‘Gurdjieff intro at Sheen Center’

     

The Gurdjieff Foundation’s next Introduction to the Gurdjieff Teaching will take place at the Sheen Center on Friday, October 4 at 6:30. “The event will be hosted by two senior members of the Gurdjieff Foundation, and provide an overview, a chance for exchange, and also feature a film on the subject of search,” according to the foundation’s website. To RSVP, send an email here.

The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture is located at 18 Bleecker Street, between Mott and Elizabeth streets.
     

‘The Movement Towards Inner Freedom’

     
Yesterday was the 69th anniversary of the death of George Gurdjieff, the founder of the Fourth Way, whose teachings are kept alive today by inspired followers such as the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York. The Foundation will host another introductory lesson next week. From the publicity:

The Movement Towards

Inner Freedom

Gurdjieff Foundation of New York

Friday, November 9 at 6:30

240 East 53rd Street, Manhattan

(Quest Bookshop)

RSVP here

“Liberation leads to liberation.”
G.I. Gurdjieff

The evening will include presentations, readings, practical exercises in movement, the Gurdjieff/de Hartmann music, conversation, and refreshments.


If you are a thinking Freemason, you may find these studies worthwhile.


The other day, Parabola magazine published online an excerpt from a book to be released in February. Gurdjieff Reconsidered: The Life, the Teachings, the Legacy by Roger Lipsey will be published by Shambhala Publications. Lipsey’s other books include a biography of Dag Hammarskjöld.

One sample paragraph:

G.I. Gurdjieff

The Rue des Colonels Renard is centrally located. Today you might want to stop in a café at the intersection of Avenue Mac-Mahon and the Rue des Acacias, where Gurdjieff often had his coffee, and surely looked from time to time past a receding row of street lamps toward a flank of the Arc de Triomphe not far off. At some point he turned that view into a parable about the distant aim toward which one might well be toiling and the many smaller aims and thresholds, requiring meticulous attention, that precede it. His apartment was nearby in a street like any other. Yet it was là-bas, as one of his pupils put it—there yet far off, another world. “Here in my house,” Gurdjieff stipulated, “all must be quintessence. Rest you do at home.” There was a further rule, captured by another of his pupils: “Here there are no spectators.”


Check out the excerpt here.
     

‘Gurdjieff sacred dances to return to New York’

     
And now for something completely different: Gurdjieff Movements will be staged in New York City for the first time in a long time. From the publicity:

Gurdjieff Sacred Dances

and Exercises

Sunday, May 21

Noon, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Miller Theatre at Columbia University

2960 Broadway

Tickets: $20-$25 here

These dances, called “Movements,” are practiced as part of the spiritual teaching of G.I. Gurdjieff. Based on ritual dances from ancient traditions, they are a personal study for self-knowledge requiring many years of work to execute as intended.

This is the first public presentation by the New York Gurdjieff Foundation in more than 55 years—a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of Gurdjieff’s exercises as a search for conscious movement.
     

‘April, with aprons and without’

     
Today through Friday, April 28 – At Center Point, the headquarters of the Anthroposophical Society of New York City (138 West 15th Street), the art exhibit “Entry Point: Paintings,” featuring works by Martina Angela Müller and Tim Paholak, opens April 1 and will run through the 28th. From the publicity:

Martina Angela Müller is a visual artist practicing in a number of different fields. The main body of her work is abstract painting, but she also works in sculpture, environmental art, and installation. It has been seen in numerous galleries in New York and Massachusetts, and in private collections across four continents. She teaches at Alkion Center at Hawthorne Valley, and maintains a studio in Ghent, New York.

Tim Paholak: “I have painted with watercolors for many years and I explored and developed relationships with the primary and complementary colors and the many colors that lie in between. About six years ago I was introduced to oil painting and have primarily been working in this medium ever since. My focus has been the relationships between colors and what lies between them. I have developed an interest in using texture on the canvas to bring a textural component to these relationships. It seems to be an endless panorama that holds great wisdom, a journey from the soul to the canvas that goes from self-awareness to world awareness.”


