Sunrise Over the Casa

After forty years as a functioning medium in Abadiania, John of God (JOG) is nearing his next life or “change of clothes.” Heaven forbid, however as we know, life is impermanent. After staying in Abadiania for a week, I have come to question what will happen to the Casa and JOG’s businesses after he passes?  What will happen to this bustling little part of the town with its internet cafe’s, crystal and massage shops, Frutti’s hangout, and the local community supported by JOG . JOG is a powerful man and is the only medium in his center above a crystal bed vortex.

Will JOG’s sons take over the family businesses and profit from their father’s powers even though they do not have mediumship powers themselves? According to Diego, one of the translators of the Casa, the entities might be preparing a new medium but we do not know who it is at this time. It might be like Lourdes, where people come because of the past visitation of the Virgin.  It is unlikely that his sons would take on the mission. John of God has about “30 years to go,” Diego said encouragingly.   Individuals in the past have presented themselves in front of JOG to say they are the successor, but according to Diego they have all “been bogus.” At the time of his death, a powerful medium might rise to take over the job but but maybe no one leader is necessary for people to believe and be healed? Linda from Maryland says that the Entities will solve everything after he passes.

From my research, I have discovered that JOG’s healing powers do not solely come from his ability as an Entity. In a lecture with Tanya, one leader in the current room, she stated that in order to be healed it in not necessary for JOG to be in his chair. The Entities will still be there. He does not want us to waste time waiting in line when we could reach the Entities ourselves in current. At orientation, Diego explained that if we see JOG then we face one Entity whereas if we pray at the triangle we have access to thousands of Entities. Therefore, do we actually need a medium leader? The idea of the “empty chair” and self-prayer has made me reconsider the future of the Casa after his death. The Casa could still run smoothly without a leader since it would still sit atop the powerful energy vortex crystal bed “the size of France.”  Will individuals still travel from across the world just for the unique energy plates?

Deeply immersed in a conversation while making the sacred soup, Isabel from South Africa told me that the power of Abadiania does not come from JOG but instead from this energy. The Casa has the energy of connection and safety; it feels like home.

From a different perspective, Michel explained that Abadiania might be abandoned after JOG dies. There may be some lag time but eventually people will stop coming. Comparing it to a business, “It’s like a restaurant,”  he said,  “It is hard for the new owner to keep the clientele after the previous owner sells.”

Whether miracles happen from the energy or the big man himself, John of God currently has a powerful presence in the Casa.

By Marika Stanford-Moore