Reading 317-4

TEXT OF READING 317-4 M 42 (Headmaster, Boys’ School,

Text

Date: 4/21/1933 Sex: M Age: 42 ReadingID: 2402

Protestant) This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va., this 21st day of April, 1933, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [317], Active Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [317] and Mrs. [267], with their friend Mrs. Jessie Townsend, Mildred Davis and L. B. Cayce.]

Born July 30, 1890, at Willow Brook, Augusta County, Va. Time of Reading P.O. Box 185, 3:30 to 4:15 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. Va. Beach, Va. (Life Reading Suggestion)

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces that are latent and manifested in the personalities of the present entity, [317].

2. In entering the earth’s experience in the present from the astrological viewpoint, we find the sojourns of the entity in the planetary influences with those of earth’s experience influencing the present innate and manifested abilities of the entity; rather than mere position of the planets, or houses, or the varied astrological aspects.

3. While, as indicated to the entity often, phases of the sun or moon are as impulses in the experience through certain periods of the present sojourn. Or, when those planets that exercise the greater influence in the present experience are in those ruling phases of the moon and sun, those impulses that arise from sojourns there are exhibited in the experience of the entity.

4. Then, in giving the planetary influences from sojourns, we find these are irrespective of the will. While those influences plus those activities in the various earth experiences are rather will’s influence plus the planetary influence or activity. Hence we have an entity in the present, or an individual, that to many is often considered rather the dreamer; and one visionary rather than too practical.

5. The ruling astrological influence, then, is in Mercury; for the high mental abilities of the entity, plus those influences from Jupiter, make the ability for expression - and the wider scope or vision, in material, practical and MENTAL experiences or visions, than is ordinarily experienced by those that come under the influence of the latter portion of a July birth.

6. Also this should make for the experience of having large quantities of this earth’s storehouse. And, as we find from these positions and the influences in the experience of the entity, those of finances - and the attaining of much the body has wished, desired, worked towards - will be experienced in this present sojourn. And the entity should begin to see the effects when Mercury with Jupiter and others of sojourns are closer in their effect upon those that sojourned there, in the latter portion of the present year - as well as in the next three years to come.

7. It would be well for the entity to make a notation of this specific date; that on the fifteenth of October of this year a definite CHANGE will be experienced in the affairs, physically, mentally and materially, of the body.

8. In this experience also, through sojourn in Mercury and Jupiter with Venus, and Mercury in the ascendancy with that of Mars, there are made rather these tendencies:

9. One rather reserved in nature, often; and at other periods rather outspoken.

10. Slow of wrath, yet when the temper is once aroused the entity goes far to have self’s own way.

11. When those conditions of true sympathy arise, as in Venus’ activity, or love for the principle, they may easily overcome wrath, anger, or holding of grudges. For these influence the entity in the activities.

12. Remember, these tendencies are irrespective to will; for the entity may will to change any of them, and be as hardhearted as anyone!

13. But the natural tendency is to be temperate, moderate, retiring; and too often reserved in expression of abilities or in declaring the positions, when it has redowned [redound?] to those experiences that have brought influences that in MATERIAL things have been to the extent of doing without that others might experience their own way! These, with those of earth’s activity and the laws from the universal influences, will never of themselves lose their reward in the eventualities of the entity’s activities.

14. As to the sojourns in the earth, then, or the appearances in the earth and their effect as respecting will’s activity - that makes for more of the personality that is exhibited, shown or manifested with respect the will’s activity of the entity:

15. In the experience then before this, we find that the entity was in that land now known as the New England, and during those periods when there were the oppressions of many who held to those experiences of the activities through the mental and material affairs.

16. The entity then was an instructor, a master, in the name Welden - Effingham Welden.

17. In this experience the entity both gained and lost, for in and about those places of sojourn much turmoil was shown through the activities of individuals.

18. The entity at first refrained from taking sides or positions; while suffering in body through the position later taken, gained in the understanding of those experiences that may be for an earth entity - in gaining access to those realms of those in the Borderland. In this the entity gained.

