Reading 254-98

TEXT OF READING 254-98

Text

Date: 4/30/1938 Sex: M ReadingID: 1236

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 30th day of April, 1938, in accordance with request made by the Manager of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. - Hugh Lynn Cayce.

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

Time of Reading 3:40 to 4:10 P. M. Eastern Standard Time.

1. GC: You will have before you the considerations and activities related to publication of pamphlets and booklets for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated. You will answer the questions which will be presented.

2. EC: Yes, we have the purposes of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, and consideration for publication of booklets and pamphlets.

3. Some of those things have been reviewed here before, that must be taken into consideration with the undertaking to publish data, etc. And all of those things that have been given respecting same should be taken into consideration; as to the authenticity, the effect that as might be considered for publication would have on various groups or individuals that have been or are fosters of the undertaking. Also it should be considered as to how well these are in keeping with those ideals and purposes of the Association that have been set.

4. Ready for questions.

5. (Q) Regarding the booklet “The Last Supper,” copy of material I hold in my hand. Should the line “And now come, It is finished” be left out or changed to “And now come, ‘I have finished”? (A) Changed to, “Now come, I have finished,” and the stress or punctuation to signify the manner as just indicated.

6. (Q) Should the copyright include the Psychic News Clip Letter. Is this desirable for marketing reasons? (A) This should be determined rather by the author of same.

7. (Q) Is this desirable for marketing reasons? (A) This will not add to so much, yet WILL make or produce a greater distribution.

8. (Q) Is the price twenty-five cents correct? (A) This is very well.

9. (Q) Any other suggestions regarding this booklet? (A) Be well to consider the cover, the copy, and the presentation.

10. (Q) What color would you advise for the cover? (A) Blue!

11. (Q) Is the introduction complete enough? (A) Yes, this is sufficient - in this.

When completed, if given sufficient notice, this should create a demand that would MATERIALLY indicate much of that which has been given.

Let the papers that may make adverse criticism have just as much chance to do so as any or all that may be said in its favor.

12. (Q) Would you advertise this pamphlet in publications of groups and societies? (A) Be very well, and especially abroad - in England, in France and in Morocco.

13. (Q) Would “Light” be the best publication in England? (A) This will be very well; possibly not the best but it’s the one that’s most open.

14. (Q) Which one in France would be the best? (A) Those that are in accord with “Light” or those that are the agents for the East-West Magazine.

15. (Q) Regarding short, new leaflet on Work. It has been proposed, discussed and work begun on a concise leaflet carrying on front a picture of Edgar Cayce and the two headings A Man and His Work - What it Means to You. Inside briefly and to the point the salient features of the life and work will be included together with a statement on the readings. This for general distribution. Please comment on this suggestion and advise us regarding it. (A) This is very well. Make first the print or picture quite small, not as those that are so often rather the emblazoning of the fact of the individual than the accomplishments or purposes. This should not be of too great a length but indicate the important points. These would be sent or distributed more widely, and those who desire to receive other pamphlets or booklets of the Association and its presentation (and this indication should be in the booklet or pamphlet), let them pay for same - sufficient for the distribution at least. This would remove not only some of the burdens in this direction, as for postage, printing and the like, but would insure then that only those who are vitally interested would make requests for such, see? [Published 11/38 - See leaflet filed as 11/38 254-98, Par. R4.]

16. (Q) Is the combination of the ideas of Sugrue, Chandler and Moore the best in working out this pamphlet? (A) Well, the more the merrier! but these would have to be in some respects toned down. But this may be done by the unifying of the thoughts that are expressed as the determining factors in the mind of each of these.

17. (Q) Is the idea for this leaflet sound? (A) The IDEA is sound. [Announced in 11/38 A.R.E. Bulletin.]

18. (Q) Regarding the Lessons: Should all the lessons be prepared for one book, or prepared in separate folders or pamphlets? (A) As has been indicated regarding this, first have one year’s or twelve lessons published together; with a pamphlet, a page, leaflet or such indicating the divisions of the subject.

