Cayce Readings Archive — Edgar

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the archive is the 2,500+ references to reincarnation. Cayce would routinely describe a patient’s present-day illness as a karmic echo of a past life in Atlantis, Ancient Egypt, or the Holy Land. For researchers, these "life readings" are a treasure trove of comparative mythology and psychological mapping.

For over half a century after his death in 1945, the Edgar Cayce readings were guarded like state secrets, accessible only to A.R.E. members who swore oaths of confidentiality. Today, that is gone.

The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is one of the most democratized spiritual resources on the planet. Whether you are a historian documenting 20th-century mysticism, a therapist looking for alternative healing modalities, or a lost soul searching for meaning, the 14,000 documents are waiting for you.

Your next step is simple: Open your browser. Type in edgarcayce.org/readings. Enter a search term that burns in your heart—"karma," "healing," "dreams," "purpose"—and press enter.

The Sleeping Prophet spoke. The stenographers recorded. The archivists preserved. Now, the question is: What will you do with what you find?


Have you explored the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive? Share your most surprising discovery in the comments below. For deeper dives, visit the official A.R.E. library in Virginia Beach or explore their digital membership program.

The Living Legacy: Navigating the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive

Edgar Cayce, famously known as the "Sleeping Prophet," remains one of the most documented psychics of the 20th century. Between 1901 and 1944, Cayce gave over 14,000 "readings" while in a self-induced hypnotic trance. Today, the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive serves as a massive repository of spiritual, medical, and historical insights that continue to influence alternative medicine and New Age philosophy. What is the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive?

The archive is a digitized and physical collection of the verbatim transcripts from Cayce’s sessions. Managed by the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach, this database is meticulously indexed by subject matter.

Unlike many psychic predictions that focus on sensational world events, the bulk of Cayce's archive is remarkably practical. It is categorized primarily into:

Physical Readings: Focusing on holistic health, diet, and the root causes of illness.

Life Readings: Addressing past lives, vocational advice, and personality traits.

Spiritual and Philosophical Readings: Covering the nature of the soul, meditation, and "The Search for God." The Power of Holistic Health

The most sought-after section of the archive is the health database. Long before "holistic" became a buzzword, Cayce’s readings emphasized the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Researchers and enthusiasts often dive into the archive to find Cayce’s specific recommendations for ailments ranging from psoriasis to arthritis. Common themes include the importance of alkaline-forming diets, the therapeutic use of castor oil packs, and the necessity of spinal adjustments. The archive doesn't just list symptoms; it provides a blueprint for "attuning" the body to its natural state of health. Exploring Akasha and Reincarnation

For those interested in the metaphysical, the Life Readings offer a fascinating look at the concept of the "Akashic Records"—a celestial "library" of every soul’s history. Cayce claimed to access these records to explain his clients' current life challenges through the lens of past-life experiences.

The archive allows users to see patterns in human behavior, suggesting that our current talents and fears are often "karmic" carryovers. This section has turned the archive into a cornerstone for modern reincarnation research. How to Access the Archive

While the physical transcripts are housed at the A.R.E. headquarters, the most efficient way to explore the material is through the online member database.

Searchability: Users can search by keyword, reading number, or specific ailment.

Circulating Files: The archive also includes "Circulating Files," which are curated collections of readings on a single topic (e.g., "Dreams" or "The Essenes").

Cross-Referencing: Modern researchers use the archive to compare Cayce’s 100-year-old advice with contemporary medical findings, often finding surprising parallels. Why It Matters Today

The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is more than a historical curiosity. It is a "living" archive because the information is still being tested and applied. In an era of burnout and chronic illness, Cayce’s message—that "Spirit is the life, Mind is the builder, and the Physical is the result"—feels more relevant than ever.

Whether you are a historian, a spiritual seeker, or someone looking for alternative health solutions, the archive offers a lifetime of study. It remains a testament to the idea that there is more to the human experience than what meets the eye.

The room in Virginia Beach is quiet, save for the rhythmic scratch of a nib on paper. It is a scene replayed over fourteen thousand times in the early twentieth century: a man lies on a couch, eyes closed, limbs slack, entering a self-induced trance that defied the medical and spiritual conventions of his time. When the voice speaks, it is Edgar Cayce, yet it is not. It is the "Source," the "Sleeping Prophet," accessing what he termed the Akashic Records—the cosmic library of all existence.

To enter the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is not merely to research a historical figure; it is to step into the operating theater of the soul. It is a vast, disorienting, and profoundly human repository of 14,000 documents that straddle the impossible divide between the mystical and the pragmatic.

The archive is a paradox. On one hand, it is a time capsule of antique ailments and archaic remedies. We read of poultices, castor oil, and atomic iodine. We see the desperate letters of the infirm from the 1920s and 30s—mothers begging for their crippled children, businessmen seeking cures for "nervous conditions." But to view the archive solely as a repository of holistic medical advice is to miss the tectonic shift occurring beneath the text.

When Cayce turned his gaze inward, he did not just see physical bodies; he saw history echoing through the bloodstream. The archive deepens when the "Physical Readings" give way to the "Life Readings." Here, the scope expands from the microscopic to the galactic. The entity speaking through Cayce describes the migration of souls, the rise and fall of Atlantis, and the slow, grinding wheel of reincarnation. A man asking for help with his arthritis in 1934 might be told that his stiffness is a karmic residue of a life lived in rigid selfishness in ancient Persia.

This is where the archive finds its true weight. It forces a radical recontextualization of pain. In the modern view, suffering is often random, a biological lottery. In the Cayce readings, suffering is a curriculum. The archive suggests that the body is a mirror, reflecting the unseen contours of the spirit. It posits a universe where the physical and the metaphysical are not neighbors, but lovers—entangled in a dance of cause and effect.

There is a lonely, majestic quality to the readings. They were given one by one, for specific individuals, yet they were meant for the collective. The archive reads like a fragmented gospel, pieced together from the private whispers of the universe to the forgotten many. It challenges the scholar to look at the intent of the information. The Source rarely offered miracles; it offered cooperation. “You are not a body with a soul,” the readings imply, “you are a soul with a body.” The advice was almost always an invitation to participation: change your diet, yes, but change your attitude; alter your environment, but alter your ideals.

The deep resonance of the archive lies in its modernity. Decades before the term "holistic health" entered the lexicon, Cayce was linking gut health to mental stability, advising on the electrical vibrations of the body, and warning of the spiritual cost of materialism. He mapped an ecology of consciousness that science is only now beginning to brush against with studies on the microbiome and the psychosomatic roots of disease.

However, to truly honor the depth of the archive, one must acknowledge the shadow it casts. It is a daunting body of work because it demands responsibility. It removes the safety net of victimhood. If the readings are to be believed, we are the architects of our own suffering and the engineers of our own salvation. The archive is a mirror that reflects not just our past lives, but our present potential.

Ultimately, the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is a testament to the hunger of the human spirit to know itself. It stands as a monolithic effort to bridge the chasm between the finite and the infinite. It remains a document of hope—not the cheap hope of a miracle cure, but the sturdy, difficult hope that we are not adrift in a meaningless void, but are active participants in a grand, unfolding story written in the ether, waiting only for us to wake up and read it.

The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is a collection of more than 14,000 documented psychic readings given by the "Sleeping Prophet" during his lifetime (1877–1945). Delivered while in a trance-like state, these readings cover a vast range of topics including holistic health, ancient civilizations, and spiritual growth. The Core of the Archive

Health & Wellness: Cayce's "physical readings" often focused on holistic healing, emphasizing diet—specifically alkaline-forming vegetables and fruits—and the belief that "Music is the medicine of the future".

Spirituality & Philosophy: Many readings explore meditation, soul development, and "Christ consciousness". edgar cayce readings archive

Historical Mysteries: The archive includes significant volumes on the lost continent of Atlantis and the spiritual history of ancient Egypt. How to Access the Archive

The physical archive is maintained by the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach, VA. Digital and printed versions are available through various platforms:

The Internet Archive: Offers numerous volumes for free borrowing and streaming, covering specific topics like astrology, dreams, and daily living.

A.R.E. Member Portal: The official A.R.E. website provides members with a searchable database of the complete readings.

Retailers: Comprehensive collections like The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings can be found at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

If you'd like to look into a specific topic within the readings, such as his predictions for the future or his specific herbal remedies, let me know! The Edgar Cayce readings - Internet Archive

The Edgar Cayce readings archive represents one of the largest and most fascinating collections of psychic data in the world. Between 1901 and 1944, a man named Edgar Cayce—often called "The Sleeping Prophet"—gave over 14,000 documented readings while in a self-induced trance state. These transcripts form the backbone of modern holistic health and New Age philosophy.

What follows is an exploration of what the archive contains, how it is organized, and why it continues to influence millions of people today. The Anatomy of the Archive

The official archive is maintained by the Association for Enlightenment and Research (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach. Each reading is meticulously cataloged with a dual-number system (e.g., 262-1). The first number represents the individual or group who requested the reading, and the second number indicates the sequence of the session. The archive is generally categorized into four pillars:

Physical Readings: These make up the bulk of the archive. Cayce provided thousands of "check-ups" for individuals, prescribing everything from diet changes and castor oil packs to spinal adjustments and specific herbal remedies.

Life Readings: These sessions focused on the "soul's journey," introducing concepts of reincarnation and karma to Western audiences. They often described past lives in ancient civilizations like Atlantis or Egypt.

World Affairs and Prophecy: These readings dealt with global shifts, geological changes, and the future of humanity.

Philosophical and Spiritual Development: This section contains the "Search for God" material, providing a framework for meditation and personal growth. Accessing the Readings

In the past, researchers had to travel to Virginia Beach to comb through physical files. Today, the edgar cayce readings archive is highly accessible through digital means.

Members of the A.R.E. have access to a searchable online database. This allows users to filter by keyword, date, or subject matter. If you are looking for Cayce’s stance on "psoriasis" or "the Hall of Records," the database can pull every relevant mention instantly. For those who aren't members, many of the most famous readings are summarized in books or available in public-facing extracts on the A.R.E. website. The Legacy of Holistic Health

Perhaps the most significant impact of the archive is its contribution to alternative medicine. Long before "holistic" was a buzzword, the Cayce readings emphasized the connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Common themes found in the health readings include: The importance of an alkaline-reacting diet. The necessity of proper elimination and circulation.

The belief that "Mind is the Builder," suggesting that thoughts directly influence physical health. The Validity of the Records

The archive is unique because it includes "follow-up" reports. Cayce’s secretaries often wrote to the individuals who received readings to ask if the advice worked. These reports are stored alongside the readings, providing a rare level of transparency. While not every reading was a success, the sheer volume of positive testimonials is what has kept the archive relevant for over a century.

Whether you approach the material as a spiritual seeker, a historian, or a health enthusiast, the Edgar Cayce readings archive remains a massive, untapped well of insight into the human condition. It serves as a bridge between the clinical and the mystical, offering a roadmap for those looking to understand their place in the universe.

Diving into the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive: A Guide to the Sleeping Prophet’s Legacy

The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is one of the most extensive records of psychic phenomena in the world, containing over 14,000 documented readings. Whether you are a long-time student of the "Sleeping Prophet" or a curious newcomer, the archive held by the Edgar Cayce Foundation offers a deep dive into health, ancient civilizations, and spiritual growth. What’s Inside the Archive?

The archive is more than just paper transcripts. It is a massive collection of records preserved for their continuing historical and spiritual value.

The Readings: Verbatim transcripts of Cayce’s trance sessions, originally recorded in shorthand by his stenographer, Gladys Davis.

Physical Artifacts: The collection includes unusual items like X-rays, plant samples, and even locks of hair related to specific health cases.

Personal Papers: Correspondence, family records, and organizational files from the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.). Core Categories of the Readings

The Edgar Cayce readings on Internet Archive are often organized by volume and topic to help researchers navigate the vast amount of information:

Health & Wellness: Over 9,000 readings focus on holistic health, diet, and drugless therapy.

Ancient Civilizations: Famous readings on the lost city of Atlantis and the history of Ancient Egypt.

Spiritual Growth: Topics include reincarnation, karma, meditation, and "Christ consciousness".

The "Black Book": A renowned A-Z guide often used to quickly find Cayce’s insights on universal consciousness. How to Access and Research You can explore these records both digitally and in person: The Edgar Cayce readings - Internet Archive


The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is not a dusty relic of the spiritualist movement. It is a living, breathing experiment in the nature of consciousness. For the holistic healer, it is a formulary of forgotten remedies. For the philosopher, it is a map of soul evolution. For the skeptic, it is a challenging puzzle—a man who could diagnose an illness while asleep, yet couldn’t pass a high school history test while awake.

Whether you are searching for a cure for a chronic ailment, a dream interpretation that changes your life, or simply proof that reality is stranger than we suppose, the archive awaits. It is open to anyone with intellectual curiosity and a stable internet connection.

As Edgar Cayce himself famously said (Reading 3744-1): “In the mind is the pattern. In the application is the result.” The archive provides the pattern. Your application provides the result.


Ready to explore? Start your journey at the official A.R.E. website or visit the Edgar Cayce Readings Online database. Type in a question that matters to you—and listen to what the Sleeping Prophet had to say. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the archive

This report provides an overview of the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive

, a comprehensive digital and physical collection of the psychic readings given by Edgar Cayce (1877–1945), known as the "sleeping prophet". 1. Overview of the Archive Total Readings:

The archive contains 14,306 documented psychic readings given between 1901 and 1945.

These readings cover a massive array of topics, including physical health, reincarnation, meditation, dreams, and spiritual growth. Archivist:

The readings were meticulously recorded and preserved by Cayce's secretary, Gladys Davis Turner, to maintain privacy and organization. Ownership: The complete archive is curated and managed by the Edgar Cayce Foundation (ECF) 2. Main Content Categories

The readings in the archive are broadly categorized into two types: Probe Ministries Health Readings:

Psychic diagnoses of physical ailments, providing recommendations for holistic treatments. Life Readings:

Answers to personal, religious, philosophical, and spiritual questions, often dealing with past lives and personal karma. Probe Ministries Core Topics Covered: Holistic Health:

Over 9,000 readings address physical health issues, including detailed remedies (e.g., castor oil packs, diet, and spinal adjustments). Reincarnation & Karma:

Studies on the soul's development, past lives, and life purpose. Ancient Mysteries:

Extensive information about Atlantis, ancient Egypt, and the Hall of Records. Dreams & Psychic Awareness:

Techniques for interpreting dreams and developing intuition. Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. 3. Archive Structure and Access Organization:

Readings are numbered chronologically, though a 1959 indexing system randomized numbers to protect the privacy of recipients. Circulating Files (CFs):

Topical, organized sets of verbatim readings (e.g., "Arthritis," "Meditation") available to members and non-members. Research Bulletins (RBs):

Statistical analyses of specific health conditions as recommended by Cayce, useful for researchers. Accessing the Archive: Online Membership:

The complete, searchable, and verified text of the readings is available through the

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment) website Physical Library: A.R.E. Library in Virginia Beach, VA , houses the original documents. Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. 4. Significance and Usage The Edgar Cayce readings - Internet Archive

The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is one of the most comprehensive records of psychic and metaphysical information in the modern world. Managed by the Edgar Cayce Foundation and the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), it contains over 14,000 documented trance sessions recorded between 1901 and 1945. Archive Composition and History

The archive is meticulously documented, largely thanks to Cayce’s long-time secretary, Gladys Davis Turner, who recorded the readings in shorthand and later transcribed them into typewritten copies.

Core Collection: Original reading transcripts, accompanying case files, correspondence, and supplementary research.

Preservation: The Edgar Cayce Foundation (E.C.F.) was chartered in 1948 to provide legal and physical custody of these resources, including original stenographer notebooks and appointment books.

Indexing: Between 1959 and 1971, the Readings Indexing Project created a Master Index, facilitating the study of thousands of topics. Key Categories of Information

While Cayce is best known as the "Sleeping Prophet" for his health diagnoses, the archive spans a vast array of subjects:

Holistic Health: Roughly 70% of the readings (nearly 9,000) focus on health and wellness, offering natural treatments for various ailments.

Philosophy and Spirituality: Covers concepts like reincarnation, karma, and the "Akashic Records"—a "cloud" of universal consciousness Cayce claimed to access.

Ancient Mysteries: Includes extensive readings on the lost civilization of Atlantis and ancient Egypt.

Personal Growth: Advice on dreams, meditation, prayer, and "Soul development". Accessing the Archive

The readings are available for public and scholarly study through several official and digital channels:

The A.R.E. Library: Located in Virginia Beach, it houses the physical transcripts and is one of the world's largest collections specializing in metaphysics and parapsychology.

Online Databases: The A.R.E. official website provides searchable digital access for members.

Digital Repositories: Publicly accessible versions of many readings can be found on the Internet Archive.

Scholarly Research: Universities and researchers use the archive as a case study for psychic phenomena and the history of the New Age movement. Historical Significance

The archive is unique because it offers a "longitudinal study" of psychic efficacy; many case files include follow-up correspondence from recipients, providing data on whether the readings' advice actually worked over time. It serves as a bridge between 19th-century spiritualism and modern holistic medicine. The Edgar Cayce readings - Internet Archive

Edgar Cayce Readings Archive The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is a collection of over 14,000 documented stenographic records of "readings" given by Edgar Cayce (1877–1945), a renowned American clairvoyant often referred to as the "Sleeping Prophet". Overview of the Archive Have you explored the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive

The archive is managed by the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It contains verbatim transcripts of Cayce’s trance sessions, which were meticulously recorded by his secretary, Gladys Davis. These readings cover approximately 10,000 different topics addressed over a period of 43 years. Primary Categories of Readings

The readings are generally categorized into several key areas:

Physical Readings (Health & Wellness): Comprising nearly 70% of the total archive, these readings focused on diagnosing ailments and recommending natural treatments, such as the Edgar Cayce Diet, which emphasizes alkaline-forming foods and whole ingredients.

Life Readings (Psychology & Reincarnation): These explored an individual’s past lives, karmic patterns, and soul purpose.

Spirituality and Meditation: Cayce provided extensive guidance on prayer, meditation, and the concept that "everything is a vibration".

World Affairs and Prophecy: This includes information on ancient civilizations like Atlantis and the "Hall of Records" supposedly hidden beneath the Great Sphinx. Accessibility and Research

The archive is one of the largest collections of its kind and is available for public and scholarly research.

Physical Access: The A.R.E. Headquarters in Virginia Beach houses the original physical transcripts.

Digital Access: The complete readings are available in various formats, including searchable databases and published editions like The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings.

Modern Verification: While some of Cayce's claims remain supernatural, others, like his mentions of "voids" beneath the Sphinx, have piqued interest due to modern technological findings like ground-penetrating radar.

The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is one of the most significant collections of psychic data in the world, consisting of over 14,000 documented transcripts produced between 1923 and 1944. These "readings" were given by Cayce while in a self-induced trance, earning him the moniker "The Sleeping Prophet". Essay: The Living Legacy of the Sleeping Prophet

Introduction: The Unconscious ArchitectEdgar Cayce’s life was a paradox; a devout Christian and Sunday school teacher by day, and a psychic diagnostician by sleep. The archive he left behind, managed today by the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), is not just a historical curiosity but a cornerstone for modern concepts of holistic health and spiritual growth.

1. The Foundation of Holistic MedicineApproximately 70% of Cayce’s readings were focused on physical health. Long before it was mainstream, Cayce emphasized that the "body, mind, and spirit" are interconnected. He was among the first to suggest that emotions and attitudes directly impact physical health, predating modern psychosomatic medicine. His suggested treatments often included natural remedies, dietary changes (favoring alkaline-forming foods), and chiropractic adjustments.

2. The Akashic Records and Ancient MysteriesBeyond health, the archive contains thousands of readings on metaphysics, including detailed descriptions of the lost continent of Atlantis. Cayce claimed to access the Akashic Records, a "universal supercomputer" containing the history of every soul’s journey. These readings introduced the Western public to concepts like: The Edgar Cayce Reader-Edgar Cayce, Hugh Lynn Cayce

Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is a vast collection of over 14,000 documented psychic readings given by Edgar Cayce

(1877–1945), often referred to as the "Sleeping Prophet". This archive serves as a spiritual and medical resource, detailing his trance-induced insights on holistic health, ancient civilizations, and prophecy. The Story of the Archive: A Quest for Unseen Wisdom

In the early 20th century, a simple man from Kentucky discovered he could enter a self-induced sleep state and provide detailed medical diagnoses for people he had never met. This unusual gift led to the creation of the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive

, a repository that preserved every word he uttered during these sessions. 1. The Health Pioneer

Imagine a world before modern nutrition was mainstream. Through the archive, Cayce advocated for a diet rich in "alkaline-forming" vegetables and natural whole foods to optimize health—a concept that remains popular in wellness circles today. People would travel from across the country, seeking the "readings" for ailments that baffled doctors of the time. 2. The Keeper of Records The archive isn't just about medicine; it explores the Akashic Records

, which Cayce described as a cosmic "hall of records" containing every human thought and action. Scholars and curious minds visit the archive to study his accounts of lost civilizations like , viewing them as clues to humanity's hidden history. 3. A Legacy of Service Today, the archive is managed by the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.)

. It stands as a "living" library, where modern researchers analyze Cayce's predictions—such as the fall of communism or the deaths of world leaders—not as fixed fates, but as warnings meant to empower free will. Why It Matters For those seeking more than what meets the eye, the Edgar Cayce Readings Archive

serves as a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical. It teaches that the "purpose of prophecy is to avert tragedy" and that by changing our hearts, we can change our future.

Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is a collection of over 14,000 documented psychic readings given by Edgar Cayce, often referred to as the "Sleeping Prophet". These readings, which he performed while in a self-induced trance, cover a vast array of topics including holistic health, reincarnation, ancient civilizations, and spiritual growth.

If you are looking for a specific "piece" or way to access this information, here are the primary resources: 1. The Official Online Archive The most comprehensive source is maintained by the Association for Enlightenment and Research (A.R.E.) , the organization founded by Cayce. A.R.E. Member Archive

: Members gain full access to the searchable database of all 14,306 readings. Public Database : A limited Circulating Files

section is often available to the public, categorized by popular topics like health or dreams. 2. Published Compilations

If you prefer books or digital copies over a database, several definitive versions exist: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings

: Available as a multi-volume set or digital version (Version 2.0) through retailers like Barnes & Noble Topic-Specific Books : For a focused "piece" of the archive, books like Edgar Cayce on the Akashic Records There is a River provide curated insights into his most famous work. 3. Key Topics in the Archive

The archive is typically divided into several "pieces" or categories: Physical Readings : Focused on health, diet, and natural remedies. Life Readings : Exploring past lives and personal karma. Spiritual/Psychic Development : Teachings on meditation, vibration, and the subconscious. World Affairs

: Predictions and historical insights, including those on Atlantis and the future of Russia. Amazon.com

Get a copy of The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, Version 2.0

As we move further into the AI age, the archive is undergoing a renaissance. Researchers are now using large language models (LLMs) to map the internal logic of the readings. For the first time, we can ask the entire 14,000-reading corpus a question like:

"Show me every instance where Cayce links emotional resentment to liver dysfunction."

The answer reveals patterns no human researcher could see in a lifetime. The Edgar Cayce Readings Archive is no longer a static historical collection; it is a dynamic, query-able wisdom engine.

To truly understand the value of the archive, you must approach it as a holistic system. The readings themselves suggest a three-part methodology for life change:

The archive classifies readings into six major subject groups:


X
🔊 Ativar Som