Editing Edgar Cayce (section)

==Life==
===Overview===
Edgar Cayce first achieved local notoriety for having lost his voice yet having been able to speak during hypnosis.<ref name="Hopkinsville1901"/>  After initially reporting his voice had spontaneously and inexplicably returned on its own, he later began publicly crediting a local osteopath with having restored his voice.  The osteopath began employing Cayce as a medical clairvoyant who could reportedly diagnose patients at a distance through supernatural means.  After declaring bankruptcy, Cayce returned to the role of medical clairvoyant, collaborating with homeopath Wesley Ketchum.  In 1910, Ketchum's description of Cayce's readings was covered in a widely reprinted story in the New York Times.   When a falling out with Ketchum occurred, Cayce travelled to Selma, Alabama.  An additional collaboration with printer Arthur Lammers led Cayce to Dayton, Ohio.  The final chapter of his life was spent in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he oversaw an institute of his own creation.

An October 10, 1922 ''[[Birmingham Post-Herald]]'' article quotes Cayce as saying that he had given 8,056 readings to date.  He recorded some 13,000 to 14,000 readings after that date.<ref>EdgarCayce.org</ref>  Other abilities attributed to Cayce include [[astral projection]], [[prophecy]], [[mediumship]], access to the [[Akashic records]], [[Book of Life]], and seeing [[aura (paranormal)|aura]]s,  astrology and [[dreamwork]].{{sfn|Bro|2011}}{{page needed|date=January 2023}}

===Early life in Kentucky===
Cayce was born on March 18, 1877, in [[Christian County, Kentucky]]. His parents, Carrie Elizabeth (née Major) and Leslie Burr Cayce,<ref name="ARE Chronology">{{cite web|title=Edgar Cayce's Life Chronology, 1877–1945|url=http://www.edgarcayce.org/are/edgarcayce.aspx?id=1971|access-date=December 18, 2011|publisher=[[Association for Research and Enlightenment]]|archive-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127190009/http://www.edgarcayce.org/are/edgarcayce.aspx?id=1971|url-status=dead}}</ref> were farmers and the parents of six children.   Cayce was raised in the [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|Disciples of Christ]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/dvb/bio.asp?b=Cayce_Edgar | title=Dictionary of Virginia Biography – Edgar Cayce (18 March 1877-3 January 1945) Biography }}</ref>

In December 1893, the Cayce family moved to [[Hopkinsville, Kentucky]]; they lived at 705 West Seventh, on the southeast corner of Seventh and Young Streets. Cayce received an eighth-grade education. Cayce's education ended in ninth grade because his family could not afford the cost.{{sfn|Cerminara|1999|page=[https://archive.org/details/manymansionsedga00gina/page/13 13]}}

On March 14, 1897, Cayce became engaged to Gertrude Evans.
In September, papers announced Cayce had taken a position with John P. Morton and  left for Louisville.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-cayce-accepts-jo/7279836/ | title=Cayce Accepts Job in Louisville | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=8 September 1899 | page=1 }}</ref>  He began an apprenticeship at the photography studio of W. R. Bowles in Hopkinsville, and became proficient in his trade.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=111–112}}

===1900 loss of voice===
In February 1900, [[Stanley Warde Hart|Hart the Laugh King]], a stage hypnotist, performed in Hopkinsville.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-hart-the-hypnot/155711236/ | title=Hart, the Hypnotist | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=16 February 1900 | page=8 }}</ref>  He would return to Hopkinsville in 1903.  <!--In 1900, Cayce formed a business partnership with his father to sell [[Woodmen of the World|Woodmen of the World Insurance]]. In March of that year, however, he developed severe [[laryngitis]] which resulted in a complete loss of speech.{{sfn|Cerminara|1999|page=[https://archive.org/details/manymansionsedga00gina/page/13 13]}}--><!-- A traveling stage [[hypnotist]] and entertainer named Hart, who called himself "The Laugh Man", performed at the Hopkinsville [[Opera House]]. Hart heard about Cayce's throat condition and offered to attempt a cure.{{better|date=September 2024}} Cayce accepted his offer and the experiment was conducted in the office of Manning Brown, the local throat specialist. Cayce's voice reportedly returned while he was in a hypnotic trance, but disappeared when he awakened. Hart unsuccessfully tried a post-hypnotic suggestion that Cayce's voice would continue to function after the trance{{sfn|Cerminara|1999|page=[https://archive.org/details/manymansionsedga00gina/page/14 14]}}{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=116}}{{better|date=September 2024}}Since Hart had appointments in other cities, he could not continue his hypnotic treatments of Cayce; he said that he failed because Cayce would not enter the third stage of hypnosis and accept a suggestion. New York hypnotist John Duncan Quackenbos found the same impediment but, after returning to New York, suggested that Cayce should take over his own case in the second stage of hypnosis.-->  Decades later, Hart would be named as having hypnotized Cayce in an attempt to restore his voice.{{sfn|Cerminara|1999|page=[https://archive.org/details/manymansionsedga00gina/page/14 14]}}{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=116}}

