Andrew Jackson Davis and the history of Lyceum.

The name most recognised in Lyceum is ANDREW JACKSON DAVIS. Born in Blooming Grove. New York, in August 1826 to a father who was unstable, alcoholic, and did odd jobs as a cobbler and weaver.
His mother was illiterate, and religious. They constantly moved from home to home, with Andrew having very little schooling.
At a very early age, he became an apprentice to a shoemaker for 2 years.
When he became 17yrs old, in 1843, he attended a lecture in his home town on mesmerism (hypnosis), this talk was given by Dr. J S Grimes, who was a professor of jurisprudence in a medical college of Castleton.
A while later, he met William Livingston, who experimented with mesmerism, and put him into trance. This is when Andrew realised he was clairvoyant and could read understand incredible truths from a higher plane of consciousness that he found himself in. He found he could read closed books, diagnose ailments, and prescribe treatments that worked. He claimed he understood the universe, its causes and effects.
Andrew Jackson Davis, advised Abraham Lincoln during the civil war, He visited the White House to meet with Lincoln, and Lincoln visited him in New York. In his later years, Andrew acquired a medical degree, and retired to Boston, there he opened a small book shop, and prescribed herbal remedies to his patients. He also used his name for spiritual Sundays schools, He passed to spirit in 1910.

Great names like the Fox sisters, come into spiritualism. In 1998, the Fox property was acquired by the national spiritualist association of churches. Margaret and Catherine, established intelligent communication with a spirit entity which had been responsible for noisy rappings in the house. Many investigations were carried out, and allowed mediumship to come out into the open, and many home circles sprang up for the purpose of further communication.
Another name is Mrs Emma Harden Britton. It's with this lady that gave Robert Owen the bases of the seven principles of spiritualism, that was later adopted by the spiritualist national union as the bases of its religious philosophy.
 
Spiritualism over the years, gave us reason to believe that there is something, somewhere, somehow, that gives us reason to be aware.
 
This is a never-ending story, so much to understand, and to learn. Not only the spiritual side, but also of the universe. The whole of life itself. So much education in itself. An oyster, to be opened. Such wonderful things of spirit.
All ours if needed. The answers are there, all we need is the power to open our minds and be inspired by spirit.
 
LYCEUM, was the name given to a gymnasium and garden with covered walks near the temple of Apollo Lyceus at Athens. Aristotle taught there, and the name was given to his school of philosophy.
There are many duties to perform within the Lyceum, charge have to be taken of the banner, badges, arranging seating for groups, clear halls for exercise. Keep order.
A spring Bell is often used in the Lyceum, and goes to order as:

• One stroke is for order.
• Two strokes call officers to stand.
• Three call all to stand.
• Four for all to be seated.
• Five to dismiss Lyceum.

During these times of the bell, children recognised the bell, as like a school bell. It gave order to the Lyceum classes.
 
Through the founder of Lyceum, Andrew Jackson Davis promotes the study and practice of spiritualism as a science, also philosophy and religion and to foster Lyceum for this purpose.
The Lyceum education awareness scheme is designed to make the best out of the learning progress by making it fun, and creative. These courses can inspire, lead and motivate at a social, personal and practical level for all ages.
The scheme aims to provide at three levels, each designed from beginners to the more advanced student, and can be easily followed. The three levels are Bronze, Silver and Gold.
This also encourages tasks like, secretary work, Public speaking, Planner, Investigator. Psychic studies, to name just a few things, Flower arranging is also encouraged.
Lyceum at a higher level, can offer weekend seminars, Publicity Meetings, Education schemes publication. Annual conference, summer school.
Something for everyone.