Clairvoyant, psychic diagnostician, who was also known as The Sleeping Prophet. For a period of 43 years, Cayce performed some 15,000 diagnoses and prescribed treatments while in a sleeplike trance. His diagnoses were said to have been accurate in more than 90 percent of his cases. He was also able to see the human AURA, describe past lives for some clients, and predict future events. He is said to have fore¬ seen the stock market crash of 1929 and the beginning and end of World War II. Cayce spoke of the resurgence of a “lost continent,” atlantis; forecast numerous storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; he also predicted a “free and God-fearing Russia,” and the eventual democratization of China.
A man with no medical training and little formal education, Cayce began his “psychic diagnosis” at the age of 16. Working as a book salesman, he lost his voice and consequently his job. No doctor seemed able to help him so finally, with the aid of a hypnotist, Cayce pre¬ scribed his own treatment while in a hypnotic trance. He followed the treatment and his voice was restored. Successful diagnoses and treatment of his wife and son reportedly convinced Cayce further of his own mystical powers. He began to diagnose and recommend treatment for neighbors who requested it, charging little or no fee. Cayce apparently found he could visualize not only the health of subjects hundreds of miles away but also their surroundings. He was soon performing “readings” for people around the nation, often free of charge. Cayce was arrested twice: once for practicing medicine without a license and once for for- tune-telling.