I was so delighted to see that this book is now available as an e-book on Kindle. Originally published in 1950 it is the best book of the many I have read on the Edgar Cayce readings and makes a convincing case for karma and reincarnation. I had given several copies away as gifts to friends and could never understand why it was not apparently currently in print – as it's so well written and well researched and is so spiritually alive.
The presentation of karma and reincarnation places Christ at the centre of things and sees life on earth as a spiritual learning experience rather than a vale of tears to be escaped from at the earliest opportunity. Thus it has more in common with the teachings of Rudolf Steiner than with Buddhism or Hinduism.
But it does make much sense of why we are born as we are with our various talents and limitations. So the book tries to unearth and bring to the surface the deeply hidden cosmic moral laws that must govern human karma and it always seemed to me that Gina Cerminara did a very good job of this.
If the idea of karma seems to make sense to you but you wonder how and why it works, then please give this book a read as it may just answer your questions.
I was so delighted to see that this book is now available as an e-book on Kindle. Originally published in 1950 it is the best book of the many I have read on the Edgar Cayce readings and makes a convincing case for karma and reincarnation. I had given several copies away as gifts to friends and could never understand why it was not apparently currently in print – as it's so well written and well researched and is so spiritually alive.
The presentation of karma and reincarnation places Christ at the centre of things and sees life on earth as a spiritual learning experience rather than a vale of tears to be escaped from at the earliest opportunity. Thus it has more in common with the teachings of Rudolf Steiner than with Buddhism or Hinduism.
But it does make much sense of why we are born as we are with our various talents and limitations. So the book tries to unearth and bring to the surface the deeply hidden cosmic moral laws that must govern human karma and it always seemed to me that Gina Cerminara made a very good job of this.
If the idea of karma seems to make sense to you but you wonder how and why it works, then please give this book a read as it may just answer your questions.
A very enlightening & thought provoking book. It was recommended by an acquaintance who is a Buddhist even though it is written from a Christian point of view. Clairvoyancy, past lives, karma are the major themes of the book. Well written & easy to read.
The most fascinating book I have read on Edgar Cayce, so well written and put together. So much of what Edgar has said resonates, it answers so many questions that I had. Can never recommend this highly enough. Having read many spiritual books, this one stands out above all others by far.
Mr. M. Brown
Not the easiest of books to read by any means-would probably benefit from reading at least twice, however worth reading along with other books such as Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance to maybe help change your attitude to your own behaviour and faults (if you have any-ha!ha!).If you follow the instructions in the last chapter it won't do you any harm and might help improve the world.
The independently witnessed evidence by way of recorded sessions with Edgar Cayce will make any sceptic pause for thought. Use this book as a sign post on the way to appreciation of the big picture. Anyone who is 100% materialistic and does not believe in a higher being or an organised scheme to Life should read this book and pass it on to other sceptics. You owe it to yourself to at least become aware of the facts and draw your own conclusions.
Many Mansions: The Edgar Cayce Story on Reincarnation
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Many Mansions: The Edgar Cayce Story on Reincarnation
by Gina Cerminara, Hugh Lynn Cayce (Introduction)
4.31 · Rating details · 1,564 ratings · 44 reviews
...is recorded fact. Thousands of microfilms filed at the Association for Research and Enlightenment at Virginia Beach testify to Cayce's ability to diagnose, prescribe for, and cure the ills of people whose names and locations he was given, but whom he had never seen. Known as "The Miracle Man of Virginia Beach," his successes astonished medical authorities--and the world ...more
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Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages
Published October 5th 1988 by Signet (first published 1950)
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Someone please tell me from when can i get the pdf/epub/kindle of this book? Thanks
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Christie It is available on Amazon in the Kindle version now.
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Leo .
Dec 30, 2017Leo . rated it really liked it
Do some trees die off in the Winter? Do they shed their leaves and does the leaf litter Decompose and become the Earth? Does the Acorn fall from the Oak Tree and new life begins? The green shoots of new beginnings. The Composition of new cells. Does a fruit plant do the same? Are we the same? Do we come from dust and return to dust? Buried and returned to the Earth? (Heart). Whence life begins.
