This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 3rd day of December, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [641], Associate Member of the Ass''n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.
P R E S E N T
Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [641].
R E A D I N G
Time of Reading 3:30 to 4:05 P. M. Eastern Standard Time.
1. GC: You will have before you the entity, [641], born August 26, 1913, near Greensboro, Ala. You will examine the records of this entity and give detailed information regarding the past incarnations which have the greatest influence in his present life in regard to the continuity of his spiritual development; considering French period of Louis 13th as Neil [?]; Salonica as Cohal; Persia as Abiel; Egyptian as Isois; Atlantis as Amiaieoulieb; or any others which may have a bearing. If any one particular sojourn has a greater influence than any of the others in this life, you will give a biographical life of the entity in that day and plane of earthly existence, from entrance - and how - into the earth's plane, and the entity's departure. Also you will correlate such information with the present experience, advising how the entity may best apply self to make for the greatest spiritual, mental and material development. You will then answer the questions he submits, concerning his present life and associations:
2. EC: Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as [641]; together with the interpretations which have been made of the life experiences of the entity in the earth's plane through these channels.
3. As we find, in interpreting these - that indicated was given that there might be a more perfect understanding of the purposes for which the entity entered this material experience. While all of the appearances of the entity in the earth plane were not indicated in that given, we find that those indicated still apply in the development or the CONTINUITY of the spiritual, mental AND material development of the entity in the present.
4. We find this especially true as related to that sojourn just previous to the present, as related to the associations and activities pertaining to dress or garment, or the wearing apparel of individuals. This is still indicated as the greater activity for the entity, and in such
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associations the entity may find the greater outlet for the abilities; offering the channels through which material as well as mental gains might be made.
5. Also from the experiences in Salonica, as well as Persia - especially Persia, we have again an activity that borders upon and makes for opportunities for action in relationships to groups rather than individuals. Also we find that the Atlantean activities, especially, brought the entity in contact with great numbers of individuals of various stages or developments in the mental and material relationships.
6. Thus in the present we find indicated the activities through relationships with garment making, clothing, dress; ANY wares having to do with decorative activities that deal with the creating for the individual or for the group a group consciousness, not only of well-being but the representation of an air, an atmosphere, or that of a physical well-being.
7. Then, in making application of this in the present experience of the entity we find it becoming weary to the entity, [He explained to EC before the rdg. that he was bothered by the hard-boiled cutthroat practices in the business world; he was torn between the urge to make a living and his desire to live a spiritually prompted life.] - when we analyze the experiences in Salonica; because of the needs of various physical or mental attitudes that are not always in keeping with the ideals of the entity.
8. Yet, as we have indicated oft for individuals, and which may be well indicated for this entity here in the present in particular:
9. Know first the ideal - not merely as of a spiritual nature, but of a mental and material also. Not so much that as ye would desire that others be, or that others might do for thee, but rather as to whether or not thy material or daily activity - in dealing with thy fellow men - is in keeping with thy spiritual ideal. In the training of the mental forces, in dealing with others in their relationships to their problems, is there a stress laid upon the ideal - as in relationships to - that as ye would have others be, that be ye thyself?
10. Thus we find that the ideal from the spiritual angle, as well as the mental and material, becomes not merely as a tenet, but as a practical, living thing in the experience of the entity; and thus does growth come.
11. For, if the body seeks in its present environ to find that source of the continuity of spiritual and mental as well as material development, it will learn - and has learned - that the SPIRITUAL is the life. This the entity
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understands. Know that the spirit is willing, but the flesh at times is weak. What aids body? What aids the better understanding? The keeping of the mental attitude that is ever constructive in the experience, and in the relationships with the problems not only of the moment but of others in THEIR daily relationships. Know that these must be as a COORDINANT thing, as a PRACTICAL thing, as a CONSISTENCY - in daily living, daily speech, daily activity - with the SPIRITUAL ideal.
12. Know that the purpose for which each soul enters a material experience is that it may be as a light unto others; not as one boastful of self or of self's abilities in any phase of the experience, whether mental or material, but living, being in spirit that which IS ideal and not idealistic alone, nor the unattainable.
