21st Annual International Conference
The Sacred Path of Initiation:
Becoming the Love that Never Ceases
Mesa, Arizona

The 2007 conference was a tremendous success! We would like to thank all who participated and shared in the sacred space created together. Attend 2008!

• Main Conference Presenters (Alphabetical Order)
• Pre-Conference: Esoteric Astrology Workshop
• Metamorphosis and Colours in Ceremonial Work Workshop
• 28 Rules Day
• Pre-Conference: The History of Humanity in Genesis and the Book of Enoch
• 2007 USR Conference Panel Discussion Workshop

The Quest for Spirituality:
The Greatest Megatrend of our Era

Patricia Aburdene's presentation focuses on the many diverse trends related to spirituality in our lives. In addition to offering a wealth of trend information about how spirituality is transforming our outer lives, she will also talk about concepts like The Tipping Point in a spiritual journey, the time many people experience when they are so full of God Energy that It spills out into the world through a cause or a mission. Spirituality has already transformed Medicine, and the transformation of business is well underway. Although Patricia's area of expertise is business, she will draw examples from several walks of life to illustrate how spirituality, "the greatest megatrend of our time" is changing our lives for the better.

Patricia Aburdene
Patricia Aburdene is one of the world’s leading social forecasters. For twenty-five years, Patricia has helped thousands of organizations and millions of people make the most of social change and transformation.

Co-author of the number one, New York Times bestseller Megatrends 2000, Patricia newest book is, Megatrends 2010: The Rise of Conscious Capitalism, a blueprint of the social, economic and spiritual trends transforming free enterprise. As the tag line promises, the book describes seven new trends that will transform how you “Live, Work and Invest.” Patricia was John Naisbitt’s collaborator on the publishing phenomenon Megatrends which topped charts in the U.S., Germany and Japan. She co-wrote the best-selling Re-inventing the Corporation and Megatrends for Women.

Patricia has lectured throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, Australia and the Pacific Rim. Clients include Herman Miller, Harley-Davidson, the Management Institute of New Zealand, LOHAS and Patricia’s lifelong career in business journalism began at Forbes in 1978. As a Public Policy Fellow at Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, from 1993 to 1996, she explored emerging leadership models.

Patricia Aburdene holds a BA in philosophy from Newton College of the Sacred Heart (now Boston College), an MS in library science from Catholic University and three honorary doctorates. In 1990, she was awarded the Medal of Italy for her interpretation of global trends.

Patricia lives in Telluride, Colorado and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Public contact info:

website: patricia aburdene.com
email: patricia@patriciaaburdene.com

Masonry: The Home of the Mysteries and the Seat of Initiation

Description coming soon.

Keith Bailey
Keith has been primarily a musician and composer since the age of 2, although he was also a ballet-tap dancer (appearing as such on British TV at the tender age of 11) as well as an artist from age 6-14 until music took over.  He has performed on drums and percussion extensively since the 1960’s throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA with such groups (among many others) led by Graham Bond, Brian Auger and Long John Baldry, followed by many jazz ensembles, including the legendary primarily South African band, “The Brotherhood of Breath.”  He studied music composition with Hugh Wood in London in the 1970s, and with Nils Vigeland in NYC and as a “Fellow” with the late Morton Feldman at S.U.N.Y., Buffalo, NY in the 1980’s.  His orchestral and choral compositions are going to receive their first performances throughout the 2007-2008 Concert Season by conductor Sung Jin Hong and the “One World Symphony Orchestra” in NYC, beginning in September of this year.  His performances on “Temple Percussion” are well known throughout the USA and as a regular feature at the USR conferences since the beginning.  Keith initially founded Fiery World Music in London in 1978, and then again in 1984 in NYC.  In the late 1990’s he founded the NYC based choral-group, the Gandharvas, who not only specialise in Early Music, but are adept in all choral music and are an absolute delight to experience.

Keith has also been an active student of the Ageless Wisdom since the 1960’s and has emerged as a teacher, writer and speaker in this esoteric-student circuit, writing and speaking on a diversity of esoteric topics.  His main preoccupation and dharma in this field, since the 1970’s, has been attending to a major reformation of Masonry, for which purposes he founded and constituted the Masonic Order, Grand Lodge, Ancient Universal Mysteries, [A.U.M.], (after having received training in conventional Masonry), and over which he now presides as the principle directing officer on the physical plane and which has since emerged as an international Masonic Order, having branch Lodges in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.  A.U.M. admits both men and women to Masonry on an equal basis to meet the Aquarian Masonic quest for the restoration of the Mysteries to outer service.

Websites: 
www.grandlodgeaum.org
www.maitreyasangha.org

Agni Yoga and the Teachings on Initiation

Initiation is a social responsibility. The Hierarchy currently uses three methods to impress the subject of initiation on Their disciples: i) esoteric hints, ii) group application of Life formulas of (Monadic) integration, and iii) presentation of points of revelation. The Practice of the Presence is a Second Ray approach to the Fiery Yoga of Synthesis --Agni Yoga-- to attain an intelligent recognition and group revelation of some aspect of the Purpose of Shamballa. The third formula
 of the Teachings on Initiation ("the seed of all philosophies") suggests how knowledge may be transmuted into wisdom, how sensitivity may be transformed into love and how sacrifice may be transfigured into bliss. Dr. Becerra will share his group experience in applying the Practice of the Presence to approach the "three stages of recognition" (penetration, polarization and precipitation) related to this third formula of initiation.

