By Gail Radley
The Cassadega Camp Bookstore, housed in the Andrew Jackson Davis Building, is more than a bookstore. Set in the center of the Cassadega Spiritualist community, the bookstore is information central and the heart of this unusual little town established in 1894 and dedicated to all things otherworldly.
From the outside, the Andrew Jackson Davis Building is old and nondescript —the sort of structure you might expect to see in a camp. (But make no mistake: There are no campers in this camp; the term is a carryover from the old religious revival “camp meetings.”) The wooden steps lead directly into the bookstore, a lavender and teal shop that boasts “the area’s largest selection of books on traditional spiritualism and metaphysics.” From the sign announcing that you are “Entering the Spirit Zone,” to the Native American crafts to the Buddhas, faeries, and wizards; to the incense, oil, and Tibetan singing bowls, you’ll know that Borders, this is not.
A small lounge area adjoining the bookstore is known as the Welcome Center. There you’ll find white board with the menu of certified mediums and healers ready for patrons that day so that you can arrange an appointment. The racks of flyers announcing various camp activities and offerings rival any truckstop’s collection. But instead of historical sites, hotels, and Disney discount coupons, you’ll find healing circles, mediumship development, and meditation groups.
I imagine at other times, spiritualists and seekers alike might stop to chat there or thumb through the latest book on connecting with the world beyond, but on Saturday, the room fills at 1:00 p.m. for the free, hour-long mini-seminar. “Starting Your Psychic Development” was the topic du jour when I visited; other seminar features include crystals, pendulums, and healing. There is no schedule, so if you’re particular, check the local paper or call the store at 386-228-2880.
From his portrait on the wall, Seer Andrew Jackson Davis gazes over us as the session begins. The leader passes out envelopes containing animal likenesses, and invites us to picture a rainbow during a brief meditation and intuit our envelopes’ contents. The remainder of the seminar is for sharing our experiences and the leader’s interpretation. Some report strong images and feelings and envelopes that suddenly felt warm in their hands. A few even saw animals similar to the one pictured their cards. As for me, I was too busy taking in my surroundings for much inner travel. However, the card I drew was the crow, symbolic of renewal, transformation, and abundance — and I’m all for each of those!
We haven’t connected with the other world, but perhaps some of us have become a little closer to the noble beast within us. Who knows where next week’s seminar will take us?