13. For, as He hath given - if ye would know the Spirit, or God, search for Him; for happy ye will find Him.
14. Thus - in that consciousness of daily living and being that which is in keeping with the ideal - life and its problems becomes not a burden, but opportunities - for the greater expressions and expansions of self in knowing that as ye sow daily the fruit of the spirit, ye need not worry nor fret thyself as to its growth. GOD giveth the increase. Hence be not weary in well-doing.
15. In the practical application, then - this should be in any forms in which there is the physical activity that deals not merely with the vanity of the individual as to dress, but rather as in relationships with individuals or groups such that what ye would prepare for them brings to their awareness THAT FOR WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE GROUP STANDS - as a creative thing!
16. Giving that to others in such a measure makes for the awareness that the entity is ever being in that of a constructive attitude or activity.
17. In meeting the problems, if there is the air of appealing to vanity or the ego alone, it will and does become a burden; but if it is in that air, that manner in which it becomes as a creative influence in the experience of the entity, it is well.
18. Ready for questions.
19. (Q) Please explain the apparent conflict at times between my ideas about business and business practices and my mental and spiritual ideals, giving helpful suggestions as to how I may bring about a more harmonious relationship between the two. (A) This has been dwelt upon in detail, and will be seen if there is the analyzing of that just given - in making it or
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applying it to a PRACTICAL experience. For, as indicated from the experiences of the entity in Salonica and France - we find that one (the French) activity was as from a command; thus there was EASILY obtained the material as well as the mental relationships of the activities. In the other (Salonica) we had the attempt of the entity to maintain or bring ABOUT an ATTITUDE in the MINDS of others, by what might be called in the present pure propaganda. Now: Between these two do we find in the present the problems to be met, in the associations, and in the practices that may be called by some "sharp business," by others as purely the attempt to "outdo" another individual. Then - as has been indicated, in making application - practical application of those things, as has been done, let the general stress never be as to the influences from taking EITHER of these sides. Rather to each individual, each group approached, let it be stressed that the attitude of self - that offered - is to be and to fill a place in the experience that is to be a constructive thing throughout; and we will find this can be made to grow, and the problems become - as indicated - opportunities rather than stumbling-stones to an idea or an ideal. For, know - as has so oft been indicated - there IS an ideal in which extremes meet - the beginning and the end of patience, love, faith, hope and kindness. These, as we find, are ideals - not ideas. They are ever constructive, and can be measured in one's experience to meet all forms of sharp practices or of deceit, or of littleness of any nature. [12/20/40 He told GD that the spiritual advice in this rdg. had changed his whole outlook on the business world; that because of it he actually could approach every prospect with a creative attitude, no matter how cranky or tough a prospective client or competitor might be.] For, know that His experience - as we take Him with us in our activity - FITS one for EVERY problem. For, the ideal is as this; that that AUTHOR of same is able to keep one against ANY experience that may arise in thy dealings with others. KNOW that these are law - just as it is divine law, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least, ye do it unto thy Maker."
20. (Q) Should I continue working as a salesman on the road, or would it be advisable now for me to seek to become
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associated at the home office of my company in another capacity? (A) Remain on the road for at least another six to eight months. For, these are the problems, these are the lessons to be gained: the needs of individual activity in the various problems that arise in the distribution and in the sale of those commodities in which the entity has found, does find, a means for an outlet of the abilities of the entity. Then, within that time there will be changes brought about such that there will be the greater opportunity for the entity to act in that capacity in the home office as the DIRECTOR of the sales force, and the DISTRIBUTION, and the MANNER of handling other problems of like nature.