Dr. José Becerra
Dr. José Becerra is a certified preventive medicine specialist and researcher and former faculty member of the USR-Esoteric Healing Studies. He has published in The Beacon and in the Journal of Esoteric Psychology. He has also authored "The Psychocentric Revelation" (1985) and "An Introductory Study Guide To AAB-DK's Esoteric Healing" (1997).  For the last years Dr. Becerra has devoted his esoteric work to the study and practice of Agni Yoga, managing several Spanish websites, as well as translating some of the Agni Yoga teachings of the second ray disciple Vicente Beltran-Anglada into English. http://english.agni-yoga.org

Initiation: Fire From Heaven
A Visionary Journey through the Initiatory Process

In The Rays and the Initiations, p. 323, the Tibetan Master Djwhal Khul states that “scattered through all of my writings over the years is a mass of information which needs collating and bringing together as a basis for the instruction of disciples in training for an initiation.”  In 1994, Robert Borel began responding to this request by rereading all of the Bailey books, and carefully noting all passages pertaining to the subject of initiation.  He then compiled these passages into an orderly, progressive sequence which
resulted in a 900-page manuscript.  In August 2004, this compilation entitled Initiation: Fire From Heaven appeared on the www.makara.us website.

Robert’s presentation will briefly examine the 36 chapters of this compilation on initiation, beginning with “Definitions” and concluding with “The Seven Cosmic Paths.”  Each of the subject areas will be depicted with beautiful color slides of visionary and spiritual art which will both elucidate the topic and inspire the viewer.

Robert J. Borel
Robert J. Borel holds a B. A. in English from the University of Texas at Austin and a M. A. in Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies from John F. Kennedy University.  He compiled Death: The Great Adventure (Lucis Publishing Company, 1985), a compilation on death from the Alice Bailey books.  In 1987, he worked closely with Michael Robbins and other coworkers in founding The University of the Seven Rays.  Robert was an original member of the Board of Directors and the Religion faculty of the USR.  He has recently completed Initiation: Fire From Heaven, a 900-page compilation on initiation from the Bailey books.  He is currently completing manuscripts on four subjects that are integral to the New World Religion: Death, Rebirth, Comparative Religion, and Initiation.  Robert is a former Arcane School student and has taught the Ageless Wisdom for over 35 years.

HIERARCHY'S 100 YEAR CONVOCATION

Every 100 years, the Hierarchy meets in convocation.  The
results of this meeting subjectively condition the planetary
life and evolution for the next 100 years.  In 2025, the
Hierarchy will formulate plans for the externalization of
the Hierarchy and the re-appearance of the Christ.  What
were the results of previous 100 year meetings and what can
we intuit from the coming one?

Lawson Bracewell, MSW, Ph.d.e. 
Director of Christ College of Trans-Himalayan Wisdom.  USR Board Member.  Astrologer.  Author of 12 CD series on Esoteric Astrology. Grandfather.

Presentation TBD

Mary Ann Casalino - President - Seven Ray Institute
Mary Ann Casalino is co-founder and President of the Seven Ray Institute.  Mary Ann also serves as a Trustee Member of the Board and faculty of the University of the Seven Rays and has held the note for twenty consecutive SRI/USR Conferences.  Having earned an MSE (Master of Science in Esotericism) and a PhD.E in (Esoteric Philosophy), she teaches workshops in Esoteric Astrology, Seven Ray Seminars and works privately with individuals.  She also coordinates the team for the on-line Journal of Esoteric Psychology.   Mary Ann’s deep commitment to spreading the Ageless Wisdom teaching spans more than thirty years.

The Fact of the Soul: The Light that Shines

This workshop will focus on various tools we can use to integrate and synthesize the Ageless Wisdom Teachings and become ever-increasing agents of love-wisdom. Attendants will explore and gain a practical and epistemological approach to allow for the presence of light of our being to shine forth and soul energy to radiate amidst the daily demands of our lives. We will engage in dialogue on how we can best serve to lift the veil from wisdom teachings and to render them more available to the world at large, in that way contributing to the initiatory process.

Mariefrance Cote-Rabieh
Mariefrance Cote-Rabieh is a psychotherapist and counselor. She has been working for the last 10 years with various populations facilitating the integration of the esoteric and spiritual dimension into their lives and with chronically and terminally ill individuals using visualizations and meditation techniques to manifest healing. She currently focuses her time on raising her young daughter and deepening her esoteric knowledge.

From Darkness to Light:
Creating A Culture of Peace

Pulitzer Prize Winner Carl Sagan’s first novel, ”Contact,” appealed to both scientists as well as fundamentalists. His heroine in the book and film, astrophysicist Dr. Ellie Arroway, when asked if given the opportunity to ask a single question of a presumably advanced alien civilization, what that would question be? After a moment, she responds that she would ask how they had survived their time of technological adolescence without destroying themselves.

This presentation will explore a hypothetical answer which might surprise Dr. Arroway. The answer comes not from a far away alien planet, but from our own planet Earth. It is expressed in the persona of “Shanti” a voice from our future. This voice will explore a time of transition, a time at the beginning of the 21st century. It was then that it became obvious that with the shattering of old forms, adaptability, creativity and even material/spiritual entrepreneurship were needed if a culture of peace was ever to evolve.

At this particular time of history it had to be noted— millions were on the verge of taking the First Initiation—a fact that heralded a huge step forward; a step which would amaze and thrill Darwin. This shift is so enormous that it is fair to draw a comparison to passing out of the animal kingdom into the human at individualization. In any case science at last discovered a close interplay between initiation and peace as humanity’s greater sensitive to spiritual impression became a fact.

