Kevin J Todeschi

Edgar Cayce, born in 1877, was an American clairvoyant who claimed to diagnose illnesses and offer remedies while in a trance state. Throughout his life, he provided thousands of transcribed readings addressing a wide array of subjects, including healing, reincarnation, dreams, the afterlife, past lives, nutrition, Atlantis, and future events. Cayce identified as a devout Christian, distancing himself from spiritualism and spirit communication. He is recognized as a foundational figure in the New Age movement, contributing significantly to many of its core beliefs. In 1931, Cayce established the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) as a non-profit organization to further his work.

Cayce's background was shaped by various spiritual and philosophical currents. Raised in the Disciples of Christ, a denomination focused on restoring original Christian practices, he was also influenced by the broader New Thought movement, which explored concepts like medical clairvoyance. This movement itself drew from sources such as Mesmerism. Additionally, Cayce's work touched upon themes that resonated with other esoteric traditions, including reincarnation and Atlantis, concepts notably explored in Theosophy. Alternative medicine practices like Homeopathy and Osteopathy were also prevalent during his lifetime and played a role in his early life and career.

Cayce first gained local attention for his unusual ability to speak normally only when hypnotized, a condition he initially attributed to an osteopath. This led to his work as a medical clairvoyant, diagnosing patients from afar. His abilities were further highlighted in 1910 when a widely reprinted New York Times article detailed his medical readings. Over his career, Cayce reportedly gave over 8,000 readings, with a later recorded total of 13,000 to 14,000. Beyond medical diagnoses, he was also associated with other psychic phenomena such as astral projection, prophecy, mediumship, accessing Akashic records, and dream interpretation.

In 1931, Edgar Cayce founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the concepts presented in his readings. The A.R.E. aimed to further the study of his work and its implications for personal growth and spiritual understanding. The organization continues to operate, preserving and disseminating Cayce's extensive recorded material. A significant biography of Cayce, titled 'There is a River,' was published in 1942 by journalist Thomas Sugrue, further popularizing his life and work.

“The medical fraternity of the country is taking a lively interest in the strange power said to be possessed by Edgar Cayce of Hopkinsville, Ky., to diagnose difficult diseases while in a semi-conscious state, though he has not the slightest knowledge of medicine when not in this condition.”

“Dr. Ketchum wishes it distinctly understood that his presentation is purely ethical, and that he attempts no explanation of what must be classed as mysterious mental phenomena.”

“For nearly ten years his strange power has been known to local physicians of all the recognized schools.”

“About four years ago I made the acquaintance of a young man 28 years old, who had the reputation of being a ‘freak.’ They said he told wonderful truths while he was asleep.”

“And truly, when it comes to anything psychical, every layman is a disbeliever from the start, and most of our chosen profession will not accept anything of a psychic nature, hypnotism, mesmerism, or what not, unless vouched for by some M.D. away up in the pro”