Lectures, Seminars, Courses at Gloucester Place. Full listing.

September - December 2008

Introductory Course on the Ageless Wisdom: 4.45 – 5.45 pm
An informal session in which the basic teachings of the Divine Wisdom are explored and discussed. Everybody on this planet is in the Great School of Life - of spiritual development. Over the weeks we shall look at the great hidden truths which make sense of our lives and which bring purpose to them. This is a basic grounding in The Eternal Mysteries, and it has absolutely no strings attached!. The book The Key To Theosophy is recommended for newcomers. Leader: Edward Archer, who has been a member of the Theosophical Society in England for 35 years. Free admission.
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

Lectures: 6 – 7.30 pm Seminars: 2 – 4.30 pm

21 September, 6 pm
THE GOLDEN GATE: PORTAL TO A GOLDEN AGE
Peter Dawkins
Some say that the world is on the brink of economic meltdown and environmental catastrophe; others say we are on the threshold of a Golden Age. What is the truth? What is meant by the Mayan calendar end-date of 2012 and the end-of-age prophecies of Jesus, St John, the Hopi, the Navaho, the Hindus and Babaji? Is there hope for mankind and the world? And if so, what are we meant to do about it? In this talk we will look at these crucial questions and more. Peter Dawkins is a recognised authority on the Western Wisdom teachings and author of The Shakespeare Enigma. £7, £5 concessions.
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

28 September, 2 pm
YOU AND I ARE ONE:
THE MYSTERY OF THE UPANISHADS Derek Thorne
The Upanishads exist as the commentary of the Vedas, one of the oldest spiritual writings known to mankind. They specify profound and timeless teaching in the manner of a student and teacher dialogue. Central to their message is the statement I am Brahman, or in other words, All is one. What does this really mean? This seminar will clarify what is perhaps the most staggering truth openly revealed in these ancient scripts. On hearing it the wonder and amazement of reality leaps forth. Derek Thorne has devoted much of his life to yoga and self-discovery. He is a highly regarded and well respected yoga teacher of the practice of Atma Vichara.
Arranged by The Theosophical Society in England. £12, £9 concessions, £6 members of the Theosophical Society.

28 September, 6 pm
HOW TO ACHIEVE FREEDOM OF MIND
Derek Thorne
Peace of mind is promoted as a goal, but is it sustainable in daily life? It is not peace of mind but freedom of mind which is the prize. Supported by the wisdom of Yoga this talk illuminates this beautiful and radical way of being. Derek Thorne is a teacher trainer for the British Wheel of Yoga and is spiritual director of the YogaLiving Community Ashram. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

5 October, 6 pm
PARALLEL WORLDS AND MULTIPLE REALITIES
David Harvey
There is much speculation today about Parallel worlds, and the ‘Multi-verse’, or at least one ‘Anti-verse’. There seem to be multiple alternate realities or probabilities, a real-time duplicate of the Earth, Shadow worlds and temporary realities where most dreams are experienced. Tonight we will explore all of these issues and more. David Harvey has been a member of the Theosophical Society for 40 years. He is a former President of Bristol theosophical branch and past Treasurer of the TS in England and lectures widely. £7, £5 concessions. Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

12 October, 6 pm
THE RESHEL GRIDS: DOORWAY TO
HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS Jackie Queally
Jackie Queally is almost singlehandedly responsible for what understanding there is of the Grail Lands. Her decade long study of specific earth grids resonant with the divine feminine, preserved over the centuries through the brilliant work of the Knights Templar. Jackie leads spiritual tours based in Roslin/Edinburgh and has written esoteric books and DVDs on earth grids and sacred knowledge. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

19 October, 2 pm
REINCARNATION, DEATH & THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT
IN ANCIENT EGYPT John Gordon
Despite what Egyptological orthodoxy has to say on the subject, the Egyptian texts, papyrii and temple reliefs were not based upon a fear of death and a wish to reproduce a purely material existence in the afterlife. They do, however, speak of reincarnation and astral travel. As with the Tibetan Bardo, the Egyptian scheme has direct parallels between the post-mortem experience of the soul and the process of initiation into the Mysteries. This study will explain the triple Egyptian Mystery tradition and will then deal with the esoteric technique of interpreting the well known Chamber of Judgement scene. John Gordon is President of Blavatsky Lodge, London of the Theosophical Society. He has authored many books on the esoteric side of ancient Egypt and recently delivered the prestigious Blavatsky Lecture - Esoteric Psychology: a Theosophical Janus. Arranged by The Theosophical Society in England. £12, £9 concessions, £6 members of the Theosophical Society.

