Reading 954-4

TEXT OF READING 954-4 F 39 (Writer, Protestant)

Text

Date: 7/27/1937 Sex: F Age: 39 ReadingID: 5887

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 27th day of July, 1937, in accordance with request made by the self - Miss [954], Active Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

Time of Reading 11:15 to 11:55 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. New York City.

1. GC: You will have before you the entity, [954], … St., N.Y.C., who seeks information, advice and guidance as to how she may best carry out the purpose for which she entered this earth’s plane, according to her Life Reading given through this channel on July 18, 1935. You will answer the questions she has submitted, as I ask them, concerning her present and past associations, her home and work.

2. EC: Yes, we have the entity; and that information which has been given relative to the experiences of the entity in the earth, and those influences that have to bear upon the entity in the present experience.

3. In giving that as we find that may be constructive and helpful to the entity in the present, in meeting those complexities of surroundings or environments, and as to what the entity - for its own interpretation and understanding - must do as respecting these:

4. Know first, as has been given, the choice must be made by the entity.

5. As to what the conditions are in the experience as for development or retardment, these may be given.

6. As to what may be a fault, or as to what may be a virtue, WHO is to judge such; other than the entity in its own ideal that is set as its standard for every experience that is a part of the entity in the present?

7. That at times in the experience of the entity, as well as in the experience of others, there is a very poor consideration of the evaluations in the experience - this is the more often a matter of choice as to what is the standard of the entity.

8. Naturally the question arises then, what should be the entity’s ideal, the entity’s standard?

9. This, as has oft been given, must not be of the earth-earthy; neither must it be so idealistic as to be impractical; but as this:

10. It must be of a constructive nature and its inception must be from the spiritual angle, and not as only a satisfying of an appetite, a desire, a wish, a purpose that is in itself only self-exaltation, or indulgence, or gratifying of self alone.

11. Hence there are - as has been so oft pointed in the experience of the entity - not only those things that are as tenets, as axioms, but as purposes, in the life, in the teaching of One able to fulfil not only the promises but to give that which is sufficient - efficient and sufficient - for the meeting of any condition or circumstance that may arise in the experience of the entity.

12. For what purpose, then, did the entity enter the present experience?

13. What were the warnings of the forerunner? What were the burdens of the teachings of the Way?

14. MAKE THY PATHS STRAIGHT! Or to make an editing of the failures, to give the good accomplished a bigger, broader meaning.

15. For as ye do it unto the least of thy fellows ye do it unto thy ideal, ye do it unto the God in thyself.

16. This then is the purpose.

17. Then, how?

18. Study those that have been given as the faults, as the failures, as the weaknesses, as the virtues, as the goodness.

19. For there is in the experience of every entity SO MUCH good that they who find faults to exalt them, or to rear them up as signs - they that do such make these become as the stumbling-stones for themselves.

20. This does not proclaim then that one shall live only a passive life, but rather a positive life - in the DOINGS of self! For it is not what one knows that counts but rather what one does about that one knows! For it is line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. For ye grow in grace and in knowledge and in understanding as ye apply that in thine experience that makes the paths straight, that keeps upon the way that is constructive in the experience.

21. Ready for questions.

22. (Q) Please explain the admonition given me recently - “For as has been given He would deal with thee direct. Will you walk with Him - Will you talk with Him?” Does this refer to my writing? (A) This is the means rather of expressing that which has just been given, as to WHO and WHAT is the ideal of the entity.

23. (Q) What is my responsibility toward Dr. [1210]? What attitude can I take to make the association as constructive for myself - for [954] - as possible? (A) Keep the ideal before self ever in all thy relationships, and the responsibility is that - as there have been, there are those opportunities for the applications of service - the united efforts in the experiences of those that may be touched may bring hope, beauty, patience; and those things that make people, in their hearts and minds, UNAFRAID - of criticism, of ANY experience in the lives of individuals!

24. (Q) What is my duty toward my Mother? Can I overcome her personality so that I may work near her? (A) As to what is one’s duty - this again, as has been indicated, must be determined in self.

