Reading 849-9

TEXT OF READING 849-9 M 24 (Writer, Catholic)

Text

Date: 8/3/1931 Sex: M Age: 24 ReadingID: 5002

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th Street & Ocean, Virginia Beach, Va., this 3rd day of August, 1931, in accordance with request made by Mr. [849].

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [849], Hugh Lynn Cayce, L. B. Cayce and Mildred Davis.]

Time of Reading 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time. …, Conn.

1. GC: You will have before you the bodies and the enquiring minds of Edgar Cayce and [849], present in this room, and the literary works of these two individuals, both those written individually and those written in collaboration; also the propagation of this work through the literary efforts of these two entities. You will give criticism of the works already executed, advice and guidance on those contemplated, and suggestions for definite channels through which these works may find their way to sympathetic and receptive publishers. You will answer any and all questions concerning same.

2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind - Edgar Cayce, [849], present in this room. These we have had before. Some of the efforts towards the literary field we have had before.

3. In considering these conditions, many are the minds and conditions of peoples and places to be considered. First, as is asked - as for criticism respecting each, this again would DEPEND upon that from what ANGLE, or to what PEOPLES this would be disseminated, as to the criticism.

4. In that as has been attempted by Edgar Cayce - in the one there is the need of simplification; in the preparing of that as has been given as discourses, or talks, needs more of the POSITIVE efforts. [See series of Edgar Cayce’s lectures published during the year 1931 in The Virginia Beach News. Some of these were printed later in booklet, WHAT I BELIEVE.]

5. In that as has been prepared by [849], needs more of that as CLARIFIES same from that of satirism, that CLARIFIES same from satirism, and of more definite line and distinction as to the aims, purposes AND ideals.

6. In collaboration of the efforts of these, would there be in the beginnings those of preparation of articles on varied subjects as these affect the individual from their various approaches to the information themselves, or itself, this clarified through the information CHANNELS, would make for matter as would be ACCEPTABLE by any of the STANDARD magazines in the present, and these may be approached either THROUGH Hearst’s interest, or they may be approached through Crowell [Merele Crowell?] and THOSE interests - as of Osage; or they may be approached through any of the various ATTEMPTED magazines on kindred subjects, but of these BEWARE! unless there is a perfect UNDERSTANDING of where, how, and WHEN same is obtained. Also through those channels of that that is termed those of the magazine sections of many of the syndicated papers may these, properly written - Now, as to the approach:

7. That of a layman in the ORDINARY walk of life, with his mediocre surroundings, and seeking for physical aid - or as the description of a case, see? but DO NOT approach same too much from the approach of criticism to any sect, individual, or group of people!

8. Also the approach of one with a finished college education, seeking that which will answer for the various activities as has been encountered by the body through its experience in college and university life; the breaking up of ideas, theories, long cherished in their various ways and manners.

9. Then the approach from that of the rather serious minded individual in the position of that of the scientific, or sub scientific position of a questionable profession by MANY of another in KINDRED or similar professions that disagree with that individual.

10. Then upon the approach of the well SEASONED professor, or scientific research individual, that has not found an answer to many of the questions, either in the church or OUT of same, as respecting same.

11. This, as will be seen by [849], will be the experiencing in the mental self of THAT as has been given, that the self must find WITHIN self the answer IN the work, or that manifested that gives credence to self’s OWN understanding.

12. Ready for questions.

13. (Q) Who can best collaborate with Edgar Cayce on the complete story of his life and work, and what literary form should it take - autobiography or biography? (A) Biography. It has been given who should collaborate with anything that they would have anything to do with! Would you question these?

14. (Q) Considering present conditions and circumstances, where can [849] find work at his time which will enable him to be of service to himself and to others through the expression and development of his literary talents? (A) Should he seek - should he desire to seek to WRITE such a COURSE or series or articles as has just been outlined, commence wherever he chooses! Collaborate them with the Work itself and it’ll sell ‘em! but he’ll have to write ‘em right! Can’t write his own self - write that he experiences! or experience that that he makes such individual experience, and if he can’t find the answer within himself - then rather dig ditches than write on any such subject!

15. (Q) Where should [849] send his novel “Bunkum,” for the most sympathetic and advantageous publishing? (A) Simon & Shuster!