Today through Saturday, April 22 – Art exhibit “A Fool’s Journey” at Booth Gallery, located at 325 West 38th Street in Manhattan. I have not seen Luke Hillestad’s art before, but I think this sounds interesting. From the publicity:

“A Fool’s Journey” is an explorative visual odyssey through the inner landscapes of human pathology and desire for meaning. The viewer is invited to wander, with the fresh eyes of The Fool, down an arcane path. Along the way, we encounter painted rituals, alchemical symbols, and a cast of archetypes bearing qualities of the old but not forgotten. An unpredictable wilderness is the backdrop for the paintings, where the power of the natural elements, the animal kingdom, and forest talismans imbue the narrative. Initiation, desire, and a struggle of will are among the themes explored in Hillestad’s large-scale works, painted with a harmonious Apelles palette.

Luke Hillestad has exhibited his works in Dubai, Paris, Munich, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Miami. He paints from life, employing friends and loved ones as models, as well as using taxidermy animals, and found natural objects to create his mythologies. Hillestad is currently illustrating “Shakespeare’s Macbeth,” a limited edition collectors’ book collaboration.


Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “Increasing Your Capacity to Live, Love, and Learn” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Have you been trying without success to become a better “you?” If this is true, the Rosicrucian Order has many tips and tools that are capable of transforming every aspect of your being. Join us as we examine a different aspect of our lives each day, and work together to improve and enhance the way we “show up” in the world.

Facilitating the discussions will be long-time Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach and Certified Life Coach.


Wednesday, April 5 – “The Gift of Happiness,” Open House at the School of Practical Philosophy. Click here.


Wednesday, April 5 – New York Theosophical Society hosts weekly meetings for both members and non-members alike. Honestly, I’m not sure what my opinion of the Society is, but I don’t hesitate suggesting Magpie readers would enjoy checking it out. The topic for Wednesday will be “The Absolute.” Click here for the month’s schedule.


Wednesday, April 5 – Table Lodge with Andrew Hammer:

Wednesday, April 5 – One of the very few educational opportunities in “New Jersey Freemasonry” is the Book Club. Check it out:

Thursday, April 6 – New York City Chapter of Rose Croix (AASR) will host the annual Feast of the Paschal Lamb. Open to the public.

Friday, April 7 – Introductory Event: “Seeing: Self-Awareness and the Search for Inner Freedom” at Gurdjieff Foundation of New York. Quest Bookshop at 240 East 53rd Street.

Monday, April 10 through Friday, April 14 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “Bringing Your Whole Self to the Workplace” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Have you often wondered whether it is safe to be the real you at work? Or whether you can have autonomy and a sense of control in your work environment, or do you fear rejection or misunderstanding? In order to do this one must be aware of one’s values and beliefs and have a clear life purpose.

We will explore how and why bringing your whole self to work increases your capacity to reach your potential as well as improve the environment and energy of your workplace.

Facilitating the discussions will be long-time Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach and Certified Life Coach.


Thursday, April 13 – The Passing of Arthur. Click here.


Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “Tips for Giving Heartfelt Service During Turbulent Times” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

We become easily distracted when life events do not turn out the way we would like them to. A crisis in our lives can change our predominant mood and energy in an instant, yet we want and need to continue to contribute, care, and serve even though our energy levels may be affected, and we just do not feel quite up to it. This is the time, more than ever, that we need to energize ourselves, regain our equilibrium, and fulfill a significant part of our life purpose–contributing to what Matthew Fox describes as “the great work.” Join us as we share tips and ideas for re-energizing ourselves and moving bravely forward.

Facilitating the discussions will be long-time Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach and Certified Life Coach.


Tuesday, April 18 – Institute of Classical Architecture & Art to host “George Hadfield: Architect of the Federal City,” with Dr. Julia King. 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310. Reception at 6:30/Lecture at seven. From the publicity:

Theatre of Marcellus by George Hadfield.