If it is possible for constructive forces to be a part of the experience, and the answering to all good conscience in the relationships, then hold fast.

If the association makes for destructive conditions, then well that your associations be such that you each have the greater opportunity for expression without becoming the stumbling-stone to the other.

As to the choice, as to the determinations - these MUST be made by the soul, the entity itself.

For has it not been ever so from the beginning?

Man, his soul, is in the image of the Maker, with the will, with the choice, with the ideal. He may be equal with Creative Forces. The CHOICES must be in self.

25. (Q) Should I move and if so where - into the suburbs or remain in town? (A) As to the environs and the activities - these to be sure would depend much upon the choices taken as to what was best in the associations with the home life.

As we find, if the choice is to remain in the environs and surroundings - do not move. If there is the choice to change the environs, move to the suburbs.

26. (Q) Should I persevere and send my Mother away from me for a few weeks? (A) This as has been indicated must be a choice; and as to the criterion, or as to the manner of choice, that as has been given is the way.

As we find, the choice must be made in self.

27. (Q) How can I arouse myself from my creative inertia? (A) Only as has been given, in holding fast to that which is the ideal that is constructive in every respect, and creative in its every nature. If ye will walk, if ye will talk with Him, ye will find that the abilities, the emotions, the activities are such as to FILL EVERY desire in the mental, the spiritual AND the physical self!

28. (Q) What type of writing should I be doing now and on what subjects? (A) That which is constructive ever in the experiences of the home, the home life, the home associations.

For, as has so oft been indicated, that which is thine own problem is that in which ye can best help thyself and others in giving the interpretations of same to others.

29. (Q) What best program can I follow to use the time I now have for writing? (A) In that manner as has been indicated, not only in thy message but in that as just given; studying within self and making for application in making the tenets and the axioms as practical experiences in the life and in associations with constructive forces in the experience.

30. (Q) In what atmosphere will I write most successfully? (A) Upon different types, different environs. Some experiences, as ye find in self - the best has been accomplished under stress and strain; and yet some of the loveliest has been under those experiences where comfort and where EXPECTANCY were the key that made for the creating of the atmosphere and environ for that written.

Hence, as this has many sides, many factors - these must be judged according to that being sought to interpret to those to whom the body would bring its message.

31. (Q) Do trees influence the writing mood? (A) They do, in the experience of the entity as well as in most individuals.

32. (Q) Can I do my best work alone? If not, where can I find an aide? (A) Most - and the better work may be accomplished alone; that is, so far as personalities are concerned.

33. (Q) Should I attempt to increase the time I am spending at Ames and Norr - or devote more free time to outside writing? (A) Devote more time at Ames and Norr.

34. (Q) Am I endeavoring to spread myself too much and am I in consequence jeopardizing my personality and future because I am not alone enough? (A) The endeavors should be, rather, set as to periods. There must be time alone, there must be time with thy Ideal. There must be periods of application.

Then, preferably, rather than curtailing the vast amount of aid brought to others, only budget thy time so that ye become not merely rote or in a routine but as step by step; one as aiding the other. For as the body-physical must be fed, so must the body-mental, so must the body-spiritual, so must the body-social, so must the body-constructive, so must the body-meditative, so must the body-planning.

35. (Q) How much pressure should I bring upon my friend to assist her into new fields of endeavor? (A) As has been indicated, lay or sow the seed - lay the ground. The choice must be in the individual, in the entity’s soul activity. To use force is to become responsible, not only for self but for that one so induced. Would ye make thyself above thy Maker, or thy Ideal?

36. (Q) In what way may I best help Dr. [1210]‘s daughter? (A) Again in sowing the seeds of that which is constructive in the experience, in every PHASE of the experience.

37. (Q) Where can I find a syndicate outlet for my current articles appearing in the New York American and Journal? (A) These must be chosen as to the various channels as the activities increase.

