Reading 541-1

TEXT OF READING 541-1 F 47 (Widow, Protestant)

Text

Date: 4/28/1934 Sex: F Age: 47 ReadingID: 3832

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Virginia, this 28th day of April, 1934, in accordance with request made by self - Mrs. [541], new Active Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Miss [380].

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, Miss [380], Margaret Carothers, Miss [1227], and L. B. Cayce.]

Born June 30, 1886, about 9:00 P.M., in Watertown, New York. Time of Reading 3:45 to 4:45 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, N.Y. (Life Reading Suggestion)

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity here, and those relations with the universal forces, that are latent and manifested in the personalities of the present entity, […]. [EC pronounced her first name “Leila” or “Lelia” instead of “Leah”] [541].

2. In giving that which may be helpful to this entity through such information, it would be well to include something as to how this is obtained; that there may be some credence given, and at least an attempt on the part of the entity to apply and to verify things that may be said and given - which will be as some experiences that have been in the entity’s life; and then that as to what the entity and body in the present may do ABOUT that it knows of itself and its abilities in the present.

3. As each soul enters in the earth, there are purposes other than that which may be arising from desire of those that physically are responsible for such an advent.

4. For, the soul seeks from the realm of spirituality to give expression of that it as an entity or soul may do with its experiences in the mental realm, as well as about that it HAS done in a physical realm.

5. Hence the law that is ever present; like attracts like; like begets like. Hence there is the attraction as from the desires of those in the physical calling to the sources of generation in the flesh, to the sources of creation or of spirit in the spiritual realm.

6. Hence there is often a real purpose in the soul, as in this soul, seeking a period of expression of self; and finding it in that about the bodies when there is the period of presentation. For, while the physical begins at conception, the spiritual and mental is as the first breath taken into the physical - that becomes then a living soul, with a physical organism for manifestation during the sojourn in that particular experience.

7. Then, what influences such a journey, such an advent of the soul from the unseen into materiality? Development of the soul that it may take its place, through the lessons gained in physical experience, in those classes or realms of soul activity in an infinite world - among those that have passed in their activity through the various realms; seeking then (as that which first called every soul and body into experience) that of companionship. Hence we have as much hereditary and environmental forces in soul’s experience (or the developed soul to such an experience) as we have in the law of the earth, as to that which is hereditary from the parentage of a body - and the environs of the body, as to what is the trend of thought.

8. Then, what is the environmental and hereditary influence from the soul-body angle for this particular entity shown here, and known as [541]?

9. The sojourns in the environs about the present sojourn, or in this particular solar system. Not that Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus or any of the planets about this earth’s sun have beings or bodies such as are known in the earth’s sojourns; but those that are peculiar to their own realm - their own element or position from the solar light, or the light and heat. And yet with those influences about same by the variation in what is called in the earth the effect of the various influences shed from other solar systems, suns and so forth.

10. For, much might be given respecting those environs and as to how or why there have been and are accredited to the various planets certain characterizations that make for the attractions of souls’ sojourns in that environ. But these are places of abode. As in the earth we find the elements are peopled, as the earth has its own moon or satellites enjoined in its environ, so is it with the other planets. The earth with its three-fourths water, with its elements, is peopled; yes. So are the various activities in other solar systems.

11. Hence the sojourn of a soul in its environ about the earth, or in this solar system, gives the factors that are often found in individuals in the earth that are of the same parentage, in the same environ; yet one might be a genius and the other a fool; one might be a moral degenerate and the other a high, upright, upstanding individual with an aptitude for influences that may not even be questioned.

12. Then, such environs PHYSICALLY are needed for the development of the soul.

13. So, the entity here finds these as attributes in the mental forces that lie - as it were - DORMANT or innate in each soul or body manifested in the earth, that may be DRAWN UPON when apparently everything else has failed. That stamina of character, that indwelling which is a portion of the soul. That which makes for the abilities of each soul to draw nigh unto him that IS light, life, and from or through that source build - in and under all circumstances - that which makes for beauty to any who may behold such a soul’s activity; and most of all bring to the soul harmony even under oppression or subjugation by circumstances of a material nature, and beauty and joy to those who may contact such an individual or soul. Becoming a light to many, a pathway that may guide many - even as this entity, this soul, through its indwelling in Jupiter; though given through material contacts much disorder from the material standpoint, many disturbing influences rather as things never known as to just where or when they would come about, yet the ability to hold to that hope - and this increased in the knowledge of Him that is light - may bring yet joy and peace and harmony that makes for being content in that place one finds self, and knowing that He may have His way with thee. Making for the ability of great expansion of SUBJECTS; the ability to read and to comprehend much that is not seen by others who may be reading or studying in the same class or group. The natural abilities of a leader, yet the entity is often burdened by the fact that so many apparently are always depending upon what little resources the entity has from the material standpoint. The entity should declare in self those forces that are ever present, that the supply is of such a nature that it may never diminish as long as there is the holding to the power in His name.

