If you want to be added to the invitation list for the Zoom meetings please send an email to
DCLodgeTS@gmail.com
Discussion of the Self-Culture via Zoom: 11 AM
Public Meeting: 12 PM
Meetings are via Zoom unless otherwise indicated
WINTER/SPRING PROGRAM 2026
This Winter/Spring season, the DC Lodge is delighted to introduce a new series:
The TSA Presidents Series: Conversations with Our Leaders
On the second Saturday of each month, we will highlight the current and former presidents of the Theosophical Society in America (Doug Keene on 1/10, Barbara Hebert on 2/14, Tim Boyd on 3/14, Betty Bland on 4/11, and John Algeo on 5/9). Each session will focus on:
- a selected article written by the featured president
- a shared reflection on their leadership, vision, and contributions
- a roundtable discussion, open to all participants
- a special appearance by the president (if living) for Q&A and personal insight
This is a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the evolving vision of the Society, explore the ideas that shaped its direction, and engage with the very individuals who guided that journey.
The reading list is provided below the date of the second Saturday of each month.
January 3 – In-person meeting at the Tenley Neighborhood Library
Roundtable Discussion: “The Hidden Meaning of Lodges” by Charles Leadbeater (https://www.anandgholap.net/Hidden_Side_Of_Lodge_Meetings-CWL.htm)
January 10
Roundtable Discussion about the article “Freedom Is Just Another Word for… What, Exactly?” by TSA President Doug Keene
In this month’s session, we are honored to welcome Doug Keene, MD, our TSA president since 2023 , whose leadership is distinguished by clarity and dedication to spiritual education.
Under his leadership, he and his team have implemented several important initiatives to strengthen the emphasis on Theosophy, including the establishment of the Virtual Study Centers, a renewed commitment that each issue of Quest magazine features at least one Theosophy-focused article, the requirement that the first Thursday lecture of every month centers on core Theosophical teachings, and the creation of the Leaders Study Group. In addition, Doug is leading aCapital Campaign to secure the financial support needed to care for and repair our beautiful headquarters building in Wheaton.
He will join us for an open roundtable, share reflections on the themes of the article, and respond to questions from participants.
January 17
“The Sephiroth in the Nordic Pantheon” with Matthew Flagge (DC Lodge)
In the Jewish mystical tradition, the Tree of Life and its Sephiroth (spheres) are given to students as a map of what they will find on their spiritual journey. But truth is not confined to one tradition, and mystics and adepts in other cultures and in other parts of the world made the same journey and discovered many of the same realities. In this talk, we will examine the Sephiroth of the Hebrew Kabbalah and how the realities represented by those Sephiroth are symbolically described within the Nordic Gylfaginning, part of the Prose Edda.
January 24
“Intelligence, the Future of Human Consciousness, and Spirituality” with John Crow (Tallahassee Study Center)
This talk focuses on the connections between AI, consciousness, and spirituality, exploring how these ideas appear today, in modernity, and in pre-modern contexts. Also, some time will be spent clarifying what generative AI actually does behind the scenes, aiming to move beyond the romanticized notions often associated with it.
January 31
“Everyday Magic: An Exploration of Intentional Thinking” with Dr. Jennifer Grace Heart
Magic isn’t just for the special few who can wiggle their nose, recite an incantation from a dusty tome, or engage in secret rituals. What if there is creative and transformative magic in your everyday life? In this discussion, clairvoyant Theosophists Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater’s Thought Forms will be our guides into how our thoughts take shape and move out into the world. We’ll also look at how the words you speak have a profound impact on your body. Masaru Emoto’s The Hidden Messages in Water will be our gateway into crafting our intention for powerfully coded water crystals. Participants are encouraged to come with a soft heart as we create space for the dynamic interplay between character and creation.
February 7 – In-person meeting at a the Georgetown Neighborhood Library
Roundtable Discussion about the article “Theosophy and the Theosophical Society” by William Q. Judge from December 1890 in The Path.
