For some, the words “metaphysical fair” conjure images of people wearing dry flowers and holding burning sage sticks. For others, it’s a place to ask questions, seek answers and explore new perspectives and ideologies.

Deanna Ward, 45, and her friend, 26-year-old Eileen McNeill, walked through makeshift aisles lined with more than 100 vendors, including 50 readers and healers, at Sunday’s 2014 Body, Mind and Spirit Celebration Fair at the City Auditorium in downtown Colorado Springs, where they tried to decide which psychic or medium they would consult for a reading.

In its 36th year in Colorado Springs, the Celebration Fair has grown into a three-day event that features astrology, dream interpretation, psychics and clairvoyants, tarot card readers, mediums, spiritual healers, naturopaths, yoga and crystal energy experts, just to name a few.

Ward and McNeill were among hundreds of Pikes Peak region residents who filled the historic venue to try everything the local metaphysical community had to offer.

“I have this brand new freedom where I don’t follow any specific religion, and this fair is an excellent opportunity to explore other perspectives,” Ward said. “We are all enriched by trying out and getting to know other mentalities and ideologies, and that’s what I am trying to do for myself.”

A self-described believer in psychics and card readings, McNeill said she was looking for a reader who could help her find answers about some of her relatives who have died and clarification about other doubts she has.

“Every time that I’ve gotten a reading, it’s spot on. I totally believe that this is real and it’s powerful and there’s nothing wrong with it,” she said.

Not every fair attendant was a believer, like 37-year-old Justin Candless. He dipped his hands into a bowl filled with small multicolored rocks supposed to help cleanse the user’s energy and waited for a few seconds before he grinned and shook his head.

“I don’t get it. This stuff is all fun to look at, but I don’t see how people make a living or a career of this,” Candless said.

Mixing old traditions and new practices, inspiring new followers and supporting practitioners is the fair’s objective.

Ward said it was the perfect environment for anyone to explore their own belief system without judgment.

“Everyone takes questions and no one tells me what to do or believe,” she said. “They just give me the information they have and what they know and it’s up to me to make a decision or conclusion about what I believe and what I don’t.”

For information about the Celebration Fair, visit www.bmscelebration.
com.

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Contact Andrea Sinclair: 
636-0235

Eisen, 8, and Brittany Dacus check out healing stones on display during the Celebration Metaphysical Fair at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium on Sunday, October 12, 2014. Photo by Stacie Scott, The Gazette

STACIE SCOTT