38. (Q) Have I known Dr. [1210] in a previous life and if so where and under what name? Please explain what happened between us at that time? [See 1210-1 Reports.] (A) In the comparison of the information regarding the activities of the individuals or personalities in the various periods, we find there are those periods when their activities not only crossed but they become a part of each other’s responsibilities.

Hence it is not merely coincidence or accident that their lives, or the personalities, are in the positions as they find themselves in the present.

As to what is to be DONE about same, and how these are to be applied - these must be choices as with the individual experiences of each during those experiences in the earth.

As the one - in the Palestine, Persian, and in the Grecian and Roman experience of each - when these were, as would be termed today, in the position as checking on each; as antagonistic, but not as antagonistic for destructive forces - rather as for their own purposes in the representations of tenets and truths for the individual groups of peoples or sects that were presented or represented by each.

Again - in those experiences when there was the attempt to correlate the teachings from India, Persia, Egypt - the relationships then were as co-workers, coordinators; and these are to be dwelt upon the more in the present - but you each according to your own ideals.

39. (Q) What, if any, progress do I appear to be making toward my real work? (A) Good.

40. (Q) Have I known Dr. Roy, the Hindu, before? When and in what connection and name? (A) During the Egyptian experience, and then antagonistic.

41. (Q) How can I best help him in return for his kindness? (A) Ever constructive in advice, counsel, aid, help, in each way and manner.

42. (Q) Have I known Mrs. Martini in a previous life - and when and in what connection and what name? (A) We haven’t Mrs. Martini.

43. (Q) Any further advice? (A) Keep the hopes above the fears. The fears in the experience of any individual or entity are the losing hold upon that as to WHO is able to supply the strength, the courage, the aid necessary.

44. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 7/29/37 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

My dear Teacher:

A short not to thank you for my wonderful check reading. I understand much of it at first reading and know it will mean more and more to me as I digest it further. That, I find, is always true of the reading. We need to hold them near us…read them in quietude…and most often before going to sleep at night. Please thank Gladys for getting it out to me so promptly.

The reading brings out so strongly the matter of choice. I believe I see that choice principle more clearly than most people. At times I am myself shocked when someone tells me something because I am not surprised. It is as if I had seen the whole pattern laid out before me…as if a painter takes on his palette red and yellow and expected green…but got instead orange.

Seeing choice clearly puts so much more responsibility on the individual, I think. That is why I questioned about [1058]. I know how strong a power I exert there…and in some other quarters. When we become a little wise, as you have taught me to be, we become more chary about how we dare use such power. Last year was not easy…it was beautiful but hard. I’d like this year to be better all around, and I hope to make it so.

Thank you so much…and thank Mrs. Cayce for her sympathetic overseeing of the whole. I hold all of you in my thoughts as well cared for…with every need fulfilled. Our group meets again this coming Monday. I am hopeful that it may grow in usefulness.

R2. 10/14/37 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

… St., New York City

My dear Teacher:

I find myself thinking of you more today than usual…and perhaps that is natural for by now Hugh Lynn should have a paper I prepared…and has perhaps mentioned it to you. This is one of those odd days when although I do not have my copy for the paper (The …) lined up… I do not seem worried. If you could imagine how different this mood is from what I would have experienced even a year ago, you would know how I am progressing. After all, if needs are met time after time after time…you begin believing and being calm in spite of yourself, don’t you? All is well. I continue to get much needed help physically through the Dr. Roy the Hindu of whom I told you when I saw you last. The transfer of strength from or through this man to me…has been one of the great experiences of my life… But I remember always that unless you had shown me the way I should never have had this particular healing experience. The rectal condition healed entirely…then returned and is again healing beautifully. The pain was so awful, and I am so grateful for this help. You see I had gotten so low nervously that I could not bear the usual medical approach with much examining and much instruments and local treatment. Isn’t it wonderful that through this quiet, gentle way I can get the help I need?