Additionally, these steps of progress came at a time when hope was drastically needed, only to accelerate with increased momentum as more light entered the biosphere. Moreover, important information surfaced from studying the genetic code where the imprint of the Divine was clearly noted and documented. The cells in our bodies unite us in that we all carry the same history and signature of the same Creator.  This tangible evidence furthered the idea that peace is possible. Cooperation and brotherhood become natural consequences on our path to maturity.

This presentation will end with an interactive activity in which the flags of all nations will be presented in a ceremony conducive to the creation of a culture of world peace.

Gail Dimitroff
For over 40 years Gail Dimitroff has explored consciousness, healing and the nature of our interconnectedness. She and her husband, Tony, hold regular gatherings at the time of the full moon in the Medicine Wheel on their property. Since healing, intention, and vision questing are not limited by time and space, the medicine wheel affords a unique platform from which to connect with the ancient traditions and simultaneously offer service to humanity. Gail holds a PhD in leadership and human behavior. Her dissertation explores the nature of symbolic interaction, life cycle development and role identity models.

Initiating the New—the Right Use of the Will

The problems of humanity are piling up. To name just a few: climate change, poverty, religious fundamentalism and terrorism. But really, there are so many problems, large and small, in so many different areas, and many of them so deeply interconnected that one issue alone could not be addressed without the others. In order to resolve the various issues at stake no single group, nation or government alone can meet the need. Rather we need something fairly new in the history of humanity--the effort of each one of us. Instead of fighting for conflicting selfish interests, humanity has to stand up for the common good and learn how to work with a spirit of unity in diversity. And we need these efforts to be dynamic, wise and integrative in order to really resolve the conflicts instead of zealously pushing ahead towards new levels of escalation. Initiating the New involves the right use of the will. Together we will explore the nature and significance of the will as an important psychological and social factor.

Ralf Stefan Dobiasch
Ralf Stefan Dobiasch is a professional psychologist and rhetoric teacher. He is a long-term student of the Ageless Wisdom. His special focus is on Political Psychology, Business Ethics and the communication of values in groups and organizations.

Initiating a new FORM of the Teachings:
Ancient Wisdom in a New Bottle to Reach the Public!

Esotericists know many magnificent ancient wisdom teachings that can help transform individual lives and the world.  The challenge, however, is connecting with the masses of new people who are awakening now, and guiding them into the wisdom stream. Some teachers are initiating a new FORM of presenting the wisdoms, geared for attracting the awakening public, and providing them with the foundational teachings.  Thus the wisdom can be shared with more of humanity -- helping to change the world.  What might this New FORM look like?   We’ll show you – and together we’ll experience it!

Olivia Hansen
Olivia Hansen is a long-time student and teacher of the Ageless Wisdoms, for over 30 years teaching with many different organizations in the Alice Bailey and theosophical traditions, and serving in leadership positions.  She is the founder and president of the Synthesis Foundation which honors the Oneness of all Life, and advances the Trans-Himalayan esoteric teachings, as well as the progressive spiritual teachings for the awakening public.  She is also president of Life Wisdom Institute, which is creating innovative new programs to share the wisdoms.  Olivia is a core member of the Partnership Alliance which is working to bring together many progressive US organizations of consciousness under one collaborative umbrella, to bring about change in areas of spirituality, peace, the environment, sustainability, human welfare and business.  Olivia has a BS in Journalism and has written articles for The Beacon and Quest Magazines.  She is a graduate of Naropa University’s Authentic Leadership Program, and her greatest joy is helping people realize the great potential they have within them.

The Pattern of Initiation in Symbology and Experience

Initiation is the spiritual pathway leading from the fourth Kingdom of Humanity to the Fifth Kingdom of Souls and beyond. Is has been described in great depth in modern esotericism and especially in the Alice A. Bailey books by the Master D. K. But initiation is not only the defined major steps leading from Humanity to Divinity, it is a universal phenomenon, a pattern or matrix in evolution that can be found on many levels and in many forms. In fact, it is so universal and life defining that we need to understand it in new ways in order to prepare for the Aquarian Age.

This lecture will illustrate how the pattern of Initiation can be found in symbology, for instance, in the four gospels of the New Testament, and it will demonstrate that the pattern is universally known by all human beings in the most fundamental and archetypal experiences we all share. Thereby it can hopefully be shown that the issue of initiation is something that can be shared and understood by people everywhere. We need to redefine and precipitate initiation and prepare the ground so that initiation can be perceived as the fundamental matrix of consciousness and spirit.

Søren Hauge hass M.A. in History of Ideas & Philosophy from Aarhus University in Jutland, Denmark. He has been teaching Theosophy & Holism since 1981 and is chairman for Theosophical Association Aarhus (www.teosofi.org), contact person for Theosophical Network in Scandinavia (www.theosophy-net.info), co-editor for The Wisdom Magazine (www.visdomsmagasinet.dk) and actively engaged with interreligios dialogue. Søren is Teacher in Scandinavia and Author of five books. Currently he is publishing the Danish trilogy, “The World of Theosophy”. His own company is: www.sophiaundervisning.dk

The Search for Common Ground:
Applying Spiritual Principles to Transform Conflict

In this presentation, Philip will explore the common principles between the world's great spiritual traditions and the emerging field of conflict transformation.  He will give hard-nosed and practical examples of how ancient spiritual principles are being applied to transform conflict in difficult places around the world.  His stories are both personal and universal, linking inner transformation with the global shift in consciousness needed to address complex issues like global warming and poverty.

