Call for Papers - Esoteric Traditions in the Ancient and Modern World

International Conference in Alexandria, Egypt
July 12-24 2012

Conference: 6 days in Alexandria Tour (optional): 3-day cruise on the Nile & 3 days in Cairo

Conference description 

The purpose of the Conference will be to examine the source and foundations of the mystery and esoteric traditions; their expressions and nuances in the ancient and contemporary world along with the interface between ancient wisdom and modern scientific paradigms. As we will be returning to the cradle of so-called "Western Esotericism" for this event, the Conference will be focusing upon the Hermeticism of Alexandria, neo-Platonism, former ancient Mysteries, and the modern Theosophical Movement; in view of their phenomenology, social impact, and nuances in the shaping of cultural and spiritual aspects of the contemporary western world. Special emphasis will be given to the Theosophical Society; its foundational structures and orientation, successions, impact, and its role as an artery in the continuation of esoteric culture and Higher Age teachings within the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

Suggested topics, not compulsory:

- Ancient Mystery Traditions. - The Hermeticism of Alexandria. - Neo-Platonism. - The Star-Lore of Ancient Egypt. - Theosophical Connections with Egyptian Traditions. - The Brotherhood of Luxor and its influence on the Theosophical Society. - Successions in the Theosophical Society [The Judge Case,etc.] - The Theosophical Movement in the 3rd Millennium. - Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science. - Modern Physics & the Secret Doctrine.

Categories of Submissions There are five categories of submissions: papers, panel, workshops, round-table and short documentaries: * Papers: All online submissions must be in one of four formats: MS Word for Windows, MS Word for Mac, PDF, or Rich Text Format. All tables, graphs, and pictures associated with your submission must be included with the main text in a single document. Submissions must be completed and received before July 2011. Additional information: Title, author(s) short biography, 200-words abstract. *

Panel Session: Panel title, description, chair/discussant, presentation titles, abstracts, and any other required information. It's required for presenters to submit a 150-word abstract; you also need to prepare a 400-word rationale for your panel proposal and a 75-word panel description for the conference program. Panels can contain up to four papers with no more than 1.000 words each paper. These must be completed before July 2011. *

Workshops: You should submit an overview of the workshop structure, including key topics to be addressed, the equipment necessary, duration, aims and a 150-word abstract. These must be completed before July 2011. * Round-tables: Round-table proposals (same submission criteria as panel proposals) and must be completed before July 2011. * Short Documentaries: Short documentaries between 5 to 15 minutes, must be submitted on DVD NTSC or PAL (please test before sending). These must be received before July 2011. Short documentaries must be available for screening during the Conference on July 2012.

Eligibility: You do not need to be a member of any Theosophical organization to submit a paper or proposal for the conference. Simply send your proposal to: stoa.hypatia@gmail.com

Conference attendance: If your panel, paper, workshop or round-table proposal is accepted for the conference, you have a commitment to register for and attend the conference and perform your assigned role. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending, you should find a substitute to perform your duties and notify the program committee. Conference registration: Submission of your paper or proposal does NOT automatically register you for the conference itself. If your paper or proposal is accepted for presentation at the conference "Esoteric Traditions in the Ancient and Modern World" you will be notified and then must register for the conference and pay the conference fee. Details about the conference registration will be soon available.

E-mail address: Each conference participant must use one and only one e-mail address for all submissions. Program Committee: Alistair Coombs (UK), Nikos Fokas (GR), George Georgiades (GR), Erica Georgiades (GR), J.S. Gordon (UK). Conference chairwoman: Erica Georgiades.