Reading 254-97

TEXT OF READING 254-97

Text

Date: 4/7/1938 Sex: M ReadingID: 1235

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 7th day of April, 1938, in accordance with request made by the Manager of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce.

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

Time of Reading 11:40 to 12:20 Noon Eastern Standard Time.

1. GC: You will have before you the work of the Ass’n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., in studying and presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce; especially the plans and activities of the Manager, Hugh Lynn Cayce in the New York City area. Considering the best interest and development of the Work, you will advise Hugh Lynn Cayce as to the proper stress for his efforts during the coming two-month period and answer the questions, as I ask them, which he has prepared regarding all phases of his work there.

2. EC: Yes, we have the enquiring mind Hugh Lynn Cayce, with the work of the Association and the problems confronted in presenting same in the New York area and vicinity.

3. In outlining that as we find would be well for consideration; as has been indicated, that phase of presenting the possibilities, probabilities in such information as may be given in the Life Readings, as Vocational Guidance, is well.

4. To be sure, the Physical as well as the Spiritual phases must not be neglected.

5. These in themselves, to be sure, offer their problems; and need to be studied in the association with individuals and varied groups.

6. Remember ever, as has been so oft indicated, it is first to the individual. And stress the fact that it must be an individual experience for each, that there may be then the united or cooperative effort on the part of those who find in same that worthy of being passed on to others.

7. Also stress that there must be the cooperation of the seeker as well as the right attitude or desire on the part of those who would be the channels through which help or aid might come.

8. These are the phases as we find that need the greater stress.

9. Follow each lead, each association in its proper sphere. Find what is the purpose of those who would seek; find what is the desire, and - most of all - that the attitude of those who would seek for help is, and must be, in that constructive manner in which the answer comes from within.

10. Aid all who have had contact or who may have contact with the Work in understanding the approach of the Information to their individual needs.

11. Sow ever, in doing this, the seeds of kindness, patience, long-suffering, brotherly love and the like. Leave the results, the fruits of same with the Father.

12. For in Him alone may come that fruit of the efforts which ye really seek and desire. Never force an issue. Never attempt to show individuals that they may be convinced. There is the necessity for each seeker to realize his need; and unless there is that realization, HOW can such find in that which is spiritual that which is true in his seeking?

13. For, they that are satisfied leave alone. For they must be seekers if they would find.

14. Ready for questions.

15. (Q) Regarding publications: The Psychic News Clip Letter edited by Dr. Henry Hardwicke has been offered on a monthly basis with two additional pages of Association data for slightly less than ten cents per copy. Would it be wise to replace our Association Bulletin with this publication and attempt to build up a subscription through our membership? (A) Not wise to REPLACE; though there may be such a cooperative association for a period.

In the first premise; The Clip Letter is growing faster than its finances justify. Thus there would be the taking of a burden that would be soon much more than ten cents, even.

Then, there are not so many in the Association’s Membership that are able - as yet - to differentiate. There would be a great deal of criticism.

This might be for a short period, but only until there can be an arrangement with the sanction of the Board at the next meeting. Then only until that period, make such an arrangement.

16. (Q) Just what cooperation between the Association and Dr. Henry Hardwicke would be mutually advantageous in connection with the Psychic News Clip Letter? (A) The only advantage is the greater circulation of the data presented by the Association, yet many of these - that would be called by such a distribution - would be confused.

17. (Q) Do I understand that it would be wise to try this until June? (A) April and May and June it may be presented, but not longer - until there has been a verification.

18. (Q) A. Gehly Schwartz has made recommendations and suggestions regarding building up an Association publication to include through the off-set process copies of news clippings, pictures, etc., and to handle cost by high class advertising. Schwartz suggests handling this in cooperation WITH the Association or separately FOR the Association. Are we ready for this type of expansion and if so along just what lines should we proceed? (A) Not until the other has been tried and then the cost and the manner of presenting same through such a publication thoroughly considered by the Board.

19. (Q) Would it be wise to build it up with him handling it FOR the Association? (A) If there is provision made for the financing of same, yes. But it should be separate from the Association’s budget.

