Browse below for Historical information, our Declaration of Principles and Definitions,
​as well as the answers to many Frequently Asked Questions.

Our History

​
Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association:
The Oldest Continuously Active Religious Community
​in the Southeastern United States

​The Prophecy: George Colby, a young Spiritualist from New York, was told during a séance that he would someday be instrumental in founding a Spiritualist community in the South. That prophecy was fulfilled in 1875 when Colby was led through the wilderness of Central Florida by his spirit guide "Seneca" to an area “surrounded by uncommon hills.”
The Camp is Formed: Colby homesteaded land here but continued to travel and work as a medium.  He later learned that his associates in Lily Dale, NY were interested in founding a Winter Spiritualist Camp in Florida. As a result, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association was formed in 1894. In 1895, Colby deeded over 35 acres to our founders.
National Recognition: In 1991 the Camp was designated a Historic District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today: Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp now consists of approximately 57 acres with 55 homes. Those who reside here have chosen to live in a community of spiritual people where they can worship and work in harmony with their beliefs. Many of the Camp’s residents are mediums and healers who offer their services from their homes or apartments.
We, as Spiritualists, welcome you, no matter what your religion of origin is or where you are on your spiritual path: a believer, a skeptic, or simply curious.

Declarations of Principles

The following are our principles, adopted by Spiritualists of America:

• 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.

Definitions within Spiritualism

A list of common words or phrases within Spiritualism:

SPIRITUALISM: The Science, Philosophy and Religion based upon the principle of continuous life demonstrated through mediumship. Spiritualism embraces the concept of individual responsibility and the belief that the door to reformation is never closed.   
 
*a science because it investigates, analyzes, and classifies facts and manifestations of Spirit;
 
*a philosophy because it studies the laws of nature both on the seen and unseen side of life and bases its conclusions upon present, observed facts;
 
*a religion because it strives to understand and comply with the physical, mental, and spiritual laws of nature, which are the laws of God.          
 
SPIRITUALIST: One who believes, as the basis of his or her religion, in the continuity of life and in individual responsibility. Some, but not all, Spiritualists are Mediums and/or Healers. Spiritualists endeavor to find the truth in all things and to live their lives in accordance therewith.
 
SPIRITUAL READING: In Spiritualism, a reading occurs when a medium receives, processes and delivers messages from the spirit plane.
 
CONTINUITY OF LIFE: The idea that everyone’s unique identity lives eternally.
 
HEALER: One who acts as a channel to convey God’s healing energies to others, whether for physical, emotional, mental or Spiritual Healing. This occurs through the "laying on of hands" or through absentee healing.
 
INFINITE INTELLIGENCE: A name for the creative intelligence that is present everywhere and in everything. Note that Spiritualism is essentially monotheistic, thus when writing about its beliefs Infinite Intelligence should be capitalized in the same way Holy Spirit is.
 
MEDIUM: One with proven capabilities of communicating with Spirit through various forms of phenomena and who acts as a channel for information between the Spirit and Earth Planes.
 
NATURAL LAW: A law or body of laws that derives from nature and is believed to be binding upon human actions apart from or in conjunction with laws established by human authority.
 
PHENOMENA: A wide variety of Spirit communications and manifestations including clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, healing, levitation, materialization, automatic writing/drawing/painting, trance and table tipping. Spirit communication and manifestations are  used to demonstrate the continuity of life.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Where is Cassadaga, Florida?
 
A - Cassadaga is located in Central Florida about halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach. It is a mere 5 minutes off of Interstate 4 (exit 114) at 1112 Stevens Street Cassadaga, Fl 32706

 
Q - Are there hotels available in Cassadaga?
 
A - Although the Cassadaga Hotel was once a part of the SCSCMA it is now an independently owned and operated hotel. There is also a Victorian-era B&B, the Ann Stevens House and another B&B, The Cabin-on-the-Lake, in nearby Lake Helen.
 
Q - Where is the Cassadaga Cemetery?
 
A.- There is no cemetery in Cassadaga, Florida. A widely circulated picture on the internet is of the cemetery in Cassadaga, New York.
 
Q - What is the Devil’s Chair?
 
A -The Devil’s Chair is a myth that has grown into an urban legend that defies common sense.
Long ago, wealthier families added stone seating areas to their cemetery plots for mourning. People unaffiliated with the Camp created a “haunted” backstory for one of these seats.
 
Q - What and where is the vortex?
 
