Occult America,Theosophy and Brotherhood, the John Sellon Labor Day Weekend Program
This will be an extraordinary weekend, with two different presentations....
Esoteric philosophies and movements -- such as Freemasonry, Spiritualism, Theosophy, and New Thought -- have wielded a tremendous influence over America's past and present. From its earliest days, the nation became a laboratory for the revolutions in alternative spirituality that eventually swept the globe. Yet this aspect of our history is often ignored or overlooked. Drawing on his acclaimed book, Occult America, Mitch Horowitz discusses the metaphysical influences behind our nation's culture, politics, and spirituality. His topics include how the "Burned-Over District" of upstate New York (not far from Pumpkin Hollow) impacted American religion; the marriage between Spiritualism and the women's rights movement; the impact of the African-American magical tradition called hoodoo; the occult roots of the "positive thinking" movement; the surprising history of the Ouija Board; and the lives of figures ranging from Mary Todd Lincoln to Frederick Douglass to Madame H.P. Blavatsky.
Author and TSA member Mitch Horowitz will explore the secret occult history of the USA, the role of HP Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society with a focus on the region surrounding Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center. His recent book, OCCULT AMERICA: the Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation, will be available at the Pumpkin Hollow Bookstore for purchase.
John and Susan O'Neill will facilitate a discussion on Brotherhood and the Roots of Theosophy, which will be a participatory workshop exploring the First Object of the Theosophical Society. And, back by popular demand, the Pumpkin Hollow Players will present the historical drama The Mahatmas to enliven and round out this fun-filled gathering!
Note: The program runs from Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Anyone wishing to stay over for the Labor Day Monday/holiday is welcome. Check with the office regarding fees for the additional day.
A widely known writer and speaker on the history and impact of alternative spirituality, Mitch Horowitz is the editor-in-chief of Tarcher/Penquin and the author of Occult America (Bantam) which The Washington Post Book World called: "Fascinating...a serious wide-ranging study of all the magical, mystical and spiritual movements that have arisen and influenced American history in often surprising ways." Horowitz has written for U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post, Parabola, and BoingBoing. He has recently appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, Dateline NBC and All Things Considered. You can visit him online at www.MitchHorowitz.com.
$60 non-refundable
The Northeast Theosophical Federation offers Scholarships (room and board) for current members of the Theosophical Society. Contact us for an application.
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