Philip M. Hellmich
Philip is a Senior Staff member from Search for Common Ground, an international organization dedicated to transforming the way the world deals with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving.  Philip has over 18 years of experience in international development and peacebuilding.  His own spiritual journey began in the bush of Sierra Leone, West Africa, where he served with the Peace Corps.  It has deepened through a daily meditation practice that has helped him deal with the harsh realities of war-torn countries across Africa.  He has worked intermittently as a freelance writer, publishing in the Washington Post, several magazines and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.  

Contact:

Philip M. Hellmich
phellmich@sfcg.org
www.sfcg.org

Resolving the World Crises through the Sacred Path of Initiation

Description Coming Soon.

Halina Bak-Hughes
Halina Bak-Hughes is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Seven Ray Institute and University of the Seven Rays and is the SRI/USR Conference Coordinator.  Halina holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin, an M.S.E. (in Esoteric Philosophy) and is completing her dissertation for a D.Div.E. (Dr. of Divinity in Esoteric Philosophy).  Halina is a certified trainer in Holodynamics, an integrative psycho-spiritual approach to soul integration and whole person healing, utilizing visualization, invocation and the transformation of thought-forms.  With husband, Sheldon Hughes, together they serve as Organization Development Consultants and are part of a worldwide community of professionals committed to supporting leaders build full spectrum, values-driven organizations. Through their consulting firm, Capricorn Consulting Group, Halina and Sheldon help their clients work cohesively as a group and subtly unfold the second aspect of divinity, Consciousness or Soul. They do this through helping people at all levels of an organization build soul-based cultures that encourage relationship-oriented work practices and a new understanding of the larger role of business in society, all of which will lead to a collective transformation of Humanity. They live in the magical land of Marin on an island,  Belvedere, CA (north of San Francisco) and their home office overlooks the serene, sparkling waters of Tiburon peninsula and Angel Island.  Halina2000@aol.com or 415/789-9377

Sheldon Hughes
Sheldon Hughes holds a BA in Religion from Princeton University, an MBA in Organizational Behavior from NYU, is completing a D.Div.E (Dr. of Divinity degree in Esoteric Philosophy) and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Seven Ray Institute/University of the Seven Rays.  He serves professionally as an Organization Development and Management Consultant, with over thirty-five years of field experience working with high profile industries throughout his career.  For the last 15 years, his primary focus has been in banking, insurance and nonprofit fields, emphasizing leadership and culture development with executives, their teams (including new teams and/or start-ups) and their entire organizations.  For the past ten of these years, he has worked in partnership with his wife, Halina, in their values-centered culture development firm, Capricorn Consulting Group.  For over thirty years, Sheldon has helped executives build effective, qualitative Leadership Teams.  One of his major joys and interests is applying the timeless principles of the Ageless Wisdom to organizational and institutional life.  Sheldon is a frequent speaker at conferences on themes that relate to “The Soul of Business”, “Building Values-Driven Cultures” and “Full Spectrum Leadership.”  When Sheldon is not traveling, he resides in Belvedere, CA.  Their home overlooks beautiful Angel Island, Tiburon peninsula and the sparkling dragon waters of the San Francisco Bay.  Sheldon can be reached at 415/789-9377, or Cell: 917-405-8074.  

The Path of Initiation: Identifying Opportunities to Manage and Transform Energy, Turning Potential Defeats into Triumphs.

This talk is about the early stages of human initiation. It will include how to identify and  utilize personal crisis as opportunities for development and contribution on the path of return. It will include a look at some of the glamour we perpetuate on our spiritual journeys and how to avoid some of the pitfalls associated with this glamour.

Some topics discussed will include:

1. What is the Path of Initiation?
2. The first three initiations as they relate the individual and the group.
3. The qualities that we, as  humanity, are called to develop in order to qualify for a particular initiation.
4. Hidden potentials that are developed through the initiatory process.
5. Challenges / Crisis / Change
6. Seeing challenges and crises as opportunities
7. Our perceptions fuel our reactions
8. Avoiding pitfalls though becoming empowered
9. Becoming empowered through adjusting our perceptions
10. A look at some general life challenges and what these challenges might be offering us for empowerment and growth.
11. What we do for ourselves we do for the group.

Luise Kelley
Luise  Kelley, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychospiritual  Therapist with more than 25 years counseling, educating and empowering  individuals, families and groups. Luise works to help people understand the  strengths and weakness of their personalities. She helps people make sense  of their life crises.  She offers them direction upon how they can  make the necessary adjustment to become more responsive to  Soul energy.

Luise has been a student of Esoteric Sciences and the  Ageless Wisdom for over thirty years. She studied with the Rosicrucian  Fellowship, the Arcane School at Lucis Trust and later received a Masters  Degree in Esoteric Psychology from the University of the Seven Rays. She  received a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the City  University of New York and earned a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work  from New York University.

Discovering Humanity’s Origin through the Science of Cycles

DHistory has been dwarfed in mainstream education, science and religious tradition to a tiny timeframe of mostly under 10,000 years. Hence humanity is still lost in the veil of maya regarding its origin, a most disempowering position to be in. Through understanding the lesser and greater cycles we can grasp the reality that human beings have taken far longer to evolve - and, as demonstrated in the Ageless Wisdom, not from apes! The origin of the human soul was around twenty million years ago, our most recent Fifth Rootrace had its inception about four million years ago and its precipitation about one million years ago! Discover the reasonableness of these 'propositions' through the 'wheels of time' as explicated through the Hindu Yugas and astrological cycles.

Phillip Lindsay
Phillip Lindsay has been teaching Astrology and the Ageless Wisdom, working internationally as an astrological counsellor for over twenty years. His recently published books inlcude, The Shamballa Impacts, Masters of the Seven Rays, The Initiations of Krishnamurti, Soul Cycles of the Seven Rays, The Destiny of the Races and Nations and The Hidden History of Humanity.

His website www.esotericastrologer.org is dedicated to showcasing the leading thinkers in the world today on Esoteric Astrology and the  Seven Rays. Phillip’s current project is on Esoteric History, for which several further volumes are planned.

Plenary
Initiation: Permeation Not Perfection

Let’s talk about initiation as a process of ongoing unfoldment. The optimum word here is ‘process’ instead of the focus on one time events. For all the emphasis put on the idea of enlightening events of consciousness, I believe the Tibetan is trying to help us enlarge our point of view from the specific and individual to the process and thus toward the group. The uniqueness of the experience is in the subjective relationship the person has to the process; yet everyone will experience the same generally. This truth brings perspective and relativizes one’s point on the Path. Basically, everyone is in process.

Workshop
Initiation: Embodying a Divine Mystery

Each of the initiations is an entrance into something. But into what? With each initiation we are impregnated, as Mary was. But with what? At each initiation we are confirmed. Confirmed as what?

This workshop intends to offer a fullness to the subject of initiation by understanding deeply the implications of ‘entrance,’ ‘impregnation,’ and how each person little by little becomes an embodiment of specific aspects of the Divine Mystery of LIFE. Questions, comments, and personal experiences are welcome.

Donna Mitchell-Moniak
Donna Mitchell-Moniak is the founder and spiritual director of Spirit Fire Meditative Retreat Center in MA. She is an author, seer, and healer, with extensive knowledge of the meditative experience, astrology, esoteric psychology, and the subtle sciences. She is past faculty of the USR, assisted in creating curriculum for Morya College and the new school effort, and was a mentor with LAWS. Her articles have been published in The Beacon, The Journal for Esoteric Psychology, and the Esoteric Quarterly. Donna has produced many lecture and meditation CDs. For information on courses or Spirit Fire go to www.SpiritFire.com

Presentation TBD

A musical performance.

Harold Grandstaff Moses
Director, Institute of Harmonic Science
Harold Grandstaff Moses, Honorary PhDE in Musical Cosmology from the University of the Seven Rays, Director of the Institute of Harmonic Science in Phoenix, Arizona. Harold is a composer, orchestrator, violist, educator, choral director, musical cosmologist, and vibrational theorist. As an experienced guide into the world of sound, music and healing, Harold uses descriptive metaphors and new science examples to reveal the majesty and mystery of vibration, resonance and harmony. Harold resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Laura Hungerford.

The Fingers on One Hand

“The Fingers on One Hand,” a phrase coined by H.P. Blavatsky, provides a symbol for the essential group nature of discipleship work.  She wrote, “the co-disciples must be tuned by the guru as the strings of a lute, each different from the others, yet each emitting sounds in harmony with all.”  This talk will explore some of the challenges and opportunities held out to us at this portal into Aquarius.  

Kathy Newburn
Kathy Newburn, a long-time student of the Ageless Wisdom teachings, worked for many years at the Lucis Trust, New York in various capacities. She presently works for the Seven Ray Institute and is affiliated with a number of spiritual groups in the New York area. Her work is focused upon helping to bring the Ageless Wisdom teachings to the new generation of seekers.  She is the editor of The Journal of Esoteric Psychology and the author of A Planetary Awakening:  Reflections on the Writings of Alice Bailey.

Initiation: No Glamours Please

As humanity prepares for its first collective initiation, let’s be real about our roles. For the most part we are awakened intellectually, good at holding concepts as we struggle to anchor them in our modern life. What does this mean to us politically, socially, and financially as well as day to day life as a disciple?

Carol Parrish
Dean, Sanct Sophia Seminary
Rev. Carol E. Parrish, Ph.D. Mystic • Author • Teacher • Counselor • Minister Founder and spiritual director of the intentional community of Sparrow Hawk Village, minister of Light of Christ Community Church, and dean of its seminary, Sancta Sophia, Carol always finds time for teaching and writing—her favorite of many pursuits. Long recognized as an inspired spiritual leader, Carol has stimulated many people to rejoice in their oneness with God. Many find hope in her lucid explanations of how certain fundamental truths underlying all religions can guide us in these changing times. Her presentation of the esoteric aspects of Christianity, free of doctrine and adornment, reinforces our acceptance of the Christ. Carol’s latest books published are Adventure in Meditation—Spirituality for the 21st Century in three volumes. Further, she has authored The New Dictionary of Spiritual Thought, The Book of Rituals—Personal and Planetary Transformation, The Aquarian Rosary—Reviving the Art of Mantra Yoga, the New Age Handbook on Death and Dying, and her autobiography, Messengers of Hope, in addition to numerous teaching tapes. Dr. Parrish’s most recent of many honors is the 1997-98 Earl Award for Religious Futurist of the Year for “exceptional achievement in the field of religious futures activities.”

Spiritual Transformation: A Personal and Global Story

The Resslers traveled together on a twelve-year spiritual odyssey that culminated in finding themselves in the middle of one of the pivotal events of modern history: the tragedy of September 11.  As partners in a Wall Street search business and a real-estate development firm that hired New York City firefighters, Peter and Monika viewed the tragedy from two perspectives: the self-serving view of investment banking and the self-sacrifice of the first responders. Their extraordinary experiences propelled them to share with others how sacrifice and suffering offer a unique opportunity for personal and worldly spiritual transformation.

Peter Ressler and Monika Mitchell Ressler have been life and business partners for fourteen years. They are chief executives of RMT Search LLC, a premier executive search firm catering to Wall Street's institutional equity and bond markets. Their clients include the top investment banking firms and global hedge funds in the industry. Peter and Monika are the founders of the Center For Good Business in New York City. They serve on the Board of Advisors for The Association of Spirit At Work and The New Entrepreneurs Group at Marble Collegiate Church in New York.

Peter Ressler
Peter Ressler is a twenty-five year Wall Street veteran. After graduating with a business degree from Cornell University he joined a prominent financial recruiting firm serving top tier investment banks. He rose rapidly through the firm’s ranks becoming top producer and Managing Director in charge of sales and trading search for the institutional bond markets. Peter Ressler currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of RMG Search, Inc.

Three months after the September 11 tragedy, Peter became a volunteer firefighter in his Long Island community. He is currently a member of two volunteer fire departments in his New Jersey community and a member of the Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST). 

Monika Mitchell Ressler
Monika Mitchell Ressler started her professional career as an actress in New York after receiving a BA in theatre from SUNY. She spent several years directing and producing a prominent West Side theatre company before becoming a Wall Street recruiter. At RMG, she quickly expanded the client base to include global commercial banks and other sectors in the securities industry. In 1996 she created and developed RMG's real estate investment unit and serves as Partner in Charge of that division. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer of RMG Search, Inc.

Monika is currently completing a master's degree in Social Science at the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University.

In 1995, the Resslers opened The Ressler Mitchell Group and together they expanded their bond market search business to include capital markets, real estate development, derivative, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities.

The Resslers are the authors of Spiritual Capitalism. Both Peter and Monika serve on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Spirit at Work, and are active members of The Fiver Children's Foundation and The World Business Academy. They serve as key presenters for the UN Global Compact for Values in Business. Peter and Monika are founders of The Center For Good Business, an institute documenting and researching better business practices in the 21st century.The Resslers lecture and conduct seminars on Spiritual Capitalism, business ethics and The Human Side of Business. They are dynamic speakers who appear frequently in the media and at corporate events and conferences in the US and Canada.

Accelerating Our Spiritual Growth Towards 2025

The Master D.K. has stated that the reappearance of the Coming One depends on Humanity’s readiness – how well we have developed and displayed a consciousness of responsibility, right relations, and service.  What more can we be doing to help ourselves and others move forward in our expansion of consciousness and ability to apply that consciousness in service?  Using data from the recently finalized Spiritual Evolution Assessment Scale™ (SEAS), we will discuss the key dimensions underlying all spiritual work, identify the main stumbling blocks for forward movement and dispelling illusion, and explore the most critical factors in spiritual growth.

Dorothy Riddle, Ph.D.
Dorothy Riddle, Ph.D., is a certified management consultant, psychologist, and teacher.  She has been associated with the School for Esoteric Studies for over 30 years and has written and spoken extensively on feminist spirituality, the Ageless Wisdom teaching, and the importance of language in shaping how we view and understand the world.  As a consultant, she has worked in over 80 countries to help governments and small businesses understand and leverage the role played by business and professional services in economic development.  Building on her extensive psychometrics background and her experience in designing five online assessment tools, Dorothy has been instrumental in the development of the Spiritual Evolution Assessment Scale™ (SEAS), under the auspices of the School for Esoteric Studies, to help individuals identify next steps in their ongoing spiritual development and to assist organizations in identifying student curriculum needs and evaluating the effectiveness of spiritual training.

Standing in the Heart's Great Silence

The path of initiation begins as we look into the heart's deep cave and ends as we become the love that never ceases. In between, we walk the path of heart-- speaking, sounding or remaining silent in our practice of love. Today, let us explore how immediately crucial it is that we offer one another and the world a steady, silent and spontaneous embodiment of love.

Heidi Rose Robbins
HEIDI ROSE ROBBINS is a professional astrologer, workshop facilitator, and poet.  For over 10 years she has run a thriving astrology practice, and endeavors to provide a sensitive, practical-minded approach to soul-centered astrology both in her teaching and individual consultations.   In Los Angeles, Heidi teaches classes on 'Charting New Ways to Live Love,' which help students achieve more creativity and intimacy through heart-centered living and an understanding of their astrology charts.  She is currently also teaching a year-long, bi-monthly esoteric astrology class in Seattle.  Heidi lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Andrew Heffernan, and their three-year-old daughter, Kate Robin.  Find out more about her upcoming radio show at AstrologyWorksRadio.com and about her efforts to spread love on a grassroots level at helloloveexperiment.org. 

The Sacred Path of Initiation:
Becoming the Love that Never Ceases

Glamours and Illusions Surrounding Initiation

Group Initiation—Is the possibility with us Now?

Michael Robbins
Michael Robbins, PhD in Psychology, PhDE in Esoteric Philosophy. As co-founder and president of the University of the Seven Rays, Michael has persistently co-sounded and sustained the note for sponsoring USR/SRI conferences, now in their 20th year. As a long standing teacher of the Ageless Wisdom through the study of the Seven Rays, Esoteric Astrology, Cosmology, and Rayology, he has inspired students worldwide, some of whom have gone on to form their own organizations to continue the spread of the Ageless Wisdom. He is author of Tapestry of the Gods (a two volume psycho/rayological treatise on the Seven Rays), Infinitization of Selfhood (a philosophical treatise on the nature of Identity) and is currently writing a 3-volume treatise on Esoteric Astrology. Michael has composed and authored musical, ceremonial ritual dramas and monthly Solar Fire Festivals that facilitate the invocation and expression of energies of the twelve Zodiacal Signs for the monthly festivals of the emerging New World Religion. He resides in Helsinki, Finland with his wife, Tuija, and in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Together they are developing esoteric ceremonial workshops in Europe.

The Pachamama Project - Video and Talk

Description coming soon.

Neal Rogin
Neal Rogin is an Emmy winning, Oscar-nominated author, film maker, humorist and social observer.  His work over the course of his career has been so varied and focused on so many different subjects, that he has come to refer to himself as an Omnologist. Omnology, according to Neal, being the study of Everything in particular.  His latest film, “Awakening The Dreamer”, based upon the Universe Story by Brian Swimme and Thomas Berry, explores how the New Cosmology is changing the very definition of what it means to be a person. He is Communications Director for The Pachamama Alliance, a nonprofit partnership between people from the modern world and indigenous people in the Amazon region of Ecuador, and is part of the development team that has created a day long Symposium presented by Pachamama, the purpose of which is to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet.

Preparation for Initiation

The future schools of meditation will prepare the novitiate for initiation. The prominent part of this preparation will be extensive meditation and, according to DK, the development of the threefold lower man. One of the main issues will be to train the student in mastering himself through meditation, service and study. This includes personality integration and soul-personality fusion. Roberto Assagioli - a close friend to Alice Bailey and the founder of Psychosynthesis - in his psychology has laid out some of the core principles and methods that could be used and included in the future schools. This lecture will highlight how several of the techniques in Psychosynthesis are directly inspired by Master DK’s teaching and how very fit they are to facilitate the purification which is the paramount part of the work the student is supposed to accomplish.

Kenneth Sørensen
Kenneth Sørensen is working through his company Kentaur Training and Publishing with Psychosynthesis in Denmark and Scandinavia . This includes a two year training course in transpersonal psychology, leadership training, and publishing activities. He also works as a Psychosynthesis psychotherapist. He is a student of AAB’s writings and has written and published two books on meditation and higher and lower psychism. He is a senior editor on The Wisdom Magazine, Scandinavia ’s largest esoteric magazine.

www.kentaurnet.dk www.psykosyntese.dk

The Ascending Cycles of our Lives:
Signs of Initiation in the Astrological Chart

During the workshop we will look closely at the important cycles through which we have passed—determined by both planets and rays. We will learn of the spiritual opportunities which have been offered to us because of these cycles and the cycles of opportunity immediately ahead.

As usual, we will have our distinguished international group of astrological professionals, working individually and in group form, to help bring the greatest light to the interpretation of your astrological
chart.

Lawson Bracewell: Director of Christ College of Trans-Himalayan Wisdom.  USR Board Member.  Astrologer.  Author of 12 CD series on Esoteric Astrology. Grandfather.

Elena Dramchini has an extensive background in the study of orthodox and esoteric astrology.  Elena privately teaches and consults clients applying the sciences of esoteric astrology and the seven rays.

Phillip Lindsay has worked as an astrological counsellor for over twenty years.

Niklas Nihlen strives to reveal a more completed point of view within the vast field of astro-rayological cosmology thus restoring the Science of the Heavens in a more living and conscious way.

Michael Robbins is author of Tapestry of the Gods (a two volume psycho/rayological treatise on the Seven Rays), Infinitization of Selfhood (a philosophical treatise on the nature of Identity) and is currently writing a 3-volume treatise on Esoteric Astrology.

The Portal to Individual and Group Initiation
Tuesday, April 17th

The 28 Rules Initiative is an internet based education group and service project. The group is working in depth with the 14 Rules for Applicants as put down in Alice A. Bailey’s book Initiation Human and Solar and with the 14 Rules for Disciples and Initiates from Alice A. Bailey’s book The Rays and the Initiations.  These 28 Rules are really the “heart and soul” for the coming Esoteric Schools and for the discipleship training in the Aquarian Age.

The group is working with a seven years program of study and meditation.  This includes regular exchange via the internet.  The group started in February 2002 but is still open to new members.

Participation involves meditation and the writing of a monthly meditation report.  The major focus is on putting these 28 Rules into practice in daily living.

Wednesday, April 18th

In this one-day exploration, Phillip Lindsay will guide us through the esoteric history of humanity, based upon his book, The Hidden History of Humanity. Our past will be examined from the viewpoint of evolving consciousness through the greater cycles or rounds, the rootraces and subraces: from the ‘birth of humanity’ at Individualisation in Lemuria, through Atlantis and into this current Aryan race. Viewpoints never presented previously are from the first six chapters of Genesis and the apocryphal Book of Enoch.

