Edgar Cayce

Building (second from left) in downtown

Historical marker in front of the building

The Cayce Hospital in 2006

Wesley Harrington Ketchum

Edgar Cayce (March 18, 1877 – January 3, 1945) was an American clairvoyant who claimed to channel from his higher self while in a trance state. Cayce's sessions, called "readings," delved into topics such as healing, reincarnation, wars, Atlantis, and future events while claiming to be in a self-induced sleep state. His followers see him as a psychic healer and a mystic, who also contributed to the fields of psychic phenomena and spirituality. His work has led to the creation of the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which aims to explore and disseminate his teachings.

Biography

Edgar Cayce was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1877. From a young age, Cayce displayed abilities and experiences that were considered unusual, claiming to see and talk to angels, spirits, and the deceased. His psychic abilities were said to manifest in various forms, including clairvoyance and the ability to answer questions on subjects he had no normal way of knowing about while in a trance state.

During his life, Cayce gave over 14,000 readings, which were transcribed and are still studied today. These readings covered a wide range of topics, but he is perhaps best known for his contributions to alternative medicine, recommending treatments that were unconventional at the time. Many of his recommendations involved holistic health practices that have since gained wider acceptance.

Philosophy and Beliefs

Cayce's philosophy was rooted in Christianity, but it also incorporated beliefs in reincarnation, karma, and the interconnectedness of all life. He believed in the existence of Atlantis, a lost civilization with advanced technology and spiritual wisdom. Cayce's readings often emphasized the importance of meditation, prayer, and the study of the Bible as means to personal spirituality and enlightenment.

Legacy

Edgar Cayce's legacy is maintained by the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), which he founded in 1931. The A.R.E. serves as a repository for Cayce's readings and promotes research into his life and work. Cayce's influence can be seen in the New Age movement and in the field of alternative medicine, where his emphasis on holistic health and natural remedies continues to resonate.

Cayce's work has been the subject of both criticism and acclaim. Skeptics question the veracity of his readings and the scientific validity of his claims, while supporters highlight the accuracy of his predictions and the beneficial outcomes of his health advice.

In Popular Culture

Edgar Cayce has been depicted in various books, films, and television programs, often portrayed as a mysterious figure with profound psychic abilities. His life and work continue to fascinate and inspire those interested in psychic phenomena and the exploration of consciousness.