16. (Q) Where should [849] send his book of poetry, “Forever Dreaming,” for the most sympathetic and advantageous publishing? (A) This, as we would find, would be the better proposition or manner in which to publish this, and to receive the BEST and the most advantageous results than from the publishing of same: Seek out, through the correspondence, those who would subscribe to autographed copies of the first addition, and collect for same and pay for the first publishing. THEN the comments as will be received BY the various press, various reports from press, will be the BEGINNING of a success - but for mercy’s sake don’t let it go to your head! for, should this occur, the END will be much worse than the present feelings in many directions.

17. (Q) Should [849] approach Simon & Shuster through Krell, or send it direct.? (A) As WE would find, while Krell would be well - but there’s too much strings tied with it! There are other channels through which this may be sent to Simon & Shuster better than through Krell, or through direct. As we would find, first approach through some of those who have - or THINK they have - those of literary talents that are FINANCIALLY able to publish their own when so desired, as through the Music Club, or as through the Woman’s Club of New York, or some of those associated with same. Then, through their introduction to one Ray Long, approach it. Now, this is going both through those of the Hearst interest - in fact, the highest one, yet one word from Long, “This is pretty good” would mean much more than Krell with a thousand lines added to it!

18. (Q) Should [849] go to N.Y. personally to do this? (A) He should, and within the next few weeks, or as SOON as one whom he may approach this individual is in their home.

19. (Q) Who is this individual referred to? (A) Mrs. Danzig. [Helen W. Danzig - Mrs. Jerome J. Danzig]

20. (Q) What subject matter, and in what forms of expression - lectures, articles, “Through the Subliminal,” the autobiography or biography - should [849] and Edgar Cayce begin to collaborate on at the present time? (A) Now, there’s been outlined, as has been seen - if studied over properly - a DEVELOPMENT for both of these “poor simps” to study, as to how to get the proper insight as to how such MAY be written - see? In applying the articles, why not make something as you go along with it, too? and then by the constant rejections that may be had in the first, constant corrections as may be made - for do not think the Forces will not allow these to be rejected, and GAIN the view of the material and secular-minded individuals in their various positions! but a more BEAUTIFUL LAY-OUT for approach to the highest authorities as exist in the present doesn’t exist, if they’ll work at it! yet if they don’t want to do it, don’t know how to do it, nor what to do, and don’t try - and are already discouraged - who can help ‘em! God can’t! unless you help yourself!

21. We are through for the present.

Copy to Mr. [849] ” ” file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 8/12/31 He started to work for a newspaper in N.Y.C., where he had been applying regularly since graduating from college. He applied on 8/10/31 and got it immediately.

R2. 8/15/31 He wrote EC: “So you see that altho many things I intended doing here were made impossible I hit … at just the right time - and I credit all to your hunch - thanks! And what a firm to work for - I started Wed. and got a pay check Thurs. for my two days work - Thurs. being pay-day. Can you beat that?”

R3. 10/12/31 [849]‘s letter to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce -

After a long siege of searching and re-searching, deciding and re-deciding, my artists room-mates blundered upon a place in Brooklyn, and signed a lease. The apartment has two advantages and two disadvantages. The advantages are its ideal size and proportion - two bedrooms, a kitchen, bath, and skylight studio - and its price - fifty a month unfurnished. The disadvantages are that it is quite a ways into Brooklyn, and it has a four-flight walk-up.

Of course with four of us to pay the rent it means an uplift in our assets, once the initial expenditures for beds and furniture have been made. I was skeptical at first because it seemed foolish to buy furniture when we are not sure how long we will be in the city. However, it seems that for even a period of two years it is a considerable saving and the advantages of having our own place outweigh the slight disadvantage incurred in the beginning.

I have been too busy for my own temperament of late, but that is a matter which will settle itself, for I feel already a shifting in my nervous make-up which will acclimate me to the routine. The banquet season has begun, which is the devil on young reporters. It means we spend night after night eating chicken a la king and listening to boring speeches. The main annoyance is the late hours. Most of us pray for over-nights

• or morning assignments, which allow us to quit automatically at six p.m. For some time I was in Norwalk and Stamford on the Collins murder case. I don’t like police work anyhow, and the complete isolation up there was an added burden.