The ICAA is pleased to present a lecture with Dr. Julia King in which she will be discussing her recent book George Hadfield: Architect of the Federal City.

During his lifetime, the work of the neoclassical architect George Hadfield (1763-1826) was highly regarded, both in England and the United States. Since his death, however, Hadfield’s contributions to architecture have slowly faded from view, and few of his buildings survive. In order to reassess Hadfield’s career and work, this talk draws upon a wide selection of written and visual sources to reconstruct his life and legacy. Dr. King will examine projects including the Capitol, Arlington House, and Old City Hall.

Dr. Julia King holds her Ph.D. from Birkbeck College, University of London, as well as a Master’s in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University and a BA in the History of European Art from the Courtauld Institute, University of London. She was a Fellow of the United States Capitol Historical Society, as well as the Royal Society of Arts, and served as the Executive Director of the Mills Society from 1984-87. She has taught at East Tennessee State University, the University of Reading, and the Newport College of Art and Design, among other colleges. At present, Dr. King is a consultant historian and author of many works including, The Flowering of Art Nouveau Graphics, Equestrian Monuments, and George Hadfield: Architect of the Federal City.

Cost/Reservations: Free for ICAA members; $30 General Admission.


Friday, April 21 – Mariners Lodge 67’s Charity Gala:

Saturday, April 22 – In concert: Marcus Macauley, Piano; and Claude Gilbert, Cello.

The planned program includes Bach’s Suite No. 3 in C Major for unaccompanied cello, and selections from Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto on E Major, Op. 85.

Location: Anthroposophical Society’s Threefold Auditorium, 260 Hungry Hollow Road in Chestnut Ridge, New York.
Suggested donation: $20 / $10 students and seniors / $5 children
Information here.


Saturday, April 22 – North West Mounted Police Lodge 11’s Degree Team to confer the Master Mason Degree in Delaware.

Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “What Is Your Teachability Index?” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Are you willing to let go of what you think you already know? Are you able to learn with a child’s mind? Have you become an “expert” in a particular area, and thus are unwilling to examine new information and the opinions of others?

One writer says “experts are the slowest learners.” Another points out that “you cannot travel within and stand still without.”

Come and be part of this challenging discussion series as we examine long held beliefs and ideas about the world and its people.


Friday, April 28 – The annual re-enactment of the first inauguration of President George Washington, as performed by New York Freemasons. 11 a.m. at Federal Hall, where the 1789 ceremony actually took place. I assume the George Washington Inaugural Bible will be present (weather permitting).

Saturday, April 29 – Hudson River Lodge 309 will confer the Master Mason Degree, but this will be a degree unlike any other.

Sadly, the lodge is vacating its building, but the brethren will make it a celebration by raising Fellow Crafts to the Sublime Degree. New Windsor Masonic Hall (18 Snake Hill Road in New Windsor) at 10 a.m. RSVP here. Breakfast at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served.
     

‘Masonic March madness!’

     
There are so many great things for the thinking Freemason to do this month! Check out some of these events within the apartments of the Temple and without.

Thursday, March 2 – Washington Lodge 21 in the First Manhattan District will meet at 7 p.m. in the French Doric Room on the tenth floor of Masonic Hall (71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan). Program: A lecture on American Talmudist and Washington Lodge Brother Israel Baer Kursheedt given by the lodge’s own W. Bro. Tessler.

Friday, March 3 – New York Open Center will host an open house with a discussion of Esoteric Quest at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. 22 East 30th Street in Manhattan. From the publicity:

The Open Center’s Esoteric Quest conferences have now run for over 21 years and are some of the world’s leading events on the Western spiritual paths. We invite you to join us for an informative and engaging evening in which we will briefly review the remarkable history of the Quests and look forward to the upcoming Esoteric Quest in the Western Isles of Scotland in August. The Outer Hebrides in the North Atlantic are where Celtic and Norse cultures mingled, where megalithic standing stones dot the landscape of the isles of Lewis and Harris, and where big skies, mountain vistas, and the ever present rolling sea provide the context for our thirteenth Quest. Join us for a convivial and entertaining evening. All are welcome.

