Edgar Cayce's Story Of Karma.pdf (PDFy mirror)

1. Edgar Cayce's Story Of Karma.pdf (PDFy mirror)

Edgar Cayce's Story Of Karma.pdf (PDFy mirror)

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EDGARCAYC

STORY OF

KARMA

SELECTIONS, ARRANGEMENT AND COMMENTS BYMARY ANN WOODWARDINTRODUCTION BY

Hugh Lynn Cayce

IS

BERKLEY BOOKS, NEW YORK

The records of an entity are written upon time and space asthe skein of things. They may be called as images. Forthoughts are things, and as they run so are the impressionsmade upon what we call time and space. (1562-1)

FOREWORD

Edgar Cayce gave over fourteen thousand psychicreadings, of which approximately one-third were lifereadings (accounts of past earth lives). These life readingsreported some of the individual's former earth appearanc-es with their consequences. The readings used the term"entity" to denote the complete individual, including thephysical body, the conscious mind, the subconscious mind,the astral body, the soul, and the superconscious mind.Capitals were used in the records for emphasis, whereEdgar Cayce had spoken a little louder to emphasizesomething.

This book has been prepared with the hope and prayerthat the illustrations and the counsel given others willenable the reader to better understand himself and hispurpose in life.

MARY ANN WOODWARD

INTRODUCTION

Reincarnation is a foolish belief of ignorant masses thatman is reborn as an insect or animal. Rebirth is a conceptwhich it is not necessary to consider because Jesus came todie for our sins. Reincarnation is, in various forms, a partof the beliefs of a number of major world religions andphilosophies. It is intellectually stimulating. Rebirth is anacceptable idea. Karma is a universal law with which oneshould be working. Which of these is closest to yourposition?

Is man reborn in one human form after another? Doeshe use his bodies, his homes, through which to express the"real self' in different environments and through differenthereditary strains? Is it possible that talents and abilities,as well as weaknesses and faults, are expressed and workedout from life to life as man grows toward Godconsciousness? Such urges, such tendencies, actuallymemories of the "soul," would be karrnic patterns.

Mary Ann Woodward is a person who, in my opinion,has begun to work with karma as one of the important lawsof life. She has taken literally Paul's admonition "Be notdeceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a mansoweth, that shall he also reap"* and examines it in thelight of the psychic data in the Edgar Cayce readings onkarma.

Miss Woodward knew my father, Edgar Cayce, and hadinformation from him in readings which, in her opinion,constructively affected her life.

She did not stop there, for she has gone On to study thereadings and talk with other people who have tried to applythem. After writing and lecturing over a period of years for

• Gal. 6:7.

the association which has preserved and is cataloguing,examining, and testing the readings, she is now able tobring to this book considerable new data from the EdgarCayce files, some helpful insights, and illuminatingcomments on the subjects of rebirth and karma.

This volume is a welcome addition to a growing list ofcommentaries on Edgar Cayce's psychic data.

HUGH LYNN CAYCE

I

CONTENTS

Foreword 5

Introduction 7

I. Meeting Self 11

IL Stumbling Blocks and Stepping-stones 25

m. Physical Karma 43

IV. Memory: Our Good Karma—Talents, 89Careers, Vocational Aptitudes

V. Family Relationships 131

VI. Group Karma 185

VII. The Return 213

Appendix: The Philosophy of 233Reincarnation

MEETING SELF

CHAPTER ONE

For verily I say unto you. Till heaven and earth pass,one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,till all be fulfilled.

—Matthew V:18

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than onetittle of the law to fail. —Luke XVI:17

What is this immutable law referred to by both Luke andMatthew? Obviously, it is the law of cause and effect,called by many, particularly in the Orient, karma.

The word "karma" is used philosophically to indicateconditions in the present steroming from thoughts andactions in the past Its Sanskrit meaning encompasses bothaction and reaction (or consequences). Its Hindu meaningencompasses work, or the labor of the soul seeking toattain union with God. Today we think of it as the law ofcause and effect

The psychic readings given by Edgar Cayce explainedkarma, in its many aspects and ramifications, as "meetingself." Most of our acts or deeds produce an immediateeffect or result We are usually aware of the effect of ouracts and choices 2nd know whether they are right or wrong.We see this at once. It might be called "cash" karma, soquickly are the consequences felt. There are, however,many circumstances or conditions for which we can see nocause or reason unless we can accept the theory ofreincarnation. For example, why is one child born to richesor plenty and happy, loving surroundings, and another topoverty and rejection? What is it that attracts souls to suchdifferent environments? Why is one child a genius and an-other retarded or an idiot? Man often, in his misery, criesout as Job did: "Why has this been visited upon me?"Unless explained by previous existence or lives, these thingsseem inexplicable.

The Edgar Cayce readings maintain that each person isresponsible for the circumstances in which he findshimself. He is not the innocent victim of his environment;he is simply meeting self.

13

What ye sow, ye reap. There are often experiences inwhich individuals apparently reap that which they havenot sown, but this is only the short self vision of theentity or the one analyzing and studying purposes orideals in relationship to those particular individuals.(2528-3)

Meeting self, according to the information given in theEdgar Cayce readings, is actually meeting theconsequences of our own actions or attitudes. This meetingself also includes our previous thoughts and emotions. Wereincarnate, or live again, in earth to face the results wehave brought about Not only do we daily make choices,but we have made choices in former lives for which we areresponsible. We are free to choose, but we must realize thatwithin each choice are future choices. The consequences ofour choices and acts are the "jot and tittle" we must face.We cannot escape.

Cause and effect to many are the same as karma.Karma is that brought over, while cause and effectmay exist in the one material experience only. (2981-21)

A. Most individuals in the present misinterpret karmicinfluences—each soul, each entity, should gain theproper concept of destiny. Destiny is within, or is as offaith, or is as the gift of the Creative Forces. Karmicinfluence is, then, rebellious influence against such.When opportunities are presented, it is the entity's ownwill force that must be exercised—that which hasseparated it or has made it equal to the creativeinfluences in the higher spiritual forces to make for itselfthat advancement Then in every contact is there theopportunity for an entity, a soul, to fulfill or meet initself or its soul self s association with the CreativeForcesfrom the First Cause, to embrace that necessaryfor the entity to.enter into the at-oneness with thatCreative Force. Hence as for the entity's fulfilling, it isever on the road. (903-23)For life and its expressions are one. Each soul or

14

entity will and does return, or cycle, as does nature in itsmanifestations about man; thus leaving, making, orpresenting—as it were—those infallible, indelible truthsthat it—life—is continuous. And though there may be afew short years in this or that experience, they are one;the soul, the inner self, being purified, being lifted up,that it may be one with that first cause, that first purposefor its coming into existence.

And though there may be those experiences here andthere, each has its relationships with that which has gonebefore, that is to come. And mere has been given to eachsoul that privilege, that choice, of being one with theCreative Forces. And the patterns that have been set asmarks along man's progress are plain. None mounthigher than that which has been left in Him who madethat intercession for man, that man through Him mighthave the advocate with the Father. And those truths,those tenets—yea, those promises—that have been set inHim are true and may be the experience of each andevery soul, as each entity seeks, strives, tries, desires tobecome and pursues the way of becoming with Him.

Then, as mere has been and is the passage of a soulthrough time and space, through this and thatexperience, it has been and is for the purpose of givingmore and more opportunities to express that whichjustifies man in his relationships one with another; inmercy, love, patience, long-suffering, brotherly love.

For these be the fruits of the spirit, and they thatwould be one with Him must worship Him in spirit andin truth. (938-1)

We and we alone are responsible for what we are andour condition in this earth.

The Edgar Cayce readings indicate that the individualityis the sum total of what the entity has done about Creativeand ideal forces in its various experiences in the earth. Theindividuality changes as the entity acts, thinks, and feels inthe present about its ideals, its experiences, and itsopportunities; Problems, conditions, individuals, all causea reaction in the individuality. Each phase of the entity hasits separate attributes, which may be both physical andspiritual. Also, they may be one, and to accomplish this the

15

entity must use the mind. The mind is the builder, the myin which one approaches either infinity or materiality.

For it is not by chance that each entity enters, but thatthe entity—as a part of the whole—may fill that placewhich no other soul may fill so welL

Thus with each material manifestation there is anundertaking by an entity to so manifest that it, as a partof the whole, may become more and more attuned tothat consciousness, and thus glorify Him in the entity'srelationships to others in any and in every experience.

Thus the urges latent or manifested are expressions ofan entity in the varied phases of consciousness. In thematerial or earthly sojourn these find expressions ormanifestations in a three-dimensional manner. Eachentity, thus, finds itself body, mind,, and soul. Thesephases represent the three spiritual attributes that areunderstandable or comprehended in materiality. Yet asthe mental and the spiritual become more and moreexpressive, or controlling through the experiences in theearth, die entity becomes aware of other dimensions inits material sojourn.

While body is subject to all the influences ofmateriality, it may be controlled—the emotionsthereof—by the mind. And the mind may be directed byspirit. Spirit is that portion of the First Cause whichfinds expression in all that is everlasting in theconsciousness of mind OR matter.

And no urge—whether of the material sojourns or ofthe astrological aspects—surpasses the mental andspiritual abilities of a soul to choose its course that it, thesoul and mind, may take.

In materiality, then, as may be expressed in whateverenviron a body has chosen, it becomes accustomed orattuned to the environs of that particular sphere ofactivity. Yet these may become localized; or they maybecome state- or nation-minded, or spiritual- or fellow-man-minded, thereby altering the maimer in which theentity may express itself, though under the same environof others in that particular sphere of activity. (2533-1)

Each entity, each soul, enters the material experiencefor purposes. These are not individual or of a selfish

16

nature, though they are very personal in theirapplication and their practice.

Each soul meets CONSTANTLY ITSELF; not alonein what is called at times karma or karmic influences.For remember, Life is God; that which is constructivegrows; that which is destructive deteriorates.

Then, karmic forces—if the life application in theexperience of an individual entity GROWS to a haven ofpeace and harmony and understanding; or ye GROW toHeaven, rather than going to heaven; ye grow in grace,in understanding,

Remember then as this: There are promises made bythe Creative Forces, or God, to the children of men, that"if ye will be my daughter, my son, my child, I willindeed be thy God."

This is an individual promise. Hence the purposes arefor an entrance; the SOUL may be prepared for anindwelling with die soul, the mind, of the living God.

How, then, ye ask, are ye to know when ye are on thestraight and narrow way?

My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit that ye axeindeed die children of God.

How? Thy God-Consciousness, thy soul, eithercondemns, rejects, or falters before conditions that existin the experience of the mental and material self. Mindever is the builder. (1436-1)

We often feel we are treated unjusdy or that we deserveletter things. This is probably only the short view, for welo reap what we sow. We must meet in the physical whatre have done or thought in the mental.

So we have or meet those various aspects in theexperience of each individual; for where there have beenthe constructive or destructive aspects in the experienceof each individual, they must be met in the same sphereor plane of activity in which they have been in action inthe experience of the entity—and met according to thatwhich is to be meted. For what saith the law? As yemete, so shall it be meted to thee in thine ownexperience, in thine own activity. So, as individuals intheir material or mental experience in the material world

17

find that they are in the activity of being mistreated, asfrom their angle, from their own angle have theymistreated. If harshness has come to thine ownexperience, so has there been in thine own activity thatwhich makes for same; and so is the experience in eachphase. (262-81)

Learn this lesson well—the spiritual truth: Criticizenot unless ye wish to be criticized. For with whatmeasure ye mete it is measured to thee again. It may notbe in the same way, but ye cannot even THINK bad ofanother without it affecting thee in a manner ofdestructive nature.

Think WELL of others, and if ye cannot speak well ofthem, don't speak at all—but don't think it, either!

Try to see self in the other's place. This will bring thebasic spiritual forces that must ibe the promptinginfluence in the experience of each soul, if it would growin grace, in knowledge, in understanding; not only of itsrelationship to God, its relationship to its fellow man,but its relationships in the home and in the social life.

For know that the Lord thy God is One. And all thatye may know of good must first be within self. All yemay know of God must be manifested through thyself.To hear of Him is not to know. To apply and live and belike Hun IS to know! (2936-2)

We are constantly meeting ourselves.

For each soul must meet in its own self that which theentity or body metes to its fellow man in "its" idealrelations with such. (876-1)

Some may ask, some may say, how or when does onebecome aware of that mercy, grace? As the individual inthe Christ is under the law of grace and mercy and not ofsacrifice. Then indeed does each soul, each individual, insame become aware of the saving grace—or the purposefor which the Holy One gave within self that sacrificesuch that all through Him may become aware, in the'spiritual plane, through the grace of the Christ, of themanner in which the individual has met in the material.For He has forgiven thee already. Only in thinebrother—as ye are to be judged before Him by the deed

18

done in the body-physical. For once for all has Heentered in that ye are forgiven by Him already. (262-81)

Have ye not read as He gave, that he who is guilty ofone jot or tittle is guilty of it all? Have ye not read thatye shall pay to the uttermost farthing? Yet it is not thesame as considered by some, that ye have bunded thineown karma—and that the blood, the debt, the law ofgrace is of none effect. But as He has given, if thineactivity is made that ye may be seen of men, or if thinepurpose, thine aim, thine desire is for self-glorification,then ye are none of His. Then, the meeting of the deedsdone in die body is by relying upon the faith in Him, theactivity that makes for an exemplification in die flesh ofthat faith, of that mercy. If ye would have mercy, be yemerciful. B ye would be faithful, show thyself by thy actsthat ye trust in Him. How readest thou? "Consider thelilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither dothey spin; yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all hisglory was not arrayed like one of these." Hast thou puton the Christ, then, in thy activity with thy neighbor,with thy brother, with those of thine own house? Knowye within thyself . Hast thou met with Him in thine innerchamber of thine own temple? Ye believe that your bodyis the temple of the living God. Do ye act like that? Thenbegin to put same into practice, making practicalapplication of that thou hast gained, leaving the resultswith thy God.

Thou believest He is able to keep that thou hastcommitted unto Him. Dost thou live like that? Dost thoucherish the thought: "l am in Thy hands. In Thee, OGod, do we live and move and have our being in theflesh: And we as Thy children will act fust that'?Speakest thou evil of thy friend, thy foe, or as thouwouldst speak if thou wert in the presence of thy God?Ye are continually in that presence, within thy self. Hewith the Father, He in thee. Will ye keep the faith that isaccounted to thee for righteousness, that thy body in itspurging—through the varied experiences in theearth—may ever be a channel that points to the livingGod?

What will ye do about same? (262-82)

19

Actually, oar karma has many aspects and ramificationsreaching into the past and also into the future if thecondition or problem has not been resolved. Not only ouracts and deeds but also our thoughts bring their kanniceffects; for thought precedes the deed, and thoughts aretilings*

"From the abundance of the heart the mouthspeaketh"; and thoughts are deeds, and each builds tohimself that which is to be glorification, or edification,or resentment built in self. Then act in the way which isbefitting and responds in yourself. (294-58)

One man asked:

Q. Have I karma from any previous existence that shouldbe overcome?

A. Well that karma be understood, and how it is to be metFor, in various thought—whether considered philosophyor religion or whether from the scientific manner ofcause and effect—karma is all of these and more.Rather it may be likened unto a piece of food, whetherfish or bread, taken into the system; it is assimilated bythe organs of digestion, and then those elements that aregathered from same are made into the forces that flowthrough the body, giving the strength and vitality to ananimate object, or being, or body. So, in experiences of asoul, in a body, in an experience in the earth. Itsthoughts make for that upon which the soul feeds, as dothe activities that are carried on from the thought of theperiod make for the ability of retaining or maintainingthe active force or active principle of the thoughtthrough the experience. Then the soul reentering into abody under a different environ either mates for theexpending of that it has made through die experience inthe sojourn in a form that is called in some religions asdestiny of the soul, in another philosophy that which hasbeen builded must be met in some way or manner, or inthe more scientific manner that a certain cause producesa certain effect Hence we see that karma is all of theseand more. What more? Ever since the entering of spiritand soul into matter there has been a way of redemption

20

for the soul, to make an association and a connectionwith the Creator, through the love for the Creator that isin its experience. Hence this, too, must be taken intoconsideration; that karma may mean the developmentfor self—and must be met in that way and manner; or itmay mean that which has been acted upon by thecleansing influences of the way and manner throughwhich the soul, the mind-soul, or the soul-mind ispurified, or to be purified, or purifies itself and hencethese changes come about—and some people term it"Lady Luck" or "The body is born under a lucky star."It's what the soul-mind has done about the source ofredemption of the soul! Or it may be yet that of causeand effect, as related to the soul, the mind, the spirit, thebody. (440-5)

We often think we have karma with other people as thequestioner [1436] in the following interchange did. This isapparently a misunderstanding of the true nature of karmaWe only meet ourselves. Karma is a personal thing andonly with God or the Creative Forces. It is not betweenindividuals. Other people merely provide the means orconditions for us to learn our lessons and gain self-mastery.We must attain perfection through spiritual unfoldment sothat we may become companions and cocreators with Godthe Father.

Q. Is there some karmic debt to be worked cut with eitheror both and should I stay with them until I have madethem feel more kindly toward me?

A. Thy relationships to thy fellows through the variousexperiences in the earth come to be then in the light ofwhat Creative Forces would be in thy relationships tothe act itself: And whether it be as individual activities tothose who have individualized as thy father, thy mother,thy brother, or the like, or others, it is merely self beingmet, in relationships to what they themselves areworking out, and not a karmic debt between but akarmic debt of self that may be worked out between theassociations that exist in the present!And this is true for every soul."If ye will but take that that as was given thee!21

Neither do I condemn thee—neither do I condetmthee."

WHO GAVE THAT? LIFE ITSELFI Not spersonality, not an individual alone; though individuallyspoken to the entity, to the soul that manifests itself iithe present in the name called [1436]. This becomes theinot an incident but a lesson, that all may learn! This Lthe reason, that is the purpose, that is why in the activitymuch should be expected, why much shall be enduredwhy much may he given, by the soul that has learnetthat God condemns not them that seek to know His factand believe!

Then it is not karma but in HIM that the debt is paidFor who forgave thee thy material shortcomings, thymaterial errors, as judged by thy superiors at thaiexperience in the material world? <

Thy Lord, thy Master—thyselfl For He stands in thjstead, before the willingness of thy inner self, thy soulto do good unto others; that willingness, that seeking, iflightness, if ye will but see—and forget the law thaikuleth but remember the spirit of forgiveness that make!alive! (1436-3)

Q. What debt do I owe J. M.?

A. Only that ye build in thine own consciousness.

For every soul, as every tub, must stand upon its oweself. And the soul that holds resentment owes the soul tcwhom it is held—much! Hast thou forgiven him th«wrong done thee? Then thou owest naught! (1298-1)

Do not attempt to be good but rather good foisomething!

Know what is thy purpose, what is thy goal! Aniunless these are founded in constructive, spiritualconstruction, they will turn again upon thyself!For each soul is meeting day by day self IHence as has been given, know thyself, in whom thoibelievest! Not of earthly, not of material things, bumental and spiritual—and why I And by keeping :record of self—not as a diary, but thy purposes, whayou have thought, what you have desired, the good thayou have done—we will find this will bring physical ancmental reactions that will be in keeping with th<22

purposes for which each soul enters a materialmanifestation. (830-3)

Every incarnation is an opportunity; so is really goodkarma, whether we are having difficulty in learning ourlesson or not We are attracted to the environment whichgives the needed lesson.

We find that there were those environs in which theattraction gave the opportunity for the entity to bringcreative influences and forces in the experience, to meetself: and thus correct much that had been and is in theway of development for the soul-entity.

For each soul enters that it may make its pathstraight They alone who walk the straight and narrowway may know themselves to be themselves, and yet onewith the Creative Forces. Hence the purpose for eachentrance is that the opportunities may be embraced bythe entity for living, being, that which is creative and inkeeping with the Way. For the Father has not willed thatany soul should perish and is thus mindful that each soulhas again—and yet again—the opportunity for makingits paths straight (2021-1)

What thou seest mat thou be'stDust it thou seest dustGod, if thou seest God.

23

STUMBLING BLOCKS ANDSTEPPING-STONES

CHAPTER TWO

And those influences in the emotions—unless they aregoverned by an ideal—may often become a stumbling-stone. (1599-1)

The emotions come from sojourns in the earth. Theinnate influences come from sojourns in the environsabout the earth—the interims between earth incar-nations. (1523-4)

While it is true we do have karmic urges from the pastand for the future, we should remember that our manyattitudes and emotions are our real karma. If we reallyloved our fellow man and were selfless, we would turn ourkarma into grace and mercy.

The stumbling block always lies in self-ag-grandizement of power and ability stored in one's ownself, in the misuse of self in relation one to another.(137-118)

For each soul seeks- expression. And as it movesthrough the mental associations and attributes in thesurrounding environs, it gives out that which becomeseither for selfish reactions of the own ego—toexpress—or for the I AM to be atone with the Great IAM THAT I AM. (987-4)

This woman was warned very definitely about misuse ofemotions.

The entity may play upon the emotions of others or itmay use them for stepping-stones or stumbling blocks. Itmay use opportunities to raise others to the point ofanxiety or to the point where they would spend theirsouls for the entity, using them either as buildings or asserpents or scorpions in its emotions. It may love verydeeply, either for the universal consciousness or forgratifying only of self or the physical emotions.

Again the entity may express each of the emotions in27

O

their counterpart—as patience, long-suffering, brotherlylove, kindness, gentleness. It can also look on and hatelike the dickens! It can look on and smile and love to theextent of being willing to give all for the cause orpurpose.

These are abilities latent and manifested in this entity.Use them, not abuse them. For the powers as of friends,the powers as of love, the powers as of patience, thepowers as of the spirits that be are at thy beck and calLUse them, don't abuse them. Use them to the glory ofthy ideal, and let that ideal be set in that way of theCross.

As has been indicated well by others, indicate in thineown life in this experience'—for you've shown all phasesof it in others: Let others do as they may, but as for me,I will serve the living God. And I am determined to knownothing among men save Jesus the Christ and himcrucified, that I might know the Father;

In mercy, in justice, in love, then, deal thy abilities tothy associates and thy fellow man. (3637-1)

Our will is the key to freedom. We must choose to doright and then exert our wills in that direction.

For will is that developing factor with which an entitychooses or builds that freedom, or that of being free,knowing the truth as is applicable in the experience, andin the various experiences as has been builded; for thatbuilded must be met, whether in thought or in deed; forthoughts are deeds, and their current run is through thewhole of the influence in an entitys experience. Hence,as was given, "He that hateth his brother has committedas great a sin as he that slayeth a man," for the deed is asof an accomplishment in the mental being, which is thebuilder for every entity. (243-10)

For each soul enters the material plane for thefulfilling of a purpose; that it, the souL may be one withthe Creative Forces. And when such purpose is allowedto be overridden because of the application for materialgains, or for self-indulgence, or self-glorification, or forself-exaltation—then stumbling blocks are in theexperience. (1849-2)

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Fear, perhaps the most devastating of all emotions, oftenstems from past experiences which are buried deep in oarsubconscious. Some of these fears seem foolish andinexplicable in the present, yet had ft very real reason in thepast

This person's fear of knives and catting instruments wasexplained.

In this same place where the entity spent the days [inPersia, at the time of Croesus] was where the life wastaken by the invading forces from the south and eastHence, in the present the aversion to cuttinginstruments, for in that manner the destruction came.(288-1)

We naturally cling to life; so any instrument whichcaused one to lose life would make a deep impression offear, which would be difficult to overcome,

The fear may be rather indefinite, as this person's fear ofimpending danger.

In the one pife] before this in that of Poseidia, and inthat Atlantean rule this entity then was in the householdof the peasant that gave the information regarding theupheaval in the mountains that brought the destructionto the land.

As to the personalities as exhibited from theindividualities of this entity:

In the first that of the fear of impending danger.These are innate conditions.

In the second, in the rule of those who would be themaster of the entity; that ability to do so.

In the next the gift of those elements through whichthe entity should develop itself at present

In the next the love of the beautiful, yet unreserved ofself, so long as those whom the entity cares for receivethe best

Then, from these, gain this understanding:Keep in the way that the development of the soul maybe such as not necessary for the return; unless the entityso desires! Then it may bring to itself those conditions in

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its own mental forces through which the soul gains itsdevelopment (4353-4)

Here we see not only a fear which originated manylifetimes ago but also other personality trails whichdeveloped in later lives. We are the result or the sum totalof all our experiences. We gain or lose in every earth life,acquiring some attitudes in one life and other attitudes inlater lives, as this entity did. Moreover, we do not losethese urges, attitudes, or emotions; we have to overcomethem.

This next woman's fear originated in her previous life, sowas probably more definite, since it was not thousands ofyears old.

la the one before this, we find in those days when thefirst settlers came into this land. The entity was thenamong those who gave in the development of thoselands, and came among those first settlers, in the nameSara Golden, and the entity saw all of the children of theentity taken and scourged in the fires, and the entitylived in dread through the remaining days of the entity'ssojourn in the earth's plane, gaining in the sojourn untilthat wrath brought on by lack of the confidence in theDivine to protect the entity-and those of her children.This, as we see, brings this dread in the life to the entityfor the bearing of children, and of the consequences insame; being then a direct influence in the presentexistence, and made that as has brought destructiveforces in the entity's sojourn. (4286-3)

All of us might have such karmic fears as these; for thiswoman suffered persecution from invaders.

We find in the times when the change in the rule in theforces under that of Alexander The Great wasoverrunning that portion of Persia that this entity wasthen in that country and suffered under the persecutionsof the invaders. In that time, we find the name as that ofHannah, and in the household of the defender of one ofthe cities taken by the invaders. As to the personality asexhibited in the present sphere, we find one ever in dread

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of an invasion of any character, whether in physical or inmental forces. (4562-2)

This following question indicates a very vague orrepressed fear.

Q. Why do I feel depressed and lonely at nightfall?

A. This is the common lot of man—these come as parts ofthe emotions. Very few find that period of the gloamingas the period of expectancy. Many others find it as theperiod in which they are being left alone. For as ye wereoft—as have been many—left at eventide. (1523-32)

Nearly every individual has some innate fear. Actually,fear is a very basic emotion, for many attitudes andemotions, such as. nervousness and lack of confidence, aresubconsciously rooted in it What we call anxiety is really aform of fear. This person asked how to overcome such adeep-seated fear.

Q. Career as a pianist was brought to an end through myextreme nervousness and lack of confidence, and othertalents have suffered because of an overpowering fear.What am I to do?

A. No doubt overpowering fear. Right about face! Know itis within thee! Defying this has brought fear, has broughtthe anxieties. Turn about, and pray a little oftener. Dothis oftener. Do this several weeks, yes—let a wholemoon pass, or a period of a moon—28 days—and neverfail to pray at two o'clock in the morning. Rise andpray—facing eastl Ye will be surprised at how muchpeace and harmony will come into thy soul. This doesn'tmean being goody-goody—it means being good forsomething, but let it be creative and not that which willeventually turn and rend thee....

First find self and the relationships to the CreativeForces. Add to thyself brotherly love, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, kindness, and these will bringwithin thy experience a varied concept from that beingapplied in the present

. Better right-about-face while it is time, else the gloryof the Lord may pass thee by. (3509-1)

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If this entity, in this particular sojourn, would makeadvancements, materially, mentally, spiritually, it mustfirst apply in self that which will wholly cast out fear:fear of others, fear of influences, fear of what may cometo pass. For if the entity comes to that consciousnesswhich is a part of the universal consciousness, that yeabide—in body, mind, and purpose—as one with theCreative Forces, you are at peace with the world andhave nothing to fear. For God will not allow any soul tobe tempted beyond that it is able to bear—if the soulputs its whole trust in the Creative Forces manifested inthe Christ-Consciousness. (5030-1)

For being afraid is the first consciousness of sin'sentering in, for he that is made afraid has lostconsciousness of self s own heritage with the Son; for weare heirs through Him to that Kingdom that is beyond allof that that would make afraid, or that would cause adoubt in the heart of any. Through the recesses of theheart, then, search out that that would make afraid,casting out fear, and He alone may guide. (243-10)

Case 3162 is an unusual one of a four-year-old child'srepeated hysteria due to nightmares. It also answersanother question often asked as to how soon an entity mayreturn. This child's terror was very real to it; for it hadreturned very soon after its previous life.

Here we have a quick return—from fear to fearthrough fear. And these bring, with those experiences ofthe entity, that which will require special influences to beput into the experiences of this mind; that it may be keptaway from fear, away from loud noises, darkness, thescream of sirens, the shouts of individuals of fear to theentity.

For the entity was only just coming to that awarenessof the beauty of association, of. friendships, of thebeautiful outdoors, nature, flowers, birds, and of God'smanifestations to man of the beauty, of the oneness ofpurpose with individual activities in nature itself; andthen the tramping of feet, the shouts of arms, broughtdestructive forces.

The entity then was only a year to two years older32

than in the present experience, that finds the world sucha turmoil for the entity in its dreams, its visions, itsexperiences, in (nose periods when the body-mind isactive again to those fears about it

The entity then, in the name Theresa Schwalendal,was on the coasts of Lorraine. The entity only passedout and then in less than nine months again entered amaterial world.

Be patient Do not scold. Do not speak harshly. Donot fret nor condemn the body-mind. But do tell it dailyof the love that Jesus had for little children, of peace andharmony; never those stories of the witch, never those oftearfulness of any great punishment; but love, patience.

This do, and we will find a great a wonderful soulthat has come again to bless many. (3162-1)

A book could be written on this one problem of fear.Books have been written about it for psychologistsrecognize it as our innermost problem. Guilt inferiorityfeelings, and hate (which is really love in reverse) all stemfrom fear. We hate what we fear or feel guilty about Ofcourse we are thinking of self when we indulge in suchemotions. So it is no wonder that the readings said ourgreatest fault is self.

Another reading gave directions for overcoming fear.

Fear is the root of most of the iOs of mankind,whether of self, or of what others think of self, or whatself will appear to others. To overcome fear is to fill themental, spiritual being with that which wholly casts outfear; that is as the love that is manifest in the worldthrough Him who gave Himself the ransom for many.Such love, such faith, such understanding, casts out fear.Be ye not fearful; for that thou sowest that thou mustreap. Be more mindful of that sown! (5459-3)

A woman's rebellious nature was explained by herprevious life. She apparently came to the United Statesseeking religious freedom.

[She] was then among those that came into the landduring or just following the period known as the

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Revolution, when those peoples from the native land ofthe entity in the present found in the new land a place forthe establishing of those tenets, in both religious and incarrying out the truths and activities of the peoples; thenin the name Kucio. In this experience the entity gainedand lost. Coming into a new land with high hopes in thetender years of experience brought much materialhardships, but satisfactions in the material and mentaldevelopments for the entity and those about the entity.The entity lost in the rebellions against those that wouldmake for such tyrannical activities in the relationships ofthe home and the church, and the entity rebellingbrought for self-discontent in the manner in which selfacted in relationships to others, building up much thatbecame not only contention but the lack of abilities toconsider the activities of others as those necessary forcesfor the experiencing in the affairs of their individual livesthat necessary for the unfoldment to the expressions of,or manifestations of, the concepts of the entities (otherthan self) as related to moral and spiritual relationships.In the latter portion of the experience the entity againsought, through those of the spiritual forces, that whichmade for the easier and greater contentment in theexperience. In the present we find from those influencesmuch that makes for those conditions that arise withinself s experience, as of rebellion in relationships to thosethat should be in the same position which the entityoccupied in the one then; and mere is seen much of whatis meted by that entity meted in that experience. Whencomparisons are drawn, as the entity did in the latterportion of that experience, the entity finds in the presentthat trusting in self only brings disappointments; forthose that are in the position of measuring others or self,by self, become unwise, unstable. Those mat measure bythose forces that are innate from within, as torelationships of Creative Forces, are in nearer accordwith that of being led by Him. (2118-1)

A reading given for a baby girl two days old (case 314)shows us possible stumbling blocks in other emotions andattitudes which were brought in With her. It also shows uskarma from the Roman period.

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In the one before this we find that the entity was inthat period when there were those persecutions in thatland known as the Roman, when those peoples werebeing persecuted for their beliefs in the spiritual lessonsthat were being given during those periods.

The entity then was among those of the household, orof the courtiers or cour des cades, of the rulers in thatland; yet never wholly losing sight of the innate purposesin the experience of those that suffered physicallythrough the activities of the rulers.

Then, though often rebuked by associates during theperiod, the entity led rather the life of one who courtedfavor and who asked for many of those experiences to bechanged or altered, yet throughout the experience keptself above those even of its surroundings and neversubmitted self to those indulgences as did many of theassociates through the period.

Gaining then, and losing only when the associations inthe marriage were forced upon the entity—and die entitylost faith in those who brought about these conditions.And the entity, rebelling in same, brought destructiveforces to her own being, through the manner of leavingthe earth in that experience.

In the present, then, there may be seen in thedeveloping years those periods of suUenness, yet ofcheerfulness to carry one's own point

In the latter portion of the present experience, theseinfluences will make for cheerfulness, as well as theabilities to succor, aid, comfort, and bring cheer to theexperience of man. (314-1)

The parents of this baby were given another warning andsuggestion for training this baby.

One, then, who will be found to be innately tended(and developing) toward headstrongaess; great mentalabilities, and will be able—and will have thosetendencies when speaking—to argue anything down inanother individual; a tendency for the obtaining andretaining of all that comes in the experience of the entity.

Not that selfishness will prevail, but this must of

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necessity be one of those things that the training andenviron must be warned concerning; that this does notbecome a fault for the entity, Lilith Ann.... (314-1)

Another interesting item in this reading was the fact thatEdgar Cayce named this baby. The suggested name bore astriking resemblance to a name the entity bore in aprevious life, which was Ann Lilith Bewton. In a stillearlier life she was named Lillila.

Case 470 was told that he had gained much during a lifein ancient Egypt while he was "the armor-bearer to theking of that land, acting then in the capacity of thedefender of that ruler. In that development the entitygained much, by keeping his own mouth shut and listeningto others. In the present personality we find this exhibitedin the entity's abilities to be a good listener."

His attitude toward the opposite sex was traced back toa still earlier life in what is now Peru.

Only failing in taking unto self too many of theopposite sex of the land, bringing then the enmity ofmany of the peoples in the later days. In the present wefind this urge to keep and steer clear of intrigues of suchnature that brings the difficulties in such relations, yetthese conditions ever presenting themselves to the entity.One condition to combat (470-2)

A little different attitude toward the opposite sex wasthat of a woman, 3241. This attitude came from a life inEngland.

Before that the entity was in the English land, duringthose periods when groups were selected to act in thecapacity of defenders of an ideal or purpose in thatcalled the Holy War, or the Crusades.

These brought fears to the entity respecting itsassociations with the opposite sex. Hence as indicated,there has come an awakening to the entity of this phaseof the experience, and that it may be abused or used asthe fulfilling of purposes in the experience.

The name then was Anne Stuart The entity was thereformer when those of its own household had gone to

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the activities in the Holy Land. Yet the fear of men stillexists in die experience, because of those activities there.(3241-1)

Another case which goes back to Bible times, "when thechildren of Promise passed through the lands that theywere forbidden to pass through, save with permission,"shows now attitudes develop toward us from our acts.

For the entity was among the descendants of Esau.Thus one that looked to the products of the field, and theabilities to use the mountainside in the interest of thosethings pertaining to mining, herding; though then as aleader.

The name was Jared. The entity took advantage of agroup. Hence expect a group to take advantage of thee!For what ye measure, it must be, it will be measured tothee. For ye must pay every whit that ye measure toothers. And this applies in the future as well as in thepast Do you wonder that your life is such a mess!

From same in the present, then, ye will find thingspertaining to spirituality, a search for truth, coming nighunto thee, even as then. Do not disregard same in thepresent Lay hold on same. Seek Him while He may befound. (3063-1)

As a result of persecutions in two incarnations, 2671now has great sympathy and love for the persecuted and adesire to help them. He was told:

There are many urges seen in the entity's presentexperience from the past experiences, or that buildedwithin the spiritual entity from which the material actswhen the body is acting from within.

In the one before this we find the entity among thosewho first settled in the country now known asConnecticut and the entity among those who came as toescape the religious persecution in the northern portionof the country in which the peoples resided. The bodygained in part and lost in part In the attempt to givesuccor, aid, and help to those in the new country, theentity gained. In attempting to give those in the country

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to which it returned, the entity lost, in attempting toforce the issue, and lost the life in the attempt to aidthose for whom the entity came for aid. Then in thename John Peters. In the urge as is seen from this—thatof ever being mindful of those who would express thedesire to worship from the dictates of their ownconscience. This is in the present entity almost as a fault.

In the one before this we find in that period whenpersecutions were in the Roman land. The entity amongthose who were of the persecuted peoples, and—thoughnot afraid for self—went to the lands to supply foods forthose who would give their lives for the peoples to whomthey offered relief through their teaching. Hence there isseen in the urges the love of die land and of the fruits ofthe soil, especially that as supplies food for the manbody, and the love of those who are persecuted, and thedesire to help same, without reward or without heraldingthat such is being done. In the name Ewoid. (2671-4)

Perhaps this present attitude toward persecution, with itsintensity, stemmed from a still earlier life because of a guiltfeeling which he was trying to submerge. Other urges, orattitudes toward others, began in a life with the Medes andthe Persians.

In the one before this we find in that land where thepeoples were in constant rebellion against the rule, nowknown as the Persian. The entity then in that capacity asthe (or what would be termed in the present day) bankerof Media, and the entity in that period, for the entity notonly served the ruler, and in this service brought to selfmuch of the satisfaction as is found in same; and inexcavations yet to be made there will be found that thosestores, those records caused to be made by Artiel, will befound in the land of the Medes and Persians. In die urgesas is seen from this—the ability to know the usage ofindividual endeavor of those outside, and a judge ofhuman nature as manifested in individual lives.

In the one before this we find the contrariwiseexperience of the entity, in the land now known as theIndian country. The entity then among those who wouldpersecute those that came down from the hill country for

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the fruits of the valleys. The entity being the leader,then, of the raiders that would take not only the spoils,but the bodies, and put in servitude those that fell intothe hands of Abioduol, and the entity lost through thisexperience, through that of persecuting the fellow man,and in the urge as is seen—there riles from within as ofsomething awakened that needs to be submerged, asalmost a hatred for one who would persecute another,and often the entity finds self boiling, as it were, to seeknot only the personal vengeance, but to submit orsubdue such conditions. (2671-4)

As we trace this man's earth lives back through thecenturies, we see how attitudes and urges develop until theentity becomes concerned and dedicated to serving others.Actually this entity appears to have come far in hisevolution, for he "felt the desire to do good" and is "onethat gives self to the aid of those in every walk of life.Especially does the entity ever favor the 'underdog.'" Thisloving consideration for others-was a great part of his life.His urge to give and even his attitude toward persecutionbegan in early Egyptian times.

In tiie one before tins we find the entity in that periodthat was the changing of the conditions in the histories ofthe religious and the philosophical, or the war betweenthe priest and the king, in- the land known as theEgyptian. In this second rule, or in this rule whereinthese conditions occurred, we find the entity then amongthose that were in defense of the priest who wasbanished, and with those of the bodyguard to that priestand taking on the cause of the exile, and among thosewho labored with hands to give to the strength of thefollowers of those in exile. Gaining in this period, yetmuch of that as was seen in the following was of thepersecution. In the urges as seen—the abilities togive—give—in an unstinted way—to those deserv-ing. (2671-4)

Tolerance and belief in religious freedom began in 137'sfirst earth experience and grew further during a life inPalestine when he was associated with the Master Jesus.

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... in the days when the Master came into thePromised Land. This entity one that followed close inthe ways of the teachings as set by Him. In thepersonage of the brother in the flesh, Jude.

In the one before this, we find in that of the onecalling the chosen people from the Assyrian lands to thebuilding again of the walls of the Holy City, and thisentity in that of the armor-bearer for Ezekiel.

In that before this, we find in the days when the Sonsof God came together to reason in the elements as to theappearance of Man in physical on earth's plane, and thisentity was among those chosen as the messenger to allthe realm. The personalities as exhibited in the presentplane from these:

In the first, that of the leniency toward all lawsconcerning every mode of worship to Jehovah, and ofthe respect to every entity's own belief. (137-4)

Resentments and rebellion are frequently of karmicorigin.

Is karma the reason for present-day youth's rebelliousattitude? Perhaps many of them lost their lives in recentwars, therefore are resentful of authority and war.

This woman's rebellion in a previous life is causing hertrouble in her present life. We find hen

. . . during that period when there were being led apeople from a land that had been as the land of bondage,for the periods of development. The entity was thenamong the children of the Levites, and those that laterbecame the daughters of Gershon; the entity being thenin the name Mecliah. The entity joined in with thosethat served in the aiding to keep the records for thosepeoples, as they built up their relationships with thatservice in the temple, or the activities about thetabernacle of the Congregation, that represented thetemple later. The entity gained and lost through thisexperience; gained in the service that was rendered,rebelling when—with the entering in of the peoples into

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the Promised Land, and the divisions came—there werethose temptations and those rebellions against thosedivisions that arose for this particular branch of thosethat waited on the peoples. The entity then brought forself, condemnation in self, which in the present oftmakes for those periods when self doubts self, as tobeing sufficiently strong in mental aptitudes to meet themoral and the material conditions that weigh upon selfin relationships to its own ideals. Here we find also thoseinfluences arising in the experience of the entity, makingfor the adaptability of self as to those of any nation,clime, or tongue, and a linguist, when so desires to usesame for the relationships that may be built in any of thedirections for self's understanding. (2118-1)

A complete study and analysis of the Edgar Caycereadings would no doubt reveal every attitude, emotion, orurge to be karmic in some instances. In this brief space wecannot give a complete analysis. These cases have beenchosen to show how things experienced in one life becomea part of the personality and are carried from life to life.

Nothing has more lives than an unforgiven sin or anerror we refuse to correct.

Our stumbling blocks are apt to be the urges which havebecome a part of our personality.

