Imagine having a computer system that kept track of every event, thought, image, or desire that had ever transpired in the earth. Imagine, as well, that rather than simply a compilation of written data and words, this system contained countless videotape film and pictures, providing the viewer with an eyewitness account of all that had ever happened within any historical time frame. Finally, imagine that this enormous database not only kept track of the information from an objective perspective but also maintained the perspectives and emotions of every individual involved.

As incredible as it may sound, this description gives a fairly accurate representation of the Akashic Records.

Edgar Cayce: A Master at Reading the Akashic Records

Edgar Cayce, who has been called the most documented psychic of all time as well as a 20th-century mystic, helped thousands of people through the use of his remarkable intuitive ability. For over 40 years, Cayce gave readings, or psychic dissertations, using the Akashic Records as his primary resource material. Cayce’s essential talent was his ability to access and describe information from these records, information which would enable a person to discover everything from their essential purpose in life to the root cause of a long-standing problem. It was a resource of information, Cayce claimed, which was available to everyone.

In an effort to describe how this was feasible, Cayce stated that it was not only possible for individuals to attune to the Akashic Records but that it was something that occurred frequently. Although the records were not physical in nature, an individual in attunement could “hear,” “read,” and “experience” the information nonetheless. In order to illustrate what an individual might perceive while viewing this information, Cayce told an 18-year-old girl that the Akashic Records of the mental world might be compared to a movie theater of the physical world (reading 275-19). This movie could be replayed in an effort to understand what had occurred in an individual's experience in any period, at any time, or while in any place in history. Also within this data was a record of lessons learned, opportunities lost, faults acquired, and experiences gained. In addition, although an individual’s actions could be misinterpreted or misconstrued in the physical world, the Akashic Records maintained an objective record of a person’s “real life” because it reported his or her true intent.

In 1934, while giving a reading to a 28-year-old freight agent (reading 416-2), Cayce tried to define these records further. Not only did he discuss what the Akashic Records were, but he explained how they were written, and clarified how an individual could gain access to the information. Apparently, any type of endeavor—whether action, thought, desire, or deed—creates some kind of activity of vibration. This vibration produces a mark upon (what Cayce called) the skein of space and time and is somehow permanently identified with the individual responsible. Although unseen, it is an etheric energy that is as evident to a sensitive as the printed word is to a sighted person:

When there is the thought or the activity of the body in any particular environ, this very activity makes for the impressions upon the soul...As to the records made by such an activity, these are written upon what is known as time or space; much in the form or manner as are the messages that are of a familiar nature to the body in its present activity. As the instruments of recording are used, so does the activity of ENERGY expended leave its imprint upon the etheric wave that records between time and space that DESIRED to be put, as to that impelling or producing. Just as the figures or characters make for communications between individuals, so does the soul upon the pages or records of time and space. (Reading 416-2)

The Trick to Reading the Records

Complicating our ability to understand and work with these records, however, Cayce explained to his wife, Gertrude, in reading 538-32 that it was very possible for anyone attempting to read the records (a psychic, a sensitive individual, the entity themselves, etc.) to misinterpret the information. Apparently, perceiving the Akashic database is unavoidably shaded by the mental experience and background of the person reading the information UNLESS their intent is totally selfless and desirous of being of help. In other words, two individuals could acquire very different interpretations from the very same records because of their own belief systems, backgrounds, experiences, and personal motives.

During the course of a reading given to a 38-year-old physician, the subjective nature of the Akashic Records was explained as follows:

Hence the interpretations of these may vary somewhat, dependent upon what phases the approach is made. In the same manner that in material experiences entities, viewing an event or happening, are prompted to give THEIR version according to the reaction upon their ideal—and upon those promptings of the purpose of the individual so viewing same. (Reading 1448-2)

The same person was told that every experience encountered in an individual’s life could leave a good or a bad impression upon these Akashic Records. Apparently each occurrence in life has the capacity to be a constructive or a destructive influence, based upon what an individual does with that experience. Different choices will leave very different impressions upon the records.

What Is the Purpose of the Akashic Records?

Since these records are so complete, so accurate, and so individualized, a logical question might be: just what is the purpose of the Akashic Records in the first place? Simply put, the answer has to do with keeping track of and assisting with each soul’s personal growth and transformation. However, in order to adequately discuss and understand Cayce's perception of these records, one needs to possess an adequate background in—what might be termed—“the Cayce Cosmology.” Essentially, that cosmology might be simply summed up in the statement: “God is essentially love and the Universe is completely orderly.” Beyond that concept is the premise that each individual was purposefully created, as a soul, to become a companion with the Creator.

Confirming scripture, according to the Cayce readings, we were created in “God's image” (Genesis 1:26) and therefore our natural state is spirit. Life did not begin at the moment of physical birth, rather there was an existence in spirit prior to physicality. God gave to each soul complete freedom of choice and the opportunity to find expression—to find themselves so to speak. Because souls were created in God's image, it would only be through a process of personal experiences—one choice leading to another, and then another, and then another—that God's companions could gain their own individuality, truly being a part of Him and yet individuals in their own right. Once they had discovered their individuality they would once again return in consciousness to be His companions and cocreators.

From Cayce’s perspective, although we are currently having a physical experience, our bodies are simply a temporal home. Just as an automobile is discarded when the owner no longer finds it useful, so too are our bodies set aside when they have completed their function. We are not physical bodies with souls, but are rather spiritual beings who happen to be having a physical existence. If this is true and we are fundamentally spirituals beings, then we might ask, “So, just what are we doing here?” The answer proposed by the Cayce information is that we are essentially gathering experiences.

According to the readings, the soul, basically creative in nature, longs to find self-expression. In fact, the essential question repeatedly posed by the soul might be, “Who Am I?” This question is addressed in infinite ways as each soul chooses specific experiences to meet itself. The soul gains firsthand knowledge not only about its own identity but also learns how choices made lead to certain experiences. In time, soul experiences and acquired knowledge will lead to wisdom. Inevitably, wisdom will lead to compassion and eventually love will be the end result. At this point, the soul will know its individual identity as well as its true relationship with God. The soul will have come to understand that it's primary essence and God's are one and the same, love.