20. (Q) Regarding the preparation of material for booklets explaining various phases of the Association’s work, are the following satisfactory - please give suggestions for each as the title and name is given: Astrology and Reincarnation in Life Readings - Florence E. Campbell working with H. L. Cayce. (A) This is very well.

21. (Q) Any suggestions? (A) This is very well, if it is worked out. There are many phases, of course, to be considered; and as to what would be in the mind of either of these in the presenting of same, of course, would be merely speculation. Hence BEGIN and then there may be given the consideration of same from here as it is prepared.

22. (Q) Life After Death - by Jennie Moore. (A) The same might be said of such a publication here, or pamphlet.

However, as we find, this will require a great deal of study on the part of Jennie Moore, into that which has been presented through the Information; rather than that which is in the MIND of Jennie Moore in the present respecting such.

In this direction there have been some very DEFINITE conditions, circumstances or experiences given. These should be considered seriously, if the approach is to be a presentation of that as it is presented through the Readings or Information.

23. (Q) Spiritual Healing (or Mental Healing - what is best title?) - by Jennie Moore - working on material received by Glad Helpers [[281] series] and on outline by Florence Edmonds. (A) This would be very well if there would be a cooperation; but we don’t see this being made. No, we wouldn’t use this as yet; not in this connection. For such we might have GREATER cooperation with other writers. For in THIS particular activity, such an one as we find as Madame Verdier would be very much more considering of such.

24. (Q) Dreams - by H. L. Cayce. (A) This is such a broad field. If there is some consideration given and the working with another, as we find it would be much more advantageous in the preparation of such a paper.

And then such an one, we find, as Macsherry.

25. (Q) What type of pamphlet (give subject) could Mrs. Ernest [Florence] Hamilton best handle? (This has been discussed with her.) (A) Such an one that would be a part of the preparations for Vocational Guidance, or the Directing of Children AND the like. These as we find are the ones in which Mrs. Ernest Hamilton might give the greater help.

26. (Q) Would it be wise to approach Julia Chandler with regard to rewriting the Study Group lessons? What other subjects could she best handle? (A) The time of Julia Chandler in the present is too full for considerations other than as in an advisory capacity, as WE find - but on ANY of these in that capacity would be well. But not upon the Lessons themselves; for her point of approach and that presented in the Lessons are not just the same! [[262] series - SFG I]

27. (Q) Is the work being done on the lessons by the Revising Committee sufficient, so that we can print them - or should they still be just stenciled? (A) Print them! SFG I.]

28. (Q) As they are, after the Revising Committee has finished with them? (A) As they are after the Revising Committee has completed them. SFG I, Book 1, was published in ‘42.]

29. (Q) Would it be wise to ask Gertrude Ogden Tubby to prepare a pamphlet? If so, on what subject? (A) A little bit later, when others have been completed and the finances are in such a position that there can be a study made of the whole situation by Gertrude Ogden Tubby. THEN let her prepare a pamphlet upon A DAY WITH THE PSYCHIC - EDGAR CAYCE.

30. (Q) Would it be wise to ask Hereward Carrington to prepare a pamphlet? If so what subject? (A) The same might be said there, or it might be extended to a week, a month, a year, or an EXPERIENCE, see?

Being approached from researches given in such a way and manner, or THEIR individual style, these must of necessity receive benefits from same themselves; owing to their individual situations and conditions. Hence these two individuals offer quite a variation from the others just spoken of, see?

31. (Q) Are there any other pamphlets, or others who should be approached at this time? If so, what subjects? (A) Life Readings alone as may be approached by Madame Verdier might be the better.

32. (Q) Regarding Group activities: Just how far should I go in calling small groups together for informal discussions of various phases of the Work? Should this be attempted on a regular basis or allowed to generate its own interest? Just what should be the subjects for such group discussions? (A) Just wherever and whenever there is a group, present the varied phases of the phenomena or Work; and that there ARE the possibilities for the forming into groups for the study of any of the phases - if there are individuals present who are interested in such. Let there be, then, a head - or a crystallization of that, as may come in suggestions of the various groups.