I have specially kept in mind your advice not getting hard-boiled. I’m afraid that will be impossible now - though it would have been natural several years ago. I have come to have too intimate a picture of the spiritual side of humanity, and however discouraging and disillusioning some of the things seem that I contact it is easy to remember the real basis of all greatness and degradation, and strangely enough it does not touch me except to make me more determined and faithful in my prayer and idealism.

One portion of my work is delightful - the religious side which I attend to on Sunday. It keeps me in church most of the day and in a spiritual atmosphere all the day. I also cover whatever dedications or other ceremonies are in order during the week.

I am now of the conviction that all our training and hoping and waiting and praying is not preparation in a physical or intellectual way for the high post of service we wish to occupy, but a training for the choosing by higher forces. Perhaps it will seem to many of my friends in Connecticut (as they have expressed) that I am being forced through a needless and lengthy term of training and suffering, not to mention the ignominy of working under some unvisionary and hard-boiled man. They consider my abilities deserve more of a break than they are getting. On the other hand I know myself that I am only on the very outermost rim of that spiritual development which will make me worthy of choice for high place - and I shall probably never write anything worthwhile until I attain to the center of the feeling which now and then wells up within me and gives me the conviction that I am on the right path.

I may have things published before long, but I myself contend that I will be thirty-five before I do anything which will deserve the attention of posterity. Meanwhile it is not half so hard to go along without recognition or reward - as it used to be - and to the eternal glory of your own friendship and work (whatever else may be said about you and about it) - I have thus discovered myself, my God, and my place in His plan.

Love to all - [849]

R4. 10/16/31 (Friday afternoon) EC’s letter to [849]:

Dear [849]:-

Very glad to have yours of a few days ago. I have a fair idea of what it has meant getting settled in new quarters. While I haven’t had so much personal experience in New York, I was there once when my sister was trying to get settled and I remember very well what a time she had - and as I heard from her two or three times every day during the contemplated change, and during the change, I became fairly well acquainted with such situations. I hope you have gotten settled in a manner that will prove the most satisfactory to all concerned. I’m sure it will.

Yes, one is apt to be kept very busy when on probation, as we might say, and very desirous of having the chance sought, and really happy about the opportunity that has been afforded. I’m sure there are many who feel you are not getting the real break you deserve, but under the existent circumstances in all parts of the country - from SOME aspects you have been very fortunate.

Things and conditions have not been breaking the best for us all here, since the new organization. There was just enough activity to be harmful for the moment, rather than helpful. It’s all too easy anyway for a very large question mark pertaining to anything of this nature, and even our best friends - when it is apparently being exploited by someone else - raise the same old mark. But it’ll work out, I guess, in the wash. Haven’t heard from our friend Mr. Preston. He was supposed to be out by the middle of the month. I understand from some of the rest that he is still confined to his room as yet.

I appreciate very much your comment on what your association with the phenomena has done for you. When people are sincere in such comments, this seems to me to make it all worth while. With all my years of experience, I have not gotten away from the idea that it has to be sold to me over and over again; for I know it isn’t of myself, and I often doubt whether I am the proper channel for such manifestations. Only in the hearts and minds and lives of others can I see the answer to those questions that arise often in my own mind. So I assure you this letter has been quite helpful, for I know you are making a real struggle - I know you are nobody’s fool, and it might fool you under SOME circumstances, but you have had all kinds of opportunities to study the thing out, and I feel that the kind of decision you have made bespeaks what your heart and mind is in that direction. May the lessons you have gotten, and the determinations you have set within your own self through your contact with the work, prove to be just what you have been seeking.

I certainly hope you are able to get your books published. With you, as with most others, experience may be that necessary in writing what is worth while to others; yet I am STILL of the opinion that SINCERITY in the mind and the heart of the writer goes a long way towards making up for shortcomings of experience; provided the individual hasn’t soured or become over-effulgent in expression.

It may be that we will be in New York sometime this month, but I don’t know yet. If we are, I certainly hope to acquaint you with the fact and to see you at that time.

