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Edgar Cayce's ESP
One of the most remarkable stories of the twentieth century about one of the most incredible men who ever lived: Edgar Cayce, a Kentucky farm boy whose psychic powers healed thousands, touched countless lives, and inspired the dawn of the New Age.
For more than forty years, Edgar Cayce (1877–1945), the “sleeping prophet,” regularly exhibited an astonishing psychic ability. From an altered state, he was able to read minds and souls, diagnose thousands of illnesses, successfully prescribe remedies, see into the past and the future, and tap into a source of universal knowledge where such information resides—a source Cayce said is available to us all.
For anyone who has heard of Edgar Cayce—and his name is familiar to millions—here is a concise, reliable, immensely readable introduction to his life, work, and message. In Edgar Cayce’s ESP, his story is told by writer Kevin Todeschi, an authority on Cayce’s work and the director of the popular educational organization Cayce founded, the Association for Research and Enlightenment.
Drawing upon more than 14,000 case histories and readings, Todeschi presents a wealth of proof of Cayce’s psychic abilities and the effects they had on the lives of his contemporaries. Todeschi focuses especially on the character of the modest, generous Cayce himself, a man who started out in life as a sensitive, Bible-reading Kentucky farm boy and who grew up to become an unlikely prophet of the New Age and the most famous psychic in American history.
For more than forty years, Edgar Cayce (1877–1945), the “sleeping prophet,” regularly exhibited an astonishing psychic ability. From an altered state, he was able to read minds and souls, diagnose thousands of illnesses, successfully prescribe remedies, see into the past and the future, and tap into a source of universal knowledge where such information resides—a source Cayce said is available to us all.
For anyone who has heard of Edgar Cayce—and his name is familiar to millions—here is a concise, reliable, immensely readable introduction to his life, work, and message. In Edgar Cayce’s ESP, his story is told by writer Kevin Todeschi, an authority on Cayce’s work and the director of the popular educational organization Cayce founded, the Association for Research and Enlightenment.
Drawing upon more than 14,000 case histories and readings, Todeschi presents a wealth of proof of Cayce’s psychic abilities and the effects they had on the lives of his contemporaries. Todeschi focuses especially on the character of the modest, generous Cayce himself, a man who started out in life as a sensitive, Bible-reading Kentucky farm boy and who grew up to become an unlikely prophet of the New Age and the most famous psychic in American history.
109 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1996
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September 6, 2022
An introduction book to Edgar Cayce, the sleeping prophet who helped people with their health and other issues while in a self-induced sleep trance. He possessed the abilities of all four kinds of psychics: telepathy (mind reading), clairvoyance (seeing what the eyes can’t see), precognition (seeing the future), and retrocognition (seeing the past) (46).
“For each reading, he would lie down on a couch, become comfortable, put his hands up to his forehead, and begin to pray. When he saw a brilliant flash of light, it was the signal that he could continue. He would lower his hands to his stomach, and when his eyelids began to flutter, the conductor (most often his wife) would give him the appropriate suggestion. In this state, it seemed that he could answer any question or provide any type of information requested” (61).
He got his information from two sources: “The subconscious mind of the individual for whom he was giving the reading, and an etheric source of information, called the ‘akashic records,’ which is apparently some kind of universal database for every thought, word, or deed that has ever transpired on Earth” (xv). Sometimes another entities spoke through him, like ones named Halaliel or Zorain, “student with Zoroaster” (128). He often says “we” instead of “I” when giving his readings (140).
“The underlying principle of the readings is the oneness of all life, tolerance for all people, and compassion and understanding for every religion in the world” (21). Although it seems that he talks about the Christian god most of all.
Cayce “was one of the first in the Western Hemisphere to recommend a nutritious diet consisting mainly of vegetables, fish, and fowl, plus sufficient water each day to promote internal cleansing. These guidelines and others were recommended by Cayce at a time when much of the country had a diet consisting of great quantities of red meat and starches” (25). I recently watched a Youtube video about the healthiest meats, and the highest ranking kind were eggs, turkey, liver, and chicken breast. Fish is healthy too, but the mercury poisoning makes them rank lower than those others.
Interesting things:
As a young kid, he was able to talk to the dead and see and hear imaginary friends. When Cayce was six or seven years old, he learned to talk with the trees. “I even yet hold that anyone may hear voices, apparently coming from a tree, if willing to choose a tree (a living tree, not a dead one) and sit against it for 15 to 20 minutes each day (the same time each day) for 20 days” (175).
When he was a little older, he was able to have a photographic memory of any book he slept on top of.