14. The influences in Venus we find bringing both good and bad. For, there are adverse as well as the more helpful in this sojourn. Making for friendships that are as true or as sincere as if they were of the own household, yet many are they that are far in their relationships with the entity who are truer and closer friends than those in the own house. Making also for the influences in the marital relations, where there have been separations and conditions that arose from accidents; from apparently unseen and unknown reasons; yet the sojourn there brought to the entity (in Venus we are speaking of) the awareness of such. And that of which we are aware we eventually must experience, for it to become a portion of our own soul development. Those, then, that would make of themselves channels, their bodies, their minds, should practice those purifications for the periods when there may be those activities - as bodies with bodies - that may bring that awareness of that to which they have been and are building themselves for its expression. So has the entity found in its experience in such relationships that it must not look back, but ever forward; for that which has been must be again, if there will be the preparations in the NOW for its next cycle of activity. And as to whether same comes in a moment or in an age or in a century, or in forty, what is time or space when thou art in those influences that make for contentment in thine inner soul? save those that wander from the knowledge of embracing the moment. For, only one at a time may be experienced - if they are divided as such. But see and know all rather as One.

15. Also there are the abilities to meet with the varied groups that are often drawn into the experiences of the entity for their edification, for their enlightenment; and be ever ready to give the reason for the faith that lies within thine inner self and thine inner consciousness. Know from the earthly viewpoint a reason; whether it answers to thy neighbor or thy friend, THAT is for thine self! For, thine own soul seeks expression; and if it satisfies in thee, then LIVE IT! not in a selfish manner, but as expressing that which may bring to self, to others, first of all CONTENTMENT; for upon this is peace, harmony, happiness attained.

16. In Uranus the activity makes for the interest in those things that are of the occult or mystical nature, or both. And these bring to the entity in this present experience oft those things that are the most helpful, and at times those that are the most aggravating - the most worrying to its associations and relations. But this change, or this extreme, is from a sojourn there (in Uranus). For, while extremes never meet - unless it is in the cycle of the knowledge that in HIM all is one. And may bring for the entity through such associations and relations, even in the material as well as the mental plane, those things that will be the more helpful and aidful to bringing joy and happiness in the present experience.

17. As to the appearances in the earth, these are given as those that affect the environs in materiality - though, to be sure, from the realm of approach of the spiritual. Not mystical, not because the experiences of the entity have been that often a voice is heard, often the entity is stopped from some deed or act because of the mysterious, but because thou hast dwelt in and among those environs during the sojourn in the earth when those were evil spoken of because of their hearing, seeing, knowing those influences that lie so close about the earth. Yet these in the earthbound realm are seeking aid from the only source THEY know! Hence, look thou NOT to such RELATIONS, but rather to those that are in the nobler and greater realms - yet STILL look to the directions from the Giver of life!

18. Before this we find the entity was in what was then known as Providence Town, in and about those lands near to the entity’s own sojourn in the present.

19. The entity then, in the name Lelia Juneneth, gained during the experience from the mental and soul viewpoint, yet lost in the material things. And some little grudges held during that sojourn made for material hardships. For, what is the first basis? Like begets like! And all seek their own level. For, what one thinketh that one becomes, whether in the realm of materiality or of the soul.

20. In the present from that experience much may be had, but look high - and know that what may be attained is from the higher sources than those that are seeking just to say “We are well or happy” but rather those that acknowledge that He has come in the flesh and is their brother, who seeks to aid those that look to Him.

21. Before that we find the entity was in that land now known as the Roman, during those periods when there were the persecutions of those that followed in the way of One despised, for the entity then suffered persecution; yet rose in power in the abilities to control even those in political power - through what in the present would be called the ability to use the influences in political power for self’s own use.