19 October, 6 pm
SECRET MEANING IN ESOTERIC & SACRED ART
(illustrated) Barry Seabourne
Sacred art communicates some of the deepest human experiences in a symbolic, visual and aesthetic way. Throughout history esoteric groups have influenced the visual arts and some enlightened artists have created images where the soul has found expression. This talk looks at some of the achievements that inspire us on our inner journey. Barry Seabourne was formerly Head of Art & Design at Salisbury College. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

26 October, 6 pm
BIOLOGY IN PRAYER AND MEDITATION
Allan Armstrong
Biology determines almost everything we do and think. If we are to be successful in our aspirations we need to understand the way biology influences our psychology and our spiritual disciplines . This talk examines, in particular, the effects of biology on prayer and meditation. Allan Armstrong is Prior of the Order of Dionysius & Paul, and is author of The Secret Garden of the Soul – an introduction to the Kabbalah. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

2 November, 2 pm
LIVING MAGICALLY IN THE EVERYDAY WORLD
Steve Nobel
Learn how to use magic in ordinary and extraordinary ways. At the heart of all magical traditions are a number of principles or guiding laws that determine both our spiritual journey and how our personal and collective reality come together. Knowing how to these laws opens the way for joyful growth and successful living. Steve Nobel is a director of Alternatives, an NLP Practitioner and a student of the magical arts. Arranged by The Theosophical Society in England. £12, £9 concessions, £6 members of the Theosophical Society.

2 November, 6 pm
THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WISDOM:
A TASTE OF NARNIA Robert Woolley
Wisdom from the great religions and ancient philosophies have always been hidden in fairy tales. Our materialistic society writes them off as untruths but they are still being written. Even adults eventually grow to appreciate them. The Chronicles of Narnia are a perfect example clearly showing how theosophical teachings can be traced.Robert Woolley is President of the Northampton theosophical branch. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

9 November, 6 pm
FROM THE UNREAL TO THE REAL
Cynthia Trasi
Some speakers glibly tell us that everything around us is unreal - an illusion. The world around us seems very real, so we must be blissfully unaware of the illusion. What can we know of an eternal Reality, as opposed to the fleeting nature of the phenomenal world? How can we begin to lift the veils of illusion and pass from the unreal to the Real? Cynthia Trasi is co-Secretary of the Theosophical Order of Service in England. £7, £5 concessions. Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

16 November, 2 pm
FOUNDERS DAY COMMEMORATION
Rustom Pomeroy & Colyn Boyce
On 17th February the Theosophical Society will be 134 years of age. Publicist Colyn Boyce will examine the Society’s early days, focussing on the life and work of its charismatic leader Annie Besant. This is followed by a presentation by violinist Rustom Pomeroy that explores how the great composers have been influenced by their spirituality and religious belief. Featuring works by Bach and Messiaen. Arranged by the Theosophical Society. £7, £5 concessions, £3 to members of the Theosophical Society

16 November, 6 pm
THE MYTH OF THE BEGINNING OF TIME
Colin Price
What happened before the Big Bang and before we were born? Is time inextricably linked to space and matter? The symmetries of the string theory suggest that time had no beginning and will not have an end. Colin Price is a past National President of the Theosophical Society in England. An international lecturer for the Society, for 34 years he was engaged in scientific research in the electricity industry. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

23 November, 6 pm
THE KEYS TO THE MYSTERY WITHIN
Harold Tarn
G. de Purucker, in his Fundamentals of the Esoteric Philosophy gives seven ‘keys’ to the understanding of this philosophy. Commenting on these, P. G. Bowen states firmly that each of these doctrines has to be studied separately and severally and fully comprehended - then held in the background of the mind as the basis of all further studies. Harold Tarn is Director of the European School of Theosophy. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

30 November, 6 pm
DRAGONS AND INITIATES
Janet Hoult
‘Sons of the Dragon’ is a name used for the initiates of the mysteries in H. P. Blavatsky’s writings. What is the significance of this expression and how does it compare with other meanings of the dragon to be found in ancient symbolism and folklore, the Eastern tradition; alchemy, the legend of King Arthur and accounts by Christian saints? Janet Hoult is President of Nottingham theosophical branch. £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

