Recent Events
OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 1
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION ANNUAL MEETING
Christian Spirituality Group
Intersection of Alchemy, Christianity, and Labyrinths: In the American frontier in the early 19th century a mystical Christian community was founded called the Harmony Society (1805-1904). They were one of the longest lasting and wealthiest nineteenth-century American religious communes. The Harmony Society interfaced their German Lutheran foundations and millenarian beliefs with the mystical and alchemical sensibilities of German lay theologian and mystic, Jakob Boehme.
The Harmonists enacted their mystical beliefs through worship of Sophia and the practice of Alchemy. They acted out their faith in the imminent coming of Christ in part by the creation of a garden paradise to receive Christ upon his return. In this garden was an elaborate hedge maze that they referred to as “The Labyrinth.” The Labyrinth was a central symbol for the Harmonist community and they created a Labyrinth at each of their three towns.
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, including photos of the original architectural drawings of the three Labyrinths, this presentation will explore how the Harmonists’ used their Labyrinths as symbolic representations of the intersection of alchemy and Christianity.
Details: Oct 30-Nov 1, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. For more info go to www.aarweb.org
NOVEMBER 12-14 2010
KEYNOTE FOR THE LABYRINTH SOCIETY ANNUAL GATHERING
A Walk into History: The Harmony Society Labyrinths
Explore the mystery of why the Harmony Society, a 19th century utopian community that founded New Harmony, built three labyrinths on the American frontier. Weaving together the Harmonists’ religious beliefs that include God as both male and female and the transformative power of alchemy, we discover that this Gathering occurs in one of the most fascinating places in American history.
Details: November 12-14, 2010
The 2010 Annual Gathering “New Harmonies in the Labyrinth” will be held in New Harmony, Indiana. Sometimes known as ‘The Thin Place’ between earth and sky, it is an active cultural town with a rich history of Wabash Indian culture and two early utopias. With a Harmonist labyrinth begun in 1820 and a beautifully landscaped Chartres Labyrinth built in 1989, New Harmony is a natural place of labyrinth tradition.
New Harmony understands its national role in labyrinth culture, and its institutions are opening their doors wide to the 2010 Gathering. With beautiful venues to stay, meet, shop, and eat, the conference is in a perfect setting for both thoughtful work and engaging down time. The town welcomes the making of labyrinths on its public lawns, and is considering a town-wide Labyrinth Weekend for area visitors.
For more information or to register go to: www.labyrinthsociety.org
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