Julia Seton Sears

Julia Seton (1862–1950) was an American physician, lecturer, and author who significantly shaped the public understanding of numerology, which she adapted from older concepts of name and number significance. She was a prominent figure in the New Thought movement, asserting its religious nature and acting as its 'high-priestess.' Seton established and led several New Thought Schools and Churches across the United States and in London. Her work attracted a large following, with thousands of confessed believers.

Before dedicating herself to metaphysical work, Seton practiced medicine after graduating from Gross Medical University in 1898 and pursuing postgraduate studies. Her transition to metaphysical pursuits began around 1904, leading her to establish classes and lecture halls in Boston and later New York City. She founded the New Civilization Church in Santa Monica, California, in 1905 and the New Thought Summer School in Oscawana-on-the-Hudson, New York, which offered instruction in self-healing and spiritual development. Seton also traveled extensively, lecturing internationally and completing a two-year trip around the world.

Julia Seton is recognized for modernizing the 'Science of Names and Numbers,' transforming it into what is now known as numerology. Through her efforts, this practice gained widespread public recognition. She was associated with Sarah Balliett, who developed the modern approach to numerology. Seton considered 'New Thought' a religion and positioned herself as its leader. She believed New Thought emerged from 20th-century needs and human experience. Her influence extended to leading New Thought Schools in various cities, including Boston and New York, and she founded the New Civilization Church in Santa Monica, California, in 1905.

Born in Illinois in 1862, Julia Seton received her education in Ohio and Massachusetts before teaching for five years. She then pursued medical studies, earning her M.D. from Gross Medical University in 1898 and undertaking postgraduate work at Tufts Medical College. Seton practiced as a physician until 1903. Her inclination towards metaphysical work, driven by a desire to address causes rather than effects, led her to leave her medical practice. She began teaching and lecturing on these subjects, starting with small classes in Boston in 1904 and quickly expanding to larger venues.

Seton's career expanded significantly with her move to New York City in 1906, where she lectured in Carnegie Hall. Her activities grew to the point where larger venues, including theaters, were leased for her Sunday services. In 1910, she established the First New Thought Church and School in London. She also founded the New Thought Summer School, a comprehensive educational center focused on self-healing and spiritual growth, situated on 140 acres of land in Oscawana-on-the-Hudson, New York. Seton was a prolific author, publishing over a dozen books, and her articles appeared in numerous magazines. She maintained memberships in several medical societies throughout her career.

“New Thought was a religion”