LIFT YOUR SPIRITS IN THE PSYCHIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

from Travel Life - Winter 2022

48 HOURS IN MIAMI

Cassadaga, Florida offers an abundance of charm alongside many options for spiritual guidance

By Chris Ryall

“If You Could Read My Mind,” was a popular hit for Gordon Lightfoot when it was released in 1970. Perhaps Lightfoot visited Cassadaga, Florida before he wrote his well known song. Since the late 1800’s the tiny community located between Orlando and Daytona Beach has been popular with psychics, healers, spiritualists and visitors alike.

Cassadaga, known as the “Psychic Capital of the World,” was designated a Historic District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places In 1991. It is also home to The Southern Cassadaga Spiritualists Camp, which was established in 1894. The Camp consists of 57 acres and 55 homes, many of which house healers, mediums, psychics and spiritualists.

People from all over the world travel to Cassadaga seeking guidance and answers to life’s big questions, while some just stumble upon the town on their way to Florida’s coastal beaches or Orlando’s many theme parks. The welcome mat is put out for all, whether a believer, skeptic or someone simply curious and interested in learning more about spirituality.

Long Live the Spirits

Take a stroll around town and you will find neon and homemade signs advertising the services of spiritual healers, mediums and more. Fees vary depending on type and length of service and the individual healer. The Cassadaga Spiritualists Camp has certified mediums and healers available, but no tarot card or palm readers (though these can be found outside the property). Don’t expect to be spooked, however–there isn’t even a cemetery in Cassadaga. It’s more about the energy and enlightenment one can feel when visiting. The town is known as a natural vortex (vortexes are thought to be centers of energy that are conducive to healing and meditation) and smaller “vortices” can be found at various locations on the scenic grounds.

Tours on the Spiritual Side

Take a guided historical tour and learn how this small community developed into one of the largest and oldest concentrations of spiritualists in the U.S. Or venture into the darkness with the Cassadaga After Dark–Find the Spirits Tour. Led by investigators, the tour offers the chance to discover a more scientific view of spiritualism. In addition to learning how investigators classify and analyze spirit manifestations, paranormal enthusiasts are even encouraged to bring their own equipment! Feel the energy and spirits on the Encounter the Spirits Night Tour every Saturday night that takes visitors to the town’s energy “hot spots.” Don’t forget your camera to capture energy orbs and spirit manifestations–you can bring your smartphone but digital cameras are recommended. As you are guided through this energy-filled tour, you will learn about spiritualism, mediumship and other phenomena. In addition to these tours there are séances, readings, lectures and other special events scheduled throughout the year.

Giving Your Spirit a Rest

Anyone seeking the full spiritual experience can check into Hotel Cassadaga, a 1920’s style boutique hotel. It’s not just a hotel but also a Psychic Center with a full roster of psychics, mediums and healers onsite. Guests can book a variety of sessions including crystal healing, hypnotism, reiki, chakra balancing, past life regression, infinity healing and other energy healing treatments. The hotel is said to be haunted, but apparently the spirits are friendly to guests!

In addition, close to Cassadaga you’ll find abundant nature preserves and rivers where turtles, gators and manatees will lift your spirits in a natural way. Head over to DeLand, about a 15-minute drive from Cassadaga, for a variety of microbreweries, brewpubs and wine bars where you can indulge in spirits of the alcohol-based variety. No matter your interest, it’s easy to unearth your spiritual side in Cassadaga.

Hotel Cassadaga