The Hidden History of Humanity is based primarily on H.P. Blavatsky’s The Secret Doctrine and contains some original and first major breakthroughs since that period. These include:

1. The chronology of the Rounds.
2. The chronology of the Rootraces and subraces.
3. An expansion upon the geological time parallels with Occultism.
4. The specific timing around the period of Individualisation.
5. The subraces, geological periods and dates of the various cataclysms in the rootraces.
6. The corrected order and names of the subraces of the Fifth Rootrace, plus their duration.
7. Datelines and timelines of all the rootraces, subraces and branchraces.
8. The first comprehensive occult interpretation of the Book of Genesis according to history.
9. The Seven Days of Creation are the Manvantaras. Individualisation in Eden. Cain and Abel the ‘separating hermaphrodite’. The Wives of Lamech are keys to the races.
10. The identification of the Jewish Patriarchs as the Manus of the Rootraces and subraces. Their resultant timeline consequently derived from the cipher of 4320

Phillip Lindsay
Phillip Lindsay has been teaching Astrology and the Ageless Wisdom, working as an astrological counselor for over twenty years in Australia and internationally. His recent books include, The Shamballa Impacts, Masters of the Seven Rays, The Initiations of Krishnamurti, Soul Cycles of the Seven Rays and The Destiny of Races and Nations. There is also an esoteric poetry book, Songs to Varuna: Musings of a Mortal from His Boat on the Ocean.

His website is dedicated to showcasing the leading thinkers in the world today on Esoteric Astrology and the Seven Rays. Phillip’s current project is on Esoteric History, for which several volumes are planned, some of which will be available soon.

2007 USR Conference Panel Discussion Workshop

“Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Ageless Wisdom – But Were Afraid to Ask!”

Bring Your Introductory Questions for a Panel Discussion with seasoned Teachers, moderatedby Olivia Hansen, with panelists LaUna Huffines, Jan Detrich, Glenda and William Young, Cam Vuksinich and more.

Bios of participating Panelists:

Olivia Hansen is a long-time student and teacher of the Ageless Wisdoms, for over 30 years teaching with many different organizations in the Alice Bailey and theosophical traditions, and serving in leadership positions. She is the founder and president of the Synthesis Foundation, president of Life Wisdom Institute which is creating innovative programs to share wisdom teachings with the public, and is a core member of the Partnership Alliance which is working to bring together many progressive US organizations of consciousness under one collaborative umbrella to bring about change.  Olivia has a BS in Journalism and has written articles for The Beacon and Quest Magazines.  She is also a graduate of Naropa University’s Authentic Leadership Program, and her greatest joy is helping people realize the great potential they have within them.

LaUna Huffines has been a student and teacher of the Ageless Wisdom Teachings with a major focus on the Tibetan's work for over 40 years. She is an author, group leader and seminar presenter.   Her three published books are: Connecting with All the People in Your Life; Bridge of Light: Tools of Light for Spiritual Transformation; and Healing Yourself With Light: How to Connect with the Angelic Healers. LaUna attended the California Institute of Integral Studies where she completed all course work for a Ph.D in East-West Psychology, Religion and Philosophy. She has taught seminars in the U.S., England, Japan, and Australia.  LaUna began a program called Path of Light which leads into the School of Illumination. She offers two seminars a year in Ashland, Oregon, and through remote participation. In her work with Triangles of Light, over 700 Triangles have been created online representing 35 countries, with people saying The Great Invocation daily.  Websites: www.PathofLight.com, www.TrianglesofLight.org, www.HealingwithLight.org.

Jan Detrich is an astrologer, teacher, speaker and spiritual guide who has been a student of the Ageless Wisdom teachings for over 30 years. Jan is Executive Director of Life Wisdom Institute, which is creating new programs of wisdom teachings to reach the public that are simple, practical and magnetic, and offer activities and embodiment techniques to invite transformation. Jan attended Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan and has a rich background in business administration and management with a concentration in ethical business and leadership practices. Besides teaching courses in the Ageless Wisdom, Jan serves as an astrological and spiritual counselor, and is dedicated to making the wisdom teachings practical and accessible to all earnest seekers of spiritual life.

Glenda Christian Young is past President of the Board of Meditation Groups Inc., Meditation Mount, Ojai, CA. Glenda began the Ageless Wisdom quest in her early twenties as the result of a spiritual awakening. She studied Theosophy and A.A. Bailey and has been a student, teacher, presenter and group worker for many years. She has an M.A. in Eastern Philosophy from the U. of New Mexico and attended the first 3 year USR, Ph.D. Science of Occultism course in Rancho Santa Fe. A co-founder of the Los Angeles InterGroup that presented the Three Spring Festivals to the greater Los Angeles area for years, her main interest has been healing, creative meditation and the facilitation of monthly solar fire festivals.

William Young is the former Executive Director of Meditation Mount. He has been a student and presenter of the Ageless Wisdom since 1994. William's past experience includes sales, arketing, and entrepreneurial endeavors. William's spiritual quest began in the Christian theology where he eventually taught adult Bible study for several years and was a deacon in a large Baptist church in Austin, Texas.

Cam Vuksinich is a long time student and teacher of Body-Mind approaches to wisdom and insight. As a Holistic Life Coach, she has spent 30 years researching psychology, philosophy, comparative religions, kinesiology, physics and consciousness studies. Cam has worked with a variety of clients from professional athletes to actors, scientists, politicians, moms, dads and kids -- people from all walks of life and many different countries.  She has degrees and certifications that emphasize the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of development and training.  Cam has created a new Body-Mind DVD called “The Beginning Point”.  It is a series of powerful techniques that are easy to learn, simple to do and fun. These exercises immediately invite the body into a state of relaxation and focus the mind into a heightened awareness.  If you can breathe, you can master this skill!  http://www.creativeinsightscoaching.com