Career Stories: Edgar Cayce

Edgar Cayce is known as the Sleeping Prophet and as one of the most famous American clairvoyants and psychics.. But not but choice. At first he was reluctant to use his abilities. Before his psychic abilities developed Cayce worked as a farmer, in a bookstore and as a professional photographer. Cayce gave over 24,000 readings, many medical and health related, covering over 10,000 topics from 1901 at the age of 24 until his death in 1945.

Cayce (1877-1945) was born of humble beginnings, in the small Kentucky. town of Hopkinsville. He left school after the sixth grade to help on the family farm. He was known as a daydreamer. Edgar was called “old man” by his family members and friends. He received visions from what he called playmates (that nobody else could see) when he was a child. When still in school he failed to remember his book lessons. His father found out and kept him up late at night going over and over again one of his lessons. Finally too tired to keep his eyes open he asked his father if he could take a nap and try again later. He fell asleep on his textbook. When he awoke, Edgar was able to remember any part in his textbook.  This perplexed his father and was a skill Edgar was able to develop. Cayce grew up in a religious family, reading his bible through and through and eventually taught Sunday school, even when he was a practicing psychic.

At the age of 24 Cayce, who was working as a photographer gave his first reading;  loosening his tie and lying on a couch and taking off his shoes in his studio. Notes were taken by a stenographer. His initial readings were medically based; giving diagnosis and treatments. He gave a reading on himself when he developed laryngitis, following the treatment given to relieve his symptoms. Cayce also gave health readings on both his son and wife who were dealing with serious illness, which they recovered from. Cayce did not remember his readings and would have to read over his documented sessions to understand what messages came to him.

He called himself a medical diagnostician. Cayce also gave life  and career readings as well. Cayce did not charge fees but accepted donations. As his practice was expanding Cayce hired Gladys Davis Turner to be his stenographer. Turner stayed with Cayce until his death and documented each of his readings for 22 years!  Cayce gave readings on himself as well, many of which regarded his health, diet and work schedule. He disregarded much of the advice given to him. Eventually his poor diet and overworked schedule caught up to him leading to his early death. 

In 1930 and 1931 Cayce and his supporters started Atlantic University (www.atlanticuniv.edu), and the Association of Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach Virginia where all his readings are stored and available to the public and where courses are taught and research is conducted (www.edgarcayce.org).

Sources:

• There is a River: The Story of Edgar Cayce, Thomas Sugrue
• www.edgarcayce.org
• Contemporary Cayce, Kevin  Todeschi
• My Years with Edgar Cayce: the Personal Story of Gladys Davis Turner, Gladys Davis Turner
• Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet, Jess Stearn

I hope you enjoy reading these career stories of famous and not so famous individuals and their unusual career journeys. If you are exploring your own career options or want assistance in your next career direction please contact me for a free 20 minute consultation at danmacy@yahoo.com or 303-819-6178.