Before I begin let me warn you that I am totally in love with this book. I mean I L < O < V < E (ten exclamation marks) it. That’s how much I love this book. To me this is a treasure of knowledge and eye-opening words stringed together to make sentences and paragraphs which resonated so much with me and I really, REALLY recommend this book…like REALLY!
Phew! Okay, so now that I’ve gotten that out of the way (thankfully without you having to hear me squeal with delight) I’ll get down to a review.
What is it?
The Edgar Cayce Primer : Discovering the Path to Self – Transformation by Herbert B. Puryear , Ph.D is, I would say what it’s title says – the main one. It’s an introduction or book that lays the foundations of some of Edgar Cayce’s important readings related to our life journey. Published by Bantam Book in 1982, it carries the Universal messages that much like the religious books (the Torah, the Quran, the Bible and the like) I believe, transcends time.
The back cover “snippet” says:
And now , with the guidance of Edgar Cayce, we can learn how to mine our psychic strengths for happier and healthier lives. Here are the readings of The Sleeping Prophet, condensed and simplified – the wisdom to help us make the right decisions affecting all facets of our lives. Cayce speaks out on : The sources of psychic development, Reincarnation, Karma and grace, Dreams, Meditation, Prayer, Personal health (including diet and exercise), Holistic healing, Sexuality, Spirituality, Rejuvenation, Religion, Spiritual psychology, and much more. Cayce offers us the keys to insight, enlightenment, and total fulfillment.
That is a big promise, and to me personally, it delivers what it sets out to do.
What it is, is a book that peels the layers of complexity and lays before the reader the core of the matter.
But…who was Edgar Cayce?
Edgar Cayce was one of the greatest American psychics in the 20th century. He was a simple man and he was given the gift of helping others through his readings. The reason why he is called the Sleeping Prophet is that Cayce’s readings were done in an altered state of consciousness. He was “hypnotized” by his colleague (and at a later time, his wife) and as he lay on the couch he was able to access the Superconscious plane / the collective unconscious. He initially started with doing readings for people with medical conditions called Physical readings and later he gave life readings as well as readings on subjects such as spirituality, interpretations of the Bible, astrology and other metaphysical subjects. There are a total of more than 14,000 Cayce readings that have been documented – this was his wish as he wanted all what came through him be written down, and are currently housed in the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E) , Virginia, USA. If you are interested in reading his fascinating story then this book would be a good one to read.
What do I like about this book?
For me there are two types of people. There are those that have the knowledge and understanding of a subject. They are able to do the work and can be brilliant at it. Then, there are those who not only have the knowledge and understanding, but they are able to take its complexities and break it down to a level where another can understand it as well. Herbert Puryear is one such person and he does an excellent job in breaking down the readings of Edgar Cayce into manageable and understandable information.
It is presented really well, as he takes us from the basic principles of the Edgar Cayce readings, to the use of models to explain the different concepts of the various subjects and then an elaboration of those topics. His way of interpreting the readings is awesome, using simple everyday English instead of fancy unintelligible (okay maybe not unintelligible as much as incomprehensible jargon) words that would make a person throw his hands in the air and say “I give up!”.
I loved that the information presented within the book’s 237 pages not only opens the readers eyes to understand these subjects but it also teaches you how to do or approach your own life journey.
The thing is it made complete sense to me. It was like meeting an old sage who had the patience and the gift of explaining the cobwebs of uncertainty away. It was like having someone finally cleaning the windshield of the car I was driving and suddenly the road becomes so clear.
Some favourite quotes / passages :
- From the section Universal Viewpoint (p. 217) : From these readings we may begin to see how reincarnation is not only a fact but an extremely important working concept for us in understanding ourselves, other, and our relationship to them. We may thus truly see the brotherhood of all nations, of all religions and of all people. We may come to understand that we ourselves have been perhaps Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Taoist, Christina, and Jew.The concept of reincarnation is the great leveller – it makes mankind heirs of the great persons of history.
- The Spiritual Path (p. 172) : To be on the spiritual path is to be a seeker. To be a seeker indicates that we do not have t justify our present thoughts or life style, but are rather willing to learn and encounter the possibility that we need to change. To be on the path means that we begin to guide our lives by the spirit within and not simply by rules or feeling to rejects or rebel against certain rules.
