Known for answers given in a trance-like state, Edgar Cayce left an extensive collection of readings. This page introduces his life, books, videos and sources, distinguishing spiritual beliefs, personal testimony and verifiable facts.
Who was Edgar Cayce?
Edgar Cayce was born on March 18, 1877, in Kentucky, United States, and died on January 3, 1945. He worked as a photographer and became known for his claimed clairvoyant abilities. His way of answering questions in a trance-like state earned him the nickname “the sleeping prophet”.
Raised in a Christian community, he developed a worldview that also included reincarnation and the development of the soul. He founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment, A.R.E., in 1931. The organization continues to share his work.
Passages from my book, in my own words. Each excerpt is followed by a comparison with the theme of this page.
A personal search
From the chapter · Renato Rossi
Yet my interest in the invisible did not begin with that loss. It was already there when, as a child, I had experiences I could not explain. Later came other events, dreams and perceptions that continued to occupy my thoughts. While daily life revolved around family and work, questions for which I could find no simple answer remained in the background.
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In doing so, I want to keep distinguishing between what I remember and the meaning I give it myself. I cannot explain or prove everything that has moved me deeply. Readers are free to see things differently. I ask not for agreement, but for attention to a personal testimony.
Connection and comparison
The life story opens questions about consciousness, loss and meaning. Numerology and portraits of spiritual writers offer different perspectives, without assuming that Renato shares their beliefs.
These are recorded question-and-answer sessions delivered in a trance-like state. Subjects include health, personal challenges, past lives and ancient civilizations. A.R.E. identifies 14,306 preserved readings.
The Edgar Cayce Foundation also preserves letters, photographs and other records. Full online access to the readings may require membership. Preserving a statement makes it available for historical study; it does not establish its truth or a paranormal origin.
Dreams can offer a starting point for reflection. Every symbol need not be treated as a definite message.
Meditation and prayer
Silence, prayer and a personal ideal are linked to spiritual development within this tradition.
Reincarnation and the soul
Past lives are part of Cayce’s spiritual worldview. A reading is not independent proof of a person’s previous life.
Atlantis and ancient civilizations
His accounts of Atlantis and Egypt are esoteric claims, rather than established archaeological findings.
Books, e-books and audiobooks
Many well-known books were written about Cayce by later authors. These interpretations should be distinguished from the original readings. The following titles offer different starting points.
There Is a River
Thomas Sugrue
A sympathetic biography published in 1942, during Cayce’s lifetime.
Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet
Jess Stearn
A popular account of his life and claimed abilities.
Many Mansions
Gina Cerminara
An exploration of reincarnation using the Cayce material.
Edgar Cayce: Seer Out of Season
Harmon Bro
An extensive portrait from within the circle of people who studied and followed his work.
Check the author, language and edition before ordering. A Search for God, books 1 and 2, is study material from the Cayce tradition, rather than an autobiography.
These four videos are selected from A.R.E.’s own video overview. They introduce the organization’s perspective and later discussions of Cayce’s work. The spoken language is English.
When assessing a prediction, ask exactly what was said, when it was recorded and what independent checks exist. A later interpretation is different from a precise statement documented before the event.
Healing accounts may be meaningful to those involved, but do not by themselves demonstrate that a treatment works or that a paranormal explanation is necessary.
When health claims are involved
Do not use readings for self-diagnosis or as a replacement for medical treatment. A.R.E. itself says that qualified professional healthcare guidance is essential. Do not stop or change medication based on a reading. Illness and loss are not presented here as evidence of personal blame or spiritual failure.