This phase of healing has come to be very interesting to me. I connect it with the healing work of the Norfolk group. It is the same power…it just happens that this man is among those much gifted and with a special technique carried over from an ancient wisdom. I am carrying a secret hope these days that you and he may meet when you come to New York. Of course he is very dark of skin so we shall have to select our place…to save him any embarrassment.

October 18, 1937

You will be sorry to hear that the change in typewriters is necessitated, not desired. The words above were the last I wrote before leaving [1210]‘s Doctor’s apartment with him for dinner. While we were gone someone stepped in through the window and borrowed the grand big typewriter…so new and shiny! We are still hoping they will not keep it long enough to write a novel on it! O… well…I’ve learned how to take such things…thanks to you and the big Doctor. Imagine …I weigh 137 pounds. I never before weighed anything like that.

I am looking eagerly forward to your coming to this section of the country. We all await you with open hearts. More soon…

Much love to Mrs. Cayce and Gladys…

R3. 4/4/38 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

Dear Teacher:

Yesterday during the [Emmet] Fox meditation I sent up a little prayer for you as I sometimes do for those I love or am interested in…and such an odd thing occurred that I want to jot you this note about it.

Often in meditation symbols are appearing to me…very impersonal in nature and needing interpretation if they can be meant to mean anything. As I spoke your name… I saw the most beautiful white bull’s head…nostrils outstretching in that superb vitality which is the bull’s…and which even in the snorting I have never considered “angry.” It is an excess of energy to me. Although I cannot now be sure I got the impression of a garland of roses around the bull’s neck.

Consciously this brought to my mind the ancient festivals of the Bull…but even more my thought was that this might mean (and this I wish) more vigor for you, more vitality…as the Spring month of the Bull advances.

The animal, although vigorous, was transparent as all these symbols are as they come to me…and was against a rich blue background.

Another thought I had in connection with it…fleeting and light…was of a newborn child…or a child not yet born. This might be in your family. The picture came definitely with your name.

I am not interested in astrology…but think perhaps the month of the Bull is April-May. Another thought I had was that it might mean that you will draw someone to you in the work who possesses this terrific energy.

So be it…I took it for good. Tell me what you think when you write again.

Love to all of you…

R4. 4/7/38 EC’s ltr. to [954]:

Dear Miss [954];-

Thanks for yours of the 4th - not only for telling me about your very unusual experience, which I think very lovely, but thanks for remembering me. There is a something I guess in the heart of all of us that gives us courage when we are aware there are those that care, those that think of us and our welfare and do think you very very much - The experience is beautiful - just hope it is not that I am too hard headed or any thing like that - don’t of course see or feel that it means any thing of the kind - but lately have been told by so many that am entering a new period - new cycle for me - where there should be much of every thing, well so be it if it is HIS will, and only hope and pray will be able to use what ever may be my lot in a way that will be to the credit and Glory of the Father.

Thanks again a thousand thanks to you With love and regards from all

Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce

R5. 4/23/38 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

… St., New York, N.Y. Saturday,

My dear Teacher:

It is very seldom that I would wish to turn to you for help, for I feel you have so many asking. But today I am turning …and I am not asking for a reading. Rather I am asking for conscious prayer from the group and from yourself. Nor am I asking so much for this prayer for myself. Rather it is for Doctor [1210]…and I do not know just how group prayer could be put to work without embarrassment to him… but perhaps it can.

You see, dear Teacher, for two years now I have worked with and studied this dear person. Much of what we have done has been highly constructive. But for some time past I have felt a deep lack in the character of the man…and a need for mental and emotional balance. I am trying to step aside from this as a personal problem, although it has of course been a heart wrenching one. My own difficulties, sad as they are, are being cared for.

But I feel that Doctor [1210] is at a real crisis. He appears to be deaf to my words to him. He needs the Power of Silence…he needs mental balance and restraint. At times I despair for him. Just now many important decisions are being made…wonderful opportunities are opening up. I know only too well what his abilities are to help people, for I have seen them work.

