Edinburgh Branch of the Theosophical Society in Scotland
SPRING / SUMMER PROGRAMME 9 APRIL – 25 JUNE 2026
VENUE: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, 25 Palmerston Place EH12.
Talk: 7.30 - 8.50pm in the Sanctuary Room (Tea/coffee in Cafe from 7.00pm)
Admission: £5 Members / £7 Non-members. ALL WELCOME
PLEASE NOTE PAYMENT IS BY CASH
THE SPIRITUAL QUEST with Gary Kidgell
Saturday 18th April 11 am to 4.45 pm
The descent of spirit into matter, and its subsequent return to source, underlies all religious and esoteric teachings. The wisdom teachings describe the spiritual quest as the Spiritual Path or Path of Return. This workshop is designed to offer participants a soundly based understanding of the path of return and in methods of spiritual transformation. Gary will describe the underlying metaphysical factors derived from esoteric teachings, transpersonal psychology and world religions and he will provide participants with tried and tested practical methods designed to assist in their spiritual development and growth. This event is suitable both for beginners and more advanced students. The workshop will include the opportunity to participate in group discussion and periods of meditation.
VENUE: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, 25 Palmerston Place, EH12.
TICKETS: £25 (£20 Th. Soc. Members) pay cash on the day
RESERVE A SEAT: ts.edinburghprogramme@gmail.com
To attend by Zoom search for ‘Theosophical Society Edinburgh’ on Eventbrite
Gary Kidgell is an international speaker and a professional esoteric astrologer. He has lectured extensively throughout the U.K. and Europe. Gary has published three books: The Inner Journey: Pathways to the Higher Self; Greek Hero Myths: Symbols of Transformation; and The Rising Signs: Gateway to the Higher Self. Gary’s books will be on sale at the event at a cost of £15 each (please bring cash payment).
PROGRAMME
11.00 – 11.30 Check-in + Tea break
11.30 – 1.15 Part 1 + Q&A
1.15 – 2.30 Lunch (bring sandwich or eat out) *
2.30 – 4.00 Part 2 + Q&A
4.00 – 4.45 Social time + Tea/coffee/cake *
* You are welcome to bring a sandwich lunch to eat at the centre, or go out to a local cafe. At the end of the afternoon there will be time to socialise and to discuss the day with other members of the audience over tea, coffee, and cake.
9 APR Theosophy Study Circle Guide Series 1/4Thoughtforms and the Modern Mind
Theosophy teaches that thoughts are not abstract, they are forms that carry energy and influence the world around us. In today’s environment of constant information, media, and digital interaction, what are we really creating with our attention? This session explores thoughtforms in a modern context, how they shape perception, behaviour, and collective experience, and how greater awareness can transform the way we think, respond, and engage with the world. (Join in the series at any point. The circle is also open to Non Members.)
16 APR Art & Dreams as Societal Shamanic Practice. Elisabeth Landgraf
I will be sharing my personal journey into the initiatic process of the shamanic arts through my Ancestors, which set me on a journey of self-discovery. One of my main inspirations is to make the invisible visible, to reclaim the primary role of art and dreams as medicine, healing mirror, social change and re-enchantment. All my artistic practices are a tangible outcome of my intimate and deep relationship with the aliveness of existence. (Elisabeth’s exhibition, ‘Love is the Ability
to make the Invisible Visible’, is currently on show at the centre)
Elisabeth: I am a multi disciplinary explorer, artist with a core focus on the power of the subconscious, unconscious, exploring consciousness through artistic, visionary, mystical, shamanic and creative expressions, my practices span from visionary art painting, korean calligraphy, energy art combining movement ( Ki art), gestures and abstract ink painting, whirling dancing, shamanic and intuitive dance, performative arts. While my artistic expressions may vary outwardly, I'm centered on dreams, living with the dao and the philosophical concept of Mu ( void, non-existent, emptiness).
SATURDAY 18 April The Spiritual Quest with Gary Kidgell. (DAY WORKSHOP)
INFO / RESERVE A SEAT: ts.edinburghprogramme@gmail.com
IN-PERSON TICKETS: £25 (£20 Th. Soc. Members) pay cash on the day
To book Zoom - search for ‘Theosophical Society Edinburgh’ on Eventbrite.
23 APR The Importance of Ceremony. Jamie Voltz (joining us from Canada via zoom)
Ceremony has been held at the heart of indigenous traditions across the world as a living way of connecting with the land, spirit, and the unseen forces that shape life. This talk explores ceremony as a living bridge between worlds. Drawing from indigenous perspectives, it brings forward the deeper purpose of ritual as a way of restoring connection, honouring cycles, and working in harmony with both the Earth and subtle planes of existence. Participants will gain insight into how
ceremony can be experienced not as something separate from life, rather as a way of walking in awareness, presence, and relationship with creator.
Jamie-Lee Voltz (Agawaatesin Ma’iingan – Shadow Wolf) is from the Wolf Clan and a Helper at Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba Canada. She is Métis through her Father, and has Ukrainian and Irish Ancestry through her Mother.
30 APR Adyar: Home of the Masters and the Heart of the Theosophical Society.
Avi Lagoo
This will include the following. My travels, the 150th Anniversary of the Theosophical Society, connection to my ancestry and the masters themselves. How The Theosophical Society in Adyar transformed my outlook and deepened the relationship between me and Theosophy. Avinash Lagoo is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of The Vedic Ways, offering holistic services including Ayurveda, Jyotisha, Vastu, and Pranic Healing. Deeply committed to the
Theosophical Society’s Three Objects, he actively promotes universal brotherhood, the study of comparative religion and science, and the exploration of humanity’s inner potential. As the Interfaith Representative for the Scottish Hindu Foundation, Avinash advances meaningful dialogue across faiths and also supports Interfaith Restorative Justice to encourage peaceful, spiritually
grounded conflict resolution.
7 MAY Theosophy Study Circle Guide Series 1/5
The Astral Plane and Emotional Awareness
The astral plane is often described as the realm of emotion, yet its influence reaches far beyond individual feeling. It plays a key role in how we experience relationships, environments, and collective moods. This study circle explores how emotional energy moves, how it can be amplified or stabilised, and how awareness of the astral plane offers practical insight into navigating modern
life with greater clarity and balance.
(Join in the series at any point. The circle is also open to Non-Members.)
14 MAY Diploma module - The Seven Planes
Natasha Rocha explores the eye-opening world of Theosophy through her diploma studies.
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the Seven Planes as a framework for understanding consciousness, structure, and evolution. Each plane represents a distinct level of reality, from the physical through to the spiritual, and together they form an integrated system through which life expresses and develops. The session will move beyond theory to explore how the planes relate to perception, awareness, and daily experience. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how different levels of consciousness interact, and how this knowledge can support both personal insight and spiritual development.
Natasha is a globally sought-after Akashic Records expert, soul strategist, and mentor to conscious leaders and healers to harness Akashic Intelligence, a multidimensional gateway to profound soul level insight. She has worked with hundreds of clients to help them make informed decisions in their lives, their relationships, their businesses, and their health. Through her transformative work,
she clears karmic cycles, activates divine missions, and unlocks ultimate freedom in business, wellbeing, and legacy.
21 MAY Birth of the Chakras: how our development is connected to our
energy wheels. Ilaria Patrizii Bernardi
Anodea Judith PhD is American author, therapist and public speaker, considered one of the foremost experts on the relationship between Chakras and therapeutic issues. Referencing one of her most famous books (Eastern Body, Western Mind. Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self), we will touch on her extensive research on the Rainbow Bridge, to explore how Chakras form and develop alongside our bodies and consciousness, from gestation to adulthood
(circa 0-20 years); we will gain some precious insight on the stages of development, and on how to heal and nurture ourselves through observation of this fascinating Energy System.
Ilaria Patrizii Bernardi is an experienced Intuitive Tarot and Oracle Reader and Reiki Master. She offers readings, both in person and online, and holds a Tarot work group twice a Month. She firmly believes that, with the right tools, lots of patience, and dedication, all the answers we are looking for can be found within ourselves.
28 MAY Theosophy Study Circle Guide Series 1/6 - The Seven Planes of Existence
The Seven Planes provide a foundational framework within Theosophy for understanding consciousness, reality, and human evolution. Rather than abstract theory, they offer a map of how life operates across different levels of awareness. This session introduces the planes in a practical and accessible way, exploring how they relate to everyday experience, personal development, and the unfolding of human potential.
(Join in the series at any point. The circle is also open to Non-Members.)
4 JUNE The Alchemical Imagination: Alchemy and the Language of Symbols.
Eliza Swann
A talk by modern alchemist and artist Eliza Swann exploring the rich symbolic world of alchemy.
Alchemists developed one of the most intricate symbolic systems in Western history. Their images encoded practical knowledge, spiritual insight, and philosophical ideas activating initiations into an altered way of perceiving. Swann will guide audiences through the meanings and mechanics of these symbols, showing how they operate in alchemical manuscripts, engravings, and artworks.
Alongside vivid stories of historical alchemists and their imagery, Swann highlights how this symbolic tradition continues to influence poetry, visual art, andncontemporary creative practice.
Open to all levels of familiarity with alchemy, The Alchemical Imagination offers an engaging introduction to the strange, beautiful, and powerful symbolic language at the heart of alchemical visual culture.
Eliza Swann is an interdisciplinary artist, intuitive, writer, and educator based in New York. They are the author of The Anatomy of the Aura and the founder of the Golden Dome School, an alternative school that explores the mystical dimensions of art. Eliza’s new book The Alchemical Imagination draws on Eliza’s ten years of teaching alchemy in universities and cultural institutions, including a long-standing popular interdisciplinary art and alchemy course at the Pratt Institute.
Eliza has a BA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from Central St. Martins in London. Their writing has appeared in BOMB, Arthur, Contemporary Art Review LA, Momus, and Perfect Wave, and numerous anthologies. Their work has been supported by PEN America, the Foundation for Contemporary Art, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Pratt Faculty Development Fund, the Feminist Center for Creative Work, and many other arts institutions.
Book Description: The Alchemical Imagination is the first book of its kind to address the ancient subject of alchemy through the lens of contemporary creativity. Eliza Swann distills this arcane science into an accessible series of philosophies and techniques to help readers find a deeper connection to their own creativity. Part workbook and part historical journey through the lives and
practices of the alchemists, The Alchemical Imagination traces the principles of alchemy through its applications in proto-chemistry, healing arts, psychology, visual art, and literature to help readers develop the tools to arrive at their own Great Art.
18 JUN Spiritualism Past & Present. What message does Spiritualism convey to the world?
John Blackwood OSNU
This interactive discussion led by John Blackwood, will explore the history of Spiritualism in Edinburgh from pioneers to modern influencers and explore how its philosophy is relevant today. John Blackwood is a lifelong Spiritualist. Studying law and divinity at university has given him a good understanding of world religions and belief systems which has helped shaped his understanding of Spiritualism as a relatively ‘young’ religion. John was the Chair of the SNU Trust that owns the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre and is a former President of Edinburgh Association of
Spiritualists. Currently, John is a custodian volunteer with responsibility of running the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre.
25 JUN Edinburgh Lodge ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
https://www.arthurconandoylecentre.com/events/
FIND US ON FACEBOOK: Theosophical-Society-Edinburgh-Lodge
The content of the presentations and the views expressed are the sole responsibility of the speakers, and should not be taken to represent the views of the Edinburgh Lodge of the Theosophical Society.
