FALL PROGRAM 2024
October 5: “Walk and Talk Theosophy” – Details will be sent to the DC Lodge members per email
If the weather is nice, we plan a walk, probably around 11:00 a.m. Details will be provided to those living in the area as we get closer to the date. Former TSA president Betty Bland will join us.
October 12: “Oneness: Our Only Hope” with Justin Tingsley (Wheaton Lodge)
From brute to Mahatma and everything in between: At some point in our evolution of the soul, we come to realize our interconnectedness and unity with all there is. A simple moment of stillness in our busy days, a glimpse into that eternal reality. The Theosophical teachings offer us all a practical path to step into the Buddhic consciousness where we see for ourselves the unity of all life.
October 19: “Elizabeth Steiner-Baumann and Me” with Sheila D. (this talk will not be recorded)
This presentation is a story about a child who died at Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943 and every word of this story is true.
October 26: “Ascended Masters” with Helena Falcon
Please join us for a talk about the Ascended Masters and how they work with us in our everyday lives. In this interactive class, the psychic medium Helena Falcon will explain the history and origin of the Ascended Masters and how to work with their higher vibrational energies and teachings.
November 2: IN-PERSON MEETING at the Southwest Library in DC, roundtable discussion starting at 11:00 a.m.
- Why study anything that is not geared to satisfying our material needs and wants?
- Assuming that we can answer that, what draws us specifically to the Theosophical teachings?
November 9: “The Law of Essential Unity” with Rozi Ulics (National Capital Lodge)
Theosophical teachings postulate that One Divine Life is underlying all of existence. Our fundamental task as human beings is to realize it. In this session, we will try to understand this postulate from different perspectives and see it reflected in our own daily lives.
November 16: “Henry Laurency: Theosophical Visionary, Man of Mystery” with Bill Katzenstein (National Capital Lodge)
Please join us to find out more about Henry Laurency (1882-1971), an obscure yet prolific Swedish esoteric philosopher and scholar. He reviewed and expanded upon the works of H.P. Blavatsky and other early Theosophists, taking many of the teachings to new or previously unexplored realms, and attempted to relate Theosophical concepts to the contemporary human arena. Nevertheless, little is known about Laurency the person.
November 23: “Supporting Spiritual Development by Developing a Household Ritual Practice” with Gwendolyn Reece (National Capital Lodge)
Household rituals are a way to sanctify everyday life and can provide structures of support for spiritual development as well as bringing greater sanctity to our closest relationships. Such rituals are common in most religions, but are also rooted in historical household structures that are often not relevant for our current society. This lecture explores ways in which each of us can develop new rituals that are meaningful for us now in whatever our circumstance.
No meeting November 30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
December 7: IN-PERSON MEETING: “In the Midst of the Garden” with Kingsley Onyechi (National Capital Lodge) – The meeting starts at 11:30 am at the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood in Washington DC (there is a short business meeting at 11:00 am)
Join us for a talk to find out more about a Biblical application of the Hermetic Cabala, how this can help to cultivate inner strength, and how the thoughtful application of knowledge provides clarity of our personal Identity.
December 14: “A Renewed Search for the Timeless Wisdom; the Human Reaction to Modernity” with Bill Blumauer (National Capital Lodge)
The late 19th century was a time of philosophical and spiritual ferment in both Europe and America. In this discussion, we will review the historical context in which this ferment arose. The focus will be on some of the immediate predecessors of the late 19th century thinkers, such as the American Transcendentalists, and on some of the late 19th century individuals themselves such as Rudolf Steiner, New Thought writer Thomas Troward, and Hindu teacher Vivekananda.
WINTER-SPRING PROGRAM 2024
January 6, 2024 – In-person meeting cancelled due to potential snow and bad weather. If you would like to join the roundtable discussion please send an email to DCLodgeTS@gmail.com
– THE DISCUSSION STARTS AT 11:30 AM
Roundtable Discussion: “The Hidden Side of Lodge Meetings” by Charles Leadbeater
In this article, Leadbeater explores the hidden side of a meeting of a Theosophical Lodge, specifically focusing on the ordinary weekly meeting at which the Lodge is following a definite line of study.
January 13, 2024
“The Mystery Schools and the Esoteric Wisdom” with National Speaker Sue Prescott (Krotona)
The “Mystery Schools” refers to the groups of sages and seers who imparted information about spirituality or the Ancient Wisdom to select individuals. This knowledge was transmitted in secret from Master to student through the process known as Initiation. The Mysteries included the Lesser Mysteries (or knowledge for the masses) and the Greater Mysteries, which were comprised of esoteric knowledge about how one can transmute the dictates of the personality to unite with one’s inner divinity. This calls for a transformation within the individual to attain gnosis. Sue Prescott will discuss how and why the Mystery Schools began and look into some of the information that is part of the Esoteric Wisdom.
January 20, 2024
“The Silver Veil: My Search for an Answer” with J.D. Sander (Oklahoma)
A single chance encounter with a sacred ancient artifact began a quest that has spanned a lifetime across multiple countries and three major faiths. Join us as J.D. Sander shares his journey.