Friday, March 3 – The Gurdjieff Foundation of New York will hold a new introductory session at 6:30 p.m. in the lecture hall at Quest Bookshop. Details here:

Click to enlarge.

Sunday, March 5 – The School of Practical Philosophy will present a new Plato Study Day titled “Plato’s Path to Prosperity.” Click here.

Sunday, March 5 – Anthroposophy NYC will present Anne Keller-de Wild, who will present “The Five Temperments: An Open Secret, Continued.” Details here.

Tuesday, March 7 – My favorite chapter of Piers Vaughan’s latest book concerns the Archangel Raphael, and on this night the Scottish Rite Valley of New York City will host Piers (33°, MSA, PMWM, etc.) for a reading of this very chapter and a book-signing. Details here:

Click to enlarge.

Wednesday, March 8 – Mariners Lodge 67 in the First Manhattan District will meet at 7 p.m. in the Doric Room on the eighth floor of Masonic Hall (71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan). Program: Voyage into Mystery Chapter X: “Secret Origins of the Illuminati” presented by Josef Wages. From the publicity:

Who were the Illuminati? Why was it formed? Is there a connection to Freemasonry? Does it still exist, and is it behind the “New World Order?”

Bro. Josef Wages is a famed Masonic author who is one of the principal editors of the book The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Ritual and Doctrines of the Illuminati. (Copies of the book and Illuminati jewelry will be available for sale.) Open to Apprentices and Fellows.

Program will be followed by Mariner’s legendary maritime-themed Festive Board at 9 p.m. Reservations are a must. Click here.

Friday, March 10 – The Fourth Manhattan District (my home) will host a Grand Lecturer’s Convention. These are amazing happenings. Bro. Richard Kessler, the Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer, will discuss a certain aspect of the meaning of Masonry. A real treat, especially for those of us new to New York Freemasonry and are unaccustomed to knowing Grand Lodge officers who can discuss Freemasonry brilliantly. At Masonic Hall: 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan.

Saturday, March 11 – New Jersey Lodge of Masonic Research and Education 1786 will host the Magpie Mason! A Past Master of the lodge, I will tender my first presentation to the brethren in a really long time. Titled “Question Everything (And Answer as Best You Can),” I’ll recount the history of Masonic education, and explain how attainable an advancement in Masonic knowledge really is, even for the timid seeker.

We meet at Hightstown-Apollo Lodge 41 in Hightstown.

Thursday, March 16 – The inimitable Andrew Hammer, president of the Masonic Restoration Foundation and author of Observing the Craft, will present the 2017 Wendell K. Walker Lecture, hosted by Independent Royal Arch Lodge 2 in the First Manhattan District. All info on this flier:

Click to enlarge.

Thursday, March 16 – The Mythology Roundtable of New York will meet for Mesopotamian Mythology Class at Brooklyn Brainery at 8:15 p.m. From the publicity:

Mesopotamia, the ancient “Land Between Two Rivers” in present day Iraq, was home to many different gods. Though less-well known today than the pantheons of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, the gods of Mesopotamia had just as many grand adventures, big personalities and poignant observations on the human condition. We know them today thanks to a rich ancient literature, including the famous “Epic of Gilgamesh,” the first example of written epic poetry in world history.

In this class, we’ll meet the most important gods of Mesopotamia: tempestuous Inanna (the original femme fatale), wise Enki, monster-slaying Ninurta, and many more. We’ll hear the story of the great “two-thirds divine” hero Gilgamesh and uncover the original context of familiar names like Ishtar and Lilith. We’ll also learn how these gods were worshipped, and how the worship affected history, up to and including the modern world.

