Free The Essential Edgar Cayce by Mark Thurston Page B

upward, accompanied by suffering, patience, and understanding. Is this the normal pattern, which results in virtue and oneness with God obtained by free will and mind?

    A This is correct. It is the pattern as it is set in Him.

    Q The sixth problem concerns interplanetary and inter-system dwelling, between earthly lives. It was given through this source that the entity Edgar Cayce, after the experience as Uhjltd, went to the system of Arcturus, and then returned to earth. Does this indicate a usual or an unusual step in soul evolution?

    A As indicated, or as has been indicated in other sources besides this as respecting this very problem—Arcturus is that which may be called the center of this universe, through which individuals pass and at which period there comes the choice of the individual as to whether it is to return to complete there—that is, in this planetary system, our sun, the earth sun and its planetary system—or to pass on to others. This was an unusual step, and yet a usual one.

    Q The seventh problem concerns implications from the sixth problem. Is it necessary to finish the solar system cycle before going to other systems?

    A Necessary to finish the solar cycle.

    Q Can oneness be attained—or the finish of evolution reached—on any system, or must it be in a particular one?

    A Depending upon what system the entity has entered, to be sure. It may be completed in any of the many systems.

    Q Must the solar cycle be finished on earth, or can it be completed on another planet, or does each planet have a cycle of its own which must be finished?

    A If it is begun on the earth it must be finished on the earth. The solar system of which the earth is a part is only a portion of the whole. For, as indicated in the number of planets about the earth, they are of one and the same—and they are relative one to another. It is the cycle of the whole system that is finished, see?

    Q The eighth problem concerns the pattern made by parents at conception. Should it be said that this pattern attracts a certain soul because it approximates conditions which that soul wishes to work with?

    A It approximates conditions. It does not set. For, the individual entity or soul, given the opportunity, has its own free will to work in or out of those problems as presented by that very union. Yet the very union, of course, attracts or brings a channel or an opportunity for the expression of an individual entity.

    Q Does the incoming soul take on of necessity some of the parents’ karma?

    A Because of its relative relationship to same, yes. Otherwise, no. Q Does the soul itself have an earthly pattern which fits back into the one created by the parents?

    A Just as indicated, it is relative—as one related to another; and because of the union of activities they are brought in the pattern. For in such there is the explanation of universal or divine laws, which are ever one and the same; as indicated in the expression that God moved within Himself and then He didn’t change, though did bring to Himself that of His own being made crucified even in the flesh.

    Q Are there several patterns which a soul might take on, depending on what phase of development it wished to work upon—i.e., could a soul choose to be one of several personalities, any of which would fit its individuality?

    A Correct.

    Q Is the average fulfillment of the soul’s expectation more or less than fifty percent?

    A It’s a continuous advancement, so it is more than fifty percent.

    Q Are hereditary, environment, and will equal factors in aiding or retarding the entity’s development?

    A Will is the greater factor, for it may overcome any or all of the others; provided that will is made one with the pattern, see? For, no influence of heredity, environment or whatnot, surpasses the will; else why would there have been that pattern shown in which the individual soul, no matter how far astray it may have gone, may enter with Him into the holy of