Dear Friends,
For twenty-five years the Institute for Hermetic Studies has provided some of the finest instruction in Western esoteric practices available today, These teachings have been clear, lucid, practical, and often at no or little cost to recipients. During this same time the Institute has sought to establish a long term facility where students of esotericism can access physical books, journals, historical newsletters, ephemera, and memorabilia not easily found in other institutional holdings.
Prior to the start of the ‘Covid years’ we began discussions with several non-profits with the purpose of engaging in a relationship with them for the realization of this plan. However, Covid negatively impacted nearly all industries, and with them the people they employ. In turn, this significantly sidelined the realization of our goals.
But adaptation to changing circumstances is the basis of evolution, and we have adapted.
- This was realized by making contributions of complete sets of IHS publications to major research libraries, including but are not limited to: Masonic libraries in Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and California, the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles, Theosophical Society in Wheaton, Illinois, and the University of Illinois Urban-Champagne Campus, with select contributions to Wilkes University, King’s College, Luzerne County Community College, and the Pennsylvania library system.
- Significant donations of books pertaining to self-development, psychology, philosophy, religion, history, art and architecture, esotericism, symbolism, and spirituality to four regional non-profit organizations for use by their members and communities they serve.
- Through our Prison Outreach Program which provides materials to incarcerated individuals who write to us and request it. In some instances we have also been able to link inmates with students of IHS willing to correspond with them.
With these programs as our foundation the Institute for Hermetic Studies is ready to move into the next phase of its existence, a phase that is designed to provide it with the resources needed to provide another twenty-five years of service to humanity in general and the esoteric communities in particular.
To accomplish this we are asking for your direct material support in the form of donations consisting of:
- books
- literature
- audio and visual media
- objects and memorabilia of interest
- direct financial support in terms of cash
Materials donated will be reviewed and used to support existing programs: Collection Enhancement (of IHS and supported institutional collections), Prison Outreach, and Community Outreach (Women and Children’s Programs).
This is a significant and important undertaking, not simply for the Institute and the people it serves, but in truth, for all humanity on some level as it is creating sustainable resources for the continued study and practice of Western Esotericism. Most importantly, it can only be done with your support. If you would like to donate one book, a dozen, or an entire collection you may contact us with a list of titles or a photograph. An acknowledgment will be sent upon receipt. You may also simply mail them directly to us if they are in average or better condition and limited to topics specific to our work: esotericism, spirituality, Easter and Western philosophies, alchemy, qabala, histories and biographies related to these topics, various organizational courses, lessons, and study programs, and of course New Age, pop-occultism, and various magical and occult themed practices. If you are uncertain, simply contact us with a list or photographs in an email.
Money is also needed. To this end we are asking that when sending materials to us to please include a check or money order for an amount of your choosing. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as any amount is helpful and each person must decide for themselves what is am important contribution based on their personal circumstances. Small amount, like small actions, add up. Everything counts.
Those wishing to make direct financial contributions to support the work of the Institute may do so using the following links:
IHS Endowment Fund
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ihs-endowment-resources-for-another-20-years
Network for Good
https://www.nfggive.org/donation/81-4208085
Uncommon Giving
https://uncommongiving.com/np/institute-for-hermetic-studies
PayPal Giving Fund
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3528560
Amazon Smile
https://smile.amazon.com/
Checks and money orders (as well as books, etc.) can be mailed directly using the following address: Institute for Hermetic Studies, P.O. Box 4513 Wyoming, Pennsylvania 18644-04513
Over the next year we will be looking for additional institutional libraries to assist as well as increase our personal holdings for future access. As activities have resumed, post-Covid, we have initiated detailed discussions with a major non-profit for space utilization to establish the IHS Library and Research Center. We look forward to being able to enter into an agreement with them to make this vision a reality.
We invite you to be an active part of this vision and to know that through your efforts, your sacrifice, your generosity – because you care enough to act so as to make a difference – future generations will have access to effective, meaningful, and practical teachings, and with them, a living tradition from which to practice them.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark Stavish, M.A.
Founder and Director of Studies
Institute for Hermetic Studies
