Ghost Walk, Séances and Readings Embody the Halloween Spirit

If you’ve ever wanted to get in touch with another spiritual world, you’ll have the chance this week, just in time for Halloween. 

Séances are planned for Saturday and Sunday at , 409 Beaver St. Both are open to the public, but reservations are required.

Spiritual medium Lorraine Scott will lead the séance, along with the return of on Thursday night. Scott also is taking appointments for one-on-one readings at , 431 Beaver St., in the Nickelodeon Mall.

“It will be a fun way to spend Halloween,” said Darby Trovato, organizer of the events.  

Trovato warned that the séance, ghost walk and readings aren’t meant to be “anything way out there.”

“It’s just having fun,” she said. “You never know who will show up.”

Those interested who take part in the séance can choose between 9 p.m. Saturday or 7 p.m. Sunday. At $50 per person, guests will be treated to hors d'oeuvres and wine on the patio and, of course, a . Scott will conduct the séance and has the ability to channel loved ones who have passed to the other side, Trovato said.

Trovato said she is a fourth-generation shaman; her mother and grandmother also have the ability. Scott has helped police with crime-solving and teaches paranormal investigating, metaphysics, and shamanism at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ and at Lily Dale Assembly in Lily Dale, NY.

“People come from all over to hear her talk. She’s a lot of fun, honest, trustworthy, and she's good at what she does. I know she helped quite a few people in Sewickley when she was there the last time," she said. "Lorraine is very good."

For some, the thought of a "séance" might conjure up images such as Whoopi Goldberg’s character in “Ghost” being inhabited by Patrick Swayze's character, but Trovato, who has taken part in séances, said participants shouldn’t be spooked but rather come with an open mind and ready for fun.

“People have this weird thing that people are going to start talking in tongues, and that’s not what’s going to happen. Nobody is going to come and inhabit your body. It’s not witches and goblins. We’re not going to call mummies up from the ground. It’s basically if you want to contact somebody from the other side. You have to take it as a fun idea.”

Trovato said on one of two occasions her late grandfather contacted her. His presence was manifested through a friend with a warning about her heart.

“He kept saying, 'Check your heart'; watch your heart,' ” said Trovato, who thought her grandfather meant her physical health at the time but learned a month later that he was referring to her long-term relationship.

Besides the séance, Scott will lead a with members of the Newcomers and Neighbors of Sewickley as the special guests of the evening. Trovato said the public is invited to join the walk but should make reservations. The walk begins at about 8 p.m. and costs $20.

Scott, a self-described ghost magnet, previously led a walk through the borough in July. Sewickley is home to plenty of historical buildings and artifacts, not to mention odd occurrences that cannot be explained. During the tour, Scott and others said they felt drawn to certain landmarks in Sewickley. 

Appointments with Scott are being taken at Sean’s Salon for private one-on-one readings Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Prices vary.

To register for the séance, ghost walk or a reading, email Trovato at Darbytrovato@hotmail.com, or call 713-822-8031. Séance reservations can also be made by directly calling the Sewickley Café at 412-749-0300 and for readings by contacting Sean’s Salon at 412-749-6144.