Or cremated and the Ashes blowing in the wind to settle and return to the Earth? Mother Earth giving Birth. Creation? To die and to be reborn. To be, or not to be? Is reincarnation real? Is it a natural universal concept? Like natures pattern? Or is it more sinister? Is it a repetitive concept? Is it, by design? Is it a nefarious structure like Humans do with animals? Rearing, controlling life for food. Do we come back because we have not fulfilled our lifetime? Are we punished and come back as a pig? A spider? A flea? To start the cycle over and and over. Was all life created? If so why? Are we here by accident? Questions, many questions and only theoretical answers.🐯👍 (less)
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Jon
Sep 07, 2009Jon rated it it was amazing
Excellent book - definitely changed my attitude towards reincarnation as a philosophy. I may have to consider myself a true believer at this point! While not always the most logically sound presentation of the concepts involved, it certainly contained enough gems for me to find it a fascinating and very insightful read. Best moment - uncovering the solution to the paradox of the importance of meaning and purpose in this life vs. the ultimate meaninglessness of existence. Really good stuff :)
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Sarah
Mar 30, 2009Sarah rated it really liked it
This book certainly broadened my perspective on past lives. The case studies end in 1945, so the view of homosexuality is odd: it's not clear if the clients of the readings, Cayce, or Cerminara considered it a problem in the current life.
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Brandon
Dec 31, 2012Brandon rated it it was ok
There is something exciting about starting a new book. And, if you know nothing about the book, there is an air of mystery attached, too. Which is probably why I never refuse to read a book that has been recommended to me by a friend. Something deep down inside says to me, "If this person you know liked it, you should totally give it a shot. You'll probably like it!" (I feel like my friends will now exploit knowing this about me and I'll be reading some ridiculous recommendations)
Many Mansions falls into this category... a book handed to me by a friend with the instructions, "Give it a shot... I'll be curious to hear what you think."
Let me be entirely forthcoming. I didn't finish the book. Something I rarely let happen.
Before I explain why I set down the book, let me explain the general premise. The author of this book has combed over countless records of Edgar Cayce's experiences in helping people understand their previous lives. Yep, reincarnation. Through case studies, each chapter expounds on how certain traits from previous lives will impact the life you're living.
Now, my reason for abandoning this book: It was simply asking too much of me. The book is built on a foundation of beliefs and assumptions that I simply do not (and probably can not) believe, and therefore as I read page after page I could assign very little validity to the arguments the author was making. A short list of offenses: reincarnation, the lost city of Atlantis, karma, mentalism. Would I like to believe in these things? Eh, maybe. Sometimes I feel like karma is playing out in the lives around me, but I do not feel like karma - or any of these beliefs - are as scientifically quantifiable as the author professes them to be. Does this make me closed minded and unwilling to open myself up to new beliefs? I hope not, but the argument could be made. I'm sure this opens me up to criticism of my own religion and beliefs... but that'll have to wait for another time.
The book still gets a couple of stars from me in the rating. Primarily because it is a well-written book. The author is no dummy... there are a tremendous number of case studies here, and cataloging them to find patterns and conclusions is a daunting task. So, she gets credit for the work put forth to reach her conclusions. (less)
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Chris
Jan 19, 2009Chris rated it it was amazing
A really amazing book. I am one to be subject to the more hocus pocusy sorts of things, but this book takes a very open mindedly scientific approach. Many of the more unexplainable, or seemingly inconsistent, things in my life have finally been set to order for me and has now put me on my way to seeking out testing this new theory on spirituality presented in the book. I get sort of annoyed with myself while explaining this because continually referring back to "that book" feels cultish to me, hence the hope to get beyond using that as reference.
Either way, if you're looking for something that will make sense to get at spiritual questions that have been nagging you, I would highly recommend giving this book a shot. (less)
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Mtejeda
Feb 04, 2013Mtejeda rated it it was amazing
I read this when it was first published in the late 1960's and still remember being absolutely stunned. I can actually see myself reading as I walked down the street in San Francisco where I was working as a legal secretary, completely absorbed in the book and paying no attention to the visceral world around me. I had a profound influence on my thinking and understanding of spirituality. I think it may be time to read it again...