19. When turned to those positions for self’s own furtherment of position in material ways, these abilities made for stumbling stones and those positions that made for the setting up of individual groups where contention reigned; or the fruits rather of the flesh than of the spirit became the activities of the entity, by the ENTITY’S own choice.

20. In the present from these experiences may be seen much in the ability as an instructor, as a teacher, as an interpreter, as a director of the affairs of those who may be given in the charge of the entity’s activities. And these abilities show especially in the activities as related to the mental and moral aptitudes of the associates.

21. In the one then before this, we find that the entity was in that land known as the Roman, during those periods when there was a great deal of oppression to those that had accepted an ideal and who were enjoined to refrain from the expression of the faith held in their activities.

22. The entity then was among the soldiery of the land, and gained and lost through that experience; for, as through the force of circumstance, rather as brought on by another than in self’s activities, were oppressions laid upon many.

23. However, with the accepting of those tenets there came a peace, an understanding; and, as the entity rose to those positions of power and authority, MANY were they that called the entity blessed.

24. The entity was in the name then of Pompguliao.

25. In the present, from this experience, comes those abilities in the teaching; especially as to the travels of those that acted in the capacity of missionaries or emissaries. And in the studies, history and English - and those of languages, and the activities of peoples from the experience - become of particular interest to the entity in the present experience.

26. Through such activities that are brought as experiences of the entity in the present will come associations, and do come associations, that are the most helpful, hopeful and lasting, in the experience of the entity.

27. In the one then before this, we find that the entity was in that land now known as the Persian, during those periods when there was the establishing and spreading of those tenets that had been gained by one - a leader - in this land. [Uhjltd Period?]

28. The entity then, in the name Edeslia, brought much aid to those peoples in that experience; for with the entity’s coming into the experience much aid was lent to those that came and went for the healing in body, and the entity then was the scribe who aided Edssi [437] - the leader to those that brought the understanding to those in many lands - by the writing of the entity.

29. In this also, through those experiences that come to the entity, may there be found - even in the present - the abilities to obtain, through the mental or psychic forces and influences, those communications that will be helpful; as teachings, as principles, as in analyses of various experiences of individuals who may seek the entity’s counsel in this direction.

30. Well that the entity, then, keep self in attune and in accord, that these may become the more helpful to the greater NUMBER of peoples that approach through these channels.

31. In the one then before this, we find the entity was in that land now known as the Egyptian; and during those periods when there were turmoils and strifes in the land.

32. When the divisions arose, the entity - then in the name Pat-arat - was given the position as the bodyguard to the young king that was then in power. Ra-Ta period]

33. The entity, with the return of the spiritual influences - after the turmoils and strife - gained much during this experience, for the entity became then as a teacher for those principles that were presented by the priest who was restored.

34. In the present will be found those special interests in the occult and the mystic influences, that come in the experience of everyone that seeks through the higher mental attributes of self. The entity may gain much in this direction, if these will be adhered to rather through the occult or the mental than through the mystic influences that come from chants, rites, or those of the alchemy activities.

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

36. As we have indicated through the various experiences of the entity in the earth’s plane, and those activities that are as urges from the planetary or spiritual sojourn, when there is the adhering to the greater principles of the universal influence - rather than of selfish desire - there comes rather that of the contentment, of the peace, of the harmonious experiences of the sojourn.

37. In the present, then, the applications in those directions that may bring the advancing of the spiritual influences in the lives of individuals with whom the entity may be associated in the various ways or manners, will bring those of the satisfying and contented influences.

38. For, He is in His holy temple; let the earth keep silence that those who join in making for the awareness of the spirit of the One that came in power and might, yet lowly in the material activities, may bring healing to the hearts of those that are weary, those who are discontent, those who find the life’s way hard through the earth’s activities.

39. For, the glories of Him that said, “I will not leave thee comfortless, but will come to thee” will QUICKEN the hearts of those that seek His face.

