Who was Edgar Cayce?
Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) was an American man from Kentucky who became famous for giving “readings” while in what he described as a trance state. He was nicknamed “the Sleeping Prophet,” and is often called the most documented psychic of the 20th century because his supporters preserved transcripts of his sessions. He later lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where his legacy is maintained by an organization he helped found. His practice is a precursor to what is today called channeling.
Early life and first readings
Cayce was born near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and worked as a photographer and in other jobs. According to accounts by his followers, he found that he could give health diagnoses for himself and others after lying down in a self-induced sleep-like state, and he gave readings for people without meeting them. A figure of roughly 14,000 readings is commonly cited, though exact counts vary by source.
How the readings worked
In a typical session, Cayce lay down, entered a trance and responded to questions, while a stenographer recorded his words. Readings were often given for people who were absent, based on a name and location. Many followed a pattern: a diagnosis, a recommendation for treatment, and sometimes a discussion of the person’s past lives.
Core beliefs in the readings
The readings contain themes that later became widely shared in New Age belief:
- Reincarnation and karma, presented within a broadly Christian frame.
- Atlantis and ancient Egypt, described as lost civilizations with advanced knowledge. See Atlantis in Occult and New Age Spirituality.
- The Akashic Records, which his followers link to the source of his information. See The Akashic Records.
- Earth changes and prophecy, including predictions about geological upheaval.
Health readings
Cayce is perhaps most associated with holistic health, and the readings recommended diet, massage, castor oil packs and other remedies. These are still discussed among alternative-health followers. There is limited scientific evidence that these remedies work, and some of his recommendations could be unsafe or ineffective if used in place of medical care. Anyone with a medical condition should seek qualified advice.
The A.R.E.
In 1931 supporters established the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach to preserve the readings and promote study. It runs a library, publishes materials and offers programs for the public.
Predictions and criticism
Skeptics point out that many prophetic statements were vague or did not come true, such as expectations of dramatic geological changes and discoveries of Atlantean remains at a specific time. Critics also question whether the medical readings were accurate, and some Christian groups object to the reincarnation teaching. Defenders say that he sincerely tried to help people and that some health recommendations anticipated later interest in diet and holistic care.
Legacy
Cayce’s popularity grew after the biography There Is a River (1942) by Thomas Sugrue, and later books brought his readings to the countercultural and New Age audiences of the 1960s and 1970s. His blend of Christianity, reincarnation, health advice and prophecy helped shape the New Age movement. He is also an example of an American trance tradition that goes back to Spiritualism.