Cayce lost his voice, but under hypnosis he spoke in a normal voice (4). After waking up, his trouble speaking returned. A man named Al Layne asked him under hypnosis to explain what was wrong with him and how he could be cured. Cayce diagnosed the problem as a “‘psychological condition producing a physical effect.’ He went on to explain that the condition could be removed by suggesting to him while he was int he unconscious state that the blood circulation increase to the affected areas. After Layne made the suggestion, he and Cayce’s family watched in amazement as the upper part of Edgar’s chest and his throat turned a bright crimson and the skin became warm to the touch. 20 minutes passed before Edgar spoke again, stating that before Layne awakened him, the suggestions should be made that the blood circulation return to normal. Layne followed the instructions. When Cayce finally awakened, he was able to speak normally for the first time in almost a year” (5-6).
He cured his wife’s fatal tuberculosis (12), his cough (162), & his son’s blindness (13).
“Medical research has even confirmed what Cayce said decades ago: that psoriasis appears to be caused by permeability of the intestines” (26).
In general, he recommends chiropractic and osteopathicadjustments for improving circulation; proper diet (20% acid-producing to 80% alkaline-producing foods, as well as eight glasses of water daily); a balance between hard work, sleep, sun and recreation; and elimination of toxins at least once daily (through diet, exercise, sweat baths, colonics, correct breathing, and plenty of water) (28-30).
He tried to give readings on oil sites but was disappointed. “The readings made it quite clear that the information was never to be used for financial gain (14).
Cayce believed in free will (33), Jesus’ resurrection and also reincarnation, but not the cross-species kind. “Souls occupy only human bodies through their spiritual growth and development” (32). “There is no death, only the transition from the physical to the spiritual plane” (41). “Karma is simply memory. It is a pool of information that the subconscious mind draws upon and utilizes in the present. (33-34). His version of karma is karma with one’s own self instead of between people (35). In his view of reincarnation, the next lifetime doesn’t occur immediately. The soul is given a chance to go over what it has learned. It chooses its next life based on what lessons it needs to learn to become a more complete individual. It chooses to be born again among some people it has known before. It chooses its sex. It chooses its family, location, and time period. The goal of every life is to “express love fully in all the challenges that physical life offers” (34). And also to make the world a better place (57). “The inevitable destiny of every soul is to become cognizant of its true individuality while maintaining an awareness of its oneness with God. . . . The purpose of life is to become a better channel through which the Creator can manifest on Earth” (57).
Talents and skills tend to carry over to the next life; all the lives have the same interests/inclinations (35). “All experiences are for own good and growth, and all experiences are of our own creation” (36). IMO, a soul choosing who it will know or be born to in the next life conflicts with other souls’ will which might want something different. “We never meet anyone by chance; nor do we ever have an emotional connection (positive or negative) with another person for the very first time (36). But there’s a first time for everything!
“Although Edgar Cayce accurately predicted many events, he remained insistent that nothing that dealt with the future was fixed or destined; instead, because of the nature of free will and choice, the future was not unalterably written” (89). “Psychic information . . . Is not necessarily 100% accurate. We all have filters, biases, and misperceptions to which the information is subject” (180).
Cayce claimed that the history of humanity goes back 10 million years (138). It used to be that only portions of NV, UT, and AZ which formed the greater part of the US (138).
Dreams: “While we sleep, a comparison is made between recent actions and the inner values we hold” (42). “Every character in the dream represents a part of yourself” (43). He classifies dreams into three categories: physical body and health; psychological issues or understanding self; and higher realms of consciousness, the spiritual nature of the soul, past lives, and one’s future (44). He believed that nothing of significance happens to a person without it being foreshadowed in a dream first (45).
“Cayce claimed that everyone is psychic to some degree because psychic activity is a natural ability of the soul” (53). “We are essentially spiritual beings who are having a physical experience” (56). “When individuals asked Edgar Cayce how they could become more psychic themselves, he responded by saying that the goal should be to become more spiritual. . . . As individuals became more spiritual, psychic ability would develop naturally (17). ”The readings advised that, instead of seeking psychic experiences for the sake of having them, we should seek only those within the context of spiritual growth, of learning about ourselves, or of being of service to others” (54).
“Both the Cayce information and modern medicine now agree that humor and joy play key roles in facilitating wellness. It has also been found that certain kinds of negative attitudes or stresses can lead to illness. For example, Cayce’s readings suggested that persistent anger—whether conscious or unconscious—plays a part in the onset of some diseases” (25-26).
“Despite the readings’ warning that he should give no more than two readings each day, Cayce began giving up to eight in an effort to keep up with requests. Gladys Davis’ appointment book had readings scheduled two years in advance!” (19).
For more info:
Edgarcayce.org
Arebookstore.com
“For each reading, he would lie down on a couch, become comfortable, put his hands up to his forehead, and begin to pray. When he saw a brilliant flash of light, it was the signal that he could continue. He would lower his hands to his stomach, and when his eyelids began to flutter, the conductor (most often his wife) would give him the appropriate suggestion. In this state, it seemed that he could answer any question or provide any type of information requested” (61).