What can you suggest to me? Believe me, I spend my days prayerfully over this matter. The man is too good to lose …but I see so much happening to him that I know he will be lost unless he tightens up on his action and emotions. I hope I do not sound all critical to you. I try not to be. I search myself first…and know my own failures very well.

If you can ask that I be shown the way…to help him… I am quite willing for that to be done. I await your reply whatever it may be…even if you only tell me that I have no right to judge another human being. But to me this is not judging. This is like seeing a baby running toward a precipice…and wanting to save him from going over.

Thanks and love to you for whatever you can suggest…

R6. 4/25/38 EC’s letter to Miss [954]:

Dear Miss [954];-

Thanks for yours of 23rd, you know we will all be glad to do what we can here, and appreciate the opportunity. Think I can fully appreciate your feelings and do not think it is judging the other fellow at all. Appreciate your feeling me worthy to come to at such a time - rest assured there will be a special prayer that there may be a better coordination there.

You must not be too anxious - do your part - sow the seed of harmony leave the rest to God. He alone can quicken the heart of other fellow.

That may sound trite - indefinite - but is the most definite thing in the world do we realize our relation to the Divine.

Many here are passing through a test period also - most are holding to the true light, that comes down to man from God, and all is well - For He is in His Holy Temple - our minds

• and all is well.

Just hold to something like this this tho in your own words

• Father - God - let there be done in and through me that which will bring our brother - to the awareness of the God within - and may it be aware of the needs of the hour - May I be lead to do and say that as will bring the awakening …NOW.

All send love and best wishes, and are praying with and for you and Dr.

Ever the same, Edgar Cayce

R7. 4/29/38 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

… St., New York, N.Y.

My dear Teacher:

You will never be able to imagine what this last short letter of yours, giving me thoughts to hold…and promising your prayers for Doctor means. I carry it with me in my purse, and read and re-read it in subways and offices as I go about my squirrel cage tasks.

Particularly am I grateful for the though to hold…for the suggestion of the impersonal in the affirmation. Not an hour passes that I do not use it in some form. For indeed, definite and brave as I am trying to be I am nearer cracking than in many years. My only hope is in being able to use hourly those principles to which you introduced me…just through being alive…three years ago.

Doctor’s life with mine has been most interesting in one regard…that will interest you. We have talked with and had many messages from George […] the son who passed on a few years before I met the Doctor. In these times of peak trial…this boy appears to be continuing to try to reach me. His love for his Father is very great, and he includes me in it…presumably for the sake of the work which is possible between the two of us.

However, my understanding of what George wants is most definite, whereas the Doctor appears to put a different interpretation on it. Naturally I have not discussed this much with the Doctor…but the first words from the boy after my meeting with the Doctor was a warning to him… not to let anything happen to this “perfect combination.”

Last night…perhaps because of my own heart-break he seemed especially near…and I felt urged this morning to see the Doctor. I have not been seeing him for some weeks with the usual daily regularity. I feel so much better for having gone. He is far from well…and very, very tired. What terrible heart-aches we induce in ourselves…unnecessarily.

Although this has such a poignant personal side for me, I feel the entire matter is SO much larger than the personal. Even if I did not care for him so deeply I would still recognize his wonderful abilities as teacher and as healer. He is so WORTH saving…odd as that word is in this application. I have seen the ideal person he can be… and I cannot be satisfied with his being less than that ideal. It appears to me that we are here to lift and to strive and to struggle and to pray toward that more perfect self that we know exists somewhere.

Tell Mrs. Cayce and Gladys and yourself how deeply grateful I am for the love and the friendship across the miles. Hugh Lynn has been so lovely here…I wish he could stay in New York. We have such terrific needs here, and he has more power than he knows.

O my reading and how it comforts me…from time to time. My mistakes are foretold…“an environ which may stir up…may belittle…may undo much of that which is prompted in the experience.” It has indeed come to pass…but I am trying to meet it with this better part:

“And truly hath He said, Love thine enemies, those even that would do thee harm, those that would abuse thee, those that would use thee. Love them as ye love thyself.”

