraculous tree of Revelation whose leaves were for the healing of the nations.

[diagram of a five-pointed star]

THE PENTAGRAM

is called the blazing star, is the sign of INTELLECTUAL OMNIPOTENCE and autocracy. It is the star of the magi, and is the star of the morning. The pentagram is the figure of the human body, having four limbs, and a single point representing the head (will). The old magicians traced the sign of the pentagram upon their doorsteps, to prevent evil spirits from entering and good spirits from departing. It signifies also Grand Architect, for the pentagram on every side represents an A.

[diagram of a six-pointed star]

The well known Hexagram or Solomon’s Seal with which he was said to have worked miracles, warded off danger and curbed rebellious spirits was made of two equilateral triangles interlaced forming a six pointed star. It symbolized the COMPLETED WHOLE OF LIFE. The union of spirit and matter.

Wherefore the Man is represented as a Pentagon, within the Hexagon Star, the Universe.

THE CROSS

The origin of the Cross is in the mists of antiquity. We do not know who first discovered fire, or who shaped the first pottery vase, or who built the first human inhabitation, nor do we know who first made a cross. It differed in shape and design as ancient peoples and civilizations differed. But in some form, all through the ages, the cross has existed and has had a vital significance and influence.

Probably the earliest known form of the cross was represented by the intersection of two lines at right angles. From it evolved the Swastika or Gammate Cross, which in its original form was in the shape of a curious capital Z. Its earliest significance was prosperity, its latest, for it is a symbol still in use, is GOOD luck.

So to symbolize the inner nature of man, that inner world of feeling and emotion, we shall liken it to the upright bar of the Cross [small diagram of an upright bar].

To represent the effort man makes to live up to his ideals and thus express his real self we shall take the Cross-bar of the Cross, representing the Will.

[small diagram of a horizontal bar] In the beginning the cross bar is at the bottom of the upright bar, and as man progresses, the cross bar gradually rises, or drops, according as he exemplifies in his life the ethical teachings of his religion, be that what it may. The way is not a simple matter, as anyone may prove for himself by endeavoring to live a life in accord with his own standard of right, but in the effort so to live one will find that apprehension is quickened and comprehension deepened, and knowledge will be more easily acquired. Personal effort must be made! The cross is the supreme emblem of Christianity, symbolic of SACRIFICE and redemption. It is difficult for us in the midst of our modern and intensely material civilization to realize how vital and how widespread has been the influence of the cross all through the centuries. In our own country at the beginning of its history, the cross had its place and influence. The early settlers raised a cross wherever they went as a symbol that it was to be a Christian land. But the cross was seldom seen after the first permanent settlers came to these shores. They were the Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers, Dissenters and adventurers. Not a cross-bearer among them. But in the old world, for centuries before and after the new world was discovered, the cross was almost everywhere to be seen. No great enterprise or crusade was undertaken that did not have the cross carried upon a staff or embroidered upon a banner. Here are a few examples, altars, in processions, woven into vestments, pictured on canvas, and in stained glass, in frescoes and mosaics fashioned with rich craftsmanship and hung upon the walls of cathedrals which were themselves built in the design of the cross. On every spire and many gables were crosses of iron and stone, and in the churchyards they marked the resting places of the dead. Everywhere were wayside shrines with crosses of wood and stone. The Crusader’s sword was cross-hilted and every knight dedicated his sword upon the altar and wore a cross upon his breast, as he went forth upon a crusade. The escutcheons of most ancient families bore it in varied forms and it appeared frequently on the coins and metals of the realm. The cross is a symbol more universal in its use and more important in its significance than any other in the world.

[diagrams of various crosses, titled:] PAGAN, GREEK, LATIN, U-TAU CROSS, ST. ANDREW’S, THE FLORIATED CROSS, PILGRIM, LABARUM (early Christian Cross). MALTESE, CRUXANSATA (Egyptian) and CELTIC. MAN THE CROSS!

