After a grueling 10 hour car ride, my teacher, and another student arrived in the dark town of Lily Dale. (Lily Dale is outside of Buffalo and 20 minutes to Lake Erie.)
As I prepared for bed I could see spirits surrounding me, welcoming me and wanting to be noticed, but I said I'm off to bed and this is my time, come back in the morning. Being in a strange home, I left my bedroom door ajar so the nightlight could be seen. When I awoke the next morning my door was shut completely. Inquiring later if anyone had closed my door during the night because of my snoring-they said no. Apparently the spirits were saying hello.
The four days I was in Lily Dale, I sat at the The Stump and at the Forest Temple listening as others received messages from crossed loved ones. Only registered mediums, their students and approved guest mediums are allowed to give messages in public. It was fascinating to watch each of their different techniques and mannerisms. Some stood still, others walk back and forth and others gestured greatly with their hands and arms. There were mediums that spoke quietly and others with booming voices that commanded your attention.
I attended a home circle hosted by John White that was excellent. In that class I was able to give a reading to a complete stranger and was pretty right on. However, I did not give any public messages that weekend. I did receive many personal messages over the weekend. Most were about my growing spirituality and self awareness.
Even though Lily Dale is know for its mediums, the town is built around a religion called Spiritualism. a few of the basic principles are
As I prepared for bed I could see spirits surrounding me, welcoming me and wanting to be noticed, but I said I'm off to bed and this is my time, come back in the morning. Being in a strange home, I left my bedroom door ajar so the nightlight could be seen. When I awoke the next morning my door was shut completely. Inquiring later if anyone had closed my door during the night because of my snoring-they said no. Apparently the spirits were saying hello.
The four days I was in Lily Dale, I sat at the The Stump and at the Forest Temple listening as others received messages from crossed loved ones. Only registered mediums, their students and approved guest mediums are allowed to give messages in public. It was fascinating to watch each of their different techniques and mannerisms. Some stood still, others walk back and forth and others gestured greatly with their hands and arms. There were mediums that spoke quietly and others with booming voices that commanded your attention.
I attended a home circle hosted by John White that was excellent. In that class I was able to give a reading to a complete stranger and was pretty right on. However, I did not give any public messages that weekend. I did receive many personal messages over the weekend. Most were about my growing spirituality and self awareness.
Even though Lily Dale is know for its mediums, the town is built around a religion called Spiritualism. a few of the basic principles are
- A belief in God
- Life is Eternal
- Personal responsibility
- Mediumship and Healing are gifts from God
I attended a Sunday service and this is what I observed. There was singing of hymns and an invocation. Then silent meditation and a speaker. A time for healing - a group of healers from the community gave individual healings to who ever wanted one. It was laying of hands-it reminded me of Reiki. It was really beautiful to see a woman in her 80's still giving healings. I was told she is extremely powerful.
Then the Message portion-a registered medium got up and started giving random messages to people seated in the congregation. It was amazing to be in a room- a church-and not hear anyone say that this was devil's work or that it was wrong or evil. I was overwhelmed w/ joy. It was probably the first time in a long while that I enjoyed a church service. It was uplifting.
Perhaps its the land that Lily Dale is on but I felt such a great energy while I was there. Since it was the begin of their summer season it was very quiet and peaceful. I was able to take walks through town, down by the lake and into the forest. I felt very grounded and connected to Spirit.
If you want to know more abt Lily Dale, checkout their website at www.Lilydale.com. They have a summer season of classes and speakers.
