Cayce emphasized that each lifetime comprises the sum total of all previous lifetimes, in the sense that each of us is simply "meeting self" in all of our experiences in this life. What we are NOW is a composite of what we have been; and everything which has been previously built, both good and bad, is contained in this life's opportunities. Cayce urges us to recognize that what we are today is the result of what we have done about our ideals and our knowledge of God (or "the Creative Forces") in past lives. The soul is "attracted to those influences that may be visioned from above." In other words, each of us is drawn toward those astrological vibrations, aspects, etc. which most nearly fit our development. Cayce's readings give strong support to the ancient idea of the microcosm-macrocosm correspondence, for he states, "All those essential forces which are manifest in the universe are manifest in the living man, and above that the soul of man". The oneness of all creation was one of Cayce's most basic teachings, and this oneness was not viewed as an ethereal, vague dream, but rather as an absolute fact of life:

"There are, as set in the beginning, so far as this physical earth plane is concerned, those rules or laws in the relative force of those that govern the earth, and the beings of the earth plane. These same laws govern the planets, stars, constellations, groups, that which constitute the sphere, the space in which the planet moves. These are of one force...(Reading #3744-4)"

The Solar System in Cayce's conception is viewed as a cycle of experiences for the soul. It has eight dimensions, corresponding to the planets (excluding the primary energizers, the Sun and Moon). The planets represent focal points of these various dimensions of life, as well as symbolizing the various levels of consciousness through which the soul passes between earthly incarnations. The earth is conceived of as the third dimension and as a sort of laboratory for the entire system, because only here is free will so dominant. On the other planes, more control is kept over the soul to see that it learns the proper lessons. According to the Cayce readings, whatever is learned by the soul must be built into the life upon the physical plane, for soul growth must be made while on the earth plane through effort and applied will.

According to Cayce, the innumerable arrangements of stars and planets represent soul patterns, and the signs of the Zodiac are twelve fundamental patterns from which the soul chooses when coming into the earth plane for a new incarnation. They are patterns of temperament, personality, and mental attunement; and the phsyical body is considered to be an objectification of the soul pattern, a reflection of "the individuality of the soul," As Cayce said:

"The signs of the Zodiac are Karmic Patterns; the Planets are the Looms; the Will is the Weaver." (Reading #3654-L-1)

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"The purpose for each soul's entrance is to complete a cycle, to get closer to the infinite, that it may know the purpose with the entity in the earth." (Reading #3131-1)

The idea of our needing to complete various cycles during any given incarnation might well explain the nature of different aspects to us. Cayce indicates that the position of the planets (particularly by aspect) perhaps shows how well we have mastered various tests and how thoroughly we have completed various cycles of experience and learning. This idea coincides with the belief held by some astrologers that the 'stressful' or challenging aspects (squares, oppositions and some conjunctions) in a chart reveal unfinished business and incomplete cycles of realization rather than simply weights tied to the soul to hamper its expression for no reason or purpose. In fact, Cayce says, "Ye are a god in the making." Perhaps our birthcharts show us at what stage in the making we are and specifically what cycles of learning and development we are now working to complete.

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"As to whether a soul is developed or retarded during a particular life depends onw hat hte person holds as its ideal, and what it does in its mental and material relationships about that ideal.

Life is a purposeful experience, and teh place in which a person finds himself is one in which he may use his present abilities, faults, failures, virtues, in fulfilling the purpose for which the soul decided to manifest in the three-dimensional plane."

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These excerpts are taken from the most excellent book: Astrology, Karma & Transformation by Stephen Arroyo. All students of astrology should own this book! There is only a teeny chapter on Edgar Cayce at the end of his book....most of the book is about how all our lives are about Transforming, overcoming challenges to grow, experience and grow again...

Wonderful!

Tracey

Astrology, Karma & Transformation