Emblem of Eternal Hope The mystery of Life and Death

[diagram of a lotus flower, with a bird [dove?] over it]

The use of the lotus as a symbol of creation or the beginning of life extends back beyond the measurements of time. A growth of the watery element, without roots in the earth, nourished by the rays of the sun, the lotus was a symbol par excellence of the power of nature through the agency of fire and water. As the world was conceived to have come into being by the inter-action of these two elements, the lotus became the dual symbol of spirit and MATTER or the “spirit moving upon the face of the waters.”

The ancients, who did nothing in a meaningless way, creating and developing form not only to shelter and protect life, but to express in all ways, as beautifully as their imagination and skill would permit, their profound belief in and worship of Life, made elaborate use of the leaves, buds and flowers of the lotus as decorative motifs, and this symbol became one of the most important decorative features in the architectural designs of Egypt and India.

Always arriving by way of nature, it is interesting to trace back definitely to the underlying thought of Life. And nowhere is the idea of growth from the soil upward, reaching toward heaven, better expressed than in these Egyptian columns which, resting firmly upon the ground, terminate above in capitals formed like the lotus-symbol of creative energy, life, immortality.

The lotus is called the Flower of Light and Flower of Life, “flower de luce” and “fluer de lis.” This light shining in the darkness was like Christ the Light of the World symbolized by the “Fleur de Lis.”

The stories of Aaron’s rod that budded and also in Wagner’s great opera, Taunhauser, where the budding staff of the pope signifies the unfolding blossoms - unfoldment of spiritual understanding found therein. All beautiful flowers as rose, water-lily represent spiritual unfoldment and attainment.

(Illustrated talk on symbols given by Mrs. [2441] at the Tenth Annual Congress of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., June 21, 1941)

R9. 7/2/41 [2441]‘s letter to EC:

…, Penna.

Dear Teacher,

That you truly are! Because every moment I was in your presence I was being taught the much needed lessons of utter consecration, selflessness and humility. And then as I told you when I was there you answered all the questions in my mind. In going back over a letter you sent me April 2nd where you said “May be best that you get the answer first to what you ‘reached out for’ and if you find that, then the why and wherefore may be of particular interest.” I know now what it was I reached out for and I have found it within myself and oh so very much within you, God bless you.

In one of the first lessons from the Arcane school is given the following; “The life of service involves consequently an identification of the unit, man, with group interests and considerations. Here is a point where many people go astray; we will touch upon it briefly. The group interest with which the Soul is impelling the lower man to merge himself is the group of Souls with which the man is linked; it is not necessarily the particular group of human beings with which he is temporarily identified. One of the main objectives of life-training at this time is to bring certain earnest students into such a condition that they will recognize their ‘own group’ and the units of that group wherever met and contacted. Many lives are spent by the Soul in urging the Personality towards these identifications. We have to find our group, to awaken its interests and to recognize the unity of effort underlying the work of perhaps widely separated units. The life of service, as viewed by the occult student, necessitates an ability to contact the plans of the Hierarchy of perfected Souls, to get a vision of the purpose of the Guides of the races and to ascertain the part of the general scheme for which his particular group is responsible. Remember it is a GROUP with which we have to work.” And so with this quotation I should like to say that at this late stage in my life I have found my group. I shall be only too glad to help carry on the splendid work that has ben going on in the Association.

I should like to quote from my life reading, “As to the abilities of the entity in the present, then, - that to which it may attain, and how: - the entity is as a director, a teacher, - yea, the more as a scribe or writer of that which has been and is the purifying needed; in body, in mind, for the attaining of the attunement to the Creative Forces. But attune all such to Him, the law-giver, the law interpreter,

• who came not to do away with the law but to fulfill; even as ye must do in thy daily life and daily application.” I should like to be able to write of that which has been and is the purifying needed; in body, in mind, for the attaining of the attunement to the Creative Forces. So I have looked in the Bible under the word Purify and find Tit. 2.14; Jas. 4.8; 1 Peter 1.22. Wonder whether the physical and life readings or mental ones would not be of help. Seems to me that is the reason I came to Virginia Beach. Hardly know where to begin. Could you make a suggestion?

