Edgar Cayce (1877–1945), known as the “Sleeping Prophet,” produced over 14,000 documented psychic readings from a self-induced trance state. Among the most well-known portions of this corpus are his discourses on reincarnation and karma, which he described as “a law” — the spiritual law of cause and effect operating across lifetimes.

The Source of Cayce’s Information

From trance, Cayce explained that his information came from two sources: the subconscious mind of the inquirer and the “Universal Consciousness” — an infinite mind that records all thoughts and actions. He correlated this with the Hindu concept of the Akashic Record, an ethereal, fourth-dimensional record of every thought, action, and event. He also accessed the “Book of Life” or “God’s Book of Remembrance.”

Core Teachings on Reincarnation

Cayce taught that:

  • The soul is created by God and individual, eternal, and on a journey of development.
  • The soul incarnates many times, each time in a body suited to its needs and circumstances.
  • Reincarnation is purposeful — not mere repetition, but an opportunity for learning, service, and spiritual growth.
  • Between lives, the soul experiences the “intermission” state, reviewing its past life and planning the next.

Planetary Sojourns

A distinctive feature of Cayce’s readings is the concept of “planetary sojourns” — the soul’s experience on other planets or dimensions between incarnations on Earth. These sojourns affect the soul’s development in ways that complement earthly experience. Cayce described Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Mars as having particular spiritual influences.

Karma: Law and Grace

Cayce’s teaching on karma emphasizes both strict law and the possibility of transcendence:

  • “What you sow, you shall reap” — karma operates with precision.
  • Karma can be met and transformed — through service, prayer, forgiveness, and right action.
  • Grace — the free gift of God’s love — can override karmic necessity, much as in Christian theology.
  • “From karma to grace” — Cayce’s readings encourage moving from a mechanistic understanding of cause and effect to a relational one rooted in divine love.

Practical Guidance

The readings offered practical advice for meeting karma:

  • Recognize karmic patterns in present difficulties.
  • Meet karma with patience, forgiveness, and service.
  • Do not merely passively accept suffering — actively transform it.
  • Use the will (creatio continua) to choose right action.
  • Cultivate prayer, meditation, and the study of spiritual law.

Relationship to Christian Tradition

Cayce, a lifelong Sunday school teacher, saw no conflict between reincarnation and Christianity. He interpreted passages like “In my Father’s house are many mansions” and references to Elijah’s return as supportive of rebirth. This integration of Christian faith and reincarnation made his readings appealing to many Western seekers who felt alienated from traditional Christian teachings about a single lifetime.

The Cayce Legacy

The Cayce readings have influenced millions of people through the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), continuing to inspire interest in reincarnation, holistic healing, dream interpretation, and spiritual growth.