1815–1877

     The Society’s Formation

In the spring of 1815, as England’s Regency era was in full bloom, a distinctive assembly of intellectuals, artists, and aristocrats converged in the heart of Scotland. Bound by a mutual interest in the esoteric, they formed a clandestine society known as the Friends of Autumn under the aegis of Sir Walter Scott.

The society soon found its first home beneath Scott's Abbotsford House, a place alive with whispers of ancient knowledge, where members could delve into arcane texts, practice divination, and conduct rituals to commune with the spirit world.

Gradually, the society's appeal broadened, attracting a diverse membership across most of Western Europe, including prominent figures such as the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the elusive occultist Stanislas de Guaita, French author Marie Anne Lenormand, and the renowned Russian Theosophist, Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky.

1878–1889

     Madame Blavatsky &
the Philadelphia Connection

Madame Blavatsky, in her travels to New York in 1878, became an integral part of the burgeoning Spiritualist movement. It was during this period that she attended a grand Samhain Parlor hosted by the Friends of Autumn. These gatherings, timed with the Harvest Moon, were renowned for their opulence, elaborate fashions, and strange dealings with the spirits. During the events, Blavatsky encountered a young Margaret Sinclair, the soon-to-be headmistress of Philadelphia’s Friends of Autumn chapter house, and a strong bond was established between the two. Before long, Madame Blavatsky moved to Philadelphia, establishing White Dog House in what’s now known as University City, and launching the order to new heights.

1890–1913

     Excess & Scandal

From the 1890s to the early 1910s., the influence of the Friends of Autumn reached its peak. The society's clandestine gatherings and galas became legendary among the societal elite, with chapter houses taking root throughout Europe and the United States. The society, however, was not immune to scrutiny. As they grew in prominence, so did the rumors, leading to investigations by law enforcement and political powers around the globe.

1914–1920

     The Great Death

The period from 1914 to 1920 presented formidable challenges to the Friends. World War I in particular severely impacted their activities. Several members, either directly embroiled in the conflict or contributing to the war effort, found their living involvement permanently concluded.

Following the war, the Spanish Flu epidemic swept across the globe, exacting a devastating toll on the society. The deadly virus took the lives of several prominent members and brought the society's gatherings to a standstill.

This series of devastating events weakened the Friends’ cohesion, worsened further by suspicions from conservative factions outside the society. Compelled by fate, the Friends of Autumn had little choice but to retreat deeper into the shadows for close to 40 years.

1945–1954

     The Post-War Era & McCarthy Trials

The society was again tested during the post-war era and the McCarthy trials. The advent of the Cold War and the rise of Joseph McCarthy led to an intense focus on rooting out perceived “subversive” elements within society. The Friends of Autumn, with their secretive nature and unconservative practices, attracted much scrutiny.

Consequently, the Friends of Autumn were pushed further underground with several members compelled to publicly renounce their involvement with the group.

1954–Today

     Restoration & Rebirth

Following the trials, the surviving members of the Friends of Autumn began the arduous process of restoring their practice. They banded together in secret, focusing on reestablishing the group's reputation. With the passage of time, the Friends of Autumn managed to maintain a low profile, ensuring their traditions and activities remained shrouded from the public eye.

Now, 200 years after its formation, the Friends of Autumn still persists. The world knows little of its activities, its gatherings, and of the individuals who walk its hallowed halls. They stand amidst the fallen leaves of history with roots buried deep in the fertile soil of tradition.