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Michael
Aug 12, 2008Michael rated it really liked it
As the consummate skeptic, I still have a hard time with reincarnation. No question, it answers so many questions and fills in the blanks of so many inequities and theodicies so visible in life. If your cosmology is in a state of flux, try this on for size. It certainly isn't the whole story, but it helps.
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Adele
Jan 31, 2011Adele rated it really liked it
Anything about Edgar Cayce is good for the soul. I liked this book in particular because it is about reincarnation and how it fits into Christianity.
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Asha Mohun
Jan 05, 2016Asha Mohun rated it liked it
An interesting book with Edgar Cayce's (an American fortune teller lived during 19th century) case studies on reincarnation, lost city of Atlantis and many more.
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Daniel Rickenbach
Feb 25, 2017Daniel Rickenbach rated it it was ok
Too metaphysical for my liking...interesting stories are presented. Since I never met Edgar Cayce personally I cannot judge his character. It seems that he had a heart for and a genuine interest in doing much good in life and was able to help many people. I think that we cannot expect all people in all times to be helped in the same way.
Maybe this was a work for a specific time in human evolution.
Mystery is intriguing. I did find myself wondering how the seekers really ended up feeling about their over all experiences. It's one thing to be given hope, but another thing to actually experience real, postitive change in one's life. It concerns me that previous lives, which I tried and still try to have an open mind to are used in more than strictly metaphoric purposes.
It is hard for me to accept that today I'm struggling through an issue because of some previous, pre-existing issue that needs solving from a lifetime that I'm burdened with today. I choose to be born into this current life seems to be a very subjective idea. Maybe some find this analogy helpful, but to me it makes me feel stranded....wondering almost if there is something to the idea of "fated".
I think all humans have a unique opportunity, at least in their individual existing lives to create the kind of person they'd like to be or they'd like to become...I also wonder if life is about learning to explore, discover, and embrace our unique human freedom to be who we are. I'd like to know that life has purpose, but wonder at the safety of such certainty of "I have a purpose." Sartre's philosophical maxim seems to apply: "damned to be free" There is responsibility embedded in this kind of freedom. I'm not sure I see freedom of personal self-actualization emerging in Cayce's Reincarnation views.
I have at least a working knowledge, at least through the eyes of Gina Cerminara of Cayce's work and the good that he did. I find that his concepts of the hypnotic state are intriguing, though I don't know if any of these subjective experiences might be useful from a scientific research point. At a minimum his work and views do resonate with some segments of the population, and if they find themselves helped then I cannot criticize too harshly. (less)
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Saiisha
Mar 03, 2016Saiisha rated it really liked it
Shelves: self-help, reviewed, spiritual
This was a well-researched, well-written book about Edgar Cayce's beliefs about karma and reincarnation, cases of healings through past life prognoses, and fantastic prophesies as a clairvoyant. Gina Cerminara does him great credit by taking the reader on a journey starting with Edgar's original beliefs as a Christian, but having to slowly change and acknowledge his new beliefs as he discovers his gifts as a medical clairvoyant. There are probably several hundred cases and examples discussed in several chapters about karma, reincarnation, mentalism, etc. which are all fascinating backstories to the topics themselves.
These are topics that I'm very familiar with in my own background as well as my work as a soulistic life coach (www.NestInTheForest.com), however I only give the book 4 stars because of a couple of nags:
1. The author's personal conjecture that Indians use the karma theory as an excuse for being "passive, lethargic and fatalistic." This might seem like a minor comment, but it shows me that despite the topics of karma and reincarnation that she covers in this book, she doesn't understand Indian spirituality if she deems it as passive, lethargic and fatalistic.
2. As thoroughly researched, cataloged and described as the cases are, I felt that the language was dry and detached.
I recommend the book to anyone who's interested in learning more about Edgar Cayce, and a deeper dive into past lives, karma and reincarnation.
