Finian Heavey – Theosophical Society in England and Wales

The Tarot
This in a general introduction to the Path of the Tarot. Dealing with historical origins, of the Tarot and the rival French and English schools of understanding of Tarot.
It includes the prominent role of several members of the London Theosophical society in the development of the modern esoteric Tarot, and the reasons why HP Blavatsky scarcely mentions the topic of Tarot in her writings. It includes a basic numerological introduction to Tarot for beginners. (powerpoint presentation).

Theosophical Understanding of God.
What does Theosophy have to say on the Topic of God? How does the teaching on this subject in the Mahatma Letters and the writings of HP Blavatsky, and others in the Theosophical movement differ from ideas in the other world religions and philosophers? How do Theosophical insights benefit our knowledge in the 21st Century? (powerpoint presentation). (This talk has already been given in London.)

Mantras Talk
An audio exploration of the use of Mantra in the Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and other traditions. As well as defining what mantras are it shows the almost universal form of this devotional form. We get the feel of a common spiritual uplift, from many sources. There is also some discussion of the impact of mantra on brainwaves and the chakra system.

Mantras Workshop
The above talk can also be given in more of a workshop format, with more emphasis on the impact of sound as a tool in meditation, with opportunities to experience different brain wave patterns, as created by the practice of using Mantra. It gives more time to the experiences gained with selected Mantras, than the overview in the Talk.

The Meaning of Seven
Why do Theosophists ‘do everything in sevens?’ A partial study of our sevenfold understanding of the human psyche, and the huge number of ways sevens occur in Science, Mythology, Biology and other places. My ultimate conclusion is simply 'because that is how it is’ (powerpoint presentation) (This talk has been given in London)

The Kabbalah -Does God do Crosswords?-
An illustrated talk covering both the Hebrew and Hermetic views of Kabbalah. The subject forms a key part of the teachings within the Secret Doctrine, but Western Esotericism is often overlooked within modern Theosophy. This gives a brief overview of some of the main ideas in this vast subject and how they relate to Theosophy. (powerpoint presentation). (This was given as a seminar at Summer school)

Initiation -Eastern & Western-
What do we understand by Initiation? It is an idea that may have gone out of favour today, but played a vital role in the ancient world. There are traces of it all over the world. 3 fold and 7 fold initiations, in the Christian Church. Initiation in the Bible and in Hinduism, Tibet and early Theosophy. (powerpoint presentation).

Madame Blavatsky, Theosophy & the Aquarian Age
This is an entry level talk aimed at outsiders or new members. It aims to describe What Theosophy is; what the Theosophical Society is about. It also covers some of the main points of difference between the Mahatma Letters and the later ideas of the Besant and Leadbeater, and Krishnamurti era. I also describe some of the central ideas of Theosophy, and its relevance to our modern times. (powerpoint presentation).