Edgar Cayce was an American clairvoyant who became famous for his purported ability to communicate with the spirit world. Born in 1877, Cayce grew up in rural Kentucky and began experiencing psychic visions at an early age. Over the course of his life, he gave thousands of readings on a wide range of topics, including health, spirituality, and the future.
Cayce’s readings were recorded by his associates and became the basis for his teachings, which continue to be studied and debated by spiritualists and skeptics alike. Some of his most famous predictions include the rise of Hitler and World War II, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the coming of a new era of spiritual enlightenment. Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Cayce remains a beloved figure among many who view him as a prophet and healer.
Early Life of Edgar Cayce
Edgar Cayce was born on March 18, 1877, on a farm near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to parents Leslie B. Cayce and Carrie B. Cayce. He was one of six children in the family.
Cayce’s psychic abilities began to manifest at an early age. He claimed to have seen and communicated with his late grandfather’s spirit, and he often played with “imaginary friends” whom he said were spirits on the other side.
Cayce received only a formal education up to the ninth grade, but he was an avid reader and had a deep interest in the Bible. He was particularly drawn to the stories of miraculous healings and other supernatural events in the Gospels.
In his late teens and early twenties, Cayce worked as a salesman and photographer. During this time, he began to experiment with his psychic abilities, giving readings for friends and family members. As his reputation grew, he began to receive requests for readings from people all over the country.
Despite his success as a psychic, Cayce remained deeply religious throughout his life. He was a member of the Disciples of Christ church and often incorporated biblical themes and imagery into his readings. He believed that his psychic abilities were a gift from God and that his work was a form of service to humanity.
Cayce’s Psychic Abilities
Edgar Cayce was known for his remarkable psychic abilities, which he used to help thousands of people during his lifetime. Cayce believed that everyone has psychic abilities, and that he was simply more attuned to his own abilities than most people.
Cayce’s psychic abilities were wide-ranging and included clairvoyance, telepathy, precognition, and the ability to communicate with spirits. He was able to see into the past and future, and to provide detailed information about a person’s health, relationships, and spiritual path.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Cayce’s psychic abilities was his ability to diagnose and treat illnesses. Cayce would enter a trance-like state and provide detailed information about a person’s physical and emotional health. He would then prescribe a treatment plan that often included natural remedies, such as herbs and minerals.
Cayce’s psychic abilities were not limited to his readings. He was also able to use his abilities in his everyday life, such as when he would predict the weather or know who was calling before answering the phone.
Overall, Cayce’s psychic abilities were a central part of his life and work. He believed that everyone has the potential to develop their own psychic abilities, and that doing so can lead to greater spiritual growth and understanding.
Notable Predictions
Edgar Cayce, also known as the “Sleeping Prophet,” is renowned for his predictions about future events. While some of his predictions have been proven accurate, others have been subject to skepticism and controversy.
One of Cayce’s most famous predictions was his foresight of the stock market crash and Great Depression of 1929. He also predicted the beginning of World War II and the rise of Hitler’s regime in Germany. Cayce’s predictions about the end of the war and the fall of Hitler were also accurate.
Cayce also made predictions about natural disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. He predicted that a major earthquake would occur in California in the late 1930s, which did not come to pass. However, he correctly predicted the eruption of Mount Etna in Italy in 1928.
Another notable prediction made by Cayce was his belief in the existence of Atlantis, a lost civilization that he claimed was destroyed in a catastrophic event. While many remain skeptical about the existence of Atlantis, Cayce’s predictions about the location of the lost city have been the subject of ongoing research and investigation.
Overall, while some of Cayce’s predictions have been proven accurate, others remain a subject of debate and skepticism. Nonetheless, his legacy as a clairvoyant and prophet continues to inspire and intrigue people around the world.
The Association for Research and Enlightenment
The Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) is a non-profit organization founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931. The organization is dedicated to exploring spirituality, holistic health, intuition, dream interpretation, psychic development, reincarnation, and ancient mysteries. It helps people to improve their lives physically, mentally, and spiritually through the wisdom found in the Edgar Cayce material.
The A.R.E. has its headquarters in Virginia Beach, which attracts more than 100,000 individuals from around the world each year. It offers various programs, including holistic health services, workshops, conferences, and retreats. The organization has a membership program that provides access to exclusive materials and discounts on services and products.