7 December, 6 pm
THE CHRIST: COSMIC, SOLAR & PLANETARY
Christian Bodhi
Within all major religions we encounter a Trinity, which Christianity describes as Father, Son & Holly Ghost, while in Hinduism it is denoted as Shiva, Vishnu & Brahma. This talk will examine the Son or Vishnu principle through various stages of manifestation within Creation in order to help us come to a greater understanding of this evolutionary force in the Universe. Christian Bodhi is editor of a spiritual-video e-journal www.abilityoflove.com £7, £5 concessions
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

WEEKNIGHT meetings

THE SECRET DOCTRINE
TUESDAYS 7.00 - 8.30 pm
16 September - 14 December
In the midst of today’s materialism and the ruins of old religions join us in our ‘mining’ of the perennial wisdom. Our sourcebook is the Secret Doctrine, which claims ‘logical coherence and consistency’ and should be treated as a ‘working hypothesis’. The SD sheds light on some of life’s greatest mysteries. Leader: Victor Hangya has been exploring the Ageless Wisdom for more than 20 years. Free admission
Arranged by Foundation for Theosophical Studies

THE QUANTUM LEAP:
WEDNESDAYS 7.00 - 8.30 pm
1, 15, 29 October, 12, 26 November; 10 December
Where do science and spirituality meet? This series of talks explores the alchemy of science and its attempt to explain the nature of reality. We see where science and spirituality overlap and how far we can draw together these two poles of human perception.
1 October Manifesting Reality Eric McGough
Are we humans just caught up in some cosmic production or are we creating it for ourselves? Can reality be manipulated, and if so what would be the consequences? In this talk we will seek out the holes in the fabric of space/time and see what lies beneath and beyond.
15 October The Message of the Crop Circles Michael Green
Reports of crop formations are nothing new but since 1990, when their real source and significance were recognised, an extraordinary fluorescence has occurred. The formations began to express cosmological truths about the nature of God, the structure of the metaphysical world and mankind’s place in it. Michael Green RIBA FSA was chairman and then president of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies from 1990-2005
29 October The Theory of Everything – Still Around The Corner? Christian Bodhi
Is the world made of matter or mind? We evaluate which scientific hypotheses qualify for the Theory of Everything. By peering into the Universe we can see, metaphorically, our own reflection.
12 November Tuning to the Quantum field: Geomancy & Contemplation Malcolm Stewart
(illustrated)
This presentation uses the symbolic languages of sound, light and measure to thoroughly harmonize awareness - from living physical sensation, to emotion and thought, and the transcendental sense of luminous spiritual presence.
26 November Physics is Honeycombed with Metaphysics Edi Bilimoria
This talk demonstrates how truly great scientists get their inspiration and how the fountainhead of their discoveries result from metaphysical principles and reasoning. We focus on the likes of Newton, Schrodinger, Einstein and Eddington. We shall also describe the immense contribution of scientists like Lester-Smith from within the Theosophical Society.
10 December God – Can Science, Religion or Philosophy explain it? Panel discussion
The participants will present many philosophical and scientific arguments for and against the existence of God and contemplate how the light of Ageless Wisdom can illuminate the subject.
Admission: £7, £5 concessions, £3 to members of the Theosophical Society. Arranged by The Theosophical Society in England

Dhyana Centre of The Theosophical Society
THE JOY OF MEDITATION at 50 Gloucester Place, W1
For beginners the Dhyana Centre holds regular introductory courses on weekdays, dovetailing with weekend intensives that cover the same ground in a truncated form. Courses teach the theory and practice of meditation as a spiritual discipline. Leader: Alan Perry. Admission free, donations welcome.
Tuesdays 7 - 9 pm: 16, 23 + 30 September and 11, 18, 25 November
Intensives Saturdays 11 October and 29 November: 2 to 6.30 pm
The Dhyana Centre also holds groups & retreats for more advanced meditators; please see the website at www.dhyanacentre.org or email the Centre at .