According to a 1901 newspaper account, on the night of April 18, 1900,  Cayce lost his voice and was unable to speak above a whisper. The condition reportedly forced him to leave his job as a salesman for work in photography instead.<ref name="Hopkinsville1901">{{cite news | url=http://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-february-12-190/4529745/ | title=February 12, 1901 Article About Recovery of Cayce's Voice | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=12 February 1901 | page=8 }}</ref> In May 1900, the local paper reported that Cayce had been unable to speak above a whisper except when under hypnosis, when his voice returned.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-lost-his-voice-but-can/155697080/ | title=Lost His Voice – but can Talk when in a State of Hypnotism | newspaper=The Tennessean | date=11 May 1900 | page=4 }}</ref>  In June, papers reported Cayce was attending business college in Louisville.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-cayce-goes-to-br/3376584/ | title=Cayce goes to Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Louisville | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=June 1900 | page=8 }}</ref> On February 12, 1901, papers reported Cayce had awoken with his voice spontaneously and inexplicably recovered.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-february-12-190/4529745/ | title=February 12, 1901 Article About Recovery of Cayce's Voice | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=12 February 1901 | page=8 }}</ref>

===Relationship with Al Layne===

The following year, in April 1902, Cayce authored a public endorsement that attributed his cured voice to the treatment of "Osteopath and Electro-Magnetical Doctor" A.C. Layne.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-april-1902-cure/4533051/ | title=April 1902 Cure by al Layne of Cayce's Voice Problem | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=8 April 1902 | page=4 }}</ref>

In May 1902, Cayce got a job in a bookshop in [[Bowling Green, Kentucky]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-cayce-accepts-po/28592142/ | title=Cayce Accepts Position at Book Store in Bowling Green, May 1902 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=2 May 1902 | page=8 }}</ref>  He returned to Hopkinsville to visit his parents in September.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-hopkinsville-ke/15005161/ | title=Hopkinsville, Kentuckian (Hopkinsville, Kentucky) 1902, September 30, Tuesday – page 8 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=30 September 1902 | page=8 }}</ref>  The following January, he returned to the town to attend his sister's wedding.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian/121109550/ | title=Article clipped from Hopkinsville Kentuckian | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=30 January 1903 | page=8 }}</ref>

Cayce and Gertrude Evans married on June 17, 1903, and she moved to Bowling Green.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-marriage-of-cayc/155700152/|title=Private Article Clipping - Newspapers.com™|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>  By June 24, papers published stories of Cayce going into a trance to help osteopath A.C. Lane diagnosis a patient who was not physically present.  Cayce denied being a spiritualist, saying he was an active member of the Christian Church.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-the-courier-journal/3756069/ | title=The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky) June 24, 1903 Wednesday Page 9 | newspaper=The Courier-Journal | date=24 June 1903 | page=9 }}</ref>  A 1904 article mentioned his refusal to charge for readings.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ohio-county-news-edgar-cayce/37841981/ | title=Edgar Cayce | newspaper=The Ohio County News | date=20 April 1904 | page=1 }}</ref> In 1904, Cayce claimed he had developed the card game [[Pit (game)|Pit]] and sent it to Parker Brothers. <ref>{{cite book | last = Bro | first = Harmon | title = A Seer out of Season | publisher = St. Martin's | location = New York | year = 1997 | isbn = 0-312-95988-5 |page=305}} citing article {{cite news|title=The Pit: Copies of Game Invented by Bowling Green Man Received Here|publisher=Bowling Green Times Journal|year=1904}}</ref>

They had three children: Hugh Lynn Cayce (1907–1982), Milton Porter Cayce (1911–1911), and Edgar Evans Cayce (1918–2013).<ref name="ARE Chronology"/><ref>"Edgar Evans Cayce" ''[[The Virginian-Pilot]]'' (obituaries) February 19, 2013.</ref> Layne revealed the activity [What activity?] to the professionals at the boarding house (one of whom was a magistrate and journalist), and the state medical authorities forced him to close his practice.{{better source needed|date=September 2024}} He left to acquire osteopathic qualifications in Franklin.{{Sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=137–142}}

Cayce and a relative opened a [[photographic studio]] in Bowling Green.{{Sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=146–157}}  On December 25, 1906, a fire burned down the Cayce photo studio.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-the-courier-journal/3755541/ | title=The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky) December 25, 1906, Tuesday Page 2 | newspaper=The Courier-Journal | date=25 December 1906 | page=2 }}</ref>  His first son was born on March 16, 1907. Later that year, a second fire  burned down his studio.  In January 1908, he authored a query to the newspaper about the phase of the moon at a certain time in 1864.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nashville-banner/110155388/ | title=Article clipped from Nashville Banner | newspaper=Nashville Banner | date=11 January 1908 | page=18 }}</ref> In 1908, he declared bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-hopkinsville-ken/39264173/ | title=Hopkinsville Kentuckian (Hopkinsville, Kentucky) 14 Mar 1908, Sat Page 4 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=14 March 1908 | page=4 }}</ref>

