Lily Dale

Lily Dale Assembly is a community of Spiritualists and others interested in the paranormal.
More of a hamlet, lily dale's permanent population is less than 300, but registers 22,000 visitors each season of programs and lectures.
about a year ago, a friend of mine (who introduced me to astrology more than 40 years ago) suggested that we should plan an outing to lily dale.  and so began the research and interest in what this was all about.

with a little bit of skepticism, but a lot of excitement, we made reservations to stay at the maplewood hotel, on the grounds of LD.  we enrolled in a session that used personal astrological charts, and made an appointment for a "reading" with a medium that my friend knew of.

and then we spent the next 6 months in anticipation.

 (i noticed that there were not a lot of visitors from Memphis)

(but many from Ohio)

early on a beautiful august morning, we left the cottage and arrived at lily dale around noon.  after lunch in the only restaurant on the grounds, we walked around to get the flavor of the place.  some houses were very well maintained, others were more run down....most yards were full of flags, wind chimes, fairies and ornaments (not always tastefully, but definitely colorful).

after checking in to the maplewood, we walked to "inspiration stump" deep in the woods, with a small altar  and many benches (reminded me of vespers at summer camp).  many mediums got up in front of the audience to get "vibes" from people, always in a positive manner.  of course there were vague references that brought slight smiles and some eye rolling to the audience.

i had no experiences with ghosts or spirits and slept peacefully in my sparsely decorated room.  i woke early and went to the wide porch to drink coffee and rock in the wicker chairs lining the front of the hotel.   a quick breakfast and it was time for our readings.

we saw no one at this circle of truth

but found it very interesting

i have to admit that my "reading" left me wondering if there is anything to all of this, but i am glad that i was introduced to a most interesting place.