Cassadaga, Florida: Where Spiritualism Meets Fantasy, Just Miles from Disney World

Introduction

As my wife Fyllis and I thought about our visit to the small town of Cassadaga, Florida, the options we faced were as intriguing as they were varied. Would we rather join a healing circle or seek spiritual counseling? Would we opt for a seance or an Ancient Wisdom Teachings class?

Adding to its appeal was the ironic fact that this destination, focused on life after death and communication with those who have entered that realm, is located not far from Walt Disney World, with its wealth of attractions created by the man in a fantasy land and oriented towards fun and frivolity.

Main article

Cassadaga was founded by George Colby, a medium, who claimed that his «spiritual guide,» Seneca, advised him to establish a spiritual center in Florida. Colby purchased land and, in 1894, incorporated the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Association. El Campamento, actually a neighborhood-sized community, sits on some of the only rolling hills in Central Florida’s distinctive lowlands. Of its approximately 100 permanent residents, about 75 are spiritualists.

The city’s name comes from the Seneca Indian word meaning «underwater rocks,» in reference to the nearby Cassadaga Lakes. The compact community covers less than 60 acres and is a welcoming place for people with disabilities.

Seven parks offer quiet places to stroll, stroll, relax and meditate. They range from small, quiet coves to Seneca Park, a wildlife sanctuary where an overlook overlooks Spirit Pond, and Horseshoe Park, with a trail that passes through a kingdom of carved elves, gnomes, elves and tiny fairy houses.

The best place to start a visit is the Bookstore and Welcome Center. Their selection of books explores topics ranging from spiritualism, metaphysics and Buddhism to meditation, yoga and ghosts. Crystal balls and candles share shelf space with incense, Tibetan bowls and small statues of angels and fairies.

This is where most people choose the activities they want to experience and make the necessary arrangements to do so. The names and telephone numbers of the mediums and healers on duty that day are listed on a board, and the business cards of all certified mediums and healers are displayed.

While Fyllis headed to a session with a “certified medium, healer and teacher,” I met with the Reverend Dr. Louis Gates. pastor of Colby Memorial Temple. My goal was to learn more about spiritualism and it turned out to be a treasure trove of knowledge.

I found Reverend Gates to be very personable and down-to-earth, which, I concluded, are perfect traits for someone who serves as a pastor and medium, healer and teacher. Our conversation began with a story about when the reverend began to believe in the principles of spiritualism. That happened at the young age of three when he said his grandmother, who had passed away, appeared to him.

His brief description of Spiritualism led me to infer that it is a combination of religion, philosophy and, among its disciples, science. I found that I could relate to several of the precepts that Reverend Gates described. She said he is very welcoming, tolerant and supportive. The general message is one of love and hope without many dogmas.

I understood the principle he espoused that while people are responsible for themselves and control their own destiny, there are some potential downsides to that. «Spiritualism is a harsh religion,» explained Reverend Gates, «because there is no one else to blame if things go wrong.»

While receiving an introduction to spiritualism, Fyllis was participating in a session with one of the practitioners on duty that day. She was impressed with several of the woman’s observations and said she would take a wait-and-see attitude with others.

“I see you traveling a lot for work” fits well with my wife’s role as a travel writer. “You like the outdoors and open spaces” was in line with his love of walks in the woods.

Among other comments were that I am a photographer (I take photographs to illustrate travel stories), that Phyllis’ daughter Ariane «has a good head on her shoulders» (she does), and that Fyllis has something to do with the relics (which (I hope he was referring to our recent visit to Greek and Roman archaeological sites during a trip to Sicily, rather than to me).

On the other hand, some observations seemed less relevant. For example, Fyllis has no plans to go to the Pacific Northwest, speak to a large group of people, or write a book.

I concluded that the overriding goal is one that both believers and skeptics can identify with, at least to some extent. For example, I suspect many people agree with an inspiring saying we saw on a hotel lobby wall: «Forgiveness lifts the heaviness from a burdened heart.»

On the other hand, skeptics might have less faith in another close statement we saw, which says, «I believe in fairies. Yes, yes, yes.»

After our talking and listening sessions, we took a walk around town which, given Cassadaga’s compact size, didn’t take long. A walking tour brochure took us to Seneca Park, named after George Colby’s spirit guide; a healing area and the Fairy Trail Park where, we were told, nature spirits «only show themselves to those who believe.»

We ended our visit at the Cassadaga Hotel for refreshments and a look around. Even there, amid its Victorian surroundings, guests can arrange a psychic reading, seance, and other services in keeping with the town’s overall purpose.

I concluded that that primary goal is one that both believers and skeptics can relate to. I came to the conclusion that Cassadaga warmly welcomes not only the devout, but also the curious and skeptical.

Author Credentials:
Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, writing for major travel newspapers, magazines and websites and serving as editor of Fodor’s travel guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular review contributor to Disabled World’s travel section. Visit Victors’ biography to learn more about his background, experience and achievements.

Information and page references

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004, our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite this page (APA): Block, V. (January 22, 2025). Cassadaga, Florida: Where spiritualism meets fantasy, just miles from Disney World. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved January 23, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/travel/usa/cassadaga.php

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