2010 will mark the three-hundreth anniversary of the publication of The True and Complete Preparation of the Philosopher's Stone of the Fraternity of the Golden and Rosy Cross by Sincerus Renatus in 1710, the first known reference to the Rosicrucians as an institution.
Through scholarly research, the interaction of Western Esotericism with the mystical traditions of organized religion has been recognized to be extensive. Further, and less well known, is the often pivotal role esoteric groups and beliefs have had in shaping the modern world as a whole, while remaining “Hidden in Plain Sight.”
Dennis William Hauck will be presenting a paper and presentation entitled "Materia Prima - The Nature of the First Matter in the Esoteric and Scientific Traditions." The lecture and corresponding paper will follow a historical development of the First Matter concept from antiquity to modern times with special attention as to how the idea has changed to fit contemporary perspectives on the nature of matter and the cosmos. The universality of the First Matter concept will be demonstrated on the physical, psychological, and spiritual levels with material from the lives and philosophies of alchemists, scientists, psychologists, and spiritual leaders. These views will be supplemented with anecdotes and revelations from the author's diverse training as a mathematician and in Hermetic organizations, as well as his apprenticeship in practical alchemy.
We invite you to this conference to join with other scholars and practitioners within the field of western esotericism in exploring the substantial influence this tradition has on modern thought.
In addition to the opportunity to share our research and practice within the realm of western esotericism, we envision the weekend as an opportunity to celebrate the many facets of this tradition. We invite participants to exercise not only their scholarship, but cultural creativity as well.
We will gather together on the weekend of July 22-25, 2010, coinciding with that month’s Full Moon, at Rosicrucian Park in San Jose, founded in 1927 by Dr. H. Spencer Lewis. Mark your calendars now! Please contact librarian@rosicrucian.org for more information. If you are interesting in submitting a paper, click here.
There is no set conference fee. There is a suggested donation of $75.00 per participant (at the door) to help defray Conference costs.