22. Hence the entity gained and lost. (In this the body of each of these might very well be described, for the facial expression even has changed - with the manner of dress and the headdress - as also has the size and the shape of the body changed.) The name then was Pontiphaney; and the entity used those influences both of the spiritual forces and the material sojourn and material surroundings. Hence in the latter portion of the sojourn much trouble came, yet later a peaceful sojourn in luxury.

23. In the present there is the love of things that are easy, which arises from the harkenings of the inmost self; the love of those things that are true arises from that period also - and hence the two are often in conflict within self. O that all would know that the greater conflict ever to each soul is between its own self’s experiences as compared to that it HAS experienced!

24. Before that we find the entity was in the land now known as Persia, during those periods when there were the rebuildings and the building up of the city in the plains.

25. The entity then came as a teacher and a minister to those in the varied circumstances, as were those that gathered there, as well as those that gradually grew in their activity. The name then was Geelle. Throughout that experience the entity gained; for it came into the environ in the early portion of its experience and remained throughout that period of sojourn in the activities there with that which had been brought about; bringing for self the satisfaction and for others about self aid and understanding; and the abilities in the direction to act in the capacity of a teacher, a minister, and administrator to many activities of others, arise from that experience there, as well as the abilities to compile much that might be helpful in the experience of others. This is latent, as we find. If the entity will turn rather in self, it will find those abilities to compile lessons that may be used in the various classes or studies; that may bring in the present experience not only financial gain but a satisfaction that would bring joy and harmony to the experience of the entity. Not exactly textbooks, but rather stories and exercises - in the mental and in the English; the exercises of the various activities that may be said to be supplementary helps to the student in the early teens - and in the years after eight or nine, see?

26. Before that we find the entity was in those periods when there were the comings of those from the Atlantean land into the Egyptian.

27. The entity then was among the Atlanteans that came with the first peoples that journeyed from Atlantis to Egypt, when there was the breaking up of the land in what is now the Atlantic.

28. In that sojourn the entity aided the ones in power, whether in the political, religious or economic affairs of the experience; for the entity acted in the capacity rather as one that counseled with all in that sojourn. Rather as a teacher, then, were the entity’s activities - from the material sojourn.

29. As to the abilities, then, in the present, and that to which the entity may attain and how:

30. From that intimated and given, it is indicated that by turning to those influences that are ever about the self for aid, help may come; whether it be in the abilities for the compilation of those things that may be of help or what not. (Send them to Silver, Burdette & Company!) This will bring to the body the greater blessings in the material things, and will bring for those whom the body seeks to aid through such channels those things that will make for this experience being a development.

31. Be kind to self, to others. Keep the way ever open; for He would walk and talk with thee oft, wilt thou but open thine self and be the channel.

32. Ready for questions.

33. (Q) Am I seeking through the right channel for work, or is there another work that I am fitted for at this time? (A) As given, we would carry on in this direction. Carrying on in the present, to be sure, as application; carrying on in those things as indicated for supplementary work to students in various activities, especially in those ages indicated; not only in the English but in the mathematics and in the various studies - whether of the one subject or the other.

It is well.

34. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 5/6/34 “This is just to acknowledge the receipt of your rdg. and to say ‘Thank you.’ I am highly interested. Already I have given it three careful readings and want to put much more study on it. At my earliest opportunity I shall write you at some length on it. Much of it FITS, but there are a few things that do not…

“Again thanks until my letter of discussion and explanation comes, which I hope may be of interest to you. I certainly have food for thought for some time.”

R2. 5/15/34 “You state that during my Roman life I was among the persecuted Christians. Here is a strange thing: often I’ve looked for the why of it and now I wonder if this is it. From my early childhood I’ve had a horrible fear of lions and tigers. When circus parades were in town and everyone turned out to see them, my favorite sister always took me by the hand to see them. I loved her and wanted to be with her, but tho’ I liked everything else and always wanted to see the parades, the minute the cages of lions and tigers came I began to cry - to be panic-stricken and beg to be taken home. Poor unselfish girl, she wasn’t bothered by them, but home she took me. Always the same performance - I had to go, but the fright was too much for me; no one knew why. Once I ran from the animal tent at Ringling’s Circus, a girl in my teens, leaving friends, when a lion roared. And always at intervals I’ve had dreadful nightmares, and dreams of lions after me - I’d be holding a door with what strength I had against a lion. This bothered me so that I never would read or see pictures of them if I could avoid it, because of the reaction. My sister said when she knew you were going to give me a reading, ‘Maybe you had an experience earlier with lions.’ When you wrote about the persecutions, I wondered if perhaps this explains the fear within. What do you think?