January 27, 2024
“The Sevenfold Constitution of Human Beings” with Vladka Shikova (DC Lodge)
All major religious and philosophical teachings consider human beings to be composed of layers of consciousness and bodies. This presentation will outline the fundamental theosophical understanding of humankind as a complex of seven principles and their division into a lower quaternary and an upper triad. Awareness of the sevenfold human nature is a steppingstone to advanced theosophical teachings and critical knowledge for any serious student of theosophy.
February 3, 2024
“Hermeticism” with Allix St. Clair (Florida)
Hermeticism is a modern term for an age-old philosophy that existed in ancient Egypt even before the Pharaohs, and that was remodeled and preserved by the ancient Greeks. The great teachers of this philosophy were named Djuty, Thoth (in Egypt), and Hermes (in Greece). Many carried this name, as it was a school of thought, not just one person, who passed it on over the generations.
Egypt, at that time, was the center of healing and learning and many philosophers and others seeking wisdom came to Egypt from Greece and further east to be initiated into the secrets. Very little still exists from the time of Egypt, except in fragments dug up by archaeologists, and that which has been passed on by legend and stories. In Greece, the neo-platonic philosophers, many of whom lived in Egypt in the great city of Alexandria, blended Egyptian philosophy with their own, which today we call hermeticism.
This presentation will look at some of the hermetic fragments and quotes from them. It will also look at a more modern version of this philosophy, where we can see many concepts very similar to those in theosophy.
February 10, 2024 – In-person meeting at Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW, Washington DC – THE LECTURE STARTS AT 11:30 AM (after the business meeting)
“A Common Bond” with Jeff Leon (DC Lodge)
A basic truth is that all life is one. And yet, we are a unity of individual travelers on the path. According to the Law of Essential Unity, we are linked together on this journey because of a common bond of origin. We will share ideas on this relationship between being one and at the same time a nucleus of seekers as we strive to live in harmony and unity with all living beings.
February 17, 2024
“Esoteric Instructions by H.P.B.” with International Speaker Michael Gomes (New York Lodge)
Toward the end of her life, H.P. Blavatsky wrote a series of Instructions for the students of her newly formed Esoteric School. H.P.B.’s visionary insights radically impacted the consciousness of truth seekers in the Western world and directly inspired the work of artists, writers, philosophers, and scientists who themselves went on to profoundly affect global consciousness.
February 24, 2024
Roundtable Discussion: Dora Kunz
Roundtable discussion about an article based on a talk given by Dora van Gelder Kunz, former president of the Theosophical Society, to the Philadelphia Lodge on May 8, 1955, in which she presents a few of her own ideas about the Masters and the Path which are somewhat different from what we find in books.
March 2, 2024 – In-person meeting at Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW, Washington, DC – THE DISCUSSION STARTS AT 11:30 AM (after the business meeting)
Roundtable discussion: How the Wolves Changed the Rivers
We will discuss this six-minute video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QzWviccDck) that examines how wolves changed the course of the rivers in Yellowstone National Park. It is a story that explains trophic cascades, and how all life is connected and any changes in the web of life affect all other species, even the way that rivers flow. This story teaches us that our actions, great and small, can have dramatic effects on life itself.
March 9, 2024
“On the Trail of the Daemon” with Dominic Bucci (Florida)
We will explore the concept of the guiding spirit as it has evolved from Platonic thought to modern psychology. The Daimon, Genius, Holy Guardian Angel, Spirit Guide, or Higher Self has played an important historical role in the development of mankind. Socrates was forced to drink the poison hemlock for communicating with it and contacting it has been the primary purpose of most magical orders, like the Golden Dawn, to facilitate and align with one’s life purpose.
March 16, 2024
Our Moon/Moon’s Nodes in Archetypes and Our Feminine DNA for both Masculine/Feminine Roles with Gwynne Mayer (San Antonio)
Our own personal Isis Unveiled: We have a connection to our karmic pattern through an understanding of our personal natal Moon and the Moon’s nodes. We can see how we are cleaning up the karma we have inherited in our DNA from the Moon. The Nodes of the Moon represent our destiny and our karma, represented by the symbol of the Dragon. The head of the dragon is our North Node, our destiny and fate, our South Node is the tail of the Dragon and our Karmic connection to the feminine. This is an interactive conversation and we welcome any who want to join us with questions and pondering.
March 23, 2024
“The Book of Job: A Tale of Initiation” with Michele Sender (Krotona)
The Book of Job is a deep spiritual myth that represents a timeless truth: the Tale of Initiation. Classified as part of Wisdom Literature, this ancient text explores the mysterious aspects of suffering and the intricate connection between humans and the divine. Job’s transition from wealth to extreme hardship, his unwavering search for explanations, and the eventual renewal of his faith provide profound perspectives on the human journey and the ongoing pursuit of spiritual meaning and comprehension.
