Lyceum
Modern Lyceum: Nurturing Spiritual Growth Across Generations
The Spiritualists Lyceum Union and local SNU Lyceums are bodies within the SNU responsible for the education and personal development of members of all ages in the principles of Spiritualism.
Whilst originally founded with a focus on younger members, today’s Lyceum supports the SNU and its principles, focusing on spiritual and social education for all ages.
Since 1948, it has evolved beyond traditional activities to include modern practices like meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and group study.
Lyceumists often engage in SNU coursework, visit places of interest, and participate in church life—helping as chairs, administrators, speakers, or demonstrators. Whether learning or connecting socially, the Lyceum continues to inspire Spiritualist living in today’s world.
“Lyceum groups of today are formed of varying age groups and with diverse purposes.”
Revitalising the Lyceum for Today’s Spiritualists
Churches are once again encouraged to start Lyceums as places of learning and enjoyment for new members. While honouring longstanding traditions—like the Lyceum Manual’s cherished readings and songs—modern Lyceums are evolving to suit today’s world.
Outdated practices have been reviewed, and education offerings refreshed with two new courses and qualifications (CSNU[e] and DSNU[e]). The aim is to preserve the Lyceum’s spirit while updating its image and relevance for a new generation.
Lyceum essential downloads and resources
Lyceum Affiliation Application Form
Spiritualists’ Lyceum Union ‘E-Flet’
Constitution for Affiliated Lyceum Unions (2018)
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Take part in courses devoted to all aspects of Lyceum education and training, both theoretical and practical.
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How did Lyceums begin?
The formation of Lyceums in America and the UK was inspired by Andrew Jackson Davis, an American visionary and lecturer, who in 1863 spoke of the benefit of training youngsters in both worldly and spiritual matters.
He was called in his time the ‘Poughkeepsie Seer’. Whilst living in Poughkeepsie, New York, he developed the ability to go into a trance state and could demonstrate his psychic ability. He called his altered state of consciousness the ‘superior condition’ and it is said to have induced within him a ‘very active and intense psychic ability’.
In January 1863 he gave a lecture to a Spiritualist audience in New York and described a vision he had when in one of his ‘superior condition’ states of consciousness. He described seeing spirit children being taught and trained in the spirit world and suggested that a similar system of learning would be of great benefit to children on the earth. This lecture inspired some members of the audience and they established the first ‘Children’s Progressive Lyceum’.
The first British Lyceum in the UK was opened in Nottingham in 1866, with a second one in 1870 in Keighley. A third followed in 1874 at Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax. In the early days there was a lack of education, both mental and physical, for children as well as adults. Lyceums were places for children and adults to come together and learn.
The British Spiritualists’ Lyceum Union was formed when there was a coming together of the various Lyceums that sprang up in the succeeding years. The Lyceum became known as the British Spiritualists’ Lyceum Union.
The Spiritualists` Lyceum Union was founded in 1890 following conversations between Emma Hardinge Britten and Alfred Kitson. The movement became the British Spiritualists` Lyceum Union until 1948, when it became a Branch of the SNU and was incorporated into the SNU as the Spiritualists’ Lyceum Union.
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