For while the body changes, for it—too—must bepurified, the soul remains ever as one. For it is in theimage of the Creator and has its birthright in Him. Andif this birthright is sold for the satisfying of those urgesof earthly desires, they become stumbling blocks in theexperience and thus the entity finds itself constantly ineach and every environ meeting itself, either mentally,materially, physically, in the environs and in theexperiences which are a portion of each and every soul.

Hence we find those influences arising in the presentexperience. For ever is a soul, an entity, meeting itself;in its shortcomings, in that wherein it has missed orchosen in the improper direction.

For remember, the good lives on—and ON—and is

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magnified. The errors become then as stumbling-stones,as to be kept or to be turned into stepping-stones—intothose directions and ways as to be the more perfectway—or as expressed, "a more excellent way." (1243-1)

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PHYSICAL KARMA

CHAPTER THREE

Though the mills of the God grind slowly, yet they grindexceedingly small; though with patience He standswaiting, with exactness grinds He all.

—FREIDRICH VON LOGAN, Retribution

Man's undoing, then, is within himself, by gratifying(he desires and weaknesses of the flesh. (254-18)

Edgar Cayce told many seekers, in their physicalreadings, that their physical defect or disease (dis-ease) wasa karmic condition. These readings emphasized the factthat our physical condition is directly dependent upon ourmental and spiritual ideals, with their concomitantemotions, from one life to another. We do take it with us!Moreover, our daily stresses and strains, our emotionalupsets, affect us physically.

Many were told they would not be well, nor would theirphysical condition improve, until both their mental andspiritual attitudes changed. They would have to give upsuch negative things as fears, hates, and resentments andbecome more in attunement with Creative Forces.

To be sure the attitudes oft influence the physicalconditions of the body. No one can hate his neighborand not have stomach or liver trouble. One cannot bejealous and allow anger of same and not have upsetdigestion or heart disorder. (4021-1)

This dependency was explained thus:

For there have arisen the acute conditions not onlyfrom physical reactions but mental conditions that havebeen as resentments, which have been built into mentalforces of the body. These are indicated in the reactingwith the physical effects upon organ centers . . . nowfinding reflexes in various portions of the body. (1523-9)

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This body is meeting its own sell For it is meeting itsown shortcomings, when judged from some moralstandards.

This body, then, must first in its mental and spiritualattitude make amends, not merely promises to others butto self and the sources of health and of life itself.

These should be the beginnings and the body notmerely being dependent upon the applications whichmust be, or may be, made by others; for there are withinself the conditions here taken which now bringundesirable results in the ability of the body to functionin the manner either physically or . mentally as is mostdesirable.

But there would be first a change in mental andspiritual attitude.. . . (5283-1)

Of course, physical applications help healing and doalleviate the condition, but true healing comes from themental and spiritual self.

And there must be taken into consideration all phasesof this entity's experience in the present if the conditionswould be wholly understood.

For mind is the builder, and—if there will be kept abalance—the physical mind AND the spiritual mindshould cooperate, coordinate.

There are those forces which the entity, then (notmerely the body but the entity—body, mind, soul), ismeeting in itself, CALLED—by itself oft—tannicreactions.

But karma—

Well, these are the conditions as we find them in thisbody:

The body, the mind, the soul are one within thephysical forces; for the body is indeed the temple of theliving God. In each entity there is that portion which is apart of the Universal Force, and is that which lives on.All must co-ordinate and cooperate. (1593-1)

One individual who was losing the power of voluntarymovement was told, definitely, that his condition waskarmic:

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For here we have an individual entity meeting itsown self—the conditions in regard to the movements ofthe body, the locomotories, the nerve endings, the muscu-lar forces. What ye demanded of others ye must payyourself! Every soul should remember not to demand ofothers more than ye are willing to give, for ye willpay—and, as most, through thy gills! (3485-1)

Such an origin or cause of the disease is of coursedifficult or impossible to prove. But it is harder to ignore ittoday as we learn more about psychosomatics and mentalhygiene. Should we reject it? 3501 was told:

Sources of these are prenatal conditions, as well askarmic. These sources of course may be rejected bymany. Yet those who reject this do not supply betterreason, do they? (3504-1)

We have to search our inner selves for the real source ofour dis-ease or physical health, for these are a reflection ofour spiritual self. The Edgar Cayce physical readings oftensuggested that spiritual help was more needed thanphysical application for healing.

Actually, health is the result of both past and presentlife, as in this case:

Q. Is the ill health which I have been experiencing the pastyears the result of mistakes of a past life or is it due tosomething amiss in this present life?

A. Both. For there is the law of the material, there is thelaw of the mental, there is the law of the spiritual. Thatwhich brought into materiality is first conceived in spirit.Hence, as we have indicated, all illness is sin, notnecessarily of the moment, as man counts time, but aspart of the whole experience. For God has not purposedor willed that any soul should perish, but purgetheveryone by illness, by prosperity, by hardships, bythose things needed, in order to meet self—but in Hun,by faith and works, are ye made every whit whole.(3395-2)

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One of the most interesting cases of a physical conditionwhich was attributed to a previous life was that of aneleven-year-old boy who suffered from enuresis (bed-wetting).

Before this, then, the entity was in the land of thepresent nativity, but during the early periods when therewere those disturbances wrought by the activity of theminister of a church—as of one Marshall Whittaker.

The entity then was the minister, or the associateminister, who caused the uprising and the condemnationof children who saw, who heard, who experienced thevoices of those in the inter-between.

And because of the entity's condemning there wasbrought a hardship into the experience of the entity,especially the adopting of that rule of "ducking" others.

Hence the entity physically has experienced theducking, from its own self, in its daily activities—whichwill grow to become more and more of a hindrance toself, UNLESS there will be set aright that incoordinationbetween the mental mind, or the physical mind and thespiritual mind of the individual entity, as related tocondemnation of things in others. (2779-1)

Here it seems the error was condemning others.

Fortunately, this case had a happy ending, for the advicewas given that a suggestion should be made to the boy ashe went to sleep. The suggestion, "You are good and kind.You are going to make many people happy. You are goingto help everyone with whom you come in contact... Youare good and kind..." was given to (he boy by his motheras he dropped off to sleep. True, this suggestion had to begiven for many nights, but it was effective. Not only did theboy no longer wet the bed, but his disposition also becamekinder and sweeter.

Note that the healing was not directed to the physicalbody but to the spiritual and mental. Thus a healing tookplace.

Contrast this boy's situation and the solution of theproblem with this case, which was reported in a letter to awell-known news counselor:

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Dear :*

Please help me. I am an 11-year-old boy who is theunhappiest person in the whole world. I do somethingthat is terrible and I just can't stop no matter how hard Itry. I wet the bed. I have tried starving myself and goingwithout water for days at a time but it doesn't help.

My mother took me to a doctor last year and the.doctor said it was not serious and that I would outgrowit and not to worry. Ever since my mother knows I don'thave a sickness she has been trying to disgrace me out ofthe habit by telling everybody that her 11-year-old babyboy still wets the bed. She even told my friends and nowthey all know why I never sleep at their houses.

Please tell me what I can do about this awful thing. Ipromise to follow your advice no matter what it is.

UNHAPPIEST BOY

Dear Boy:

It's too bad that the doctor didn't go a little furtherwhen he explained to your mother that your bed-wettingwas not caused by a physical sickness. He should havetold your mother that many adolescents wet the bedright up through the teen years because they are insecureand unhappy.

I suggest that your mother take you to a doctor whocan help you work out your emotional problems. Askyour school counselor or your favorite teacher torecommend two or three such doctors so your mothercan take her choice.

This unhappy boy was given wise counsel as an answerto his letter. We do not know whether his familycooperated or whether he overcame his difficulty. We canonly wish that he, too, could have had the loving help thefirst boy received thirty years ago because of a Caycereading. Obviously the second boy was also meeting self in

* Virginia Pilot, Norfolk, Va., August 27, 1966, "Ann Landers

Says."

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some way. Certainly he was suffering enough to be willingto resolve his problem if he could only learn its source.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease which seems to be of kannic origin.There are twenty-three cases of epilepsy in the ARE fileswhich the readings stated were definitely due to karma.Probably the other cases are also kannic in nature, but thatfact was not given in the readings.

Not only may the condition be karma for the afflictedone; several of the readings said this was also karma for theparents. Actually, the statement was made in someinstances that the sins of the father were being visited uponthe child. Since we tend to keep family associationsthroughout the ages, even to being our own ancestor, thisdisease provides food for thought.

These readings on epilepsy were naturally physicalreadings, so very little information concerning the formerearth experiences which had produced the present karmawas given. A few cases had life readings also, so we glean alittle more information from them. The source of thetrouble was almost invariably overindulgence and misuseof the Creative Forces or the sexual function.

Case 543 was told:

The entity, were it able—will it arouse within self thatwhich will be able to subdue the passion of thoseinfluences which have become inherent from theindiscretions of the youth of the parents of theentity—there will be brought the full knowledge andunderstanding that the truth in Him makes one freeindeed, and though the law says that "I will visit theafflictions of the fathers upon the children to the thirdand fourth generation," so also is that healing and Balmin Gilead as comes through the gift of the Son into theworld, that "though thy sins be as scarlet they shall bewhite like wool." (543-11)

In 693 we have another case of karma from the Salemperiod. The physical affliction, however, is quite differentfrom that of the boy who suffered from enuresis, for both

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the causes and the symptoms differ. Moreover, in this caseit is karma for the parents, as well as for the boy.

Yet oft, as we find here, individuals again and againare drawn together that there may he the meeting in theexperience of each that which will mate them aware ofwherein they, as individuals (individual entity and soul),have erred respecting experiences in materiality of soullife even. For the soul lives on, and unless that which hasbeen the trouble, the barrier, the dissenting influence inthe experience is met in self s relationships to CreativeForces, it must gradually make for deterioratingexperiences in the expression of such a spirit influence inmatter—or materiality.

In this entity we find it coming under the influence ofthose things rather in the earth, that have made for thatwhich in the flesh and in the mental forces makes forthose expressions of conditions that must not only bemet by self but in those who have been and areresponsible for the entering of the soul into theexperience. O that men (or man) would becomecognizant of the necessity of preparations withinthemselves for being the channels for giving a soul theopportunity for expressions in the earth, or in matter!This soul, or this body, was not wanted; yet as it camewith those surrounding environs, those attitudes andthose wishes and those desires that made for theentrance, we have that which must be met As we find, ifthose things are adhered to in a conscientious mannerthat we have indicated, much of that may be eradicatedby the time there are those periods when the alterationsOr changes come in the activative influences within thebody itself [adolescence]. If it is allowed to become aportion of the developing manhood and the expressionof same into materiality, less and less will there be theopportunity for the eradicating of same entirely from thesystem. ...

As to the expression of the entity in the earth, we find:Before tins it was in those environs in the land nowknown as Salem, and the experience about ProvidenceTown when there were the expressions and activitiesthat made for the suppression of individuals in meeting

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those experiences that came as the expressions ofspiritual manifestations in the experiences of others.

The entity was not only among those that made forthe belittling of such but induced the material activity inthe suppression, in the expression; and not only tookadvantage of those who were being oppressed but usedsome in such a manner as to gratify, satisfy, the passionsof the body in associations with same. These made forthe expressions that have brought in the experience ofthe entity in the present that which makes for the moreoften the attempt of expression of self during thatsojourn, or during that experience; and almost apossession takes place within the body when there airethose touchings upon those things when the mind of thebody attempts to rest, such that others creep close to theborder; making for those manifestations that bring intothe experience the uncontrollableness within its ownself. Yet much of that which may make for thecorrections in same lies within those abilities of thosethat are responsible for its physical entrance in thepresent. (693-3)

A very severe case and a very sad one was 693. At firstthe boy seemed to improve, but later the condition returnedin full severity. The treatment emphasized the need forprayer and spiritual attunement. The mother's descriptionof the case was such that one wonders how it would bepossible to reach the soul self.

This boy did not respond as one would hope andapparently was not cured or even helped permanently.There were, though, cases of karraic epilepsy which werereported cured. At least, there had been several years andno recurrence of the seizures. The treatment given in mostcases was fairly simple but took a lot of time and had to becontinued over a long period. It is possible that thetediousness caused some to neglect or not follow theprescribed treatment conscientiously. However, where thecondition was karmic (no matter what the illness), thereadings indicated that little help would be found unlessthere was spiritual growth and a change in attitudes.

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Alcoholism

Alcoholism frequently seems to be a karmic condition,though the Edgar Cayce readings gave no case where thecondition was traced to any dramatic experience orincident Rather, it was due to overindulgence in a previouslife or lives. Several were warned of such overindulgenceand told to beware of strong drink or alcohol in any form.Parents were sometimes warned to beware for theiroffspring.

A reading given for an eight-year-old boy warned thatthe influence from a Roman life could become a stumbling-stone "unless there are those constructive forces of thoseinfluences that are creative and manifestedly so."

BEWARE, EVER, of two influences in the life fromthat experience—in this sojourn: Nicotine in any form,and alcohol in its hard forms. These will becomestumbling experiences if there are indulgences in thosedirections such that they become habitual in theinclinations of the influences that arise not only asappetites but as the emotions or sensory forces of thebody; for these will be easily influenced by such. (1417-1)

The previous experiences which give alcoholictendencies are what we might call psychological karma, butthese influences, if given in to, result in a physicalcondition. Case 1417 had emotional problems or attitudeswhich came from a still earlier life in Atlantis.

Another warning against strong drink was given in areading for a girl fourteen years old. Not only did thereading warn her parents; it warned the young lady offuture associations. It said:

Here we find very unusual abilities and also some veryunusual warnings to be given for such a lovely person.

There will be these as warnings, these . for thoseresponsible for the entity: a tendency for the body toovereat or to be overindulgent in appetites. Be warned

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for self, as well as associates of those who take wine orstrong drink, for this may easily become a stumblingblock to the entity.

Before this we find the entity was in the land duringthose reconstructions following the period called theAmerican Revolution. Here we find the entity interestedin building a home with the beautiful grounds aboutsame.

In the name then Lila Chapman, the entity gainedthrough the period, for the home to the entity and itsfamily, and its children was that which took the greaterportion of its time save the study of the Word which wasgiven place in that home; and yet there came from samethose who took too much of the cup as cheers. Thisbrought disturbances, sorrows. Don't let it occur again.There will be the tendencies for attraction, not only forself, but for those about you. For that ye hate has comeupon thee. Don't hate anything in the present (5359-1)

A report from the mother confirmed this girl's tendencyfor overindulgence in food. Moreover, the reading wastruly prophetic as to associations. She married a few yearslater into what her mother called a "drinky" family butsaid the husband was sensible, considering his upbringing.So it seems not only what we fear but what we hate maycome upon us. Our attitudes and emotions thus bringcertain experiences to us. Case 1106 appears to havebecome alcoholic due to his mental attitudes. Thesenaturally result in a physical condition such as is describedhere:

As we find, while there are physical disturbances withthis body, these arise as much from the mentalattitudes—that were in the beginning taken as poses,and have grown to become rather conditions that are ofthe self; or as habits, as requirements, that have taken onthose aspects from the mental standpoint that arealmost—or at times, and under or in certainenvironments, become—possessions!

For in its final analysis, in the physical and mentalactivities of a body, it—the body-—mentally—iscontinually meeting itself and that it (the body, mentally)

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has done about constructive or creative forces within thebody itself.

Then, as we find, to meet the needs of the conditionsin this body, it must—or will—require that which willenable the body to either become determined withinitself to meet its own self in spiritual reaction, or such achange of environment that will require the mental andphysical reactions of die body to be such as to enable it(the body, mentally and physically) to induce that withindie physical reactions to take possession in the place of,or to replace, those habit-forming conditions in themental, as to rid the body of these conditions. (1106-1)

A second reading gave further insight as to how theappetite develops and weakens the will to the point thatone is literally possessed by such.

Now as we find, all the circumstances and conditionsthat disturb the body—both from the physical andmental angle—should be taken into consideration; ifthere will be in the experience the help, the aid that isdesirable.

We find that the appetites—or the habits ANDappetites that have been created by the activities of thebody—are of die nature of BOTH the physical andmental attitudes towards conditions and circumstances.

Through resentments from little things that have beensaid, the body has allowed itself to build that appetitewhich in destroying the will of the entity—through theactivities of drink upon the system—has produced aweakness that will require a great deal of mentaldetermination; that must be based upon the spiritual selffrom within. And there must be the application also ofmaterial things which will aid in creating a balance tothe assimilating system—the liver, the spleen, thepancreas, the kidneys; so that the great desires fromassociations do not again OVERCOME the will-influence of the body.

These necessarily must be choices, or there must be achoice made by the mental body itself. First, that itwould of its own accord submit to the treatments undersuch directions as may be had in the institution—such

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an one as in Nashville—for inebriates.

And with the submitting to the treatments theapplications, the weights [waits?], the tests—if the bodywill then keep away from the associations that havecaused much of the activities, and engage itself mentallyand physically IN those activities that are the moreconstructive in their natures—then we may find not onlymaterial employment but an activity in the mental andphysical life that will bring contentment and peace andharmony; and a life of a useful service to others.

And with prayer—determining in self, the aid andcooperation of those near and dear to the body in themental and material ways—we may bring the betterconditions for this body [1106].

Q. Is a cure within myself or is the treatment in aninstitution necessary?

A. To be sure, unless there is the determination within selfto rid self of the appetites and desires builded in the willforces of the system, that have been to such extent as toproduce physical reactions, then the cure may not beaccomplished even in an institution—without the will inself of this to be so. But as we find, as we have indicated,the institutional treatments are necessary—with thedetermination within self. And it will be easier, moredesirable for the body to go through the institutionaltreatments.

Do that, then: relying upon those things that havebeen pointed out: that the basis of all spiritualawakening, the promises of the better and closerassociations with die Divine are within self. (1106-2)

Another case which gives further understanding as tohow an appetite can develop to one's undoing is case 1439.His reading says that the physical disturbances, which"appear to be minor, are deep-seated and come frompressures between the coordinating of the sensory forcesand the activities of the deeper organs."

Thus we have periods when there are greaterdisturbances that find their reaction in gratifying ofappetites.

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Thus we have the effect of that the body would do inreasoning becomes that the body does not reallyDESIRE to do in the physical, but the pressures are ofsuch a nature that we have not a mental aberration or amental disturbance, though the effects are in thephysical that same character of reaction.

Thus we have the conditions such that there becomesthe gratifying of appetites in the bodily system, ordesires.

And we find the body then, rather than as planningfor that which is destructive in the mental abilities andmental attitude of the body, becomes so overwrought byphysical desires as to necessitate the gratifying ofphysical appetites.

Not a possession, save when there begins thegratifying of same; THEN there are the opportunities forthose influences from without to possess the activities ofthe body in not only the cunningness of the activities butin that which to the BODY, under the influence,becomes as reasonableness to the influences andactivities of that possession.

Q. Have my former activities been such as to make fordevelopment as looked on from the soul forces?

A. These have been rather a tendency toward retardmentsin some directions, developments in others.

The BODY, physically or soully, is not held for thatwhich has become as appetites. Then to CONDEMNself, in the activity toward others, is to BUILD thatwhich is destructive.

But with the attuning of the body physically andmentally, and CONSTRUCTIVE thoughts, putting thatBEHIND that has made for those influences wherein thebody became easily influenced, we will find constructiveforces becoming more and more predominant in thephysical activities.

Q. Is there any hereditary influence that has caused thismoral letdown?

A. This is rather as that of possession through weaknessescreated by appetites and physical conditions in the body.(1439-1)

It isn't the intention, it isn't the inclination of the body57

to give way to such influences! It is rather theINCREASING of the appetties by the directions ofsame through the physical bodyl (1439-2)

Now, to build that resistance required to bringnormalcy for this body: And we find that this may buildthis resistance in nerve forces, that will aid in the nerveimpulses in the ganglia that are so disordered here, as toreproduce nerve ends in the system and the repulsion bythe strengthening of these will bring normalcy for thisbody. (606-1)

Gold chloride and bromide of soda were recommended.

Alcohol won't work with gold! This is the goldtreatment, but it builds the resistance!

Massage and massage activity will be helpful; as wellas keeping in the open all the time.

Do this, and we will bring normalcy for this body.

Q. In alcoholic cases, can a general outline of treatment begiven?

A. No. Each individual has its own individual problems.Not all are physical. Hence there are those that are ofthe sympathetic nature, or where there has been thepossession by the very activity of same; but gold willdestroy desire in any of them! (606-1)

Alcoholism: Treatment

The ARE files contain several cases of alcoholism inwhich there is no definite indication that the condition iskarmic The condition, though physical, often seemed todevelop as in case 1106. Furthermore, alcohol oftenappeared to aggravate another physical condition whichhad not been attributed to alcohol.

Case 391 asked:

What general rules and precautions should I take tokeep in a healthy condition?

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A. As has been indicated. Do not DRINK, but EATPROPERLY! Do not ABUSE the body—eithermentally OR physically, but MOST of all by alcohol;and especially hops or the products of same, or even thecarbonated waters are harmful for THIS body—and, ofcourse, the STRONG drinks are more harmful!

For, too much of anything as of hops or alcoholreaction with same—with the very nature of thedisturbance—produces in the liver, in the kidneys, thedisturbances that DESTROY the effect of that plasm inthe blood which aids in the eliminations of usedenergies; and produces toxic forces in the body. (391-18)

Though the diagnosis was alcoholism, the physicalsymptoms or condition were usually different in each caseyso the treatment recommended was not the same.Formulas were given which would discourage the use ofalcohol, as it would produce nausea. Physical therapy andelectrical treatments were also recommended to help theindividual. A caution, though, was given that electricityand alcohol together produced an adverse effect. Thereadings emphasized the fact that the treatments to beeffective depended upon the individual; he had to want toovercome the habit and must exert his own will, which hadbeen weakened by alcohol.

Prayer to help strengthen was also frequently advised.

Q. Can those assisting do anything to prevent the bodyfrom indulging in stimulants?

A They can pray like the devil!

And this is not a blasphemous statement, as it mayappear—to some. For if there is any busier body, withthose influences that have to do with the spirit ofindulgence of any nature, than that ye call satan or thedevil, who is it?

Then it behooves those who have the interest of sucha body at heart to not only pray for him but WITH him;and in just as earnest, just as sincere, just as continuousa manner as the spirit of ANY indulgence works uponthose who have become subject to such influences eitherthrough physical, mental or material conditions!

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For the POWER of prayer is NOT met even by satanor the devil himself.

Hence with that attitude of being as persistent as thedesire for indulgence, or as persistent as the devil, ye willfind ye will bring a strength. But if ye do so doubting, yeare already half lost.

For the DESIRES of the body are to do RIGHT!Then aid those desires in the right direction; for thepower of right EXCEEDS—ever and always.

Do that then.

Like the devil himself—PRAY!Q. Is it believed mat there is any inclination in the body

here to cooperate and correct these conditions?A. As just given, it is NOT the real DESIRE of the bodyto commit self to the inclination. There IS the desire,then, to cooperate.

Hence there has been given the way to overcome—through the PHYSICAL manner, die MENTALmanner, and the ATTITUDES.

Then let the body cooperate by putting behind selfthose things that easily beset And look—LOOK—tothe strength and the power of the Christ-Conscious-ness—the light WITHIN; and be able to say NO!and mean it! (1439-2)*

496 was another case where prayer was stronglyrecommended.

And, if the mental and spiritual forces are acted uponby those that have an interest in the welfare of themental and spiritual reactions of this body [496]* throughthe power of intercession by meditation and prayer, tocounteract the forces from without that are working withthis body, there may be brought an awakeningwithin—in correcting these conditions—and awareness

* Mr. 1439 and his wife were divorced as a result of his al-coholism. Mr. 1439 never returned to his wife, Mrs. 845. We heardyears later that he had gotten married to someone else and wasdoing all right, though we had no details as to whether or not hehad conquered the drink habit

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that there is a worthwhile experience for self in theactivities of the entity's manifestation of life, and willbring the abilities to be active in directions that wouldmake for a change that will not only be helpful, hopeful,but worthwhile.

Who may make the intercession? They that havewithin their consciousness a channel to the Throne ofGrace, that there may be given into the mind andactivities of the soul of this entity those influences thatmay bring the changes in the experience of this body.

Q. In what manner may his sister [439] help him?

A. By making the stronger intercession in prayer, and ingetting or asking others to aid in and with her in same.For where there is that intercession made through thecombined efforts of many, the greater may be thatdirected influence towards die activity of any soul, anymental being. (496-1)

Another very impressive case of physical karma was thatof a younger girl of seventeen, who was suffering from apainful hip condition—cancer of the bone. She was told:

During the period in Nero's reign in Rome, in thelatter portion of same, the entity was then in thehousehold of Parthesias—and one in whose companymany became followers of, adherents to, those calledChristians in the period, and during those persecutionsin the arena when there were physical combats. Theentity was as a spectator of such combats, and under theinfluence of those who made light of them; though theentity felt in self that there was more to that held by suchindividuals, as exhibited in the arena, but the entity—tocarry that which was held as necessary with thecompanionship of those about same—laughed at theinjury received by one of the girls [301] in the arena, andsuffered in mental anguish when she later—or becamecognizant of—the physical suffering brought to the bodyof that individual during the rest of the sojourn. Thesuffering that was brought was of a mental nature, andwhen music—especially of the lyre, harp, or of thezither—was played, the entity suffered most; for the

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song and the music that was played during thatexperience brought—as it were—the experience to theentity. Hence in meeting same in the present, there hasbeen builded that which the entity passes through, or"under the rod"—as it were—of that as of being pitied,laughed at, scorned, for the inability of the personalbody to partake of those in the material activities, whichrequire the need of all of the physical body; yet in themusic, in the acceptance, in the building of those forcesthrough that which laughed at, which scorned—thoughknowing; now knowing, laugh to scorn those who woulddoubt the activities of the forces that build in a materialbody that activity in every cell, every force, to make aperfect body. (275-19)

Though Partheniasi (her Roman name) later sufferedremorse and mental anguish because of her act and theChristian girl's agony, in this life her own hip bone wasbeing gnawed by a disease diagnosed as incurable. Thedoctors had even suggested amputation to keep the cancerfrom spreading. She was paying in the same coin she hadmeted out

This case had many interesting aspects. For this was acancer case, pronounced incurable, which was cured. Theyoung lady had a total of forty-five readings. Not all ofthese were physical readings; some were life readingswhich gave earlier development and former familyrelationships.

In her first physical reading the question was asked ifher condition could be brought to normal and a perfectcure. The answer was: "Depends entirely upon theresponse of the body. The awakening of that within theforces of the body itself of the accumulated forces whichmay be brought by the mental forces, applied with those ofthe material."

In other words, the cure would depend as much on thegirl's mental attitude as on the physical applications.

A reading given a little later gave real hope and is insharp contrast to the prognosis given in readings for someother cancer cases. It said: "Naturally, as given, theresponse would not be quick, but when once begunproperly, will be sure and certain."

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She came to realize that she was meeting herself andasked:

Q. How can I make good karma from this period?

A. As has been given as to what karmic influence is, andwhat one must do about same. Lose self in theconsciousness of the indwelling of the Creative Force, inthat channel which has been prepared for the escape ofthe sons and daughters of men, through the Son of man!This is the escape, and what to be done about it! Loseself; make His will one with thy will, or thy will be lost inHis will, being a channel through which He maymanifest in the associations of self with the sons anddaughters of men! (275-23)

Some other interesting questions were asked in laterreadings. Why did the entity wait until this incarnation tomake good karma from the Roman period?

A. Because it couldn't do it before!

Q. How many other lives have I had in between the ones

you have mentioned through this source?A. (After long pause). In earth's sphere, two. (Pause) Life

has continued! (275-25)

When 275 asked who the martyred Christian girl ofRoman times was today, she was told it was one near anddear to her, her brother's wife, her nurse, who was servingher in love and kindness.

One of the suggestions given to 275 was to study theharp. In an earlier life, in Egypt, she had been one of thefirst to use the harp, or lyre. This music would help her tomeet the things she had to overcome and would be anoutlet of her higher nature; for she developed spirituallyand gained much in the life in Egypt. Some of the spiritualcounsel which helped her was in reading 275-19:

Q. Give exact guidance how entity can best make good herkarma during this life.

A. As has been outlined, now knowing what is to be met;not with scorn, not with sneers, but with patience, withfortitude, with praise, with the giving of pleasure in

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music, in kindnesses, in gentle words, in bespeaking ofthat which may build for a perfect mind, a perfect soul, aperfect body; [by these] may the entity overcome thosethings that have beset—that not often understood, thosethings that so easily beset us; making the will the Creatorand the Creative Forces. Be used by them, and thechannel—die cup—will run over with blessings. Thosethings that easily beset bespeak not of those only that areweaknesses in the flesh; but the weaknesses in the fleshare the scars of the soul! And these, only in that ofmaking the will one with His, being washed—as itwere—in the blood of the lamb. We are through. (275-19)

This girl had been told in other readings that she had hadtwo earth lives between the Roman one and her presentlife. She asked:

Q. What ideal from that time [Roman] prompted us tocome together now in this present relationship?

A. ... The ideals as set by those in their union, and eachsoul finding the channel, the opportunity for theexpression in this experience for that needed in its ownsoul development as related to each of the others in thisexperience.

Not only what has been called karma, for these—asseen by that given—have to deal with and to do withwhat individuals have done with their knowledge of theiropportunities in the experiences to the Creative Forcesas manifested by the environ in that experience. It's wellfor you to analyze that! (275-38)

It may be well for the entity to know that each soul,each entity, each activity must be of the developmentwithin self that there may be through the actions inthought, in deed, in fact, those things that make for thecontinuity of that which may be spoken or acted in theassociations with others. So does the impelling influencecome into the experience of each soul in its journeythrough an experience. (275-35)

Today this person is normal and well* leading a veryactive, useful, and happy life. She achieved this by

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carefully following the counsel given in her readings. Thetreatment was effective because of her mental attitude andher effort to attune to Creative Forces.

The cruelty of the arena in Nero's reign evidentlyproduced other similar karma; for according to the Caycereadings several cases of physical defects were incurred inthis period.

In 1926 a young man twenty-four years of age asked fora reading saying he was paralyzed from the neck down asthe result of a car wreck. He had had three operations butreceived no help. Apparently some of the difficulty couldnot be found.

Mr. Cayce gave this young man a physical reading whichsaid:

Now, the experience of this entity through this presentphysical plane, as a developing entity through earth'sexperiences would be more interesting than the physicalconditions, for these are of the nature that, whileassistance and relief may be bi ought, there is little to bedone to bring the normal forces of the body, savethrough untiring energy, trouble, patience, andpersistence, for in the cervical and the first dorsal wefind there was in times back that condition existing inwhich a portion of the cartilaginous forces between thevertebrae was crushed. Not sufficient to injure the spinalcord direct, save as to cause that to bring about suchconditions as to ward off, or prevent, the flow of energy.(33-1)

The treatment recommended was mainly massage andanother operation. If the reading were followed exactly, hewas told, he would eventually (though in a stoopedposition) have some locomotion in the body. The readingclosed with this:

Keep the whole mentality in that way as to build thebest development, for, as has been seen, many of theseconditions are merited through those actions of themental forces and the spiritual forces of the body. Hencethat as given in the first See, this is Nero. (33-1)

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This last sentence was given in an undertone which washardly audible.

These last words were not included in the originalreading sent to the young man. Mr. Cayce correspondedwith him for a while, trying to persuade Mm to go to one ofthe big hospitals suggested, where portions of the spinalcolumn could be .removed, replaced, and rewired, so thateventually, even though the body would be stooped, therecould be locomotion.

The young man was, no doubt looking for a miraculous"cure"; for in 1928 he wrote:

I rec'd a letter telling me you have your hospital fixedready ... if you say you can cure me, I will give you$1,000, and if you don't you won't get anything. Isn'tthai fair? (33-1)

In 1940 a form letter came back to the ARE marked"DECEASED."

For eighteen years he was completely helpless andentirely dependent upon charitable Christians for his care.This experience probably enabled him to meet andovercome much of the karma from his reign as Nero. Areport from 900-295, page 6, apparently referring to Mr.33, said:

We haven't been able to do any good, from thephysical viewpoint, yet the information as was suppliedto that man, illiterate as he may be considered by others,has been able to awaken in him something of a spiritualunderstanding, and though he—that entity—-thatsubconscious self of his becomes aware of thedestructive forces meted out to him through destructionhe wrought on mankind at another period of his ex-istence in the earth plane ... he now finds himself faceto face with himself, and with that he has created.. . .(900-295)

Thus we see the misery that can result from a life ofdestructive thought, emotion, and action.

Another case of physical karma was found in a womanfifty-three years of age, who had been a companion of

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Nero. She had suffered from a serious back deformity sincechildhood, had always had a struggle even to live. At theage of four she had mangled a hand and lost part of onefinger. Her life reading told hen

This entity was among those with that one whopersecuted the church so thoroughly and fiddled whileRome burned. That's the reason this entity in body hasbeen disfigured by structural conditions. Yet may thisentity be set apart For through its experiences in theearth, it has advanced from a low degree to that whichmay not even necessitate a reincarnation in the earth.Not that it has reached perfection but there are realmsfor instruction if the entity will hold to that ideal of thosewhom it once scoffed at because of the pleasurematerially brought in associations with those who didthe persecuting. (5366-1)

The next paragraph explained this entity's spiritualgrowth:

Thus may little or nothing be given that would deterthe entity in any manner from holding fast to thatpurpose which has become that to which it may hold.For, as Joshua of old, the entity has determined, "Othersmay do as they may, but as for me, I will serve the livingGod!" (5366-1)

Another accident victim, a young man of seventeen, whohad been a paraplegic for two years, was told that biscondition was also karmic and had had its beginnings in thearena at the time of Nero. The accident had severed hisspinal cord at the fifth vertebra.

His life reading advised him that he was to Jearnpatience in this life. He had gained spiritually in his lastlife, which was during the American Revolution.

In the present there is that characteristic oforderliness, of cheeriness; and there are the abilities tomake the best of bad situations, the abilities to use thatin hand.

And would that every soul would learn that lesson,67

even as well as this entity has gained in the present!

Before that we find the sojourn that is the moreoutstanding, as to the influences in the present

It was during those periods when there were thepersecutions of those who followed in the way of theteachings of the Nazarene.

The entity then was a Roman soldier, and one givenrather to that of self-indulgence—and gloried rather inseeing the suffering of those who held to that principle.

And the entity fought in the arena and watched manythat had met the entity fight again with the beasts andwith those elements that made for the closer associationwith the elementals in the sojourn.

The entity saw suffering, and the entity made light ofsame.

Hence the entity sees suffering in self in the present,and must again make light of same—but for a differentpurpose, for a different desire, for a different cause.

For again the entity meets self in that wished, thatdesired on the part of those against whom the entity heldgrudges. (1215-4)

Not all karma from the Roman period, however, waswhat we might call bad karma.

We find in that period in the Roman rule when therewere persecutions for the individuals who acclaimed thefaith of the Nazarene. The entity then among those whowere in power to administer the punishments meted out,and became a believer through the faith as shown bythose persecuted. Then in the name Eldoirn, and in theemploy of the persecutor Nero. In this experience theentity gained through that of the ability to change themind, and to act as the change would indicate in thephysical and mental experiences of the body, developinghigh in this experience; and in the present there may beseen that of one determined and one set; one not loathful[reluctant] in activity or in mind, but one that should betrained rather to play as well as labor physically. . . .One that may gain the inner knowledge of spiritualeffects, in the material plane and make physicalapplication of same. (759-1)

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A cursory study of the Edgar Cayce readings does notreveal a basic pattern or exact relationship between errorand physical defect. Yet the aptness of the defect seems toreveal some sort of retributive justice. The emphasis in thereadings is always on the mental and spiritual attitude ofthe error (sin), not on the act itself. The real problem wasalways a soul problem.

A similar case of this type of justice was that of a manwho was suffering from congenital cataracts. His readingtraced his eye condition back to a life in ancient Persia.

Before that we find the entity was in the Arabian orPersian land, as now known, in the "city in the hills andthe plains."

There we find the entity came as a dweller fromamong the Persian peoples; given to what would betermed activities of a barbaric nature in its earlyexperience. For the entity brought persecution to thoseof other tribes or other beliefs, by the blinding with hotirons.

Such activities the entity forsook in those experienceswhen there was the awareness of the activities of theteacher in the "city in the hills"—4hat teacher who gavethose interpretations to the peoples as pertaining to thatas would bring greater hope to those disappointed ordiscouraged, either in body or in mind.

And the entity became the leader in the musicalinstruments that were a part of the healing through thoseperiods.

Hence, as indicated, those fields of activity in thepresent in which the entity may be the mu-sician—especially of stringed instruments, or anindividual applying the higher vibrations in electricalapplications for healing, or the combinations ofthese—would be the fields of service in which the entitymay find the greater contentment, and an outlet for theemotions, the longings within, as may be experienced bythe entity in the present sojourn.

The name then was Ab-del-uha. (1861-2)

Here again we have music with its high vibrationsrecommended as an aid to healing. This man had blinded

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others, so in this present life he was blind.

By following the directions given in his Cayce readings,this entity regained partial vision and became anaccomplished musician and teacher of music.

The illnesses which Edgar Cayce attributed to karmahad a very wide range. For nearly every type of humanillness can be found in the ARE files, and many were toldthe condition was the result of karma. Though the errorwas in the past, it was not always the same error which hadproduced, or resulted in, the identical disease. Forexample, a doctor who studied fifty-nine cases of arthritisfound at least seven different things (causes) which hadproduced arthritis.

Such sins as hate, resentment, fear, or gluttony, over-indulgences, misuse of Creative Forces, or takingadvantage in any way of others are bound to have a karmiceffect.

These quotes from the readings show the relation ofhealth to the emotions and what may result in the physicalbody.

Anger: Madness is certainly poison to the system. Thisshould be a warning for every human. (2-14)

Hate: Do not belittle, do not hate. For hate creates, asdoes love—and brings turmoils and strifes. (1537-1)

And let not thine condemnation bring upon thee thatye hate. For that ye hate ye become. Tins is the law.(1261-1)

Hate brings that which is irritating, especially to thosewho are creative in other directions. (1727-2)

Selj-Condemnatidn: In the mental forces, we find self-condemnation. The mental forces of the body must of itsown accord lay aside those condemnations and beawakened to the elements within self of the divine.(5226-1)

Hives: l ess animosities—holding grudges or thoughtswhich make the entity speak unkindly of others—thesedestructive attitudes bring on pent-up feeling and reflector find expression in irritations. (5226-1)

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Animosity: The attitudes, then, should be such that thereis NO animosity, NO feeling of resentments—but aforgiving, loving expression towards ALL about thebody—in EVERY form and manner (1196-12)

Ulcers: Be constructive mentally . . . don't build poisonsas fast as you eliminate them. (348-19)

Prostatitis: Here we find hate, animosity, anxiety may bethe poison that causes much of the disturbance. Livemore in keeping with that which thou has professed. DidHe justify Himself before His accusers? Did He attemptto even meet the words that were spoken condemningHim? (1196-11)

Arthritis: All illness comes from sin. This everyone musttake whether they like it or not: whether body, mind orsoul. For who healeth all thy diseases? Uncle John, orGod the Father? (3174-1)

Case 1709, a young girl nineteen years old, was sufferingboth physically and mentally from a serious skin disorder.She had had this condition, diagnosed as acne, since shewas twelve or thirteen years old. Though she had hadvarious types of treatment and medication, she hadreceived no help whatsoever. In fact, the condition seemedto grow worse instead of better. This plight had its origin,according to her reading, in a previous life in France whenshe was incarnated as a man. We would like a little morespecific information, but it was apparently due tooverindulgence during this French incarnation.

As we have indicated oft for others, we would againindicate for this entity; count it rather as an opportunity,a gift of a merciful Father, that there ARE theopportunities in the present for the sojourn in thematerial influences; that the advantages may be taken ofopportunities that come into the experiences, eventhrough the hardships and disappointments that havearisen.

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Q. Is there a tannic reason for my present skindisturbance [acne] of the face? If so, what is it?

A. RATHER is it that of a glandular condition ascombined with a kannic condition from the experiencesin the periods of the reconstruction in France. (1709-3)

In a later reading she got some further information fromthis question:

Q. Do emotional disturbances affect the skin on my face?

A. To be sure, emotional disturbances affect theCIRCULATION: causing the flushes which leavedrosses, and naturally affect the superficial circulation.(1709-5)

This imbalance was difficult to overcome, but the younglady did receive help, and her condition graduallyimproved.

It is interesting to note that another case of acne (5092)was also attritubed to overindulgence in a French period.Unfortunately, we do not have a follow-up report on thiscase. But the difficulty was definitely kannic.

This woman, 5092, was told:

Yes, we have the body and those conditions which area part of the consciousness, aware and unaware, with thebody-physical.

In giving the interpretation of the physicaldisturbances, many phases of this entity's experienceshould be taken into consideration. That there arephysical disorders, and have been for some time, is self-evident. The sources of these are not so self-evident Forthese are kannic conditions, and the entity is onlymeeting its own self. (5092-1)

She was given some encouragement, however, in the lastparagraph.

Let that mind be in thee as was in Him, who is theway and the truth and the light, and we will make thelight of love so shine through thy countenance that few,

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if any, win ever see the scars made by self-indulgence inother experiences. (5092-1)

Cancer

The writer found four cases of sarcoma (cancer) whichwere due to karma (there may be more) in the ARE files.Life readings on these entities would no doubt be of help tous in studying causes, but we have to content ourselveswith the statements which refer to karmic consequences.Case 3387 was told:

Conditions here indicate sarcoma—that is a part ofthe karma of this body. These may be aided, but as tocorrecting entirely—the suggested applications will onlybe helpful for the conditions.