February 14
Roundtable Discussion about the article “Who Can Change the World” with Barbara Herbert, former TSA president.
This month we are honored to feature Dr. Barbara Hebert, whose presidency from 2017 until 2023 was defined by inclusive leadership, thoughtful communication, and a deep dedication to the transformative work of Theosophy. Her clarity and warmth remain sources of inspiration for many members. During her tenure, she skillfully guided the Society through the challenges of the pandemic, implementing the necessary innovations that significantly expanded the online dissemination of Theosophical teachings.
She will join us for an open roundtable, share reflections on the themes of the article, and respond to questions from participants.
February 21
“Introduction to Gnosticism” with Allix St. Clair (Miami Study Center)
Prior to the monotheistic religions, which see God as a Unity, religions and philosophies saw God as a Trinity or a Duality. Gnosticism is based on the concept of both a Duality and a Trinity. Gnosticism can be traced to early Christianity, neo-platonism, even earlier to Zoroastrianism, but modern-day Gnosticism ideas have re-entered the west through kabbalah and the heresies of the Roman Church. We will describe the basic ideas of the One God, the aeons and the archons, the demi-urge and we will look at some of the variations of Gnosticism since Christianity.
February 28
“The Compass of Reality” with John Greisen
Join us for an exploration of the Second fundamental proposition and the absolute universality of the law of periodicity. In the talk John will use the Taiji (yin/yang) to illustrate the interdependent nature of our turbulent reality.
March 7 – Visiting The New Alexandrian Library in Delaware
The NAL is a research and lending library located near Georgetown, DE dedicated to the preservation of books, periodicals, newsletters, music, media, art works, artifacts, photographs, and digital media focused on the metaphysical aspects of all religions and traditions. There is a special focus on the preservation of materials from the Pagan, Polytheist, and Western Mystery Traditions.
The DC Lodge donated many books to the library when it sold its building and members would like to familiarize themselves with this library.
March 14
Roundtable Discussion about the article “Are we Pacifists” by International President Tim Boyd and former TSA president
We are honored to feature this month Tim Boyd, current International President. As president of the Theosophical Society in America from 2011 until 2017, Tim embodied a quiet egalitarianism; never setting himself apart, showing genuine interest in every person that he met, regardless of their role or background. Tim’s most inspiring quality remained undiminished by challenges. He was appreciated for his balanced, integrative, and evolution-oriented approach to Theosophical work. Tim’s leadership emphasized unity, meditation, global service, and the living wisdom tradition.
He will join us for an open roundtable, share reflections on the themes of the article, and respond to questions from participants.
March 21
The Quiet Path Within with Miriam Suarez (TS Spain)
Renewing ourselves and blossoming in daily life —just as flowers turn toward the sun— is not merely a poetic device but a necessity in a frenetic world where spaces for observation and meditation are rarely created. In our theosophical literature, we find examples of great men and women who lived with integrity and authenticity, planting seeds of Consciousness. The purpose of this reflection, offered in the form of a talk, is precisely that: to prepare ourselves to nurture the seeds of the Soul and to take part, with awareness, in the unfolding of the One Life
March 28
“The Call to Adyar” by Merike Martsepp (Adyar)
What happens when a profound philosophical choice becomes a daily reality? Join us for an intimate journey to the heart of Theosophy—the international headquarters in Adyar, Chennai. The speaker shares her personal, challenging, and rewarding decision to relocate to this legendary campus, detailing the lessons learned while attempting to live the wisdomin a global spiritual community.
April 4 – No Meeting (Easter Sunday)
April 11
Roundtable Discussion about the article “In-Tune” by Betty Bland, former TSA president.
This month we are honored to feature Betty Bland, former National President from 2002 until 2011, whose leadership was characterized by warmth, accessibility, and a deeply practical approach to Theosophical living. She led with inclusiveness and a genuine desire to know people, meeting members where they were. During her presidency, Betty emphasized service, clear communication, experiential learning, and the art of bringing Theosophical teachings into everyday life with compassion and common sense.