- Spiritual Healing (p. 164) : The purpose for which one wants to be healed is of the utmost importance…However, we may say that there are only two good reason why e should want to be healed. The first is our desire to change – that is, change the patterns that led to the illness – and the second is our desire to serve our God and others better.
- On Attitudes (p. 122 -123) : An attitude is literally a stance, a posture, an orientation… Therefore, our attitudes reflect more directly the nowness of our being than any other quality…First our attitudes are a matter of our own immediate choice. Second, attitudes clearly reflects our behaviour and subsequently the experiences that we undergo. And their, there can be no doubt that many of our decisions are based on attitudes held at the particular moment.
Rating and recommendation:
5 BIG stars !
I would recommend this highly for anyone that is interested in finding the answers for some of the complex questions that may arise when we delve into subjects of Karma, Reincarnation, the concept of Oneness and other subjects. I would like to caution the reader that we have to remember that the Cacye readings were done through a man who was a Christian. Therefore the information that filtered through him would have a slant towards Christianity and the readings do quote Bible passages. However, the important thing is that regardless of that, the Universal truths and the IDEALS that the readings stand for can be applied to any religious background. After all, I firmly believe there is only one God, one Source, one Divine Truth and however we wish to name him or her, all religions preach the same truths.
Related articles
- The Past Lives of Jesus Christ According to Edgar Cayce (rawlifewizard.wordpress.com)
Anita Shree Jacob's World of Writing 
so you like the book a little bit, huh? just teasing! Read ” many mansions” by Edgar Cayce. It is truly fascinating. I will have to check this out since your review is glowing.
By the way, I love how you write. Your personality oozes through the pages onto my screen and into my heart. I gotta ask, what is your astrological data? I am so curious 😀
in light, Linda
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Yes..just a little..teeheehee! I’ve read many mansions too and it had interesting information there as well!
Thank you so much for the compliment 🙂 I’ve honestly tried to write more “seriously” but it doesn’t work! I prefer just writing my post as I am at the time of writing it…if you know what I mean 🙂
Ooo of course…I’d love to know what your take is on it! Uhmm..not sure how detailed it has to be but here goes :
DOB : 25th September 1972
Place of birth : Malaysia
Time of birth : 11.05 am (+8 GMT)
😀
LOL..I so hope I read your question right! hahahahahaha. If not, my zodiac sign is Libra.
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all I really wanted was the basics but since you gave me more, can you give me the birth place. I will email you some highlights of your Western birthchart.
I would not have guessed Libra so further investigation is warrranted. I love your writing style as is 🙂
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Oh..I was right then! I gave to much information!! LOL.
My birthplace is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Really? what sign would you have thought? Now, I’m curious! hehe
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what an exotic locale, can I visit?
I will get back to you 🙂
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Of course you can! 😀 and thank you!! 🙂
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Miss Shree, is your email on your site? If not, give me your email address and I will share some astro nuggets with you. You are Libra but with lots of spice, as I suspected 🙂
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Ooo…this is going to be interestingly fabulous 😀
My email is : shree.jacob@gmail.com
Thank you so much!!!
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I do admire Cayce and so much of the information he brought through from the Askashic records. Good review Shree, its always inspiring to find a book we resonate to.
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Thank you Sindy!! The information just holds me enchanted!! 😀
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Can an enchantress be enchanted?
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Hmm…I would think Yes she can! LOL
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😀
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Your enthusiasm is catching. I am also fascinated by Cayce, especially his thoughts on astrology and the idea of planetary sojourns was mind blowing to me. Does the book mention them?
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Yes it does mention them 🙂 I like the way the author describes them too. It’s easy to follow. The book about Edgar Cayce by Thomas Sugrue actually details it a little more as well. It was interesting to read the account between Cayce and Lamers when he asks Cayce for the readings about astrology and in the process discovers the link between reincarnation and the parts the planets play in our life!
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will see if I can get my hands on it.
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Great! I’m glad you are thinking about it 😀 and if you do, please let me know what you thought of it too!
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We loved visiting the Edgar Cayce Research Center in Virginia Beach. Fascinating man. Glad you enjoyed the book.