He got his information from two sources: “The subconscious mind of the individual for whom he was giving the reading, and an etheric source of information, called the ‘akashic records,’ which is apparently some kind of universal database for every thought, word, or deed that has ever transpired on Earth” (xv). Sometimes another entities spoke through him, like ones named Halaliel or Zorain, “student with Zoroaster” (128). He often says “we” instead of “I” when giving his readings (140).
“The underlying principle of the readings is the oneness of all life, tolerance for all people, and compassion and understanding for every religion in the world” (21). Although it seems that he talks about the Christian god most of all.
Cayce “was one of the first in the Western Hemisphere to recommend a nutritious diet consisting mainly of vegetables, fish, and fowl, plus sufficient water each day to promote internal cleansing. These guidelines and others were recommended by Cayce at a time when much of the country had a diet consisting of great quantities of red meat and starches” (25). I recently watched a Youtube video about the healthiest meats, and the highest ranking kind were eggs, turkey, liver, and chicken breast. Fish is healthy too, but the mercury poisoning makes them rank lower than those others.
Interesting things:
As a young kid, he was able to talk to the dead and see and hear imaginary friends. When Cayce was six or seven years old, he learned to talk with the trees. “I even yet hold that anyone may hear voices, apparently coming from a tree, if willing to choose a tree (a living tree, not a dead one) and sit against it for 15 to 20 minutes each day (the same time each day) for 20 days” (175).
When he was a little older, he was able to have a photographic memory of any book he slept on top of.
Cayce lost his voice, but under hypnosis he spoke in a normal voice (4). After waking up, his trouble speaking returned. A man named Al Layne asked him under hypnosis to explain what was wrong with him and how he could be cured. Cayce diagnosed the problem as a “‘psychological condition producing a physical effect.’ He went on to explain that the condition could be removed by suggesting to him while he was int he unconscious state that the blood circulation increase to the affected areas. After Layne made the suggestion, he and Cayce’s family watched in amazement as the upper part of Edgar’s chest and his throat turned a bright crimson and the skin became warm to the touch. 20 minutes passed before Edgar spoke again, stating that before Layne awakened him, the suggestions should be made that the blood circulation return to normal. Layne followed the instructions. When Cayce finally awakened, he was able to speak normally for the first time in almost a year” (5-6).
He cured his wife’s fatal tuberculosis (12), his cough (162), & his son’s blindness (13).
“Medical research has even confirmed what Cayce said decades ago: that psoriasis appears to be caused by permeability of the intestines” (26).
In general, he recommends chiropractic and osteopathicadjustments for improving circulation; proper diet (20% acid-producing to 80% alkaline-producing foods, as well as eight glasses of water daily); a balance between hard work, sleep, sun and recreation; and elimination of toxins at least once daily (through diet, exercise, sweat baths, colonics, correct breathing, and plenty of water) (28-30).
He tried to give readings on oil sites but was disappointed. “The readings made it quite clear that the information was never to be used for financial gain (14).
Cayce believed in free will (33), Jesus’ resurrection and also reincarnation, but not the cross-species kind. “Souls occupy only human bodies through their spiritual growth and development” (32). “There is no death, only the transition from the physical to the spiritual plane” (41). “Karma is simply memory. It is a pool of information that the subconscious mind draws upon and utilizes in the present. (33-34). His version of karma is karma with one’s own self instead of between people (35). In his view of reincarnation, the next lifetime doesn’t occur immediately. The soul is given a chance to go over what it has learned. It chooses its next life based on what lessons it needs to learn to become a more complete individual. It chooses to be born again among some people it has known before. It chooses its sex. It chooses its family, location, and time period. The goal of every life is to “express love fully in all the challenges that physical life offers” (34). And also to make the world a better place (57). “The inevitable destiny of every soul is to become cognizant of its true individuality while maintaining an awareness of its oneness with God. . . . The purpose of life is to become a better channel through which the Creator can manifest on Earth” (57).
Talents and skills tend to carry over to the next life; all the lives have the same interests/inclinations (35). “All experiences are for own good and growth, and all experiences are of our own creation” (36). IMO, a soul choosing who it will know or be born to in the next life conflicts with other souls’ will which might want something different. “We never meet anyone by chance; nor do we ever have an emotional connection (positive or negative) with another person for the very first time (36). But there’s a first time for everything!
“Although Edgar Cayce accurately predicted many events, he remained insistent that nothing that dealt with the future was fixed or destined; instead, because of the nature of free will and choice, the future was not unalterably written” (89). “Psychic information . . . Is not necessarily 100% accurate. We all have filters, biases, and misperceptions to which the information is subject” (180).
Cayce claimed that the history of humanity goes back 10 million years (138). It used to be that only portions of NV, UT, and AZ which formed the greater part of the US (138).