Q. What is the origin of these cancerous tumors?A. Karma. We do something to start this and then we meetit in the circulation. (3387-1)

This gives us very little information. Readings for someother cases of cancer did not say they were of a karmicnature. The next case throws a little more light on karmiccancer. It evidently was a case of the way the conditionmanifested in the physical. Obviously this man was bornwith his condition, and it steadily worsened. For 3121 wasborn with a tumor on his left leg. This was removed by anoperation. He then had ringworm in the tissue; and latermoles, which were indicative of cancer, began to appear.There was an enlarged gland in the groin, which wastreated with X-ray and radium. At thirty-nine the man wasin a very serious condition of advanced cancer.

This disturbance is of a nature that by some would becalled karmic. Hence it is something the bodyPHYSICALLY, mentally, must meet, in its spiritualattitude first; that is, as the body may dedicate its lifeand its abilities to a definite service, to the CreativeForces, or God, there will be healing forces brought tothe body.

This requires, then, that the mental attitude be such as73

to not only proclaim or announce a belief in the divine,and to promise to dedicate self to same, but the entitymust CONSISTENTLY live such. And the test, ifoeproof of same, is lom|-s\iffering. This does not meansuffering of self and not grumbling about it. Rather,though you be pereecuted^umandly spoken of, takenadvantage of by others, you do not attempt to fight backor to do spiteful things; that you not only be passive inyour relationships with others but active, being kindly,affectionate one to the other; remembering, as He hassaid, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least, ye do it untome." As oft as you contribute, then, to the welfare ofthose less fortunate, visit the fatherless and the widowsin their affliction, visit those imprisoned—rightly orwrongly—you do it to your Maker. For TRUTH shallindeed make you free, even though you be bound in thechains of those things that have brought errors, or theresult of errors, in your own experience.

This, then, is the first spiritual approach—or theattitude with which the entity would seek to administerthat which is helpful, mat which will be met in nature.

For, as so oft has been indicated, each entity, eachsoul manifesting in the earth, is the result of what theentity has been* in its use of its opportunities, in itsrelationship to God the Father.

In the beginning let us consider that there is the body,the mind, the soul The soul is spirit; the mind is as gasthat may have its high or low pressure, and the body ofits own; but the physical is of the earth—earthy.However, the body was made, was first created, ofeverything that was in the earth. Hence there are thoseinfluences that will meet these tendencies in the bloodsupply toward that called sarcoma in its nature.

This is a form, of course, of infectious disturbance ofsuch natures as to fasten upon a body for its owndestructive forces, and cells breaking have joined—as itwere—one force against another. At times thedestructive forces are in excess, and thus the injuredportions of the body become more and more beset withthese growths in the body, and they sap the vitality.

The organs, as organs, are very good. The body-mindis good; the tempering of same is within itself capable of

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being used towards being a helpful influence tosomeone, somewhere, sometime. And the time is evernow, when the opportunity presents itself. (3121-1)

The treatment was then given, but it was followed withthis admonition:

Most of all, pray. Let the mental attitude beconsidered first and foremost. Do not promise thyself,nor thy God, nor thy neighbor, that you do not fulfill.(3121-1)

Case 3313-1 was not promised a cure but was givenmore encouragement that she could be helped.

Yes. As we find, conditions are such that there maybe a staying of the disturbances, but these activities areof the consuming nature.

If there is the desire, there may be used the influencesthat we might suggest—though these will not heal orremove causes. For, as has been indicated oft, causesmay be karma. Karma is cause oft of hereditaryconditions so-called. Then indeed does the soul inheritthat it has builded in its experience with its fellow man inmaterial relationships.

The conditions here may be best retarded by the useat times, about once a week, of a magnet....

Q. What is the cause of my condition and what treatment

is recommended?A. The basic cause is karmic. (3313-1)

Others—Parents

Sometimes the lesson to be learned included others, thepersons responsible for the afflicted one. It could havebeen an error of neglect or something they (the parents)had inflicted on the entity. Several cases of helplesschildren indicated the parents, too, had a lesson to learn.Here is such a case, a boy eight years old.

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As we find, there are disturbing conditions. Thesources or beginnings of these are karmic. There werethose disturbances at and just after birth which haveproduced plastic conditions in extremities.

As we find, there needs to be just the correctionswhich are being made, through the massage, through thetreatments that will aid in breaking up gradually thelesions or the plastic conditions in muscles, in tendons,in joints, and sufficient of the massage that there is theability of the systems to eliminate same. The karmicconditions are needed for the entity, or souldevelopment of the entity, and those who have theresponsibility of same, in that source from which allhealing comes. For whether it be medicinal, mechanical,or what sources, healing can only come from the Divine.For as has been indicated, "Who healeth all thydiseases?" He in whom we live and move and have ourbeing.

Thus we may through those administrations of thatwhich is the spirit of truth made manifest, turn thiskarma, or law, to grace and mercy. For the pattern hathbeen given those who seek to know His face. (52091)

Treatment was directed, and then:

Keep the prayer; hope for, believe. For according tothy faith be it unto thee. (5209-1)

Another case where the parents, too, had a. lesson tolearn was that of a three-year-old boy, who had beenspastic since birth. He also had a chronic ear infection andperiodic fever but was blessed with a bright mind andwinning manner.

As we find, there are such disturbances that are hardto cope with. These are conditions which are part of thekarmic experience of the entity. ... As to theadministrations, with the care, patience that may begiven, there may be brought help. This would require agreat deal of care, yet this should not be given tosomeone else other than those responsible for this body'smanifestation in the world of physical consciousness;

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else those so responsible will lose their lesson to begained.

What conditions other than karmic caused this

condition?A. This is a prenatal condition....Q. How long will it take to effect a cure?A. Not a cure is promised, unless there is the full trust in

the source of healing, of health, of life itself. (5151-1)

A case of progressive muscular dystrophy in a nine-year-old boy was quite similar. Here is what his reading said:

Yes, we find the mother praying. We have thoseconditions which disturb the body.

In the present, while these are preventing the abilitiesof the body to walk, save that of pushing self throughrolling chair, the worry is more with those responsiblefor the body than with the body itself. This is a conditionof progressive disturbance, more of atrophy of thenerves which control the muscular forces of the body.

Here, as we would find, while the body is meetingitself, those responsible for the body had better bepraying much more for themselves to be in attunementand to meet the conditions (not one, but both). (5078-1)

Treatment with massage, electricity, and diet wasadvised. Then the question was asked:

Q. What was the cause of this condition?

A. It's meeting its own self. This you won't accept orthink, but pray about it and see the difference. Ibis iskarma for both the parents and the body. (5078-1)

Another type of karmic defect, which was also karmafor the parents, was the deafness of a fifteen-year-old girl,who had been an invalid from birth. Her physical readingtells us a great deal, but a life reading would very probablyhave given more detailed information of what had occurredin the past to produce this result in her physical body.

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We have the body [552]. As we find, much betterinformation might be given for this body from thepurposes for which this body, this soul, entered in thisenviron and in this experience. For, while there may bepalliatives given, as for bringing normalcy to this body inthis experience we find that no permanent relief—orlittle, at least—may be attained until there is a change inthe purposes, the desires of the soul in its expressionthrough the physical manifestations. A lesson indeedmay be gained from those things that have broughtabout the physical experiences in this timel

While there is a course to be pursued from thematerial angles, much greater indeed is the attitude ofthose about the body; and with the approach they asindividuals make as to the conditions and the purposesthat they meet the requirements necessary for the care,the attention—yea, at times the very condition thatimpels them to minister to the needs of this soul at thistime.

There has been a wasting away of not only structuralforces but the inability of coordinations through theactivities of the organs and the body-physical to performthose functions necessary to make for resuscitation ofvital forces. And oft has been the wonderment by thosethat have ministered as to how that life in itsmanifestations continues to function through such as theconditions that exist here.

Little other than this care, than this attention, may begiven. It is apparent that there may be given palliativesand aids in directions to keep the activities of thephysical and mental body in its preparations for soul'sdevelopment, most, through the experience. (552-1)

Here massage and use of the wet-cell battery wererecommended. Then:

Q. What caused this physical condition?A. Prenatal. Or, as has been indicated, that the soul mustmeet.

Q. Any further advice for those in charge of the body?A. In that which has been indicated there is seen that theremust ever be that prayerful attitude that at all times in

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- the ministering, in the care, there may be done thatwhich will not only make for an attitude of helpfulhopefulness for the body, for the mental attributes, forthe physical forces, but that there may be gainedpatience, kindness, brotherly love, endurance, and—most of all—consistency in the attitude in the activ-ities of those about the body.

During the periods when massage is being given, letthis be as the prayer:

WE THANK THEE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, OLORD, THAT WE MAY IN SOME MEASURE MEETTHOSE THINGS THOU HAST GIVEN FOR THYCHILDREN IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD. LETTHE POWER OF THE CHRIST SPIRIT, THROUGHTHOSE PROMISES GIVEN, BE MADE MANIFESTIN MY LIFE AS I MINISTER NOW—AND IN THELIFE OF THIS BODY [552] BE DONE THAT, OGOD, AS THOU SEEST IS BEST AT THIS TIME.(552-1)

Another reading given later for this child not only addssome further information as to her tragic physicalcondition but also gives us insight as to what may beaccomplished.

Q. How may we gain entrance or understanding to thisbody when she cannot talk with us?

A. So often it is the lack of comprehension orunderstanding of individuals! Because the dog doesn'ttalk, people think he doesn't understand. Because thosethings in a different vibration are not normal to muchthat is reacting, it is felt there is not a response.

The vibrations that are to be set up by the applicationof the low electrical vibration will create more and morethe ability for the suggestive forces to reach to the nervesof consciousness in the body itself, see?

As has been given, it will be long, it will be tediousbut, as has been given, this is a duty from those to whomthe body has come. If it is held by those who mustminister as a cross, it will remain as one. If it is held asthat which must be met, that they and the body itself

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may enjoy in material associations the pleasures of theactivity of the spiritual forces, weU.

The same with individuals where there is in theirexperience crosses to bear, hardships or surroundingsthat to them are overpowering, ovemhelming, by slights,shirs, and fancies of the inactivity of a roordinatingforce. If these are held continually as crosses, or asthings to be overcome, then they will remain as crosses.But if they are to be met with the spirit of truth and rightin their own selves, they should create joy; for that iswhat will be built

For, the Father of light has never failed man who hascried in earnestness unto Him. It is when individualshave desired their own way that.the souls have sufferedin the sons of men.

Follow those suggestions as we have given for thisbody.

Begin either with the battery activity and then thesuggestions, or forget it! (552-2)

Obviously these parents were being told to get aboutlearning their lesson.

A young man who was afflicted with multiple sclerosiswas probably in a similar situation, as his reading said:

We have here an entity meeting its own self. The moregentle, the kinder others may be to this body, the greaterhelp may come to the soul-entity to learn patience, tolearn tolerance in physical for coordination of the mindor mental with the physical.

Deterioration is too far advanced for individual helpother than may be administered to the body for its souldevelopment There may be only a few years, but don'tmake them harder, do be gentle. These will make thetime longer, but do be patient, do show brotherly love.As ye would have kindness shown, show the kindnessand gentleness. For this is the work of the Lord. (5268-1)

It is evident that the ones caring for this entity also had alesson of patience, kindness, and brotherly love to learn.Even accidents may have kannic origins. A physical

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reading given for a young girl of seventeen was such a case.This girl had been thrown from a horse four years before,incurring a spinal cord injury. The doctors said she wouldnever walk again, but the parents had not given up hopeand asked Edgar Cayce for a reading. They were givensome hope, but

There are rather serious disturbances here. Portionsof these, if the body will accept it, are karmic. Here wehave a lovely body and yet hindered through anunseeming accident, brought to the inability of activity;incapacitating the body, as to prevent normal activities,by the crushing of the segments here in the lumbar andsacral areas, as well as producing a dislocation hi theeighth dorsal.

As we find, this can be helped if there will be the useof the radioactive appliance for an hour each day....(5191-1)

Massage was also recommended, then:

Do this, and use this period, when the appliance isattached each day, as the period for prayer andmeditation; in the entity's own words, changed only tomeet the awakenings as come to the entity, as this:

FATHER, GOD! IN THY MERCY AND LOVE BETHOU CLOSE TO ME DAY BY DAY, THAT IN MYWEAKNESS AND THROUGH MY STRENGTH IMAY BE A CHANNEL OF BLESSING TOSOMEONE! GIVE THOU, GOD, THAT STRENGTH—PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL—THOUSEESTI HAVE NEED OF AND MAY MY PRAYEREVER BE, "THY WILL, O GOD, BE DONE IN ANDTHROUGH ME EACH DAY." (5191-1)

Another accident case was also apparently karmic.

Q. Why this accident and for what purpose?

A. That there might be those influences in the experiencethat become as lessons. For those whom the Lord lovethHe chasteneth and purgeth, every one. (1424-1)

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We may think we are living a very exemplary life andnot committing any sins, at least, no serious sins. Yet, asthe Bible says, there are sins of omission as well ascommission. The prayer group asked:

Q. Please explain why the Master in many cases forgavesins in healing individuals.

A. Sins are of commission and omission. Sins ofcommission were forgiven, while sins of omission werecalled to mind—even by the Master. (281-2)

One person's physical condition was apparently a sin ofomission, for this entity, 843, was told he had lived whenthe Master walked in the earth and in this life was meetingself. He asked:

Q. Why have I been limited to a weak physical body inthis appearance; what lesson will I gain by overcomingit?

A. As ye saw from whence health and strength and aperfect body came and needed little—it is that ye mayknow ye live and move and have your being in Him whoIS strength, who is health, who is life. (843-9)

Sometimes the sin of omission is failing to help others. Ifthe physical condition of 2319 is any indication, this sin ofomission is the greater sin. Probably the entity pays inproportion to the error.

Number 2319 was a child who was both physically andmentally incapacitated.

Here we find a physical expression of wantonness andselfishness [in the past] manifested, in the present inthe lack of the mental, spiritual and physical ex-pression save through constant care upon the part ofothers.

WELL might many questions come to the mother, theparents, as to why and how this must be a part of theirexperience in this material sojourn.

Well that each remember, it is LAW; and that only inHim—who hath fulfilled the law, replacing it with

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mercy, love, hope and understanding—can such bewholly comprehended or understood.

It is not always the sin of the parents that such betheir measure of responsibility, but oft it is ashere—rather that the soul-consciousness of this entitymay become aware of what true abiding love leadsindividuals to do concerning those who are whollydependent upon others for every care; Ihus fulfilling,thus completing a full understanding of ihat law.

So easily is it. misinterpreted, so oft passed over asbeing beautiful but not applicable in the own experience!

But to all here we see same manifested in a materialway and manner, namely, "As ye do it unto the least ofthese, my brethren, ye do it unto me," saith the Lord.

So, with what measure ye mete—in body, in mind, inspirit—the same is measured to thee.

The fulfilling of such in the experience of the parents,of the entity itself, makes same null and void in theexperience as sin. For the Lord loveth those who repentFor there is the more joy over the one that returns thanthe ninety and nine just that never strayed away.

So, it was for—it is through, it is by such love that hasbeen manifested and is being manifested in ex-perience of this entity, that he entered this particularenviron.

As was manifested in the experience of Him, thoughHe were without sin, He offered His body, His blood,His life, that we through Him might have the access tothe Father of light, of love, of hope, of mercy.

Thus we find here an entity who in the appearancesand experiences before this knew of—yea, in many ofthose sojourns was well acquainted with—those who didkindnesses, those who patiently and lovingly didminister to the need of those who were without hope,who were disturbed in body and in mind as to which wayto turn and as to what course to pursue. Yet the entityturned away from same, that there might be the joys ofthe material nature, the enjoying of appetites in self for aseason.

Yet here we find the entity is overtaken, and that whatthe entity has sown he is reaping.These conditions, then, bring opportunities for those83

who minister, those who care for such, to meet their ownselves—in joy or in duty, obligation.

With love did the Father offer His Son. With love,patience and understanding did the Son give what will bethe measure of faith of those who minister here to thissoul, who is entering into an awakening through thatbeing administered in the present (2319-1)

Though 2319's sin is spoken of as selfishness, for hethought only of self, his error or sin was really one ofomission. That is failure to help others. For he was in aposition to really help his fellow man, yet he failed to doso.

The deafness of this entity (3526) was obviouslyretributive justice for his sin of omission.

The basic reactions here are somewhat of the karmicnature. These can be materially aided by meetingconditions in relationships to others in such manners asto be as the sacrifice, or as the recompense, in suchdisturbances.

Then, do not close the ears, the mind, or the heartagain to those who plead for aid, or those whom by wordor deed ye may aid in their comprehension of theirrelationships to Creative Forces.

For in the measures ye mete to others—inworshipfulness or in hate, in consideration or indisregard—ye actually mete thy material activities inrelationship to Creative Forces, God. (3526-1)

Again the physical manifestation was preceded by wrongchoices which came from the mental-spiritual. When anentity faces the fact that his physical body depends uponhis mental and spiritual self, he is on the way to at-one-ment and health.

A rather similar case of deafness was 960. His readingindicated that his deafness was karmic in nature and camefrom the French Revolutionary period, in winch hedeafened his ears to the cry of the people. He also was told:

The mental attitude and the mental forces of this bodyneed more attention than the purely physical conditions.

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For the correct mental attitude towards self, and theduties that the body—physical and mental—owes and isdue others, the physical conditions would near correctthemselves. But without the awakening of the mentaland physical responsibilities of this entity, those physicalconditions which have brought about the weakening ofthe mental forces—through the strain produced on thenerve system—there will be no need of the correction inthe physical, for this would only bring other conditionsthat would prove as detrimental to the physical being asthe conditions which are produced.... (960-1)

It is evident that what we do not learn through wisdom,we learn through pain and suffering.

While suffering may bring understanding, causingothers to suffer to satisfy one's own self brings reproach.(204-1)

So must there be, so are [there] those influences, thosedetermining factors that have become—into man—asweaknesses of the flesh, ills in the physical being;bringing oft through some great suffering—as [it did] toHim. For though He were the Son, yet learned Heobedience through the things which He suffered. (1527-

We simply have to face facts; we are responsible for ourown health or physical condition. We cannot blame othersor God; we must seek causes in our own inner selves.

Physical manifestations in a body are the result of theactivity of the mind and the soul upon relationshipswhich exist between individuals, conditions, orcircumstances. Choices made by individuals in theirrelationships bring good or bad. Or there is each day setbefore us life and death, good and evil—we mustchoose. The constant thinking, the constant thought ofhate, malice, jealousy brings physical conditions as aresult in the physical body, as it does in a state or anation. It is such results that produce warring conditionsof nations, disturbances in a body. Change the thoughtsand you will change the effect upon the body.

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Remember the law—and the law of the Lord is perfectAs the mental, spiritual, and physical laws are kept morein a unison of purpose, a more perfect balance is kept inthe whole body. (3246-2)

Karma is, then, that which has been builded in thepast as indifference to that known to be right (254-64)

It isn't a question of what sin, but a question ofcorrecting the body-mind, purposes, and desires, lettingsin be eliminated from the ideals and purposes of thebody. (4009-1)

When you wonder why you have not been able toovercome certain conditions, remember that oft a thornis left in the flesh to tempt, yes, to keep one aright Whenone acquires the development to meet conditions, orwhen one raises self to meet all that arises, then self isset free. (281-16)

So it is possible to get off this wheel of return and endearth lives. We, however, continue our evolution in otherand higher realms. But we can hope to free ourselves ofkarma, while here, and live under grace if we love andserve God and our fellow man.

Q. Why was it that [218-P-1-2] has been prevented fromcarrying out the readings given him through thesesources [for his tubercular condition]?

A. That which has been builded must be met every whit,until there is the whole trust in that which makes the lawof recompense, or the law of karma, of none effect It'sin him! (281-6)

Know that all the desires of the body have theirrightful place in thy experience. They are to be used, notabused. All things given to man as appetites or physicaldesires are holy unto the Lord, yet they are to be used tothe glory of God and not in the direction of selfishness.(3234-1)

Remember, the sources, as we have indicated, are themeeting of one's own self, thus are karmic. These can bemet most in Him, who, taking away the law of cause andeffect by fulfilling the law, establishes the law of Grace.Thus the need for the entity to lean upon the arm of Himwho is the Law, and the Truth, and the Light. (2828-4)86

This—find it in self. Know, so long as we feel there iskarma, it is cause and effect. But in righteousness wemay be justified before the Throne. Thus we may passfrom cause and effect, or karma, to that of grace. (3177-1)

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MEMORY: OUR GOOD KARMA-TALENTS, CAREERS, VOCATIONALAPTITUDES

CHAPTER FOUR

Each man reaps on his own farm. —PLAUTUS

Man plants a field of corn. God giveth the increase;the soil produces—but don't forget to plow it and hoe it.(165-B-24)

The foregoing chapters could be interpreted to indicatethat there is only retributive or unpleasant karma. Tis notso! There are, though, various aspects to our karma. Thereadings make it clear that all karma is good karma; forever is there the opportunity of making paths straight.

For one enters not by chance but by choice, that itmay learn or meet its own self. And when there are thoseenvirons through which such material opportunities maypresent themselves, such a soul—seeking—findsexpression. These become a part of the whole experienceof an entity. (2990-2)

Since one aspect of karma is memory and is brought inwith the entity, let us consider the skills and abilities whichmany were told they had brought with them from previoussojourns on the earth plane, having learned or acquiredthese abilities or vocational urges in previous lives.

Those who are trained in the former experiences inthe earth, though they may not have applied theprinciples in the immediate present, may have thewisdom of the ages at their disposal, if there is thebeginning and the application of self in those directions.(903-23)

The sleeping Edgar Cayce gave the followingexplanation of our memory of previous lives. What else butmemory could explain the genius some individuals displayfrom infancy? No doubt new skills quickly acquired areknown skills.

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In interpreting the application made by the entity invaried appearances, and the influence the same bearsupon the abilities, the faults and the virtues of the entityin the present, it may be well for this entity that there bean interpretation of just how such experiences have aninfluence in the present

This may be comparable to the experience of an entityas it undertakes its studies, its lessons in school. Not thatthere is in everyday life the remembering of dailyexperiences in school, yet these daily experiences createthe background with which the entity, in its daily contactwith problems, reviews in memory the problems thatwere part of the experience during such days of what iscommonly called education, or unfoldment

Just so in tile daily experience of an individual entitythrough the various lessons learned, gained or lost in theearthly experiences, it builds a background to which theentity-mind responds as it applies itself in meeting thedaily problems which arise.

One may ask, as this entity, WHY, then, does one notrecall more often those experiences?

The same may be asked as to why there is not theremembering of the time when two and two to the entitybecame four, or when C-A-T spelled cat It always did!You only became aware of this as it became necessaryfor you to make practical application in your experience!

So with the application of self s experience in materialsojourns. When the necessity arises, the awareness as tohow, where, and in what direction those opportunitieswere applied is brought to bear in the entity'srelationships to daily problems. (2301-4)

The readings indicate we have some memory of previousexperiences, whether they were in the earth or the interimsbetween earth lives. These give us our abilities, and theyalso dictate our purpose for returning to earth life.

Each soul's entrance into material consciousnessshould represent to the entity the awareness that auniversal consciousness, God, is aware of the entity'spurpose, the entity's aims. And this consciousness

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represents an opportunity for the entity, in the materialexperience, to become a channel to glorify that purpose,that cause.

In each entity's experience, through various ap-pearances and activities, there have been thoseawarenesses that fit that particular entity for this or thatvocation, such an activity through which there maycome the greater material benefit as well as the greateropportunity for mental and spiritual expression.

Each entity, then, has those urges arising either fromthe earthly sojourns or from those interims between! theearthly appearances.

First, analyze self, as to self s ideals, self s principles.For know, the earth and all therein is the Lord's. Allthine OWN is lent thee, not thine but LENT thee. Keepit inviolate. Knowing the rules as thou hast, disobey not(2622-1)

Each soul has a definite job to do. But ye alone mayfind and do that job. (2823-1)

These quotations could be construed to mean anindividual would be really suited to and successful in onlyone vocation or profession. This is not true, however, forseveral entities were told they could do well in twoprofessions. For example, 853 was told his field should bewriting or a datastician (statistician); and 415 was told heshould be either a minister or a lawyer, for "in either thathe goes into he will act in both capacities! But the greaterwould be the spiritual ministry, to be sure."

A few individuals were told they could be successful inalmost any field or vocation they chose. This versatility,though, can be a problem. For example, 488 was told hisabilities "are many, and unless applied in a specificchannel or manner will make for rather thatcharacterization of 'good for many things and not quitegood for anything,' or the ability to become an 'almost,' ora ne'er-do-well, in a material manner; yet if centralized,specialized, with a broad vision as is experienced by thoseJupiterian influences in the entity's makeup, will make forone of affluence, one who may build to high positions, notonly of trust, not only of abilities to do dungs, but also todo things weU." (488-5)

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Others were told to go into a different type of work orbusiness, and they became successful and happy when theymade the change.

One of the first life readings was given for a youngattorney, 5, who was seeking advice about his profession.He had apparently chosen the right profession according tohis reading, for he had high mental ability and leadershipqualities, with die ability to aid and counsel those seekingadvice. His ability to counsel had been developed mainly inthe life just previous to the present one, which was in thiscountry, and in an earlier one which was in Greece. He wastold that he had gained from the influence "in Jupiter, thebroadness of vision, with the abilities to control, or becontrolled, by others."

Nature has made of the entity a leader, yet the entityhas allowed self to be rather dominated than being theleader as the entity may make of self, by first conqueringself, selfs own desires—and while not lauding it, orlauding the abilities, or lauding the knowledge, orlauding position, may use all to guide, guard, and directmany in such a way and manner as to bring toe self thatof its birthright, in the ability to lead, to guide, to aidthose who do seek counsel, do seek advice, do seek thatof the knowledge concerning the relationships ofindividuals with individuals, and individuals withgroups.

In Venus is seen the love, and the counsel of others,that often overshadows that of selfs own expression, feltas duty—rather than as sound counsel, or as proper forselfs own development This is that again wherein selfmay use selfs abilities to selfs undoing.

In that seen in influences in the Uranian brings forperiods when there seems to be every conditionimaginable awry—whether business relations* socialrelations, financial conditions—every condition seemsto be awry. Again there are seasons of most things cometoo easy. These are to be met with that of that buOded inself through the mental abilities, and the stableness ofpurpose which may be builded by self.

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This man was a judge in his last earth appearance, whichwas in this country. He was among the first settlers and ofthe council which established same, in the name Doane.

The entity then became the judge of the peoples'differences which arose during those periods, and thatinfluence, that ability, to see mat which is necessary tobring about better relationships between individuals,rather than being a representative of corporations. Thisdoes not always appeal to the entity, for individuals, asindividuals appeal the most While the conditions whicharise in the present experience of the entity make forvarying conditions in these relations, yet will the entityever find that the greatest abilities, the greatestsatisfaction in the chosen profession, will be in that ofindividual counsel and individual advice—and the entitymay go far in development of self, for many there bewho trust in the abilities of the entity, even as during thatexperience.

In the appearance before this, he was in the Trojan landand was among those who counseled with Hector and withAchilles's forces, being a mediator between those foes ofold, and bringing much to bear on the various forces whichgradually drew the peoples together later in the experiencesof that land.

Again the counsel of the entity may be found asrecords among those who wrote of the period, called thatonly in the minds; yet real in its actuality. In theinfluence felt is that halting between opinions of thosethat would act as the lording over others, or as therecognized leaders as varying with the abilities of self.Establish self rather as one that may be the leader infact.

He was an Indian warrior in another life. From thissojourn he gained ability to counsel—especially in relationto do with lands, land grants, and the relationships ofpeople in grants, whether as to groups, individuals, orassociations.

His reading said: "Land grants are particularly in-

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teresting to the entity, and well to study same."

A still earlier life was in Egypt, where be was a teacher.He taught of die relationships of roan to man and what isnow called penal law. The codes of law which wereestablished then are today prefaces to the knowledgepertaining to such codes.

The memory of these appearances gives the presentability in law; the ability in judgeship, and the ability tomediate between individuals, and between groups; butthe greater ability lies in that of being the individualadviser, and for the judging of the rights of theindividual according to the written law.

Q. Should entity resume the practice of law as partner?

A. (Interruption) Resume the practice of law for self,separating self—not as one that would be in the positionof being divided, but rather of finding the abilities of selfto meet the needs and to develop self. First find self.Then, when the physical body is in accord with that aswill enable the self to establish the self, do that.

Q. Should entity resume the practice of law as partnerwith his father, or in separate office in Greensboro, orshould entity practice law in an entirely different placefrom that in which entity has ever lived?

A. As given, separate self in a different office—but not ina different surrounding. The entity, in the establishing ofself, will not be overshadowed—will the entity stand fastto that of the abilities within self I

Q. Should entity continue to specialize in penal lawcourtroom law work, which he loves, or try to makemore money in other fields of law such as corporationlaw?

A. As has been given, the individual application appealsmost—rather than the corporation. Would the entitydesire to make the change, make the change in which hewould become known as a giant combatting cor-porations, rather than fighting for them! For the manas a man, as an individual, as a developing one, isindividual first and foremost (5-2)

Another young man, 2340, was advised to go first into

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the Navy and then to study law. An Edgar Cayce readinggiven for him when he was sixteen years old said that hehad exceptional abilities, which were not yet localized.

We find that these may be localized either in wateractivities or as a lawyer or as a politician; yet most ofthese will require those periods of the changing scenes aswill be the natural activities of the body.

Get most of these, then, out of the system! That is,know that you will pass through those, and go throughthose periods first

Then, we would suggest first an active force in theNavy—or that the preparations be made in same for thelife work as a lawyer; that is, while in the Navy, studylaw; and there will be the greater successes in thematerial as well as the fulfilling of many of those thingsthat will be a part of the experience through such anapplication of self. (2340-1)

This young man was told that he had had many andquite varied appearances in the earth, which gave himmany influences in this life. He had been with Cabot on bisexpeditions "and was a navigator, a seaman; not merelymaking voyages of discovery but as to making them apaying_proposition, for those interested in the things inwhich the entity was interested."

These brought many varied experiences to the entity;and as the entity sails the seas, much of that which wasthe experience then will be a part of the entity'sawakening to the needs for the purifying of mind andbody for a greater spiritual service.

The interest in things of mystery, stories of the sea,things pertaining to the voyages of those who acted inthe capacity of aides or as fences for the pirates; all ofthese become a part of the entity's vision or longing attimes.

In the present we will find those latent urges may bemanifested or submerged. Yet as we find, such a periodof three to four years in the Navy would be MOSTbeneficial, most helpful for the entity; but study lawwhen engaged in same! (2340-1)

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Before this the entity had been a Roman centurion of nomean order and was stationed in Palestine. During this lifehe gained attitudes regarding religious tolerance, or thebeliefs of various peoples and their effect.

Oft the entity acted as a counselor through the latterpart of that sojourn, as there were the changes broughtabout. (2340-1)

He was a trader or a buyer or an adjudger of the valuesof the groups or the provisions or the commodities thatwere traded.

From that experience he developed an interest in thingspertaining to the field, the stream, the farm—and also aninterest in selling and city life.

Yet we find that waterway as a training rather than asa business would be to the entity the channels throughwhich the greater activity may be brought.

As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that towhich it may attain, and how:

First, analyze thyself, thy desires, thy hopes; andKNOW thy ideal—spiritual, mental, material; not as towhat you would like to have GIVEN thee, but what yewould desire to attain to. Set thy goal high. Use andapply self in beneficial and in helpful experiences.

Never be a condemner at law, or in law. Rather be asa DEFENDER of that which is just and right; not acorporation lawyer, not. a criminal lawyer, but ratherone that would give advice and counsel as to how tokeep FROM coming into or under the heavier forces ofsame—but DEFEND ever!

In selfs study, selfs analysis, keep the faith in thyCreator. Those of nature's laws—as has been indicated,of the sea, of the ocean—will be a teacher to thee.

Then let thy yeas be yea; never in partnership withothers, for ye would be too light, too easy with them:but as an individual entity, seeking to fill that place inwhich ye may make manifest His love in the earth.

Q. In what section of the country will I eventually be ableto make the greatest success?

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A. In the western portion of the country will be the greatersuccess, when eventually settling down; but make thevoyages first

Q. Through what particular channels should I begin toestablish contacts in order to fit myself for the type ofwork suggested?

A. As outlined, join the Navy three years; but study law.

Q. Are there any particular subjects that I should^ take inmy senior year of high school?

A. Anything pertaining to law and order. (2340-1)

We do not know how closely this young man followedhis reading, but in February, 1968, he wrote requesting acopy of his life reading, and his letterhead indicated that hewas vice-president and treasurer of Defender lifeInsurance Company in North Carolina.

The Edgar Cayce readings revealed several potentialgeniuses. A reading given for an eleven-month-old babyboy said he had been Franz Lizt in his previous life. Hewould naturally show great musical ability in this life, andhis parents were advised to begin his musical training early.The reading said:

Nickname the entity Franz, for it will be in keepingwith the entity and is that it will be inclined to call itselfwhen it begins tc lisp or think... much might be said ofthe entity's developments through the experiences in theearth and the UNUSUALNESS with which the entitywill influence certain conditions in the present land ifthere is the training and development in those directionsthat are the natural talents of the entity.

Hence much might be indicated to those responsiblefor this entity's present entrance in the earth, in keepingthe intents of the entity well balanced in the spiritual,material, and mental aspects of its activity.

It will be indicated as a natural tendency or trend forthis entity throughout its experience to ingratiate selfwith others.

In the musical abilities should the entity be trainedfrom the beginning. There is the natural intent andinterest toward things of the artistic nature andtemperament. There are the abilities to use the voice, as

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well as die abilities in playing most ANY instrument—Ifthe opportunity is given; especially in the composition,in the natures of composition as well as the playingitself. Symphonies, all forms of musical interludes andthe like, should be the training to which the entity wouldbe subjected—that it may be given the greateropportunities. And, as soon as he is capable of such,insist upon beginning with the piano—as a playing, as ameans of entertaining. And the natural ear for harmonywill soon be indicated in the activities of the entity.(2584-1)

This musical talent was not developed in one life only.Little Franz had done important musical work in two otherearlier lives. One was in Palestine, where he helped insetting up the music in the temple; and the other was inancient Egypt, where he set chants to music.

The entity was in the earth during those periods of thepreparation and the accomplishing of the setting up ofthe music in the temple that was planned by David andcompleted by Solomon.

The entity was an associate then of both David andSolomon, being among the chief musicians for settingthe psalms to the order of preparation for the variousinstruments upon which there would be the music forservices in the temples. And the psalms of David as wellas the songs of Solomon were a part of the entity'sexperience, in their preparation, as well as the psalmsand the musical activities in which the entity engaged.

Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, duringthose periods when there were those activities in the landto unify a troubled people, as well as those who hadbecome as sojourners or dwellers in the land.

The entity was among the peoples from Atlantis, butwas born and brought up in the environs of the Egyptianexperience.

And with the establishings of the activities forcorrelating the ideas and ideals regarding thepreparation of bodies for a material channel, for theservice of betterment of the kind or class or manner ofworship of the peoples, and die establishing of the100

physical activities in which individuals were en-gaged—the entity was among those who first set thechants of the various peoples to any form of music. Thisthus made for mat establishing in the Temple ofSacrifice of the chants to which much of the activitieswere given; as well as, in the latter part of the entity'sactivity, that establishing of the chants that aided inHEALING—and in bringing the mental attributes ofthose who had determined to become as channelsthrough which there might be the spiritual expression inthe Temple Beautiful.

Thus we find again the music added to the abilities asa healer, the ability as one to direct.

Thus we will find those expressions in VARIED fieldspertaining to all of the activities. (2584-1)

Further counsel or advice was given this child's (2584)parents for training little Franz.

As to the abilities, then:

First, to be sure, the developing years have much todo with the choices and the direction the entity may takein giving material expressions of the abilities innate andmanifested as the body-mind develops.

Music, as it has been well said, is that expression thatspans the distance between the sublime and theridiculous, that which appeals to the physical, thespiritual, the mental emotions of individuals.

Then, whatever field of direction the entity may takedepends much upon whether those emotions areawakened or aroused for the gratifying of materialdesires, or whether there is the spanning of that realmbetween the material and the sublime.

These should be kept in that direction, then, in whichthere may be a completion of that the entity has so oftset in motion in the affairs of men through theexperiences or sojourns of the entity in the earth.

Then let those about the entity realize not only theiropportunities but their responsibilities, as well as theirprivileges, in directing one who may play such animportant part in the establishing of music in America.(2584-1)

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The reading given for 3633, a twelve-year-old boy,labeled him a potential genius. The reading indicated theboy had great obstacles as well as great possibilities. Hispresent difficulties stemmed from his last life, which was inthis country, and from a life thousands of years ago inAtlantis, while his musical and artistic talents weredeveloped in other lives.

In giving the interpretations of the records here of thisentity, 3633, it would be very easy to interpret sameeither in a very optimistic or a very pessimistic vein. Forthere are great possibilities and great obstacles. Butknow, in either case, the real lesson is within self. Forhere is the opportunity for an entity (while comparisonsare odious, these would be good comparisons) to beeither a Beethoven or a Whittier or a Jesse James, orsome such entity! For the entity is inclined to think morehighly of himself than he ought to think, as would beindicated. That's what these three individuals did, inthemselves. As to the application made of it, dependsupon the individual self.

Here is an entity who has abilities and faculties latentwithin self which may be turned into music or poetry orwriting in prose, which few would ever excel. Or theremay be the desire to have its own way to such an extentthat the entity will be in the position to disregard othersaltogether in every form, just so self has its own way.

In giving the astrological aspects, these are latent andmanifested: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.These are adverse in some respects one to another, yetare ever present and will be indicated in that in whichthe body will go to excess in many ways, unless there isthe real training in the periods of unfoldment. And theentity is beginning to reach that period when, while thespirit must not be broken, everyone should be very firmand positive with the entity, inducing the entity throughreason to analyze self and to form the proper concepts ofideals and purposes, and in doing this, we will not onlygive to the world a real individual with genius, but makefor individual soul development. Otherwise, we will give

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to the world one of genius in making trouble forsomebody. (3633-1)

Later reports on this boy confirmed the accuracy of thisprophecy and of the boy's character. The readingcontinued:

As to the appearances in the earth, these na-turally—as indicated from those tendencies—havebeen quite varied.

Before this die entity was in the land of the presentsojourn during the French and Indian Wars.

The entity was among those of the French in theactivities about Fort Dearborn; bringing those thingsinto activity to have its own way, irrespective of thetrouble or the great distresses to which others were put.

In die end the entity by sheer illness in self gained agreat deal. For it may be said of this entity as of theMaster, through suffering he learned the more.

The name then was John Angel.

Before that the entity was in die French and the Hunland when there were those disturbances in theestablishing of the activities in what is now known asFrance.

Then the entity with certain groups made forays intothe Hun land, and yet eventually escaped to the areasabout the southern and western portion of Italy.

The entity then was in those activities in which theartist or the musician came into greater play, the abilityto write verse and make music to it

The abilities in the present as an orchestra leader or awriter of song or verse may be a part of the entity'sexperience, provided it doesn't have tie "big head" orthink more highly of himself than he ought; but havingideals and principles, having purposes and coordinatingthem, knowing that every other individual has as muchright in the earth as you have yourself, even though hemay not be in some respects as far advanced in hislearning. For, remember, knowledge—or due seeking forthe tree of knowledge—is the sin. It is the use of whatyou do know to the glory of God that is righteousness.God is not die respecter of persons because of one's103

good looks nor of one's abilities. He respects theindividual because of bis purposes, Ms aims, bis desires.Remember that

Before that the entity was in the city of gold whenthere were those overtures and activities in the variouslands, as in the land of Saad, the Gobi, and the Egyptianland.

The entity then was active in its abilities forentertaining, as in verse and in song; using these forpurposes that added not only to the entertainment, butto the greater development and unfoldment of thosepeoples.

The name then was Scarpf.

Before that the entity was in Atlantis, during thoseperiods just before the second breaking up of the land.

The entity was among the sons of Belial who used thedivine forces for the gratifying of selfish appetites, andthe formation of desires for the gratifying of self becamethe stumbling block for the entity.

As to the abilities of the entity in the present, that towhich it may attain and how:

There are unlimited abilities. How will they bedirected by the entity? How well may others cause theentity to be aware of such activities? These should be thequestions in self.

Study to know first thy ideals, spiritual, mental, andmaterial. Then apply self in such a manner towardsthose that there will never be a question mark after thineown conscience nor in the eyes even of others.

Remember that the Lord loveth the cheerful giver aswell as those who seek His face.

Q. What should be his chief work?

A. This depends upon what he chooses—whether inmusic, directing of music, writing of music, or writing ofverse. But in either of these channels, there may be thegreater outlet. The voice of the wood, the voice of theair—any of those are the realms through which theentity may exceed, as well as succeed.

Q. Would all of his talents be developed?

A. All his talents will either be developed or run to seedand be drained off.

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Q. Any other suggestions that may help his parents toguide him?

A. Let the parents study to show themselves approvedunto God, workmen not ashamed, putting the stresswhere stress is due, keeping self unspotted from theworld. (3633-1)

This reading is presented in its entirety, as it illustratesthe complexity of individual development, the borderlinebetween genius and disaster which is the consequence ofprevious lives. There is both good and bad; one lifemisused can be the source of difficulties thousands of yearslater. Misuse of Divine Forces inevitably takes its toll indire consequences, in some painful experience.

Later reports told of the tragedy of this life. The parentsrealized their problem. They wrote that they had placed theboy, before this reading, in a very strict, very religiousboarding school. They did not want him to be idle, as theyfelt idleness would destroy him.

As no follow-up reading was given, we do not knowwhether this was the best environment for the boy or not.The mother reported a very distressing mental and nervousupset a few years later. The reading was given in 1944. In1951 the mother wrote: ". . . No doubt you have read ofour tragedy. My son [3633], who has been emotionallyunbalanced for thr^e years, last Wednesday shot his fatherand grandmother. Hugh Lynn, your father was my friendand I brought [3633] to see him and also he gave a lifereading for him which had plenty of warnings in it. I amwriting to ask you to please get one of your prayer circlesto work on us—and to pour spiritual power into mymother . . . and into my husband . . . and my son [3633],We certainly need it."