“In regard to that same experience you speak [541-1, Par. 23] of my later peaceful sojourn in luxury and you say there is, ‘at present the love of things that are easy.’ That really doesn’t seem to fit so well. When I tell you, Mr. Cayce, that since our men-folks have been taken from our home, that I, a girl with only a woman’s strength, do a man’s work-about my home, take down, clean and put back stovepipes, furnace-pipes, climb ladders, shovel our walks in our awful snow storms, trim my trees, paint and do all kinds of lugging and lifting, work that only a man should do, but which I can’t afford to hire done, and there is no one to do for me, you must admit that love of ease doesn’t govern me. I’m the first one up, the one to take the initiative in everything here, ‘til friends have asked me if I never rest. It IS true I’d enjoy being able to relax a little, to read and browse among loved books and hear music and lectures, but no one who knows me ever would think of me as luxury-loving. In fact, ever since I was married, my life has been nothing but service. I’ve been the mainstay of the home and everything was piled onto me to care for, to administer, to work out. Once I wrote friend [380] that I was so tired of being a rock for everyone else to lean on, that sometimes I needed to lean, myself. But always people have come to me with their troubles, their problems to solve, and have expected me to wiggle them through their difficulties. Always they said I had an understanding heart. I believe, too, that I have; I seem to get the viewpoint of others. But anyway, it has been far from a life of ease.

“I had wondered if there would be any reference to certain other qualities, but there was not. I mean my very intense love of animals (except the ones mentioned before). Pets are a passion with me. I work with the S.P.C.A. and animal relief clubs on their behalf. There is so much of cruelty and neglect. The neighbors say the cats and dogs know me as a friend. Always lost or hungry ones come here to be fed, to be returned, or to be cared for and have homes found for them. Then I’m a so-called nature worshipper, and music and art and the cultural things are life to me. Yet the conditions of my life are such that I have to deny myself much that I want. The radio, of course, helps wonderfully to supply my soul-food.

“Then, too, on the Roman experience I have this to offer. I’ve been a very deep student of the classics and Latin literature. I majored in Latin in college, taught it, still read and study its literary associations, and to this day receive pamphlets and literary discussions from my Latin professor who still talks about my wonderful work under him. Always things Roman appealed. As long ago as high school graduation my essay was on the ‘Coliseum’. Now, it begins to look clear why I loved it all so. Yet I must admit that my father, who never studied Latin, read the classics in translation and loved them. So perhaps I got a double heritage, so to speak.

“The Providence Town or Salem experience interested me somewhat. The name Lelia is similar to Leah, and was the ‘Juneneth’ a Christian middle name or surname? My parents came near naming me June. Rather queer, that connection.

“Tell me, 541-1, Par. 17, where it says ‘when those were evilspoken of because of their hearing, knowing, seeing those influences that lie about the earth’ refer to the days of the Salem witchcraft? Did that mean that I was connected with those conditions or merely was cognizant of them?

“I must admit that a love of the mystical and occult is in me, and I have done things or not done them ofttimes with no other explanation than an urge I could not deny. I have always felt a something, a power directing in many instances.

Sometimes I could not see or know why, but an intuitional influence seemed at work. I never could plan much, like many do. I seemed to be one who never could tell why, or when, a thing would or would not be. I’ve laughed in talking to friends about how fate ruled my life or so it seemed.

“The Persian experience hits on teaching and administrative ability. Do you infer that I was always a feminine being, or does sex differ in various experiences, as you understand it?

“About my latent ability to compile, frankly I can’t see it. You mention English exercises or mathematics. I abhor math. I was excellent in it through algebra, but geometry and higher mathematics I thoroughly disliked and I’d never be interested in anything of that sort. Foreign languages were my hobby. But my reading is along the lines of the classics, archaeology, philosophy, historical, nature studies and religions of all kinds. I’ve read much contemporary theology and philosophy and I have a deep interest in drama and poetry.

“Now, you should know me pretty well, Mr. Cayce, with what you have in the reading and what I’ve told you of myself. Aristotle, I think it was who said, ‘Know thyself.’ Well, I feel I do know myself better and find explanation of many of my characteristics from your reading.

