Esoteric Quarterly Archives

For many years, the Esoteric Quarterly was a valued and highly regarded resource for aspirants and disciples around the world. As this quarterly publication came to an end in 2020 and the Esoteric Quarterly website is no longer available, as a service SES is pleased to host the past issues of the Esoteric Quarterly on its website so that this remarkable collection of articles is preserved and remains available to the spiritual community.

Please Note: The Esoteric Quarterly was an organization that operated independently from the School for Esoteric Studies, and therefore the School for Esoteric Studies may not necessarily endorse or agree with the entirety of these materials.

History and Mission of the Esoteric Quarterly

Since its emergence, The Esoteric Quarterly has served as a distinctive voice in the field of esoteric philosophy—a bridge between scholarship, the Ageless Wisdom tradition, and the growing global community of spiritual seekers. From its founding, the Quarterly has offered a platform for deep reflection on metaphysical life, the evolution of consciousness, and the practical application of spiritual principles.

Origins and Evolution

In its early years, the journal was issued under the auspices of the School for Esoteric Studies, with volumes such as Vol. 8, No. 4 (Winter 2013) listing SES as publisher. At that stage, The Esoteric Quarterly declared its mission to “provide a forum for the exploration of esoteric philosophy and its applications. Full-length articles and student papers are solicited pertaining to both Eastern and Western esoteric traditions.”

As the journal matured, it became published by The Esoteric Quarterly, Inc., a nonprofit corporation based in Washington, D.C., and registered as an online journal in the Library of Congress’s National Serials Data Program (ISSN 1551-3874), as noted in the Spring 2020 issue. This shift reflected both a broadening of scope—with greater international editorial representation—and a move toward a fully peer-reviewed model.

Mission and Scope

At its core, the Quarterly’s stated mission is “esoteric philosophy and its applications to individual and group service and the expansion of human consciousness.” In other words, the journal sought not simply to contemplate esoteric ideas in isolation, but to explore how the metaphysical tradition could be applied to the transformation of the individual and the service of humanity.

Its content exemplified this intent: full-length scholarly essays, student papers, book reviews, poetry, and letters to the editor. Earlier volumes reveal a wide range of topics, including modern science and mysticism, esoteric astrology and ray psychology, comparative studies of sacred texts, the psychology of initiation, and even interviews with leading thinkers.

The Esoteric Quarterly stood at the nexus of academic rigor and spiritual insight, bridging Eastern and Western esoteric traditions and welcoming both emerging student voices and seasoned esoteric scholars.

Editorial Stewardship and Contributors

Central to the journal’s vitality was its editorial leadership and international board:

• Editor-in-Chief: Donna M. Brown (USA)

• Editor Emeritus: John F. Nash (USA)

• Editorial Board Members: Alison Deadman (USA), José Becerra (USA & Puerto Rico), Celeste Jamerson (USA), Vijay Srinath Kanchi (India), Katherine O’Brien (New Zealand), Miguel Malagreca (Italy), Michael J. Stacy (USA), James Moffatt (Canada), Irina Kuzminsky (Australia), Gail G. Jolley (USA), Judy Jacka (Australia), Kevin Hataley (Canada), Susan Hamilton (USA), and Dorothy I. Riddle (Canada), who also served as webmaster and editorial member.

Through the years, The Esoteric Quarterly welcomed contributions from a wide range of authors—both established and emerging scholars. Notable contributors include José Becerra, Nicolas Laos, Patrick Mulcahy, Celeste Jamerson, Piero Ferrucci, James Moffatt, Dorothy Riddle, Miguel Malagreca, and many others. Their writings have explored themes such as esoteric psychology, astrology, ray theory, service, initiation, and comparative esotericism.

Relevance to the School for Esoteric Studies Membership and the Esoteric Community at large

For the School for Esoteric Studies community, The Esoteric Quarterly holds special significance. It is more than a journal—it represents an ongoing conversation among aspirants, scholars, and service workers. It presents not only theoretical explorations but also living reflections on discipleship and service.

Although the Quarterly has been discontinued for the time being, the depth and breadth of its articles continue to provide a living resource for study and contemplation, supporting many of the themes covered in the School for Esoteric Studies’ Arc of Training. Given the close alignment between the Quarterly’s mission and the School’s orientation—service, consciousness, and the integration of esoteric philosophy—it remains a valuable reference for all who walk the Path of spiritual service.

We express our sincere gratitude to Editor-in-Chief Donna M. Brown, the Editorial Board, and all contributors to The Esoteric Quarterly for their dedication and for graciously allowing the School for Esoteric Studies to house and preserve the journal’s past issues for future generations of students and seekers.

Archive of Complete Issues