The boy's trouble was later diagnosed as dementiapraecox, schizophrenia. It seems obvious from his reading,however, that his real problem was a karmic conditionwhich began in Atlantis, when he joined the sons of Belial.He was placed in a sanitarium and did make someimprovement while there. His parents had hopes of bisrecovery. The mother later, in 1964, wrote to report hisdeath.

The boy had lived to be thirty-two years old and105

displayed great mental capabilities but did not make theartistic contribution he might have made because of hismental disturbance.

Another unusual boy was found in 2547. His spiritualdevelopment and memories are in sharp contrast to thoseof 3633; for 2547 had devoted himself to spiritual servicein his previous life.

His reading by Edgar Cayce was given in 1941, when2547 was only four years old. The greater part of the lifereading was:

As counsel to those responsible for the training, thedeveloping of those abilities;—spiritually, mental-ly—that are apparent "in the activities of this entity;that it may better -fulfill those purposes for whichit entered this experience.

Fortunate indeed may be those who have a part in theformulating of the ideals ot this entity in the present. Forhe will formulate ideas fat many, no matter in what turnthe activities may be. But if these , are guided in thosechannels through which the activities of this entity hayebeen in the earth plane, we will fmd the GLORIFYINGof the Christ-Consciousness in manifested manners ofspiritual activity mat has not been seen since -the entityin its expression in the earth gave counsel to the many.

Astrologically we find little influences in theexperience of this entity. For the activities in the earthhave so outweighed, outnumbered those. And noindividual entity save the Master himself has givengreater material demonstration of the activities of thespiritual forces in the earth of EVERY nature. (2547-1)

His reading said he had had only a few appearances inthe earth and that his previous earth life had been inScotland as a reformer.

Before this the entity was in the Scotch land. TheEntity began its activity as a prodigy, as one alreadyversed in its associations with the unseen—or theelemental forces; the fairies and those of every form thatdo not give expression in a material way and are onlyseen by those who are attuned to the infinite.

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Then the entity in the developing was in the nameThomas Campbell, the reformer in the land of thepresent nativity; which, as combined later with BartonStone, brought into activity that known as adenomination.

The intent and purpose was to UNIFY all Protestantthought, speaking where the Book spoke, keeping silentwhere it kept silent upon the activities or associations ofindividuals in relationships to groups or to masses.

Hence the entity throughout its experience was notdisposed to be other than a speaker.

And the abilities as a speaker, as a minister, will be apart of those faculties, characteristics, that should beconsidered as the entity develops normally.

Do not allow the entity, in the first ten to twelve years,to get away from the spiritual truths in the Old and theNew Testaments; not as an ism, not as a cult. For it willbe easy for a cult, an ism, to be formed about the entityand its prognostications. But rather let it be as oneglorifying the truths that are promised in the thirtieth ofDeuteronomy, and in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth,and seventeenth chapters of John. These impress.Accredit the entity's abilities to these sources. Whenthere are questions as to the sourse from which the entityobtains its information, agree that it comes from theinfinite. For these are the developments.

For before that the entity was that one upon whomthe mantle of Elijah fell, who in his material activityperformed more unusual acts, ot miracles, that are onlycomparable with the Master himself.

The entity then as Elisha brought into the experiencemuch that was of the unusual in expression.

So in the present, in the experiences of this entity,there may be expected just as unusual expression;as those coming to the entity to receive the blessings fromthe handkerchief, the photograph even, or those thingsthat the entity may touch or bless.

But let these be as NATURAL sources, NOT assomething unusual. For, remember—those that have thetraining—those whom the Lord would honor Hechasteneth.

These, then, are the manners: Let each day be an107

opportunity—not in coddling, not drastic measures, butloving—as an honor, as a privilege to be appreciated andactive, in that there may come those blessings to theentity.

Here we may see a demonstration and illustration ofthat which has been indicated or intimated through thesechannels, as of a PERFECT channel being formed forthe advent of an entity-soul that would bring blessings toall—IF there is the directing of the developing years.

The responsibility then rests with the mother, thefather, for the next eight years. There will then be given,here, those studies. For it will be easy to teach himGreek. It will be easy to teach him those things that wereportion of the activity.

For before THAT the entity was that one to whomwas entrusted man's advent into the world—Noah.

From this we find those weaknesses. Then, not as onerefraining from these, but beware ever of any strongdrink or fruit of the vine passing the lips of THISentity—through these early periods, especially.

To these, and we will find blessings to man—throughthis entity. (2547-1)

Here we have a highly evolved soul whom we mightexpect to become a great spiritual leader, a minister orspeaker. So far he has not indicated tins potential. He is,though, only in his early thirties now, and his spiritualinfluence could yet become great.

He did seem to have the spiritual awareness as a childwhich his readings indicated. A friend who knew about hisreading asked him for an object he had handled, thinking itwould have healing vibrations. This boy gave her an objecthe had carved from wood, seemingly realizing its purposeand suitableness. He was, as his reading predicted, a verygood student, but he missed school a lot due to bad weatherand illness. He seemed to be especially sensitive to weatherand on several occasions warned his parents of approachingstorms long before anyone else saw any sign of a storm.

In 1957 a family friend reported that she had met 2547and his young bride—that they were both very religious, ina Protestant (Baptist) faith, both teaching and working in

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religious education, though he had chosen the grocerybusiness as his profession. She tried to talk to them aboutreincarnation and so on, but they seemed too orthodox tobe much interested. The wife seemed more open than hedid.

An up-to-date report (1968) on 2547 from his uncle,416, states that this young man is the manager of a largechain supermarket in the small Southern town where helives. He has a family and is a good solid citizen living agood Christian life but is not a minister or speaker, as hisCayce reading suggested.

A young woman (5241), when she was nineteen years ofage, asked in an Edgar Cayce reading if she should attendcollege and was told:

Enter rather nurse training or the psychological studyas a technician, but college is not necessary. But better apremedical degree would be had, yes. (5241-1)

This advice was probably given because of naturalhealing ability. Her reading said:

There will be found few individuals who haveinnately, though very probably not aware of it at all inthe present, the abilities to heal with the hands as much,and they're not bad-looking hands! Look at them! Thesecarry then, not necessarily in the hands themselves but inthe individuality of the soul of the entity, real help thatthe entity may bring, may give to others. There would bevery few instances where the entity would not or couldnot, if it would attempt it, heal a headache in a fewmoments and only by quieting.

Thus those things of spiritual nature, or of divinescience, and those things of spiritual as well aspsychological nature should the entity study and apply inseif s experience with others, though this may never bedone save by and through the entity keeping itself inaccord with divine purposes. Not that the entity is to be"goody-goody." Just be good for something and, as isand will be indicated, if the entity will apply itself inthose directions, there has been the gift, as it were, of the

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Maker, from the Maker, to the entity, the vainglory, butas an expression of the divine in and through therelationships with others.

Abuse it or reject it and well find hardships,confusions may come to the entity. But as a nurse, as ahealer, itself, as in application along any of these lineswhere this may be applied, the entity may become, notmerely well known> for it isn't to the glory of self, but theglory of the Maker, that these should be applied in theexperiences of the entity.

From the astrological aspects we find Jupiter, Venus,Saturn are the latent urges. There is within the innatefeeling, the personality, the individuality wanting to dosomething, not merely because it would be big, notmerely to be well spoken of, but as the innate feeling ofwanting to be worthwhile, wanting to be an expressionof something out of the ordinary. Well, ye have it! Use it,don't abuse it, don't neglect it! (5241-1)

This young woman was given three lives to which herloving personality and healing ability were due.

She had lived in Philadelphia during the Revolutionarydays and had helped in the cause for freedom. She hadaided in instruction and carried messages to those inauthority, even to Washington himself.

For the entity was even blessed by Washington. In theexperience the entity gained, and hence that desireinnately for helpful forces, for a universal consciousnessof good, for freedom of activity, freedom of speech andthose which are active in the entity's consciousnesslatent; and thus is the beauty, the loveliness of thecharacter of the entity in the present (5241-1)

Before that the entity was in Persia at the time of therebuilding of the holy city with ZerubbabeL She was thecompanion of the priest Eleazer. She took from the recordswhich were discovered there and brought to self, and tomany, a greater knowledge of the closeness of the Father-God to man in this period.

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Before that we find the entity was in the Egyptianland when there were the activities in the preparationsfor the exit from Egypt to the favored land, the peoplethrough whom was chosen the hope of the world.

The entity was then the close friend of Joshua. Yes,one of those to whom Joshua was engaged as would becalled in the present, and of the daughters of Levi, notthe same as Moses and Aaron but rather of Korah.There we find the entity beautiful, lovely, beloved ofJoshua and yet weak in body, because of conditionsunder which the entity had in a portion of its experiencelabored, and thus weak-lunged, passing away during theperiod of the journey to the Holy Land. But to have beenbeloved of Joshua was sufficient to have builded into thepersonality that individuality of the entity, that whichstill makes the entity beloved of all who know the entitybest, loved by all its companions, its associates, just as inthose experiences with the great leader who was to carrythe children of promise to the Holy Land. The namethen was Abigal.

As to the abilities of the entity, then, that to which itmay attain and how:

These are limited only to that which is the choice andapplication of the entity in those directions indicated.Not that a home should not be established, not that therewon't be a beautiful home, but choose one in accord, notin discord with the abilities in self. (5241-1)

An interesting and unusual case, 3184, was a youngwoman of thirty when she applied for her reading. Shelisted her occupation as aviation and her religiouspreference as none. Her contact with ARE was through hermother, who wrote: "I think the book, There Is a River,came to me as an answer to prayer. I am a member of theDivine Science Church, 'The Church of the Healing Christ,'of which Dr. Emmet Fox is the pastor. . . . My daughter3184, who at present lives in . . . Texas, is doing workwhich she does not like and yet fears to give it up, notknowing just where she can get a position doing the workshe loves.... I can only tell her that if she can cast all fearand doubt out of her thoughts and really believe that Godis guiding her to her true place where she will be happy and

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most useful, that position will present itself, but it isdifficult for a young person who was raised in the CatholicChurch to do this."

The young woman asked: "Should or will I be able tomake flying my life work?"

A. You can. will to do whatever you like. Whether youwant to or not, or whether others want you to or not, youwill make it a life's work.. It can be most worthwhile toself and to many others, if an association in theestablishing of such communications; but let it be withthose portions of the land indicated. (3184-1)

This desire and ability to fly stemmed mainly from herlife in Atlantis.

The entity was in Atlantis during those periods whenthere were the separations, just before the breaking up ofPoseidia.

The entity then controlled those activities wherecommunications had been established with other lands,and the flying boats that moved through air or waterwere the means by which the entity carried many ofthose to the Iberian land, as well as later those groups inthe Egyptian land ... when there had been thedetennining that the records should be kept there.

Thus we find the entity in the capacity of the leader inmaking overtures in the Egyptian land. Finding the landin turmoil because of rebellions, the entity—with oneAx-Tell-^-undertook to set up their own activities. Forthe entity then was an associate of Ax-Tell, not acompanion but a fellow worker with that leader Ax-Tellin Egypt.

With the return of the Priest, by the edicts, and thenthe establishing of the groups that controlled thereligious and the political and the varied activities in thatland with the return of the Priest, the entity first becamesullen; then joined in with those movements for thepreparation of people for the regeneration of bodies andTHINGS in that period.

Again the entity was in communication activities.Those influences that prompted the entity's abilities in112

the present arise from that experience.

These [abilities] are limited only by the manner inwhich the entity approaches or uses its abilities,especially in the establishing of communications withother lands.

Languages that have been and are at times thedisturbing element with individuals may easily be putaside... if there is the application of the special servicein the lands or areas indicated.

Then, DO assist in establishing the airways with thosepeninsulas or lands of North Africa and the IberianPeninsula.

Do keep self first in that attitude and purpose of auniversal consciousness for the good of all. (3184-1)

The ability in communications originated in a later lifein Greece and Persia. There she helped to develop steeringfor ships and the manner in which the compass wasinstalled.

She had been a messenger during the Revolution inAmerica and had also been a messenger in the Roman landduring its period of expansion. This was a period when thethoughts of the leaders were for the good of all rather thanthe gratifying of personal desires. In this Roman period theentity was not in the present sex, but a man.

She was among those who planned the manner or meansof communications with other lands, thus in what might becalled today a diplomatic service.

Here, too, again may the entity in the present usethose abilities in those directions of making connectionsand associations with those of various lands. For therewill be the needs for the use of many in these directionsin the reconstruction days to come. When com-munications with other lands are so established, bythose means of activity, the entity may have animportant place in some of these connections; especiallywith those such as the coast of the Mediterranean, thecoast of the Iberian Peninsula. These especially will befields, for to these—as we will see—the entity has comeoft.

Hence, as has been seen, the communications of every113

nature will be a part of the entity's consciousness; andif s in and through these that the entity may find theoutlet for self and selfs abilities. (3184-1)

This young woman had a check life reading seekingmore information as to how she could get work as a pilot.Her reading told her She might get into British AirTransport as a ferry pilot by applying through Canada. Shetried but did not succeed in getting a passport or gettinginto the Air Transport Service and was for some timethoroughly discouraged and unhappy.

A later report of May 8, 1956, from her mother says:"Yes, my daughter 3184 has made flying her life's work.As yet she has not flown out of this country but still hopesto some day. She has never married—says she finds planesmore interesting than men. I say she has not met the rightman yet—'there speaks the mother!' However, she seemsquite happy and has an interesting life—is always studyingand acquiring higher ratings. She now has her 'AirTransport Rating'—the same as the Transatlanticpilots—but I am afraid she is the wrong sex. She was thefirst woman Executive Pilot—now there are four others inthe West—she flies for a corporation ... she lives alone inan apt. and enjoys being alone."

In 1968 this young woman herself wrote to Hugh LynnCayce and reported:

As your Father so truly said—whether I will or no—Iwould make flying my life's work. Indeed I have, andwhile there have been times when I starved at it (becauseof my sex), there have been other times, as now, when ithas been good to me—and never, starving or not, have 1regretted the decision.

With respect to the Iberian Peninsula, except for afew stopovers in Lisbon or Madrid, enroute tosomewhere else, I still have no connection with it, nor doI see yet how I ever will have.

Back in 1943, my greatest desire was to fly the ocean,and this desire never abated, even when I was enjoyingother types of flying; the opportunity finally arose in1962—after false starts, I started my own company forthe delivery of light airplanes to foreign countries in114

1965—to date have made 90 trips to Europe, SouthAfrica and the Philippines, and love it as much now as Idid the first time.

Her letterhead reads AIR FERRY ENTERPRISES ...somewhere in Pennsylvania. Thus we can say thisvocational advice and prediction came true, as well as theyoung woman's dream.

The home will become the really great adventure forthe entity, that it may through its own close workwith God bring into BEING those who will beemissaries—yea, be those who will rise in power inPRINCIPLE, in state and national associations andaffairs.

This then is the glory, the crowning of thy patience,thy love, thy beauty of purpose, thy sincerity.

And above all, to self be true and—as has beengiven—ye will not be false to any. For thy body, thymind is indeed the temple of the living God, and thereHe ham promised to meet thee consciously. And as yebecome aware of His abiding presence, more of beautyand purpose and of harmony and of joy of life willindeed be thine. (1968-1)

This was the career and the prophecy given a young•- woman in her life reading. She was twenty-eight years oldand working in an office when the reading was given, sowas most anxious to be about this business of establishinga home and having the sons promised.

The last part of her reading emphasized and furtherexplained the real reason for her purpose in this life.

The HOME is the real adventure, the real purpose ofthe entity's expression in the earth. For as seen, inAtlantis the desire for same brought disturbance [thereshe was a daughter of the children of the Law of One butin love with a son of Belial]; in Egypt it brought the betterunderstanding; in the time when the Master taught thee,there was the perfect home with His presence abidingthere AFTER the awakening; in the experience in thepresent land, it brought a helpful force.

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Hence in the present, build thine own home upon thesure foundation. Thou hast met him—thou lovest him.He has disappointed thee, but bring that into thy heartand mind that—with the Christ-life and purpose—yewill bring into material experience a CHANNEL to bethe blessings of the many.

Q. Should I marry?

A. You should—as just indicated.

Q. Whom?

A. As has been given, the entity knows him—she has been

disappointed in him—but this can be amended.Q. How long should I wait?A. October. (1968-1)

This naturally was a very exciting and interestingreading for the young woman. She was still puzzled aboutthe man to whom the reading alluded. She assumed he wasthe one who appeared to be interested in her and who wasvery attentive when she returned home. Something wentawry, however, for she did not even see him in October andwrote that he was seeing another woman. So the younglady had a check reading on her Atlantean period andsought further information about marriage. The readingexplained the turmoil of that life and assured her the manshe was concerned about was the entity she had loved as ason of Belial.

Thus we find in the present, with the associationswhich have come about with an individual whorepresented that sojourn, or that one with whom theentity was associated in that experience, there havecome disappointments, and the not being satisfied in-nately or manifested^ in self as to the perfectassociation, or as to there ever being a perfectcooperative influence.

Yet, as we find, and as has been indicated, IF there isthe DETERMINING upon the part of each that theymay in the present experience meet themselves, theremay be the dedicating of their minds, their bodies, theirpurposes to. meet and to fulfill within the presentexperience those things which would make for more116

harmony and more general peace of mind than can bedone apart. Yet, if this is only the decision of the one,better that it NOT be undertaken.

Q. Since it is my desire to fulfill my destiny while in thisexperience, please suggest what I should do next

A. As just indicated, let it be understood as to the self spurpose! This desire, this purpose, that it may befulfilled in this association or companionship! But unlessit is a cooperative undertaking, forget it—and findothers!

Q. What prevented our marriage in October, in order that

I might not let this happen again?A. The lack of assurance as to the oneness of purpose on

the part of each.Q. How can I prepare myself to be a good mother?A. Act in those ways and manners—in body, in mind, in

purpose—to fulfill that within self that would be the

IDEAL activity and relationships of a mother.Q. Will my sons be influential in religious or political

affairs, or both?A As has been indicated, we will find that the inclination

will be to both fields; one possibly in one, one in the

other.

Later advice was: "Do not allow a disappointment in apersonality to hinder these from finding their greaterfruition in this experience or sojourn." (1968-2)

This former son of Belial married the other woman.Case 1968 was then worried as to whether or not this wasthe end of her life purpose or if the sons would come to herif she married someone else. So she asked in a laterreading:

Q. Will I eventually marry R ..., or if I marry someoneelse, will those sons who will help to adjust the nationstill come to me?A. This is part of THY heritage, and that attractionshould be from, and is of, the application of theprinciples of truth and spirit and of life, rather than thecompanion, see?As to whether there will be that association with R...117

will depend upon circumstance. As has been indicatedfor the entity, this should not be made as something thatMUST be irrespective of conditions. But seek. There arethose associations, there are those purposes. Then makeway for them, among those who are of the sons of faith;and not as of old holding to the aggrandizement of self.

Q. Is it still possible for me to carry out my entire destinyas I planned when I came to this earth plane?

A. To be SURE!

Q. Have I met the one I should marry and how am I to

know who he is?A. That he is a child of FAITH, a SON of faith—as has

just been indicated! (1968-4)

Still this young woman persisted and hoped, askingabout the possibility of two other men as suitablehusbands. She was told to prepare herself and to "thinkand realize within self that ye are not waiting on anindividual, ye are waiting on the Lord. For ye have chosenand do choose correctly, ye will fill and fulfill that purposethe LORD hath with thee. And because this may be alteredat some particular period of the experience it is not to beconsidered that self has failed." (1968-8)

Approximately five years after her first reading thisyoung woman made a chance visit to a relative of herstepmother. Here she met again a childhood friend, and theassociation quickly grew into love and marriage. The twosons she was hoping for arrived in due time.

One young man, 2542, who is doing his best to followhis life reading especially as to profession, was told:

While many of those things and activities - havechanged, in which the entity attempted to apply itselfthrough the sojourns in the earth, these may be thosechannels in the present in which greater expression maybe seen for the entity's activity.

These might be indicated from the seal of the lifeexperience of the entity through the sojourns in theearth:

A square, upon which there would be the circle—orthe globe; indicating both the western and the easternships—especially of the air, and of all characters of118

communications to the varied centers. These, as a studyfor the entity, would bring much as may be indicated.

Upon and with a portion of this would be theactivities in miniature of those centers that would not beconsidered as of the greater population, necessarily, butthose that are the greater communicating centers—thatbring the activities to both the commercial and thereligious forces of the earth. Hence: Greenwich,Arlington, Frankfort on the Main, Moscow, Ankara,Bagdad, Buenos Aires, Lima, Auckland—these wouldbe the centers which would indicate, in miniature, theactivities in those portions of the globe. (2542-1)

This description of greater expression through a life sealis unusual, but it is very meaningful today, for this youngman has studied electrical communications and is presentlyto go into communications work for the government. Alater question, "What particular development is sought bythe entity at this appearance?" was answered with,"Anything that would have to do with international law."Naturally anyone dealing with communications with othercountries would be involved with international law, so itseems this, too, is being fulfilled.

The earth experiences which influenced this entity wereof a diplomatic character and dealt with many peoples. Inhis last earth life he was active in the American- Revolution, though his life began "in a foreign land, andthe entity was trained as a lawyer—or a justice of the law;yet with the experiences brought about during theAmerican Revolution and the activities there, the entitycame with Kosciusko into this land."

The entity became closely associated with the leadersin the activities about Pennsylvania, Maryland,Michigan AND Virginia.

Hence, as has been indicated, during the latter portionof die entity's sojourn in the acquaintanceships werewith those of the Lee home, those of Mount Vernon; forthere the entity spent some time during the latter periodof his sojourn in the earth, with the first President aswell as the associates of those activities through thatexperience.

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Thus Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Jay, and all ofthose were associates or friends and acquaintances ofthe entity.

The name then was Leonard Zolocoffa. In theexperience the entity gained, though—as indicated—was hindered from carrying out its activities asa diplomatic agent Yet the assistance given to theearly activities of the various lands with the new landmay be said to have come much because of the entity'scounsel and suggestions during that experience.

Hence in the present, train the entity inlaw—diplomatic law; that will have to deal with manycountries, many problems, not only political but socialand religious. For eventually the entity will see areligious war.

Before that the entity was in the Roman land, duringthose periods when there were the expansions especiallyin North Africa, Asia, and portions of Palestine.

In the southern portion of Asia, or about what is nowTurkey, were the activities of the entity, which extendedinto Syria and into Palestine.

For the entity then acted in the capacity of gatheringdata, and pointing out the needs for establishing rulesthat conformed to the needs of the people in the varioussections to which the empire then extended.

Thus we find again the entity in the diplomaticactivity, or that in which not only law and order but thesocial, political, economic and religious tendencies ortrends of a people must be taken into consideration.

Hence we will find the entity interested in political,economic, social, AND religious activities in the present.These should be the channels or fields through which thegreater development, the greater training, the activitiesas would lead to the use of the abilities. For these willoffer the channels through which the entity may find themeans of the greater expression of self.

Hence there will be the need for firmness, yet justiceand mercy, and for the following out of a REASON foreverything in which the entity may engage or be active.(2542-1)

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A still earlier experience was in the Indian land.

Then the entity was a caravan keeper, or one whopersonally directed the means of exchange betweenIndia and Ceylon, Egypt and Persia and the Caspianactivities, and those along the eastern Mediterranean.All of these were a portion of the entity's places ofactivity.

But with the acquaintance with those influences in the"city in the hills," the entity established that center therefor its activities; thus aiding the founders there inmaking it a commercial center; yet never losing sight ofthe influences of the peoples in the political, economic,and religious tendencies in their activities.

Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, duringthose periods when there were activities established forthe propagation of truth and law and order; in whichindividuals were to be considered as a part of thewelfare.

The entity was of die Atlanteans born in the land,being then part Egyptian and part Atlantean.

Thus we find the entity rising to authority in the tenetsfor the individuals that aided in establishing unitythrough tile various groups, throughout then the activeforces in the world.

The entity was associated with all forms ofcommunications, that will again be a part of the entity'spresent experience—as indicated in its seal—and yetdealing with all types, all characters of conditions in thevaried lands.

These will again be a part of the entity's associationsthrough this experience, if there will be those trainings,those promptings, those directions in those channels thatwill fit the entity for that activity.

As to the abilities of the entity in the present, thai,that to which it may attain, and how:

Much, as indicated, will depend upon the basis of thetenets that become a part of the policy, or the characteras builded in the experience of the entity in the present

But dealing with political, economic, and religiousquestions will be a part of the entity's experience.

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As to how—this will depend upon the tendencies andtrends. These we would give farther when the entity hasreached the age of eleven to twelve. (2542-1)

It would be interesting to know what a later readingwould have given, but Mr. Cayce's passing of courseprevented this. The young man, now in his early thirties, isfulfilling the prediction on communications. It may be thathis later years will see him as one of our country'sdiplomats.

The strange ability to control wild animals was a skillone young girl (276) was told she possessed. It was notsuggested that she use this as a profession or make a careerof it but "to show that close affection that may existbetween the human mind, as controlling through themanners in which the entity is efficient, and to bring to theattention of others how animals—in their variousspheres—are dependent upon their owners, or those whocontact same, as to what their activities may be to thebenefit of man; for, as was given in the beginning, 'Be yefruitful; multiply, and subdue the earth.' Make all that wasmade, making that—men—as an example of, orcompleting as it were—the promise that is given to man,that he may be one with, one of, the Creative Forces in theuniverse, by the manner in which he may use those variousabilities through his experiences in a material world; and asall of earth's creation is a form or manifestation of the loveas is shown forth to those beings that may be one with theCreator, so may the love that may be seen between those ofthe lower order, or those in their development in a materialplane, so may this entity show to others, to the animalkingdom, that which has been received, as may be given byself by the entity, in their behalf." (276-3)

This unique ability was acquired first in a very early lifein Arabia.

That there are peculiarities to many in the experienceof the entity is not to be wondered, when the sojournsare taken into proper association or correlations withthese little peculiarities—as they may be termed; for inthe experiences in the earth's plane, though few in

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number, old indeed in earth's experience is the entity orsold.

In the one before this we find in that land now knownas the Roman, and during that period when there werethe ministering and teaching of those peoples that cameup from Judea. The entity was among those whoaccepted those teachings, and coming in contact withthose of that period, taught by the lessons of, theexperiences of self and others in the contacts of this newpeace, yet suffering in body, by privation—'yet able inmind to control those beasts, both of the field and of thedens and lairs that the body was placed in; the body boresame, gaining—gaining—oft the liberation for theteachings again through these strange abilities in thisparticular period; being among those who journeyedagain to the Grecian land for the teaching of the peoples,as the entity was carried away from same. In the bodybeautiful, in mind pleasant, in abilities surpassing manyin that period; gaining through the experience, thoughsuffering in many ways and manners. In the namePhoebia.

In the one before this we find in that land now knownas the Arabian, and to that portion of the country wherethe banishment of those peoples sent from that known asthe Egyptian land. The entity was among those peoplescalled the wild peoples or the barbarians. The entity thencame under the influence of those so banished, andbeing awakened through those tenets that were held bythose in the land the entity became one of the followers,and returning to the land gained in experience throughthe teachings; becoming an expert horseman of theplains, and carrying the messages to those peoples in thesand and waste places; returning to die land from whichthe teachings were gained in the latter days of thesojourn, the entity aided much in the building up of thehospital (that would be called in the present),ministering to the ills of those who suffered in body andin mind. In the present experience such may be thatfield, that ministry through which the entity may giveinto the lives of those contacted those deeper thoughts,that may find their expressions in this experience.

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Ia tiie one before this we find again in this same landnow called Egypt . . . The entity was among thosepeoples who gathered in places to establish variousgroups, or families, or sects, to prevent the inroads uponthe peoples from the beasts from without, and the entityaided through this experience in gathering together ofvarious groups, various peoples, to join hafds for thecommon interests of all. In the name Hein.

In the abilities of the entity, these—as seen—lie inthat of ministering to others, and ire the home. Will therebe kept those ideals that have long been innate—thoughrebellious spirits rise within from suppressions thatexisted through the entity's experience—this may becurbed best through those of living gentleness, kindness,and pointing the way of keeping the body that templethrough which He, the Father, may manifest. (276-2)

Nine months later this young lady had a reading on herlife as Phoebia, in which she asked:

Q. Give date of incarnation as Phoebia and describestrange abilities of entity in that period, also as tocontrol of those beasts of the field, dens, and lairs.

A. This, as we find, was during those periods when manwas called upon oft to defend self against the beasts ofthe fields, in dens, in lairs, in arenas; and the entitythrough its own development—as had been attained orgained during that period—showed for the ability towalk in the denizens of the forest without being afraid,also to walk among those in the arena without fear; andno harm came to the entity through their activity, butfrom those that made themselves lower than the beasts;for, as has been given, all may be tamed, but the tongueham no man tamed! In that day, then, during the firstcentury, as is counted in the present (276-3)

Today, 1970, as one might expect this woman issurrounded by many and various kinds of pets. She hasbeen raising dogs and training "companion dogs."

A man, 2030, who is now an executive in a largetobacco firm, had a life reading by Edgar Cayce in 1939. Itsaid:

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In the material activity, as a salesman, or as anorganizer of groups for such, in the products that wouldhave to do with the home or those associations of same,you may find the greater field of material security, aswell as that of contentment.

Q. Through what contacts and connections should I seekto carry out the suggestions for life work?

A. In the first the training of self in that of salesmanship,in WHATEVER line of endeavor that may be chosen asan outlet for self. For the entity is a NATURALsalesman. (2030-1)

His abilities were brought from several former lives. Hewas in this country during the Civil War period and wasengaged in activities related to the manufacture or the useof products of the soil, or the introducing of the uses oftobacco in the various lands or various ports.

Thus the entity, for the period, saw a great deal ofopportunity to meet peoples and associations of peopleswith activities in many lands.

And the ability for the presenting of convincingarguments for the use of this or that product is latentwithin the experience of the entity.

While the entity may at times appear to beargumentative over things of a trivial nature, or thingslacking in importance, we find that deep within self (withthe encouraging of same) there are the abilities to beactive as a salesman in ANY FIELD that may be chosenby the entity, and especially in that in which there is thedistributing of any character that is used in thehome—whether of the electrical nature or of any naturepertaining to the betterment of the home—would makefor the outlet in which the entity might find the greatercontentment, as well as the opportunities for the entityto manifest its abilities in the spiritual and mental wayalso. (2030-1)

Tobacco does not (from this last statement) appear to bethe best choice of product for this man to handle. Yet it

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seems to be a rather natural choice as the result of his CivilWar life.

In another life in England, during the Crusade period,this man was "what would be termed in the present as thepropagandist, or the one to SELL the idea to those whowere in die rural districts, or those who were active in thoseinfluences in which groups of individuals worked duringthose periods only IN the ways of groups or sects ofindividuals for certain activities."

Thus we find that during that sojourn many of theleaders relied upon the activities of the entity, and neverwere any of those disappointed in the abilities of theentity.

From that we find the easiness with which the entitymay meet individuals or peoples or groups, and to makefriends with same, no matter what may be their stations,their associations or activities in the experience. (2030-1)

As a Roman soldier he was sent to Palestine during thereign of Herod Archelaus. Here he had sympathy for thepersecuted, and he became inclined to be the peacemaker."From the experience we will find the abilities of the entityto meet others, to determine the abilities of others, andthus adding to the characteristics necessary for a GOODsalesman." (2030-1)

We can thus see that many lives and many memoriesmay contribute to one's present ability.

Practically every life reading gave some vocationaladvice; for die purpose deep within the soul had to includehow it would manifest in a physical world. Some counselsuch as this was given each entity.

Know that it is not an just to live—not all just to begood, but good FOR something; that ye may fulfill thatpurpose for which ye have entered this experience.(2030-1)

This counsel was naturally related to soul memory, dieformer experiences of the entity both in the earth and in the

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interims between earth fives. The will is free to choose—wemay make wise or wrong choices. Moreover, thesedecisions may be influenced by the environment and theparents of the manifesting soul. Obviously the road is longand steep, but it must be climbed. Some apparently choosesuitable vocations and means of supplying material needs;others are forced by circumstances or wrong decisions intounsuitable vocations. There were instances whereindividuals were advised to make changes, took the advice,and found the changes wise and happy ones. Older personshad made their decisions, and the reason for the choicecould often be found in previous experiences.

The most revealing counsel was of course given to theyoung. Some of the foregoing cases reveal the results of thecounsel or predictions. Sometimes the advice was followed. closely, and at other times it was not heeded. We only givethe reports.

Perhaps the two following quotations throw a little lighton what causes a person of great ability to fail to live Up tohis expectations and to be retarded rattier than to develop.

Obviously, it has to do with the entity's own decisions.In entering the present experience we find,astrologically, the entity coming under the influence ofJupiter, Mercury, Venus, and Uranus. In the applicationof the entity and the experiences in the earth's plane,these would be found to mean little, were they judgedastrologically alone; for often do the experiences in thevarious phases of development, through the experiencesin the various spheres, bring the varied effect, as isapplicable to an individual in the application of theirown will. Not that will is ever taken from an individualentity, but that builded in each experience must be metby that entity, and only in making self s own will onewith the divine Creative Energy, and Incoming as onewith same, may one develop in any experience; and inthis many developments and many retards are seen.(288-1)

The shadows of those things from the sojourns of thisentity in Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and the Moonhave their portion in the very relationships and activityof the entity. These are but the mental urges that ariseand become as the individuality of an entity in127

expression in the material world; while the appearancesin the earth through the various sojourns that arebecome active in the experience of an entity at any onegiven place or position or appearance or period are asbut the personality in the entity's experience... and areas the urges from the emotions that have been created.

Just as the entity's attending this or that university,this or that place of learning, would make a parlancepeculiar to itself. Even though individuals may study thesame line of thought, one attending Harvard, anotherYale, another Oxford, another Stanford, another theUniversity of Arizona, they each would carry with themthe vibrations created by their activity in those environs.

In the same way emotions arise from individualactivity in a particular sojourn and are called the spiritof the institution to which the entity may have carrieditself in its activity.

So we find those astrological sojourns making thesevibrations or impressions in the present entity.

Mercury brings the high mental abilities, die facultiesthat at times may become the developing for the soul orat others turned to the aggrandizement of selfishinterests.

For the entity is among those who have entered theearth during those years when there was the greatentrance of those who have risen high in their abilitiesand who are then passing through those periods whenthere must be the application of the will, else the veryabilities that have been maintained in the Sun andMercurian influences will become as stumblingblocks—and they become extremists, as the Uranianinfluences indicate.

So these influences find expression innately in thegreat store the entity itself places upon position, power,name, this or that degree, this or that socialaccomplishment, this or mat activity.

These are the influences that innately arise from thesojourn in Uranus and a combination with Saturn andMercurian forces: innately. (633-2)

This account would not give any semblance of a truereport if it did not say that most life readings for women

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dealt more with homemaking and family relationships thanWith careers. Many young women were told they would orshould make the home their life work. Counsel such as thiswas often given:

Do make the home the career, for this is the greatest jcareer any soul may make in the earth. To a few it isgiven to have both a career and a home—but thegreatest of all careers is the home, for this is nearer tothe emblem of what each soul hopes eventually to gain.Then make thy home as a shadow of a heavenly home.(5070-1)

[For] the home is as a counterpart of that for whichone longs, in the heavenly home or in the spiritual king-dom. Viewed from the spiritual, then, the home should bethat which is the material and mental expression ofan atonement with the Father.

This, then, is the ideal in such a place as may be calledhome. (538-6>

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FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

CHAPTER FIVE

Thus the whirligig of the time brings in his revenges.

—SHAKESPEARE, Twelfth Night

For the home is the nearest pattern in the earth (wherethere is unity of purpose in the companionship) to man'srelationship with his maker. For it is ever-creative inpurpose, from personalities and individualities co-ordinated in a cause. (3S77-1)

Since karma is meeting self, we acquire karma as wemeet self in our many attitudes and emotions, when weeither serve in lovingkindness and patience or holdresentful, malicious thoughts. The counsel given in thereadings makes it clear that what we do to our fellow manwe do to our Maker; so our definition of karma is con-sistent Our karma or problem is within self.

We are so absorbed with self that we fail to beconsiderate of others. We ignore the other person's needand comfort and are often highly critical of him; conflictsarise; so throughout the ages karma is acquired. We areattracted to the environment we need to learn our lessons.The closeness of the family relationships indicates we haveproblems to work out within them. Moreover, the fact thatwe do not consciously choose our family, other than themarital partner, probably means we face more "family"karma than anywhere else. Until the recent crime wave,more murders occurred in families or among friends * thanelsewhere. We often see what the psychologists call siblingrivalry and youth is usually struggling to throw off parentalauthority. The very nature of the marital relationshipmakes it liable to problems and emotional disturbances.Conflicts often occur as a spouse struggles to be thedominant one. Instead of a loving partner, the married

* New York Times: MOST MURDERS FOUND COMMITTEDIN FAMILIES OR AMONG FRIENDS. September 3, 1967, page40.

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person sometimes finds he is living with a domineeringantagonist

The life readings naturally dwelt on this facet of karma,for many people asked about their past associations withother people. As would be expected, the most-frequentlymentioned association and the one asked about most oftenwas the marriage relationship. Very often husband andwife had been in (Ms relationship in other lives, though thereading said he or she had been the companion then.Sometimes, however, there had been a family relationship,but not that of husband or wife.

Our likes and dislikes are no doubt frequently karmic innature. We are immediately drawn to some people, whilewe withdraw from others. There is no apparent reason forthese reactions, for we find later we can learn to like oreven love some of these people to whom we reactnegatively.

We often wish the readings had given more detailedinformation about some former life associations; however,the answers to questions often: said there had been anassociation and sometimes indicated the reason or thebeginning of the present problem or relationship.

Reading number 903-23 gave an explanation as to howsouls are drawn together in various appearances.

For a moment, let's turn to what is that termed as theAkashic Record, or that which may be said to be destinyin the entrance of a soul into materiality. For remember,matter moved upon—or matter in motion inmateriality—becomes the motivative force we know asthe evolutionary influence in a material world. An entityor soul is a portion of the First Cause, or God, orCreative Energy; or the terms that may be had for themovement that brings matter into activity or being.Hence souls in their varied experiences—whether in theearth or materiality or the various spheres of activityabout the earth (termed the astrological sojourns andtheir influences, where there have been the fruits ofwhat? Spirit! As the motivative forces in a contact)—areagain and again drawn together by the natural law ofattractive forces for the activity towards what? Thedevelopment of the soul to the one purpose, the one134

cause—to be companionate with the First Cause.

Then as the entity here contacts in materiality those ofits own body, those of its own sympathetic condition, itis for the development of each in its associations one toanother toward that First Cause.

As to each of the children, then, as we find these havebeen leading one another, leading self, the ego, to thesevaried activities. (903-23)

Apparently people are drawn together or attracted untilthey have a harmonious relationship. We are seeingourselves in the other person if we harbor inner hurts,hates, or resentments toward the other person. Until weovercome ourselves and resolve the problem, we are boundto meet the condition or the person against whom thisattitude is held. This karmic relationship then does notconflict with the statement that karma is only with CreativeForces. We do create the problem.

On the positive side great love also has tremendousattractive force. This is what we sometimes call "good"karma.

Edgar Cayce frequently gave counsel as to how betterfamily relations could be achieved. It invariably advisedthe individual to begin with self. When we are really tryingto serve God and do His Will, our associations with othersbecome more harmonious.

Q. Is there anything I could do, or not do, to be of betterservice to my family?

A. When individuals apply themselves for the greateractivity for self, in keeping with those things that bringonly the activities of being true to self, it makes for thegreater activities to the associations or family ties. Forwhen one is true to self, one cannot be false to others—ifthe self is the spiritual self. (797-1)

No entity enters a material sojourn by chance, butfrom those realms of consciousness in which it has dweltduring the interims between earthly sojourns, the entitychooses that environ through which it may makemanifest those corrections—or those choices it hasmade and does make in its real or in its inner self. (3027-2)

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Here we get an inkling as to why these two wereattracted to each other and why they became husband andwife in this experience.

Q. How was I associated with my present family inprevious incarnations: first, my wife, 2175?

A. As the father of the present wife in the experiencebefore mis, and didn't always make it easy forany—owing to associations with others! Also in thePalestine activity ye were closely associated as thecompanion or husband of the one who is the presentwife. Again in Atlantis, the associations were rather asacquaintances and helpful influences one to the other,yet questions oft as to one another.

Q. My daughter 2308?

A. In the period before this we find an association, as well

as in the English land.Q. My daughter 1566?

A. In the Egyptian period close associates, as well as inthe experience just before this. (2301-1)

This couple, 578 and 1003, had been together in theirlast earth experience, which was in the Jamestownsettlement

In 1003's answer to his question we find some "goodkarma" from that association with his wife.

Q. How was I associated with my present wife, 578, inPalestine?

A. She was then the entity's daughter. Doesn't she try toboss him now? As the associations come as has beengiven, the entity has chosen welL We will find muchhelp, mentally, materially, spiritually. (1003-2)

And this advice was given to a woman who asked aboutformer association with her husband.

In Egypt and in the Persian and in others. In Egyptclosely associated. In Persia ye warred one with another,for he then was among those activities which at timesmade questions. In the present in the use of these, how

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has it been given: patience, kindness, gentleness, long-suffering, brotherly love. These manifest in thyrelationships with thy companion. (2982-4)

A widow of fifty-three who was supporting herself anddaughter asked these questions:

Q. What have been my past associations with thefollowing and how can I best help our relations in thepresent? First, my partner.

A. In the activities just before this there were the closerassociations, among those whom the entity nursed backto health. Ye have had to help him this time. Don't failhim.

Q. My daughter.

A. In the Holy Land experience as well as in Egypt werethe closer activities; as a friend in one and in the otherjust the reverse. Hence at times ye find the daughter as acompanion and at times she wants to tell you what to do!(3615-1)

The answer to this person's questions definitely indicatesit is always a matter of "meeting self."

