A Conference for Scholars and Practitioners

I ran across this information today and thought I would share with all of my West Coast esoteric minded brothers.

AMORC, the Rosicrucian esoteric tradition out of San Jose, California, is hosting a Conference in 2010 at Rosicrucian Park in San Jose, and has an open call (and invitation to scholarly Masonic brothers) to participate by proposing papers or by attending the Conference.

Full info is below, or you can follow the link here to their micro site.

Compass of the Wise – 18th century

Hidden in Plain Sight:
The Influence of Western Esoteric Movements on Modern Thought

A Conference for Scholars and Practitioners

2010 will mark the 300th 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.”

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.

CALL FOR PAPERS:

The interaction between Western esotericism and the mystical traditions of organized religion has been long recognized. Less well known is the often pivotal role esoteric groups and beliefs have had in shaping the modern world, while remaining “Hidden in Plain Sight.”

An example of this is exhibited in the renowned influence Freemasonry and Rosicrucian thought had on America’s Founding Fathers.

Scholars and practitioners within the academic field of Western esotericism are invited to share their research exploring the substantial influence this tradition has had on modern thought. Presentations may include both discourses and works of art including drama, music and visual.

The conference is an open venue for the Western esotericism community and is not restricted solely to members of AMORC. Papers will be evaluated according to academic merit and are not expected to solely reflect the views and opinions of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC.

Authors are encouraged to submit proposals pertaining to esoteric movements such as the Mystery Traditions, Pythagoreanism, Hermeticism, Neo-Platonism, Gnosticism, Christian Theosophy, the Kabbalah, Alchemy, Freemasonry, Martinism and Rosicrucianism.

All proposals submitted should be written in English. Papers should follow Chicago Manual of Style, and include an abstract, an outline and a bio. There is no minimum or maximum length for the paper; however oral presentations should be no longer than one hour, including lecture and discussion. Multi-media presentations are encouraged, and participants are responsible for bringing the necessary equipment for their multimedia presentation. Please contact librarian@rosicrucian.org for more details.

All materials, proposals, abstracts, papers and presentations should use bias-free language and approaches following the ideals and guidelines of the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Edition (sections 5.203, 5.204 and 5.205) and should be considerate of all religions, belief systems, ethnic groups, genders, nationalities, walks of life, and political parties.

To submit your proposal, please email the proposal to librarian@rosicrucian.org by July 15, 2009.

The Location – Rosicrucian Park

Rosicrucian Park is situated in an area that was once mostly orchards and farmland. Conceived in 1927 by H. Spencer Lewis, the Park now covers nearly an entire city block. Rosicrucian Park attracts thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. The Park offers a mysterious and beautiful combination of Egyptian and Moorish architecture set among broad lawns, rose gardens, statuary, and sparkling fountains. The peaceful environment, along with the spiritual essence of what Rosicrucian Park represents, creates a serene and harmonious ambiance sensed by its many visitors.