With love and best wishes from all, hoping to hear from you whenever you have the opportunity to write, I am

Ever the same

R5. 12/11/31 GD’s letter to [849]:

Dear [849]:-

Just a note to enclose a copy of what was gotten at the end of Mr. Cayce’s check-physical yesterday, an interpretation of his dream. [See 294-128, Par. 9-A—12-A.] It seems we’ve got to create in him a stronger desire to stay with us. You will see that your name was in the dream. Won’t you write him at once, outlining great plans for the future - as to magazine article, etc., so as to get his interest aroused in that direction? You see, he has so little to look forward to here; that’s why the attraction is so great on the other side.

I know you’ll understand what’s necessary and react accordingly.

Love, Gladys

P.S. The physical is disturbed by some gall bladder trouble, that may become serious if infection sets in - though Dr. McCrary is treating him every day. He needs such a desire created in him to live, that even though the worst in the physical happened he would be able to fight it through, see? Without the desire, we couldn’t hold him.

R6. 12/16/31 Wed. aft. [849]‘s letter to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce:

Some ogre seems to have been following me of late - keeping me so infernally busy that I haven’t even written a note to my family in answer to a demand that they be informed as to whether the black drape will be hung at my place at Christmas for the first time. Well, all things must have a beginning, and this will be my first Christmas away from home. I don’t seem to care especially, because I have been so immersed in assignments that I haven’t had time to realize that this is the Christmas season and I am supposed to get the spirit.

I saw Dr. Bisey [Sunker A. Bisey] again yesterday, but my story dates back to the Tuesday previous, when we talked at length. He fell in accord with my idea that I write, with his help, a series of articles rather than a single one - that will take a semi-biographical trend, and be useful for compiling in book form after being published. He also agreed that only a legitimate and recognized magazine should be allowed to publish them. We parted with the understanding that I was to discover what leads I might find to these magazines. It so happened that the next day I got terribly wet in Brooklyn and caught a bad cold - one that is still with me, but in settled form. For days I had a fever and my head was like a balloon. I worked all the time and naturally nothing outside of my assignments was done. Yesterday I met with Dr. Bisey again. I read his life reading and discussed it with him clearing up some points about which he was hazy. He gave me a copy of his book to read, and I am to suggest some publishers who might be interested when he has finished. Before it is published, if it is - he intends writing another chapter - about you.

Perhaps this seems all very vague to you, but as a matter of fact it is the first definite step in something tangible in this line.

I intend you make a survey of magazines next Tuesday by spending some hours in the library. Then I shall compose letters to the best and most inviting ones - outlining my position as a newspaper man who was assigned to the case, discovered what was behind it, and dug up this remarkable story in which I’m sure they will be interested. By appearing to be merely a reporter who found a great story I think I can get further. Anyhow, it seems the best way to approach it right now. Have no fear - Bisey and I get along like Siamese twins, and we confidently expect to get this thing under way during the winter months.

As to the suggestion in Hugh Lynn’s letter that you allow this newspaperman to get an article together for a blare section - use your own judgement. I would say no because I selfishly believe it would belittle you and spoil some chance of getting it in the legitimate magazines according to my plan. On the other hand - it might be better. But do as you see fit.

If Gladys has my copy of the life readings book in any sort of shape might I have it? I want to help Bisey with his reading, and there is a lot of data in it that would help me also in compiling the articles.

My work here has been positively brutal in its intensity and in the hours. Had a bright spot Monday night when I went up to Ossining to cover the first night of the Sing Sing Minstrels of 1931. That should please Hugh Lynn - covering my first night in a prison.

Dave has also promised to be of any help he can in these articles, and although I may be discouraged in my first few attempts to get magazines interested, I am sure success will eventually crown an effort to sincere and so really worthwhile. I feel like saying something now that would be conceited and make me sound like an old man speaking to a child, but here it is - Just you stick along with Bisey and [849], Eddie, and everything will be all right. Bisey has the scientific standing and the knowledge - I have the silver-pointed pen, and you - well, you are the story.

I had a dream while at the beach in the summer of 1930 - about a tidal wave wiping out all but a few of us. I left to go in the general direction of N.Y. to straighten things out

• and here I am. Sure, I’m just a cub reporter, but in a few years I’ll be a veteran of the street, a man who knows my racket - and a person the magazines will depend on for a good yarn when they want it. What that means you can see without your glasses I believe.