The A.R.E. also has a library that houses one of the world’s largest collections of metaphysical literature, with over 60,000 volumes. The library includes books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials on topics such as spirituality, philosophy, religion, and psychology. The organization also has an online bookstore that offers a wide range of books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials related to spirituality and holistic health.
The A.R.E. is committed to preserving the legacy of Edgar Cayce and his teachings. It has an archives department that houses more than 14,000 documented psychic readings given by Cayce. The readings cover a wide range of topics, including health, spirituality, relationships, and personal growth. The A.R.E. also has a publishing arm that produces books, magazines, and other materials related to Cayce’s teachings and holistic health.
Overall, the A.R.E. is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring spirituality and holistic health. Its programs, services, and materials provide a wealth of information and tools for personal growth and transformation.
Cayce’s Influence on Modern Psychic Phenomena
Edgar Cayce’s life and work have had a significant impact on modern psychic phenomena. His readings and teachings have influenced many people in the field of extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychic abilities.
One of the most significant ways Cayce has influenced modern psychic phenomena is through his emphasis on the idea that everyone has psychic abilities. Cayce believed that psychic abilities are innate in all humans and can be developed through practice and training.
Cayce’s teachings have also influenced the way people approach psychic readings. He believed that the purpose of a psychic reading was not to predict the future but to provide guidance and insight into the present. This approach has become more common in modern psychic readings, where the focus is on helping people make informed decisions rather than providing specific predictions.
Another way that Cayce has influenced modern psychic phenomena is through his emphasis on the importance of spiritual growth and development. Cayce believed that psychic abilities were not an end in themselves but a means to spiritual growth. This idea has influenced many people in the field of psychic development, who now see the development of psychic abilities as a way to enhance spiritual growth and understanding.
Overall, Cayce’s influence on modern psychic phenomena is significant. His teachings have helped to shape the way people approach psychic abilities, psychic readings, and spiritual growth.
Cayce’s Health Readings
Edgar Cayce’s health readings are some of his most well-known and influential teachings. Cayce believed that the body, mind, and spirit were interconnected and that holistic healing was the key to achieving optimal health.
One of the most important concepts that Cayce’s readings imparted was that when it comes to one’s health, the whole person–body, mind, and spirit–needs to be considered. In fact, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated, “The roots of present-day holism probably go back 100 years to the birth of Edgar Cayce.”
Cayce’s health readings covered a wide range of topics, including diet and nutrition, exercise, mental and emotional health, and specific health conditions. Cayce believed that the body had an innate ability to heal itself, but that this process could be hindered by factors such as poor diet, stress, and negative emotions.
Cayce’s health recommendations were often ahead of their time. For example, he emphasized the importance of a balanced diet that included fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. He also recommended regular exercise, stress reduction techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, and the use of natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils.
Overall, Cayce’s health readings continue to influence holistic health practitioners and individuals seeking to achieve optimal health and wellness. His emphasis on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit, as well as his focus on natural remedies and preventive measures, make his teachings relevant and valuable today.
Controversies and Criticisms
Edgar Cayce’s trance readings have been the subject of controversy and criticism. Some of his ideas were considered eccentric and controversial, and some of his claims were rejected by mainstream science.
One of the most controversial claims made by Cayce was that of polygenism. He believed that humans did not evolve from a single ancestor, but instead were created by multiple acts of divine intervention. This view contradicts the widely accepted scientific theory of evolution.
Cayce also made several predictions that did not come true, leading some to question the validity of his psychic abilities. For example, he predicted that New York City would be destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1958, but this did not happen.
Furthermore, some critics have accused Cayce of promoting dangerous medical treatments. For example, he recommended the use of toxic substances like arsenic and mercury as remedies for certain ailments. These treatments have since been discredited and are no longer used in modern medicine.
Despite these controversies and criticisms, Cayce’s work continues to be studied and admired by many. His followers believe that his readings contain valuable insights and spiritual guidance.
