Some Places Are Meant to Be Magic

In Medieval England, the lichgate framed the entrance between church and cemetery, creating the symbolic division between the mundane and spiritual worlds.  Long considered sacred and magical, lichgates now are favored places for meditation, psychic readings, and simply communing with nature. 

Dr. Laura Jepson, late professor of English Literature at Florida State University, built one at Lichgate Cottage, her property surrounding a magnificent live oak tree.  She became enamored with the live oak tree, and borrowed funds to purchase the acreage surrounding it.  Then she built an enchanting little Tudor-style cottage with a lichgate between her cottage and garden.

Today, the sparsely visited Lichgate Cottage is a public park owned by the Lichgate Foundation, formed to preserve the historic-landmark live oak tree, gardens, and cottage.  Local psychics and tarot-card readers often schedule readings, seated on the benches sheltered by the lichgate.  Stretch out under the massive live oak to meditate or commune with nature.  Walk the maze, or explore the Children’s Shakespeare Garden.  Truly a mystical, magical moment.

Lichgate Cottage, 1401 High Road (between Tallahassee Street & Tharpe Street), Tallahassee, FL.  Driving north on High Road, keep a sharp lookout for a white stake proclaiming “Lichgate” at a rustic driveway between condo complexes.  Totally hidden!  But totally serene, and worth every effort to visit!  For more info, google “Lichgate Cottage” or call 850-383-6556 for event details or to arrange rental of the cottage and grounds for weddings, receptions, events.