Esoteric Fraternities and Initiation - Seminar

This  exciting lecture/seminar is dedicated to the secert fraternities which flourished in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Intitiatory groups had been current since the Renaissance, but publication of the Rosicrucian Manifestos proved catalytic for the development of  orders. As the Enlightenment  era progressed, these multiplied and took on numerous forms. Meanwhile, esoteric thought appeared to "go underground" within these secluded structures. Dr Sasha Chaitow traces initiatory practice from antiquity, through the medieval and Renaissance periods, looking closely at impact of Rosicrucian ideas on the development of other initiatory orders. She explains the workings and structures of the most influential fraternities, providing succinct outlines of their philosophical content. Their historical context is noted, as is their longterm impact.

How it works. Before the seminar date (9 August) you will listen to Dr Sasha Chaitow's pre-recorded lecture and read through some source texts, both of which will be emailed to you in the preceding week. When you join the online 2.5-hour seminar, you will be discussing in small groups in Zoom 'breakout rooms' and also sharing with the whole group. The discussions are based off the lecture and readings, so please allow time to look at these in the preceding week. Sasha hosts Q&A the start and end.

About the Instructor Dr Sasha Chaitow earned her PhD in Cultural History/Western Esotericism at the University of Essex. She holds an MA in the History of Western Esotericism (University of Exeter, 2008), and an MA in Literature (University of Indianapolis, 2004). She has published two books based on her research, is working on two more, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and magazines. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and has 20 years experience in adult education. She frequently presents her research at conferences and has organised numerous academic symposia. In her parallel career as a visual artist, she has produced 13 solo art exhibitions in the UK, Greece, and Sweden and  participates in curated group exhibitions. Current (2022) research interests include the history of science and its intersection with wider culture between the 18th-21st centuries, and interdisciplinary approaches in the health sciences. Full CV: www.sashachaitow.co.uk/about-2

Forthcoming Seminars in Western Esotericism

11 · 13th Sep The Occult Revival and Modernism

12. · 11th Oct 21st Century Occulture