Richard Lawrence discovered The Aetherius Society in 1971 while studying at Hull University, where it answered many of his deepest spiritual questions. His life was profoundly changed after meeting the Society’s Founder, Dr. George King—an exceptional Master of Yoga and channel for advanced intelligences. Richard later had the honour of co-authoring Dr. King’s final book, Realize Your Inner Potential, and continues to share these teachings through the path known as King Yoga. He believes Dr. King was one of the greatest spiritual masters to walk the Earth and is dedicated to preserving and spreading his legacy of truth, service, and inner realization. MysticMag features an exclusive interview.
Richard, you’ve dedicated some 50 years to The Aetherius Society, guided by Dr George King’s vision. How has this lifelong commitment shaped your approach to spiritual teaching and outreach?
Things have changed immensely over the years. I began doing media interviews, particularly on the subject of UFOs, in my early twenties. I believe my first appearance was on Capital Radio, a leading London station—I was just 22. That would have been in the 1970s, and the work has continued ever since, including a great deal of television and radio, all of it, of course, predating the era of social media.
This shift has dramatically changed the nature of outreach. In the earlier days, one might regularly appear on major television programs covering a wide range of topics—UFOs, angels, meditation, psychic abilities—even, on one occasion, superstition, though I don’t particularly subscribe to it. The subjects varied greatly, including work-life balance and broader metaphysical themes, and through such appearances, I would reach millions. These were major networks—BBC, ITV, and so forth—but of those millions, only a relatively small segment would be truly interested in the deeper message I was there to convey.
Today, we have social media, dedicated podcasts, and specialised blogs such as your own. While these reach smaller audiences numerically, they are composed of individuals who are genuinely interested. In terms of outreach, I actually prefer the way things are now. For instance, I co-host a podcast called The Spiritual Freedom Show with Darren Ball. On that show, we reach somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 listeners per episode. While it’s not a vast audience by traditional standards, every one of those listeners has chosen to engage with our content, and that makes all the difference. It allows for a much deeper dive into the teachings, without the constraints that were often present in traditional media.
Back then, particularly on networks like the BBC, it was common to be positioned in opposition to someone holding a skeptical view—say, an astronomer who had never seen a UFO and didn’t believe in their existence. This could make for entertaining television, perhaps even compelling debate, but it rarely offered space to explore the deeper spiritual or philosophical questions: Why are they here? Why haven’t they revealed themselves fully to humanity? Will they ever? Such depth was seldom reached.
Now, we can go far beyond those initial questions and explore profound teachings. I also wrote a column for The Observer newspaper—a body and mind column. I had hoped it would eventually evolve into a body, mind, and spirit feature, but the editorial team was hesitant. We focused on health and mental well-being initially, but when I introduced content related to prayer and healing—demonstrating, for instance, that prayer had been shown to lower crime rates or increase recovery rates in hospitals—the column was discontinued. I had hoped to guide it in a spiritual direction, but that seemed to be a step too far for them.
So, in response to your question—yes, there has been a significant shift. Yet, my lifelong commitment has remained unwavering. In fact, it has grown deeper. One of the most wonderful aspects of this path is that, unlike some belief systems where one might reach a plateau and feel let down at higher levels, my experience has been the opposite. As I’ve matured in this work, my understanding has deepened, and I’ve reached higher states of consciousness than ever before. The journey has only become more enriching.
When I first started out, I was very focused on entering deep meditative states, such as samadhi. That was a clear goal during my university years. However, through the teachings of the Aetherius Society, especially those of Dr. George King—whom I was privileged to call both my teacher and my friend—I came to realise that service to others must come above all else. We spoke almost daily for the last 20 years of his life, and I co-authored his final two books. Through his example, I learned that while deep meditative states are valuable, the greater path is one of service.
And interestingly, those states I once set aside have returned to me—especially in recent years. It seems that by placing service first, the deeper spiritual experiences have come naturally, and with even greater depth than I had initially sought.
Having written books like Unlock Your Psychic Powers and co-authored The King Who Came To Earth, how do you balance writing scholarly spiritual works with making them accessible to a broader audience?
I don’t consider myself particularly scholarly—but I do believe deeply in logic. In the mystical or spiritual field, you may have come across this tendency—some people completely discard logic and insist that one should only follow their feelings. Now, I’m all for people learning to follow their intuition—in fact, I believe it’s absolutely paramount. But I wouldn’t dispense with logic. I still think it’s vital, because while an intuitive experience can bring a moment of insight or realization, logic can help you understand the why behind it. And that understanding is important.
When it comes to writing books, for example—Unlock Your Psychic Powers was by far my best-selling book. It was first published in 1993 and, just this year, it was released as an audiobook in Russian. It’s been translated into several languages and seems to have taken on a life of its own.