40. Ready for questions.

41. (Q) Is my automatic writing inspired and how can I develop it to the best advantage? [See later samples under 294-161 Reports, and 5752-4 Reports.] (A) As we have indicated, this is rather the harking of the mental development of self through the experience when the entity was the scribe to those of many lands, and many positions, and many tongues, that sought counsel. In developing same, depend and call upon rather that of the UNIVERSAL - than the independent - influence.

Exercise self ever rather with:

LET THY HAND, O GOD, GUIDE: THROUGH THE WAYS THOU SEEST ARE NEEDED FOR THOSE THAT SEEK TO KNOW THY WAY THROUGH ANY EFFORT OF MINE.

42. (Q) Is there any other psychic power which I should try to develop? (A) This may go on - and on - and on! Use the talents thou hast, and as these are expanded and used aright others may be given. For, “To him that hath, to him shall be given” if that he has is used in His service.

43. (Q) Is Virginia Beach the correct place for my school? (A) It is.

We will begin to see the definite changes; and, as we have given, watch that date.

44. (Q) Please explain the difference in my astrological influences at conception and at birth. (A) The astrological influences have been explained, if it will be taken into consideration as to what the variations are between astrological influence and sojourns, and the material or earth’s sojourn - see?

45. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” File

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 7/11/33 See 317-5 seeking advice as to how best to continue the Boys’ School.

R2. 10/17/33 See 317-6 advice to [317] and wife [267] in re continuing Boys’ School. See Par. 43-A [in 317-4] in re the Oct. 15th date, mentioned in both 317-4 and 267-1.

R3. 12/13/33 See 440-3, Par. 31-A advising Mr. [440] to seek through himself rather than through Mr. [317]‘s or anyone else’s automatic writing.

R4. 12/21/33 See 440-7, Par. 3-A—6-A in re seeking advice through Mr. [317]‘s automatic writing, concerning development of static eliminator, etc.; also as to [317]‘s and wife [267]‘s virtues.

R5. 5/5/34 See 317-7 asking how he can develop his automatic writing to give correct and satisfactory answers to Mr. [440] in re perfecting the static eliminator.

R6. 6/7/34 GD’s note: We heard that Mr. [440] arrived yesterday at Mr. [317]‘s house where he was to stay a while. Periodically, since last fall, Mr. [440] has been visiting the [317]‘s, paying board, and seeking help on his static eliminator, etc., via [317]‘s automatic writing and also Mrs. [267]‘s trance mediumship. This has been quite helpful financially to the [317]‘s, even though previous readings for Mr. [440] and Mr. [317] had warned against the automatic writing, saying that the guidance should come rather from within the individual.

R7. 6/20/34 See 440-18, Par. 15-A in re Mr. [317]‘s design, via automatic writing, of the static eliminator.

R8. 7/5/34 EC’s ltr. to Mr. [440] - see under 440-18 Reports - refers to a triangle situation between Mr. [317], Mrs. [267] and Mr. [440]. We heard that Mr. [317] had flown into a jealous rage because of Mrs. [267] spending so much time with [440], out in the car for hours and hours talking and talking. Mr. [2136], a teacher who also lived with the [317]‘s told us that he did not blame Mr. [317] one bit.

R9. 8/14/34 Mr. [440]‘s ltr. to EC: “Did you give Mr. [317] the rdg. you promised me that you would? I wonder why I have heard nothing from you in reply to my letter. I would like to know if you were able to help him, as I had hoped his lack of mental balance might be, at least somewhat, attributed to a physical cause.”

R10. 8/17/34 EC’s ltr.: “Evidently, one or two of my letters must have gone astray, as I wrote you just after I had tried to get in touch with Mr. [317]. Spoke to him and he promised to come and see me and talk with me about the rdg., but I haven’t seen him nor heard from him since. As you possibly well know (and it may be one of my faults), I do not seek out anyone. Either they accept or ask themselves, for I do not want to force an issue with anyone - on a reading, especially. If I have the opportunity at all, and he asks, you know I will only be too glad to try to be of a service. If the information is worth anything to him, his experience with same will certainly make him or his family seek it out, for they know from past experiences they only have to ask and I am only too glad to try to be of a service.”