Q. Please give as detailed an account as possible of formerincarnations in which I have known the followingpeople; the type of association I had with each of them;the purpose of our present relationship; and instruct meas to how we may be of the greatest service to each othernow.

A. (Interrupting) Details of these, of such, Would be as aninterpreting of that in self at some given period ofactivity.

The mother, the father, 1472, 2795, all were in thatPalestine-Roman experience. As to the manner ofassociations, interpreting their reactions and thine ownurges, ye may find these in the greater detail thyself.Q. Rene" ... ?

A. He who persuaded thee in the Atlantean. Beware ye are

not over persuaded again!Q. Richard . . . ?

A A helpful force in the Egyptian, as well as in the

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Roman or Palestine. A coworker in Rome, and in theEgyptian a helper—working together.Q. Marion .., ?

A. An acquaintance, and one to whom much is due.(2850-1)

The reference to Rene" with its warning is explained bythe following quote.

Before that the entity was in the Atlantean land,during those periods of the early rise in that land of thesons of Belial as oppositions, that became more andmore materialized as the powers were applied for self-aggrandizement

The entity was among the children of the Law of Onethat succumbed to the wiles, and it may be WELLinterpreted in that answer recorded in Holy Writ, "Yeshall not SURELY die, but it is pleasant for themoment, and for the satisfying of longings within.''

Thus did the entity begin to use spiritual forces for thesatisfying of material appetites.

Thus again, the needs for the interpreting in self ofits ideal—spiritual, first; and know the author of same.And let that in the mental be held in abeyance to thatspiritual ideal, as well as in the application of such in thematerial associations. (2850-1)

A man, 2460, who was told he was a grandson of Noahasked questions about his family relationships, which werecausing difficulty in the present His reading said his lastearth experience was in this country, "and many of thoseabout the entity in the present were among the associatesor acquaintances of the entity during that period," but gaveno details on the following questions:

Q. What associations in past incarnation cause the feelingof irritation toward my son—and how may I overcomethis?

A. In the building of Babel, as well as in Laodicea.

Q. What were my past associations with my wife, 2330,that have created our present problems, and how may Imeet these conditions for our mutual development?138

A. Worshiped from afar in the past experience just beforethis [early America, Virginia]; as a companion or arelationship of those with whom the entity labored. And,so close—oft—not all that glitters seems bright.

Q. Give past associations with my sister, 1523—explainthe urges that may be helpful to each other in thepresent

A. The associations were as brother and sister, during thereturn of those to the land; being one among those whomthe entity aided. They lose patience one with the otherjust as they did then.

These are to be turned, of course, into channels inwhich there will be "give and take." No one individualknows it all, though each of you feels you do at times!(2460-1)

Though very little information is given in the answers tothese questions, we can see the source of the presentproblem and why it must be met.

Q. What was my relationship in the past incarnations withRobert Carey? Explain the present urges from theseincarnations.

A. In the English experience, very unsatisfactory—because he left thee and ye never quite lost sight of themanner in Which ye were treated. And doubts havearisen. Yet there are those obligations, those things to beworked out together yet

As may be indicated from or by a little imagination ofthat as would arise from such experiences, these are theurges in the present

Q. Should my present relationship with him remainclosed?

A. It will be opened of itself, for it is not finished as yet.Q. What attitude should I hold for our mutual

development?A. As ye would be forgiven* forgive. (2791-1)

The life in England was during the time of the earlyCrusades, "when there were those activities as to idealsthat were rather ideas."

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The manners in which individuals and groups wereleft, and the entity with its sex and with its activities,being left apparently with an unmindfolness of purposes,brought resentments. And yet the cowarding, by theforce and power used in some portions of the land,brought determinations, not hates—these are far fromthe entity's experience. And count thyself blessed thathate is not a part of the experience, though the holdingof grudges is sometimes too easily manifested. (2791-1)

Thus we can begin to understand that we are meetingourselves and that "no association or experience is bychance, but is the outgrowth of a law, spiritual, mental, ormaterial." (2753-2)

Here in 2030's questions are examples of pastassociations, both with members of the family and withothers. It gives a good illustration of the way therelationship in former lives may vary within the family.

Q. Where have I been associated with the following in thepast, and what were the relationships: my mother... ?

A In the Egyptian, mother and son; in the Persian, themother was then the one to whom the entity was wed,being of Jewish descent [the present mother]. In theexperience just previous to the present, brother andsister.

Q. Billy ... 7

A. We don't find Billy.

Q. 487?

A.# Especially in the experience during the Egyptianinfluence or force, as we find, were their associationsvery close.

Q. 1983?

A. In the Palestine experience we find the associations, or

the Roman.Q. 341?

A Almost as an adviser or counselor, or of an evengreater influence to the young king during thatexperience—in the Egyptian sojourn. (2030-1)

Another example of a variation or change in familyrelationships was in 2340's family:

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Q. Have I been associated with my parents before; if so,

where and what were the relationships?A. As we find, in the Roman experience the relationships

were in a family manner, though not in the same relation

as in the present (2340-1)

Our little Franz Liszt's (2584) family relationships weregiven in the following questions:

Q. How has the entity been associated in the past with hispresent mother . . . ?

Al In the experience before this, it might be said that themother was one who dwelt much upon the activities ofthe entity—though not materially associated. (2584-1)

This appears to be a case of one drawn to the entitybecause of his music but could refer to some other activity.

Q. His father . . . ?

A. Associations in the Jerusalem period, as well as inEgypt.

Q. His [paternal] grandfather... ?A. In the activities of the experience before this, as well asin Egypt.

Q. His [paternal] grandmother... 1663?A. In the experiences that are not indicated for the entityhere, as well as in the Egyptian. (2584-1)

There had apparently been a former association with thebrother, 2814, but no definite information about anyformer association with his brother was given in 2814'sreading as only one previous life was reported. This washis experience as Moliere at the time of Louis XIII. 2814was very close to his mother. His reading said: "One thatwill be found to be rather inclined to be moody, at times. Itwill cling to the mother, and the mother direction, as it didin the experience before this." An interest in music,however, was indicated. The questions regarding familyrelationships were:

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Q. What connection with his talented brother, 2584?A. This may be better indicated in other appearances; for

there was not the association in the one indicated.Q. Why has he come to his present parents?A. It would be the natural attraction; for the mother,

especially. (2814-1)

A pledge or oath of brotherhood resulted in a family tiein this life for 707. He had been born in this land in his lastearth life and was an Indian medicine man, one of greatinfluence not only in his own tribe but with other tribes.Again he is back in Alabama, born and living near theplace he had lived before.

Thou wert among the natives of the land that madefor the first of the associations with thine white brethrenthat came into that portion of the land, thine ownpeoples in whose name thou hast come into the earthagain. For with thine own present great-grandfather inthe flesh didst thou then, as the medicine man of thosepeople, make the first pact of brotherhood; for there thegreat camp of those people of the land was made—whatis now about those little streams, thou in thine strengthdid set what was to those peoples—and as may be foundintact in many places at present—the first conduits forthe waters of that particular land, that brought healingsto many that were afflicted with those things that madefor warding off of what is known as age in the present.He was called Tecum Tec, or The Rock; and had theability to call forth the understanding of the happyhunting grounds. (707-1)

The answer to this question seems to indicate that a pastlife association or tie of friend or family may result in afamily tie later.

Q. What have been the associations with mother?A. Mother in the Egyptian experience and a friend andassociate in the one before this. (5241-1)

This next question makes us ask whether there had been

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any prior association or not. Was it an unhappy associationin the past, or is the brother a stranger to this entity?

Q. My brother?

A. We don't find the brother. That's why ye have thesedifferences. (5241-1)

This next answer is interesting, as this woman's readingdescribed a beautiful soul, interested in service andspiritual things. She was even told she had "healinghands."

Our attitudes or reaction to others, whether family ornot, is very probably rooted in some past association.Number 2624 was told why she felt she did not belong inher family.

Q. Why have I always felt one apart from my

family—brother and sisters?A. Because ye were once cast out by some of those.

(2624-1)

We can deduce from this answer that a feeling of notbelonging does not necessarily mean there was no previousassociation. It could mean there was an unhappy one andsomething to be worked out in attitudes and familyrelationships.

Attraction of Souls

An answer in the healing group reading gave someexplanation of the attraction of souls and why theysometimes stay for a very brief time.

Then, with the first breath of the infant there comesinto being in the flesh a soul, that has been attracted,that has been called for, by all the influences andactivities that have gone to make up the processthroughout the period of gestation, see?

Many souls are seeking to enter, but not all areattracted. Some may be repelled. Some are attracted andthen suddenly repelled, so that the life in the earth is143

only a few days. Oft the passing of such a soul isaccredited to and 15 because of disease, neglect, or thelike, but STILL there was the attraction, was ijhere not?

Hence to say that the body is in any way buuded by anentity from the other side is incorrect BUT those mentaland physical forces that ARB builded ARE thoseinfluences needed FOR that soul that does enter!

Q. The entity desiring to enter governs the change in sex,which may occur as late as the third month.

A. It may occur even nineteen years after the body is born!So, it doesn't change in that direction!

Q. The physical development of the child is whollydependent upon the mother, from whom it drawsphysical sustenance, but its purpose, desire, and hopeare built up or influenced by the minds of all concerned.

A. That's the first question you've asked correctly.CORRECT. (281-53)

Parents

We may wonder why we have the parents of the presentand whether or not we chose them. These quotations throwa little light on that subject

Q. Why did I choose to come to these particular parents inthis plane, and for what purpose?

A. To learn many of those lessons that have troubled theein thy doublings in those experiences in the earth justbefore, and to learn to temper self as the lamb istempered to the wind by Him that maketh both the lamband the wind.

Q. In what previous appearances have I been associatedwith my present mother, and in what relationship?

A. Very close, in three of those relationships: in Egypt, inPersia, and in Virginia. (361-4)

These questions do not give the details one might wish,but they do show associations in other lives. Perhaps thisyoung man would have asked about previous associationswith his father, too, but the reading stopped.

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Q. For what purpose did I choose my parents, and am I

fulfilling that purpose?A. These were as a channel only, for this particular entity.

(3148-1)

Q. From which side of my family do I inherit most?

A. You inherit most from yourself, not from family! The

family is only a river through which it [the entity soulj

flows. (1233-1)Q. Why was I separated from my parents at such an early

age?

A. These are experiences that may best be known by theparalleling of some of the associations. For there areconditions, especially in the soul experience, not fromthe physical. For, remember it is the soul choice, thesoul vision in which there are choices made for entranceinto material experience, so that little of the channels,save as a channel, enters into die developing orretarding. For, as to soul—''Who is my mother, mybrother, my sister? He that doeth the will of the Father!"(2301-1)

Q. In what period or periods was I associated with my

mother, 1657, and what was the relationship?A. Atlantis. She was your sweetheart then! (797-1)

This woman asked only about her mother. This wasapparently due to the fact that she was living with hermother and was not closely associated with any otherrelatives at that time.

Q. How and where have I been associated in the past withmy present mother... ? What are the present urges, andhow may we use them for our mutual benefit?

A. These have been in more than one, and oft theconditions have been very much as they have arisen in. the present Before this, very closely associated; but yemistrusted the entity who is now the mother, and in thepresent you find at times you wonder whether that's bestor not.

In Atlantis you were in the same positions as in thepresent. The closer association brought the unfolding ofthe entity's abilities in Egypt after the disappointment.

Use the associations in the present—you can each145

learn much from the other, but do not try to controleither. Keep first those things that are first. Let the spiritand purpose guide. For, as indicated, the intensenessthat is the natural heritage of Adanteans that werethwarted in some period of activity is such that they willhave their way. Do not do so to your own undoing.(3184-1)

Number 2148 had been previously associated with hisparents, but his reading indicated that there was an evencloser tie with his grandmother.

Q. What have been his former associations with thefollowing: his mother, 2753?

A. As indicated, her son in the experience before this.Also in the Egyptian experience a close associate inactivities in the latter part of that sojourn there.

Q. His father, 533?

A. In the experience before this an acquaintance, andrelated to but not in that same association as with themother. Also in Egypt their activities were associated, asbrothers then.

Q. His grandmother, 1409?

A. Oft has been the experience with this entity, but thecloser association was in the Palestine experience.(2148-7)

Here we have another child who was close to thegrandparents. Maybe he came to be with the grandparentsrather than the parents, as there is no mention of theparents. His grandmother (3006) asked for the reading andwas given directions as to his training, so she must havebeen the one with whom he was living.

Q. When, where, and how has the entity been associated inthe past with his present grandmother 3006?

A. In the Holy Land we find there was an acquaintance,the entity receiving teaching from the one who is now thegrandmother. And in the Egyptian land the entity wasvery close, being an offspring of the one who is thepresent grandmother.

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Q. Why did this entity choose this body?

A. To meet the needs for the conditions in which there

might be the unfolding for many of those things that

were patterns of the experience through the varied

activities in the earth.Q. Has the entity been associated in the past with bis

paternal grandfather ... ? If so, how?A. In the experience before this. There the associations

were as a helper and instructor one to the other.

Do prepare this body for the work, the opportunities

it may have. (3202-1)

The questions below are from the reading given for ayoung girl of thirteen (2443-1). They explain somewhatwhy associations come into present lives and the reason forurges in the present which had their source in livescenturies before.

Astrologically, she had the love of home and the seekingof friendships. The friendships, however, would oftenappear to her just beyond reach. These characteristicscame especially from two previous lives, one in thiscountry and one in Rome.

Q. In previous experiences has the entity been associatedwith members Of her present family? If so, were suchassociations amicable and pleasant?

A. Most of those in the family have been in one or theother period of the entity's previous sojourns, or some inmost every one of them. For again, remember, asindicated, as ye sow, ye reap; and ye meet individuals inthose activities.

We find that the present mother was also the motherin the Macedonian sojourn, and that the present father[1797] was also associated in that period—though farfrom being the father then, or even a companion, butrather the association was as of one being pitted againstthe other. Hence we find that tiffs arise at times in thepresent

The brother [1817] was associated with the entity inAtlantis, as well as in the "city in the hills and theplains."

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Q. How may the entity so conduct self as to live in thehappiest and friendliest manner with members of herpresent family?

A. As indicated, the family—not merely by precept but byexample—shall point out and direct the entity in thoseways in which IDEALS are constantly—not by others somuch, but by the entity—chosen and kept before self assomething to be approached.

Q. How may this entity be helped so as to make friendsand get along easily with others?

A. If one would have friends, one must show self friendly!This is not merely as an idiom, or as a saying, but truth!This should not be merely preached at the entity, butpracticed WITH the entity!

Allow a great deal more of the visions to be expressedby the entity. And seek counsel from the entity as to thelittle things about the home—entertaining, friends, andthe like. For, there ARE IDEAS! Hence give them theopportunity for expression, and not "preach at" theentity!

Q. Was the Atlantis experience the basis for the urgeswhich make the entity high-strung and oversensitive?

A. Atlantis, as well as the Macedonian experience, whenthe entity was "sat upon." This makes the entity high-strung, or with the dislike of being "preached at" (2443-1)

Case 2390 gives some very interesting details, not onlyof parent relationships but of why an entity, having chosenits parents, elects to cut short its material sojourn. It alsoexplains certain urges and emotions of the presentexperience, die influence of the former life upon thoseabout the entity and upon the soul experience of the entity.

The [previous] sojourn of the entity in the materialexperience was short, as counted by material means orman's count of time; we find that the manners of activityabout the entity during that period should be of interest,and their influence that prompted much in theexperience, also the influence the entity had upon others.It should also be of a real study to those who analyzesuch as is CALLED the psychology of life.

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We find many interesting facts in the experience thatmight be indicated. While not given here at first inchronological order, these should be put together in realoutline.

For the entity's departure and entrance in the presentcovered an earthly cycle, according to that accounted bythose of Holy Writ The entity departed on the 24th ofAugust, 1876. It entered again the 24th of August,1910. Thus a cycle.. ..

Ye may ask what this has to do with the influences,the environs in which the entity sought entrance in thisexperience, as related to its experience when itdeparted—as it were—so early.

Something of the background of that environ may begiven, then.

We find that the entity was born of a people and anenviron created by a union of two very differentlytempered individuals; and the entity seeking ex-pression—as Leila—sought for that which was thegreater hope and desire of the mother. Then an activitywhich caused the entity to seek deeper meditation—asindicated—or to realize the decision NOT to live.

Por life itself—as has been given—is manifestation ofGod. Thus a soul, an entity, may hold on to life so longas it WELLS to obey that which is the consciousness asto the relationship OF the entity to life—or God.

Thus, as has been given and as is demonstrated orillustrated here.

Man may seek to give names to many of theconditions that arise in the experience of the young—orchildren. For, as is known, the greater numbers of thechanges are during the first, second, and third year ofexperience in an earthly plane, because of disobedienceupon the part of one or the other, or both, such as tocause conditions that make the desire on the part OFsuch an entity NOT to maintain the consciousness inmateriality. Thus it seeks ways, manners—as did thisentity—to return to that effacement, and enfacement,which its conscience at that period becomes aware of.

This is demonstrated in this entity's experience in thisparticular sojourn in the present, that at the same age inyears (earthly) there was that consideration for the same149

experience as HAD been gained or had before. For, as isand was understood by the preacher [Solomon—inEcclesiastes], "What IS has been, and will be again."

As to that gained by the entity, then:

The material environ of affection, of association, ofcare, finds an expression in the present entity in amanner that at times it does not even acknowledge toself; yet it is latent

The entity is affectionate to an exceptional degree, attimes, yet with every man holds afar and seeks first toestablish relationships as a friend, as a pal, though deepwithin self there is that affection as was so lavished uponthe entity by the NUMBERS about the entity during thatsojourn.

There is another latent experience which has come tothe entity in vision, in dreams—a face in smiles, with apeculiar cut of beard upon same, oft associated with alake—or water. This has come as flashes, as dream, andwas a portion of an association, an affection the entityexperienced through that sojourn, that caused theundeterminate manner—and thus the lolling away, thewasting as it were, not understood; holding as to whatwere the manners of expression between disappointmentupon the one hand and that of affection from one towhom the entity was never so close and yet so, so verynear in many ways or manners.

In the experience, it is given that the entity gained andcreated in the minds of those a tie that gave theexpression to many, as to the love expressed in HIM.

To those about the entity, then, to know the entitywas to love the entity—to see that expression in samethat brought the expression oft, "A little angel!" Thiswas oft the expression of those about the entity.

Hence the entity in the present oft cringes to thosewho would speak endearing words; and some words ofendearment, of endearing terms, even cause the entity toshudder in the present.

Ye may ask—rightly—WHY such urges are in theexperience so definitely as is indicated. Because, asgiven, of a one cycle. For remember, death in thematerial plane is birth in the spiritual plane. Birth in thematerial plane is death in the spiritual-mental plane.150

Hence the reason that when those physical man-ifestations began to be impressed upon the braincenters—those portions of an individual entity that are aconstant growth from first conception—there were theimpressions to hinder rather than aid the memory ofother experiences.

Yet here we find a manifestation where THIS entity,as indicated, should it choose or determine to do so, maysee and experience (as it has in flashes) much of thatexperience now being interpreted here for the entity, aswell as others. . . .

For, as ye gained from same, and as it made orbuilded that tie by the activity through the experience,that brought a spiritual attunement to those who hadknown the entity even for the span of the two years andeight months (to the day), there may come a usefulnessin same, in moulding the ability to have—PHYSICALLY—what it longs for, hopes for—PEACEin Him. (2390-2)

Probably more details of family relationships down the;es were given in 2753's reading than in any other.

In giving the interpretations of the records for thisentity, these have in so many ways been associated withthe entity through whom this information comes thatthese may be shaded; though these will be given with thedesire and purpose mat this be a helpful experience forthe entity, enabling the entity to better fulfill thosepurposes for which it entered this present sojourn.

No association or experience is by chance, but is theoutgrowth of a law, spiritual, mental, or mat^ial.

These will be found to be bound with tht&entity here,in each phase of their experiences. Thus this should bean interpretation that may enable those who wouldanalyze or study same to see how, why, and where thevarious phases touch materiality at any given point.

Before this the entity was in the land of the presentnativity, when the entity as Polly Moran, a cousin ofArchibald Cayce (and the maternal activities throughthat experience), brought those abilities in the presentfor the greater relationsffips as to home building.151

For the entity then, as related to this entity asindicated, was the mother of William Cayce, paternalfather of Edgar Cayce!

Thus the close relationship. For again, as in thatexperience in Chesterfield County, Virginia, in 1692, theentity was a relative, and again in twenty-six [1826] theentity entered and was a relative—the paternal motherof its own children in some of its activities.

Through that experience the entity brought hope tomany. While there were periods of unrest, periods ofactivity, periods of doubts and fears, much of thoseabilities as the home maker and home builder arise fromthat experience as Polly Cayce.

Before that the entity was in the Roman experience,when there were those activities so closely following theperiod of the Master.

Then in the name Erbert, the entity as the wife ofErsebus(?), a companion of Lucius in the activities inLaodicea and in Rome, was closely associated in thoseactivities there and brought about in a strange land muchthat was of a practical nature in the application of thetenets of "Love thy neighbor as thyself."

There the entity Ersebus, as the entity's presentcompanion or husband, was in that same relationship inthat experience—and he was healed by Lucius, as therewere those periods when there was that necessity for theentity Ersebus to fight with the beasts in the arena.

These bring at times in the experience of the entity thefear especially of wild animals, as well as the fear ofopen spaces alone, but companionships and the abilityto give encouragement to others in .groups is a part of theentity's experience in the present

Before that the entity was in the "city in the hills andthe plains." There the entity was an offspring of Uhjltd[E.C.] and his companion, who helped to establish and tobuild up the "city in the hills and the plains."

And the entity became the companion of one whoattempted to override the activities of Uhjltd, causingsome of those persecutions that brought about thedivision in the household later.

This brings those experiences of fear of clans, fear ofgroups, yet a particular experience as to blood152

relationships in the material world.

Abilities as a good nurse, abilities as one who maymake for good companionships, are a part of theexperience that may be manifested in the entity's presentsojourn.

The name then was Isabel.

Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, whenthere were those activities that established the periods ofthe regenerations of individuals.

There the entity was made as a priestess to the Priest,Ra-Ta, in that experience. While these were consideredas the companions, yet in those experiences they were asthe spiritual rather than the material relationships—aswere the active forces through many of those thatthrough that experience were purified or consecrated, bytheir activities either in the Temple of Sacrifice or in theTemple Beautiful

From that experience there are the present abilitiesarising for straight thinking, that being offtimes—according to others—too easily persuaded by others,or the allowing of others to put burdens upon the entity.These are understandings to the entity, rather than as afault

These, of course, may be used as the developing forcetowards the learning not only of faith but patience. Forin patience, as the entity learned then, ye become awareof your soul.

The close association with (he Priest may bring thecloser associations and activities through these materialexperiences; at least the acquaintanceships from otherexperiences have brought and do bring the closeractivities and relationships.

The name then was It-Eb-El.

Before that the entity was in the Atlantean land, whenthere were those activities where there were the divisionsof sexes.

This entity was in close relationships with those whowere among the first offspring of such divisions, thusbeing among the first of the princesses of that particularperiod of activity.

The entity was raised to power, for the entity wasblessed with that ability to hold to those things that had153

been the practice of the father in that period or sojourn.

Thus the spiritual, mental, and material relationshipsto the entity are those channels through which growthcomes.

The name then was Is-Es-So.

Q. When, where, and how have I been formerly associated

with the following: First, my husband [533]?A. He was Ersebus. Ye were the wife of Ersebus.Q. My son [2148]?

A. These will be found better by paralleling the two lifereadings. These came in an experience before this, aswell as in the Palestine period—when ye were his sister;but this was not of long duration in the material plane.And then in the Egyptian period, he was thy son then.(2753-2)

The answer regarding the relationship with her son was:

As indicated, her son in the experience before this.Also in the Egyptian experience a close associate inactivities in the latter part of that sojourn there. (2148-7)

Q. My stepmother ... ?

A. In the Roman land, the association then was as the

daughter of the entity now known as .

Q. My father ... 7

A. In the Egyptian as well as in the Atlantean.Q. Edgar Cayce?

A. As has been indicated. These are as close relationshipsin both the material and the mental, and in the spiritualactivities of a material world. (2753-2)

Home and Marriage

Karma is inextricably tied to attitudes and feelings; soreferences or questions on home and marriage are found inmost life readings. The closeness of the marital relationshipnaturally produces problems which have to be met.Moreover, we take these problems with us until they areresolved. We will meet the person or the problem in some

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future sojourn unless we face self and resolve the problem.

Of course, the home and family present problems. Thereadings given by Edgar Cayce indicated that this is a vitalpart of our development; but both home and marriageshould be part of what one seeks as his ideal. When askedif marriage as we have it is necessary and advisable, heanswered simply: "It is!" (1641-1)

For what is marriage? A m an and a woman laboringtoward an ideal set by God Himself—two soulsmanifesting as one in hope, in fear, in desire, inaspiration. (2072-15)

Q. Is marriage an aid or a detriment to man?

A. It is ever an advantage, ever a help. (257-6)

Before God and man there was the promise taken,"Until death do us part!" This is not idle; you werebrought together because there are those conditionswherein each can be a complement to the other. Arethese to be denied? (2811-3)

Q. Will I be much benefited by this experience, and how?

A. It depends upon the application. EVERYTHING inthe experience depends upon the application. How willyou use your opportunities? For weal or woe? These areNOT set! They do not happen irrespective or regardless!Life is earnest, life is work, life is doing; not havingpoured out, not having it given, but WORK! (1235-1)

The home is the foundation of the ideals and purposesof the nation. Hence it should be and is sacred in theexperience of those who would serve Him wholly andsurely. (3241-1)

The home—the highest of man's achievements in theearth. But let each give and take, knowing that this is tobe a fifty-fifty proposition. When necessities requirewaiting and patience even in those things that may at thetime appear to be negligence on the part of one or theother, do not rail at such times or allow those things tobecome stumbling blocks, but always reason welltogether. In every association, whether with oneanother, with your own friends, or with strangers thatenter, let your activities be more and more directed by

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the spirit of hopefulness and helpfulness in yourattitudes with one another. And as these grow to theharvest in life, the Lord may give the increase. (480-3)

All entities—as these two entities—meet for apurpose. As to whether their ideals are the same in themeeting, does not depend upon the attraction they mayhave one for the other, rather upon what they have doneabout their ideal in their associations one with the otherin varied experiences, or in some definite period ofactivity. Whether these have been for weal or woe doesnot prevent the attraction.

Thus, whether that attraction is to be for theadvancement or the undoing of something in themselvesdepends, again, upon what is the ideal of each. (2533-7)

This couple (2390 and 2533) were attracted to eachother from several former earth experiences. However,they had their differences. The wife asked why her husbandcould upset her so in little things and how she couldovercome this. She was told:

Read what has just been given of thine ownwillfulness you are meeting. Many of these have been invarious associations with this very same entity. Not inEngland as the one that caused those uprisings withinself, but these are self—not 2533. Don't blame 2533!Don't blame self I But get out of it! Set it off, aside, andtake a look at it! You will see in most instances he'sright—you admit it, but you don't want to agree to it!(2390-9)

She was told that her willful ways came from anexperience in England.

So seek that guidance—even as those urges arise ofwanting to do and to have self s own way. These arise inthe present experience from those willful ways, thosewillful experiences through the activities in England; forthere may still be found about Salisbury those records ofthat wayward Oglethorpe gal. (2390-9)

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These two have remained together and are working out aharmonious relationship.

Here a couple were told that they could aid each other intheir development

Q. What was the former relationship between myself andmy present husband?

A. In the Palestine and Grecian land, when the entity—asQeopiasis—acted in the land, the relationships were thesame as exist in the present For both were Grecians,beautiful of body, high of mind, and represented theGrecian activity in the Palestine land. They were inthose of crosses oft in the land, owing to the turmoils inboth the political and the religious activities, yet theylearned much; and again they are together, that theirlives may be more and more founded in that which washeard by the entity in the experience, "I am theresurrection; I am the life." Then, in thy relationships,let thy yeas be yea, thy nays be nay in the present; but yebecome a tonic one for another if thy prayers are ofttogether, if thy purposes are as one.

Q. Will our love for each other endure through the yearsto come, so that we will live in harmony, or not?

A. If these are made more and more in accord with thoseof the spiritual imports, more and more harmony will bethe outgrowth from this association. That each mustbear and forbear one with another is true, for as ye werealiens or strangers in a strange land, under those ofunusual experiences, so do ye find in the presentassociations thine minds and thine temperaments oftenas at war one with another, yet tempering these withpatience, with mercy, with long-suffering one withanother, ye may aid each one in the other's development

Q. Would my present husband and myself each be happierliving together or separated?

A. living together. For that which has enjoined each indie associations in this material experience is founded,as indicated, in truth and light and love.

Q. Should I quit office work and keep house now, or waituntil later?

A. Until later. Let that which is being purposed, which isbeing builded through the experience, that a sacrifice is157

being made in the present that those of thine ownobligations may be met and thine own loved ones havethe greater opportunity, not become as a burden oras a wonderment as to whether there is growingestrangements. For remember, love begets love! Butwhen there begins the seeking for the data here andthere, that thou hast experienced and may draw upon inthine inner self for the compilations of articles, books,manuscripts, or the like, then begin at home.

Q. How much longer should I continue my office work?

A. Through at least another year. (811-2)

Divorce

A couple on the verge of divorce, who had beenseparated for a year and a half, had a reading on theirproblem and relationship. They were unhappy, apparentlysomewhat in the position of not being able to live together,yet not being able to get along apart Their relationship waskarmic, and they were told they should and could work outa harmooious relationship. They had been together inancient Egypt and had joined forces against the priest andthe king of that period in a rebellion. At that time they haddeveloped rebellious spirits and characters which weremanifesting in this life. The wife, 263, had in many livesbeen in a position of power. In the life just before this oneshe had been socially prominent, associated with the civiland military groups in and about Charleston, S. C, andFort Sumter.

Here is some of the advice given to them:

It would be well that each analyze the informationthat has been indicated for each, their faults and failuresAND their virtues; and that each not attempt to findtheir differences but rather that upon which each CANagree.

There ARE agreements in some directions. There aredifferences in many; yet, as is understood from theexperiences of each, as well as the informationindicated, it is NOT by chance that there is this union ofactivities in the present; but if each will accept same it is158

an opportunity through which each may be the gainer inthe soul, mental, as well as material development.

If they each reject the opportunity ... if they EACHreject the opportunity ... it becomes sin: and MUSTeventually be met

Then, there is EVERY reason for the ATTEMPT, atleast, for each to meet these differences, and so little...save self, and selfishness, that prevents the attempt to atleast meet the problems in the present. (263-18)

They were told to magnify virtues and minimize faults.

Study, then, to show thyself approved unto that ideal.Not merely because of what others may think, orbecause it is law, or because of that as may be said orthought, but because SELF desires to meet the problems... here ... nowl

And these will bring harmony, these will bringunderstanding, if there is the determination on the partof each to give and take.

It is not that either shall demand this or that of theother, but DEMAND OF SELF THAT YE MEASUREUP TO THAT THE OTHER WOULD HAVE YOUBE ... IN THE CHRIST! (263-18)

Each was told to be more considerate of the other. It isdifficult to say whether or not these two found realhappiness together, but they did stay together and tried towork out a harmonious relationship.

Another couple considering a divorce had a joint readingseeking guidance on their problems. Though the couplewere divorced later, the reading is of interest because of thekarma involved. They had been associated in severalprevious lives and in the one just before the present one,which was an early American experience.

. . . Know that each enters with those activities inwhich each has lived and manifested, as a part of itsnatures, as a part of its MENTAL environs.

Also know that the meeting, the association, theactivity in the material experience in the present is NOTof chance but a purposeful experience for each, and that159

each may be a helpmeet one to the other in attaining andgaining such an understanding of the purposes for thatmeeting, that association, as to ATTAIN the correctconcept of the PURPOSE of their incoming or entranceinto this material experience.

Know that this has not been completed in the presentand thus is to be MET IN EACH!

Then why not now?

It is a practical, it is a purposeful experience—foreach.

For the associations in the past experience in thelands about the present environs, or a portion of thesame land and those environs about the Dearborn land,are those problems that form the present disturbance inthe mental selves. *

Do not then justify SELF by condemning oneanother! Justify self rather by living, being thatwhich will be a constructive experience in the life ofONE ANOTHER!

For that is the INNATE, that is the real desire, that isthe real purpose in each; else there would not have beenthat attraction one for the other.

For have ye either of you analyzed what real love is?

It vaunteth not itself; it thinketh no evil; it endureth.

And this IS the purpose, this IS the basis for thatattraction one to another.

If material things then are allowed to become barriers,in the manners of expressing this influence, then thecondemning of either by the other is condemnation uponSELF—and must be MET in self!

Study then to show thyself approved unto God! Beforgiving as ye would be forgiven. Remember that it is apartnership; not all to be given nor all to be taken byone. But do not CONDEMN either, ever!

Let thy ideals be rather as is shown in HIM, whopatterned His experience in the earth among men in sucha manner as to answer EVERY question of conduct, ofmortality, of associations in ANY way and manner!

Then when ye are, either of thee, in turmoil—NOTone shall do ALL the praying, nor all the "cussing"; butTOGETHER—ASK! and He will give—as He haspromised—that assurance of peace, of harmony, that160

can ONLY crane from a coordinated, cooperative efforton the part of souls that seek to be the channels throughwhich His love, His glory may be manifested in theearth!

Do not let aught separate thee! Else it will be thedestruction of thine own selves through THISexperience! (1523-6)

This couple did not manage to resolve their differencesand were later divorced.

The inability to attract a desired marriage, home, andfamily can be due to a former life. Miss 369 longed for ahome and family. She especially yearned for a babydaughter but never had one.

[In a life, in Persia]... the nomads entered into the landof Croesus and. took those of that land as hostage for thetribes. The entity [369], then the ruler's daughter, and inthat school or that place so raided by the peoples, andthe entity was taken as the hostage for Uhjltd, the leaderin this raid, and held as same by this leader until takenfrom him by the next in charge [195] and there remained.In the experience of the entity then in the name Elia,that horror of being forced into any action, whether ofmental, physical, political, or any condition of subject toanother's will. The entity lost through this experience, tothe detriment of self, to the low dreg that of taking life inthe way to satisfy self; not in defense of principle or ofself, country, or position, yet in the early portion of thelife giving much to many in many ways. (369-3)

Not only did this Persian life leave its scars on this girl'ssoul (for she seemed often to consider suicide in this life,due to her unhappiness); a still earlier life in Egypt wascasting its shadow. For many years she was involved in alove affair with a man who treated her unfairly. She asked:

Q. In which previous incarnations, and in whatrelationship, was the entity associated with the one whomeans so much to her in the present?

A. In Egypt; related as the husband after the exile, afterthe changes came about. To this entity the body turned,161

leaned upon, meant much—yet destroyed much in therelationships with many during the experience. Theseshould be builded and met in the present in much therelations as dependent one upon the other during thatexperience; yet those conditions as mean for the re-lationships should be, will be—if they will befollowed—for the developing for each in the presentrelationships; for the dependence one upon the other isstayed. (369-7)

Her reading further said that the association was for thedevelopment of both in the mental and spiritual, orsoul, development of each. It also said they should dependupon each other, and it could have meant that marriagewould be beneficial to both. For some reason the man didnot desire marriage, yet he seemed to love her; so the girlwas literally eating her heart out When she sought furtherexplanation of his attitude, she was told: "As the body isbeing treated in the present, so the body treated the other inthat experience."

Q. Before we entered the earth's plane this time, had we

agreed to work out something together?A. Rather the conditions existed, and the natural

consequence was to be drawn together for the privilege,

or opportunity, of working it outl Whether this is done

or not is up to the individuals!Q. Have I filled my part of the contract?A. Thus far! What's to be done later now remains to be

seen!

Q. Had he lived up to his end of it, how would this haveturned out?

A. That's a question yet that may be! For these everdepend upon the wills, or the activities, of individuals asrespecting their relationships. This should have made,however, had each remained faithful to that as in self, oras to what each means, does mean, well would have beentiie outcome! An advancement for each.

Q. Should he at some time desire to carry on theassociation again, has he not proven that I should noteven consider it?

A. That depends!

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Q. On what?

A. What is to be builded by each, and haw the relationshipwould be renewed! (369-9)

The man had become interested in another woman. Thismay have been due partly to the fact that this girl wouldbreak off their association. She would weaken then andrenew the association. This entanglement so affected 369emotionally and physically that she thought more and moreof destroying herself. Apparently this thought patternsimply "took over," for she was found in her car in thegarage, no gas, dead battery, ignition on, closed doors,indicating she had again taken her life. According to herfriends, she had not been planning this. Her frequentthoughts simply manifested.

Some interesting comments were given to a young navalofficer who had been divorced prior to his first life reading.He was told: "When ye leave the Navy, marry—but-not INthe Navy." He asked about prior association and marriagewith three girls in his first reading and about others in hissecond reading.

Q. What have been my past associations with Willetta.... And for our mutual mental and spiritual de-velopment what should be our present life association?

A. These have crossed thy past oft. In the experiencesbefore this as a friend and associate who understood, yetnot able to give that help either socially or materially aswas desired.

In the experience through the Roman land, moreclosely associated.

But the closer still in the Atlantean experience.

As to what these should be, they should be naturalgrowths and choices of each, rather than as a SET thing.For these, as they meet themselves, there is either thehelpful or detrimental force wrought from the variedactivities. These may all together become beautiful, ifthe purposes are one. If there are those things incommon for creative forces, then beautiful—and closeassociations.Q. With Lucille . . . ?

A. These as we find have crossed oft. Not very good at

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any, too contentious one with another.Q. With Betty .. . ?

A. These have met in the varied forms and manners. TheBETTER may be determined by whatever the choicemay be in the efforts in the present activities. For there ismuch in common, yet the desires and the motivatingforces of the spirit of each are far, far afield!

Q. With which of the above would marriage be mostadvisable?

A. The first, provided the choices of each are as indicated.First know what is that ye desire—thy purpose. Is itcreative or is it selfish?

The field of activity lies in harmony—that is, musicand writing. Then prepare thyself, as ye have in thenatural heritage of thy experience in the earth. (1776-1)

In a second life reading the young man asked about fourother young ladies. There had been an association with twoof them but none with the other two. He then asked:

Q. With which of these would marriage be successful?

A. This should be determined by the entity itself, in thestudying, analyzing, of the purposes and ideals.

For in consideration of marriage—if it is to be asuccess—it must be considered not from merely theoutward appearance, a physical attraction; for thesesoon fade. Rather it should be considered from the angleof spiritual ideals, mental aspirations, and physicalagreements. These should be analyzed in the experienceof the entity, as in the experience of the companion, inthe choice of such relationships.

For these relationships are representative of thepurpose of propagation of species, as well as those idealsthat arise from spiritual and mental relationships—see?(1776-2)

The following question, which was added to the secondreading, shows attraction from the experience just beforethis one. In that life Jean Cowper was the young man'swife. Strange to say, these two never met in tins life.

Q. What have been, and what are likely to be, my

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relationships with 951, who was Jean Cowper in herformer incarnation?A. If there was a meeting, it would be a sunburst for bothat once! (1776-2)

1776 had been married and divorced prior to his originallife reading. Some years later he eventually married thefirst girl he had asked about in his first life reading.

This question in 1222's reading shows an unusual sourceof possible trouble for a marriage:

Q. Have I ever contacted my husband [2493] in any

other experience; if so, in what way?A. He bought you. Doesn't he act like it at times? [Shecommented later: "He sure does."] (1222-1)

This reference was to the life just previous to this one. Itwas during colonial times, when many were brought tobecome companions to those who had settled in the land.This young woman came to Virginia as one of the barteredbrides, or casket girls, and was traded for 2,000 pounds oftobacco. She gained throughout that life, though it broughtturmoil ,to her at times; for she established a home andaided in teaching and training the young.

She also asked about her children:

Q. Have I contacted any of my children before in formerexperiences?

A. This requires a great deal of searching, as to some,where, how. These we do not see in the present (1222-1)

A report later indicated that 1222 separated from herhusband, 2493. It probably had something to do with hisattitude toward her, but she did not definitely say so.

In 1942 a young attorney thirty-six years old askedEdgar Cayce to help solve his marital problem. Hisdilemma was really that of the age-old triangle: Should hedivorce his wife and marry the other woman? He soughtguidance in his decisions, as he had lost interest in his wife;yet he felt he loved both women but in different ways, andhe did not want to injure either one. He did have to choose

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between them, however. The matter was furthercomplicated by the fact that bis wife was unable to havechildren, and he desired a family; furthermore, he knew shehad been unfaithful to him.

His reading gave him very specific advice but alsorevealed that mis triangle was a karmic situation which hadto be met Moreover, this problem was centuries old andstemmed from choices or errors he had made at the timethe children of promise journeyed from Egypt to thepromised land. His first reading told him the reason for hispresent problem.

The entity was a prince among his own people, butone whose activity was of such a nature as to causeEleazar to act to stay the plague among those peoples, inthe matter of the entity's associations with the Midianitewoman.

In the experience we find that the entity in the earlyportion was so WELL thought of as to be called a princeamong bis peoples, a judge, a counselor to his brethren,among those who were chosen as leaders. Yet the entityallowed self-indulgence, self-gratification, to so over-come all of those purposes, all of those longings ofso many, as for the entity to do that which brought (evenfor the moment's gratification) such disturbingconditions among those who sought the right way!

Then, in thy experiences of die present day, choosethou rather God's way. Take Him, His principles, Hisdirecting influence into account, as ye counsel with thoseof thy brethren, those of thy neighbors. And who is thyneighbor? He to whom ye may be an aid, a helptoday—whether he be in the chair beside thee or uponthe other side of the globe—He is thy neighbor!

So live, then, as to present thy own body a livingsacrifice, as ye did unknowingly in that experience; forye stood BETWEEN destruction and life, and giving thylife, even in such an act, not purposefully. But NOW, inintent of mind and heart and soul, ye must do GOOD,and not "do others" in the way that bringsdiscouragement, disheartening, discouraging forces, ordisturbances. (20S2-1)

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This specific counsel was sought and given in a laterreading:

In giving that as may be helpful for the entity at thistime, many things—to be sure—are to be taken intoconsideration.