Legacy of Edgar Cayce
Edgar Cayce was a clairvoyant who claimed to speak from his higher self while in a trance-like state. His words were recorded by his friend, Al Layne; his wife, Gertrude Evans, and later by his secretary, Gladys Davis Turner. During the sessions, Cayce would answer questions on a variety of subjects such as healing, reincarnation, dreams, and prophecy.
Cayce gave well over 14,000 psychic readings between 1910 and his death in 1945. He was dubbed the “Sleeping Prophet” by biographer Jess Stern. Cayce’s legacy lives on through the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), which he founded in 1931. The A.R.E. is a non-profit organization that operates a research center, library, and publishing house in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Cayce’s teachings were based on the belief that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, and that each individual has the power to heal themselves. He advocated for a holistic approach to health, which included diet, exercise, and spiritual practices. Cayce was also known for his accurate predictions of future events, such as the stock market crash of 1929 and World War II.
Today, Cayce’s legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world. His teachings have been embraced by many in the New Age movement, and his readings continue to be studied and analyzed by researchers and scholars. While some may view Cayce’s work with skepticism, there is no denying the impact that he has had on the world of spirituality and metaphysics.
Edgar Cayce’s Influence on Popular Culture
Edgar Cayce’s teachings have had a significant impact on popular culture, particularly in the New Age movement. His ideas about holistic healing, reincarnation, and spirituality have inspired countless individuals seeking alternative methods of healing and personal growth.
Cayce’s concept of the Akashic Records, a sort of cosmic library of all human experiences, has also gained popularity in New Age circles. Many believe that accessing the Akashic Records can provide guidance and insight into one’s past lives and present circumstances.
In addition to his teachings, Cayce’s life story has also been the subject of numerous books and documentaries. His ability to provide medical diagnoses and treatments while in a trance state has been the subject of much fascination and debate.
Cayce’s influence can also be seen in the popularity of alternative healing practices such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, and energy healing. Many of these practices share Cayce’s belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and the importance of addressing underlying emotional and spiritual issues in order to achieve optimal health.
Overall, Edgar Cayce’s impact on popular culture has been significant, particularly in the realm of alternative healing and spirituality. His teachings continue to inspire and influence individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A.R.E. Center in Virginia Beach?
The A.R.E. Center in Virginia Beach is the headquarters of the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), a non-profit organization founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931. The center offers a variety of services, including holistic health treatments, workshops, and conferences. Visitors can also explore the Cayce/Reilly School of Massage and the Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy, both of which offer certification programs.
What is the Edgar Cayce diet and how does it work?
The Edgar Cayce diet is a holistic approach to nutrition that emphasizes whole foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, and discourages processed foods and animal products. The diet is based on the principles of the Cayce readings, which suggest that food should be eaten in a way that supports the body’s natural healing processes. The diet is believed to help prevent and treat a variety of health conditions, including digestive issues, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.
How did Edgar Cayce contribute to holistic medicine?
Edgar Cayce is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of holistic medicine. He believed that the body, mind, and spirit were interconnected and that true healing could only occur when all three were in balance. Cayce’s holistic approach to health included natural remedies, such as herbs and essential oils, as well as lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress reduction. He also emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and personal development in achieving optimal health.
What is the significance of Corinne Cayce in the Edgar Cayce legacy?
Corinne Cayce is the granddaughter of Edgar Cayce and the current director of the A.R.E. She has dedicated her career to preserving and promoting her grandfather’s work, particularly in the areas of holistic health and spirituality. Corinne has authored several books on the Cayce readings and is a popular speaker at conferences and workshops.
Can castor oil be used for healing, as Edgar Cayce suggested?
Castor oil was a favorite remedy of Edgar Cayce, who recommended it for a variety of health conditions, including constipation, arthritis, and skin disorders. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of castor oil for these purposes, many people continue to use it as a natural remedy. It is important to note that castor oil can have side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and should be used with caution.
When was ‘The Sleeping Prophet’ written and what is it about?
‘The Sleeping Prophet’ is a biography of Edgar Cayce written by Jess Stearn and first published in 1967. The book chronicles Cayce’s life and work, including his psychic readings, his contributions to holistic medicine, and his spiritual teachings. It also explores the controversies surrounding Cayce’s work, such as his predictions of future events and his claims to have channeled information from the Akashic Records.