Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) remains one of the most enigmatic figures in American spiritual history. Dubbed “The Sleeping Prophet,” he became famous for slipping into a trance-like state to deliver readings on everything from health remedies to ancient civilizations. In these sessions, he claimed to tap into the Akashic Records—a kind of cosmic archive or “Book of Life” said to contain the sum of all human experience.
Reincarnation was central to Cayce’s worldview. He described past lives in Atlantis, ancient Egypt, Persia, and even Troy. His Atlantis material, in particular, captured the public imagination. Cayce predicted that remnants of the lost continent would rise near Bimini in the late 1960s, a claim that continues to spark debate among believers, skeptics, and geologists alike. He also insisted he could absorb the contents of books simply by placing them near his stomach—one of many unusual abilities attributed to him.
A High-Profile Career
Cayce’s reputation drew a surprising roster of high-profile admirers. Over the years, he reportedly advised Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin, among others. His influence extended into the world of alternative health, where he became known as the “Father of Holistic Medicine.” His readings often emphasized restoring balance through natural means—dietary changes, spinal adjustments, and the now-famous castor oil packs, which still circulate in wellness communities today.
The Cost of a “Workaholic” Gift
Despite warnings from his own readings that more than two sessions a day would harm him, Cayce routinely pushed himself to deliver four, five, or even six. The strain eventually caught up with him. In 1944 he collapsed, and after suffering a stroke, he died in early 1945. Many of his followers interpret his decline as the ultimate example of “psychic burnout”—a healer undone by the very forces he tried to channel.
Lasting Impact and Ongoing Debate
Cayce’s legacy lives on through several organizations dedicated to preserving and studying his work. The most prominent, the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), founded in 1931 and based in Virginia Beach, maintains an archive of more than 14,000 of his readings.
But admiration has always been matched by criticism. Skeptics argue that Cayce’s pronouncements were often vague enough to apply to almost anyone—a classic example of the Barnum Effect. Others, including the late James Randi, suggested that Cayce may have been fed information about clients before entering his trances. To some, he was a visionary; to others, a gifted performer.
Whatever the truth, Cayce’s blend of mysticism, medicine, and mythology continues to fascinate. His story sits at the crossroads of American spirituality—where belief, imagination, and inquiry collide.
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