Don’t know whether we shall get to the beach again this summer or not. The last thing Mrs. [1100] said to us, Mr. [2462] and me was, “see you at the beach over Labor Day.” We are planning to move into our new home about that time so can’t say but only wish it were possible. But I certainly shall plan on next year whether as a member of the board of trustees or not. It would be an honor indeed, but if I am not qualified to hold such a position I am satisfied to be an active member.

As for your ability in Jelly-making you do certainly excel. Ours was Apple and it was good. Mr. [2462] also enjoys this art and suggested we mail you some of his. He made some plum last year. He says that leaving the seeds in it makes it better. We will let you be the judge.

With love to you all,

Sincerely, [2441]

R10. 7/8/41 EC’s letter to [2441]:

Dear Mrs. [2441]:

Thanks for yours of the 2nd - you do say such nice things. Thank you, may the Lord Bless you, and keep me in such a way that I may indeed be a channel of blessings to many. Yes, sir, the answer must always be within self. That way alone can and is it our own - yet never possessive, but to be given out, and as we give more and more do we receive. Is just like love divine, the more one gives, the more they have.

You have expressed it precisely regarding groups and all, I feel at times so many fail, because they insist that one belongs to this or that group, and it is never the group or tenet that is to be worshipped or even held aloft - but the good that such brings into the experience of the other fellow.

A friend of mine [[541]?], one whom have never met, but who says her reading started her to writing, and think the enclosed indicates she has the real ideal. In one of her efforts “Holy Day”, tell me what you think of it.

Thank you for your quotation from your lesson - it is lovely and true, so true. One wonders how so many fail to see and know - unless it is - “she thou gavest me, she persuaded me.”

Thank you, [2441] - do need you, your help. It is wonderful to have found you. Had a lady [2529] in from …, Sunday, said her Dr. told her to come here, then she talked with Miss [1747]. Well, as she said - “after I talked with her, I even forgot to comb my hair, came off without a coat, was so anxious to get here.” May the Lord have mercy on us all and guide us aright.

Would I make a suggestion - would desire that each have a Mental and spiritual reading - yet fewer have these than any type - believe because they are not ready - think you are. Do wish tho you were present when it was given - do you or do you not feel there is something in hearing what is said

• have imagined there is something in hearing them - then having them to help recall what we heard.

Oh, yes, you must get to the Beach again - believe that Mr. [470] and Mrs. [1100] will come, and you and Mr. [2462] must come. Think we need you.

Glad you like the jelly - would be nice to have a bit of the plum. Am sure would enjoy it.

Will let you know just exactly what the reading says about you. This is very irregular - am sure - but who wishes to be regular.

Thanks again for every thing - the drawings were lovely - don’t know how soon they will have Congress report, but do appreciate your fixing the stencils for us.

Love from all to you and yours

Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce

R11. 7/29/41 [2441]‘s letter to EC:

…, Penna.

Dear Mr. Cayce,

I notice that your letter of July 8th is getting farther and farther away from being answered. I have wanted to be able to give something worth while in my letters. Well I have been studying the Constitution of Man. I have to know just what goes on in this marvelous constitution. I have found many helpful thoughts regarding the Astral plane, prana and the Akashic records. If I am to help in the Association I must know these things to be of any real value. How little we really know about Man and his creative abilities! The group in the Association will really be the means of synthesizing all the theories which I have studied about and which if not used would become as a stagnant pool.