===Relationship with Wesley Ketchum===
[[File:Wesley Harrington Ketcham.png|thumb|alt=1922 oval photo of Wesley Harrington Ketchum|Wesley Harrington Ketchum.  Ketchum was born in [[Lisbon, Ohio]] on November 11, 1878, to Saunders C. Ketchum and Bertha Bennett, and was the oldest of seven children. He graduated from the Cleveland College of Homeopathic Medicine in 1904,<ref>{{cite journal|title = Original Articles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KGZYAAAAMAAJ&q=wesley+harrington+ketchum&pg=PA252 |journal= Cleveland Medical and Surgical Reporter |year = 1904|volume= 12 |page=252}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-another-freak-in-hopk/156096338/ | title=Another Freak in Hopkinsville | newspaper=The Leaf-Chronicle | date=October 1910 | page=6 }}</ref> and practiced medicine in [[Hopkinsville, Kentucky]] until 1912. Ketchum went to [[Honolulu|Honolulu, Hawaii]] via [[San Francisco]] in 1913, and opened a new practice. He returned to California in 1918 and established an office in [[Palo Alto, California|Palo Alto]], practicing there until the 1950s. Ketchum retired to southern California around 1963, settling in [[San Marino, California|San Marino]] (near [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]]). In 1964, Ketchum wrote ''The Discovery of Edgar Cayce'', published by the [[Association for Research and Enlightenment|A.R.E. Press]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=Wesley Harrington |last1=Ketchum|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/3537711 |title=The discovery of Edgar Cayce, (Book, 1964) |orig-date=1964 |publisher=[WorldCat.org], [[Association for Research and Enlightenment|A.R.E. Press]] |year= 1999 |oclc=3537711 |access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref> He died on November 28, 1968, in [[Canoga Park, Los Angeles|Canoga Park]].]]

Wesley Harrington Ketchum was a homeopath who worked with Cayce from 1910 to 1912.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Uo_WpADB9_gC&q=Wesley+Harrington+Ketchum&pg=PA180-IA6 |title=The Story of Edgar Cayce: There Is a River – Thomas Sugrue |via= Google Books |isbn=9780876043752 |access-date=June 1, 2014|last1=Sugrue |first1=Thomas |year=1997 |publisher=A.R.E. Press }}</ref>{{sfn|Free|Wilcock|2010|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=zJH__A8xgDgC&q=Wesley+Harrington+Ketchum&pg=PA126 126]}}  Cayce found work at the H. P. Tresslar photography firm.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=161–175}}
[[File:New York Times Oct 1910 article on Edgar Cayce.gif|thumb|New York Times October 9, 1910 article on Edgar Cayce]]
In the fall of 1910, Cayce was the subject of increasing publicity for his medical readings.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nashville-banner-diagnosis-of-complex-ca/156096264/ | title=Diagnosis of Complex Cases Strong Powers Displayed by Young Man While in a Trance | newspaper=Nashville Banner | date=30 September 1910 | page=7 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-evening-times-in-hypnotic-state/156096363/ | title=In Hypnotic State Names Diseases | newspaper=Detroit Evening Times | date=4 October 1910 | page=1 }}</ref>
On October 10, 1910, Cayce was profiled by ''[[The New York Times]]'' in a story titled "Illiterate Man Becomes a Doctor When Hypnotized".<ref name="auto"/>
<blockquote>
“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.

During a visit to California last Summer Dr. W. H. Ketchum, who was attending a meeting of the National Society of Homeopathic Physicians had occasion to mention the young man's case and I was invited to discuss it at a banquet attended by about thirty-five of the doctors of the Greek letter fraternity given at Pasadena.

Ketchum made a speech of considerable length, giving an explanation of the strange psychic powers manifested by Cayce during the last four years during which time he has been more or less under his observation. This talk created such widespread interest among the 700 doctors present that one of the leading Boston medical men who heard his speech invited  Ketchum to prepare a paper as a part of the programme of the September meeting of the American Society of Clinical Research.  Ketchum sent the paper, but did not go to Boston. The paper was read by Henry E. Harpower, M.D., of Chicago, a contributor to the Journal of the American Medical Association, published in Chicago. Its presentation created a sensation, and almost before Ketchum knew that the paper had been given to the press he was deluged with letters and telegrams inquiring about the strange case. ...

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

Ketchum is not the only physician who has had opportunity to observe the workings of Mr. Cayce's subconscious mind. For nearly ten years and strange power has been known to local physicians of all the recognized schools. An explanation of the case is best understood from Ketchum's description in his paper read in Boston a few days ago, which follows:

‘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. I, being interested, immediately began to investigate, and as I was ‘from Missouri,’ I had to be shown.

‘And truly, when it comes to anything psychical, every layman is a disbeliever from the start, and most of our chosen professions will not accept anything of a psychic nature, hypnotism, mesmerism, or what not, unless vouched for by some M.D. away up in the professions and one whose orthodox standing is questioned.

‘By suggestion he becomes unconscious to pain of any sort, and, strange to say, his best work is done when he is seemingly ‘dead to the world.’

‘My subject simply lies down and folds his arms, and by auto-suggestion goes to sleep. While in this sleep, which to all intents and purposes is a natural sleep, his objective mind is completely inactive and only his subjective is working.

‘I next give him the name of my subject and the exact location of the same, and in a few minutes he begins to talk as clearly and distinctly as any one. He usually goes into minute detail in diagnosing a case, and especially if it is a very serious case.