During the Betty’s years, the Society sponsored two trips to Tibet, sponsored workshops for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Dr. Ed Tick; and hosted an Inter-American Federation Conference.
She will join us for an open roundtable, share reflections on the themes of the article, and respond to questions from participants.
April 18
“Becoming Theosophia: The Interdependence of Knowing and Being” with Juliana Cesano
True knowledge is not merely found but awakened. Its lamp is kindled only in the measure in which our being is transformed. The keys to Theosophy’s perennial truths, from karma’s silent weaving to dharma’s steady call, do not yield themselves to minds unchanged; they unfold for those who step into the living work of Self-becoming. For many, the real challenge lies not in appreciating the teachings, but in understanding how to distill and embody their truths in everyday life. How can we bridge that gap? How can we tend an inner garden where knowing and being grow as one?
April 25
“Unity: Gems from Stories and Traditions From Around the World” with Sue Prescott (Krotona)
We all want to feel loved and have a sense of unity with our families and significant people in our lives. Spiritual traditions from around the world have teachings that help with this, such as “Ho’oponopono” from the Polynesian culture and “Ubuntu” from the African tradition. Come and be inspired by beautiful stories, rituals and beliefs that can help overcome the sense of separation and alienation we can feel.
May 2 – In-person meeting at a DC library
Roundtable-discussion about Group Karma based on the quote below:
“It is but a truism, yet I say it, that in adversity alone can we discover the real man. It is a true manhood when one boldly accepts one’s share of the collective Karma of the group one works with, and does not permit oneself to be embittered, and to see others in blacker colours than reality, or to throw all blame upon some one “black sheep,” a victim, specially selected. Such a true man as that we will ever protect and despite his shortcomings, assist to develop the good he has in him.” —The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett
May 9
Roundtable Discussion about the article “Lift High the Torch” by John Algeo
This month we honor the work of Dr. John Algeo, former National President, whose distinguished career included service as Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Georgia and leadership roles in the American Dialect Society, the American Name Society, and the Dictionary Society of North America. Despite his many scholastic achievements, John was personally humble, though marked by a strong will and firm determination.
A devoted member of the Theosophical Society for 70 years, he contributed through lectures, books, articles, and extensive service — including International Vice President, National President for nine years, national board member, and founding officer of the Stil-Light Theosophical Retreat Center in North Carolina. His dedication and professionalism were unmistakable at every level.
Known for his sharp intellect, precise use of language, and sometimes curmudgeonly humor, John had little patience for frivolity or pretense. Yet behind this exterior was a man of depth, purpose, and fidelity — especially evident in his longtime, devoted relationship with his beloved wife.
May 16
“Between Adyar and Auroville: Mapping the Continuum of Integral Consciousness” with Dominic Bucci
Just over a two-hour drive south from the Theosophical Society’s international headquarters in Adyar, India, lies another spiritual experiment on the eastern coast: Auroville, an integral city founded in 1968 with the support of 125 nations. Rooted in the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (the Mother), Auroville was envisioned as a living laboratory for human unity and integral evolution—principles that closely parallel the founding ideals of Theosophy.
In this presentation, we will explore the shared ontology of Theosophy and Auroville, and consider how this “city of dawn” embodies a modern expression of the perennial wisdom that inspired the early Theosophical movement.
May 23 – No Meeting (Memorial Day Weekend)
May 30
“What If Reincarnation Is Real?” with Gwendolyn Reece
The philosophical and religious concept that an aspect of a living being starts a new life in a different physical body or form after each biological death is found in many ancient cultures and Eastern religions. Even some groups and denominations within the Abrahamic tradition refer to reincarnation in their teachings. If reincarnation is real, how should that affect the way we live our everyday lives or the collective choices we make. Join Gwendolyn Reece as she considers these questions.
JUNE 6TH – ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING AND ELECTIONS