March 30, 2024: No meeting (Easter Weekend)
April 6, 2024 – In-person meeting at the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library, 4450 Wisconsin Avenue NW. – THIS PROGRAM STARTS AT 11:00 AM
“The Unanswered Question: Exploring the Afterlife” with International Speaker and author Kurt Leland
Near-death accounts of the experiences after death are so commonplace today as to stand as received truth. But are they? Is a near-death experience predictive of what the real death experience will be like? What happens after death? Kurt Leland will explain in this talk that we don’t need an NDE to explore the Afterlife and will describe the Afterlife terrain based on his own experience.
April 13, 2024
Alchemy: A talk about the Practical Application of the Esoteric Art to Heal through Trauma with Lejla Catovic (New York)
Please join us for a presentation about the history and the physical, emotional, mental, and psychological aspects of Alchemy.
April 20, 2024
“The Theosophical Order of Service: Putting Theosophy in Action to Change the World for Good” with TOS President Kathy Gann
Many know that the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) was founded by Annie Besant in 1908, but few know the true story of what inspired her to do it. We’ll explore not only the inspiration for the founding of the TOS but also the true value and purpose of the TOS within the modern theosophical movement. Inextricably tied to the work and purpose of the Theosophical Society, the TOS continues today as a vehicle through which theosophists can reduce suffering in the world while experiencing their own spiritual transformation.
April 27, 2024
“Is AI (Artificial Intelligence) the New Myth of the 21st Century?” with Veronica Boutte (DC Lodge)
Whether scientifically inclined, or leaning towards Idealism or Transhumanism, everyone feels the socio-cultural impact and challenges of global technologies, and the fast-paced developments of artificial (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI). Veronica has been following the philosophy of technology since the 1980s publications of Ray Kurzweil and other futurist thinkers.
Please watch this 100-minute video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IWo4-vFpXk) of Irish barrister James Tunney, author of The Mythic Aim of AI: Maiming the Mind. Please take notes as you watch and be prepared to make comments and ask questions during the meeting.
May 4, 2024
Trip to the Nicholas Roerich Museum in New York – Details will be shared closer to the date.
May 11, 2024
“The Seven Rays: Streams of Universal Energy” with National Speaker Diana Warren
The universe is a network of energy and the Seven Rays are patterns within it. The Rays offer guidance in a world of challenges and conflicts and point us to challenges as well as opportunities for growth. Through a wise understanding of their forces, they offer direction and guidance in life. An overview of each Ray and its qualities will challenge us to know their relevance and power. There will be time for discussion during this exciting and unique opportunity to reach into the universe for answers.
May 18, 2024
“Bright and Dark Aspects of the Feminine: Jungian Archetypes and Kundalini Yoga” with Dr. June McDaniel
Many mystical schools in world religions have theories of how the inner spiritual body is constructed. Here the lecturer examines a variation of Kundalini Yoga, a meditative practice found in several forms of Hindu Shaktism, or worship of the goddess. It is based on the idea that spirit and matter unite within the person through the union of the deities Shiva and Shakti, the male and female aspects of the universe. As Kundalini Shakti or female energy rises during meditation, it experiences the chakras, centers of instinct which are symbolically located in various places in the body.
In this lecture, the presenter discusses Jungian archetypes which may be associated with the chakras. Carl Jung spoke of the link between archetypes and instincts, but he never formulated them into a system. The lecturer presents a system in which both bright and dark feminine archetypes are organized in relation to the Kundalini chakra system.
May 25, 2024: No meeting (Memorial Day Weekend)
SUMMER PROGRAM 2024
The members of the DC Lodge have voted to read the Kybalion this summer. The summer program is via Zoom every second weekend (except holiday weekends) and starts on 6/8/24. On those days when we meet we will also discuss The Secret Doctrine at 11:00 am. This is the version we plan to use but there will be additional suggestions for those who want to go deeper: https://www.amazon.com/Kybalion-Three-Initiates/dp/1984027832/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Our study of the Kybalion (or Hermetic Principles) is divided into nine summer sessions. However, it is understood that we will adjust to the pace of our conversation and clarify challenging points from session to session as we progress.
Please make sure to go over the chapters once or twice before the meetings since we want to make the most of our virtual time together.
Session Dates and Chapters:
June 8 (Session 1): Chapters I through IV
- The Hermetic philosophy in Egypt
- Who was Hermes Trismegistus?
- Introduction to the Seven Principles
June 22 (Session 2): Chapters V through VII
- The Mental Universe
- The Divine Paradox
- The All in All
July 13 (Session 3): Chapter VIII – The Planes of Correspondence
- Physical
- Mental
- Spiritual
July 27 (Session 4): Chapter IX – Vibration
- Energy and Motion
August 10 (Session 5): Chapter X – Polarity
- The concept of Dualism
August 24 (Session 6): Chapter XI – Rhythm
- Motion and Change
September 7 (Session 7): Chapter XII – Causation
- Cause and Effect
- Reason
September 21 (Session 8): Chapter XIII and XIV – Gender and Mental Gender
- Organic life
- Psychology and the dual mind
September 28 (Session 9): Chapter XV – Reflections on the Hermetic Axioms
- The Kybalion in Action
The Fall Program begins October 5, 2024