His language is usually of the best, and his psychologic terms and description of the nervous anatomy would do credit to any professor of nervous anatomy, and there is no faltering in his speech and all his statements are clear and concise. He handles the most complex ‘jaw breakers’ with as much ease as any Boston physician, which to me is quite wonderful, in view of the fact that while in his normal state he is an illiterate man, especially along the line of medicine, surgery, or pharmacy, of which he knows nothing.'”</blockquote>

On October 20, 1910, Hopkinsville papers announced Cayce's return to town, with his father handling with the "business end of his hypnotic readings" as part of stock company that had been set up.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-hopkinsville-ken/1493258/ | title=Hopkinsville Kentuckian (Hopkinsville, Kentucky) October 22, 1910 Saturday Page 8 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=22 October 1910 | page=8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-edgar-cayce-move/1558556/ | title=Edgar Cayce moves to Hopkinsville, Kentucky. October 20, 1910 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=20 October 1910 | page=8 }}</ref> In November 1910, Cayce's photography studio was advertised in the local paper.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-hopkinsville-ken/4719488/ | title=Hopkinsville Kentuckian (Hopkinsville, Kentucky November 19, 1910 Saturday Page 7 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=19 November 1910 | page=7 }}</ref>

In 1911, press accounts told of Layne having cured Cayce by consulting Cayce's own reading while under hypnosis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com./article/the-kansas-city-post-diagnoses-cases-whi/156033445/|title=Diagnoses Cases While Hypnotized|date=January 8, 1911|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
On January 17, 1911,  Cayce and his father gave a public demonstration at a suite in Louisville's [[Seelbach Hotel]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hopkinsville-kentuckian-cayce-diagnosis/3376567/ | title=Cayce Diagnosis of January 17, 1911 | newspaper=Hopkinsville Kentuckian | date=17 January 1911 | page=3 }}</ref>  In June, a Nashville newspapers advertised Cayce's readings.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-the-tennesseannashville/3756490/ | title=The Tennessean (Nashville, Tennessee) June 26, 1911 Monday Page 8 | newspaper=The Tennessean | date=26 June 1911 | page=8 }}</ref>

In 1911, Cayce was briefly mentioned in an encyclopedia.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xgJDAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA640 |title=The Americana: A Universal Reference Library, Comprising the Arts and Sciences, Literature, History, Biography, Geography, Commerce, Etc., of the World |date=1911 |publisher=Scientific American Compiling Department |language=en}}</ref>  In 1912, Cayce and his father filed suit for $28,000 against A.D. Noe Sr. and Jr. who had been under contract to assist in the medical clairvoyant practice.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-psychic-powers-made/155713825/ | title=Psychic Powers Made Basis for $28,000 suit | newspaper=The Atlanta Journal | date=18 February 1912 | page=10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hustler-cayce-lawsuit/74454199/ | title=Cayce lawsuit | newspaper=The Hustler | date=20 February 1912 | page=7 }}</ref>
On March 28, a second child was born; the baby died on May 17.  Gertrude later became ill with tuberculosis.  According to Cayce's account, in 1912 he discovered that Ketchum had gambled with their money. As a result,  Cayce quit the company immediately and returned to the Tresslar photography firm in Selma, Alabama.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=191–210}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Nbu6DSmKLoC&pg=PA345 |title=Bulletin of Photography |date=1912 |publisher=Frank V. Chambers |language=en}}</ref>
In March 1913, papers covered a breach of contract lawsuit involving Cayce's business.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evansville-courier-and-press-occult-powe/156031279/ | title=Occult Powers Go Bankrupt - Suit for Breach of Contract Grows out of Peculiar Medical Diagnosis | newspaper=Evansville Courier and Press | date=8 March 1913 | page=1 }}</ref>

==={{anchor|1912–1923: Selma, Alabama period}}1912–1923: Selma period===
[[File:Cayce Selma AL DCP 0924.JPG|thumb|alt=See caption|Historical marker in front of the Selma building that housed Cayce's studio, where he lived and worked from 1912 to 1923]]

On July 31, 1912,  Cayce was elected as an officer of a Sunday School organization in Selma.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal/121327929/ | title=Article clipped from the Selma Times-Journal | newspaper=The Selma Times-Journal | date=31 July 1912 | page=1 }}</ref>  In February 1915, local papers reported Cayce's voice had returned after three months of silence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1915-02-23 |title=Cayce voice returns |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/knoxville-sentinel-cayce-voice-returns/156096611/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=Knoxville Sentinel |pages=9}}</ref>
On February 8, 1917, an event in New York was held supposedly receiving a telepathic message from Cayce, who was in Alabama.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c88qAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA17-PP66 | title=Moving Picture World and View Photographer | date=1917 }}</ref>  In 1920, Cayce's claims were published along with a suggestion that he would soon host Arthur Conan Doyle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2eDlAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA29 | title=Medical Standard and North American Practitioner | date=1920 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal-cayce-comments-a/14689441/ | title=Cayce Comments About Spiritualism Etc | newspaper=The Selma Times-Journal | date=23 January 1920 | page=2 }}</ref>

Cayce's increasing popularity attracted entrepreneurs who wanted to use his reported clairvoyance. Although he was reluctant to help them, he was persuaded to give readings; this left him dissatisfied with himself. A cotton merchant offered him a hundred dollars a day for readings about the cotton market but, despite his poor finances, Cayce refused the merchant's offer.<ref>{{Cite book |isbn=9780312971441 |date=February 18, 2002 |type=Paperback |language=English |editor-first1=A. Robert |editor-last1=Smith |first2=Charles Thomas |last2=Cayce |title=My Life as a Seer: The Lost Memoirs |first1=Edgar |last1=Cayce |page=403 |place=United States |publisher=[[St. Martin's Press]]}}</ref> Some people wanted to know where to hunt for treasure, and others wanted to know the outcome of horse races.{{sfn|Cayce|Cayce|2004|page=71}}

