Florence Farr & the Magical Imagination

The Florence Farr Conference returns to The College of Psychic Studies to celebrate the extraordinary visionary, dramatist, pioneer of women's rights and leader of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Florence Farr. 

She shaped modern occultism, premiered plays for Shaw and Yeats, and led the most influential esoteric movement of her age, yet most people have never heard of her. 

Florence Farr (1860–1917) was one of the most extraordinary women of the Victorian era - actress, writer, musician, feminist and occultist, all at once. She rose to become Acting Chief of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, leading its secretive inner circle, the Sphere Group. Visionary, rebellious and decades ahead of her time, she shaped modern esoteric tradition in ways still felt today, then walked away from London society, sailed to Ceylon, and died there in 1917 on her own terms. This conference exists to change that and to celebrate her extraordinary life.

A Day of Celebration, Magic and Discovery

Join us for an in-person day of celebration, magic, art, drama and literature. Now in its fourth year, the Florence Farr Conference brings together leading scholars and practitioners for a day of expert talks, inspiration, live readings of Farr's Egyptian magical texts, dramatic scenes from an upcoming play about her life, and rich discussion. Whether you're a dedicated student of the Golden Dawn, a lover of Victorian history, or simply curious about a remarkable woman - this day is for you.

The 4th Annual Florence Farr Conference includes:

This year's line-up of speakers delivers refreshing perspectives on Florence Farr's life and work within the greater context of the Golden Dawn – thought-provoking, inspiring and informative in equal measure...

Dorothea and Divination  
Sue Terry looks at the practice of Florence Farr's close friend and Sphere Group member Dorothea Hunter, including with WB Yeats in the Celtic Order, and new insight into her later spirit communication work, not previously recorded. 

Women of the Horus Temple
 Melissa Seims' recent book is the highly regarded Light in Extension, A History of Bradford's 1888 Golden Dawn Temple Horus No.5. Melissa will be talking about the women of this temple and the challenges they faced. 

Florence Farr and the Sphere Group
Sally North will introduce Florence Farr's private magical association within the Golden Dawn: The Sphere. Drawing on original documents and sources, she will discuss the work, the membership and the controversies associated with this enigmatic and secretive group.

Finding Florence  
Isabella Javor shares from her physical and psychic journey of discovery while researching the magical life of Florence Farr. Discussing major turning points and key themes, Isabella gives us a more personal glimpse into who the woman really was, followed by a rehearsed reading of select scenes from her upcoming play about Florence's life. 

Spells of the Temple and the Shrine
Caroline Wise explores the potent magical spells and invocatory passages in Florence Farr's Ancient Egyptian-themed plays, The Beloved of Hathor and The Shrine of the Golden Hawk. She will examine Farr's inspiration for these passages, as well as Farr's intriguing understanding of the goddesses invoked, with dynamic readings of the magical texts. 

Towards the end of her life, Florence Farr was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy in 1916. This event includes a raffle, with all proceeds, along with a donation from The College of Psychic Studies, going to a breast cancer charity.

Previous participants say:

"I had a lovely time at the College yesterday. It was the first time I had visited the building. I was very impressed at the lovely rooms and the very helpful staff."

"Great hosting and content all round, both from the College and the group."

"Excellent event, thank you. Highly satisfied with content, venue & all interaction with the staff."

"The college was an ideal venue for this event and we all appreciated how much help the college staff gave to the Florence Farr day."