New revelations come with understanding…that our enemies may indeed be those closest to us…they indeed are the ones who have true power over us.

Even in the midst of my pain I can truly tell you that I am learning…and that I accept the lesson and try to use it even in the midst of sleepless nights and tearing days.

Love and gratitude to you…

R8. 5/10/38 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

As to Hugh Lynn. It is very important for you to understand that Hugh Lynn is going through a terrific change. He had us standing and cheering (mentally) at our last meeting. He was so surprised at the crowd! Why if he will continue to talk as he talked that night…he’ll SEE some crowds. He gave us what we needed. The Doctor’s eyes brimmed over as he sat beside me. “Not that you were a king…or a princess …but what you are doing today about that mean word you want to speak, that cutting thought you want to think.” This is just an indication of the way he laced in. O boy!

The quality you speak of is self-consciousness. Now he will grow because he is getting into an atmosphere where he is not only accepted but is acknowledged. It is the same thing that happened to the Doctor except that the Doctor went haywire when he got too much praise and adulation. He is now back on the good earth…thank God.

R9. 5/25/38 [954]‘s ltr. to EC:

Dear, dear Teacher:

I think you ought to know how wonderfully our meeting of Monday night went…got quite an entirely new group of people. Hugh Lynn’s handling of the program was, I believe, actually a revelation to himself. He had to act as chairman and speak his piece at the same time…did it very informally, good sense of lightness and humor…with occasional richer notes. David David E. Kahn] was actually almost overcome at the introduction he got (if you can imagine Dave being overcome).

Had a wonderful showing of doctors. The Dr. Mary Miller is a dark voiced person, rather a masculine type like so many of the older women physicians who broke (quite literally) into the hallowed profession at the beginning of the century. She introduced the unique method of asking her two cases to stand up. Fortunately she was at the beginning of the program when people were not too tired, for she gave every gory detail of the cases. I told her afterward I was all for developing the symptoms! A little too explicitly.

Interesting to note the lighter touches which the gentlemen doctors gave. Dobbins told a most excellent story of how he was not even in the phone book when a patient [275] located him through you…and he wound up with the story about you… getting well in a couple of hours.

A Dr. Schiller [Geo. J. Schoelles] from Scarsdale was very light in style and convincing because he brought out his own skepticism…touched on getting types of orders he had never gotten like “even pressures” which he had never used.

My big doctor [1210] did a short but marvellously telling job on the life readings. He gets better and better…splendid style and sparkling personality.

Had lunch with High Lynn today…and he helped me greatly on some terrific problems which I am facing. What a wonderful comfort it was to go and talk it out with him. He actually was able to give me a handle to take hold of the thing by… something I thought I actually had been using but which he showed me I was not quite using. Understanding is a precious and rare gift, and I appreciate it from the very depths of my heart.

All for now…much love to you and do hope Mr. Cayce’s eyes are healed and that she is having no further trouble with them.

We look forward to a wonderful trip this year. The kids [[1637] & wife] have suggested that they come with us. I seem to get love from quarters which are odd and not to get it where I might expect it as a natural consequence of talent.

Love… [954]

R10. 6/28/38 See personal message in 254-101, Par. 37-A.

R11. 7/3/38 Ltr. to HLC mentions his theory that she was too possessive about Dr. [1210] and: “It is very nearly two years since I dreamed of a natural home of my own. I was shocked by my own words to you on that phase… Heart tearing as these days have been, they have been good, as all days are spent near you all. Thank you for all you did.”

R12. 7/26/38 See 954-5, a Mental-Spiritual Reading.

Background

Background

B1. See 954-1 on 7/18/35 & subsequent Reports.

B2. 7/19/37 She submitted questions.

Mentioned Entities

Entity (Cayce Term), Ideal, Free Will, New York City, Prayer, Purpose, Healing, Gertrude Cayce, Gladys Davis, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Soul, Egypt, India, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), King David, Meditation, Persia, Astrology, Book of Job, Creative Forces

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 954-4, ReadingID 5887.