From 1920 to 1922, Cayce participated in attempts to use psychic powers to drill oil wells in San Saba, Texas.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1922-06-28 |title=Edgar Cayce: Psycic<!--sic--> Wonder |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-edgar-cayce-psycic/156316446/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Birmingham News |pages=6}}</ref> In May 1921, Texas papers announced plans for the Cayce Petroleum Company to begin drilling about six miles north of San Saba.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1921-05-30 |title=Cayce Petroleum, San Saba County |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-record-telegram-cayce-petrole/156330832/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=Fort Worth Record-Telegram |pages=2}}</ref>

In June 1922, Cayce advertised free baby picture day at his studio in Selma.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal/121393698/ | title=Article clipped from the Selma Times-Journal | newspaper=The Selma Times-Journal | date=23 June 1922 | page=2 }}</ref>  On October 10, 1922, Cayce was profiled about his medical clairvoyance.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-peculiar-gift-ha/155770304/ | title="Peculiar Gift Has Been Min Since Youth" says Mr. Cayce | newspaper=Birmingham Post-Herald | date=10 October 1922 | page=2 }}</ref> On October 18, papers reported Cayce had addressed a local writers group, covering topics like reincarnation and evolution of the soul.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-charming-program-at/156159952/ | title=Charming Program at Writer's Club Tuesday | newspaper=The Birmingham News | date=18 October 1922 | page=18 }}</ref> That month, Cayce addressed the Birmingham Theosophical Society.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-edgar-cayce-to-speak/156098426/ | title=Edgar Cayce to Speak to Local Theosophists | newspaper=The Birmingham News | date=28 October 1922 | page=3 }}</ref> In November, he gave a talk to a Birmingham women's group.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-psychology-study-clu/156031524/ | title=Psychology Study Club and Guests Hear Mr. Cayce | newspaper=The Birmingham News | date=29 November 1922 | page=14 }}</ref>  A local paper ran a statement by the "friends of Edgar Cayce" mentioning plans for a hospital in Birmingham.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-a-hospital-of-last-r/156218859/ | title=A Hospital of Last Resort Proposed by Invalids Served by Edgar Cayce | newspaper=The Birmingham News | date=21 November 1922 | page=4 }}</ref>

In September 1923 he hired Gladys Davis, who would serve as his secretary for the next two decades, transcribing his readings in [[shorthand]].{{sfn|Cerminara|1999|page=[https://archive.org/details/manymansionsedga00gina/page/19 19]}}
By October, he was associated with the "Cayce Institute of Psychic Research".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Edgar Cayce Reading 5717-0004 |url=https://archive.edgarcayce.ch/Reading%205717-0004.html |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=archive.edgarcayce.ch}}</ref>

===Arthur Lammers and Ohio period===
Arthur Lammers, a wealthy printer and student of [[metaphysics]], persuaded Cayce to give readings on philosophical subjects in 1923.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=238}} He told Cayce that in his trance state, he spoke about Lammers' past lives and [[reincarnation]] (in which Lammers believed). Reincarnation was a popular contemporary subject, but is not an accepted part of Christian doctrine. Because of this, Cayce questioned his stenographer about what he said in his trance state and remained unconvinced. He challenged Lammers' statement that he had validated [[astrology]] and reincarnation:

:Cayce: I said all that?&nbsp;... I couldn't have said all that in one reading.
:Lammers: No. But you confirmed it. You see, I have been studying metaphysics for years, and I was able by a few questions, by the facts you gave, to check what is right and what is wrong with a whole lot of the stuff I've been reading. The important thing is that the basic system which runs through all the religions, is backed up by you.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=237–238}}
Cayce's stenographer recorded the following:

:In this we see the plan of development of those individuals set upon this plane, meaning the ability to enter again into the presence of the Creator and become a full part of that creation.
:Insofar as this entity is concerned, this is the third appearance on this plane, and before this one, as the monk. We see glimpses in the life of the entity now as were shown in the monk, in this mode of living. The body is only the vehicle ever of that spirit and soul that waft through all times and ever remain the same.

Cayce was unconvinced that he had been referring to reincarnation, but Lammers believed that the reading "open[ed] up the door" and continued to share his beliefs and knowledge with him.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=240}} Lammers seemed intent upon convincing Cayce, because he felt that the reading confirmed his own strongly-held beliefs.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=241}}

Lammers asked Cayce to come to Dayton, Ohio to pursue metaphysical truth via the readings, and Cayce eventually agreed. Cayce produced considerable metaphysical information in Dayton, which he tried to reconcile with Christianity.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=234–242}}

Lammers, who wanted to determine the purpose of Cayce's clairvoyant readings, wanted to put up money for an organization supporting Cayce's healing methods. Cayce decided to accept the work, and asked his family to join him in Dayton as soon as possible. By the time the Cayce family arrived near the end of 1923, however, Lammers was in financial difficulties.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=243–264}}