Blavatsky Lodge of the Theosophical Society
Meetings at 50 Gloucester Place, W1 6.45 pm Thursdays
25 September Fundamentals of the Esoteric Philosophy Barry Thompson
9 October Photographing Angels Jorge Asare-Djan
23 October Theosophy, Temple of the People & Agni Yoga Vladimir Baskayev
6 November The Gnostic Mystical Death Alistair Cruickshank
20 November Founders Day Colin Price
27 November Esotericism & Pragmatic Application Clive Hambidge
11 December The Dharma of Sophia Alistair Coombs
Admission: £5 (£2 members of Blavatsky Lodge, £3 other TS members)

VISION NETWORK
FRIDAYS 7.00 - 9.00 pm
24 October; 7 November; 21 November
The radical and spiritual alternative to official culture. Active since the 1980s, Vision Network meetings cover all aspects of the theosophical, holistic and esoteric vision.
24 October Open Your Heart to Love Cate MacKenzie
Peace in the world follows when we come into relationship with ourselves through joyful love and passion. Combining talk with practical exercises, life coach and artist Cate MacKenzie will lead us on a journey to our truth and authencity
7 November Tantra and Sexuality Bernadette Vallely
The current revival of sacred sex brings with it wonderful benefits to health and wellbeing. Bernadette Vallely, renowned author and workshop leader, will talk on the union of the souls in the ecstatic practice of Tantric sex
21 November Psychic Surgery Demonstration Gary Mannion
Gary Mannion is a 20 year old Indigo Child blessed with amazing psychic and healing gifts. Tonight he returns to the Theosophical Society to again allow Spirit Surgeon ‘Abraham’ to come through and demonstrate non-invasive and safe psychic surgery.
Admission: £7, £5 concessions, £3 to members of the Theosophical Society
Arranged by The Theosophical Society in England

During term time our building opens on Sundays at 4 pm and when there is a seminar doors open at 1.00 pm. We regret that admission for seminars may not be granted after 2.15 pm Unless indicated otherwise all meetings are arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies. No one will be refused entry because of inability to pay listed prices
Complimentary refreshments are provided at Sunday workshops and lectures

THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT

The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875 and today has its world headquarters at Adyar, Chennai, India. Its three principal founders were H. P. Blavatsky, a Russian noblewoman, H. S. Olcott, a retired Civil War Colonel, and William Q. Judge, an Irish lawyer.
Membership is open to all accepting the Society’s three declared objects, namely
1. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour
2. To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science
3. To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man
The annual subscription in the English Section of the Society is £40 (£20 students, pensioners & the unemployed.) Financial hardship shall not be a barrier to membership.
Branches: There are 38 branches belonging to The Theosophical Society in England. Regular meetings are organized at 50 Gloucester Place, by Blavatsky Lodge (Thursdays at 6.45 pm) and Dhyana Centre (Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 pm)
Library: We have a large collection of books for loan covering topics such as Theosophy, Astrology, Mythology, Comparative Religion and Western Occultism. Subscriptions from £12; postal lending available. Open: Tuesdays to Fridays, 2.00 - 6.30 pm: Sundays, 4.00 - 8.30 pm when there is an evening lecture. Contact the librarian on 020 7563 9816
Bookshop: On the ground floor there is a selection of theosophical works by authors such as H. P. Blavatsky, W. Q. Judge, Annie Besant and G. de Purucker. Opening hours/contact details the same as the Library
Holidays: We close at 7 pm Tuesday 23 December and re-open at 2 pm on Tuesday
6 January 2009.
Cassette Tapes: Sunday evening talks are generally recorded and may be purchased from the Tapes Department. Please note that private recording is not permitted
Front Cover: Last light in Crete. photo montage by Colyn Boyce
Location: We are situated on the east side of Gloucester Place between Blandford and Dorset Streets. Baker Street and Marble Arch are the nearest underground train stations
If you would like to receive future programmes, or information on membership please telephone us on 020 7563 9817. E-mail: info@theosoc.org.uk

Please note: The opinions of speakers on this programme do not necessarily represent the views of the Foundation for Theosophical Studies nor the Theosophical Society

FOUNDATION FOR THEOSOPHICAL STUDIES
The Foundation is an educational charity formed to promote the study of religion, philosophy and science; to undertake and promote research in the fields of the laws of nature and the powers latent in man; and to advance recognition of the fundamental unity of all people through a knowledge of the theosophical principles of unity, evolution and perfectability. Charity no 1014648

CAN YOU HELP?
The Foundation for Theosophical Studies’ only income is from donations and legacies. It so very much needs your support to maintain its activities.
Please contact Colyn Boyce for more details on 020 7563 9817. Thank you.

All meetings arranged by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies unless indicated otherwise.
No one will be refused entry because of inability to pay listed prices