In this little world where men are nourished by their beliefs it sometimes appears that all those beliefs and dreams and prayers are wasted, and life ends on a barren shelf. Yet somehow, just at the lowest point of courage and hope, the power we have builded behind us through the years picks us up and swirls us into the midst of all we desired and dreamed.

Just wait a little while - and I think it will come. Now is the lowest point. Everything that is unpleasant has happened. After reaching the bottom there is nothing to do but start up again.

In case the city editor whirls down on me and sends me out on another long trail that will end at midnight or after - tell H. L. I received his letter and will answer it at the first opportunity. I saw a notice that Atlantic U. was asking for receivers. A good fight Dr. Brown - but one against unsurmountable odds.

Well, the rebel who tried to wreck things in Egypt seems to have an opportunity to put things together this time. Let’s all hope he has developed the strength necessary for it - and the practical cleverness that twentieth century American literature requires.

My love to all - hoping you are in the best of health and spirits.

Always, [849]

R7. 12/29/31 EC’s letter to [849]:

Dear [849]:

I had wanted to get a letter off to you long before this, but for a week or ten days I have been quite “out of the running”. A little physical complication with my digestive system, or - to be more exact - I lost a good deal of gall, or had congestion in that area at least. Then these little antagonistic taps from our once good friends put me quite out, but I am up again looking for places where I may be of help to someone - not for new worlds to conquer at all.

Sorry indeed to know you were not able to be at the hearthstone this holiday season. I’m sure it was a great disappointment to you, as well as to those at home. As you say, these things have a beginning - but they mark changes in our way of viewing the past and future, as well as the present.

I’m glad to know from you, as well as from Dr. Bisey, that there is a probability of your getting together on some articles. I am of the opinion that these will mean a great deal to you both. As you say, with his scientific knowledge, place and connection among his people, and with your abilities and connections, you both should be able to capitalize on the net result from such cooperation. As to whether you use me as the subject predicate, object or what not, is of little note to me. I DO believe, from what I have heard him say, that he COULD put into words - at least in one article - something that would be worth while to your way of thinking, as well as be of a great benefit indirectly to the work of the Association, possibly without ever mentioning my name even.

Had quite an interesting request a few days ago. Some friend of such phenomena writes me from Holland requesting an appointment for a life reading, and sends me a piece of the current money - tien guldens, whatever that may be or mean. Quite a curiosity to me, however. While it looks more like money not to be able to spend it than anything I ever saw, it comes a long ways from looking like the money of good old U.S.A. [See 2741-1.]

Certainly hope you have gotten over that cold, and that you are feeling much better. You might get your friend Bisey to give you a bottle of his product, Atomidine, and if you will take it very SPARINGLY - and not as he directs on his bottle, I believe you will get some wonderful results and put your system in good shape so you won’t be bothered with those colds. Take only three to five drops in water a day.

You no doubt have seen or heard what the internal factions, combined with some of our good friends’ work, have done for poor little Willie [Dr. William Moseley Brown, Atlantic University]. I don’t suppose they will even allow them to finish this semester. Certainly very rough stuff.

Of course, Hugh Lynn was out of the school sometime ago - as also Mildred. I have ABOUT persuaded them to go to work on the data we have. Whether they will be able to accomplish a great deal, of course remains to be seen. I believe it is there. Possibly through your influence, and some of the rest, they will be able to get something in shape that will bring a bit of the filthy lucre, to at least sustain life in this material plane for the time being - until we can get ourselves adjusted.

Let us hear from you. I want to thank you for the beautiful book, [849]. [See Par. R8 below re card inscription.] I felt like a pig, not being able to remember you in some way. Know that my heart and mind is with you, though - but old man Depression has certainly had me where the wool is short.

Take care of yourself. Remember me to your mother and sister when you write. Wishing you the very best in this world, and with love from all here, I am

Ever the same, [EC:GD]

R8. Xmas gift book sent with this card: “Old ways are best - old friends are blest - Old customs sweet and gay - Sit down and rest - you are my guest - Of dreams on Christmas Day.”