For, as has been indicated from the first, each is dependent upon the application of that given in the other, and the thought is dwelt upon in the next - or they are as one, and are as the dwelling upon the faculties or elements of the make-up of individual mental training for the soul development.

As they are studied, compiled or edited for publication, it will be seen that these are as units yet each dependent upon the other.

In the recommendations for study and distribution, then, in the preface there would be given the purposes for bringing such into the experience of others; that by their attempt of study or perusal it might be seen that the information is not to be as informatory data but as practical, applicable lessons in soul development!

A great deal of comment will be forthcoming with the publication, some to be quite critical.

And, as has been indicated, these lessons should be not only edited but censored by those who in their SINCERITY are interested in furthering the SPIRITUAL phases of the phenomena. Hence, when these are edited, or after the editing is finished before publication, have those of at least three faiths - who are capable - to go over same together. Not to delete, not to expand, but to make comments which might be used as footnotes in the final draft for publication. [See 254-98 Par. R5.]

19. (Q) Consider the material for the first lesson which I hold in my hand. Is there any comment on this? (A) Comment has been made!

20. (Q) What material or topic should be stressed for the preface to the book? (A) As just indicated; that the intent is not to furnish informative data but rather to give that which if lived, or as it IS lived in the experience of the individual, will answer to that within self for the assurance as to not only soul-awakening, soul-development, but the continuity of life!

21. (Q) Are the following symbols correct to illustrate each lesson? Comment as each is called: COOPERATION - Wheel: (A) Very well.

22. (Q) KNOW THYSELF - Eye: (A) This will be MORE in keeping if there is used rather the pyramid inverted and direct, or much of that used by the Y.M.C.A. (though necessarily it will require that there be alterations) - with the eye. That’s inverted, and correct, you see; or to know self is to look within, as well as look without.

23. (Q) WHAT IS MY IDEAL? - Cross: (A) To many this would be rather adhering to or proclaiming the Cross as the way, set to the disadvantage or to the disabusing of the minds of many.

We would give rather that there be used the inversion of the original photo or picture or painting in the Garden.

24. (Q) FAITH - What should this symbol be? (A) The dawn.

25. (Q) VIRTUE AND UNDERSTANDING - Mortise and tenon: (A) If these are being fitted together by the individual, very well; but they of themselves would hardly indicate these.

26. (Q) Hands fitting the mortise and tenon together? (A) This is correct.

27. (Q) FELLOWSHIP - Clasped hands: (A) This is very good.

28. (Q) PATIENCE - Patience plant: (A) This is very well.

29. (Q) THE OPEN DOOR - Arch: (A) Arch, but have the door - don’t just have the arch; have the door also.

30. (Q) IN HIS PRESENCE - What should this symbol be? (A) The stars of the heavens and the face, or a face looking into same; with the rainbow a part of it.

The rainbow is not seen at night, save as to those who see this as a halo - not as a rainbow, see?

31. (Q) CROSS AND CROWN - Cross and Crown: (A) The Cross would be NOT that as the symbol of the church, but rather the cross that is square in its dimensions; and the Crown AROUND the cross - not separate!

32. (Q) THE LORD THY GOD IS ONE - Inverted pyramid: (A) NO! Rather the All-Seeing EYE! and this alone!

33. (Q) LOVE - Lilies: (A) We don’t see this. Rather, as WE would give, the ROSE - than the lily!

34. (Q) What color? (A) RED!

35. (Q) Any other suggestions for us in regard to these publications? (A) This will require a little time and patience but, as has been given, it will in the ages to come be a textbook for some. Then it is worthy of all the patience, all the time and all the space that it may be given.

36. (Q) Considering the preparation of the pamphlet on dreams: Mrs. Macsherry who was recommended has not responded. Should any action be taken on this pamphlet? (A) Not as yet, let her respond! She will!

