Runes and Reiki and Crystals, Oh My

GILBOA — Catskill region residents will have a chance to find out what fascinated—and consoled—mid-to-late nineteenth century individuals about spiritualism, the belief that the living can communicate with the dead, at the Fifth Annual Gilboa Historical Society’s Psychic and Crafts Fundraising Fair. The Fair, to be held on Sunday, September 15, 11 am-4 pm when a group of well-known area psychics, mediums and intuitives gather together under one roof at the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center on Stryker Road in Gilboa to engage with the public and offer their services. 

Loss and grief are hallmarks of our lives. Not knowing how to cope, many of us turn to religion and spirituality for comfort  and to reconnect to lost loved ones. The desire to communicate with the dead is as old as Time but it really took hold in the nineteenth century when spiritualism and seances were common. The Civil War brought people face-to-face with death in numbers that were staggering. By 1897, over eight million people in the United States and Europe were turning to spiritualism as a way to process their collective grief.

After the death of her beloved son, Willie, in 1862, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln turned to the Lauries, a well-known group of mediums to connect them with their lost son.  We’re no different today as we turn to “intuitives” to make connections with those who have gone before us. 

Featured psychics at the Gilboa Fair on Sept. 15th include Jo Anna McNally, Psychic Medium/Spiritual Intuitive, Teacher, Lecturer, Nationally/Internationally, renowned, as a straightforward reader who uses a crystal to tune into an individual’s guides and help direct their life’s path. 

“Alternative healing, meditation, and the use of crystals and other natural elements to promote well-being aren’t for everyone,” according to McNally.  “Some people find these practices helpful in their spiritual journeys, while others may not resonate with them. The spiritual is such a personal journey.”

Christina (Tina) Mercado comes from a line of priests from both the maternal and paternal side of her family. This spiritual aspect of her being intuitively guides her in her offering of energy healing combined with reiki to her clients. Each client is treated with empathetic compassion and warmth which facilitates their healing experience in a kind and gentle way. 

“I offer intuitive readings anchored in unconditional love that can help manifest the life you want and release old patterns,” said Mercado, who offers guided meditations, inner child work, energy balancing, and removal of attachments.

Other psychics attending the Gilboa Fair include Judi Jarvis, Shalimar, and Pedro Crotty, 

 Judi Jarvis has been doing psychic drawings since 1988.  a gift she has had all her life.  She has had many visitations from the spirit realm, communicates with other ancestors and has practiced reiki heals and crystal energy work for many years.  

Shalimar describes herself as a gifted lightworker who has been doing readings for 40 years. She is well known as a Prophetess, and for her Psychic, Medium and Archangel Readings. With a background in Counseling, as well as experience as the Director of a Crisis Intervention Center, and work in a Hospital Emergency Room Crisis Unit, which has “served her well for years of ministering to others.

“I try my best to be kind and compassionate and am sensitive to those who are in emotional pain,” said Shalimar. “With the help of Archangels, Beings of the Highest Energies of the Light and Love of God, I try to bring comfort, hope and healing to as many as possible.”

Pete “Pedro” Crotty, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist specializing in music therapy, has been studying/counseling tarot and astrology for 30 years. Pedro uses his innate psychic abilities, astrological alchemy, and tarot with his clients to guide his querents to seek clarity and take steps to their higher selves. Pedro  published his first book in Aug 2022 called “Create Your Own Horoscope- A Simple Guide to Astrology”, which will be available at the Gilboa Fair.

With such an incredible psychic line-up, the Annual Gilboa Fair promises to deliver an afternoon of spirit, mystery and delight with food, fun, and festivities. General Admission: $5

Don’t forget to visit the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center on Stryker Road in Gilboa where you’ll discover about 350 million year old tree fossils and view the Museum’s latest town exhibits.