R11. 9/7/34 See [440]‘s ltr. under 440-18 Reports, in re “bust-up” of family [317] [267].

R12. 1/24/35 Mrs. [799] obtained a Physical Rdg. via Mr. [317]‘s recommendation.

R13. 7/29/35 Mr. [440]‘s ltr.: “I am glad to hear Mr. [317] is going to Fla. A big break for Mrs. [267].”

R14. 12/35 Mr. [317]‘s ltr. to HLC: “Thank you very much for your letter and for your interest in my boys. Both will benefit greatly by the association with your troop, even though [3886] does not take the Tenderfoot Test for a while.

“I know they […] are interested in a health rdg. and expressed a desire to meet Mr. Cayce sometime. Will he be in Fla. this winter? You see, I am still a good friend of yours and hope always to be in touch with the Association.”

R15. 1/6/36 GD’s ltr. to her brother Boyd whose wife was pregnant; he was considering letting his wife return to her folks for a while due to great financial stress: “To me it seems that this experience is to make each of you rise to the occasion and bring out the best that’s in you while you may lose a lot of money, at least you can take advantage of the opportunity to gain the real INNER things from it - in a mental and spiritual sense…

“I’ve seen a family bust-up right here at the Beach; a man and woman stuck together for fifteen years, apparently with the most beautiful cooperation through all the trials and extreme poverty; yet they didn’t learn the lesson from it, and now they’re separated and their lives are ugly - to say nothing of their three lovely children having their background broken to pieces. If they had just stuck through that last test (when a little prosperity through another man, admiration, etc. came along), then I believe things would have changed for them and they wouldn’t have been poverty- stricken any longer. They didn’t realize that they had such conditions in order to make them develop and learn the TRUE values in their life together; consequently, now, they have poverty and are separated also, and no high standard to hold to or to present before their children. It’s pitiful.”

R16. 4/23/37 Mr. [317] wrote to HLC [from a school in Fla. of which he was supt.]; in re the work of A.R.E.:

I am glad to note that there seems (to me at this distance) to be a very substantial and worthwhile development and I wish I might have had a more active part in it. Being away from Mr. Cayce and those who are fortunate enough to be closely associated with him, I have not lost my interest nor my sense of appreciation for the work you are all doing. But I do not believe it wise for me to attempt to continue my connection with the Association. I am just so much dead wood on a growing tree. Also I should find it difficult to contribute a twelve dollar yearly fee.

My year here has been no better and no worse than last year. Whether I shall return next fall depends on what I can find to do that will bring in greater financial returns. My almost continual separation from my family is a source of great distress to me and I hope it will not have to continue.

In conclusion, let me say that I have the greatest respect and admiration for your father and an absolute faith in what he is doing. I shall always stand ready to champion him and his organization, and hope that some day I can have an opportunity to be of real service.

R17. 6/18/37 He came by to see the Cayce family, on his way to … Camp in West Va. for the summer.

R18. 8/15/37 “Mr. [165], attempting to start a preparatory school for boys, wrote: If we get fifteen boys I have agreed to make a modest offer for the services of Mr. [317] for next year.”

R19. 8/26/37 See 165-25, Par. 19-A advising to wait until next season to employ Mr. [317].

R20. 9/12/37 Mr. [317]‘s ltr. to HLC:

Would like to get your reaction to a certain matter and trust you can let me hear from you in a few days. As you may know I am on the boy-and-money getting end of the [165] above school. I was completely sold before coming to NY and have not changed a bit since being up here and working with [165].

We plan to open on the 29th and there is much to do in the interim.

What would you say to our having a 100% reading-guided boy in school supported by various members of the Association such as Getz [Harry Goetz], Dave Kahn, Dale Parker, Johston and others? This could be worked out on a combination scholarship, - each one paying a certain proportion. It would be best with a younger boy who could be with us for four years and in that way I am convinced some very interesting and satisfactory problems could be worked out for him, for the school and for the Association. Would this be encroaching? Has there ever before been a boy so directed over a period of years?

