Then, considering all these conditions, the environs, the surroundings, the conditions, and the experiences that the body has had to the present, we would advise that the present environs and the surroundings in the home associations be considered.
In the present it may appear that these would not justify the body continuing, nor justify the desires and the conditions for the body's outlook or the training of the body in its mental attributes (considering the associations in those activities of the body, and the body's parents' association). Yet, these have been—and these are, in the main—those sources from which the present supply of the material necessities must arise.
Hence it would be well that the body accomplish what it may in the present environs; and, during the period, take the necessary training—through a correspondence course—for the position that we have given should be, or would be, a satisfactory environ, that would be the beginning of the associations that would bring about satisfactory relationships.
Then, by the beginning of the next season either in the early portion of the year or, at least, by the spring or summer seasons, there should be the opening through these same channels, for the study and the preparations for a satisfactory connection and association for the body.
And, in the present conditions, those surroundings, those conditions that have been brought about by the activities of the body, the better connections would be in the associations at the present time; and these would offer for the body the better preparations for that which may be brought to pass in the experience of the body.
(Q) Is it advisable at this time, or any time in the future, for [W…] and I to get married?
(A) We would advise it at once, if satisfactory with those conditions that may be brought about for all concerned in the present—and would make for the best in the new environs that will develop. Be patient. Be persistent.
Because it is apparent, in the mind of the body, that the body may be looked upon as having failed in accomplishing or in conquering those associations and connections, should inspire rather than make discouragements in the body's experience.
Those individuals that are worth the name of being manly, or godly manly, are those that use the discouraging moments rather as the testing periods and make of them stepping-stones for that which may be accomplished in earnestness.
And remember, that which is to be constructive in the mental, the material or the spiritual life, must have its inception, its basis for its activities, in that which is true, pure, honest, sincere. Or, the body-mind, the mental forces, should feed more and more upon those things that are the builders…
(Q) Is there any special school of correspondence recommended?
(A) There are several different ones. The Cincinnati school, as we find, would be the most profitable—for the training as a whole. Or, the Buffalo school. Either are well, and both give—or prompt—the association and connections with the United Hotel Associations, that may present—for the interest and for the activities of the body—that which would be in line with those suggestions we have given.
These may be found advertised in many different groups. The LaSalle course is very good, from Chicago. But, as we find, the Cincinnati or Buffalo school connections are the most satisfactory for the hotel training.
(Q) Give me any advice or counsel that might help me find a job and financial independence.
(A) We would advise beginning where we are; using that in hand, making considerations for those about self, those dependent upon self; taking on those responsibilities that will not only aid but add to the respectability, the affability, the conditions that make for building character.
And, most of all, do not lose faith in self nor self's abilities, when trusting in the divine influences that are the birthright of every soul.
Reports of Reading 2071-2
33-Year-Old Female
Letter excerpt from [2071]
…felt that I should have an immediate business reading. I seem to have been surrounded with a great deal of confusion and uncertainty lately. Directional suggestions would be very welcome. I feel that I have made up for any transgressions in past experiences, for my way has been very difficult and I have by no means had the success some other artists enjoy—and certainly no “lucky breaks”. There are several fields of endeavor in which I am seeking to earn a livelihood—even…[my friends] do not know how serious my financial problem is, for one does not always like one's friends to know.
To be perfectly honest with you—I am a little tired of it all (that is, the constant striving for maintenance) and, while I do not say this in a spirit of fault-finding nor dissatisfaction, I would be thoroughly content to let someone else carry the burden for a while…To put it frankly, neither of my husbands has supported me or contributed to my support (and, as a matter of fact, their own). I alone am to blame for letting it continue but I hesitate to tear my life apart to make changes…
I am enclosing a set of questions which include my main interests at the moment—also a check for five dollars, which is all I can spare at the moment.
Letter excerpt from [2071]'s secretary, offering additional information
My dear Mr. Cayce:
Miss [2071] has given you what I believe to be a very frank and complete description of her present situation. However, I would like to add a few words to what she has already told you—believing it will help both you and her by so doing.
Naturally, she would be restricted in telling you some of the more flattering phases of her existence—and also she has neglected to ask you the questions which seems to torment her and come to her mind most frequently—that is, what is it that is wrong with her life—what is the thing that is holding her back, and why is it that she remains in the sidelines now while others, with far less talent and capabilities, either in a musical, cultural, educational, business or entertainment standpoint, are riding the ladder of success and enjoying the fruits of what she has helped to establish and create. Even her ideas are taken from her before she has a chance to formulate them actually—she has “pioneered” many a song—an idea—a show—later to hear someone else make a hit out of material stolen from her. Will you please be kind enough (confidentially, if you wish) to tell me what is holding back—what this weight is that is holding her feet on the ground when she is meant to soar?
All of those who know her, hold her in high esteem and respect—she is much loved and admired not only for her talents, but her graciousness and charm—and her good heart, her helping hand, and her genuine sincerity and interest in the good of others. She is so much more highly evolved than the average run of person—it seems incredible that after years of hard work and intelligent appliance, she should not enjoy greater achievement. She is so tired—so discouraged sometimes. And yet, she always has a smile and an encouraging word to other in distress and seems to lead them upward. And yet her own life falls miserably apart—why?
I have been with Miss [2071] for five years and know her better than anyone else in the world—and, I dare say, love her more. I know her to be an angel—too good, I guess, to be smart. She is a creator of beauty in its every expression—in music, in song, in grace—in the decoration of her home—in dress—she is born to create. I am telling you these things so that you might have a more intimate glimpse of her.
Reading 2071-3
45-Year-Old Female, Singer and Composer
Gertrude Cayce: You will have before you the