37. (Q) Any suggestions regarding the work to be done with Florence Evylinn Campbell? (A) Those directions as to the thought and the basic force have been indicated. Commence!

38. (Q) Any other suggestions regarding the publications at this time? (A) We would work on all of these, for you’ll have need of ‘em very soon - or as soon as they are ready!

39. We are through for the present.

Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce ” ” Esther Wynne

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 5/3/38 HLC’s letter from N.Y.C.:

Tuesday Afternoon - 5:40

Dear Muddie and Dad:

Really I should wait a couple of hours at least before attempting to write you a letter. For the past half hour I have been watching a couple of high powered advertising men “think” about the work. One of them at least and I expect the other also was once a good friend of yours, Dad, so I think we can trust them.

The Buchanans spoke to M. H. H. Joachim, Vice President Radio, Buchanan and Company, about the Life Readings. He was thrilled over the possibility of a program to present them. This Joachim is a Hindu, at least an Indian. I thought I had an imagination about the Life Readings, but you should hear him and Buchanan go at it.

It seems that they believe they have the interest of an industrialist (I think that is the way you spell him) who would be interested in a constructive program based on the Life Readings.

Since the reading given at Dave’s indicated that we should put the Life Readings on the air, I was naturally interested in what they had to say.

I am to write this Joachim and send him a few sample Life Readings without the names. He is going to present some ideas to Buchanan and if things click we are going to get an offer and opportunity to get some of the material on the air through a most constructive presentation.

I will bet offhand that this Joachim is a gentleman who was sent from Egypt to India to spread the good word, or came from that land to study what was being presented. He was apparently deeply moved by the whole thing.

I am going to write him suggesting that he get his own Life Reading. My letter will include a discussion of the Life Readings, possibilities etc., as I see them, and I will have copies made here of several Life Readings which I have and include notes with them. You will get copy of this letter and material and copy will be sent Buchanan.

My first urge was to have an immediate reading to advise as to what and how to make the first presentation, perhaps it would be better to wait until reaction to this first approach and maybe get a reaction to my letter. You act on this, Dad, as you feel moved to. Whatever else this is it is a “natural.” I believe when we free the way things happen. I enclose suggestion and questions. Take it or wait as you feel inclined.

Love, [signed] H. L.

R2. 5/5/38 See 254-99.

R3. See 254-98, Par. 15-A—17-A re Flier by Thomas Sugrue.

R4. 11/38 A MAN AND HIS WORK written by Tom Sugrue:

A MAN - HIS WORK

What It May Mean To You

The Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, Virginia Beach, Virginia, is studying and presenting Edgar Cayce’s work. Upon receipt of twenty-five cents, a printed booklet on his life and the study of his work will be mailed to you. A research paper on psychic readings will be included, concerning either vocational guidance or physical case reports. Indicate your interest.

EDGAR CAYCE might be called a contrary man. For thirty-eight years he has responded to every sincere plea that he get some work done by lying down and going to sleep.

To add insult to injury he talks in his sleep.

Under ordinary circumstances this might be considered a reprehensible habit, calculated to bring Mr. Cayce only the dubious fame of a real-life “Lightnin” or Jeeter Lester.

He has been saved from such a fate by the fact that while talking in his sleep he has retained coherence of thought and language and has dictated more than 100,000 type-written pages of information, opinion, interpretation and judgment on every subject which the human mind has been able to conceive for his consideration.

This power involves the mysterious faculties of the mind. It belongs to the hidden, but very real consciousness, that is called the spirit, or the soul - that strange inner reality which links man with the infinite, with what he calls life after death, with what he calls God.

Edgar Cayce enters this interdimensional consciousness through a harmonious functioning of body, mind and soul. The power for this unity of action is the desire to serve a fellow man.

This is a way by which this world of spirit can be entered and explained, to the end that man may understand its importance in his awakening and development.

Mr. Cayce has his limitations. He has discovered them and has tried to confine himself to the boundaries which they have set.