This class is a general introduction to the myths and legends of Mesopotamia. No previous knowledge of the subject matter is required.

Friday, March 17 – Atlas-Pythagoras Masonic Lodge 10 in New Jersey will welcome back Past Prestonian Lecturer (2014) Michael Kearsley, who will speak on “1814 Consolidation and Change: The First Year of the United Grand Lodge of England.” Details here:

Click to enlarge.

Saturday, March 18 – The Rose Circle Research Foundation will bring renowned scholar, author, Freemason, Fama translator, etc. Christopher McIntosh back to the lectern to present “New Light on the Golden Dawn.” From the publicity:

In the founding of the 19th century English occult society the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a key role was played by an alleged German Rosicrucian adept named Fräulein Anna Sprengel, who had the magical motto Sapiens Dominabitur Astris (the wise person overcomes their stars). In this lecture, historian Christopher McIntosh reveals a sensational discovery he made about Fräulein Sprengel, and speaks about its significance for the history of the Golden Dawn.

Ticketing information is still to come.

Saturday, March 18 – A great day is in store at the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge in Elizabethtown. The publicity:

Click to enlarge.

Monday, March 20 – The Rosicrucian Order will host a celebration of the Spring Equinox. If you’ve ever wondered about your harmonious relationship among your fellow man, nature, and deity, here’s a great opportunity to learn from the Grand Master. 6:30 p.m. at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center at 2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan.

Saturday, March 25 – The C.G. Jung Foundation will present a daylong seminar led by Michael Conforti, Ph.D. titled “Time of the Forgotten: Trauma, Memory, and Healing.” Details here.

Monday, March 27 – The Mythology Roundtable of New York will meet to discuss the new issue of Parabola magazine, “The Search for Meaning,” at 6:15 p.m. in the Kristine Mann Library at the C.G. Jung Foundation. 28 East 39th Street (fourth floor) in Manhattan. A mandatory reading assignment to prepare for the discussion.

Wednesday, March 29 – I don’t know what is going on with The American Lodge of Research. It hasn’t published a book in about six years. I haven’t received a mailing in two or three years. The website is gone. The Yahoo! Group is effectively shut down. At Masonic Week a couple of weeks ago, a past officer confided the lodge is basically dead, and yet its Faceypage still hints at activity. A meeting on this evening with RW Pierre de Ravel d’Esclapon, a Fellow of the lodge, presenting “The Vatican and Freemasonry: A History of Misunderstanding?” Eight o’clock in the Jacobean Room in Masonic Hall.

Thursday, March 30 – The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library’s lecture series will continue with DeMolay International Grand Master Bill Sardone speaking on Jacques DeMolay. 6:30 p.m. at Masonic Hall in NYC.

And in April…

Saturday, April 1 – QUEST XXXVII at Scottish Rite Masonic Hall in Rockville Centre, New York. 9 a.m. “A Way of Life.” See flier below:

Click to enlarge.

Wednesday, April 5 – RW Hammer returns to New York City for a great Table Lodge:

Thursday, April 6 – The Scottish Rite Valley of New York City will host its annual Feast of the Paschal Lamb, with Ill. Richard Kessler, 33° delivering the address. This Past Most Wise Master will be there! Details here:

Click to enlarge.

     

‘The Way of Understanding’

     
The Gurdjieff Foundation of New York will offer another of its introductory events next week to explain a bit about its mystical teachings. This session, titled “The Way of Understanding: A Search in Daily Life,” will be hosted Friday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Center for Conscious Living & Yoga (227 East 24th Street, between Second and Third, in Manhattan). If you want to check it out, do them a big favor and reserve your seat by e-mailing the organizers here.

After attending an introductory event, like this one, you have the option of delving a little further into the matter at additional events.

Click to enlarge.