At this time, Cayce directed himself to readings centered around health. The remedies reportedly channeled often involved [[electrotherapy]], ultraviolet light, diet, massage, less mental work and more relaxation. They were noticed by the [[American Medical Association]], and Cayce felt that it was time to legitimize his operations with the aid of licensed medical practitioners. He reported that in a trance in 1925, "the voice" advised him to move to [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]].{{efn-ua|"Eventually Edgar Cayce, following advice from his own readings, moved to [[Virginia Beach]], [[Virginia]], and set up a hospital."{{sfn|Van Auken|Cayce|2005}}}}

===Blumenthal as patron: 1926–1931 ===
[[File:Cayce Hospital.jpg|thumb|alt=Large white building with many steps and blue awnings|The Cayce Hospital in 2006]]
By 1925, Cayce was a professional psychic with a small staff of employees and volunteers.{{sfn|Miller|1995|page=354}} Cayce's readings increasingly had [[occult]] or esoteric themes.<ref>Sugrue 2003, ch. 20.</ref> Morton Blumenthal (who worked at the New York Stock Exchange with his trader brother) became interested in the readings, shared Cayce's outlook, and offered to finance his vision; Blumenthal bought the Cayces a house in [[Virginia Beach]].{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=267–268}}

The Association of National Investigations was incorporated in [[Virginia]] on May 6, 1927. Blumenthal was the president, and his brother and several others were vice presidents. Cayce was secretary and treasurer, and Gladys was assistant secretary. To protect against prosecution, anyone requesting a reading was required to join the association and agree that they were participating in an experiment in psychic research. Moseley Brown, head of the psychology department at [[Washington and Lee University]], became convinced of the readings and joined the association in early 1928.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=274–277}}

In August 1928, Edgar Cayce was listed as bible class teacher affiliated with the local presbyterian church.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-virginian-pilot-dr-edgar-cayce-of-f/155769934/ |title=Dr. Edgar Cayce of First Presbysterian Virginia Beach |newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot |date=18 August 1928 |page=6 }}</ref>
On October 11, 1928, the dedication ceremony of the hospital complex was held. The complex contained a lecture hall, library, vault for storage of the readings, and offices for researchers. There was also a large living room, a 12-car garage, servants' quarters, and a tennis court. It contained "the largest lawn, in fact the only lawn, between the Cavalier and Cape Henry". Its first patient was admitted the following day.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=281–285}}

The facility enabled checking and rechecking the remedies, Cayce's goal. There were consistent remedies for many illnesses (regardless of the patient), and Cayce hoped to produce a [[compendium]] for use by the medical profession. Shankar A. Bhisey, a chemist who also used "clairvoyant knowledge" to produce medicines, collaborated with Cayce to produce [[Nascent iodine (dietary supplement)|atomidine]].{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=285–288}}

The ''raison d'être'' for the cures was the "assimilation of needed properties through the digestive system, from food taken into the body&nbsp;... [All treatments, including all schools and types of treatment, were given in order to establish] the proper equilibrium of the assimilating system."{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=290–291}} Salt packs, [[poultice]]s, hot [[Dressing (medical)|compresses]], [[chromotherapy]], magnetism, vibrator treatment, massage, osteopathic manipulation, dental therapy, colonics, enemas, antiseptics, inhalants, homeopathy, essential oils, and mud baths were prescribed. Substances included oils, salts, herbs, iodine, witch hazel, magnesia, bismuth, alcohol, castoria, lactated pepsin, turpentine, charcoal, animated ash, soda, cream of tartar, aconite, laudanum, camphor, and [[Gold#Medicine|gold solution]]. These were prescribed to overcome conditions that prevented proper digestion and assimilation of needed nutrients from the prescribed diet. The aim of the readings was to produce a healthy body, removing the cause of a specific ailment. Readings would indicate if the patient's recovery was problematic.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=290–300}}

There was a months-long waiting list.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=295, 300}} Blumenthal and Brown had ambitious plans for a university dwarfing the hospital and a "parallel service for the mind and spirit", rivaling other universities in respectability. The university was scheduled to open on September 22, 1930. On September 16, Blumenthal called a meeting of the association and took over the hospital to curb expenses. He ended his support of the university after the first semester, and closed the association on February 26, 1931. Cayce removed the files of his readings from the hospital and brought them home.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=309–316}}

During the [[Great Depression in the United States|Depression]], Cayce turned his attention to spiritual teachings. In 1931, his friends and family asked him how they could become psychic. Out of this apparently-simple question came an eleven-year discourse which led to the creation of "study groups". In his altered state, Cayce relayed to the groups that the purpose of life is not to become psychic, but to become a more spiritually-aware and loving person. Study group number one was told that they could "bring light to a waiting world", and the lessons would still be studied in a hundred years. The readings were now about dreams, coincidence (synchronicity), developing intuition, the [[Akashic records]], astrology, past-life relationships, soul mates and other esoteric subjects.

===1931 non-profit (A.R.E) formed ===
On June 6, 1931, 61 people attended a meeting to carry on Cayce's work and form the [[Association for Research and Enlightenment]] (A.R.E.) In July, the new association was incorporated; Cayce returned his house to Blumenthal, and bought another.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=317–320}}  In 1931, Cayce promoted a quack medicine formulation called Atomidine or [[Nascent iodine (dietary supplement)|nascent iodine]].