“You seem to infer that I shouldn’t worry so much over financial needs - that influences near me and the Giver of gifts, Himself, will provide, if I can only trust enough. Am I right in this? I do try to have faith, but the demands on me have been so great, the burdens and responsibility so very heavy. I try to keep a high courage, a will to ‘carry on’, to never pity one’s self, but to maintain a moral bravery. I never could see why my husband, a perfectly splendid and unusually high type of manhood had to be taken. Our love for each other had in it something unusually fine, unselfish and spiritual. My dear old father said more than once that we, my husband and I, had more deep, real happiness in our short three and one-half years only, together, than many married couples have in a lifetime. For that, I am eternally grateful, but all the more is my life made lonely, all the greater my grief at his loss. I do not honestly feel equal to a resumption of a teaching life again. I am too nerve-tired; take my work so seriously that I don’t relax, and it takes too much toll. I know this from my work as a substitute, when I’m called once in a while. I’m perfectly happy in home life, find peace, contentment and a sense of well-being in it, [GD’s note: This sounds like the ‘love of ease’ her rdg. referred to.] yet with no material resources, one has to find cash somehow to live. I’ve tried to believe that God would work it out for me; no doubt He will, but my life is very hard and responsibility rests heavily.

“I was pleased and interested on your mention of the case of the Spanish gentleman [531]. You see, you must have reached him too. I feel you gave a rather clear characterization with the exception of a few things, of my life…

“I’ll be interested to know if my letter throws any light on facts of your reading.”

“P.S. 541-1, Par. 14 - under influence of Venus, do I understand that sometime I shall meet again and belong to my Beloved, or does it simply imply another marriage, when you say ‘for that which has been must be again’, etc.?”

R3. 5/23/34 EC’s reply:

“That you have found a great deal that has answered much that have been questions in your mind for a long, long while is quite interesting. The Roman experience is particularly interesting, especially inasmuch as we have had considerable said about this period and when we note the varied reactions that individuals have from their experiences that must have been in the arena or from the fear of being placed there, it is most interesting, and I am sure will at some time make a very interesting article when it has been compiled in a manner as to make a good story or using that as its background.

“We have quite a number of individuals whom we feel are real friends just from our correspondence that we have had through the years with them. I could name possibly a dozen or more that the work or the information (which, of course, is the work) makes friendships, which is to me in itself one of the most convincing things of this nature, and I do not know of anything that gives me greater pleasure than to know that you feel this same way also. Some day we will have the opportunity to talk over all of these things and as to just what they have meant and do mean in our experience.

“I think you misinterpreted that in 541-1, Par. 22 as regarding your desire for luxury. If I understand the information correctly, apparently the fear and the innate feeling of desire for luxury arises from the same sort of an experience and it is one of those experiences that I believe the Theosophists would say you were paying in “karma” at the present time; consequently, though you may have to act in the capacity of one who has a great deal of drudgery or who has to be relied upon for many of the conditions in an experience where the work or service would be a man’s job, it depends upon how you meet these. If they are wholly drudgery or if you make it a service of love, then you will be meeting it in the Christ. You see, it isn’t that we do not have to meet those things that have been hindrances for our soul development - we meet them, but He, the Master, aids and sustains us in our approach to these conditions that we meet. If we begin to pity ourselves for the very things that we have to meet, then it becomes a stumblingblock. Do we meet them in Him and allow His service that He rendered or His love that He manifested and put our faith in Him, then we meet these things in a much different attitude and frame of mind. But if we continue to feel that we are imposed upon, or that everyone around us have the good things and we are just as good as they are but are continuing to have to do the drudgery, know that we failed somewhere, else we would not have to do these things, and we must meet them with the same fortitude, the same grace and manner as He did in the Garden.

“Do you see what I mean, or is the explanation worse than the information in its first presentation?

“I think, too, that same fear as is spoken of, if it is read deeper, possibly how you have and are applying in your present experience through the love that you are showing how you have and are applying in your present experience through the love that you are showing for the dumb animal and the work that you are doing how you are meeting it. Do you think this is far fetched? I do not. I believe it is, when we see it aright, positive proof to us as to how we are applying that we have come to know of the love as is manifested by the Master.

“It is interesting to note that Latin and the literature of that day is of interest to you. This, again, I am sure, as you read the information over from time to time will be more and more enlightening to you. We have had one or two other instances where this same sort of a thing is manifested in the life of the individual who was in that particular period, and rather than it being an indication from your father’s studies, it is rather that that was why you were your father’s child, because of having the intuition there was an attraction for you. No doubt he, in his experience, must have had something of the same sort of activities. The names are quite interesting.