     

‘The Work for Awakened Attention’

     
The Gurdjieff Foundation of New York will offer another of its introductory events next month to explain a bit about its mystical teachings. This session, titled “The Work for Awakened Attention,” will be hosted Friday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. inside the lecture hall of Quest Bookshop (240 East 53rd Street, between Second and Third, in Manhattan). If you want to check it out, do them a big favor and reserve your seat by e-mailing the organizers here.

After attending an introductory event, like this one, you have the option of delving a little further into the matter. On the following weekend, on Saturday, October 15, the group will host another event, including a screening of a Ken Burns film. The talk will be “A Way of Life,” and the film is Vézelay, made by Burns in 1995, and this will take place in The Sheen Center (Studio A), located at 18 Bleecker Street, from 4 to 5:30. RSVP here.

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‘Gurdjieff at St. Mark’s in the Bowery’

     
The Gurdjieff Foundation of New York will host an introductory discussion on the theme “Living the Gurdjieff Teaching: A Search in Contemporary Life” later this month.

That will be Saturday, May 21 at 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery (131 East 10th Street) in Manhattan. The afternoon will include practical exercises in attention.

For reservations (recommended) or further information, send an e-mail here.

     

‘Things to do in December’

     
With 60° weather during Thanksgiving weekend in New York City, one might forget that December is only days away. There is so much to occupy our thoughts at year’s end, independent of current events and the unexpected happenings of daily life, that perhaps you may be interested in these opportunities to focus the mind and, maybe, form a few questions too.

On Saturday, December 5, Builders of the Adytum will host its Qabalistic Christmas Ritual at Masonic Hall (71 West 23rd Street) in Manhattan. Two o’clock inside the Chapter Room on 12.

BOTA members, guests, and the public are invited to participate in the traditional celebration of light and the holy season as written by Rev. Ann Davies. (This is a special annual event not to be confused with the regular fourth Saturday meeting of the pronaos.)


If you are in the mood for music, the School of Practical Philosophy will host its Concert Matinee at three o’clock in the Great Hall of St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church (184 East 76th Street) in Manhattan. Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and more for just 25 bucks. Register here.

On Saturday, December 12, the Rosicrucian Order will host “Learn About the Martinist Tradition” at 1 p.m. at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.) in Manhattan. From the publicity:

Focusing on the works of Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, we will explore the foundations of Martinism, a mystical movement deeply rooted in the Western Esoteric Tradition. The facilitator of the discussion will be Julian Johnson, long-time member of both the Rosicrucian Order and the Traditional Martinist Order.


Also on Saturday the 12th, the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York will offer another session in its introductory series titled “The Search for Meaning and Purpose in Our Lives.” The subject that afternoon will be “What are you?”

The Gurdjieff Foundation now meets at Quest Bookshop at the Theosophical Society, located at 240 East 53rd Street (between Second and Third avenues) in Manhattan. Starts at 3 p.m.

For more information, send an e-mail here.

Click to enlarge.

New York Open Center (22 East 30th Street, Manhattan) will have a three-lecture program on “The Way of the Mystic: Insights, Wisdom, and Practices of the Masters.” 8 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, December 1, 8, and 15. From the publicity:

What is mysticism? What are mystical experiences and under what circumstances do they occur? In this three-week series, Jon Mundy will first explain what mysticism is, and then identify many of the characteristics of mystical experiences including: the loss of subject/object identity, timelessness, egolessness and experiences of wonder, awe, reverence, freedom, happiness, and bliss. He will then delve into the lives, experiences, and teachings of a number of history’s greatest mystics and, most importantly, describe meditative and other practices that can lead to the exalted states they describe.

Tuesday, December 1

What is Mysticism?