As the entity innately has experienced, theseindividuals represent a definite activity taken by theentity in its experience in which there was allowed self-indulgence, self-gratification, owing to the beautyphysically of that individual who now would appearPHYSICALLY superior to that other duty andobligation which is a part of the entity's presentexperience.

And to allow such an influence in the present to causethe discarding, the irreparable activity, would bring notonly degradation but a continued consciousness ofwrong-doing, and fear would creep in. And, so far as themental and spiritual life of the entity is concerned, itwould prove degrading to the entity.

As regarding spiritual and MENTAL conditions,there is only ONE course for the entity, and that is todiscard ANY relationship with [F] other than of a purelyhelpful nature from the social angle.

There needs to be the closer relationships with theentity whom THIS body, THIS entity so belittled in thatexperience in which there were the needs for the priest todisregard the laws and to stay the plague of self-indulgence among those peoples.

Thus, putting away that individual who caused thesewill be for the betterment of self, for the development ofself and that individual, as well as building for thoserelationships which may bring spiritual, mental, ANDmaterial blessings to the entity—through the closerrelationship with (S), who was the companion in thatexperience.

In analyzing these conditions, to be sure, en-tanglements have come about, but these must besettled within self. Just as the consciousness has causeduncertainty, so will the correct spiritual and mentaldecision bring harmony and peace—and give BETTERactivities in the experience of this entity [2052].167

Q. If I remain married to (S) how can I have children, inview of her condition?

A. By having those tilings corrected, that may bring aboutsuch—if this is the desire of each. There should be anagreement, a real desire between the two; not one butboth must make for that desire—and live like it

Q. What will be the effect of breaking away from [F] on theone hand and so far as her future life is concerned?

A. Be better for Ally concerned. Choose. For, as wasgiven in days of old, mere is today set before thee goodand evil, life and death; choose thou. (2052-3)

Miss Gladys Davis, Mr. Cayce's secretary, felt impelledto write to Mr. 2052 to explain his reading further. Shegave him counsel which we quote in part:

Your problem is a very interesting one from thestandpoint of our research on the law of cause andeffect, according to the laws governing reincarnation. Idon't know how familiar you are with the Scripture. Youmay not have understood fully the significance of yourincarnation when you were the husband of (S) andforsook her for <F). Please read the 25th chapter ofNumbers and you will get the complete story. Of course,(S) is not mentioned; we only know from the Readingthat she was your lawful wife at that time. It was againstthe law of Moses for the Israelites to associate withwomen outside of their group. You, with many others,broke the law. And, to stay the plague, the priest usedyou and (F) as an example, because you both wereleading citizens in your own group. Just in the samemanner today the court might electrocute the head of agang of criminals as an example, to show that it meansbusiness, for the good of the whole.

Naturally, you cannot in the present be free from(S)—you have an obligation which dates back to thatperiod when you not only thought so little of her thatyou belittled her in the eyes of all the people by turningto a heathen woman, but you thought so little of the lawsgiven to Moses by God that you broke them in such away as to become a curse to many. Even if you got a

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divorce in the present, you would still be tied to (S).When a spiritual law is broken, it must be met in thespiritual realm. When a material law is broken, it mustbe met in the material realm. In that sojourn you brokeboth the material and the spiritual law. Consequently, inthe present you have the opportunity to meet it in bothrealms—by remaining true to your material vows notonly in the flesh but in the spirit No wonder yourconscience hurt you when you got the Mexican divorce.Don't you see it would be the same always—until youhave met and overcome your obligation to (S)? Youasked if the Readings ever advise divorce. Yes, they do.In several instances a divorce has been advised, wherethe two people had either overcome what they had towork out together or else one had overcome and theother WOULD not. But first every means has to be usedto make things work. I notice from your letter someyears ago you spoke of (S) going through a period ofseeing other men clandestinely. Can't you understand,from the above, how that would be her naturalinclination—if you were becoming cold with her? Nothaving been able to depend on you in that long agoperiod, no doubt she has felt many times the urge to defyyou or to do something to hurt you—innately she musthave felt this, because of the hurt you did to her longago. These thoughts and feelings do not die, but they liveon and on within us, from age to age, until we haveeither become so degraded as to have no conscience orelse so spiritual-minded as to become one in purposewith our Creator. The dependent love which (S) holdsfor you is exactly what you need—it is giving you theopportunity to make up for that other time. No matterhow many virtues (F) now has, they would not longremain virtues if you were married to her; because toyou both any relationship of a sexual nature would meansin—regardless of whether you were legally married ornot, because you were both put to death because of suchrelationship and used as an example to break up thespell of sin that was bringing plagues to the people. With(S), holding the proper attitude of love and pro-tectiveness which you should have, you could behappy—because you would know innately that you were169

doing the right thing, and you could make her happy.With your attitude changed, I am sure that you can findsuch happiness with (S) that you have never dreamed of.I would suggest that you talk to her about the PhysicalReadings, and perhaps a little later she will be persuadedto get a Physical Reading to find out how she maycorrect the pelvic condition so as to bear children. Wehave had remarkable results through the Readings withsuch conditions.

I hope you will take this letter in the spirit with whichit is sent My desire was to clarify matters as I see them.

The young man made an abortive effort to follow theadvice given in his readings. Maybe his attempt was onlyhalf-hearted. Perhaps he partially worked out some of hiskarma. At any rate, two years later he returned to (F),having divorced his wife. This also proved to beunsatisfactory. So he went back to his wife and attemptedto work out a life together with her.

The following letter was received in January, 1946, as aresult of a request from ARE for information as to how hisreading was followed and was working out in his life. Itgives the details and the results, so is quoted exactly.

Dear Miss Davis:

Your letter of Nov. 30, 1945, received but reply hasbeen long delayed because of current emotionalproblems still besetting me.

In answer to the specific question you ask in yourletter.

As to a clear cut choice between the 2 women in mylife. I found that neither one was a "soul mate," so tospeak. Both were far more interested in security of selfand not truly companionable. However, I am glad to saythat I took part of Mr. Cayce's advice and went back tothe first one, my wife, for a while. However, I was notheedful of his advice concerning my relations with thesecond one, much to my regret, as I married her afterreceiving an invalid divorce [Mexican], and have onechild, who is unhappy with his mother. I did leave thiswoman and go back to my first wife, but am ashamed170

and regretful at not taking Mr. Cayce's advice at once. Ihave now left my first wife as I discovered that I nevertruly loved her nor any other.

At last I may say that I am truly spiritually awakenedto the true meaning of love. However, the experience Ihave had, probably part of the karmic pattern, has leftme so lonely and emotionally devastated that I have lostinterest in life. Last summer I met some one who was an"old soul" but only aged 21, as against my 39. She lovedpoetry and spiritual things and she idolized me as I didher from the very beginning. It was a case of soul matesand mutual worship. Perfect companionship was ourmutual experience, and we became wholly lost in oneanother. In music, literature and art, we found the sameemotional interests. Two people could not have lovedeach other more.

The difficulty in the situation was that this girl had thesame unfortunate experience in marriage that I had hadand had not agreed on final separation when she met me.On Xmas Day, she and her husband, who had recentlyreturned from abroad, agreed to separate, and she calledher mother to relay the message to me. On the same day,coincidentally, I had come to a final arrangement againwith my wife upon the obtaining of a valid divorce. Thatnight, my loved one got another painful attack ofdiabetes (she had it for 2 years) and had to go to diehospital. Telepathy between us continued (she was ISOmiles away) and I suffered agony and prayed that Godwould send her to me. On Friday, Dec. 28th, she died,and my prayer was unexpectedly answered.

Perhaps we violated some Divine laws or weresuffering from prior breach of Karmic laws. Today Ihave a wonderful opportunity in the legal profession butfind I am unable to work. The world seems so empty.Perhaps you can interpret all this for me and tell mewhether it is possible to find such happiness again.

I am unburdening my soul in this way to you, MissDavis, as you have handwriting which is strikinglysimilar to that of my lost loved one. Therefore, I amcurious to know what you are like and what yourinterests are.

Mr. Cayce said that I was a strongly emotional being.171

I don't know whether Astrology has anything to do withit, but my loved one was a Scorpio with Sagittarius risingand Venus in Scorpio—and likewise deeply emotional.It is hopeless to look for anyone similar?

I can't tell you how much I miss Mr. Cayce's work ina time of need as in the present as my soul seems lost.

With Best Wishes, 2052

Another unusual karmic triangle is found in 2329's file.She was told that there had been great advancement insome of her earth sojourns and great retardments in others.This was apparent in the urges latent in the emotionalinfluences of the entity:

However, there should not be judgments other than asof the spiritual nature or value; and not as to anyone'smoral code, but as to purposes of same.

Know that the birthright of every soul is choice, orwill.

Choosing then to do that which is to self an expressionof a spiritual Law, a spiritual desire.

This may be hard for some to interpret, but it hasbecome a natural thing for the entity because of itsexperiences not only in this sojourn but in others; yet theentity must adhere to that which is the ideal. For that isthe way and the truth and the light (2329-1)

This woman had had two former life experiences whichwould certainly be trying ones.

[She was] in the land of the present nativity duringthose early periods when there were the attempts ofgroups or individuals to bring into the land those whowould aid the men to establish homes, and to bring intobeing those purposes that were of the nature as to behome building in its broader and greater and bettersense.

The entity was among those who were brought to bebartered; and thus not well chosen as to one with whomthe entity would keep the activities in relationships tosuch. Yet, because of those purposes in keeping with thebetter forces, it may be said that the entity gained172

throughout that sojourn... thus was not in that positionof having the home that was kept as a faithful home, butit was not On the part of the entity that there were thoseassociations kept with others.

This brought determinations, sorrow, and theeventual breaking of vows. These as we find brought tothe entity the material gains, mental anguish, andspiritual confusion.

In the present we may find periods when much ofselfs confusion arises from the EMOTIONAL naturesof the entity.

Before that the entity was among those who lived inthe earth during the periods known as the Holy Wars;then die French and Spanish lands were under thoseaptitudes or activities in which many of the men weretaken or left their homes.

The entity was among those doubted by thecompanion and was forced to wear a stay that preventedconception or liaison with others. This brought periodsof disturbing forces of many natures; the determining tosometime, somewhere, be free, and to "get even."...

For the forcing to remain in a state of chastity broughtdetrimental determinations to the entity.

That these have and do become portions of theentity's experience, then, is only the meeting of self.(2329-1)

The answer to her question, "What are my obligations tomy husband?" revealed that he was the one who, doubtingher, left for the Holy Wars. She was told:

These have been as problems ye have worked outtogether before. It was this companion who forced theeto be in that relationship during those periods of hisjourneys in other lands, which has brought to thee theOPPORTUNITY for the meeting of same in the present.(2329-1)

Her letters disclosed the fact that her husband wasimpotent. Thus we again see the retributive justice ofkarmic law working in the present. She now had theopportunity to "get free and get even" as she had resolved

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in that long-ago time. They both had grown spiritually,though, meanwhile. She did not now wish to hurt orembarrass her husband. She said he was a fine man whowas in die present kind and considerate. So she did notwish to leave him; however, another man had come intoher life who was deeply in love with her. She, too, wasattracted and felt she loved this other man. One cannothelp wondering if he was the one who had bartered for herin her last earth life. We do not learn what the previousassociation with this other man was, for her reading did notgive that information.

This woman probably paid off her karma, for sheremained with her husband and eventually gave up theother man. She had, meanwhile, comforted the other manand alleviated his longing for her. Thus she had not injuredor hurt either one.

Though the following advice was given for wives withalcoholic husbands, it would apply in most cases where twopeople fail to get along together harmoniously.

Q. Just what should I do about my husband and home?

A. As just indicated, live right yourself. Never so act, inany manner, in any inclination, that there may ever bean experience of regret within self. Let the moves andthe discourteousness, the unMndness, all come from theother person. Better to be abased yourself and have thepeace within.

For unless changes arise, some great disturbance willcome.

But if ye so act that these appear to arise from thyneglect or from thy not caring, then the regret wouldalways be with thee.

Then, act ever in the way ye would like to be actedtoward. No matter what others say or even do. Do as yewould be done by; and then the peace that has beenpromised is indeed thine own.

Q. Is there any chance of him ever overcoming thedrinking habit? *

A. Not if there's given the least excuse for his continuation

* Alcoholism, Chapter HL

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in same! But kindness, gentleness, and prayer havesaved many a soul! (1183-2)

The attraction of this next couple came from a formerlife in ancient Persia. It seemed to be love at first sight, forafter their first meeting the young woman went home andtold her sister that she had met the man she was going tomarry. They were soon engaged, and the marriage tookplace two years later. The marriage, however, was soon introuble, for the man gambled and drank, and she had tosupport the home.

Q. What can I do other than have patience to bring aboutharmony between my husband [1439] and me?

A. Live thy life in such a manner that those who see thee,thy husband, thy companion (for ye have much to workout together!) will see that thou hast taken onto thewords of truth and life.

Q. Is my husband's apparent weakness caused by anyorganic disturbance, or is he at times possessed?

A. This we would have from the experience of thehusband. But as we find, the companion or the husbandwas thy weakness in the sojourns in the Grecian landand activities. Thou must be his strength in the present

Q. Name the periods and relationship in which I havebeen associated with my husband and give a reason forthe present association.

A. As indicated, in the Grecian—and the husband was theweakness. Now the entity, for the lost experiences there,must be the strength to him in the present.

Q. Is it for the best interests of all concerned to try tocontinue living at my present residence?

A. There apparently must come a change there. But letthis come of the natural sources or natural conditions,and not of thine own deliberate making. (845-1)

In the physical forces of the body there needs be rest,there needs be relief from physical, mental anxieties. Forthese continue in the present to make for that influencewherein the very vitality, the very life existence is beingput into that position of where there is the rebellionbetween the spiritual, the mental, and the* material; andthese make for such physical anxieties between the175

material forces and the soul forces that they rebel onewith another.

Hence there come those injunctions as of old: "Thereis today set before thee good and evil, life anddeath—choose thou.*'

For He, thy example, thy mediator—yea, thymentor—is life, the father of life, the giver of peace, thegiver of harmony.

These then are as conditions in all the relationships, inthe home, in the associations, in the domestic relations,in the activities. Whatever thy choice is, let these be everwith an eye to service to that living influence of being abetter, a greater channel of blessings to someone.

Not of self-choosing an easier way; not of selfattempting to escape, that as is necessary for thine ownunderstanding, thine own soul development; but ratherever, "Thy will, O Lord, be done in and throughme—use me as Thou seest I have need of, that I may bea living example of thy love, of thy guidance in thismaterial experience."Q. Am I making any progress in working out theconditions which were caused between my husband andme in the Persian-Arabian period?A. These have been helpful in self and in making for thegreater opportunities for the greater service, that thechanges as come may be of such natures that what thouchooseth to do may make for those periods of expressionin a manner that will make for those forces that willbring development for both.Q. Is he making any progress?

A. As man seeth, no. As looked on from the experience

from soul forces, yes.Q. Would a separation of any sort be of help?A. This must be a choice within self. Selfs own

development is in jeopardy. Choose thou. As we would

find, it would be helpful for a separation.Q. Am I being someone's strength?A. A strength to his development, and the realization may

come the greater by the separation.Q. Is there any way whereby he can be made to realize the

harm he has caused by his activities?A. As has been indicated, as has been given oft, this may

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only come from within. And the desire for help, thedesire for aid, must be within self.

The body upon the own resources, upon its ownundertakings, though it may suddenly bring theseparation from the experience yet in the main, in thereal forces—and undertaking.

Q. Was anything wrong with the prescription to preventhis appetite for alcohol, or did his will force overcomethe effect of same?

A. Will power overcame. For this only sets at naught thedesire; and these associations, influences of "What willpeople say?" produced the activity to disregard thoseinfluences created by same.

If there is the desire, there may be added thoseproperties again that are known as the gold cure. Thiswill aid, but it will not prevent from the breakingthrough. That is, taking chloride of gold; one minim thefirst two days, two minims for two days, three minimsfor two days; then discontinue for two days and beginagain. And by the end of the second round it will makehim very sick; but it still may be overcome by will—butvery ill to undertake for the first one or two periods.

Q. Should I try the prescription again?

A. Try this.

Q. How may I get him to stop long enough to get it in him?

A. Just give this in water when this is asked for; if this isdesired to be undertaken.

Q. For the best interests of all concerned, would it be wiseto commit my husband to an institution for correction?

A. This is the same as may be given in any of the betterinstitutions. This may only be done through persuasion,but make the choice rather that this is as a last attemptto aid. Give those as just indicated. In the quietermoments make this rather as the last stand.

Q. What kind of work of activity could I get him interestedin that would help him?

A. There must be some changes from within for the desireto be not only good—at any of those problems or thoseactivities that he is well fitted for—but to be good forsomething for others rather than his own appetites.These must be created first.

Q. Has the change already taken place in my residence as

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referred to in my life reading, or is it yet to come?

A. Will be yet to come, and depends—to be sure—as hasbeen indicated—upon the changes.

Q. Is the craving for alcohol by [1439] an organiccondition, or is he possessed?

A. An organic disturbance is merely a possession when ithas reached the nth degree as to be possession. Andhence, as has been indicated, oft such—when there is theunderstanding that the reliance can be only in truth andlife—will either break or separate. (845-4)

The foregoing quotation shows the seriousness of thehome conditions. Mrs. 845 made a real attempt to help herhusband and resolve their problems, but it is evident thather husband did not want to overcome his alcoholism andthat no one could help him unless he desired help. She hadreached the place Where her own spiritual development wasin jeopardy, so was advised to leave her husband. Thehome conditions were further complicated, as this woman'sniece had come to live with them. Mrs. 845 was assuredthat this was a karmic involvement which came from herPersian life, "where so many rejections and so much of selfand so much of activity there is to be met For each soul,each entity, constantly meets self. And if each soul wouldbut understand, those hardships which are accredited muchto others are caused most by self. Know that in those youare meeting thyself!"

In the Persian experience Mrs. 845 had been among thepeople who went from Greece to the city in the hills and dieplains for understanding and aid. Yet later with othersfrom the Grecian land she renounced "much of that whichhad been accepted by many from those teachers in theland, bringing into the experience those fears and doubts.And in that experience the entity lost as a whole, gainedand lost; and in the present we find from that sojourn thefears and doubts arising from the activity in theirrelationships with individuals, with groups or thepromptings in the experience of others. This, if the entitywill look from within, is that which must be overcome inthe present experience. Not that there is the trusting inothers for their activity, but as for the needs that they, too,may be strengthened by the very strength of self as in Him

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who is the Giver, the Author of life, light, and immortalityto the souls of men." (845-1)So in the present life she had to choose. She was told:

Remember, you are meeting self. In whatever choiceis made, face the issues in thine own life, in those withwhom you may be associated. For these problems thatare thy problems are others' problems. Meet them as isbefitting that as is shown thee in thine inner self.Loneliness is destructive, yet in Him ye may findcompanionship. (845-4)

Hence there come those injunctions as of old, "Thereis today set before thee good and evil, life anddeath—choose thou." For He, thy example, thymediator—yea, thy mentor—is life, the father of life, thegiver of peace, the giver of harmony.

These then are as conditions in all the relationships, inthe home, in the associations, in the domestic relationsin the activities. Whatever thy choice is, let these be everwith an eye single to service to that living influence ofbeing a better, a greater channel of blessing to someone.(845-4)

The marriage did end in divorce, and Mrs. 845 did notremarry. A later reading said it would be better if she didnot do so. It also assured her that while she had notsprouted wings, she had made great spiritual development.She helped many people and was of great service to ARE.

We have no later report on the husband.

The advice given this next couple indicates clearly thatdivorce is no simple matter; each case is individual, andgeneralizations are difficult.

Though these two were counseled that they should notseparate but should try to work out their difficulties, theyseparated and were divorced shortly afterward.

Mrs. 2811 was again married in 1945, but it was a verybrief affair. Her first husband also remarried as soon astheir divorce was final. It seemed that he had beeninterested in the other woman for some time, and she (theother woman) also broke up her long-standing marriage tomarry him.

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In 1953 Mrs. 2811 married again, and that marriagelasted until the husband's death seven years later.

We won't separate here yet; there is a lot for them todo together We won't answer questions yet...

In considering activities between individuals in thismaterial plane, there are many conditions to beconsidered. This relationship, which is the experience ofeach as a responsibility of one for me other, as one tothe other, not something about which to find fault witheach.

There has been a pattern indicated in the experienceof man, to whom each should go. These are not oldwomen's tales. These are men's, these are women'ssouls.

There should be, then, a seeking together; not findingfault with what has been done or what may be done, notspying on one or spying on the other. Each can think forself, but before God and man there was the promisetaken "until death do us parti" This is not idle; thesewere brought together because there are those conditionswherein each can be a complement to the other. Arethese to be denied?

These have not been fulfilled. These have not beencompleted. For there is the love, the hope, the desire thateach be in harmony and peace. But the harmony andpeace must be within SELF first, if it is to be betweenone another. This ye know, ye will never find harmonyby finding fault with what the other does. Neither willthe other find harmony without considering what theother will think, or be, or care for.

Know ye this, each of you: The law of the Lord isperfect, ye cannot get around it Ye may for the momentsubmerge it, but thy conscience will smite thee. Try it!For a period of six months, never leave the home, eitherof you, without offering a prayer together: "Thy will, OGod, be done in me this day." This is not sissy, else yewould not be conscious of thyself as being a livinghuman being this day.

Then quit yourselves like children of God,appreciating that privilege. Speak to Him as to thj

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Father; He will answer thee as thy Father who lovesthee. (2811—3)

Karma, manifesting through its attractive force andmemory, can precipitate some real problems which wehave to face. Most of us have either seen or experienced asituation similar to this next case. It is, of course,something from the past, another karmic triangle, wheredie involved parties came to Edgar Cayce for advice. Mrs.413 came with her husband, 289, her sister 845, and "theother woman," whom the reading refers to as R, sayingthat 289 and R were so much in love they didn't knowwhat to do! Mrs. 413 told G.D. (Mr. Cayce's secretary) thatshe knew it was not a purely physical "sex" attraction,since 289 had been impotent for some time. Mrs. 413 andher sister, Mrs. 845, were both in tears and at their wits'end to understand or cope with the situation. The readingfollows.

Mrs. C: You will have before you the relationship and thesituation which exists with and between 289, 413, andR, present in this room. As I call the name of each, youwill go over this situation carefully and analyze it inrelation to that individual; giving the causes, whetherphysical, mental, or karmic, and advise the best courseto follow considering that necessary for the bestdevelopment of the individual. Then you will answer thequestions submitted by each individual; first 289.

Mr. C: Yes, we have those conditions and circumstances,those personalities, the mdividuaBries of each here.These are conditions that are arising in the experiencesof each meeting themselves from those experiences inthe earth's plane and thus become what are commonlycalled karmic conditions.

If they each allow themselves to become involved insuch a manner as to belittle, belie, their own conscience,their own concept of an ideal, then it becomes to eachsin.

If there is the application of that which has been givenby Him as the manner in which such relationships, suchconditions may be met, then they become as stepping-

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stones for the experience of each.

These then under the circumstance, under theconditions which exist, become not as mere trite sayings,but as that which must be experienced and lived in thelife of each—"As ye would that men should do to you,do ye even so to them."

That there is the recognizing of conditions that are inpart an answer to those experiences in the existence ofthe entity in the material experience, then becomeshopeful in the experience of each.

Yet if there is self and self alone considered, thesebecome as merely the egoism of each in such measuresor manners as to become something that would debaseall instead of that which should be beautiful.

Let love be without dissimulation, that is, withoutPOSSESSION, but as in that manner as He gave. "Loveone another, even as I have loved you"; willing to givethe life, the self, for the purpose, for an ideal. Other thanthis, these become as that which will bring in theexperience that in which each will hate self and blamethe other.

Ready for questions.Q. Was companionship lacking at home the reason for thissituation?

A. Rather, as has been indicated, the answering of that in. which the self finds rather the answer within self of

former relationships.Q. How can relationship between R and myself be

suddenly stopped, when it has been going on several

months?

A. Why should it be stopped? Why should it not be made

beautiful, rather than that which becomes a thing ugly?QI How can this be done?

A. Make it so! So live in the lives, in the relationships, asto the duties and to the obligations! What must be toeach the heritage it would give its children, itsgrandchildren; its third and fourth and fifth generations"to those that hate me or love self better than the love asshown in the grace and mercy which has been giveneach."

Q. Would a physical reading be helpful in overcomingthis?

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A. This depends upon whether there would be thepractical application of same. The reading, or theinformation or knowledge as to the sources or thecauses, is only making for each individual CHOICES tobe made—and that must be within self, or else ye willhate thine own self!

Q. [R]: Why did this situation arise in my experience, andhow may it be overcome?

A. Study to show thyself approved unto thy Maker, aworkman not ashamed, but rightly dividing the words oftruth. It arose from those experiences and relationshipswhich formerly existed. Then make it a beautiful thing,and not something ugly!

Q. [413]: What have I done or failed to do which hasresulted in this?

A. Condemn not thyself, as neither of the three should do;but quit yourselves rather as true children of a lovingFather, so living toward each, not regretting, not rueing,not condemning because that which is natural in itsnature arises in thine experience.

Thinkest thou that thou art the only one that has metor meets such in thy daily life?

This is not an excuse, then, but live, act towards eachin the same manner as ye would that each would acttowards thee if conditions were reversed.

For all stand as ONE before Him. Keep thyconscience, thy mind PURE before Him, knowing thatno power arises save from Him, no emotion that arisesin the experience of individuals can do so save throughHim.

If such emotions are kept pure, they are as blossomsin the garden of God. If they are destroyed, they becomestepping-stones to hell.

Q. Why is it necessary for me to have this experience, andwhat am I to gain from it?

A. Patience—and love. Why necessary? Meeting thineown self—as each is doing. In determining the activitythat each should take, separate selves from the actualemotions that arise—pro or con—and look at thine ownself. What would ye have thy God say? What would yehave thy children say? What would ye have thy neighborsay?

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These, then, are not merely thoughts, but thy thoughtsbecome deeds in meeting thine own self. Then, quit yelike true children of a loving. Father. Be patient, be kind,be longsuffering—and above all, patient! But DO NOTbreak nor leave the ideal as is set in Him. "I condemnthee not," said He. Then neither condemn one another,but be ye like Him.

We are through. (413-11)

G. D.'s note: For a year or so longer Mrs. 413 "suffered"through the triangle when all were advising her to get adivorce, but it finally dissolved. See 413-13, A-4. Seesubsequent notations under 413-1 and 413-3 reports;also see subsequent Ck. Physical Rdgs.

January 26, 1942, letter to E. C. signed by Mrs. 413 andMr. 289: After reading your message of Jan. 8th overand over many times [see under 2678-1, page 9], it seemsso much like a divine message that I feel like just bowingmy head and saying "Amen." I am very grateful for aninvitation to join such a group, and may God hear andanswer the prayers of every one. Sincerely, [289 and413].

February 3, 1967, G. D.'s note: Mrs. 413 has givenpractically her entire home for the last 20 yrs. "takingcare" of her invalid husband, Mr. 289.

5/20/68 her husband died, after suffering terribly forthe last few years from emphysema. Mrs. [413] plans tolive now with her daughter [S78] and son-in-law [1003],to whom she is very close. (413-11)

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V

GROUP KARMA

CHAPTER SIX

There is a destiny

That makes us brothers:

None goes his way alone:

All that we send into the lives of others

Comes back into our own.

—EDWIN MARKHAM, The Creed

Many philosophies teach that we reincarnate in cycles orat rather regular periods. Certainly souls and groups ofsouls must be incarnated at the same time, if they havethings to work out together. The readings stress that soulsdo have the opportunity to. meet again and again in earthlives until they have dissolved their differences and workedout any problems they may have. Some law of attractiondraws these entities together. Chapter Five presented manycases of souls being together to work out mutual problems.The Edgar Cayce readings, however, show there is noregular or definite time between earth lives.

Miss 275's * family gives us as complete a picture offormer relationships and karma within a family group ascan be found in the Edgar Cayce readings. Every memberof the family had at least one life reading, and details ofprevious associations were obtained in check readings. Allmembers of the family were in Egypt during the Ra-Taperiod; so a check reading was sought which would givemore details on their association and/or relationship then.The interrelations and karma incurred can hardly beunderstood, though, without some knowledge of thehistory of the Ra-Ta period.

The priest Ra-Ta led the ruler Arart from Arabia intoEgypt. Egypt was a land of plenty ruled by an elderly, weakking, Raai. The king did not defend his country, so theinvaders took control. Things were fairly amicable for awhile. But when Arart began to impose laws and taxes,dissension arose. A native Egyptian leader was influential

* See Chapter Three, case 275—cancer of the hip.

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and powerful enough, to incite rebellion. So the ruler Arartplaced bis son Araaraart [341] on the throne to deal withthe natives. Araaraart was only sixteen years old when heundertook to rule the land. He managed to stay in powerfor ninety-eight years, through the various dissensions,revolutions, and rebellions. The native Egyptian who wasthe leader of the rebellion against King Arart was adoptedinto the ruling family as Aarat. This pacified theEgyptians, and Aarat became a valued aide to the youngking Araaraart and worked with him for the good of allfactions. The young king chose twelve men as counselorsto help rule. The twelve were chosen from the variousfactions and represented the conquerors, the nativeEgyptians, and the Atlanteans. Many Atlanteans had beenmigrating to Egypt, as they feared another deluge wouldengulf their land. The Atlanteans, being a strong andcapable people, more advanced than the Egyptians, alsosought to take control of the land. Peace reigned for a littlewhile. The king and his counselors administered civilaffairs, and the priest Ra-Ta tried to influence the king torule wisely for the good of all. Ra-Ta taught divine law andattempted to awaken the people spiritually and speed uptheir evolution. To do this Ra-Ta decreed the peopleshould establish families, and the priests were to acceptmonogamy. Those who sought to discredit Ra-Tapersuaded him to take a second wife for eugenic reasons.When a chUd was born to these two most highly developedmental and physical beings, the plotters demanded that Ra-Ta be banished for breaking the monogamy law. The kingwas loath to do this and was really in a dilemma, for hedepended upon Ra-Ta for guidance. Moreover, he doubtedthat this was the best solution for all. Araaraart finallyyielded to pressure and banished the priest to the Nubianland, though the wise Atlantean Hept-supht had advisedagainst the banishment Since Hept-supht supported thepriest, he, too, was exiled.

Iso, the priest's child, was kept by the king as a hostage.

Later the king's brother Ralif led a rebellion (the Ibexrebellion) against the king. One of 275's brothers wasinvolved in this rebellion.

The various groups or factions are represented in thepresent family. As they were in this Egyptian period of

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turmoil, strife, and rebellion, which naturally producedanimosity and conflict, we can understand why they wouldhave karma in the present. We can almost classify them asthose who shared the priest's exile or followed histeachings and those who supported the king. The AtlanteanHept-supht, the father of the family today, apparentlyworked constructively for the good of all, often acting asmediator between the groups. He "went native" andmarried a native Egyptian daughter of one of the politicalleaders, so he was acceptable to all factions. His wife ofthat period is bis present wife and the mother of this familygroup.

Since much of this karma began in ancient Egypt duringthe Ra-Ta era, check reading 275-38 is included here. Itgives some idea of the turmoil, rebellions, and revolutionsof the period.

In order that their association can be more easilyunderstood, a list of Miss 275's family with individual casenumbers is given, too.

Miss 275—Ai-Si, seventeen-year-old daughter who

had cancer of the hip.Her Father, 378—Hept-suphtHer Mother, 255—IszeiuHer twenty-seven-year-old brother, 452—Hi-La-PtiHer twenty-five-year-old brother, 282—Ra-La-RalHer twenty-three year-old sister, 457—IssiunHer nineteen-year-old brother, 488—El-TpanHer thirteen-year-old sister, 276—ValtuiHer twenty-three-year-old sister-in-law, 301—Isibio;

wife of 282, and 275's nurse.Her thirty-year-old brother-in-law, 412—Ariecel; hus-band of 457A friend, 288—IsoA friend, 341—Araaraart

Three nieces of Miss 275 had life readings also and weretold they were in Egypt during the Ra-Ta period. For somereason, perhaps because they were not of the immediatefamily, they were not mentioned in the check reading onthe period. It could be that their life readings gavesufficient detail of their lives then,

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Her niece, 299—Del-lli; daughter of 282 and 301Her niece, 314—Apt-Sio; daughter of 282 and 301Her niece, 3172—El-Ex-Ea; daughter of 457 and412

Her aunt, 1742—Lei-Diie (378's sister), though notin the family group, is included, as she was also inEgypt and Rome at the same time. She was ofthe opposite sex in the Egyptian period.

HLC: Give in great detail the history of the period of thepriest Ra-Ta in Egypt, bringing in the actions andincidents of the following characters, bringing in thetime and age of each when they entered the scene, andgiving all the connecting links so that a story may bewritten: Hept-supht—now [378]; Iszeiu—now [255]; Hi-La-Pti—now [452]; Ra-La-Ral—now [282]; Issiun—now [457]; El-Tpan—now [488]; Ai-Si—now [275];Valtui—now [276]; Isibio—now [301]; Ariecel—now [412]; Araaraart—now [341]; Iso—now [288].

Mr. C: Yes, we have the periods here, as in each. That thismay be translated into the experience that makes for thecause of the associations of each individual in thepresent, it may be given in the manner as to how theyeach in the present find not only their associations buttheir own name and activity. For, as given in thatrespecting the influence, the teaching of the priest, therewas left with each entity a mark, either in body asexpressed physically or in the name, that they each arecalled in their experiences. So, in the present we will givean outline showing what took place, if it were translatedinto the present view of experience of individuals. All ofthese are the modern names, you see.

The king or leader of the peoples in Arabia [165] led thewhole of his land into Egypt Among this group we find[452] (oldest brother), who was of those peoples, andone in purpose with that to be accomplished by the enteringinto the land. There was found the declining years of a veryweak ruler in the land that had turned the greater portioninto the hands of the peoples to do as they chose, so long asthey did not bother him.

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With the enteringof the group, or of this clan, little or noresistance was made by the natives as to the establishing oforder until there began to be set up the laws as to what wasthe contribution or tax on peoples in the native land. Andsome native, and natives, raised questions—which madefor first the political positions of groups in the land.Among the daughters of the political leaders was [255,mother].

In the establishing by the priest that of moral law, andthe beginning of the undertakings of the establishing of'what we term in the present as religious activities or asservice in rote by individuals that join themselves to suchactivities—at this time there was the coming into the landthe Atiantean peoples. These were going back and forth forthe periods of the rebellious influences; the activities ofvaried individuals in the Atiantean land were active in thisperiod. Among those that came in and became native, wefind [378, father]. He, with the modern ideas among apeoples that were attempting to adjust themselves to thevarying conditions, joined with the priest in bringingsomething of order in the laws and in the direction ofconditions in the period.

With the rebellion of the natives, the elder king [165] putthe son [341, friend] on the throne to match wits politicallywith the native [900] in the establishing of the politicalpowers and rule in die land. And with this establishingcame that period when the priest [294] broke the law thatwas set by him concerning the number of wives accordedor given to the priest. And this brought first the politicaluprising. Then the religious war. And the priest with theprincess [538] was banished, with all those that adhered tothe priest's activity, including the aide to die priest—[378,father]—to the Libyan land. There we find the firstestablishings of the land as a place for carrying on that thepriest had given in the way of man's knowing hisrelationships to the Creative Forces. In this activity [275]and [488, youngest brother], natives of the Libyan land,became followers of the priest. The children of the priest,[282, brother], [288, friend], were left in the land ofEgypt^ as political hostages and religious hostages. Theactivities of the native [255,. mother], in gathering muchfrom that which had been given by the Atianteans, estab-

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lished what would be termed today a school and anorphanage for the children of the land, hence applyingmuch that had been given as the relationships between theGreater and Recreate® in material manifestations. Hencethese were under the eare of this director in the land.

After the turmoils, the return first of the Atlanteanthrough the political influences brought to bear by thenumbers of Atlanteans that were sojourning and enteringinto the land, as there were evidences and prophecies ofAtlantis being broken up, and Egypt was chosen as one ofthose places where the records of that activity or peopleswere to be established. Hence the Atlantean, or (378,father], returned after only three years in banishment. Andthe union with the instructor and teacher, as man and wife,began much of that which has been given of the messagessent to and from Egypt and Abyssinia during the exile ofthe priest

Conditions settling somewhat, after political rebellionsand native rebellions and in the rebellions in those of thefamily by the peoples that were both native and of the heartor [165] clan, and among them [457, older sister], and theseacted in Ibex with the king's brother, who became astumbling block to many.

When the recall of the priest came, the preparations andthe return, including not only the household of thepriest—wherein was the wife with the children born tothem in exile, among—or the older of which was that onewho became the wife of the son of the priest, as they cameback into activity in Egypt—[301]. This occurring, how-ever, many years later.

The return brought for all a new era of associations andactivities.

[4S2, oldest brother], becoming associated in the priestactivities—that during the years of decline, beforeregeneration—acted in the capacity of making the lessonsor tenets applicable in the experiences of other peoples, asdemonstrated by the activity in the Arabian landwhere [276, younger sister] was the ruler that came into theland of Egypt to be initiated into the activities through thetemple, through the various associations of the necessaryactivities of the groups that were taught by the priest, by[275], [488, brother], [378, father] in their varied

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positions have been indicated in that given.

As to the lives or the family associations, which, as weshall see, led to those activities, those marks as indicated,as set by the adherents to the principles of that taught bythe priest, as making for marks that in body-physical orsoul or both drew them together.

In the household of the Atlantean, or [378, father], [255,mother], were few of those of bodily drawing, save ofothers. Hence there and then, in their desire, those in theirvaried activities in themselves asked for, desired, soughtthat they might influence those in their expression oropportunity for their activities in a material world. Hencewe find those in the present of their own household, theirown activity, to mete to them in the present experience thatwhich may furnish each with their own experience that ofestablishing that tenet as found to be the answer for anideal in their experience in that association.

With those we find in each activity [452, brother] as thepriest, only one as a companion or wife, that if sought andfound in the present may make for a true union in thismaterial world. And such as have in an experience foundan ideal may be said to be soul mates, and no marriagesmade in heaven nor by the Father save as each do Hisbiddings. For His sons, His daughters, His mothers, Hisfathers are they that do His will in the earth.

In this union there came only three, as to make foractivities in their associations in the home life, acting as theemissary, much activity that has been indicated or may begiven specifically was in the affairs of that entity in theexperience, which may be likened unto the evangelist in thepresent

In the home of [457, sister], as indicated, in the rebelliousforces of the Ibex, yet coming under the influence with theestablishing of the schools, the hospital activities (of whichthe entity that had been of the natives, or [255, mother],might be said to have supervised), she came to know [412,brother-in-law] in relationships in that association, yet eachwending its own way without either ever being wed in theexperience—and may be called, as in the present, each evermindful, but never physically completed in theirrelationships.

In the life or home life of [488, brother], acting as one193

that aided or came with—or among the 167 souls thatretained with the priest from Abyssinia, being of powerfulphysique, what would be called copper-colored in thepresent, yet coming under the influence—with his abilities,with his activities in the land, both with the sister [275] inthe experience, brought such of an activity as related to theathletics in the action of those that were developed by allthe associations from the state, from the religious forces, orfrom the activities in all the relationships, made for astrong influence upon this phase of the development in theexperience. But going as an emissary, under the influencethen of the one acting as the evangelist—or [378, father], ashas been given—lost in self when making relationshipswith those in the land that has since disappeared, thatbrought family troubles. And the pity, lie love asexpressed by those in power, drew him as among the foldin the present.

The sister [275] in the temple service as the one that notonly aided in the sacrificial temple, where the initiationsthrough fire in the cleansing of the body of desires for car-nal influences, as well as the activities and services in theTemple Beautiful that made for the setting in order in theplaques that as would demonstrate or illustrate to the entityor individual that necessary for the purifying or keepingbefore them for the purification and in keeping same intheir experience; joined with one in wedded life in thetemple service, and when these relationships—are theyestablished from that as was set before the entity in theactivities of those that have become the father, the mother,in the present experience—may make for the home life inthe present that will bring a blessing to self and theactivities with and among others, joys and understandings.

In the life as in the relationships of [282, brother], [301,sister-in-law], as established in that experience, makes forwhat may be looked upon by many in the present as theideal relationships when viewed from that as of man andwife in the present Let each hold more to that as maycome to them in those experiences of knowing that thecounsel to those that are given activity in their care, thatthe words and directions in each counsel may be in keepingwith Him who loved little children, who blessed them andsaid, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven," and there may

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be builded in the experience of those that again come totheir protection that which will make for the greaterdevelopment in those souls that again seek through thischannel for a manifestation in a material world.

In that in [276, sister], as given in that as was given bythe entity in its application of unconsciously applying spir-itual law in material world to the things that became muchof a blessing to mankind in the application of the spirituallaws as gained under the supervisions in the Egyptian landof those that are as companions in the present, that as aidedin giving to a people the blessings of the consciousness oftheir souls in themselves, and a duty and an obligation anda service that needs be rendered to the Giver of life, or theGiver of expression in consciousness, in life, in itsrelationships to its fellow creatures and to its Maker. Thelife in the experience separated, yet a household that grewtoo large—for only twenty souls entered in the experiencethrough the entity-body in its relationships to its peoples.

In that as brought then these in their relationships in thepresent, as has been indicated, first the desire upon the partof souls that had consecrated themselves in body, in mind,to be a channel of blessings to souls that they had throughexperience, in manifested form, seen struggling in theirown various spheres.

As to the relationship of the king [341, friend] to thiswhole group, that as one that may in the present view thatof an ideal set in many, that will self be cleansed and keptin that as has been the experience of self in its sojourns,that as it chose to enter in the present for the experience,may look, may listen, and by meditation with its idealforces as set in Him make for an application in self as to theuse of the knowledge as respecting their relationships in amaterial world.

