Whats the scoop on Edgar Cayce, the “Sleeping Prophet”?
Dear Straight Dope: I would appreciate some insight into the case of Edgar Casey, the “Sleeping Prophet.” Although Edgar did turn his trance sessions into a money-making venture, what I’ve read has many elements of a solid story, especially the presence of a disconnected stenographer, and several verifiable accounts of medical treatments. Does the story of Edgar Casey meet with your skeptical approval? — — Thomas Walsh, Chicago OK, first things first. Although his name was indeed pronounced “Casey,” it’s spelled “Cayce.” For those who aren’t familiar with him, here’s some background: Edgar Cayce purportedly began his psychic career when he began losing his voice at age 21 and the doctors couldn’t do anything about it. He supposedly went into some sort of hypnotic sleep, recommended a cure for himself while in this state, and got better. Since it allegedly worked for him, he began doing the same thing for other people–diagnosing and prescribing cures while in a supposedly altered slee
