Although it seems as though Lily Dale - a Spiritualism center in southwestern New York State - might have been named after a medium named Lily, it was instead named after the "abundance of water lilies" to be found on nearby Cassadaga Lake.
Kathleen Poliquin of the Religion
News Service writes that Lily Dale has long been home to the Lily Dale Assembly, a religious organization of mediums and healers who claim to communicate messages from those who have passed on to those still living on
the Earthly plane."
However, the Lily Dale Assembly's official website points out the following: "Some, but not all, Spiritualists are Mediums and/or Healers." It broadly
defines "Spiritualist" in this way: "One who believes, as the basis of his or her religion, in the continuity of life and in individual responsibility…"
Vistors to Lily Dale are offered a variety of opportunities to experience Spiritualism firsthand. For those
who are intellectually inclined, there are "daily lectures on the wonders of mediumistic phenomena and the basic truths of God and Man…" For those desiring a more direct connection, there are clairvoyance demonstrations, Healing Temple meditations, spiritual healings, and private consultations.
Suggestions for effectively receiving private consultations include the following: expect truth (as opposed to fortune telling); expect good (arguing with the medium is counterproductive); be open (welcome the spirit that manifests); appreciate the medium's uniqueness (refrain from comparing mediums with one another); prediction isn't everything (remember that you have the free will to make changes); and invite your spirit loved ones to attend.
Resources
http://www.religionnews.com/faith/beliefs/lily-dale-n.y.-a-gated-community-for-spiritualists
http://www.lilydaleassembly.com/
Copyright September 12, 2012 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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