Tuesday, December 8

Medieval Mystics: Meister Eckhart, St. Francis,

and Rumi

Tuesday, December 15

Modern Mystics: Thoreau, Ramana Maharshi,

and Eckhart Tolle

A Lecture Series—Three Sessions

Members: $70/Non-members: $75

Individual Sessions: $28

New York Open Center also brings back Mr. Robert Place for another “Introduction to the Tarot” series of sessions on Wednesdays, December 2, 9, and 16, from 8 to 10 p.m. From the publicity:

An Introduction to the Tarot:
Guidance and Wisdom for Our Spiritual Journey

The Tarot, ostensibly a deck of decorated cards, is in fact a symbolic system whose images express Pythagorean, Platonic and Hermetic mystical ideas. Once one grasps the Tarot’s philosophy and structure, the cards can be used as an intuitive device to connect with one's inner wisdom.

The Tarot, ostensibly a deck of decorated cards, is in fact a symbolic system whose images express Pythagorean, Platonic and Hermetic mystical ideas. Once one grasps the Tarot’s philosophy and structure, the cards can be used as an intuitive device to connect with one’s inner wisdom. In this class we will study the symbolism of the Tarot as its Italian Renaissance creators intended, come to understand its spiritual messages, and then learn and practice techniques that develop our intuition and enable us to read the cards as messages from our Higher Self.

Note: you will need a Tarot deck for this class, preferably The Alchemical Tarot or the Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery by Robert Place, or the Waite-Smith Tarot. It is also recommended that you have one of Place’s books as a text, Alchemy and the Tarot or the Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination.

Members: $105/Non-members: $115


If you’re baffled by the names of various tarot decks, please understand there is a limitless variety of decks. There probably is a Simpsons tarot deck. A new Masonic deck is in the works, I’m told. Today I learned of the Hillbilly deck, which has this variation of The Fool:

But the aforementioned Rider-Waite deck surely is the most common and familiar.

And the month of December ends and the New Year will begin with the Anthroposophical Society’s Holy Nights programming. No announcements there yet, but I’ll post the news on The Magpie when it becomes available.
     

‘What Calls Us to Search?’

     
The Gurdjieff Foundation of New York City will host an event Monday night at the Theosophical Society to introduce us to the concepts of the Gurdjieff Work.

Click to enlarge.

The Search

for Meaning

in the Midst
of Life:
What Calls Us
to Search?

September 21

6:30 p.m.

Quest Bookshop

240 E. 53rd Street

Manhattan
RSVP here

After attending one of the Foundation’s introductory events, one may attend Ongoing Readings. Send a note to that same e-mail address for more information and to reserve your seat at the Readings if you have attended an introductory event first.
     

‘Meaning, laws, and attunement in life’

     
Unbelievably, April is practically here, and I haven’t yet written about Masonic Week, Royal Arch weekend in Albany, and a number of other memorable events from winter. I’ll get there, but in the meantime, here is news of coming attractions surely of interest to Magpie readers in or around New York City.

The Gurdjieff Foundation of New York will offer another introductory discussion on Friday, April 10. Titled “The Search for Meaning in the Midst of Life,” this program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 104 Berry Street in Williamsburg. Reservations are recommended. See the flier for info:

Click to enlarge.

“Only by beginning to remember himself does a man really awaken. And then all surrounding life acquires for him a different aspect and a different meaning.”

G. I. Gurdjieff


On April 18 and 19, the Rosicrucian Order will host another Mystical Weekend at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center at 2303 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in Manhattan.

Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m.: “Discuss Spiritual Laws” with Dr. Lonnie Edwards, author of Spiritual Laws that Govern Humanity and the Universe. Open to all.

Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m.: Various sessions and discussion for brothers and sisters of the Order.


On the following Saturday, April 25, Builders of the Adytum will host its annual Vibratory Attunement Ritual. This is an exercise involving devotions and sensory perception of sound and color—a very interesting experience that I recommend. This is open to the public, and will take place at 4 p.m. at Masonic Hall (71 West 23rd Street, 12th floor Chapter Room, in Manhattan). The event follows BOTA’s regular fourth Saturday “Elements in Tarot and Hebrew” session which begins at 10 a.m.


And you Freemasons, don’t forget W. Anthony Mongelli will appear Wednesday at Livingston Lodge No. 11 in New Jersey.