R9. 12/31/31 Thurs. Nite [849]‘s letter to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce,

I almost had a happy New Year’s Eve, but the city editor has blasted it by having a vicious temper - giving my best story of the day to a re-write man and bawling me out for such trivialities as spelling a word wrong when it was obviously a typographical error.

But I’ll tell you the cheerful part of it, and you can rejoice while I wander about in the gloom which hangs over me every night when this tall Texan with a face as dark and forbidding as Mother Grendel gets on the desk and butchers and annihilates whatever anyone writes.

It seems that some cheap dancer has sued the husband of Evangeline Adams for alienating the affections of his wife. Everyone knows it is blackmail but the interesting thing is to see Miss Adam’s reaction to it. So they gave the story to me and I went up to see her. I didn’t hope for more than a curt statement from her secretary, so I was surprised when she asked me in her office for “a few minutes.” The interview lasted almost an hour, in which time she chatted mostly about astrology and other matters - while she explained the situation and her attitude towards it in a few words. She looked me up, astrologically, and told me all about myself and what will happen to me in the next two years.

Here is what will interest you - it seems that I am under propitious signs for studying and writing about the occult and all connected with it in the next two years. Now doesn’t that fit in perfectly with what we’ve planned? She advised me to stick to writing and keep my love in an ideal - like writing - instead of getting married. She said I would be disappointed if I married because I expect too much of a woman - and because love for me exists “above the belt” - almost exactly what my reading stated. Other things she said were that I’d be bothered with rheumatism of the knees - which she called my “weak spots.”

“You are a fighter too,” she said, “but it comes from your father’s side. Your mother is self-sacrificing and has done all in her power for you. She’s the best friend you have.”

I said I contemplated writing something along the line of occult studies with a certain person, and she said if I knew the birthdate she’d tell me whether we’d get along. I may go to see her again, or drop her a note - depending on whether the unsympathetic re-write man makes the story I wrote put her in a bad or good light. Anyhow, it is an interesting development - and since she said the next two would be the most interesting years of my life I look forward a bit more hopefully to 1932 and 1933.

I was glad to receive your letter and know that you are better physically and feeling normal mentally. I went home on Tuesday and found that one of my family is in the hospital with pleurisy, two others are ill with bad colds, eight banks have failed, and all my friends are broke.

But those things, and the depression throughout the country, only make me fighting mad. If I can only get over the sickening waves of futility which sweep me when this night editor goes after me and throws my stuff away, I’ll feel better. Anyhow my resolution starting to-morrow is to get up early and start on all the things I’ve planned - first and foremost the writing of the articles with Bisey.

I haven’t seen him lately, but will get in touch with him when something definite forms. I had Christmas dinner with [903] and [257] - and [279] and his wife [2261] and boy were there.

Sorry they won’t let the university stay on til Feb. Well, Hugh Lynn and Mildred ought to get at the data while they have nothing else to do - and if Evangeline is right I’ll be able to use it to the mutual gain of us all.

My love to all - and a big and sincere happy new year for you, the family, and the work - I’ll do my share to make it one!

R10. 1/9/32 Ltr. from EC:

Dear [849]:-

I have yours of some days ago. I’m certainly glad to know, [849], that you had an opportunity to run down and see the folks at home, even though you may have found them all “under the weather”, complaining, and everything out of sorts. It’s all wrong when we begin to lose that direct contact, as I intimated in my last letter. Possibly that’s sentiment, but the older we grow the more we begin to miss it - and then wish we had never broken it. That’s not very cheerful, but I hope you have had a good report from them and that they are feeling a great deal better.

Quite interesting what you tell me about meeting Miss Adams. I wonder what she would say if you were to tell her of whom you expect to write. I have known her for a number of years. I’m not surprised to hear what you have said, about what they are trying to do to Jordan - but I’m sure it must be, as you say, a case of trying to take advantage of the situation. It will be very interesting to know what she will tell you, if you do mention my name to her. Use your own discretion, however. The last information she gave me was that - I don’t remember whether it was ‘32, 33 or 34 - somebody was going to write up my work. She has claimed for years that my tendency to keep people from writing about it prevented it from advancing as fast as it should. Maybe she will tell you now that you are the one to do it.