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That must have been an awesome trip 🙂 I’m glad I decided to take the subject on him and that it was one of the books to read! 🙂
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As someone who has interacted throughout many years with the afterlife, I have always found Edgar Cayce as being very truthful and accurate in his explanations and evidence which has been backed up countless times by various other sources to reveal his teachings as truth… A must Read Book… 🙂
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That’s true Sue, I find the reading very straight forwards…you either like it or don’t! I have read 3 books based on his readings and I find there must be the thought that these are different authors’ interpretation of his readings.
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Shree. Sold.
I have to go and get this book now!
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Yay! I’m so glad 🙂 I really hope it resonates with you too 🙂 I also think you would like the explanation of dimensions and planes…;)
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You liked it! Isn’t it wonderful when you find something that speaks to you in a way that few things can? I’m glad:)
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It is!! and I did!! 😀
Thank you Elena 🙂
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Hello Shree,
I LOOVE Edgar Cayce. He is such an inspiration. I visited his center in Virginia one time, you could spend weeks just perusing their library.
I will have to find this book for sure.
Namaste,
Karen
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I hope you do Karen! I’ve read three books based on his readings and this is my favourite!!
I’m sure the library there must be fascinating!! Maybe one day I will have a chance to visit it too 🙂
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It seems like such an fascinating read and I thank you Shree for sharing it with us 🙂 and thank you for your kindness xo
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You’re welcome Anyes 🙂 And thank you for your kind comment 😀
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I really loved this post, Shree. I’m definitely going to look this up. I’ve heard of Cayce, but I’ve never read anything he wrote.
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Ooo..yay! I’m so glad 😀 The thing to remember is that Cayce gave the readings and it was transcribed verbatim…different authors have studied the readings and written books and articles on them 🙂
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Wow I love your enthusiasm, Shree!!! 🙂
Thanks a lot for sharing. Love reviews. I don’t think I’ll read it soon but at least I like to know it exists. Sometimes we just don’t know what to read and need good reviews like yours. 🙂
xxx
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Oo..thanks for the lovely comment 🙂
I honestly haven’t been as enthusiastic about a book until this one..lol. It’s find if you aren’t going to be read is soon…like you said, now you know it’s out there, if you do! 😀
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SOLD! I am totally reading that book, as it sounds just like the book I have been looking for! I was led to your blog by Linda at litebeing chronicles and I also love your writing style as it reminds me of my own. I have a hard time not writing like I would talk about something. I love the first post of yours that I have read and I think I shall love the others when I get a chance to come back! Thank you for the glowing recommendation of the book!
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Hi Psychic!! Thank you so much for dropping by and commenting 🙂 I’m so glad that you too have decided to get the book and I really hope you love it as much as!!
I tried clicking to your blog but WordPress may be pms-ing..hehe. I did manage to drop in just a few hours ago…but as was at work I couldn’t sit and enjoy your blog…will make it a weekend project thingie 😉
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I heard about Edgar Cayce a long time ago, but have never read any books about him. You’re obviously quite taken with him and his readings! I guess I’m a bit skeptical, but I do keep an open mind and I don’t have anything against him. There are a lot of things we don’t understand or can’t explain with traditional science.
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The readings are really quite awesome and would make an interesting read, just to see what it’s all about 🙂 And true there are so many, many things that we don’t understand and can’t wrap our minds around..so sometimes it just is nice to go about saying “Well, why not! It just might be possible!” hehe
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Great post! I’ve been into Cayce only for about a year, but since I discovered him It has been a really deep dive. I will have to check out this book and possibly add it to my library.
One more quick thing. I’m taking a class on editing, so I now see areas for improvement and encourage others to comment on my grammar if they feel so inclined. I hope you will not be offended, but I wanted to share with you the one thing that distracted me from your lovely post: lack of quotes around the excerpts from the book. If you do not want to use actual quotation marks, you could do something stylistic like using italics instead. The way it stands now, my teacher would say it is technically plagiarism.
I really enjoyed your post and look forward to reading many great posts in the future!
-RawLifeWizard
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Eek…well I’m glad that I mentioned in the post that this is a review of a book and I didn’t send this in for grading 😉 Thanks for the feedback.
This is a great book actually and it really is what it says. A primer…it gives you a good foundation on the basis of the Cayce readings and helps when you read the other books.
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Reblogged this on Raw Life Wizard (™).
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