Yesterday Kitty and I attended a talk called “Is There Such a Thing as an Alchemical Utopia?” at the Atlantis Bookshop hosted by the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia Metropolitan Study Group.
This intriguing talk, delivered by Frater Robert Gordon and Frater Jack Kausch at the historic Atlantis Bookshop, delved into the fascinating intersection of alchemy, Rosicrucianism, and utopian ideals. The speakers explored the historical links between alchemists and the establishment of utopian communities, tracing this pursuit of a “Philosopher’s Stone” for society from the Elizabethan era to modern times.
Frater Gordon, author of “21st Century Rosicrucianism” and a long-time Rosicrucian, emphasized the enduring relevance of Hermetic principles in our technological age. He highlighted the Rosicrucian call for a “general reformation of the whole world,” rooted in a deep desire for societal transformation. Frater Kausch, author of the Hermetic novel “Aretalogy,” provided a unique perspective on the historical divergence of the scientific and spiritual aspects of alchemy. He questioned whether a truly just and harmonious society could be considered an alchemical achievement – a “Philosopher’s Stone” in its own right.
The event fostered a thought-provoking discussion on the role of alchemists in shaping social reform and the enduring quest for a utopian ideal. The intimate setting of the Atlantis Bookshop, with its rich history in esoteric thought, provided a fitting backdrop for this exploration of alchemy’s potential for societal transformation. Copious amounts of cheese, wine, and other treats were generously provided, adding to the convivial atmosphere!
The event was well-attended by an engaged audience, including many of the Seshen school members and practitioners from overseas with a keen interest in alchemy and Rosicrucianism. The discussion sparked by the talk proved so stimulating that a number of attendees remained late into the night, continuing their exploration of these fascinating themes. The talk was extremely inspiring for me and has led to some great insights into how the ideal way to govern a society and the ideal way of governing the self are interrelated. For those who missed the event, or wish to revisit the discussion, the talk will be available online soon on the SRIA London Youtube channel.