Since I have come back from the beach I found the book by the imperator of the Rosicrucian Order, H. Spencer Lewis entitled “The Mystical Life of Jesus.” The information in it regarding the Essenes would be of very much interest to the Association. The question “Why has the history or story of the Essenes been withheld from general knowledge?” was asked and the answer is simply that there was a desire on the part of those who knew the story to keep the Essene Brotherhood shrouded in mystery for the purpose of protecting its work and teachings from being publicly discussed and eventually criticized and scoffed at by those students or professors of orthodox Christianity who have labored so diligently in the past to make even a greater mystery of Christ and Christianity. He goes on to say that because of a broader minded view that is taken by the average educated student he is justified in giving the following facts in regard to the Essenes. The Essenes were a branch of the illuminated brotherhood or Great White Lodge, which had its birth in the country of Egypt during the years preceding Amenhotep the Fourth, Pharaoh of Egypt, and the great founder of the first monotheistic religion, who supported and encouraged the existence of a secret brotherhood to teach the mystic truths of life. The several mystic schools of Egypt, which were united under one head constituting the Great White Brotherhood, assumed different names in different parts of the world, in accordance with the languages of each country, and the peculiarities of the general religious or spiritual thought of the people. We find that at Alexandria, the members of the Brotherhood there assumed the name of Essenes. The word Essenes truly comes from the Egyptian word Kashai, which means “secret.” And there is a Jewish word of similar sound, chsahi, meaning “secret” or “silent”; and this word would naturally be translated into essaios or “Essene”, denoting “secret” or “mystic.” Even Josephus found that the Egyptian symbols of light and truth are represented by the word choshen, which transliterates into the Greek as “Essen.” Historical references have also been found wherein the priests of the ancient temples of Ephesus bore the name of Essene. A branch of the organization, established by the Greeks, translated the word Essene as being derived from the Syrian word assya meaning “physician,” into the Greek word therapeutes, having the same meaning. The Rosicrucian records clearly state that the original word was meant to imply a secret brotherhood, and while most of the members became physicians and healers, the organization was devoted to many other humanitarian practices besides the art of healing, and not all of its members were physicians in any sense. The spread of the organization into the many lands near Egypt was slow and natural, in accordance with the awakening consciousness of the people; and we find that the Essene Brotherhood became a very definite branch of the Great White Brotherhood representing the outer activities of the G.W.B; which was primarily a school of learning and instruction. Thus, for several centuries before the dawn of the Christian Era, the Essene Brotherhood, as an active band of workers, maintained two principal centers, one in Egypt on the banks of Lake Maoris, where the great Master Morya-El the Illustrious was born in his first known reincarnation, educated, prepared for his great mission, and established the principle and law of baptism as a spiritual step in the process of initiation. The other principal center of the Essene Brotherhood was first established in Palestine, at Engaddi near the Dead Sea.

(That is strange that I thought in the eyes that I had contacted that they were the eyes of the Master M.)

The branch in Palestine had to contend with the despotism of the rulers of that country and the jealousy of the priesthood. These conditions forced the Essenes in Palestine to hold themselves in greater silence and solitude than they had been accustomed to in Egypt. Before they moved from their small buildings and sacred enclosure at Engaddi, to the ancient buildings on Mount Carmel, their principal activity seemed to be the translation of ancient manuscripts and preservation of such traditions and records as constituted the foundation of their teachings. It is recorded that when the time came for them to move from Engaddi to Mount Carmel, their greatest problem was the secret movement of these manuscripts and records. Fortunately for us, they succeeded in preserving the rarest of the manuscripts that came out of Egypt, and in other ways preserved the ancient, traditional stories and teachings. It is from these that we derive most of our knowledge regarding the Essenes and the Great White Brotherhood.