A - A vortex is a point of concentrated psychic energy on the planet. Some well known vortices are in Sedona AZ, Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. A vortex may be naturally-occurring, or man-made. A man-made vortex is created due to the psychic/spiritual activities practiced there.
 
Cassadaga is a natural vortex with smaller vortices in various locations on the grounds. Plus, we have vortices on the grounds that have developed over time due to the activities practiced in the Camp. Two examples are Seneca Park and the Fairy Trail.

The Camp
Q - So what is the difference between Cassadaga and  "the Camp”?
 
A - The Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association (SCSCMA), or more commonly, “The Camp,” is a Spiritualist Organization. It was founded in 1894 by Spiritualists from the northeast, including a large contingent from our sister community, Lily Dale, NY.
 
The Camp has been continuously occupied by mediums since the 1800’s and is the largest Spiritualist community in the Southeast. The mediums and healers who provide services within the Camp have been certified by the SCSCMA.
 
Over the years, metaphysical stores and businesses have sprung up in Cassadaga around the perimeter of the 57-acre Camp. Although many of these businesses are owned by like-minded people, they are separate businesses and unaffiliated with the Camp.
 
The Cassadaga Hotel was once part of the Camp but had to be sold off during the Great Depression in order for the Camp to remain solvent. The Hotel has been privately owned and separate from the Camp ever since.
 
Q - How do I become a member of the Camp?
 
A - For information on the process, all are welcome to attend the New Member Orientation on the last Sunday of each month. It starts at 1:30 PM in the Welcome Center, which is connected to the Bookstore in the Andrew Jackson Davis Educational Building.  Visit New Member Orientation for more info.
 
Q - What is the  "Grove Service”?
 
A - "Grove Service” is another name for our free Sunday Afternoon Message Service. It takes place every Sunday from 12:30PM-1:30 PM in the Andrew Jackson Davis Building (in the Meeting Hall attached to the Bookstore). The original Message Services were held outdoors in a grove of trees, hence the alternate name.

Spiritualism
Q - Do Spiritualists believe in God?
 
A - Yes.  We often refer to God as Infinite Intelligence, which means to us an all pervading mind and intelligence that is in and of all things animate and inanimate; a dynamic, infinite creative force and power that governs all things by immutable and unchangeable Natural Law.
 
Q - Do Spiritualists believe in Jesus?
 
A-Yes. We consider him one of the greatest teachers and spiritual leaders that the world has ever known, one who knew and applied the Spiritual Natural Law to a greater extent than any human soul who has ever lived.
 
Q - Do Spiritualists believe in the Bible?
 
A - Yes. We understand that God’s truth has been given to mankind down through the ages and that these truths have been recorded and compiled in books such as the Bible.
 
Q - Do Spiritualists believe in the Devil?
 
A - No. Our religion is not based on a Savior-God philosophy. Our theology does not embrace  "falling from grace” or  "sinning.” Therefore, we do not believe in a devil. We believe we alone are respon­sible for the benefits or consequences of our actions.
 
Q - Do Spiritualists believe in heaven and hell?
 
A - Yes, but not in the traditional sense. They are not places or abodes but rather states of consciousness. Heaven and hell can literally be experienced right here on earth.
 
Q - Is Witchcraft or Black Magic part of Spiritualism?
 
A - Absolutely not!
 
Q - What is a séance?
 
A - Séance is a term referring to a group of people usually sitting around a table in a darkened red-lit room for the purpose of contacting Spirit. Séances continue to be conducted and can also referred to as  "circles.” We sometimes hold séances in our mediumship development classes.
 
Q - Does Spiritualism recognize other churches and religions?
A - Yes. We respect the right of religious freedom as set forth in the United States Constitution. Truth is truth regardless of its source, and right living is the keynote to all religions. Religion is the process through which one recognizes, understands and demonstrates their spirituality. Spirituality, living your belief or understanding, is a way of life, not something applied only to an hour or a day set aside for worship.
 
Q - Where can I learn more about Spiritualism?
 
A - For further information relative to the above questions, these books are available in our Bookstore:

• Becoming A Spiritualist by H. Gordon Burroughs
• Cassadaga Yesterday & Today by Elizabeth Owens
• This Medium’s Life by Joey Crinita
• Your Life by Bruce McArthur
• History of Spiritualism 1 & 2 by Arthur Conan Doyle
• All Booklets written by Peggy Barnes

 
Readings
Q - Should I have an appointment for a reading or can I just show up?
 