In that as of the abandoned child of the priest [288,friend], may in its association, in its relations in the present,find that as may make for that in material forces set as anexample for the clean, the moral, the Christian principlesand ideals in a material life.

Ready for questions.

Q. Exactly to whom was [275] wedded?A. When she finds him she will know!

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Q. What was meant by marks being placed upon the body,in those ways and manners that may only be known tothose who are in that physical and spiritual attunementwith Ra-Ta as they pass through the material or earth'sspheres together?

A. As has been indicated, their names, as set, their tides asgiven to each.

Q. Exactly to whom was [276] wed?

A. One of her own peoples, an Arabian—and you will findhim, but don't catch him wild!

Q. What ideals from that time prompted us to cometogether now in this present relationship?

A. As has been indicated. The ideals as set by those intheir union, and each soul finding the channel, theopportunity for the expression in this experience for thatneeded in its own soul development as related to each ofthe others in this experience.

Not only that as has been called karma, for these—asseen by that given—have to deal with and to do with whatindividuals have done with their knowledge of theiropportunities in experiences to the Creative forces asmanifested by the environ in that experience. It's well foryou all to analyze that! (275-38)

The life reading of this group do not report all of themtogether again until the present time. Several of them,though, have been associated in incarnations between thesetwo lives.

PERSIAN: Four of this family group, [301], [282], [452],and [378], were associated with Uhjltd (a reincarnationof Ra-Ta) in Persia, where Uhjltd was a healer-teacher.[282] had been a son of Ra-Ta, and [301] was his Egyp-tian wife. Both of their present daughters were also in thisPersian period. [299] was a sister then of her presentmother [301], and [314] came from India suffering inbody and was healed. [452] and [378] we find againamong the followers of the teacher Uhjltd (Ra-ta).

GREECE: We next find three of these entities in Greece.[275], [255], and [488]. There is nothing in their read-ings to suggest that they knew each other or were asso-ciated there in any way. [488] was associated with Hero-196

dotus, while the other two were interested in art, particu-larly sculpture. [275] was told she had been a model forsome of the sculpture of the period, so it is possible thetwo knew each other.HOLY LAND: Two of them, [452] and [457], were in theHoly Land, but were not in the same period; for [457]returned to die Holy City under the leadership ofNehemiah, while [452] was John Mark, therefore arelative of Mary and Jesus. As a child he was lame butwas partially healed by John the Baptist and laterentirely healed by the Master.

The niece [3172] also had a life in the Holy Land. Theexact time is not given, but she was told it was a period ofpersecutions. And "the entity added much to the helpfulwelfare of individuals through those periods ofpersecution, as well as in periods of activity in the manyvaried lands." (3172-1)

ROME: Most of this family had a Roman incarnationduring Nero's reign. These entities were told about theirRoman life: [275], [301], [378], [412], the nieces [299],[314], and also [1742] (378's sister).

[378] was told:

Before this we find the entity was in that land knownas the Roman, during those periods when there was theaccepting and presenting of those tenets to those peoplesof the land, from that land which had been attempted tobe subdued in the period.

The entity then was among those that were insecondary power when Nero ruled in the land, and theentity—in the name Pomllomo—had charge of thoserecords that were kept as reports from the variedtetrarchs throughout the lands that were subdued or putunder service—or surveillance—by the Caesars of theperiod.

The entity lost and gained, through the attempt to beimpartial, undesirous of working against the activities ofthe ruler; yet the inner sympathies were with thatexperienced by the entity through the various travels197

that were necessary to make the closer associations withthe representatives in the varied lands.

Then the entity became associated with many of thosethat are in the entity's own household in the present, andtheir contacts, their aids, their fallings away, arenecessary for the developments of all so associated inthe present (378-12)

This could mean that others of this group were in earthlysojourn but not in the city of Rome during this period.

Again we have die two factions or attitudes. [301],[1742] (378's sister), and [299] were among the Christians.[1742] was a sister of Peter's wife and a follower of Paul,while [299] was a child of one of the persecuted.

[412] and [314] were of the ruling class but did not joinin the persecutions. On the contrary, [314] tried to havethings changed and "kept self above those even ofits surroundings, and never submitted of self to thoseindulgences as did many of the associates through theperiod." She was forced into a marriage which sheabhorred and "rebelling in same, brought destructiveforces to her own being [suicide], through the manner ofleaving the earth in that experience." [412] was amongthose who were in authority and power but not as a ruler.

In this experience the entity gained throughout; forentering as one with a purpose, not only as of that forthe relationships of self to the country and to the peopleswhom the entity served, but also in the filial and in therelationships which made for the closer understanding.. . . Though oft in duty in the physical sense, therewere done deeds that were abhorrent to the entity, yetduty remained—and to Caesar there were rendered thethings that were Caesar's, and to God the things thatwere God's. (412-5)

The karma between [275] and [301] discussed in Chap-ter Three was incurred in Rome at this time.

GERMANY: The father [378] was in Germany during thecrusade era and went on a crusade to the Holy Land. Hewas told this was really a period of retrogression because198

of the altitudes and disillusion he developed. Foe hereturned from the crusade broken in body, disappointedin people, and full of doubt and fear.ALSACE-LORRAINE: Three of the family, [452], [457],and [ 282], had a life in Alsace-Lorraine—the areabetween France and Germany. This area has been anuneasy one overrun by the Germans and the French,conquered by one and then retaken by the other; so theseentities were involved in the political and religiousturmoil of the time and area, Probably their paths didcross, but we do not know whether or not [452], [457],and [282] were associated in any way during their liveshere. The mother [255] also had a German life whichcould have been in this same area; for it "was duringthose periods when turmoils were in the land, and in thatregion where those people were in war against oneanother." (255-5)

[1742] (378*5 sister) had an incarnation in Alsace-Lorraine. She was "among those that suffered much, andmuch was there of the attitude of vengeance, of strife, ofcontention, experienced by the entity; yet the entitygained much and lost much through the experience. Inthe name HertzieL In the experience in the present thereis seen those many contentions arising over the variousfields of endeavors through which most contentions arisein this material plane—the home, the conduct as to thereligious life, and the conduct as to the political life. Inthose things has the entity had definite ideas, definitestands taken, as from those influences innately carriedover." (1742-2)

Again, we find one of this group in another period ofturmoil, for [301] was in France during the Frenchrevolution.

AMERICA: Five of this group had their last earthexperience in this country, the United States. [275],[378], and the niece [314] were here during colonialtimes. [378] was in lower Manhattan but not among theDutch of the area, and [412] came in as a hired soldier,probably Hessian. [412]'s life was cut short when heturned to secular things because of a lack of considera-199

tion for all concerned. Much of his business acumencame from this life. The niece [3172] was in the UnitedStates later at the time of the Civil War—again a periodof internal strife and turmoil.

Here we have the members of a family group and someof their past lives which are affecting them today. Theturmoil and rebellion which started in ancient Egypt seemsto follow them; they seem to be involved in the earthduring times of strife and turmoil. But then when has therebeen real peace and harmony in this earth?

We naturally ask, as [275] did, about her Roman karma:Why did they have to wait so long to work this out? Theanswer would very probably be the same: Simply,"Because you could not do it before."

It is interesting to note that several of the family had agreat interest and ability in music, which many displayed inother lives. Some seem to have other artistic skills also.The youngest niece was even told she could have a careerin music. All of them appear to be people with ability.

The various tendencies and personalities of these entitiesalso seems to manifest down through the ages. The oldestbrother of [275], whom we first saw among the invaders ofEgypt, "has innately and actively ever been the messengerto many!" He became a priest and served with Ra-Ta in thetemple. We find him again with Uhjltd, where he wasactive in exchanging ideas with peoples in other lands. AsJohn Mark he gained more understanding of Truth fromhis discipleship with Peter.

In this experience the entity suffered much in manyways, being afflicted in body and being questioned oft bysuperiors as one not well grounded in faith; yet the entitygained throughout the experience in the service renderedto many. Then as a missionary. Then in the present andever, must come the experience of seeking to give that asis innate principles in the activities of the entity inmaterial, physical, and the spiritual life. (452-1)

His reading reported him next as being born in Alsace-Lorraine and coming to the United States as a missionary.Today he is again a missionary and a student of Truth.

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The father [378], the Atlantean, displayed leadership andability in bis various earth experiences. Moreover, hisefforts seemed to be of a constructive nature and for thegood of all.

The mother, as one would expect, was reported as ahomemaker in her other lives.

We would expect [301] and [282], who were again hus-band and wife in this life, to have an ideal marriage, butthis has not been the case. For some reason the marriagewas dissolved, but [282] became successful as an accountantand was happily associated with his daughters.

The youngest brother, [488], who had many abilities,*did have trouble, as his reading warned, in findinghis vocation. He finally settled on chemistry as a profes-sion, married, and raised a family. He is now deceased.

[457] and [412] have had a happy, successful marriageand raised two children. [412] with his business acumenhas established a large and prosperous business.

The Healing Group

Another example of group karma can be found in thehealing group. The story and beginning of the grouphealing is given here.

The Formation of the Healing Group**: One night inSeptember, 1931, Edgar Cayce went to sleep not knowingthat a dream he would have in the next few hours wouldinfluence the lives, the health, and the spiritual purpose ofmany thousands of people in the years to come. In fact,today we cannot even begin to speculate on the eventualresults of that dream, as its influence is spreading in everwidening circles and is touching more and more lives.

At that time, he had recently organized the study groupwhich became ARE Study Group No. 1 in Norfolk,Virginia. In his dream he saw the members of this groupgathered together for the reading, previously given, on theirfirst lesson. One of them, No. 295, laid her hand on EdgarCayce's and said that with his permission and that of the

* See Chapter Four, page 102.

** Guidance For Healing, by Juliet Brooke Ballard.

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others present she would tell them what the reading wasgoing to tell each to do. She then proceeded to explain thatthey were to have a healing circle and choose six otherpersons besides herself to constitute it One was to be theleader, one the interpreter of "what each wants and howthe circle is to pray for the individual." "Spiritual healing"would result Prayer was to be twice a day, at seven in themorning and six in the evening. Breathing exercises and"the manner in which they were to act" were then preparedaccording to the instructions of the interpreter whom No.295 had chosen.

This was the gist of Edgar Cayce's dream.

Naturally, after a vision of such seeming importance,Edgar Cayce immediately sought information on it. In thereading from which we have drawn the above details, No.294-127, he was told:

A. This, as has been seen, is as the promise that was given[in No. 262-1, the reading on die study group's firstlesson] that each in his or her individual way and mannerwould be given a vision, a message, as to his or her partor portion in the undertaking to which the group as agroup, individuals as individuals had pledged them-selves.

As indicated, there had been left a most importantpart of a program that should be begun [along] with thestudies undertaken from time to time. In not seeing whateach was to give to the particular lesson, they were eachto determine and ask in their own way, for their ownenlightenment.

As seen, the body could lead in that portion or part ofthe work, aided and abetted by those who were seen inthe vision as it happened.

Well, then, that this group—when others have given,or sought to know their part—that this group as seen,the seven, be given that as an additional portion of theirpart in the work.

To be sure, this will be altered as to meeting, as totimes, yet eventually this group may hold—with eventhousands of others—such a prayer for those who aresick or afflicted in any manner that they to whom the

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will is given will receive what they seek through theefforts of these who were with Him. (294-127)

After such a complete endorsement of his dream, EdgarCayce had only one other important Question to ask, and itwas included in the second reading for the study group as awhole.

Q. Are the seven presented to me to be the healing group,or was this emblematical?

A. This is both emblematical and is, in fact, the portion ofthe group that should begin their activities in thisdefinite line and manner, aided by all who may seek ordesire to be a portion of same. These, as given, leadingin their respective places and times, for as each of thesegather as a body for aid to another, there will be fromtime to time a message from one to another. This is notonly a promise, it's a threat! Be mindful of it, but befaithful to each as they are received. (262-2)

After this we find a special reading being given for theseven individuals indicated. This was the first in a series(the 281 series) that was to be given for the Healing PrayerGroup, of which some dealt directly with its work andothers later ranged into the deep and mystical subjectmatter of the Book of the Revelation.

Why Were the Seven Called?: Those directed to thisadditional service came to the unique venture, questioningwhy they had been chosen. The answer was conclusive.

Each as are gathered here are fitted m their ownparticular way for a portion of that work designated bythe group as the healing group. (281-1)

It was later, only after the group had been obtaining itsreadings regularly, that information was sought as to whohad called it together.

Q. Was our group called directly by the Master or simplythrough a dream of Edgar Cayce?

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A. Each will determine that by that they have receivedfrom the Master. (281-8)

From inferences in Reading 281-10 (A-18 through A-23) and others from time to time, it seemed to be impliedthat Jesus had had an incarnation in Egypt under the nameof Hermes. At that time Edgar Cayce, then Ra-Ta thepriest, had been seeking to rebuild the spiritual life of thatcountry. One member of the Healing Group, No. 69, wastold that she had been associated with "the Master of Men"then (281-10, A-21) and that this association was one"that made for the building up of that consciousness of thelaying aside of the various forces, or sources, that in thepresent find themselves as attributes of the mental, or thesensations or imaginative forces of the body" (281-10, A-23). It was also brought out that members of this grouphad worked together before for just such a purpose (281-1). Also, we recall that in Reading 294-127 theseindividuals were characterized as "these who were withHim." So it seems possible that the Master (then Hermes,later Jesus) was guiding these persons in healing worksome twelve thousand years ago. Again they had beencalled to this vitally important service—at a time whensuch ministrations could be of supreme importance.

Q. What is meant by the day of the Lord is near at hand?

A. That—as has been promised through the prophets andthe sages of old—the time, and half-time, has been andis being fulfilled in this day and generation; and thatsoon there will again appear in the earth that onethrough whom many will be called to meet those whoare preparing the way for His day in the earth. The Lordthen will come, even as ye have seen Him go ... whenthose who are His have made the way clear and passablefor Him to come. (262-49)

Early Directions and Advice: The Healing PrayerGroup, thus selected and given a designated task ofhealing, was naturally a little unprepared and uneasy as tohow its mission was to be performed to bring about themost beneficial results. The members felt uncertain as totheir own worthiness to participate and were anxious to

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know to which portion of the work each was best fitted.They also wanted to know how to go about doing tins whileworking well together. In the readings the group received,numerous questions were asked by individuals.

In the very first reading, 281-1, Edgar Cayce in apreliminary explanation seemed to imply that differentmembers had had close association with other members,which brought karmic situations to be worked out together,especially if these associations had been "the lastexperience." He added, however, that there had been"those experiences with the group as a whole where thegreater portion have worked together for the common goodof all." These had resulted in "contacts where there washealing brought in their individual experience with thedivine forces manifested in a material world." The group"as a whole" was to be assisted in its "dispensing of anideal" by being able to call on the services of Edgar Cayce,through whom "sources of information" could be giveneach to "assist and aid in all phases of their experience."The individual members fitting themselves "to be amanifestation of His love in this particular experience"would "lose self in love and service to others."

Judging from this explanation and the precedingreferences, it would seem to us that there is a strikingparallel between the age of Ra-Ta and the present Just asHermes had had a spiritual climate provided by Ra-Ta, thepriest, from which to draw individuals to work with him inthe old Egyptian era, again some of those interested inEdgar Cayce's work today would be used by the Master toserve their fellows. Surely the Master thus uses sincereseekers in any group which tries to alleviate the ills ofmankind. The psychic ability of Edgar Cayce was to beutilized in bringing to these individuals helpful informationand advice.

Following this general background, answers were givento the queries of various members of the group as to howthrough meditation they could better fit themselves for thiswork.

Perhaps the members of this first ARE Healing PrayerGroup were a little oppressed by an awesome sense ofresponsibility. At any rate, in their next reading (281-2)they were given a message from the Master asking them to

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"lift up" their hearts so He might enter. They were toldthat just as they had chosen to follow Him, so had Hechosen them to be a blessing to others who sought His helpin their lives. The members' faith and trust would be themeasure of die "grace, mercy, and peace" that would cometo those they sought to help. An explanation was given asto why there is more power for healing in a group than inindividuals. "These bring the strength of union in group,rather than individuals—who may in self find turmoil,when T would do good, but evil is present.' " The one whowas designated as the channel for the healing would beaided by the consecrated effort on the part of others. Thoseto be helped were to seek, themselves; and when they cameto individual members, these in turn were to seek theassistance of the group. Once the group achieved union ofpurpose, those who needed help would be attracted to it.

ARE

The Association for Research and Enlightenment itselfis also an excellent example of group karma. The workreadings given to direct the work of the association tells us:

The Egyptian history, especially, should be cor-related for the benefit of those attempting to carry onthe work at the present time. For much is beingattempted at this time which was tried during thatexperience.

Again the cycle has rolled to that period when theindividual entities are once more gathered together inthe earth for a definite work. These various experiencesreact as to cause and effect, through the various forms,upon the environmental and hereditary conditions.When these are studied aright, any given fact may beworked out, even mathematically, as to what will be theresponse of an individual towards any portion of it.Hence this should be particularly interesting to thosedesiring to make a success of this at this period. (254-47)

None are being drawn into the purpose of establishingthis closer relation of God's Truth in the earth, throughspiritual things, mental application of mental things, or206

the material through which both manifest, other thanthose who first established the same in Egypt.

In that beginning there were those gathered in variousoffices and positions. As each bore his relation to thepeople of that period, each in the present relation to thepeople, according to individual development plus thedesire to manifest that which was built in thatmomentous period in man's .understanding....

In choosing the ones to lead, counselors were chosenamong the people of the land, both from the native andfrom those who came in from the north.... In choosingthe leader who would become priest, this became amomentous question as to whom should be chosen. Andwhen this office was first set up, there arose manydissensions. In the division which afterward arose, theybecame like minor of major rebellions during a physicalexistence.

When the priest, Ra-Ta, was again established afterhis return from banishment, there arose that whichbecame the study which is being founded this day in adistant land. ...

The work is to be first of all an educational factor inthe lives of those who are contacted through the effortsof the association. This pertains to the physical, mental,and spiritual, for these and their relations to one anotherare the primary forces in the physical or material life.The greater understanding of the relationship of thesefactors and that the Whole is One, must be studied intheir individual, collective, and coordinating influencesin the lives of individuals. Then, first, it should be givento the individual, then to the groups, then to the classes,and then to the masses. . ..

First there must be wholehearted cooperation. Allshould be of one mind. And that mind should be to servein the fullest sense in the dissemination of that which isgained through the sources of the association work andits application in the physical, mental, and spiritual lifeof its members. Without the wholehearted cooperationand oneness of mind and purpose, irrespective ofposition, condition, or relation with one another, theremay not .be expected the result desired. This could notany more be than a misdirected mind could understand a207

spiritual law through a purely physical application, or aphysical law by spiritual application. For the spiritual isthe life; the mental is the builder; and the physical is theresult ...

There must stand first and foremost that the directingof yourself in the inner man must be made in oneness ofpurpose, in accord with the truth set forth in the purposeand aim of the Association. For when they all laboredwith one accord and were of one mind, there was addeddaily such as would receive the word of truth that mademen free. (254-42)

Another reading given on September 2, 1941, impliesthat the association is working out some group karma incarrying on the work of the association. As has beenindicated-through these channels, the period at present is arepresentation or a reenactment in a manner of theEgyptian experience, when there were those periods ofdissension, discussions arising from the positions of each ofthe entities and THEIR relationships to the tenets andteachings as of that represented here in the purposes andideals of the Association for Research and Enlightenment

Differences and disturbances that arose through thoseperiods brought much that necessitated (for more perfectspiritual and mental understanding) the opportunitiesfor each meeting self in relationships to the other in thispresent sojourn.

This, as may be interpreted by each, has come to pass.(254-111)

Aims, Purposes, and Ideals: The members were told inanother reading:

All with one purpose, one aim, one desire, yet in theirown way and manner, should present that which theyhave received. And though someone may laugh or scoffat what ye say, be not dismayed; for so did they at thyLord.

As to manners or ways as a collective group: What yefind to do, with willing hands DO ye. This may to thineown mind, then, appear to be very indefinite, intangible.208

Yet is there not set in the experience of each thatthrough some specific office, through some specificgroup as a part of a working unit, there is specific workset for that unit?

As an individual, then, do thy part, realizing that eachand every chain is only as strong as the weakest link.Thou art a portion. Hast thou fulfilled, wilt thou fulfill,that as is shown thee by thine own experience withsame?

Q. What should be the central purpose, the central ideal,in presenting the work?

A. The Truth that shall make you free in body, in mind,and one with the living force that may express itself inindividual lives.

Where there is illness of body, then give that whichmay make it free from those adaptings of itself to thatwhich has bound it in this material expression.

Where there are those troubled in mind, with manycares, if they are seeking for the spiritual way, they, too,may find how in their own experience they may give thegreater expression in their application of that they havein hand.

Where there are those who seek for the channel inwhich they may be the greater expression in this materialplane in the present experience, they, too, may find theirown selves and their relationships to the holy within.

These should be the central themes. As to the choiceof this or that manner to be used, follow the mannerswhich have been set through which individual groupshere and there may receive enlightenment or aid in abetter understanding or concept of what suchinformation is that may be supplied through such achannel, and how it is of help. These are being opened.

Those that are seeking for channels to aid those whoin the body have become under the bond of this or thataffliction, this or that ill or ailment, may stress thisparticular line of endeavor in their activity. And somewho are already aiding in such directions will seek theconcept of some that are here. Give expression in mind.As ye have received, give out.

You who feel that you are of little help here or there,209

or in manner of giving expression in thy words of mouth,then so live that ye have received that Spirit ofTruth—not of any body but of Truth, or Christ—may bemanifested. And those seeking—though ye struggle withthe cares of earth, the cares of life—will, too, take hopeand find in thine effort, in thine endeavor—thoughstumbling it may be—HOPE, and find the face of Himwho has set a way for all who will enter in, who will sitat last upon that judgment within thine self. For, "As yehave done it unto the least of these, ye have done it untome." (254-87)

These directions were given later for handling thematerial in the readings:

Hence the preparation and handling, then, must befrom the material angle, and presented from the materialas well as the spiritual angle—and that the organization -is an ecclesiastical research, as well as a scientificresearch organization not of a sect or set—but as theLaw of One! (254-89)

A reading given for the 1936 congress dealt with thepurposes and work of the group.

Yes, we have the purposes of the Association forResearch and Enlightenment, the members that arepresent; as a group or a membership and as individuals.

In considering the work of such an organization andits standards, that as composed of individuals of allcharacter of experience, all influences that are of anature that has brought about the interest in a work ofthat purposed by the activity of such an association, wefind it is—as has been given oft—first to the individual,then to the groups, then to classes and masses.

As to the activities that are before this organization,first—as we find—there is a period just ahead in whichthere will be given the greater opportunities for serviceby each and every member. This is not only owing to thegeneral conditions of an unsettled nature but to thetermination of a period and the beginning of a periodwhen there is to be the living by individuals of that which210

has prompted them. Not as ones seeking for self-exaltation, not as individuals seeking for an easy way,not as individuals seeking for a manner or a means- ofescaping their own selves; but rather as in using theirunderstanding, their comprehension, their knowledge,their love, their patience, their long-suffering, in suchways and manners that there may not indeed be theperishing of hope and faith in the earth.

Such opportunities are before all those who havepurposed in their heart to do good unto those not only ofthe household of faith in their individual tenets or beliefsbut unto all, because each soul that manifests itself inhuman form is thy brother—and the spirit and soul ofsame is in the form of thy Maker. For the Lord's sake,then, the opportunities are not to be used to self's ownglory but that the glory of the Father may be mademanifest in the earth.

These be the opportunities, these be the experiencesthrough which each and every soul will pass within thenext year.

For there is set before thee those choices to be made,as to whom ye will serve.

As to manners, then, in which each soul shall conductself as respecting this as an individual organization, ithas oft been given that this is not under any schism orism or any individual tenet other than that which hasbeen of old, "I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER!" Thatshould be the cry that should be in the heart of everymember, every individual. "I AM MY BROTHER'SKEEPER!" (254-91)

Yet through ah,We know this tangled skeinIs in the hands of oneWho sees the endFrom the beginning:He shall unravel all.

—ALEXANDER SMITH

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THE RETURN

CHAPTER SEVEti

Yesterday is but a memoryTomorrow an uncharted courseSo live today so it will beA memory without remorse.

—ANONYMOUS

If thou hadst walked in the way of God, thou hadstsurely dwelt in peace forever. Baruch 3:1

To be free is to gain the knowledge necessary to loosethe bonds that bind one, whether they be mental,physical, or spiritual. (1215-8)

The foregoing chapters are based upon the fundamentalbuilding blocks of the wisdom expressed in the EdgarCayce readings. A clear understanding of these majortenets clarifies and expands an understanding of karma inour lives.

The primary premises are presented here under thefollowing headings.

We must conclude, that our one and only problem isSELF. Since our karma is only with Creative Forces, wemust learn to attune to Creative Force and make our willone with the Father's.

Life IS! Each soul is an offspring of the CreativeForce called God, and is innately—and manifestedly byapplication—the result in the experience of how or themanner it has manifested that prerogative of WILL.

The soul IS, and lives on, making its record in thebuilding influence, or the stream in the experience of thebody, the mind, the soul, called the mental life of anentity. (954-L-l)

There is no urge in the astrological, in the vocational,in the hereditary, or in the environmental which

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surpasses the will or determination of the entity. For theentity finds it is true, there is nothing in heaven or hellthat can separate the entity from the knowledge or fromthe love of Creative Force, called God, but self. And thatthe entity should determine in self to apply, rather thanmere knowledge or surmise, but apply and listen to thestill, small voice within, and the entity will find that thepromises are true which have been made.... (5023-2)

True knowledge is therefore the correct interpretationof experience and an application of this throughoutone's dealings with one's fellow man, day by day. Thestandard then is not whether it has brought riches andfame, nor events that are well spoken of by worldly men;but rather has it made the individual a better neighbor, akindlier friend—one more longsuffering toward thosewho would hinder? Does it bring patience? Does it bringlove in any manifested form? All these show whether theTrue Knowledge is being manifested in the experience ofany individual. (262-23)

Remember, in the analysis of the urges which arelatent and manifested, which arise from activities in theearth or the realms through which the entity passed,none of these urges surpasses the will of the individualentity; that which is the gift of the Creator, that ye maymake yourself one with the Creative Forces, and thusindeed a child of the living God.

The abuse of the abilities separates self from theCreative Force. (5254-1)

That force, known upon this plane as WILL, is givento man over and above all creation; THAT force whichmay separate itself from its Maker, for with WILL manmay either adhere to or contradict the DIVINELAW—those immutable laws which are set betweenthe Creator and the created. (3744-41)

Man alone is given that birthright of free will. He alonemay defy his God!

So soon as man contemplates his free will he thinks ofit as a means of doing the opposite of God's will, thoughhe finds that only by doing God's will does he findhappiness. Yet the notion of serving God sits ill with216

him, for he sees it as a sacrifice of his will. Only indisillusion and suffering, in time, space, and patience,does he come to the wisdom that his real will is the willof God, and in its practice is happiness and heaven.(2537-L-l)

The entity [must] come to the realization that life iscontinuous, and because of its change in manifestationsit does not stop, but in the varied conscious experiencesof the soul, its purposes, its desires are con-tinuous—unless they are acted upon by the will ofthe entity in regards to the relationships to self (the I am)to the GREAT I AM, the Giver, the Mater of all goodand perfect gifts.

So ever is it in the experience of the soul-entity thatchanges only come by the activity of the wiU; that whichis the birthright to each soul from an All-Wise Creatorwhose desire and will is that no soul shall be separatedfrom Him, but that all shall find their place in Hisoneness. (1129-2)

It would appear from the readings that man is receivingemotional vibration not only from this life, but from allprevious lives wherein the negative emotions have not beenmet and changed by bis own WILL. The readings tell usthat a way of escape from the tangled web we weave hasbeen and always is open to use if we will to change andmake our will one with the Father's.

Each soul is accountable unto its Maker for what itdoes with its opportunities at each and every turn of itsexperiences in that we call life in the earth's plane. (335-B-l)

There must be the ability within the heart and soul tolook squarely at self, to look self in the face, and knowwhether or not it is failing in its attempt to be nearer toGod. If we live truly with ourselves, we never foolourselves.

We have made our present, and we are constantlymaking our future. Today is the result of yesterday; andtomorrow is the result of today. It is a continuous processas life itself is continuous. A great Candid Camera is

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always taking pictures of our every thought and act Therecord is being made, though we may be unaware of it

The record

The record that is builded by an entity in the AkashicRecord is to the mental world as die cinema is to thematerial or physical world, as pictured in its activity.

So, in the direction to an entity and its entrance intothe material plane in a given period, time, place—whichindicate the relative position of the entity as related tothe universe or to the universal sources!—one only turns,as it were, to those records in the Akashian forms toread that period of what was built or lost during thatexperience. (275-L-2)

The records [of each individual] are upon the skein oftime and space. Ob, that all would realize this and cometo the consciousness that what we are—in any givenexperience or time—is the combined result of what wehave done about ideals we have set (1549-L)

A study of such things (this aside, to be sure) will givemany an individual an insight as to what is meant byreincarnated influences or karmic influences builded; forkarmic influences are more of the spiritual than of anearth's experience, for what we create in the earth wemeet in the earth—and what we create in the realmthrough spiritual forces we meet there! And gettingoutside of the realm of the material does not meannecessarily angelic, or angelic influence! (314-1)

In giving the interpretations of the records that arewritten upon the skein of time and space, these are theforces and influences that each soul builds in its passingthrough time and space. Thus they become a part of thatwhich the entity must meet in all phases of its activity.

That which is in keeping with the law of CreativeForces, or energies, is developing. That which is of self,self-aggrandizement self-indulgence alone, is retarding.

These then are the lines that create what some callkarma. Hence meeting them is the law. For what ye sow,so shall ye reap. But as has been interpreted by the entityin much of its study, its analysis of the atonement, oratonement with the Creative Forces—being the law, one218

meets or overcomes. But such overcoming must be acontinuous practice in the daily experiences with others.(2329-1)

For each entity in the earth is what it is because ofwhat it has been! And each moment is dependent uponanother moment. So a sojourn in the earth, as indicated,is a lesson in the school of life experience. Just as it maybe illustrated in that each entity, each soul-entity, is as acorpuscle in the body of God—if such an entity hasapplied itself in such a manner as to be a helpful forceand not a rebellious force. (2823-3)

Good lives on. Only evil dies and withers, as it is leftuncultivated. Good that is uncultivated grows and yieldssome thirty, some sixty, some an hundredfold. For it isever that to which each soul would attain. (3268-1)

Each entity is a part of the universal whole. Allknowledge, all understanding that has been a part of theentity's consciousness, then, is a part of the entity'sexperience. (2823-1)

Lessons

We are here to learn and earn.

This is left to the individual. The Lord can only offer.Man, as His child, as a cocreator with the CreativeForces, accepts or rejects. There's no halfway. You areor you are not To be sure, there are various stages ofunfoldment, of development, but use that which thouknowest to do and the Lord will give thee the next step.He doesn't fail in His promises, even though ye may befar, far away. (3654-1)

While we all are at different stages of development andmay be working on different lessons, we do not make muchprogress _ until we can recognize our problems asopportunities. We begin to grow when we face up to thefact that we are responsible for our trials and misery. Weare only meeting self. Our present circumstances are theresult of previous actions whether long removed or in therecent past. So if we are beset with problems, blame notGod, for they are of our own making.

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Our miseries are the result of destructive or negativethoughts, emotions, and actions. We can avoid trouble andmisery if we live lives of noble thought and action.

Oft may the body ask self, "If the Creative Forces, orGod, is mindful of man, why does He allow me to sufferso?"

Know that though He were the Son, yet learned Heobedience through the things suffered in body, in mind,in the material earthly plane. (1445-P)

Opportunities

Actually, we have no problems; we have opportunitiesfor which we should give thanks.

For the destiny of an entity's experience in anyparticular sojourn depends upon what the entity hasdone and will do with the opportunities of every naturethat are presented to him, in the material world, in themental expression, in the spiritual imports that promptbin. (66-H)

There is no standing still. Either one progresses orretards; one who does not use every means fordevelopment and for gaining the better understanding ofhow to use what is at hand is retarding. (900-309)

An error we refuse to correct has many lives.It requires courage to face one's own shortcomingsand wisdom to do something about them.

Development

Then, as to whether there is the development orretarding of the soul-entity is dependent upon themanner in which the abilities of the entity are exercisedor used.

Not all that is considered by some as material successis soul success.

Not all that is soul development—as considered inother spheres—is considered material success.

For each soul enters the material experience with220

opportunities in the abilities that have been attained oracquired as a part of the individuality and personality ofthe entity.

Each soul-entity enters with that hope of preparingitself for closer or greater communion with its first causeor first purpose. For each soul is in the image of theCreator.

And as it is in purpose, in spirit, it seeks to magnify ormanifest the spirit of the Creator. Hence, as implied,God is spirit and seeks such to worship Him. (3420-L-l)

The purpose of all should be that they may be achannel through which there may be a manifestation ofthe Father's love, the Father's mercy, the Father'slongsuffering, the Father's patience with a stiff-neckedpeople. (262-58)

Purpose

The soul conies into each experience for the expresspurpose of manifesting in materiality under the environsof those things builded in the past, or the hereditaryinfluence of the entity. Whether the meeting of anyexperience makes for development or retardmentdepends upon what the entity does with the knowledgepertaining to die Creative Forces in all theactivity—what the soul, the body, does about what itknows, in manifesting what the soul worships as itsideal If that ideal is the Christ-Consciousness, well. Ifthat ideal is selfish developments, or the aggrandizing ofactivities in the carnal forces, then these must bringrather the fruits of such into the experience of the soul.As the warning has been given, there is today set beforeus good and evil, life and death. The growth of the souldepends upon what the will chooses.

Stumbling blocks or retardments arising in theexperience of each soul are evidence of the mental andsoul environmental-hereditary influences. What isaccomplished by the soul in each day of activity dependsupon whether the ideal is high or low, or whether thebelief or faith is such as to make for selflessness in theexperience. For the assurance has been given from theFather-Creator of life, light, hope, and immortality in221

the earth, that through the Son and the belief in Him, Heis able and willing to supply that necessary strength inthe experience of each soul to meet those emergencies,to meet those vicissitudes in life, to meet the needs inevery way and manner. This is constantly shown in thesoul of every entity in the material life. Yet many findthat self-expression and the personalities of individualsappear to be such as to make for stumbling rather thanaid, even when by the word of mouth those individualsprofess with their tongues their hope, their faith, in thatsame light.

These become the stumbling blocks to many. Henceimpersonality becomes the watchword for all under suchexperience. Selflessness is that to which each mustattain, in Him. In love, faith, hope, charity, there arethose activities and reflexes which show that the spirit ofthe Master aids in all such expression in the manifest-ed life of .an individual

When there is giving away to fear, to doubt, toavarice, to greed, to all those things that are the fruits ofdarkness, such souls banish from themselves the spiritof truth and life in every activity.

There is in each experience that which is both goodand bad, yet the Christ stands in self s stead in theabilities to meet each of those conditions which havebeen builded as but a portion of the structural body ofthe soul, if the faith, the hope of the promise in Him, isheld first and foremost As said of old by all whoproclaimed a name, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy Godwith all thy heart, thy might, thy mind, thy soul." AndHe gave that likened unto it in a manifested form.Before His entrance finally into the earth it was rather asa tenet, yet He fulfilling the law then proclaimed, "andthy neighbor as thyself." This He did in the body. Wouldwe be like Him? Then let us not only proclaim but actand think those proclaiming influences that we havewalked and talked with Him in the inner conscience; notso much by speech but rather in the loving activities ofmind, of body; and the result is the development of thesoul. (288-L-7)

It is not what one knows that counts, but what onedoes about what one knows!

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Then, it is application to which each soul must adhereto prevent confusion and bring about harmony. (1182-L-l)

Constructive experience

This men becomes the question—what is aconstructive experience?

Is it one wherein there is the necessity of toil or labor?Or is it one wherein there is the satisfying or gratifying ofthe mental and spiritual body?

The answer is: If it is to be glorification orjustification of the bodily emotions or forces ALONE, itis NOT constructive. If it is to the glory of God, of thefruits of the spirit of truth and good, it is constructive,whether through hardships or through gratifying ofwhat may appear to others to be only bodily forces oremotions. (1522-1)

Rather is it what ye PURPOSE! For the try, thepurpose of thine inner self, to Him is the rightness. ForHe has known all the vicissitudes of the earthlyexperience. He hath walked through the valley of theshadow of death. He hath seen the temptations of manfrom every phase that may come into thine ownexperience; and, yea, He hath given thee, "If ye will loveme, believing I am able, I will deliver thee from thatwhich so easily besets thee at any experience." (987-4)

Selflessness

The spiritual journey is not an easy one but must bemade. We may take a long or a short time. God cares nothow long we take; we choose the way. If it is filled withobstacles, we have only ourselves to blame.

That which is so hard to be understood in the minds orthe experiences of many is that the activities of a soul arefor self-development, yet must be selfless in its activityfor it, the soul, to develop. (275-39)

"For those who would study respecting self and self s223

development, yet being selfless In their development,"this was given:

As has been given by Him as the teacher, as the minister,as the savior to all mem "I of myself can do nothing. TheFather that worked* tit we, He does the works that yousee." When the body is using of itself that which is theCreative Force in itself, we see—as in this body—it uses itsvery own self; hence is selfishness, or the aggrandizing ofthe qualities in the mental forces of the body-physical or inthe mental intelligentsia of the body itself, and hasforgotten or neglects that which is creative or constructivein itself. Yet when the body—physical and mental andspiritual—uses itself in giving to another that which ishelpful, hopeful to mat soul, it draws from that source inthe spiritual influences, or God, to give to the other. Hencethe illustration that has been thus drawn.

Then, to awaken that within self that may be the morehelpful, that will make self the greater channel, for others. . . there needs be only that the trust remain in Himand there be the arousing to those consciousnesses of-Jfispresence dwelling in thine own experience and in thine ownheart and soul, that every atom, every cell within the wholephysical body, mind, and soul becomes attuned to thosespheres of activity that are aroused by the consciousness ofHis presence being with thee. For there are the abilities togive out to others. (275-39, page 3)

Ideals

It is necessary, to be sure, that there be coordinating ofideals and ideal relationships with those whom the bodymay contact day by day. But to let little differences, littleanimosities, little hurts interfere with the real ideal andpurpose of an entity or soul is to go backward rather thanonward with those abilities which the entity possesses to*" Create for others what will be helpful and hopeful in theirexperience. (815-B-l).

We must reach the perfection that Christ did. It maytake a long time and many earth lives, but sometime, insome life, we must reach our goal.

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He that came into the earth as an example, as a way,is an ideal—is THE ideal. They that climb up someother way become robbers of that peace, that harmony,which may be theirs—by being at one with that Hemanifested in the earth. (2537-1)

The counsel Edgar Cayce gave made it very dear thatthis selflessness was gained through sendee and helpingothers. This help must be given in love and willingly, notfor personal gain.

For it has been given that in service to others, in andthrough that done for others, more may be gained foryourself. (900-280)

And give service, not as eye-service, but as service ofthe heart to the maker. (641-L-l)

Then make the paths straight—just being kind, justshowing brotherly love. Thus may the entity find in itsvery self its relationship to others. (3508-MS-l)

Law of grace

You may ask: What about Grace? Doesn't Grace helpus? It does, of course, and we have alluded to it Grace isreally God's love. It helps and protects us if we are attunedto it. If we do not accept His love, He can only wait for usto accept and seek Him. When we attain that state ofChrist-Consciousness and make His will our will, we liveand operate under Grace. We are then free of karma, orself. The extent to Which we attain this selflessness is theextent to which we live under Grace. It is a matter of ourown choice and must begin with our will.

These bits of counsel explain more the relation of karmaand grace.

Karma can be met in the ideal, and, as a law, changedfrom law as penal law to grace, mercy.- But this youshow, this you manifest not by bragging, not byapplauding, but by daily living. (5224-1)

. . . over-indulgence. This, of course, makes forconditions which are to be met For what one sows, thatone must also reap. This is unchangeable law. Know that225

this law may be turned into the law of grace and mercyby the individual, through living and acting in their livesin relationship , to others. (5233-1)

Thus we may through those administrations of thatwhich is the spirit of truth made manifest, turn thiskarma (palsy) or law to grace and mercy. For the patternhath been given those who seek to know His face.(5209-1)

We may choose which law we wish to operate under.

Are thy choices according to thy ideal? This ye alonemay answer, ye MUST answer. For, as He hath given, yemust pay for EVERY whit! For the law of the Lord isperfect; it may so convert the soul. But the law is nottaken away—it must be fulfilled every whit, every jotand tittle. Under what law choosest thou to be aware, orto work? These are the choices of men, as they arechoices by man according to the concept of thy spirituallaw of the adherence to moral standards. (2650-1)

And again, 5001 was told in a little different way that hemust choose:

These will make for activities, but in what manner?For the law of the Lord is perfect, and whatsoever anentity, an individual, sows, that must he also reap. Thatas law cannot be changed. As to whether one meets it inthe letter of the law or in mercy, in grace, becomes thechoice of the entity. If one would have mercy, grace,love, friend, one must show self in such a manner tothose with whom one becomes associated. For likebegets like. (5001-1)

As long as we are in the physical body we will haveproblems; they may be only urges but must be dealt with insome way. What do you choose?

