2024 Lily Dale Experience

This year marked my 10^th time to present workshops at the spiritualist community of Lily Dale, located in Western New York.

Prior to embarking on my journey, I set the intention to travel with ease, and the flights did indeed go smoothly. After waiting in line for an hour to retrieve my rental car, I inquired if there were any manager specials to which the agent asked if I would like a Dodge Challenger. I drive a Dodge Charger and was excited to drive something fun and familiar even though I reserved an economy car.

Despite the car rental delay, I arrived in Lily Dale Tuesday night just in time to receive a healing in the Healing Temple. I visited the temple three more times with the final visit being just prior to my departure that Saturday. I love basking in the energy of this beautiful sacred space and am so grateful to the healers who volunteer their time to be of service and share healing.

I stayed at the Leolyn Inn, which was a first for me. The accommodations were comfortable and cool. I originally reserved a room at the Maplewood Hotel where I stayed last year and didn’t realize I needed to request air conditioning as all rooms did not have it. After checking in, I made my way to the third floor to view an open window and no window unit. Being in the menopausal stage of life, I needed relief from the heat and humidity. I quickly requested to know other options and my reservation was immediately transferred to the Leolyn, which is just outside the Lily Dale gate.

Wednesday’s weather was reminiscent of spring in Oklahoma. Tropical Storm Beryl, formerly Hurricane Beryl, made its arrival with tornadic activity and lots of rain. Sirens went off with tornado warnings, and we were advised to take shelter on the ground floor in the Maplewood Hotel. The 1 pm message service was canceled altogether. After the weather calmed, I opted to nap for several hours, which was exactly what I needed.

That evening, I did a book signing at Sacred Grounds Coffee House. Stacy did a short Facebook live, and the Facebook interview is archived if you are guided to watch it. I had the same meal 3 nights in a row at Sacred Grounds Coffee House – pasta salad, beet salad and a lavender cookie. If you are planning to visit, be sure and check out their Art-0-Mat machine, too! I bought 5 pieces from it.

I ventured into the Leolyn Woods, an old growth forest, Tuesday night and again Friday night. Both times, I experienced more magical moments with the fairies. I was alone in the woods the first night. The second time was even more magical as I got to share the experience with two others.

On Saturday morning, while walking to Inspiration Stump in the Leolyn Woods, I experienced another magical moment. As I approached the opening where the benches are located, I observed a hawk perched on the top of the bench and a black squirrel on the seat. Eventually, the hawk flew away and the squirrel scurried off. Undoubtedly, there was a message for me with this observation, and yes, I did reference Ted Andrew’s Animal Speak Pocket Guide upon returning home.

According to Ted Andrews, hawk’s message indicates “Spirit vision and guardianship surround you. Be patient and observe. You will see the opportunities. Signs are clear.” Squirrel’s message is a reminder to “balance your work and play. Prepare for the future, but do not get lost in preparations. Find ways to gather and to gift.”  Both messages were significant in the moment and for the entire trip as well as pertinent to future experiences.

The trip definitely provided me with restoration and rejuvenation as well as a nice reset. Lily Dale will always have a very special place in my heart, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be of service once again in this magical sacred space! Since returning home to Oklahoma, I have spent time in reflection pondering what magical experiences I will experience next.