A - Although there are some mediums who make "walk in" appointments available daily, their schedules fill up fast. ​It is highly recommended that you have an appointment arranged in advance of your visit.  ​View Suggestions For a Good Reading that are available on the Mediums Page.   
 
Q - How do I choose a medium?
 
A - Visit the Mediums page to familiarize yourself with our certified mediums.  To ensure the medium of your choice is available, please call or email them in advance to schedule your session.  
 
Prior to the session, the fee and length of reading is agreed upon between the medium and the client.  Money is exchanged at the end of the session.  Any request for additional monies that have not been agreed upon is cause for concern.  A promise of contact with a specific Spirit is not offered by an SCSCMA medium because they know that those in Spirit also have free will and choice.  Use common sense--any advice received, or course of action suggested, must resonate with you.  During the first ten minutes, if you and/or the medium feel that there is not a suitable connection, then suggest that the session end and no money is exchanged.
 
Q - How long is a reading?
 
A - 30 minutes and up. Four times a year on our quarterly Gala Days and our Fall Fest.  Visit our Calendar for availability.
 
Q - How much does a reading cost?
 
A - Mediums are all independent and set their own rates.
 
Q - What is the difference between a Psychic and a Medium?
 
A - Everyone is psychic. It is our sixth sense which utilizes thought vibrations to obtain information. A medium has natural vibratory energies capable of merging with spiritual energy enabling information and assistance of a higher quality to come through. This information does not come from mind or mental energy but from God through Spirit.
 
Q - What is a reading?
 
Also referred to as Spiritual counseling, this service is obtained from a certified medium. Spiritualism is a religion, philosophy and science based on the continuity of life and communication with those who have made their transition.
 
Spiritual counseling is achieved by using the ability of the medium’s mind to receive, process and deliver messages from the Higher Spirit Plane, and is a demonstration of Spiritualism. This is known as mental mediumship. Psychic science tools such as palm readying, tarot cards, etc., are not utilized in the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp. It is our desire to educate and provide the highest level of mediumship ministry to all who come seeking. All mediums in our organization work as mental and/or healing mediums.
 
Q - Will mediums tell me bad things or predict death?
 
A - Any circumstance may be brought through from Spirit in an appropriate manner, especially if it is in the best interest of all concerned. A professional Spiritualist medium will strive to bring you the information received in a positive, constructive manner. Instilling fear or dazzling you is not the intent or purpose of a certified medium or minister. Spiritual guidance is offered so that you may enhance or minimize each situation by use of free will. Assisting you in helping yourself is the medium’s goal.

Healing
Q - What is Spiritual healing?
 
A - Spiritual Healing is recognized by many sacred texts, including New Testament scriptures and is a tenet of ancient and modern religions. A Spiritualist healer possesses a gift, or talent, for passing healing energy from spiritual forces to recipients. This energy helps to bring about relief, cure, and the healing of both mental and physical conditions.
 
We affirm that the precepts of Prophecy and Healing are divine attributes proven through mediumship.
 
Q - How does Spiritual healing work?
 
A - The primary manner of conducting Spiritual healing is through the laying on of hands. Absentee healing is also an important means of healing.
 
In bringing about the healing, spirit beings combine their own healing forces with the magnetism and vitalizing energy of the healing medium. This energy is conveyed to the recipient through laying on of hands, or absentee healing, and is absorbed by the recipient. Absentee healing works even if the individual does not know healing is being sent.
 
Belief in the body’s ability to generate its own healing energy is important in bringing about healing. Thought is the basis of all actions. Our thoughts have an impact on every cell, for either health or disease. Anger, fear, hatred, jealousy, and despair depress vital energy. Faith, hope, happiness, and kindness stimulate essential life forces and promote healing.
 
Q - What does a Spiritualist healer do?
 
A - The healer attunes with the Infinite Intelligence and then to the sitter. The healer is a conduit for the healing energies. The purpose is healing of body mind and spirit following natural law.  We will all die at some time. Spiritual Healing can help an individual adjust to the understanding of the end of their life on earth as well as assist the family with transition.
 
Q - How do I find a certified healer?
 
A - Visit the Healers page  to familiarize yourself with our certified healers.

Classes / Workshops
Q - How do I find out what workshops or classes are available?
 
A - A calendar of all events, tours, workshops, classes.
 
Q - Are there séances that are open to the public?

A - Check calendar listings. At the moment we offer a Saturday Night séance every second, fourth, and fifth Saturday from 7:00-9:00 with a limit of 12 attendees. Call our Bookstore for availability; these spots always go quickly. 386-228-2880