Every member of the Essenes in Egypt or Palestine, or of the Therapeuti, as they were called in other lands, had to be a pure blooded descendant of the Aryan race. This point is very important in connection with the facts that will be revealed regarding the birth and life of the Master Jesus. Likewise, they were the students of the Avesta writings, and adhered to the principles taught therein, which laid great stress upon a healthy body and a powerful mind. Before any qualified Aryan could become an Adept in the Essene Brotherhood, he had to be prepared in childhood under certain teachers and instructors, raised with a healthy body, and had to be able to exercise certain mental powers under test. Every adult applicant who was allowed to partake of the daily meal in the Brotherhood building, was assigned at the time of his initiation to a definite mission in life, and this mission had to be adhered to regardless of all obstacles, and all temptations, even to the sacrifice of his life. Some chose to be physicians or healers, others artisans, teachers, missionaries, translators, scribes, and so forth. Whatever worldly things they possessed at the time of their initiation had to be donated to the common fund, from which all drew only as was needed. And the simple life they led, free from any indulgence in the pleasures common to the public, made it unnecessary for them to draw upon these funds except in rare instances.

Immediately upon initiation, each member adopted a robe of white composed of one piece of material, and he wore sandals only in such weather or at such times as was absolutely necessary. Their attire was so distinct or unique that among the populace they were known as the Brethren in White Clothing. The term Essene was not popularly known, and only the learned knew of it. This accounts for the lack of references to the Essenes in most of the popular histories or writings of the time. I’ll not copy more but he takes up their living, the council of judges, their laws, “Judge not

• lest ye be judged also.” Next follows the Ten articles of Faith. He tells of the departments with their stewards, the hospices called Bethseida the beginnings of hospitals. And the special staff of workers called Hospitalers which later became a more or less separate organization. Rescue homes and the entrance to most cities had a place called a Gate. Recent discoveries in Jerusalem have revealed the existence of a Gate known as the Essene Gate. Marriage and women were then taken up in this book. The problem of orphan children and also that of servants. We must remember he says that in the days when these rules were adopted, most servants in every wealthy household, or the servants of a king or potentate of any kind, were like slaves, and, of course, among the Essenes every man and women was a free being, and slavery or serfdom of any kind was absolutely prohibited. (What of Hitler and his slaves!)

Please forgive me for copying so much of this material. I have been so interested in it that I thought others would be also. I wrote to Mrs. [2072] about the book and they have a copy of it so she said out it came for reading. It had belonged to [1861]. The birth of Mary and of how her parents left her in the Temple and then when it is time for her vow to be fulfilled and the conception and birth of Jesus is marvelous to read. Trembling beauty! I have not finished the whole book but read it occasionally. Trying to make it last a long while. Speaking of Mrs. [2072] and her ability to write the most individual letter I have ever read. It gives me great joy to know that I met one so beautiful! Her Mental and Spiritual Reading [2072-4] must have been lovely. She quoted to me passages which she thought I would enjoy because of my interest in symbolism. And then she sent me a page on Numerology [5751] which she had copied from the readings while at the Beach. Such a grand person!

Yes, I do feel that one receives so much from hearing the reading. Such a full feeling that it lasts for such a long time and then it is time to receive a copy and read it again. Perhaps when the board meeting after the publishing of the book I might get one then. I should like to be there and to hear it direct.

The poem which you sent to me is a good beginner. Perhaps a little trite. I really am not a judge of poetry. Today those writing do not seem to write in the singsong rhythm of yesterday. I forget all I knew about meter but she perhaps would gain much from studying all the different meters and then trying again. Cruel sounding perhaps, but things which are commonplace are just more things. Perfection of course is the goal and the road is long and difficult but it is by trying again and again to be perfect that we succeed. Is it not so?

Mrs. [2520] tells me that you have had company [his sisters from Ky.] and I know that you have been enjoying their visit. Hope this letter did not keep you too long away from them.

This is to be our fourth life together, working and striving to help others. Here’s to a year of much success in the Association.

Sincerely and lovingly yours, [2441]

R12. 8/28/41 She wired for an emergency Physical Reading - See 2441-3.

Background

Background

B1. See 2441-1.

Mentioned Entities

Entity (Cayce Term), Egypt, Essenes, Jesus Christ, Soul, Purpose, Crucifixion, Incarnation, Ideal, Persia, Astrology, Law of Moses, Ra Ta, Initiation, Palestine, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Creative Forces, Greece, India, Meditation

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 2441-2, ReadingID 9283.