Dreams: “While we sleep, a comparison is made between recent actions and the inner values we hold” (42). “Every character in the dream represents a part of yourself” (43). He classifies dreams into three categories: physical body and health; psychological issues or understanding self; and higher realms of consciousness, the spiritual nature of the soul, past lives, and one’s future (44). He believed that nothing of significance happens to a person without it being foreshadowed in a dream first (45).
“Cayce claimed that everyone is psychic to some degree because psychic activity is a natural ability of the soul” (53). “We are essentially spiritual beings who are having a physical experience” (56). “When individuals asked Edgar Cayce how they could become more psychic themselves, he responded by saying that the goal should be to become more spiritual. . . . As individuals became more spiritual, psychic ability would develop naturally (17). ”The readings advised that, instead of seeking psychic experiences for the sake of having them, we should seek only those within the context of spiritual growth, of learning about ourselves, or of being of service to others” (54).
“Both the Cayce information and modern medicine now agree that humor and joy play key roles in facilitating wellness. It has also been found that certain kinds of negative attitudes or stresses can lead to illness. For example, Cayce’s readings suggested that persistent anger—whether conscious or unconscious—plays a part in the onset of some diseases” (25-26).
“Despite the readings’ warning that he should give no more than two readings each day, Cayce began giving up to eight in an effort to keep up with requests. Gladys Davis’ appointment book had readings scheduled two years in advance!” (19).
For more info:
Edgarcayce.org
Arebookstore.com
July 4, 2014
Normally I would give the writing a four, but the subject matter was so compelling it pulled it back up to a five. I found Edgar Cayce's abilities fascinating, but I was even more interested in how a very religious Christian rationalized these experiences. It would seem that psychic and intuitive abilities would contradict Christian principles, and initially the man went through a lot of turmoil. Edgar Cayce decided to use his gifts to help others, even to the detriment of his own health. As I read on, I began wondering as to whether or not hypnosis may break down some barriers between the body and mind - certainly the closest I myself have come to considering exploring such a thing.
The first chapter was a little jarring - the man's life from beginning to end in broad brushstrokes. I was expecting the book to progress with his life, but intent was to bring Edgar Cayce's work to a larger audience. It is about the man's abilities, not a detailed biography. Subsequent chapters are arranged in a logical and compelling order, outlining specific readings and their veracity. The writing is strong and well paced without any noticeable repetitions or tangents.
The first chapter was a little jarring - the man's life from beginning to end in broad brushstrokes. I was expecting the book to progress with his life, but intent was to bring Edgar Cayce's work to a larger audience. It is about the man's abilities, not a detailed biography. Subsequent chapters are arranged in a logical and compelling order, outlining specific readings and their veracity. The writing is strong and well paced without any noticeable repetitions or tangents.
April 7, 2022
I struggle to read books that consists mainly off case studies. The first two chapters of the book were interesting (I do want to read a more comprehensive biography on Edgar Cayce in the future), especially the parts about reincarnation (and how Cayce as a Christian explains this and his psychic abilities) and spiritual growth.
I had interest in psychic abilities earlier in my life (even trying to cultivate it) but decided to focus on spiritual growth more. I agree with Cayce that psychic abilities is the result of much spiritual growth (but I am not worried to get it or not). For Christians: I believe that psychic abilities or extrasensory perception is just a nice name for Gifts of the Spirit.
I had interest in psychic abilities earlier in my life (even trying to cultivate it) but decided to focus on spiritual growth more. I agree with Cayce that psychic abilities is the result of much spiritual growth (but I am not worried to get it or not). For Christians: I believe that psychic abilities or extrasensory perception is just a nice name for Gifts of the Spirit.
May 9, 2020
Good intro to Mr. Cayce. Have heard about him for years as my husband is a distant relation. Nice to finally understand what he did during his life. The book had a lot of excerpts of the readings, which was interesting but took a bit of concentration to digest. Really fascinating person and abilities!
September 27, 2025
The book was okay. but boring.
December 24, 2021
I recently visited the Museum and Research Center in Virginia Beach, where I picked up this book and a few others on Edgar Cayce. Being interested in the occult and paranormal, this subject matter is right up my alley. It was so interesting reading Cayce’s readings, and hearing follow-ups to those reading from his clients. I think anyone interested in ESP should definitely check out this book, or anything they can find by or of Cayce. If you visit his library in Virginia, they sell a lot of his books and even retired library books for great prices. 100% worth checking out!
June 15, 2009
I enjoyed reading about this famous psychic. The book has a lot of excerpts from his "readings," which mostly centre around an inquirer's health...and sometimes my mind wandered...but overall very interesting!
September 12, 2015
What an incredible gift this man had. I remember my mother reading about him long ago. I understand the interest now.
April 9, 2016
The book is mostly examples of Cayce's readings w/ follow-up from his clients. If want more history or a "story", you won't like this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews