Written by Victor Block
When my wife, Phyllis, and I were considering a visit to the small town of Cassadaga, Florida, the choices we faced were as interesting as they were diverse. Did we prefer to attend a healing circle or seek spiritual counseling? Would we choose a séance or a class in ancient wisdom teachings?
This destination, which focuses on the afterlife and communication with those who have entered that realm, is located not far from Walt Disney World, where fantasy and man-made attractions abound for fun and enjoyment. The ironic fact that it exists made it even more appealing. Frivolity.
Cassadaga was founded by medium George Colby. He claimed that his “spiritual director” Seneca advised him to establish a spiritual center in Florida. Colby purchased land and founded the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Conference Association in 1894. The camp is actually a neighborhood-sized community, located on one of the few hills in the lowlands typical of central Florida. Of the approximately 100 permanent residents, approximately 75 are spiritualists.
A bookstore with a welcome center is a great place to start your visit. The selection covers a wide range of topics, from spiritualism, metaphysics, and Buddhism to meditation, yoga, and ghosts. Crystal balls and candles share shelf space with incense, Tibetan singing bowls, and small statues of angels and fairies.
Most people choose the activities they want to experience here and make arrangements for them. The board lists the names and phone numbers of the mediums and healers on duty that day, and the business cards of all certified mediums and healers are displayed.
While Phyllis was heading to a session with a “certified medium, healer, and teacher,” I met with the pastor, Dr. Louis Gates. In addition to serving customers, he also serves as pastor of Colby Memorial Temple. My goal was to learn more about spiritualism and I found him to be a treasure trove of knowledge.
I concluded that he was personable and down-to-earth, a perfect fit for someone who is both pastor and medium, healer and teacher. Our conversation began with him telling me about when he first began believing in the tenets of Spiritualism. He was only three years old when he said his late grandmother appeared to him.
From his brief description of Spiritualism, I inferred that Spiritualism is a combination of religion, philosophy, and, among other fields, science. I found that I could relate to many of the lessons Gates outlined. He said it was very welcoming, accommodating and supportive. The overall message is one of love and hope without being too dogmatic. I understood the principle he espoused: that while people are responsible for themselves and in control of their own destiny, that also comes with some downsides.
“Spiritualism is a strict religion, because if things go wrong, there’s no one else to blame,” he said.
While I was being briefed on Spiritualism, Phyllis was attending a session with one of the practitioners on duty that day. She went away impressed by the woman’s observations and said she would take a wait-and-see approach to others.
“It seems like you travel a lot for work,” was a perfect fit for my wife’s role as a travel writer, and “You like the outdoors and open spaces,” was a perfect match for her love of hiking in the woods. It was a match.
Among other comments: I’m a photographer (I take photos to illustrate travel stories), Phyllis’ daughter Ariane “rests her head firmly on my shoulders” (she Phyllis has something to do with relics (I hope you’re not referring to me, but to the Greek and Roman ruins we recently visited during our trip to Sicily) .
On the other hand, there were some statements that seemed to have little meaning. For example, Phyllis has no current plans to travel to the Pacific Northwest, speak in front of large groups, or write a book.
I concluded that the most important goals are those that both believers and doubters can relate to, at least to some degree. For example, I think many would agree with the inspiring quote we found on the wall of a hotel lobby: “Forgiveness takes away the weight of a burdened heart.”
On the other hand, a skeptic may not have much faith in another declaration he sees nearby: “I believe in fairies. I believe, I believe, I believe.”
After talking and listening, we strolled around the city, which didn’t take long considering Casadaga’s compact size. A walking tour brochure led us to Seneca Park, named after Colby’s spirit guide. A healing area. And at Fairy Trail Park, it was said that the spirits of nature “appear only to those who believe in them.”
We finished our visit at the Cassadaga Hotel, had a snack, and checked out what was going on. Even there, in a Victorian setting, guests can arrange psychic readings, séances, and other services in keeping with the town’s overall purpose. We came to the conclusion that Cassadaga warmly welcomes not only believers, but also curious and skeptics.
When I go
For more information, please visit www.cassadaga.org.
Fairies welcome visitors to Cassadaga, Florida. Photo by Jonathan Cohen/Dreamstime.com.
Gnomes, flowers, and fairy wings can be found at Horseshoe Park in Cassadaga, Florida. Photo by Jonathan Cohen/Dreamstime.com.
This sign marks the entrance to the Fairy Tale Trail in Cassadaga, Florida. Photo by Jonathan Cohen/Dreamstime.com.
Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
This sign marks the entrance to the Fairy Tale Trail in Cassadaga, Florida. Photo by Jonathan Cohen/Dreamstime.com.
