For
(nearly) a year, I've wanted to attend a Séance conducted by my (long-time)
friend Dikki-Jo Mullen. I saw on her Facebook Page (I think last October) that
she was conducting "Victorian-style Séances" in her home in Orlando,
Florida.
We
were unable to attend, then. But recently gathered a group for the so-journ
into Downtown Orlando for a Séance on a Saturday night.
One
of our quartet had attended a Séance in Chesterfield (Spiritualist Camp,
Indiana). The rest of us were uninitiated.
Well,
I say un-initiated. I have conducted "transe-sessions" where I go
into a transe=state and spirit guides speak through me. Walt has attended those
sessions.
So
we aren't completely without some spirit experience. However, I had never
attended one as a "sitter" or participant. So I was very excited.
I
was also very excited to see my long-time friend, Dikki-Jo, whom I hadn't seen
in person, for decades.
Sparing
you most of the biennale details, it was a sweet time with spirit, and Dikki-jo
a congenial host and medium with an exquisite gift.
Dikki-Jo's
home is the perfect environment (save one small issue) for conducting old-style
Séances. The home was built in the 1940's. The walls repeat with artworks and
Astrology and mystic curiosities. Throw pillows with images from Tarot cards
adorn the vintage couch. A portrait of "Gypsy Dikki-Jo" adorns a
wall, directly across from a portrait of her grandmother, also a spirit medium.
The Séance
Room, likewise appointed, with an oval oak table (which seats 10 people), and
3/4's of the walls fitted with little shelves. On the shelves, something I
haven't seen in years. Dikki-jo called it her "inheritence". There
must be nearly 1000 "salt and pepper" shakers, mostly ceramic and
china. You know the kind, with two "love birds together" or other
such vignettes.
At
each place for the sitters, there was an artisan piece of jewelry, beautiful
quaint pieces, that were gifts for each person. Along with that a votive candle
(blessed with lavender oil) to bring home and use in one's own "spirit
communication ritual".
After
all were gathered and snacks proffered, we were escorted into the Séance room,
where Dikki-jo engaged in educating us about the traditions of Séance and
spiritualism. Although I have known her for a very long time (since the
early '80's) I did not know that she
comes from a long line of spiritualist. Her family engaged in Séances (at
least) once a week with neighbors and friends.
Then,
beginning the work at hand, Dikki-jo donned her grandmother's apron and we
began the ritual to call the spirits to us.
An antique bell, a Séance trumpet and a small dish of talc powder to monitor the
presence of the spirits, and I was in a salon in Old spiritualist home with
long passed friends. Messages given, with descriptions for the spirits giving
them, were lavish and effusive. Friends
in our group were receiving messages from family members and friends, as were
for the family of sitters and new companions on our spirit experience.
Mentioning
a few surprises, or maybe, some things I did not expect, and really, for which
I had not prepared. Artworks that I have seen of Victorian sitting rooms with
sitters awaiting messages of spirit, all have the ladies with beautiful,
lace-like hand-fans. I really could have used one of those. The 1940's house in
which she lives is not a model of air-cooling efficiency. It wasn't until
later, that Dikki-jo said "I usually have these séances in the fall and
through the winter" and that is will the tradition to have them at that
time up north, that I realized my own error. I thought it might have been
because of the sun setting earlier so the dark is friendly. But I think the
summer heat is a consideration that I overlooked in making plans to go to this
event.
So,
like the wicked witch of the west, we were melting...well, all of us except
Dikki-jo, who was fresh as a daisy through out the proceedings. I must ask
about the secret to that.
My
husband got a message from a loud-boisterous man who sang Christmas Carols all
through the year. He knew who that was immediately and confessed to me
privately (with tears piquing in his eyes) that it really touched his heart to
hear from this long-departed relative.
I
heard from Grandmother and Aunt (sisters) who "really didn't quite
approve" of what I do. But it was
, with out a doubt, them: complete with
reference to my Grandma's favorite soap opera's. But I also heard from my
mother and my father (God bless them) That was sweet and sad for me.
I
didn't expect breaks in the séance (even though I read in her description that
there would be). Breaks for refreshment and air. Tea and scones and lemon ice
cookies, made for a lovely and comforting repast, along with lime-water. Every
so often we would catch a glimpse of Templeton, the white kitty and intrepid
traveler and Chizzy the black (and by accounts) naughty, escape artist.
During
the spirit visitations I was hearing music and voices coming through the séance
trumpet which was positioned behind me. I was seeing spirits moving and spirit
faces behind the sitters around the table.
So the messages directed to me were not the only mystical experiences I
was having.
There
were several messages that , I think could have been for me, or Walt or other
members, that, frankly, were claimed too quickly by an eager sitter. Our group
(afterwards) said that we were all waiting for Dikki-Jo to complete the
description before speaking out. But I don't guess any of us regret not
speaking out sooner.
Dikki-jo
is a gentle soul who expects the best to come to her. The best spirit messages,
the best spirits, the best house guests. She explained at the beginning of the
meeting that we don't need to be afraid of the spirits that it is a comforting
and uplifting experience and we don't need to be afraid of the spirits that
come.
I
love that perspective. Too many Hollywood representations of the evil spirits
have tainted the space for our beloved departed, I think.
To close-out the circle, Dikki-Jo did
something I've never seen anyone do. You all know what a "Tarotfile"
I am...ALL about the Tarot cards. Dikki-jo brought her (well-loved) Rider/Waite
Tarot and pulled cards for each sitter, giving messages from one last spirit
from whom we might not have heard. I was SO excited to see her cards, and watch
her working with them, and I fear, that is something that I am going to have to
try.
If
you are looking to connect with someone dearly departed, I think this is the (ultimate)
way to do it, Tea, scones, an old oak séance table and Dikki-jo as your guide.
But
do it during the fall or winter--if you're a wimp like me.
Until
next time,
Eat
something wonderful
and
live a life worth loving.
-Kim
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