People seeking a reading from Cayce were asked to join the A.R.E. This helped insulate Cayce from charges of fortune-telling, which was illegal in some U.S. states, as he was not directly charging a fee for his services but receiving a salary from the member-supported A.R.E. Apart from supporting Cayce and his staff, a major emphasis of the early A.R.E. was the encouragement of small groups devoted to spiritual study, prayer, and meditation.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

In November 1931, Cayce, wife Gertrude and secretary Gladys Davis were arrested for "pretending to tell fortunes."<ref>{{Cite web |date=1931-11-09 |title='PSYCHIC' LECTURER AND WIFE ARRESTED; Virginia Man, Known There for 'Diagnoses' While in Trance, Held as Fortune Teller. COURT RECORDS SEALED Edgar Cayce Once Headed Hospital at Virginia Beach and Was on Board of Atlantic University There. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/09/archives/psychic-lecturer-and-wife-arrested-virginia-man-known-there-for.html |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> When charges were dismissed, papers noted that Cayce's readings included tales of ancient civilizations, including Ancient Egypt, El Dorado, and Atlantis;  Cayces' readings described Bimini island as a mountaintop of Atlantis.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-cayce-acquitted-in-new/156031335/ | title=Cayce Acquitted in New York Court | newspaper=The Baltimore Sun | date=17 November 1931 | page=9 }}</ref> In February 1932, Cayce gave a public lecture on the "Lost Continent of Atlantis".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ledger-star-cayc-lectures-tonight-at-the/156031429/ | title=Cayc Lectures Tonight at the Monticello Hotel | newspaper=Ledger-Star | date=19 February 1932 | page=21 }}</ref>

The association's first annual congress was held in June 1932. Speakers discussed metaphysical and psychic subjects, and Cayce performed public readings.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=330–333}}

====Earth changes====
{{seemain|Earth Changes}}
From 1932 to 1936, Cayce predicted that the year 1936 would be a year of cataclysmic changes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o3gLAAAAIAAJ | title=Journal of American Folklore | date=1978 }}</ref><ref>Millennium Prohecies, p.104-5</ref>  In February 1933, Cayce predicted that San Francisco would be destroyed by earthquake in 1936.<ref>Thurston, Millennium Prophecies p.31</ref>{{better source needed|date=October 2024}} In April 1935, he lectured in the District of Columbia.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-star-edgar-cayce-event-ad/92754634/ | title=Edgar Cayce event ad | newspaper=Evening Star | date=6 April 1935 | page=6 }}</ref>

In 1935, they were again arrested, this time in Detroit for practicing medicine without a license; Cayce was given probation.  
<ref name="auto"/> In January 1936, Cayce gave a reading predicting the destruction of Los Angeles and San Francisco, followed by New York City.<ref>272-35; January 21, 1936</ref>  In March 1936, Cayce reported a dream:<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/profecias/esp_profecia01h4.htm | title=American Prophecy - 4 }}</ref>  
<blockquote>I had been born again in 2100 A.D. in Nebraska. The sea apparently covered all of the western part of the country, as the city where I lived was on the coast. The family name was a strange one. At an early age as a child I declared myself to be Edgar Cayce who had lived 200 years before. Scientists, men with long beads, little hair, and thick glasses, were called in to observe me. They decided to visit the places where I said I had been born, lived, and worked in Kentucky, Alabama, New York, Michigan, and Virginia. Taking me with them the group of scientists visited these places in a long, cigar-shaped metal flying ship which moved at a high speed. Water covered part of Alabama. Norfolk, Virginia, had become an immense seaport. New York had been destroyed either by war or an immense earthquake and was being rebuilt. Industries were scattered over the countryside. Most of the houses were built of glass. Many records of my work as Edgar Cayce were discovered and collected. The group returned to Nebraska, taking the records with them to study... These changes in the earth will come to pass, for the time and times and half times are at an end, and there begins those periods for the readjustments.</blockquote>

====Research library====
Cayce's son Hugh Lynn proposed that they develop a library of research into the phenomena exhibited by his father and sponsor study groups, with Cayce doing two readings a day. The association accepted this, and Hugh Lynn began publishing a monthly bulletin for association members. The bulletin contained readings on general-interest subjects, interesting cases, book reviews on psychic subjects, health hints from readings, and news about psychic phenomena in other fields.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=324–328}}

Hugh Lynn continued to build files of case histories, parallel studies in psychic phenomena, and research readings for the study groups.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=343}}

Association activities remained simple. Members raised funds for an office, library and vault, which they added to the Cayce residence in 1940–41.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=46–347}}  Association membership averaged 500 to 600, with the annual turnover about 50 percent. The other half was a solid basis for research, an audience for case studies, pamphlets, and bulletins, including the congress bulletin, which was a yearbook and record of congress events. A mailing list of several thousand served people who remained interested in Cayce's activities.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=346–347}}
  
Members were drawn from a wide variety of Christian denominations, theosophy, Christian Science, and [[Spiritualism (movement)|Spiritualism]]. A.R.E. did not oppose any religious organization.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=348–350}}
  
Both sons served in the military during [[World War II]], and both married: Hugh Lynn in 1941, and Edgar Evans in 1942.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=350}}

===1942 biography===
{{main|Thomas Joseph Sugrue#There is a River}}
[[File:There Is a River Original Book Cover circa 1942.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''There Is a River'', originally published in 1942]]
A 1942 limited edition preceded the first trade edition of the only biography written during Cayce's lifetime: [[Thomas Joseph Sugrue|Thomas Sugrue's]] ''There is a River'', published in March 1943. Interest in Cayce increased.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=355}}