“Yes, I think the reference to the days of Salem was that you were more cognizant of and possibly had mental reactions rather than the personal experience, yet innately or deeper into your soul self you still have an interest in such things and have often no doubt hindered yourself from seeing or knowing much that might have been yours, - not that I advise anyone to let themselves go into such things without due consideration and without looking to Him for the directing.

“Not necessarily does it indicate that you were always of the same sex. In fact, I believe in the Persian you must have been a man.

“Yes, Mrs. [541], we should know individuals pretty well or should where we have their Life Readings, but there are so many it is almost an impossibility for us to keep them catalogued properly in their rightful places. However, there is usually some reaction that makes for a sympathy that is hard to be explained.

“I know just how hard it is for one not to worry, especially when there are so many that we feel are wholly dependent upon us. It is all right to tell one not to worry, but it seems quite a different thing how to tell them to keep from it. But if we have our whole self lost in a service and in the desire to be used by the will of the Father through the Christ, these worries will grow less and less, I feel sure…

“In the little note you asked what I understand about the reference to the influence in Venus. Such associations must evidently be as lasting as time itself. As to whether this refers to another meeting, or a meeting again of the same individuals in another experience or life, of course, I do not know. At least, I am sure the indications are that the happiness of your inner self will be found in the love as was expressed in that association with Mr. […].”

R4. 11/21/39 She sent EC a little book of her poems which she had just had printed.

R5. 2/4/40 “Well, I bought the American Magazine for January and found that lovely poem by Thomas Sugrue - ‘Christmas - 1939.’ And it is exquisitely beautiful…that man is a poet, no doubt of that.”

R6. 3/13/40 “When the last few days I’ve been re-reading my Life Rdg. and many of your lectures, etc. It seems as if some new thought or idea comes with additional readings of the Life Rdg. from time to time.”

R7. 10/40 She sent EC another little book of her poems which she had printed.

R8. 3/24/41 She wrote of her poems being broadcast with music over her hometown radio station.

R9. 10/24/41 She wrote of having a weekly radio program of her poems with organ music.

R10. 1/20/42 “We lost both of our roomers during the holiday. One took a downtown apt., the other went away on a defense job. We [she and a sister who lives with her] were quite discouraged, for our coal bills take so much money. But we are renting to a young pair of newlyweds and they will come in the 29th.”

R11. 4/16/42 She sent EC another book of her poems she had published.

R12. 9/20/42 “Last night I had a few quiet minutes to spare and started the Ass’n book, A SEARCH FOR GOD. I’m captivated with the chapter on Prayer and Meditation and know I shall find much to help and inspire and uplift in the whole book. I like to keep it to ponder on when the house is still and cares of a busy day are laid aside, so I can get the real depth of it all into my heart and soul.

“I think the definition of prayer is the clearest and best I’ve ever found. I know I can say this to you, Mr. Cayce, but I have been bored and annoyed with so many verbal prayers heard in church and meetings; it seemed all so empty, so useless to tell the Creator so many things (aloud) that He didn’t need to be told. You know what I mean - it wasn’t prayer as defined in your book.”

R13. 12/20/42 “I’m thrilled, engrossed completely with THERE IS A RIVER, finding much to add enlightenment on the previous knowledge I had of you and your work. I can say this right now, that I’m half way through it and must admit it is the most marvelous book dealing with psychic influences and power I have ever read, and I’ve read plenty for years and years, before I knew of you, Mr. Cayce…

“Last night after reading for several hours in the book, I laid it aside and got out your Life Rdg. of me given several years ago. I read it all with a new interest, a broader understanding, a deeper significance…

“I’m so happy your rdgs. were the means of saving your Gertrude. Only wish I had known you when my husband was ill of T.B. Perhaps you could have helped us to keep him…

“For your friendship and all it has meant - for all you have helped to open up in explanation of our lives here, I say ‘Thank you and God - bless you and yours.’”

R14. 4/6/43 “Am enclosing a little poem…thought you might like to add it to your collection of poems. Someday another book will come out, but am holding out a bit as labor, paper, etc., is so high now. Besides, my collection is not quite ready yet, as I want it. Have to wait for some more inspiration to finish it up, though it is in process of creation.”

