Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: a Place Where We Belong

A town of spirituality in Florida brings comfort to those of us on this journey alone

As spiritual people, it’s too often that we feel isolated. Especially to those who are beginning to awaken, the world seems restrictive and unfriendly. We find ourselves desperate to seek like-minded folks who don’t think we’re crazy. We long to surround ourselves with people who behave and talk as if all of reality is spiritual.

A rare opportunity was placed in my path when I least expected it. While I was on a trip to Florida visiting family, a bike ride was suddenly canceled and in its place, it was suggested that I visit a “spiritualist camp” which is located about a thirty minutes drive north of Orlando. I had never heard of this village until the night before I went there. My daughter, cousin, and I got in the car and drove to Cassadaga Spiritual Camp with great anticipation.

What we found was a peaceful, delightful, welcoming village of psychics, mediums and spiritualists.

My heart sang. This is what I’d been seeking and didn’t even know it. The universe gave this to me. I am incredibly fortunate that I happened to be visiting family who happened to live in Orlando. We always say “things happen for a reason” and this was a perfect example because most people visit Florida to go to the beach — but not us! We came to central Florida. I believe that the universe guided me there.

I want to explain how meaningful this village can be to anyone seeking meaning, healing, answers, or a spiritual community.

The History of the Spiritualist Camp

George Colby, a psychic medium who led seances in the late 1800s, was told by spirits that he would someday help create a Spiritualist community. He arrived in Florida in 1875, led by his spirit guide, Seneca. He found the place where Cassadaga was to be founded, surrounded by hills.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp has been in Florida since the surrounding area was wilderness. It was established in 1895 when George Colby gave the land he’d found there 20 years earlier to a group of Spiritualists from New York. Can you imagine how amazing it must have been for these Spiritualist Northerners to move to Florida and form this camp in the middle of nowhere?

Now it’s a community of psychics and also a historic place for spiritualists. I also believe it is a sort of Mecca for those of us who believe in psychic powers.

Today there are housing developments, parks, and neighborhoods in this place that is North of Orlando, where Disney World and Universal Studios are also established attractions. However, for those in the Orlando or Daytona area, it’s a short drive to this historic village, Cassadaga, where anyone can go and get a psychic reading the same day.

What is Spiritualism?

Spiritualism is a religion, but it incorporates many belief systems from the world. When you visit Cassadaga, you will find ideas and teachings from the Vedas, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, Christianity, and esoteric arts combined.

The gift shop (called the ‘bookstore’) alone can attest to this. You can find crystals, tarot cards, and trinkets representing Egyptian spirituality.

Spiritualism is the belief that there is an infinite intelligence that has created everything, and you have the ability to create your own happiness or unhappiness through your choices and actions. This meshes well with many ancient belief systems.

Spiritualism’s principles are as follows, as found on the Cassadaga homepage:

We believe in Infinite Intelligence.

We believe that the phenomena of nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence.

We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith constitute true religion.

We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death.

We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism

We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that others should do unto you, do ye also unto them.”

We affirm the moral responsibility of the individual, and that he makes his own happiness or unhappiness as he obeys or disobeys Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.

We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any human soul, here or hereafter.

We affirm that the Precepts of Prophecy and Healing contained in the Bible are Divine attributes proven through Mediumship.

At Cassadaga, you can attend weekly sermons and energy healing sessions. There are also workshops in mediumship and healing, and anyone can make an appointment to explore their spiritual library.

Visiting the Camp

Cassadaga is an incredibly welcoming place. It’s also an energy vortex, and you can really feel it when you’re there.

You can stay in the historic hotel at Cassadaga which sits in the neighborhood amid the homes of psychics and healers. When I went to Cassadaga, I just drove in for a few hours, so the hotel stay isn’t a necessity. However, I would definitely consider staying there because it is a beautiful building with a wonderful interior built around the 1920s. Its gift shop and resident psychics make it a very interesting place to stay, plus the fact that it is also haunted.

There is a fairy trail, temple, and library where visitors can find answers or peace of mind. Historic walking tours are also available to learn more about how the village was founded.

My Experience

At Cassadaga, I got a reading from a psychic named Trish. The experience was incredible because I had never been in the same room with someone who believes all the same things about energy and spirituality that I do. All of the words from her mouth were things I already believed, but it was incredibly healing because it validated my own beliefs in ways I’ve never experienced before.

She told me about the chakras I need to heal and how to do so. She somehow knew things about my life that she couldn’t have known unless she had abilities. We talked about relationships I have with people and my spirit guides. She was kind and empathetic.

Cassadaga, for me, represents belonging. I never dreamed there was a place such as this.

After a year and a half of feeling isolated, I truly valued the opportunity to surround myself with people who understand reality. Every person there knew that intuition gives us valuable knowledge and that life continues after death.

Find Your People, Find Your Peace

There is no amount of money that can buy belonging. Cassadaga is a modest place with a great vibe. Everyone there is either a healer or seeking healing. It’s not often in life that you get to immerse yourself in that kind of community.

Those of us who endure spiritual awakening alone are always seeking connection. We long for a community to validate our new perspective of life. Most of us have to settle for these connections online. But just know that if you’re ever in Florida, there’s a place where you can feel that you belong. It is your happy place, waiting for your arrival.

Hi, I’m Emily. I write about wellness, consciousness, and existence, and I help others in their healing journeys through spirituality, Ayurveda, and meditation. I have a graduate degree in philosophy and I’ve lived around the world. Visit my website to find out more.

The divine in me recognizes the divine in you.