21. (Q) How may I accomplish the most through my efforts in this direction? (A) Read what has just been indicated. Analyze it in reference to the various problems as given. For, any one of the individual problems that have been and are a part of the experience may be analyzed through the principles as have been here laid down. Let this be, as indicated, the policy - as an illustration, here: We have a problem here at Clemson, in which there are the abilities of the entity to meet the problems for this group by the meeting of the prices that have been indicated by others who do not look to other than just OBTAINING the order. This may be done by the very air with which the entity approaches same, the variation in the style, the variation in the character of the workmanship - and this will need to be so impressed upon not only those for whom such is prepared, but upon those who are to prepare same; for these must ever work together. This is the air and the attitude to be expressed. These are not merely conditions or problems just to be gotten rid of, then, but to be used as activities for a constructive experience for ALL, for a definite place in the activities of those who use the product produced! In this manner should the entity act, and so impress upon each of the groups approached.
22. (Q) Should I ask for an expense account in addition to my 10% commission on sales to take care of part of my traveling expenses? If so, how much? (A) As we find - as there is indicated by the analyzing of the various conditions in which there is a variation in prices - 2 1/2% more commission as a part, either to be taken up in the traveling expenses or as an ADDED inducement
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for a greater activity in the directions indicated.
23. (Q) On what parts of my territory should I concentrate at present? (A) As we find, North and South Carolina. A little bit later - beginning along in the latter part of February, - through the western portions of Virginia, norther portions of Virginia, and West Virginia and Maryland.
24. (Q) Should I change my headquarters from Va. Beach to some other place in my territory; if so, where? (A) This depends upon the attitude of the entity itself. To be sure, this has drawbacks as well as other problems. As we find, under the circumstance, it is well to keep in the present environ for at least part of the period.
25. (Q) How can I plan trips in order to avoid unnecessary traveling? (A) By the organization choosing, or knowing, or by OBTAINING the PROBABLE needs in the various sections and having same built up, or data sent, and those requests returned to the entity.
26. (Q) Suggest ways of improving my service to my customers and to my company? (A) We have been trying to do this! If we haven't done it so far, then we are through!
27. (Q) Toward what definite objective should I work in my association with the company I am with at the present time? (A) As has been given. Sales Manager, or Director of Sales Force and the Distribution of the products.
28. (Q) Outline particular studies which would better fit me for carrying on my life work. (A) Those very problems as we have outlined here.
29. (Q) As I call the names, please advise how I have been previously associated with my present employers, what are the present urges, and how may I use them for mutual benefit. First - [412]'s brother? (A) We do not find an association save in the Atlantean period; and, as to the application of same, these become at times as combative one toward another, then at others most pleasant - depending very much upon the FEELING, physically, of each of the entities.
30. (Q) [412]? (A) There were closer associations here, but these may be gathered best by a paralleling of the activities of each. [See 412-5, 412-6 and 641-1.]
31. (Q) [457]? (A) The same.
32. (Q) What circumstances of a past sojourn [See 641-1] brought about my present weakness of the digestive system,
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and why? (A) The overindulgence through the French as well as the Persian experience, with too much of the activity of the acid-producing forces in the system. Hence in the present, as indicated in the physical reactions from the mental and spiritual, there needs to be kept that of UNIFORMITY as well as consistency, in thought, speech AND foods.
33. (Q) Please elaborate on information given in my Life Reading as to the following capabilities, and how I may best develop and use them in the present: a. My ability to know materials? (A) As just indicated from the comparison of some of those conditions which existed in the activities of the individual in the former appearances; the ability to judge material, because of the great assortments and COMMANDS respecting not only its make and manufacture but its pattern, weave and the like.
34. (Q) Ability to describe the dress of a room full of people? (A) From the same source; for most of the activity was for royalty, and there were the needs for making same conform to a policy, and not as to clash one with another, yet to be distinctive as to the office or position held by individual groups. Hence this is to be that factor stressed in those things indicated for the present - the style or the pattern, the cut for the various groups, would represent much more than something JUST to cover the nakedness of the individual, - but a place, an air, an atmosphere. Not that of selfishness, not that to satisfy the ego or the vanity of individuals, but as to REPRESENT factors in their own organization or association towards a more universal activity of relationships that the school or the band or the group of individuals are to create BY not only their ABILITIES but their very personal appearance - to be creative in their approach, their activity, their associations. Study those forms well.
35. We are through for the present. Copy to Self " " Ass'n file " " Ass'n file