R15. 7/25/43 “Well, dear Friend, you will be both surprised and happy to learn that I have signed up to teach Latin and French in a nearby high school for the year - can commute nicely and be home by 5:00 P.M. daily. I thank God that He has let this break in the clouds come to me.”

R16. 10/15/43 She sent EC an autographed copy of her new book of poems.

R17. 6/21/44 “Next week I’ll be all done with this job, after Monday night, and to say I’m happy over it is to put it mildly…

“Much as I need money, Mr. Cayce, I just can’t stand the strain of a job like this. It seems better to sell (our big home) as soon as possible, get out from under the heavy city taxes and expenses, and buy a quiet home in a country section, where taxes are low, living costs less, and really live. I’d rather live quietly there and do a few things one feels one must, to enjoy life, than to live in the city and spend all one’s energy and vitality getting money to pour into a city treasurer’s office.”

R18. 2/1/46 She wrote that a new book of her poems would be published in the spring. In 1949 she had another book published (a copy of which she autographed to GD in 10/53).

R19. 10/1/51 “My sister is losing her mind - arteriosclerosis affecting the brain and no help - just a matter of time (if she lives that long) before hospitalization in a mental place will face her. The strain has floored me and I’m very nervous and worried plus my own recent serious bronchial affection. No one to help in the home and I know what will come one of these days. There are things so much worse than death. How Edgar Cayce would help me were he here today.”

R20. 5/19/52 She announced another book of her poems.

R21. 10/25/53 “Life for me has been very difficult and full of rough going; still I try to find inspiration and make my gift a channel of good thought for others.”

R22. 2/25/55 She announced “the eighth book” of her poems.

R23. 3/3/57 “I was terribly ill (operation - not cancer, thank God) and in hospital 3 mos. Also my last sister and family member had hardening of arteries of brain with a final heart attack which released her. But now I am writing, writing much poetry again and studying my usual interests - the occult, psychic research, reincarnation, philosophy, etc., etc., etc…

“I lost such a friend in Edgar Cayce. I probably shall publish a book in late summer or early fall - my 10th… I’m writing entirely by inspiration as of old and feel God uses me as a channel and I’m going places still.”

R24. 8/58 Routine mailing was ret’d marked DECEASED.

Background

Background

B1. 7/18/33 “Because Miss [380] is one of my dearest friends, and because she has told me many times of your work and in her last letter urged me to write you, I am taking her advice and asking you, when convenient, to send me on some of your literature and bulletins.

B2. 10/19/33 She requested that literature be sent to Dr. John W. Thompson. “He and his wife [Bertha H. Thompson] are both osteopaths who rate very highly in their profession… I feel certain he will be ready to grasp eagerly at the things your Assoc. stands for… He is intensely interested in things psychic.”

B3. 12/5/33 “Miss [380]‘s friendship has been a buckler in the loneliness occasioned by the death of my wonderful husband and parents…

“I have just handed some of your bulletins and articles to my dentist, Dr. Harry C. Howell, an old friend, and a student of hidden and psychic things.”

B4. 2/14/34 She submitted questions for a Life Reading, saying she had been a high school teacher before her marriage but since her husband’s death she had been unable to get a teaching position:

“Is my gift of poetry writing ever going to be a thing worth while, aside from the fact that it brings joy to the few who know and love them? Friends urge the publication of my verses, but I don’t seem to find the way out, owing largely to lack of funds.

“Should the rest of my life be spent in teaching in a school, when a position becomes available, or is there a better sphere for me in something else, or in home life? In other words, what is my avenue of greatest good, not just for self, but for others?

“Perhaps I haven’t stated things as you would wish, but you can see the meaning, I’m sure. I know I am naturally a homemaker, but one must live and it seems to be up to me to finance my home entirely, and one gets stumped to know which way to turn to do the right thing.

“May I thank you right now for your past kindness and to assure you that if you are too busy now to bother with me, my feelings will not be hurt. If you wish still to do this, despite the fact that my finances are in a deplorable state, I shall most certainly thank you and try to accept gracefully. In any case, you and your Assoc. have my sincere good wishes.”

Mentioned Entities

Soul, Entity (Cayce Term), Incarnation, Rome, Book of Job, Prayer, Atlantis, Egypt, Persia, Gertrude Cayce, Jesus Christ, Law of Moses, Purpose, Thomas Sugrue, Atlantic Ocean, Dreams, France, Free Will, Gladys Davis, Grace

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 541-1, ReadingID 3832.