If you've enjoyed this review, consider joining my Old Souls Book Club (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...) for more recommendations and lively conversations about such topics! (less)
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Julie
Jun 10, 2009Julie rated it it was amazing
Shelves: non-fiction, reincarnation, spiritual-religous-mythology
I have read about Edgar Cayce over the years, but this book delves into areas i didn't know much about; Cayce's 'life readings' which dealt with past-life experiences, karma, and healing.
Although I did not agree with all of the thoughts set forth in this book (e.g. the karmic cause of epilepsy, Hinduism as it relates to Cayce's idea of Karma), i did read some interesting things about Cayce and how he conducted his life readings.
Albeit - this book does have some deep christian belief's embedded in it, but all in all a good read and a thought provoking study of a fascinating man. (less)
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Beth
Mar 08, 2010Beth rated it liked it · review of another edition
I knew that Edgar Cayce was considered one of the best psychics of his time, but what I learned by reading this book is that he also gave people readings about past lives. Cayce, himself, was raised a Christian, so it took him quite a while before he believed in reincarnation. It read more like a text book at times, but it was very interesting. It seemed as though every time I came up with a question about the subject, within the next chapter or so, my question would be addressed and answered. V ...more
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Niva
Jun 02, 2008Niva rated it really liked it
The book discusses reincarnation, based on the many case readinds of Edgar Cayce, and its impplications to philosophy and religious beliefs. Why are we here? Why do we have the circumstances of life that we have or why do we have the kind of illness or personality that we have? It talks about karma as being redistributive justice or continuing process towards perfection.
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Mercy
Apr 12, 2009Mercy rated it liked it
This book broadened my perspective on past lives. I have always believed in reincarnation but this book gets in deeper and really puts it into perspective. I definetly recommend this book. I also recommend the book Soul Mates book by Kevin J Todeschi. Its written off Edgar Cayce's work whom I consider brilliant.
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Diana
May 31, 2012Diana rated it it was amazing
This book is about Edgar Cayce and his readings on reincarnation. I first read this book more than 35 years ago. Here is a simple man who had extraordinary abilities. The topics addressed in this book are relevant today and provide alternate viewpoints on issues affecting society. Very, very interesting.
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Jan
Jun 05, 2017Jan rated it it was ok
Very interesting at the beginning, after some 20% of its contents the book becomes monotonous an, quite frankly, boring with hundreds of cases that you eventually lose track of... Pity as I had quite high hopes for that one... Will have to find a new one...
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jasmine
Feb 14, 2007jasmine rated it really liked it
Recommends it for: interested in reincarnation
very interesting theory....really enjoy this book and often return to it
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Daniel Hernandez
Apr 08, 2008Daniel Hernandez rated it it was amazing
This book is a treasure for believers of reincarnation.
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Candace
Sep 01, 2009Candace rated it really liked it
It is documentation on channelled readings on reincarnation and karma. A very interesting read with lots of food for thought.
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Teressa
Jul 15, 2010Teressa rated it liked it
Definitely fascinating. This is a fact based "research" type of book, so it's a little dry and detailed. Not a fast paced ready by an means, but there's no denying Edgar Cayce was a phenomenon.
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Islin Munisteri
Feb 12, 2011Islin Munisteri rated it it was amazing
I first read it in middle and it still has many recurrent themes, particularly the chapter on isolation and past emotional states and previous lives.
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Maria P
Aug 20, 2012Maria P rated it it was amazing
Very interesting book unlike the other book of edgar cayce I read are not so much irrelevant.
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AimeeWrites
Jan 10, 2013AimeeWrites rated it really liked it
Dated...very, very dated...but fascinating.
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Cynthia
Jun 05, 2013Cynthia rated it it was amazing
AWESOME
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Linda Anderson
Jan 29, 2016Linda Anderson rated it it was amazing
This book is amazing! All I have to say is...I need a life reading...I wonder if Edgar Cayce has reincarnated yet..,
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Priyanka
Mar 02, 2018Priyanka rated it it was amazing
Raised a Hindu, I have very early on accepted and deeply believe in reincarnation. To be provided validation for the same, was cherry on the cake. I often wondered about nature of Karma; why is it unfair and how it really works. This book gave me the answers. It helped erase lot of ambiguity and fear fed to me by religion. I'm grateful to have found this book at this point in my life.
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