Then, do not attempt to give them individual study, but ever so often - once in three months, or two months - there would be presented information upon the subject, or the questions related to the subjects that would be studied by such groups.

Go the limit with all of these.

33. (Q) Would it be wise for me to begin by calling the groups together? (A) That’s just opposite to what has been given! In each group there are already those interested in various phases. Let THEM be crystallized, by their OWN expression; and THEN work with such groups in the formation of same.

34. (Q) What should I do about our own members in relation to group work? (A) Just the same.

35. (Q) Regarding securing a regular flow of Readings from the N.Y. area: What other plans and policies, other than those under way, should be pursued for increasing the contacts with those needing and desiring Readings? (A) Those that have already been set in motion as we find should be sufficient, if these are just kept up. It needs, or means then, CONSTANT association and being in touch. Never insist or ask that anyone have a Reading. Present the POSSIBILITIES, and let them ask - to be sure.

36. (Q) Would it be wise to seek more direct contact with various groups and societies in New York? If so, which of the following: (A) (interrupting) As we find, those that are already touched will eventually lead into many of the groups of the Spiritualists, the Rosicrucians, the New Thought, the Christian Mystics and others. All of these will be touched. For there should rather be an inviting from these to such meetings, by those you contact, rather than attempting to CONTACT and to present something else, see?

37. (Q) Just how far would it be wise to go in cooperating with Henry Hardwicke in relation to the Psychic Society and forum? (A) This is very well to keep; that is, the contact and the association; but keep self well in that line wherein there is the differentiation between communications from individuals or entities and the universal consciousness.

38. (Q) Would it be wise or advisable to cultivate contact with Strath-Gordon? Toward what objectives should such efforts tend? [A. E. Strath-Gordon, M.D.] (A) This is very well towards research into the fields that arise from Life Reading DATA, but not in other fields in which he carries too far; such as the attempts to use the forces or powers of disincarnate influences.

39. (Q) Research with doctors: Just what efforts should I make to correlate the work of various osteopaths, physiotherapists and doctors in connection with the work of the Association? Should I now attempt to again create an advisory Board to comment on case reports and material or cases presented to them? (A) As we find, this program should be rather to let each individual in the physiotherapy, the osteopath, or the eclectic school or the like, present to the body Hugh Lynn Cayce his or her opinion or directions for interchanging with others of the same school, see? Then from THAT there may grow the abilities for better cooperation. These are progressing. Make haste slowly.

40. (Q) What should I do about Taylor? [Charles Goodman Taylor, M.D. - see 254-97, Par. R5.]

(A) Just cultivate the association; as also his associate.

41. (Q) You mean Stearns? [Guy Beckley Stearns, M.D.] (A) Stearns; as well as the banker.

42. (Q) What should I do now about the Columbia contact with Murphy? [Gardner Murphy, Ph.D., Columbia Univ.] (A) Let it lay until there is a sufficient report on some of that they are, in a manner, of an underhanded way, following.

43. (Q) What should I do about Warner? [Lucien Warner, Ph.D.] (A) Cultivate him, but leave it at the cultivation; for he needs to grow.

44. (Q) What action should I take regarding the Health Home Remedies considering its importance to the work of the Ass’n? [See [1800] series.] (A) As we find, there will be necessitated the removal of same and the interesting of someone; preferably one in the family, in the activities of same, when his time and conditions permit. Edgar Evans Cayce?]

45. We are through for the present.

Three copies to Self (one to be read by Miss Wynne first) Copy to Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 1/27/38 EC’s ltr. to his friend, Mr. [779] [used also under 779-19, Par. R26]:

Dear [779]:

Just in receipt of your application for Active Membership enclosing the next three months’ dues. Of course there is no need my telling you how glad I am to have you; for those we love and think so much of like to feel they are “with us” at all times. We feel they, studying the information, will be able to judge same as they apply the suggestions in their lives. If it is good we wish them to have it; if not we feel they will be the ones to tell us, and to help us get straight on things. So thanks, [779], and may the study of the Study Group lessons bring you and your associates the help that so many say these lessons have brought them. No, never the place of your church, but a help to you in performing the duties of same in a better way and manner.

