Hello. My
name is Frank Takei. My wife, Shelley and I are co-owners of 'Angel House', a
guest lodging residence, located within the confines of Lily Dale, a Spiritualist community
in
Before we can even begin to answer this question, there is a more
basic issue, namely, what kind of person are you and what are your reasons for
coming to the Dale? If you are a person
who is comfortable being confined within the context of an ideological and/or
social box or a person who is not interested in change, then Lily Dale may be
boring, offensive, or irritating to you. On the other hand, if you are open and
willing to operate outside of the proverbial box, then Lily Dale may hold many
intriguing possibilities for you.
The issue is not so much what the Dale will offer to you, but rather, that 'conjunction,' that 'coincidence,' that 'synchronicity' between you and the Dale. Lily Dale is the home of approximately 38 certified mediums whose primary function is to connect with those who have 'passed over.' So, some visitors come to the Dale because they wish to 'connect' with a departed loved one.
Others are seeking answers relative to personal issues of an existential nature. Many mediums are excellent counselors in that area of human concern. In addition, various workshops and seminars, which endeavor to address these issues, are available during the summer season, from late June through the last Sunday in August.
Still others come because they are seeking new
directions in their lives. Lily Dale also
has several schools that offer various kinds of programs of studies leading to
ordination as ministers, to the practice of mediumship, and to healing work,
etc. The intention at the heart of the
classes, workshops, and more formal education opportunities is to help
individuals develop their human potential.
And, others come simply
because they may have heard about the Dale and are curious as to just what the
Dale is all about. During the season,
all kinds of services are going on---healing ministries, mediums engaged in
public readings, and messages of a spiritual/practical nature. Visitors to the Dale can explore the grounds,
go to various gift shops, the book store, the cafeteria, snack bars and most
important of all; engage in lively conversations with other individuals who are
on the grounds. At the Dale, you are
free to discuss anything you want without people thinking that you are 'off
your rocker,' or who, in silence, may literally or metaphorically 'roll their
eyes.'
Finally,
there are individuals who come to the Dale with a specific agenda. Last summer, for example, I noted three
gentlemen walking the streets of Lily Dale in the late morning hours. I learned, via the grapevine, that these
gentlemen were committed Christians who were praying for the Dale and its
residents because they viewed Lily Dale as 'engaging in the devil's work.' Was I offended? Not at all! Any organization made up of human
beings is fundamentally flawed. It needs
all the help it can get!
What may
one expect at the Dale? Well, a lot
depends on you!
See you in the Dale.
Frank
