We’re sure many of you have been gripped by the dramatic events unfolding in Egypt. As we write, the country is filled with joy and delight after Mubarak’s resignation, and millions hope for a new wind of liberation to blow through the whole Arabic world.
Of course, this situation has a direct bearing on our upcoming Esoteric Quest for Ancient Alexandria. Our friends in Egypt have spoken to us of the pride and optimism generated by the new movement for democracy, and are filled with jubilation at this moment.
In the light of today’s massive victory for the forces of freedom, we expect that our ground-breaking conference in Alexandria should be able to proceed as planned. There now seems to be a good chance that Egypt will be able to transition non-violently to fair elections and a new government. Certainly any fresh government, whether transitional or elected, will have near the top of its agenda the need to revivify the tourist industry that is so crucial to the Egyptian economy.
While parallels are not exact, I know from my own experience in Eastern Europe and Russia after the fall of communism, that a visit to a country freshly liberated from dictatorship can be an unforgettable, even exhilarating experience. And I’m sure many of us feel huge appreciation for the courageous, young people and Egyptians of all ages who have insisted throughout this intense moment of history on lives of freedom and opportunity.
As conference organizers, we remain mindful of the safety of all attendees and faculty. So we will continue to monitor events very closely, remain in regular contact with our partners at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and keep careful track of the latest postings from the US State Department and other sources.
We believe that many things now point toward a successful Quest for Ancient Alexandria in June. This truly will be the first time in perhaps 1500 years that an international group has gathered in this legendary city to honor and explore the full spectrum of its spiritual, philosophical, cultural and scientific achievements, and this is an opportunity we do not want to waste unless circumstances genuinely demand it.
We will keep you informed of the latest developments regarding the conference through Quest News. Please note that www.esotericquest.org will also have updates. You can also call our registrar Andrea Lomanto at 212 219 2527 ext 101 if you would like to discuss any concerns.
In conclusion, we at the Open Center have great hopes that Egypt can now move forward toward a healthy future, and that four months from now we will share an outstanding experience in an energized and welcoming country.
Best Regards,
Ralph White
Conference Director
Alchemy and Sympatheia
Brian Cotnoir
Byzantine alchemy is the direct continuation of the Alexandrian tradition
both in theory and practice. We will explore the contributions of the Byzantines
to alchemy’s development including the concept of Sympatheia, and read On the Sacred Art by the Neo- Platonist Proclus with its emphasis on alchemy as ascent of the soul.
Wednesday, February 16, 8pm
$25
Sermons to the Dead
Ralph Peters, PhD
Carl Jung’s Seven Sermons to the Dead were written at the high point (1916)
of his “confrontation with the unconscious.” These Sermons have been
called the “fount and origin” of Jung’s later work. He ascribes their authorship
to Basilides, a second century teacher of gnosis who resided in Alexandria,
“the city where East and West meet,” Jung tells us. Alexandria was
the symbolic location for Jung where the ancient esoteric elements of East
and West could be brought together to form a vital planetary spirituality for
the present age.
Wednesday, February 23, 8pm
$25
A Field Guide To The Egyptian Mysteries
Normandi Ellis
Open Sesame. This evening provides a look at the Osirian Mysteries through an exploration of “seed ideas.” All that is planted in the earth and came to be
associated with Osiris includes the seed of wheat as well as the seed of the mummy that will burst forth into renewal. We will discuss Ancient Egyptian ideas
about spiritual bodies, the doorways into the next world, the universes found there, and the festivals of the dead.
Friday, March 4, 7:30pm
Members: $18 / Nonmembers: $20
Hieroglyphic Thinking & Words Of Power
Normandi Ellis
This experiential workshop explores the multidimensional ways of expression that are comparable to the Ancient Egyptian scribe’s process when he composed his Books of the Dead. He engaged in hieroglyphic or alchemical thinking through the use of words of power. The Egyptians saw the process of manifestation as it flows from the divine into the physical world. Following their example, we will explore the natural world as the divine-filled world and ex-amine the subtle power of naming and symbolic thinking. Through thoughts and language, we engage in the task of creating mystical poetry. As we tap into dream images and secret longings of the heart, we touch the power of Logos in image and in sound. The day will also involve reading and writing healing glyphs.
Saturday, March 5, 10am–5:30pm
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
Jacco Dieleman, PhD
This is an introduction to the religious beliefs, practices, sentiments, and institutions of ancient Egypt (3000 BC–300 AD). The aim is to study Egyptian religion as a coherent system of thought and sphere of action that integrated and gave meaning to nature, society and the individual. In four sessions, we will learn about the nature and appearance of the gods, mythology and cosmology, the cult practices in the temples, and how private individuals used Egyptian religion in their daily lives. By reading texts in translation, analyzing statues and temple reliefs, and studying plans of temples and tombs, we will gain insight in the basic principles of Ancient Egyptian religion and acquire appreciation for its sophistication and depth.
WHAT IS EGYPTIAN RELIGION AND WHO ARE THE EGYPTIAN GODS?
Thursday, March 31, 8pm
COSMOLOGY: VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE REALITY
Thursday, April 7, 8pm
THE KING AND TEMPLE CULT
Thursday, April 14, 8pm
EGYPTIAN RELIGION IN DAILY LIFE
Thursday, April 21, 8pm
A LECTURE SERIES
(4 sessions) Thursdays, March 31– April 21, 8–10pm
Members: $80 / Nonmembers: $90 / Individual Sessions: $25
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The Esoteric Quest is presented by The New York Open Center a non-profit holistic learning center offering evening events, full-day workshops, ongoing classes, advanced trainings, and graduate degree opportunities.