I’ve had a letter or two from Dr. Bisey. I suppose you are getting your ground work laid out on that, or have you had an opportunity yet to even do that? I have just recently rewritten the little white book [The introductory booklet on his life - 3/32 noted in 254-61 Reports, and published in 1946 as the first chapter in the little book, WHAT I BELIEVE, by Edgar Cayce]. Don’t know how soon I’ll be able to get it off the press, as I haven’t quite got it on yet - but I think YOU would even like it, though I can’t say that it suits me “perzactly” - but I feel that it might be of interest. It will have to be passed on at the board meeting on the 16th.

Hope you got matters straightened out with your editor, and didn’t get him riled too much - and that things are going along more satisfactorily.

Let us hear from you whenever you can. Know we are thinking about you. Things are kind of strained here at the present.

With all good wishes and love from all, I am

Ever the same,

EC:GD

R11. 3/5/32 [849]‘s ltr. to EC: “Your lecture [1/15/32 EC’s lecture on PRESENT WORLD CONDITIONS based on his reading 3976-8] was a beautiful sermon, a lovely review of the entire world situation in the attitude of revealing the basic and fundamental causes of all the troubles. I firmly expect that we shall be saved from war, that we shall lose Prohibition, and that in the end we shall have to pick up, piece by peace

• all of Europe. But that is for time - and for now we must each in his own way live as he thinks is right - and I think it is right for me now to close this and turn to my books for a while - for I have hoarded this day for contemplation and in true oriental spirit I have had nothing but toast and coffee for food and will fast until this evening - after which I think I will do some writing of what is digested.

“My love to all of you - and best wishes and prayers for your health and security.” [849]

R12. 7/19/32 “I have seen quite a bit of [257] (Mrs. [325]‘s son) and [903] during the past winter, and whatever I may have thought of [257] in the past I certainly agree with you that no more sincere individual lives. I am very fond of him just now, and I like all his family immensely.”

R13. 8/9/32 “I shall be leaving here on the 14th (for a 2 wk. vacation at home) - exactly a year to a day from the time I started on the … It all seems so far away now, and somehow so unreal. But I’m not forgetting how and under whose guidance I got this job - nor will I ever.”

R14. 9/27/32 Ltr. from [849]:

My dear Mr. Cayce:-

I hardly know how to begin a letter that must, by reason of the condition of its source, be somewhat confused. In all of my short life I have never been so inarticulate, and never have I had more to say. But when it goes off, my friend, I fear it will blow me all over the earth, and make a detonation that will tumble several turrets in heaven and set not a few crowns askew with the jar. Something, whether it be diabetes, the devil or the deity, is happening inside of me.

This is the third week of my return from vacation, and it is the nearest I have come to being explicit. It seemed that every day I stayed home I felt worse, for my nerves were only slowly untightening. I had to keep going, so that after revising a short story I took over the column in the local newspaper and did it for a friend who was on vacation. When time came to return I was at the ebb, and arriving in the city in that state was pretty close to suicide for one of my temperament.

For the first two days I covered the Eighth Avenue subway, which was preparing to open. The dust in the new passage did something to my sinus I know (I rode on the trains before the tube was opened, just when they were cleaning up) for afterward I seemed to have a dry catarrh rather than a wet catarrh - and believe me I’ll take the moist variety anytime, the other is torture. Then the regular transit expert came back and I did some interviews, for which I received by-lines and praise. The night the subway opened I did a feature on the first ride, in the manner of a dramatic review, which pleased everyone immensely. For a week thereafter I rode on a crest of splendid stories, but I worked unmitigatingly and without a single moment’s respite. I brought up at the end like a horse that has run its heart out and begins to quiver before dying.

I’ve been that way for a week now, never quite knowing whether my kidneys were going to collapse or my stomach, whether my hands would shake themselves off or my head tighten so that it would burst. Every now and then I felt that, unless something happened in a hurry, I would fall on my face and be picked up in little pieces.

I am inclined to credit it all to nerves, and to believe that a tonic and perhaps an osteopath will set things right. But there is something else which is aiding the trouble, a sort of nigger in the woodpile which only a few people like you can understand.

