Hermetic Lodge

The Hermetic Lodge of the Theosophical Society was formed in London on April 9, 1884. This branch was a split from the London Lodge, formed by those who followed Anna Bonus Kingsford and her efforts for a revival of mystical and esoteric Christianity, the Kabbalah and the teachings of the Hermetic philosophy.

Formation

When A. P. Sinnett moved back to London on April, 1883, he joined the London Lodge, whose Preseident was Dr. Anna Kingsford. Soon tensions aroused between thpse who wanted to follow Mr. Sinnett's emphasis on Eastern teachings and those who preferred Dr. Kingsford's interest in Western esotericicsm.

Once it was seen that the two groups could not work together an attempt was made to run the two groups simultaneously. On April 9, 1884, Col. Olcott chartered the "Hermetic Lodge" for the study of the Kabalistic and Hermetic teachings under the inspiration of Dr. Kingsford.

The first meeting was held at the Chambers of Mr. C. C. Massey, and Mohini Chatterji made an address.

However, Dr. Kingsford's followers felt hampered in their aims by inclusion in the Theosophical Society. On April 22, 1884, the Hermetic Lodge decided to surrender its Charter, and to form a separate organization. On May 9, 1884, it reconstituted itself under the name of Hermetic Society, at the residence of Mr. Francis Lloyd, 43 Rutland Gate, London W., Col. Olcott being present at this inaugural meeting (op.cit., p. 97). Mr. Lloyd was made the Treasurer of the new Society.