Or, one has put it in this way and manner:

The ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC., is not a creed, a doctrine nor a cult. It is merely a name used to designate a group of people joined together with a certain common attitude toward the field of religion, philosophy, science, and LIFE. The essential element of this attitude is that it is experimental (research). It wishes to keep an open mind toward all the facts in every field of thought; and its central drive is the attempt to APPLY ALL KNOWLEDGE TO THE PROBLEM OF BETTER LIVING.

Hope you have your data in hand for your Study Group, so that we can get Selma, Ala. Group enrolled soon.

Remember me to all, with love and best wishes.

Sincerely, [Edgar Cayce] EC:GD

R2. 4/8/38 HLC from NYC to his parents:

Dear Muddie and Dad:

There is no trouble getting started again up here. I went down this morning and cleared out my papers from Judy [Chandler’s] apartment. She and I are to have dinner with Dr. [1397] and Miss [1402] next Friday. Some combination. This work certainly brings together the strangest people - and imagine me in the middle, but you, Dad, are used to this sort of thing.

In the morning I am to see Mrs. [1549], the friend of Mrs. Applewhite’s who doesn’t quite understand her reading. She is coming in from Lancaster, Pa. At 1 P.M. I see Miss [1402]

to outline our paper for booklet on Life Readings. At 4:00 I am going to a musical (we attended one before) where Margret and Lillian Zentgraf play.

Talked with [849] this morning first thing and he wired you no doubt that he is home for week-end. I go out there for Sunday dinner [Oceanside, L.I.].

Today I had lunch with [1561] and spent an hour or so on his reading. Am to have another session to finish it up on Monday morning. Am having lunch with [1323] on Monday and am to talk with [1539] boy on Monday night. He is bringing a friend. A call was here when I arrived.

Caught Madame [1554] for a few minutes on phone just before she was leaving to fly out to the coast San Francisco]. She asked to be remembered to all of you again. I am going to write her details about suggestions on booklets in last reading [254-97, Par. 23-A, 31-A].

Went in to [257]‘s office today but found him busy. [903], so [257]‘s brother [2653] says, is feeling sort of under the weather. Think I will go up to see her, even if for a little while.

Have rented typewriter. This is it. A Remington. Will settle down to some letters now, and then try to catch up in the mornings on some back work.

Uneventful trip up. I slept as usual. The boat rocked so on the way over that it spilled dishes off the tables and and threw people who were trying to walk down. There is snow up here on the ground and it is raining and cold. Very nice at present not to have to go out any more than wish to.

I have unpacked and prepared to camp awhile. Have read the reading [254-97] a couple of times and will try to give it a good workout - though it will probably be the other way round. It will give me a good work out. Love, H.L.

R3. 4/15/38 HLC’s ltr. fr. N.Y.: “It is lots of fun to be alive, especially alive with a reason. I have to laugh at myself sometimes about this work when I think back over some of the things I say in talking with people. It is certainly getting a presentation with an angle, a peculiar personal angle. My constant prayer is that it (this presentation) will be worthy of the nature of the work. I sure get a great kick out of it anyway. I hope you all have a joyous Easter. We all have so much to be glad about. So much to be thankful for in being a part of this whole program. People need help so badly. It is indeed pure fun to try in so many ways to drop a word here and there, encourage a bit here and smile a bit when it is needed.”

R4. 4/30/38 See 254-98.

R5. 1/25/39 Dr. Chas. Goodman Taylor obtained a general rdg. on MS - see 907-1.

Background

Background

B1. 1/27/38 See EC’s ltr. under 779-19 in re. central theme of the A.R.E. Also see under 254-97, Par. R1.

Mentioned Entities

A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Hugh Lynn Cayce, Gertrude Cayce, Healing, New York City, Search for God Study Groups, Air Shafts (Pyramid), Astrology, California, Dreams, Edgar Evans Cayce, Entity (Cayce Term), Glad Helpers, Gladys Davis, Judy (Essene Teacher), Osteopathy, Prayer, Purpose, Reincarnation, Selma Alabama

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 254-97, ReadingID 1235.