In my letter to Hugh Lynn under this date I explained that my life reading pointed these two years (25th and 26th years) as the period of my crisis in the affairs of Venus, and as the years during which my life went awry in the last appearance. Miss Adams predicts them as the years of change, the beginning of a successful writing career, and the years when I shouldn’t marry and should beware of a dark-haired lady (that doesn’t give me much of a lead, as I’ve never cared for blonds). Many times as I trot about the city I run into amateur psychics and fortune-tellers, and for amusement I let them read cards and palms for me. All of them seem to hit the same line. Travel is imminent (over water) and success. There is always a dark lady mixed up and a red-haired man who is the agent of my travel. The years of change are always indicated. One palmist became angry when I refused a further fee for a more detailed reading and said I was not making the most of my artistic abilities. I laughed at her, but I thought about it for several reasons.

Please don’t think I place stock in these amateurs and fakirs. I merely cite them as a curious phenomena, and I realize that most of them have a slight leaning toward such things, and that I am an easy person to contact from that angle.

Anyhow, the period of change is obvious to me - so obvious that I am sure it has a lot to do with my physical condition, perhaps is all of it.

I am only emerging from adolescence, and I have so many curious strains and influences in my life that the change is a painful procedure. In early years we never feel the result of anything we do right away - it is later they begin to take effect. I have so many things that weigh against me - supersensitiveness that treasures hurts in the subconscious, Celtic mysticism and melancholia, Catholicism, the influence of my contact with you and your work, the southern influence of […, Va.], and now New York. My soul has been a battleground for a long time, and there have been experiences we won’t mention that haven’t helped the result any. The debacle is therefore all the more bloody and the fruits, if I live through it, will be all the more rich. I think it is a inherent decency and recognition of the truth that is twisting me so badly in an effort to get rid of the poisons that I planted there with my own foolishness.

Perhaps you can feel what I mean - my expression of it is terrible. I am still strangled economically under the same $100 a month salary, and I still work so hard that play is for me a matter of bed, long baths that soothe a little, and light reading. Now, when I can look to easier things after election, I feel a tremendous power surging in me, and a great desire to write - in song and in story as my reading says. But what I don’t know. I only knew a great power is developing, is welling up in me, is destroying my vitality in its effort to get loose. When it does, as I said, I feel it will be tremendous - and good.

I have come almost to the top of the hill of understanding - that is why the final effort is so painful, and I know that I have a power of expression ready to let go when I get there - and never before in my life have I been able to say this with certainty - it will be good, and it will be beautiful.

If you read Hugh Lynn’s letter you may find some of these incoherences explained - and vice versa. I can’t anymore tell what I’m going to say, or whether it will be what I want to say, than a baby learning to talk.

I wonder if you will have time, someday when you are doing that sort of thing, to give me a check reading? I am at home in the morning always, and I only want to know what in the world ails my nerves and my stomach, why the sides of my forehead ache and feel tight, why my catarrh seems dry instead of wet, and why I am certain at times I shall fly to pieces like a wheel that has reached its point of fatigue. For the rest - my work and its future, I think the best thing to do is wait. To make a slightly bawdy but very true simile, I feel like a mother with child - and I am sure it will be nothing less than a president.

There are many years ahead of us, but the next few will tell a swift, terrible, and glorious tale. The world is on the toboggan slide - and when it hits the bottom someone must be there to pick it up and drag it back up again. I have a feeling we’ll be a few of the pullers. I’ve never had more faith in you, in God, and in myself. What I said to Hugh Lynn goes for you and for me - and for all the family and friends of the work -

Sometimes the dice come seven. [849]

R15. 10/10/32 See his next Ck. Physical - 849-10.

R16. 3/19/35 See his Mental-Spiritual Rdg., 849-11.

R17. 11/4/49 See [849]‘s letter under 849-76 Reports in re [1102], their marriage, etc.

Background

Background

B1. See 849-1 on 6/7/27 and subsequent Reports.

Mentioned Entities

Hugh Lynn Cayce, Dreams, New York City, Fallen Angels, Ideal, Prayer, Gladys Davis, Adam and Eve, Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Astrology, Atomidine, Book of Job, Egypt, Entity (Cayce Term), Free Will, Gertrude Cayce, Intuition, Osteopathy

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 849-9, ReadingID 5002.