Thank you to all who joined us at The College of Psychic Studies for the 3rd Florence Farr Conference, celebrating the extraordinary visionary, dramatist, pioneer of women's rights and leader of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Florence Farr.
The lecture hall was full to capacity, with a fantastic group of like-hearted individuals who came along for this extraordinary day of celebration, magic, art, drama and literature. Through expert talks, a rare ritual reading of one of Florence Farr's magical masques, engaging discussion and more, we explored and celebrated Farr's many inspirations.
Florence Farr's Magical Writing, with Sue Terry
Sue Terry introduced us to Florence's magical writing and her use of literature to induce transformational states and women's empowerment.
Florence Farr and the Magical Voice, with Isabella Javor
Isabella Javor looked at Florence Farr's music and poetic influences, along with her work with W.B.Yeats, the chanting on the Psaltery, and the Bardic revival. We saw - and heard! - how these techniques connected her magical work and ritual approach.
Florence Farr and Victorian Gothic, with Andrew Collins
Andrew Collins revealed Florence's connections to Victorian Gothic, such as Bram Stoker's The Jewel of Seven Stars, the Ancient Egyptian goddess Sobekneferu and the perception of Egyptian gods, mummies and magic of the time, moving forward to the work of Kenneth Grant in the 1950s.
Florence Farr's Egyptian Magic, with Antonia Bond
Antonia Bond explored Florence's fascinating, informed, yet highly original research and practice of her Egyptian-themed Magic.
The Magical Artist Ithell Colquhoun, with Jacqui McIntosh
Jacqui McIntosh, the College's archivist & curator, discussed the life and work of magical artist Ithell Colquhoun, exploring her interest in the Irish poet W.B.Yeats and interaction with goddess spirituality in Ireland, including the present day Fellowship of Isis.
Scrying in the Spirit Vision, with Caroline Wise
Caroline Wise looked at connections between former College of Psychic Studies President Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Golden Dawn and Florence, along with other fascinating fellow travellers. She also led a practical session on Florence's Scrying in the Spirit Vision.
Farr and the Sphere Group
There was an interview and discussion about Farr's closest friends and fellow Sphere Group members, Dorethea Hunter and Edmund Hunter, from their direct descendent.
Thank you to all for coming!
We received some wonderful feedback from you - gratitude to everyone for sharing your good wishes and experiences:
"I think Saturday was one of the best events I've been to!"
"What a great day - do not miss this event when it comes round again. Inspiring, artistic, historic, magical, charitable!"
"It was the most magical day: the venue, the nice people, the good content, and the atmosphere all contributed to the magic."
"The College of Psychic Studies was an ideal venue for this event and we all appreciated how much help the college staff gave to the Florence Farr day."
"Excellent event, thank you. Highly satisfied with content, venue & all interaction with the staff."
"I had a lovely time at The College of Psychic Studies yesterday. It was the first time I had visited the building. I was very impressed at the lovely rooms and the very helpful staff."
Towards the end of her life, Florence Farr was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy in 1916. The event included a raffle, with all proceeds, along with a donation from The College of Psychic Studies, going to a breast cancer charity. Thank you to everyone who came along to support this cause, and, of course, to Florence Farr.
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