; Angelic visitation
According to the book, in May 1889, while reading the Bible in his hut in the woods, a young Cayce 'saw' a woman with wings who told him that his prayers were answered, and asked him what he wanted most of all. He was frightened, but he said that most of all he wanted to help others, especially sick children.  He decided he would like to be a missionary.<ref>Sugrue 2003, pp. 41–46.</ref>

; Sleep-learning
According to the book, the next night, after a complaint from the school teacher, his father ruthlessly tested him for spelling, eventually knocking him out of his chair with exasperation.  At that point, Cayce 'heard' the voice of the lady who had appeared the day before.  She told him that if he could sleep a little 'they' could help him.  He begged for a rest and put his head on the spelling book.  When his father came back into the room and woke him up, he knew all the answers.  In fact, he could repeat anything in the book.  His father thought he had been fooling before and knocked him out of the chair again.  Eventually, Cayce used all his school books that way.<ref>Sugrue 2003, pp. 46–9.</ref>  
By 1892, the teacher regarded Cayce as his best student. On being questioned, Cayce told the teacher that he saw pictures of the pages in the books. His father became proud of this accomplishment and spread it around, resulting in Cayce becoming "different" from his peers.<ref>Sugrue 2003, p. 52.</ref>

; First self-healing
According to the book, shortly after this, Cayce exhibited an ability to diagnose in his sleep.  He was struck on the base of the spine by a ball in a school game, after which he began to act very strangely, and eventually was put to bed. He went to sleep and diagnosed the cure, which his family prepared and which cured him as he slept.<ref>Sugrue 2003, pp. 52–54.</ref>  However, this ability was not demonstrated again for several years.<ref>Sugrue 2003, p. 118.</ref>

; Voice restored
According to Sugrue's text, local hypnotist Al Layne offered to help Cayce regain his voice.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=116–120}}{{better source needed|date=September 2024}}  When Layne put Cayce into trance, Cayce communicated vocally. Cayce told Layne to give him (Cayce) a suggestion to increase blood circulation to his throat. Layne gave the suggestion; Cayce's throat reportedly turned bright red, and after 20 minutes Cayce (still in a trance) declared the treatment over. On awakening, his voice was said to have remained normal. Relapses occurred, but were reportedly corrected by Layne until the cure was eventually permanent.

Layne asked Cayce to describe Layne's ailments and suggest cures, and reportedly found the results accurate and effective. Layne considered Cayce's ability clairvoyance, and suggested that he offer his psychic diagnostic service to the public. Cayce was reluctant, since he had no idea what he was prescribing while asleep and did not know if his remedies were safe. He told Layne that he did not want to know anything about a patient, since it was not relevant. He agreed on the condition that readings would be free, and specified that if the readings ever hurt anyone, he would never do another. He began, with Layne's help, to offer free treatments to the townspeople. Layne described Cayce's method as "...{{nbsp}}a self-imposed hypnotic trance which induces clairvoyance".{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|page=123}} Reports of Cayce's work appeared in [[newspaper]]s, which prompted a number of postal inquiries.{{sfn|Cerminara|1999|page=[https://archive.org/details/manymansionsedga00gina/page/19 19]}}  Cayce said that he could work as effectively with a letter from an individual as with a person present in the room. Given a person's name and location, Cayce claimed that he could diagnose the physical and mental conditions of what he called "the entity" and provide a remedy. Cayce was still reticent and worried, because "one dead patient was all he needed to become a murderer". His fiancée agreed, and few people knew what he was doing. Hypnotic subjects were commonly believed to be susceptible to insanity or poor physical health.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=125–126}}

===Final years===
Cayce attained further national prominence in 1943 after the publication of "Miracle Man of Virginia Beach" in ''[[Coronet (magazine)|Coronet]]'' magazine.{{sfn|Miller|1995|page=354}} <!--World War II was taking its toll on American soldiers, and Cayce felt that he could not refuse families who requested help for loved ones who were missing in action. He increased the number of readings to eight per day in an attempt to reduce the ever-growing backlog of requests. Cayce said that this affected his health; it was emotionally draining, and often fatigued him. The readings themselves chided Cayce for attempting too much, saying that he should limit his workload to two life readings a day or his efforts would kill him.{{sfn|Callahan|2004|page=162}}-->

From June 1943 to June 1944, Cayce did 1,385 readings. <!--The association continued classifying and cross-referencing over 14,000 files of readings which had been taken from March 31, 1901, to September 17, 1944, and the results have been disseminated in its publications.-->{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=356–357}}

In  August 1944, Cayce  collapsed. When he took a reading on his situation, he was instructed to rest until he was well or dead. He and Gertrude went to the Virginia mountains, where he had a [[stroke]] in September.  He died on January 3, 1945, at age 67.{{sfn|Browne|Harrison|2005|page=67}} Cayce was buried in Riverside Cemetery in [[Hopkinsville, Kentucky]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12606|title=Grave of Famous Prophet Edgar Cayce |publisher=[[RoadsideAmerica|RoadsideAmerica.com]]|access-date=June 30, 2010}}</ref> His wife Gertrude died three months later.{{sfn|Sugrue|2003|pages=335–336}}