May I add parenthetically that I am hoping to have one or both of my boys up here, but not on the above plan. Do not say anything about this last. It might spoil all.

R21. 9/20/37 HLC wrote approving the plan, “especially if said boy could be a problem case.”

R22. 2/15/38 Mr. [317] wrote from Fla.: “I have made the acquaintance here of one who is interested in your work and would like to have a business reading in order to clear up some problems in her own life.”

R23. 11/15/43 He requested 4050-1 for his father’s skin cancer. Mr. [317] then was associated with a military academy in Va.

R24. 2/5/44 He wrote reporting on his son’s health rdg. when he was a small child, feeling that it saved his life. “[3886] is now at … Field, according to my last letter from him, about to take one more course in the Army Air Corps before he begins working as an instructor.”

R25. 4/6/45 GD’s note: We heard that both of Mr. [317]‘s sons, the older a Navy pilot and the younger [3886] an Army Air Corps pilot, were killed in action within the last few months.

R26. 9/9/47 Miss [369] told GD that Mr. [317] and Mrs. [267] “are still divorced; he is teaching at … Military Academy.”

R27. 8/21/48 Mr. [317] wrote HLC in re a problem boy whom HLC had referred to him, and then reported:

For a year or maybe a few months my work here is to be part teaching and part taking trips to see prospects. I am glad of the break in the long years of classroom work and am looking forward to seeing some new parts of the country.

I am indeed glad to know that your Father’s work is to go on, for I have always had the greatest amount of faith in him and what he did. His absolute goodness and sincerity seemed to me to sweep aside all doubt. I should like to talk to you about your work which I feel sure is tied up to what has gone before.

[He signed himself “Capt.” [317], … Military Academy.]

R28. 2/23/51 We heard that his daughter-in-law had gone to visit Capt. [317].

R29. 8/24/57 He requested a copy of his Life Rdg. [317-4], saying he had a friend who would like to join A.R.E.: “He has the Bridey Murphy recording and several books on the subject of B.M. When this story first hit the papers last year I could not help tying Morton Blumenthal and Morey Bernstein together in my mind. But I have since read that Morey was first influenced by THERE IS A RIVER.” [He wrote from Texas.]

R30. 9/27/57 He thanked HLC for the copy of his rdg. and names of people for him to see, saying: “This is a delightful place to live - for Texas - but I am looking forward to the time when I can retire and be a bit nearer some of my family. At present there are thirteen of them here, in two places [in Texas]. None are in … [Tex.]”

R31. 7/8/60 GD sent inquiry about his early American incarnation as Effingham Welden. [See sample letter under 2791-1 Reports.]

R32. 7/14/60 He wrote to GD:

Dear Miss Gladys - Thank you for this letter. I have not made any effort in this direction - I am sorry to say. While I am interested, at this time I am not in a position to start inquiry. WHEN I do retire (in a couple of years) it would then be possible for I expect to spend some time in the New England area.

Sincerely, [317]

R33. 12/19/68 He wrote HLC that he heard his lecture in …, Tex., saying: “After a bit of substitute teaching in public schools I have landed a good spot in a private junior high school.”

R34. 6/7/72 Daughter [559] said [317] died 2/6/72 from prostate (malignancy) following surgery.

Background

Background

B1. See three previous rdgs. in re Boy’s School in Virginia Beach.

B2. 1/20/33 He referred Mr. [2136], a teacher in his school, for a Life Rdg.

B3. 2/10/33 See wife’s Life Rdg. 267-1 mentioning their karmic relationship.

Mentioned Entities

Entity (Cayce Term), Incarnation, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Astrology, Automatic Writing, Planetary Influences, Free Will, Texas, Visions, Egypt, England, Gladys Davis, Healing, Ideal, Morton Blumenthal, Ra Ta, David Kahn, Gertrude Cayce, Karma, Persia

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 317-4, ReadingID 2402.