... meeting those things which have been calledkarmic, yet remembering that under the law of grace thismay not be other than an urge, and that making the willof self one with the WAY may prevent, may overcome,226

may take the choice that makes for life, love, joy,happiness—rather than the law that makes, causing themeeting of everything the hard way. For self isconstantly meeting self. (1771-2)

Much might be said respecting karmic conditions.These are builded more in the mental self than in thespiritual self. For changes—IDEALS, not ideas butIDEALS—are of spiritual concepts. If the entity rejectssuch, as it sometimes does in self, these naturally buildbarriers. But these are as we have just indicated—haveye chosen what you desire to be? Or is there such of selfthat it desires to accomplish its ideals with its ownfreedom of activity? Then, in such choices that whichhas been of the karmic nature becomes the activativeprinciple in the experience. But if there is the choice thatthis or that, whatever may be the choice, will be met inHIM, then the karmic force is not necessarily somethingthat you meet irrespective. For a way is opened throughHIM. (2487-2)

Yet it is a fact that a life experience is a manifestationof divinity. And the mind of an entity is the builder.Then as the entity sets itself to do or to accomplish thatwhich is of a creative influence or force it comes underthe interpretation of the law between karma and grace.No longer is the entity under the law of cause and effect,or karma, but rather in grace it may go on to the highercalling set in HIM. (2800-2)

In complying with the laws of the giver of all good andperfect gifts, grace is commuted to those who would seekto do His bidding, who place themselves in the hands ofGod, who gives life abundant (900-193)

Overcoming

We gain the consciousness of Creative Forces throughprayer and meditation. This is not the end, however. Ourknowledge and understanding must be applied in our dailylife. Our spiritual life and growth unfolds gradually as welive TRUTH and serve our fellow man. The readings saidover and over again that we serve God only as we serve ourfellow man.

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For each soul is in that process of development tobecome fully aware of its relationships to its Maker. Andin the manifesting of the fruits of the spirit you find theseare attitudes and activities towards your fellow man,those you meet day by day. And as the Lord gave, "Inthe manner ye do it unto the least of these ye meet dayby day, so ye do it unto thy God." (1650-1)

All who seek knowledge are seeking die greatest giftsof the Universe. Then using such knowledge to worshipGod is rendering a service to one's fellow man. For asgiven: The greatest service to God is service to Hiscreatures. (254-16)

For until ye have in thine own material associationsknown thyself to be the saving grace to someone, ye maynot even know the whole mercy of the Father with thechildren of men. (987-4)

The law of the Lord is such that he who runs mayread. Even the fool may be taught in the way if hehimself seeks, but hone are so blind as those who willnot see. Open thy heart, thy mind, thy purpose, so thatye may say, "LORD, HERE AM I, THY SERVANT.USE ME m SUCH A WAY THAT I MAY BEA CHANNEL OF BLESSING TO SOMEONETODAY." Such principles, such purposes—not merelyby the statement, but by die desire to apply self—willopen up... greater possibilities than the entity has beenconscious of yet in this experience. (3654-L-l)

Daily-—yes, three times each day—repeat to self this,and then live it! "LORD, WHAT WOULDST THOUHAVE ME DO?" Put that in thine heart Let it bemanifested in thy dealings with others, in thy labor as asecretary, in thy activities in the home, in thy meetingswith friends, in any phase of thine experience .(2995-L-1)

The weakness of the man is the wisdom of God. Theknowledge of God, the wisdom of God applied in thedaily experience of individuals, becomes strength,power, beauty, love, harmony, grace, patience, andthose things that, in the lives of those who are applyingthem, make for a life experience that is worthwhile, even

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in the turmoils of the earth and in those activities of sinand sorrow and shame and want and degradation. Theseare worthwhile experiences, that the glory of the Fatherand the Son may become known and read and seen andunderstood by others who would take counsel from dailyactivity in the earth.

Then as ye go about to apply this thou hast gained,this understanding, this concept of thy relationships withthy fellow man, thy relationships with thy Maker, yeseek, ye pray, ye meditate upon Him who directs thee.For as ye meditate ye feel, ye see, yea, ye hear thevoice, the spirit, the moving influence in thy life. And yetwhen ye go to apply same in thy conversation with thybrother, thy friend; thy neighbor, ye forget what mannerof voice ye heard, what vision ye have seen. What is theprompting? The things of the moment crowd in to suchan extent that indeed ye find the spirit willing but theflesh weak. Then the wisdom is ever that as He hathgiven: "Not my will but Thine, O God, be done in andthrough me." Let thy conversation ever be, "If the Lordis willing, if the Spirit of the Christ directeth...."

Ye say ye believe, but do ye show wisdom in actingthat way? "I, thy brother, thy Christ, will stand in thystead." Wisdom is divine love made manifest in thy dailyconversation, thy daily avocation, thy daily acts as oneto another. This is wisdom, and as ye apply it, as yemake known in thy conversation, in thy acts, it willbecome more and more part and parcel of thy very self.(262-97)

This does not bespeak that self becomes the "Goody-goody," or as one afraid to do this or that! All force, allpower that is manifested in the earth emanates from aspiritual or God-Force. Man in his madness, or in hisSELFISHNESS, turns it into that which becomes eithermiracles in the experiences of man or crimes that cry outto the people, who heed not. Know that the Lord isGOOD! And to do good, to be kind, to be gentle, tosmile even when in pain, to look up when others are eventramping upon thy feet and give praise to Him in theinner self, is what He seeks for, and He has promisedglory and honor to those who do it. The mysteries of Hislove? Man makes these. For He is not afar off, but229

within thine own heart For the body is indeed thetemple of the living God. Dost thou keep it, and themind, in the condition in which ye may entertain Himthere? For as ye do it unto the least or the greatest, ye doit unto Him. For he that would be the greater amongmen is the servant of all!

There never has been one that loved the Lord and hadto beg bread; nor one that lived the life of love and failedto find harmony and peace in the inner self. Then, dothat which thou knowest how to do today! Tomorrowwill be given thee the next step to take....

Ye cannot buy thy way into the grace of thy Lord, norinto those purposes in thine inner self—for they cannotbe satisfied by self-indulgence nor self-gratification.

In what ye would purpose to do, use not others forstepping-stones because others may have used thee. Bearye up under it, knowing: The Lord is the avenger ofthose who misuse His love in their relationships withtheir fellow man.-And He, the Lord—the life that iswithin thee, that is thinking, moving; the being withinself—4s the avenger, not self! (815-B-l)

Witt

Remember there is no shortcut to a consciousness ofthe God-Force. It is part of your own consciousness, butit cannot be realized by the simple desire to do so. Toooften there is a tendency to want it and expect it withoutapplying spiritual truth through the medium of mentalprocesses. This is the only way to reach the gate. Thereare no shortcuts in metaphysics, no matter what is saidby those who see visions, interpret numbers, or read mestars. These may find urges, but they do not rule the will.Life is learned within self. You don't profess it; youlearn it (5392-1)

Overcoming self and release from the "wheel of return"is gained only by doing HIS WILL.

The will is the factor that in choice, is the birthright;and that is only sold for appetites that gratify for themoment the self—desires or self-indulgences.230

And what the entity does about that free will isthe heritage of each soul, as its birthright—theWELL—makes for development or retardment; andnothing may separate thee from the knowledge of theFather but thyself, (1219-1)

When there has been and is made the best possibleeffort that you may give to do that which is in keepingwith His will—as is understood by self—leave theresults in His hands.... (243-B-3)

For when troubles, distresses, heartaches, anddisappointments come, to whom may ye turn? Not tothyself! For this has been expended in the gratifying ofthy desire—if ye have made these things that aretemporal thy God!

Only when love, patience, perseverance, long-suffering, and brotherly love are shown, may ye knowindeed upon whom to rely.

For of such is the law of creation, of hope, of faith, ofpatience. And in PATIENCE ye possess the knowledgeof thy soul. Then how gave He? "Agree with thineadversary quickly!"

Then through the coming year have this as thymeditation. (254-101)

God, in Thee do I put my trust! Thou knowest myheart, my mind, my purposes, my desires! Make them,oh God, Thine!

May I choose to do that Thou wouldst have me do...for I would be one with Thee!

And even as Thou hast promised, as Thou has shownus the pattern in the mount of our own conscious maywe walk with the Son of light and mercy and grace, evenas shown to us in Jesus—the Lowly One!

And may our will be with Thee, that Ye may comeand abide with us day by day.

Not my will but Thine, oh God, be done in me! (254-101)

Ever keep the mental and spiritual in that directaccord with the higher forces innate in the entity, notwarring against that known and felt within self as thecorrect thing to do. (341-P-6)

Then, let all so examine their hearts and minds as toput away doubt and fear; putting away hate and malice,231

jealousy and those things that cause men to err. Replacethese with the desire to help; with hope, with thewillingness to divide sett and self s surroundings withthose who are less fortunate; putting on the whole armorof God ... in righteousness.

Magnify in the daily life the fruit of the spirit of truth,that all may take hold and make for that activity in theirlives; knowing that if ye do it unto the least of thybrethren ye do it to thy Maker.

For the Lord hath knowledge of thee, for thou art aportion of Him. Yes, each soul is a portion of Him!Thou art not aware of thy pulsebeat until a disturbancearises. So in die mind and heart of thy Maker, thyCreator. When thou art disturbed, He becomes aware ofthy disturbing forces. Then keep peace in thy own heartand mind. (1650-L-l)

The more we realize our Divine Nature, the more we arefree. Truth does set us free; for karma inspires hope for thefuture and resignation to die past

We begin by loving only ourselves, yet we must finish byloving everyone except ourselves. ...

For reincarnation will stop only through the labor ofloving your neighbor.

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APPENDIX: THE PHILOSOPHY OFREINCARNATION

APPENDIX

Acceptance of karma necessarily includes a belief inreincarnation. Unless there is rebirth in a physicalbody—reincarnation—the effects of former lives cannotexist. The material in the following pages deals specificallywith conditions of rebirth, which does not logically belongin the previous pages. It does, however, add manyinteresting facts and gives some of the reasons as to when,where, and why we are reborn. No doubt there are manyother questions we would now ask Edgar Cayce, if we onlycould. The first reading, 294-189, explains much of thephilosophy of reincarnation.

The following information was sought by a group ofindividuals closely associated with Edgar Cayce, afterseeing an article in a Los Angeles newspaper datedNovember 23, 1937: "Arthur M. Hanks, who made afortune peddling flowers in the Los Angeles financialdistrict, left no will because he believed he would returnthrough reincarnation and claim his life's savings. Hehas been dead seven months now, and today JudgeJoseph P. Sproul opened the way for relatives to dividethe flower peddler's $100,000 estate." Edgar Cayce'sreading of November 25, 1937, was in response to thisquestion, presented to him in the opening suggestion:"You will have before you the enquiring minds of thosegathered here [besides Edgar Cayce, Mrs. Cayce, Gladys,and Hugh Lynn, there were Lucille, David, S. David,and Richard Kahn, and Mary and Thomas Sugrue]. Youwill give at this time information which will help us tounderstand the laws governing the selection by an entityof time, place, race, color, sex, and the parents at anyrebirth into the earth plane—especially the possibility ofEdgar Cayce, present in this room, bringing through inhis next incarnation memory of this life. If possible wewould like to be advised as to how proof of suchmemory can be established by leaving a record or moneynow that may be called for during the next appearance."

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Mr. C: Yes, we have the enquiring minds of those presenthere, as a group, as individuals—and those conditions asmay be taken here from the records, the experiences orentrances of soul-entities into the material or earthlyplane.

This condition, as has so oft been given, varies as totime—-according to developments of entities as relatedto material expression of spiritual activities, or as to themanner or the character of the removal from thematerial experience.

As to race, color, or sex—this depends upon thatexperience necessary for the completion, for the buildingup Of the purposes for which each and every soulmanifests in the material experience.

For as is generally accepted, and as is in greater parttrue, the experiences of a soul-entity in materiality, inthe three-dimensional sphere of activity, are as lessonsor studies in that particular phase of the entity's or soul'sdevelopment

Development for what? That to which the Giver of allgood and perfect gifts gave the expressions in materialitywhen sprit had entangled itself in matter. Thus thatwhich has been given: The will of the Father is that nosoul shall perish, but that ALL shall come to know Himas He is. For God IS, and seeks that man should worshipHim in spirit and in truth, even as He is Spirit, is Truth;not as a condition only but as an experience, as amanifestation.

As love is the expression for experiences in lifemanifested in the earth, so is the experience of the soulin the earth dependent upon that plane, that experience,as to its race or color or sex. For if there has been theerror in that phase, in that expression, the error must bemet. For indeed as has been given, whatsoever ye sow,so shall ye reap. And these are gathered only in thephases of experience in which the associations, theactivities, the relations have been. Thus, as there iscontinuity of life expression, so must it continue.

They who have done error suddenly, they who areadvanced, they who have not met a whole expressionmay suddenly—as you count time.

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As for the entity Edgar Cayce, this depends then as towhen that experience has been reached in which theunion of purposes of entities in materiality has createdthat expression, that phase, to which the entity'sdevelopment may reach to find expression throughsame. How did He give? As the tree falls, so does it lie.

Then as this entity builds in the present experience,creating that activity, that union, that expression ofdivine love toward the fellow men, then where that is leftoff—the period of expression is begun where it may takehold.

As to when—it may be perhaps a hundred, twohundred, three hundred, a thousand years—as you maycount time in the present. This may not be given. Forhow gave He? The day no man knoweth, ONLY theFather in heaven knoweth it; and it is provided you solive, as He gave, that "I may sit Upon the right hand andmy brother the left." These are not to be given; they areprepared for those who have through their meeting withtheir fellow men manifested that which brings them intothat association, that consciousness, that enfoldment asto where they become, may become, that which may inthe greater manner manifest that love of the Father tothe children of men. As to when—no man knoweth; onlythe Father. Ready for questions.

Q. Would you suggest any way that a record may be leftby an entity?

A. By LIVING the record! For when the purposes of anentity or soul are the more and more in accord with thatfor which the entity has entered, then the soul-entity maytake HOLD upon that which may bring to itsremembrance that it was, where, when, and how.Thinkest thou that the grain of corn has forgotten whatmanner of expression it has given? Think thou that ANYof the influences in nature that you see about you—theacorn, the oak, the elm, or the vine, or anything—hasforgotten what manner of expression? Only man for-gets! And it is only in His mercy that such wasbrought about For What was the first cause?Knowledge—knowledge! What then is that cut off in thebeginnings of the Sons of Cod? Becoming entangled with237

the daughters of men, and the Daughters of Godbecoming entangled with the sons of men! As in Adamthey forgot what manner of men they were! Only whenhe lives, he manifests that life that is the expression ofthe divine, may man BEGIN to know WHO, where,what, and when he was!

That there may be read from the records of God'sBook of Remembrance, as from here, in the keepers ofthe records, is true—if thy purpose, thy desire, in heart,in soul, is for the love of God as may be manifestedamong the sons of men; but these may be read only bythose in the shadows of His love. (294-189)

We are through for the present

It is very difficult to determine what is the reason for asoul's entrance at a certain time. The readings gave caseswhere there was a long lapse of time and other cases wherethere was a very quick return to earth life. No doubt thedesire of the entity itself is a large factor. This question andanswer give some details:

Q. In the life readings as given, explain the difference inlapse of time between incarnations. Is it that not allexperience in the earth world are given in life readings,or is it that sufficient development in life makes itunnecessary for a reappearance until a long lapse oftime?

For example: 195's first appearance was ten million,five hundred thousand years ago. The next appearancewas twelve thousand years ago. Did the entity have anyappearances on earth between these two eras ofincarnation?

A. His appearances in the earth plane are given in full. Inthe lapses, there are developments other than the earth'splane. Hence, as has been given, it is often that othersystems of our present planetary system are the abode,or have had their influence in the entity's life.... Then,

. it is nearer correct to say that the development is suchthat there may be long or short periods from oneincarnation to another. (139-MS-l; 1,2)

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Cycles

A little more light is thrown on our ability to work outproblems by 993's question.

Q. Was I associated with Jesus Christ when He was on the

earth as the son of Mary?A. As this is to become a portion of the experience, this

may best be given later.You were!

This may not be wholly understood. It is as this:Individuals in the earth move from cycle to cycle in theirown development, in their relationships with individualsand with the activities having to do with that which maybe accomplished in a given experience. They have, as itwere, taken this or that road in meeting certainconditions. And one experience at one portion of thelife, then, is as a lamp or a guidebook. Then when theyhave come to the crossroads again, as it were, there isanother experience or another lesson.

This might be illustrated in a very simple, yet a verydirect way and manner as follows:

In training the mind in material things, that pertainingto the care of the body is not that used in meeting afriend; yet it is at times a. portion of the same, see? Yet inmeeting the friend, various portions of die developmentcome to the forefront; as to what has been the manner ofactivity, the social custom, or the needs of theindividual—whether friend or foe.

So, as that association is to be, as it were, thecrowning of the efforts, the experiences of the entity inthis particular experience or sphere of activity, hold fastthat thou hast; and then it may be given thee.

The readings given for 518 seem to give a great deal ofinformation concerning the reason for certain conditions inan earth life of an entity and why and how it progresses orretards during an experience.

518 was a young woman twenty-four years of age whenher first reading was given. She said she had studied pianomost of her life and had graduated from Chicago MusicalCollege in 1931, hoping to become a music teacher.

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Because of the Depression she had been unable to find aposition.

From the astrological aspects much may be gatheredthat will be helpful in the, entity's experience in thepresent sojourn. While the astrological aspects make forgeneral tendencies in many entities' experience, theplanetary sojourn in the earth's environ deals more withthe mental development of an entity than just becausethe stars, the sun, the moon, or any of the zodiacal signsare in the aspects at the hour or period of beginnings inthis experience.

Rather has that which has been builded in the soul ofthe entity brought about its influence, and so does theentity become influenced according to its activities inrelationships to that which has been the understandingor comprehension of the universal laws, as the entity isrelated to same. For, without knowledge there is not thecomprehension; and without understanding it does notbecome practical in the material development ormanifestation of a soul.

Hence we find these as innate in the inner being of theentity through those sojourns in this environ:

In Venus we find the influence in the present makingfor the ability for die entity to make self compatible inits environs, and make for those experiences of wherethere is the will or desire for the entity to influenceothers as to their association with such individualscapable of being made manifest in the activities of self,as well as in the activities of those to whom such mentalreaction may be directed.

This is both good and bad, dependent upon thepurpose for which such relationships may be broughtabout. If it is used for the satisfying of self s own desires,whether material, mental, or spiritual, it may be to thedetriment of the soul. If it is used for manifesting in theearth's experience the love of the divine influences thatare innate in every active force, or to bear fruits in thespirit, then it may be constructive and for thedevelopments of the soul. Hence, much in the way as theuse of those things that may be said to be individualitiesin the experience of this entity, 518, as known in die240

present experience, will be as to whether this experienceis to be soul development or soul retardment.

The experiences in Jupiter, with Uranus as its aid,make for periods when the entity is very easilyinfluenced in those directions of the emotional side ofthe life; which also may be good or bad. For it tendstowards those periods when there is so little from thematerial standpoint to look forward to; others wheneverything is bright, happy, gleeful, and those activitiesof the body may be such as to bring satisfactory orsatisfying experiences in the activities of the entity.

If these emotions are used in a compatible way andmanner with those innate from the activities of thesojourn of the soul in Venus, what a lovely life may beexperienced by the entity!

If these are turned for aggrandizing of selfish motives,or purely for the material gains, what a mess may bemade out of this experience!

For, as we find, Uranian and Mercurian influencesthat are indwelling in the earth during these cycles ofexperience, from 1909 to 1913 inclusive in their ends,have been Atlanteans in their sojourns in the earth, andthe wiles that may be made for such an activity ofemotion, such an activity of mental abilities, such anengorgement of the carnal influences in the experiencesof others. For self-indulgences by so many in that land,in that experience in Atlantis, must make in theseperiods in the earth's sojourn the opportunities in themental attitudes of individuals respecting what areconstructive and what are the basic influences for dieactivities upon the souls of men when these soulsmay—as may be said—rule or ruin man's association inthe earth during their sojourn in the present.

As to the appearances in the earth, then, and thosethat influence the bodily activities to a great extent in thepresent, these—as we find—are not all, but are thosethat in the present have a decided effect; or those thatwere at the periods in association with those that may beaids in the present; not props, not wholly dependent, forwhen one begins to depend upon another for all that maymean the experience of its soul in any sojourn it becomesweak in its own abilities, but rather lay that foundation241

which is Life itself, watered by the water of life from theChrist-Consciousness in the earth that may make for agrowing in grace, in knowledge, in understanding ofthose influences that may be wholly constructive in theexperience of every soul. But if there will be sought fromtime to time those that may be aids that may assist inputting their feet on the right way, much may be givenfrom time to time as to what is being done with theopportunities that are presented to such souls in thisexperience or sojourn.

This entity, 518, was an Indian maiden in one life. Sheboth gained and lost in that experience:

[She] gave much to her own peoples in making for theassociations that brought the relationships that had notexisted with these peoples at that time; yet losing in thelatter portion of same by the associations that broughtactivities in material relations that brought harm, in thatthey produced hate in the associations at the time.

In the experience, "then, the entity developed in themental abilities, it gained in soul development, andlost—for it builded many of those things that must bemet in the present, as to whether those things of spiritualorigin are of those forces or influences that would be forconstructive influence in the soul development of theentity or whether they would be for the aggrandizementof selfish interests in the life experience.

These, then, must be met in the present, and only inand through those ways that have been given; that manmay know that the life of a soul must be the manifestingof the glory of the Father, through the Son, in thismaterial plane. For other than that makes forselfishness, that is the basis of all sin in the earth.

Before that we find the entity was in that land nowknown as the Roman, during those periods when therewere the spreadings of the tenets from the soldiery, orthrough the soldiery that returned from the Palestineland during those periods when the earth was darkenedand the foundations of the deep were broken up; for theSon of man, the Son of God, was suspended betweenearth and the sky.

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In these experiences, from the lessons that werebrought by word of mouth, the entity then—in the nameGeo—was the daughter of one that was sent later to fillthose places, and coming with Felix and Agrippa intothe land. This made for contacts that brought to theentity the understandings of how souls might gain avision of the truths that make for life under any environin the earth. Though the body may suffer, though themind may be blanked, there is the remaining grace in thefaith in Him that gave Himself as the ransom in theearth, despised of men yet without fault, showing forthHis love in the manner of doing good among those thatsought and that were of the household of faith.

The entity was among those that believed, yet withmaterial persecution, with rebuke, with the sneers ofthose in power and those that were not of the faith, therewas made for the living of an experience when the heartcried out from within for a turning to the knowledge thatwas known, and the feet walked in the ways of death.

This in the present experience makes for those periodswhen, looking upon the spiritual life, die entity becomesrather a recluse—and as to taking from the livingexperiences die joys and the pleasures of life; yet if thereis the understanding there may be known there can be nojoy, no happiness in a material plane, unless founded intruth and light as poured into the earth through thoseblessings that have come to the earth through the Makerof the earth, the Giver of life, the Giver of hope, theGiver of all that is good and perfect in a material plane.For heaven and earth may pass away, but His wordspass not away. And He has given, "Be ye joyous in theservice of the Lord." Do good to them thou may meet inthe way, and especially to the household of faith. Thouare of that household. Keep thine heritage. Blot it notfrom thine memory. Make known: For, as He has given,"I will bring to thee remembrance of all that is necessaryfor thine understanding from the foundations of theearth, if ye will but keep my commandments." Love oneanother in Christ. (518-1)

518 was told of two other experiences *n Atlantis andEgypt where the entity gained by helping those who were ill

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either in body or mind. Then this advice was given: "Beginwhere thou art, using today those abilities in the variousfields of activity to demonstrate the love of the Christ-Lifethat thou knowest innately within thee; But be joyous in aUthou doest Smile often, for smiling is catching—butsadness drives away."

A year and a half later 518 had another reading seekingadvice and guidance for spiritual developmentThe suggestion given to Edgar Cayce was:

Entity: Mental and spiritual reading, giving the originalpurpose of entrance into this solar realm of experience;trace the mental and spiritual development from thebeginning through the various stages of experience, andgive such guidance as the entity needs in awakening herpsychic soul faculties and in using same for the highestspiritual development in this life. You will answer thequestions she has submitted, as I ask them.Mr. C: Yes, we have the entity and those experiences inthe mental and soul forces of same, as may be applicablein the experience in the present; that may make thatnecessary for the entity's development and to bring theinfluences that are necessary for the understanding.

In tracing the experiences of the entity, and in givingpurposes, aims, desires, let these be set as the law, or asthe ideal manner of approach to any of such conditions:

First, the entering of every soul is that ft, the soul,may become more and more aware or conscious of thedivine within, that the soul-body may be purged that itmay be a fit companion for the glory of the CreativeForces in its activity.

The activity for this entity, then, is the same; that itmay have the opportunity. For it has been given that theLord hath not willed that any soul should perish. Butwith every temptation He hath prepared a way; so that ifhe or she as the erring one will turn to Him for that aid,it may find same.

Then again, in the appearances, do not look of seekfor the phenomenon of the experience without thepurpose, the aim. Use same as a criterion, as what to doand what not to do. Not that it, the simple experience,244

has made or set anything permanent! For there is theconstant change evidenced before us; until the soul hasbeen washed clean through that the soul in its body, inits temple, has experienced by the manner in which ithas acted, has spoken, has thought, has desired inits relationships to its fellow man!

Not in selfishness, not in grudge, not in wrath; not inany of those things that make for the separation of the IAM from the Creative Forces, or Energy, or God. Butthe simpleness, the gentleness, the humbleness, thefaithfulness, the longsuffering, patience! These be theattributes and those things which the soul takescognizance of in its walks and activities before men. Notto be seen of men, but that the love may be manifestedas the Father has shown through the Son and in the earthday by day. Thus He keeps the bounty, thus He keepsthe conditions such that the individual soul may—if itwill but meet or look within—find indeed His Presenceabiding ever.

The soul, the individual that purposely, intentionallyturns the back upon these things, choosing the satisfyingof the own self s desire, then has turned the back uponthe living God.

Not that there is not to be joy, pleasure, and thosethings that maketh not afraid in the experience of everysoul. But the joy in service, the joy in labor for the fellowman, the joy in giving of self that those through thyfeeble efforts may have put before them, may becomeaware in their consciousness, that thou has been with,that thou hast taken into thine own bosom the law of theLord; and that ye walk daily with Him.

What, ye say then, was the purpose for which yeentered in at this particular experience? That ye mightknow the Lord and His goodness the more in thine innerself, that ye through this knowledge might become as amessenger in thy service and activity before thy fellowman; as one pointing the way, as one bringing—throughthe feeble efforts and endeavors, through the falteringsteps at times, yet trying, attempting to do—what theconscience in the Lord hath prompted and does promptthee to do.

As to thy music, in this thy hands may bring the245

consciousness of die harmonies that are created by thevibrations in die activities of each soul; that each othersoul may, too, take hope; may, too, be just kind, justgentle, just patient, just humble.

Not that the way of the Lord is as the sounding of thetrumpet, nor as the tinkling of cymbals ,that His might beproclaimed; but in the still small voice, in the hours ofdarkness that which lightens the heart to gladness, thatwhich brings relief to the sufferer, that which makes forpatience with the wayward, that which enables thosethat are hungry—in body, in mind—to be fed upon thebread of life; that they may drink deep of the water oflife, through thy efforts.

These are the purposes, these are the experiences thatbring in the heart and in the soul the answering of thatcry, "WHY—WHY have I come into this experience?"

Be ye patient; be ye quiet and see the glory of theLord in that thou may do in thine efforts day by day.

Do that thou knowest to do, TODAY! Then leave theresults, leave the rewards, leave die effects into thehands Of thy God. For He knoweth thy heart, and Hehath called—if ye will harken.

Ready for questions.

Q. How may I attune myself that I may be one with theCreative Forces With Christ that I may find this truerelationship?

A. lust as indicated. Let thy patience, thy tolerance, thyactivity be of such positive nature that it fits thee—as alove—to be patient with thy fellow man, to minister tothose that are sick, to those that are afflicted, to sit withthose that are shut in, to read with those that are losingtheir perception, to reason with those that are wary ofthe turmoils; showing brotherly love, patience,persistence in the Lord, and the love that overcometh allthings.

These be the things one must do. And do find patiencewith self. It has been said, "Have we not piped all theday long and no one has answered?" Seekest thou, aswas given from this illustration, for the gratifying of thyself? Or seekest thou to be a channel of blessing to thy246

fellow man? They may not have answered as thou hastseen. They may have even shown contempt, as sneering,for thy patience and thy trouble. But somewhere the sunstill shines; somewhere the day is done, for those thathave grown weary, for those that have given up. TheLord abhorreth the quitter. And those temptations thatcome in such cases are the viewing of thine own self. Yehave hurt thyself and ye have again crucified thy Lordwhen ye become impatient or speak harshly becausesomeone has jeered or because someone has sneered orbecause someone has laughed at thy efforts!

Leave the results, leave the giving of the crown, leave theglory, with the Lord! He will repay. Thou sayest in thineown heart that thou believest. Then merely, simply, ACTthat way! In speech, in thought, in deed.

Q. What are some of my difficulties that I have to meet inthe present, and how should I overcome them?

A. These ye find day by day. They have been pointed out,and the way to meet them. Bless ye the Lord!

Q. Am I choosing that which is best for my souldevelopment?

A. That must ever be answered from within. How readestthou? Read that which has just been given thee, as tohow ye shall conduct yourself toward thy fellow man.This will show thee thy shortcomings; this will show theethy graciousness. And let thy prayer be "MERCY,LORD! HAVE MERCY, THOU, UPON MYWEAKNESS, AND GIVE ME STRENGTH INTHEE!"

Q. What must I do and how to make this experience be for

my soul development?A. It has just been given. Bear in thy activities the fruits

of the spirit that maketh for constructive creative force

in the experience of the body..Q. What should I do in order to live the lovely life in this

earth plane?A. One and die same as that given.Q. What are those abilities or talents that lie innate, and

how can they be aroused?A. By the application of that thou knowest to do: And

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those that have been intimated ye will experience as yeapply. Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall beopened unto you. That thou needest to do.

Q. What phase of music should I study in Older to derivethe most benefit?

A. That more of the nature which to thine own self createsharmonious vibrations in die experiences of self andthose about thee. That partaking of the rhymes, thelullabies, die pastoral scenes, which make for suchharmonious forces, bring quiet, cheer, hope, and castingout fear. (518-2)

Though it is very rare, a few predictions as to die nextincarnation are in the reading. 304 was told he would be alawyer in his next life.

One cannot help wondering why he was not a lawyer inhis present life. Did he make a wrong choice, or was heworking on some other condition?

As to (he appearances of this entity, we find thatbefore this, this entity was in the court of England, inthat of Alfred, called the Great [848(?)—900], and thoseinfluences as exercised in the present sphere are seen inthe understanding of the law as written in any givenstate, and in the next reincarnation we will find thisentity a lawyer. (304-5)

This next reference seems still more unusual, for theemphasis is on destiny.

One given to be of many days in the present earth'splane; through the enforcing elements in Jupiter and inMercury, with Mars as the ruling effect of the entity'sdestiny.

In the conditions, then, as set, irrespective of matwhich may be made with die will in the next return wewould find one in these conditions that have to do withone of power, and of rule over many peoples, yet in thesame sex as at present.

The above prediction was given for a woman born inOctober, 1876. We can only speculate as to the meaning of

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this. First, the all-important factor of will seems to be of noeffect Then, where is this domain over which she is torule?

No doubt we all would like to know about our nextincarnation. Mr. 416 asked about his and received a rathersharp answer. Probably most people would have gotten asimilar reply.

Q. When and where will I next incarnate, and will I beassociated with associates of this incarnation andwhom?

A. Better get into shape so that you can incarnate. Thatdepends a great deal upon what one does about thepresent opportunities. It isn't set for time immemorial asto be what you will be from one experience to the other.For, as has been given, there are unchangeable laws. TheCreator intended man to be a companion with Him.Whether in heaven or in the earth or in whateverconsciousness, a companion with the Creator. Howmany will it require for thee to be able to be acompanion with Creative Forces wherever you are? Thatis also a law. What ye sow, ye reap. What is, then, thatwhich is making for the closer association of body,mind, and soul to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?. Just ashas been indicated in thy physical being—there are thosetendencies for auditory disturbances. Ye have heard.Have ye heeded?

In those, then, to be the applications, what becomesdisturbing? He that heeds not, then, has rejected, andthere is the need for remembering the unchangeable law:"Though He were the Son, yet learned He obediencethrough the things which He suffered." Shall thou begreater than thy Lord? Where will .these occur? Wheredo you make them? The place where you art is the placeto begin. What were the admonitions? "Use that thouhast in hand. Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden notthy heart." (416-18)

Sex

The question as to whether entities always manifest inthe same sex is frequently asked. There are several

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readings which told the person he was not in the same sexas at present, and a few were told they had never changedsex. These quotations give some of the answers as to howsex is determined.

The entity is one that has never changed sex; thus it isevery whit a woman—dependent, and yet free from theneeds of the companionship as many. These emotionsthe entity in others oft never comprehends; nor do otherscomprehend the emotions or manners or ways of theentity. (2390-1)

Q. Does spirit action ever change the sex of an entity fromone incarnation to another?

A. It does at times. It depends upon that which is buildedin the entity in the earth's plane, for the force of will inthe earth is the ruling factor.... That which is builded inthe desire determines the sex in a particular incarnation.(136-D-20, 6—7)

Another answer explains it further:

A. How oft has there been the expression heard, "Were I aman—" or "Were l a woman—I would do so and so!"They do it! That as is constantly builded in the mentalbeing takes shape in the home of the soul, whether tobuild that of the man or woman in a material world; forman is so much a portion of the whole as to either be acoworker, or a cobuilder with the oneness of the forcecalled God, or a destroyer—and as these forces then arebuilded, they take physical form through thatexperienced by the body of the entity (not the physical,but the body of the entity—the soul). The soul is thateverlasting portion of a body that is either crowded intothat (beings that are known as men and women) of smallor great stature. As has been studied time and time againas has been given in relativity of force—in the activeprinciple of the atomic conditions that take place in themateria! world—the surroundings of the individual hasits influence, see? That is, it has been long seen andknown by man that the Laplander gradually attains to a

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certain stature and build. Why? The materialsurroundings are such that there is constantly implantedin the soul of the entity that which is necessary for thebest development through that individual plane, phase,place, position of such peoples. Peoples seek, then,through that same channel through which it (the soul,the entity) may develop that which is necessary for itsexperiences to bring the perfect understanding of thatoneness of which there has much been spoken. (900-MS-6)

This woman wanted to know why she had chosen tomanifest as a man.

Q. Why was entity a man or horseman in the Arabianincarnation?

A. That would depend upon those desires as were made bythe entity from its appearance in the previousincarnation, see? And finding, as it were, theopportunity in this particular period to enbr in thatcapacity as had been desired, so the entity entered in asone who could fill, fulfill, that desire; for, as should begained by all: Desire brought the earth and the heavensinto being from the All-Wise Creator. So man, by Msheritage to that creation, may bring through desire,whether of earthly, heavenly, spiritually, those thingsthat they, the individual, the entity, must meet, bycreating, making, beingt that desire! Hence, as we find,all the various phases of changes as may be wrought inman's, or woman's, activities; for by taking thought noman may add one cubit; nor can—by takingthought—the head be changed one whit; yet desire, andthe fathering and mothering of desire, may change awhole universe! For from the desires of the heart do theactivities of the brain, of the physical being, shape thatas would be created by same. See? So the entity, inseeking in this particular appearance, found in thatappearance the manner of expression so desired. (276-3)

This entity was told when the sex of the incoming soulwas determined:

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The sex is determined at the period of the firstmovement of the embryo, and it occurs in the first threeweeks of conception. (136-D-21, 6)

Q. What causes changes in sex and why do some change,others not?

A. What [is] from the spiritual desire. Now—desire may begiven in a varied form or manner, and in some conditionsappear only as wish, or as an expression of a sensingfrom within. In this there is seen as to how that the desireof an individual would bring them in under the environ ofmale or female, while one may appear in the earth asmale or female as a regular or at intervals, according tothe development. In the same sphere—that is, in otherplanets there may be an entirely different sex, by thedesire or that builded, see?

A little more information concerning the responsibilityof the channel and the incoming soul is given in thisquotation:

As has been indicated through these channelsrespecting that which takes place at the moment ofconception, as to ideals and purposes of those whothrough physical and mental emotions bring into being achannel through which there may be the expression of asoul-entity, each soul choosing such a body at the timeof its birth into material activity has its physical beingcontrolled much by the environs of the individualsresponsible for the physical entrance. Yet, the soulchoosing such a body for a manifestation becomesresponsible for that temple of the living God when it hasdeveloped in body, in mind so as to be controlled withintents, purposes, and desires of the individual entity orsoul. (263-13)

The time of soul birth is of importance to many people,especially to astrologers. The readings tell us that theremay be quite a difference in the time of physical birth andof soul birth. We get some information on the entrance ofthe soul from these questions:

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Q. Does the soul enter the child at conception or birth orin between?

A. It may at the first moment of breath; it may some hoursbefore birth; it may hours after birth. This depends uponthat condition, that environ surrounding the circum-stance. (457-MS-4)

Q. Give exact time of physical birth and soul birth.

A. With this particular entity, we find there was—in thatas would be called time by man—only a period of fourto four and a half hours' difference. This mootedquestion, as may be asked by man, is—as we find—asillustrated here: In die material world life is of theuniversal consciousness, as all development through thatknown or called evolution of life in a material plane, andis a portion of a body from conception to the transitionin what is called death. That which enters, as the soul, isthat which would use, or be the companion of, that life-physical through any given period of existence in anearth's appearance. As the variations come, these arebrought by the activities of those who through their owndesire attract or detract those that would manifest in aparticular body. See?

Q. Why is there a difference, and what happened in theinterim?

A. A physical being, or life, as given, is from inception,and is of an universal consciousness—see? When aphysical being, or body, as this body, is brought intobeing by the birth into the physical world, the interimbetween that is as of that period when the decision isbeing made by that soul that would occupy thatindividual body. See? (276-3)

Q. Does a soul ever enter a body before it is born?

A. It enters either at the first breath physically drawn, orduring the first twenty-four hours of cycle activity in amaterial plane. Not always at the first breath; sometimesthere are hours, and there are changes even ofpersonalities as to the seeking to enter.

Q. What keeps the physical body living until the soulenters?

A. Spirit! For the spirit of matter—its source is life, orGod, see? (2390-2)

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The next questions, while not directly related, do give usmore details about reincarnation.

Q. About how much time have I spent in reincarnation upto the present time?

A. Almost in all the cycles that have had the incomingfrom period to period hast thou dwelt. Thine firstincoming in the earth was during those periods of theAtlanteans that made for the divisions. Hence, countingin time, some twenty thousand years. (707-1)

Q. What is necessary for me to attain and retain physicalperfection?

A. Perfection is not possible in a material body until youhave entered at least some thirty times. (2982-P-l)

Q. When an entity has completed its development, suchthat it no longer needs to manifest on earth's plane, howfar then is it along towards its complete developmenttowards God?

A. Not to be given. Reach that plane, and develop in Him,for in Him the will then becomes manifest. (900-20)

Q. Altogether, how many incarnations have I had?

A. Rather use the ones you know of and have need for,rather than knowing numbers! Know, as there has beenindicated, there is a wisdom as concerning incarnationsor activities that cometh not from above. Use that thouhast in hand, that more may be given thee in its properplace and sphere. Remember Moses and his doubtswhen he took hold of the serpent. Would you take hold?

These become not as criticisms, but are the attempt tohave the individual entity attain to that consciousness of"using that I have in hand." For know, as He hath given,*7 will bring to thy remembrance ALL things, since thefoundation of the. world." Where has HE promised tomeet thee? In thine own tabernacle. For thinebody—thine body—is the temple of the living God.There ye may ascertain thy needs. These becomeeventually the consciousness of all who attain completerighteousness in purpose, in hope, in desire. These maybe given as ye apply self in making those adjustments,those corrections in that ye have in hand. (1861-12)

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Many people ask why we have to go through all this andfor what purpose. Here is an answer to that question givenin a reading.

Q. Are souls perfect, as created by God in the first? If so,why is there any need of development?

A. The answer to this may only be found in the evolutionof life, in such a way as to be understood by the finitemind. In the first cause or principle all is perfect. Thatportion of the whole (manifested in the creation of souls)may become a living soul and equal with the Creator. Toreach that position, when separated, it must passthrough all stages of development, in order that it maybe one with the Creator. (254-13)

This next statement gives us a little more information asto why we are here.

What influences such a journey of the soul from theunseen into materiality? Soul development: That by thelessons gained in physical experience, it may take theplace in realms of soul-activity in an infinite world,among others that have passed through the variousrealms; seeking companionship, which first called everysoul and body into experience. Hence we have as muchforce of heredity and environment in the soul'sexperience as we have in the law of the earth in respectto parentage, bodily environment, and thoughtdevelopment. (541-1)

That which makes of the development for thesoul—which is the purpose for the entrance of a soulinto material experience—is ever through the will for theentity to be in accord with that which is its ideal. If theideal is chosen for material blessings, material benefits,self-indulgence, fame, or fortune, then little may be thesoul development; for in these manners there is thedeceitfulness of fame or fortune. But rather beingsincere to that which is the material manifestation of thespiritual impulses makes for that as may bring in itseffectual way and manner the material blessings that arethe more worthwhile, and the soul developments which

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are fulfilling the purpose of entrance into materiality.(1196-2, page 1)

Ammats

And finally: Do animals have souls, and do theyreincarnate? These questions are frequently asked, andquestions about animals do occur in the readings given byEdgar Cayce.

The readings state that animals have group souls, butthere is some sort of rebirth even in them. There is quite alittle information concerning animals in the readings, butEdgar Cayce refused to give a reading for an animal,though he did often answer questions concerning them. Hewrote in a letter to 4525 that he could not give a readingfor her dog, as he was too busy with other problems, butsaid he had been asked several times to give readings forpets.

Mrs. 268 asked about her little dog, Mona, in her lifereading.

Q. Where and how have I been formerly associated with the

following: my little dog, Mona.A. In the same experience.Q. In the Roman?A. The Roman.Q. Was she a dog then?A. A lion!

This woman's niece 405 also asked about Mona and wastold that Mona would not always be a dog Thus it wouldseem that animals also go through some sort ofevolvement.

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