Briefly, this is what he has found that he can do: by placing himself in a self-imposed unconscious state, which resembles sleep, he releases a faculty of the higher or super-conscious mind with ability akin to telepathy, which takes orders from a designated conductor and reports verbally on whatever task is assigned.

Thus if this higher faculty of the mind is ordered to seek out a certain person in a certain place and report fully on that person’s physical condition, giving an analysis of any ailment discovered and a system of treatment for it, this will be done. Moreover, questions on the subject asked by the conductor will be answered. The only conditions necessary for the fulfillment of this action are that the person, or one responsible for that person, be in a seeking attitude and in the place designated, where the place is does not matter. It can be China, Chicago, or Chillicothe.

Should this higher mind be ordered to report on the mental and spiritual state of the person, this will be done, ignoring the physical except where it directly affects the mental and spiritual. If a system of treatment for an unhappy, thwarted individual is requested it will be given. The personality and individuality of a person, child or adult may be analyzed and the abilities and weaknesses of that person explained. Suggestions for vocational guidance are clear and helpful.

Beyond the realm of persons and their problems lies the world of thought. While in this apparent deep sleep, Mr. Cayce will, if directed, discourse on any subject put before him and answer questions about it.

What is remarkable about all this? Nothing, except that it works. Over a period of thirty-eight years, these analyses of physical, mental and spiritual ills have been uncannily accurate and the courses of treatment, when followed, have been uniformly successful. The lame have walked, the blind have seen, the hopeless have become hopeful, the suicidal have determined to live. Beyond this, those curious for knowledge have been satisfied, those eager for faith have found peace, those looking for enlightenment have become wise.

In cold, practical language, which the scientist and the business man understand, Mr. Cayce has amassed, for the consideration of thinking men and women, the largest and most conclusive record of its kind ever gathered together. In his files are more than 15,000 individual treatises, or “readings,” as they are called, covering every subject from the nature and cause and reason for the existence of man to the remedies for the ill and evils which afflicts him.

Each of these readings was given for an individual at that individual’s request, or at the request of a person responsible for that individual’s welfare, such as a mother or husband. Each is concerned with that individual’s problems and requests, whatever they have been.

That is the job which Mr. Cayce has set for himself. He makes no claims about his abilities. He speaks frequently of man’s God-given powers, of the Divine Pattern within. He has found that he can give two readings a day. When there are two people who want readings on any given day, he gives two readings. If there is but one seeking help, he gives but one reading. When no one wants a reading he goes fishing, or puts up preserves, or putters with photography. Those who ask for his help receive it. Those who do not ask, remain without it.

He does not advertise. He does not demonstrate. He does not prove.

He has never been on stage. He uses no paraphernalia. He advocates not system of thought or philosophy. He is a Christian, acting on a Christian principle - “ask, and ye shall receive.”

If by any chance you think he might be of help to you, ask him, write if you wish for further information about his life and his work.

But do not ask for “scientific” proof of his powers. No such “scientific” proof exists for him or for any other individual with such abilities. Mr. Cayce has been investigated off and on since 1900. Each investigation has finally, of its own weight, toppled into the very unscientific statement that “we don’t know why, but it works.” The records of more than 15,000 cases say the same thing.

It worked for Edgar Cayce when he was a schoolboy in Kentucky, needing help with his lessons. It worked for his friends and his loved ones, before he felt compelled to offer it to any who might ask. It has worked for thousands of sick and crippled and hopeless persons, in all states of mind and body, in all parts of the world. It may work for you.

R5. See 262-127 Reports re reviews of SFG I reviews manuscript.

Background

Background

B1. See 254-97 on 4/7/38.

Mentioned Entities

A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Soul, Thomas Sugrue, Crucifixion, Photography (Atlantean), Purpose, Great Pyramid, England, France, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Ideal, India, Virginia Beach, Africa, Book of Job, Chicago, China, Dreams, Egypt, Gertrude Cayce

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 254-98, ReadingID 1236.