What I realised while writing that book is that trying to “prove” psychic phenomena in a strictly scholarly or academic way—through controlled lab conditions, statistical analysis, and so on—doesn’t actually convince most people. They might say, “Well, what does that mean to me?” or, “Okay, so maybe you are psychic, but that doesn’t mean I am.”
Even when you present figures like Uri Geller—whom I’ve appeared on television with more than once—people are sceptical. Whether he can bend a spoon or not, people will always question: “Is it real? Or is it a trick?” And quite frankly, spoon-bending isn’t the most constructive use of psychic power anyway—spiritual healing would be far more meaningful.
What became clear to me is that the most powerful and convincing way to approach this subject is by helping people have their own experiences. That was really the key behind Unlock Your Psychic Powers. I did countless phone-in radio shows, not just in the UK but worldwide, and I received call after call from people who insisted they weren’t psychic, but then went on to share some remarkable experience—a dream that came true, a premonition, or even a physical event they couldn’t explain. Over and over, people would say, “I’m not psychic, but…”
Now, of course, you could dismiss such stories as anecdotal—and some of them may well be. But what struck me was that these were ordinary people with no prior belief in their abilities, and yet they were having experiences. This isn’t a gift reserved for a chosen few. This is something anyone can tap into—if they wish to.
So the approach I took in that book, and in some of my others, was to make it experiential. That, in my view, is far more effective than simply presenting academic evidence. Helping people to do rather than just read about—that’s what makes the work accessible.
As for the other book you mentioned—The King Who Came to Earth—that’s quite a different kind of work. It’s a biography of Dr. George King, which I co-authored with Brian Keneipp. It’s available as an audiobook as well, and I must say, it’s a particularly beautiful one because it includes original audio transmissions. Dr. King, a brilliant yogic medium, used advanced yogic states to receive these transmissions—a unique approach in itself. Some of these recordings date back to the 1950s, and hearing them in their original form is incredibly powerful.
It’s a very advanced story, though, because Dr. King was a very advanced individual. It won’t necessarily appeal to everyone—it’s not as immediately accessible as Unlock Your Psychic Powers. But I believe, and perhaps I’m biased, that it’s a book that will stand the test of time. It’s radical, unique, and I think it will endure as part of spiritual history, even if it doesn’t have the same mainstream reach today.
As a regular guest on radio shows like Coast to Coast AM and host of Aetherius Radio Live, how do you adapt your message for different formats and audiences while maintaining consistency in your core teachings?
Aetherius Radio Live, which we concluded last year, allowed us to explore the Society’s teachings in depth to a more niche audience. We could dive into the nuances and spiritual significance of certain transmissions and philosophy, sometimes building on a shared foundation with listeners who were already somewhat acquainted with the work. Its platform was Body Mind Spirit Radio in the U.S., but when they ceased operations at the end of last year, the show came to a natural close as well, though previous episodes are still available online.
Coast to Coast AM is a fantastic platform—George Noory does a great job with it! I’ve been on the show several times over the years and it has such a massive reach of open-minded listeners. Unlike with Aetherius Radio Live, many of the listeners have never even heard of the Aetherius Society. That requires a completely different approach. I’ve learned—especially from my time accompanying Dr. George King when he himself did interviews—that you must always speak the truth as you know it, but you also have to be discerning about how you explain that truth to any given audience.
When you’re invited onto a program to speak on a particular topic—say, UFOs, especially in light of recent disclosures from the U.S. government and military—you are generally expected to stay within that remit. That’s what the show has invited you to speak about.
So, for example, the scope and tone I’d use on Coast to Coast would be quite different from that of Aetherius Radio Live, and different again from a program on Times Radio or another mainstream outlet. I tailor my language and focus accordingly—without ever compromising the truth. That’s always my guiding principle: to maintain integrity and consistency in representing the core teachings, while also respecting the format, the platform, and the audience I’m engaging with.
Currently, I host The Spiritual Freedom Show, which airs every fortnight. It’s available on my website, as well as on all the usual platforms—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and so forth. Unlike Aetherius Radio Live, which was often geared more towards those already interested in or familiar with the Aetherius Society—The Spiritual Freedom Show is more easily accessible for anyone with an open-minded interest in spirituality.
How would you describe yourself—your spiritual being and beliefs?
On my website I’m described as an “international bestselling author and spiritual teacher.” I think that’s a fair description. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to appear on numerous television and radio programs, including early-morning shows in the UK that were quite similar to Good Morning Britain. One of them was called TV-am— it was a staple of UK breakfast television at the time.
Depending on the topic of the week, I’d be introduced with different titles: “UFO expert,” “Angel expert,” “Meditation expert,” and so on. I remember doing a segment alongside Russell Grant—perhaps you know him—and he began the show with a tongue-in-cheek remark: “So, Richard, what are you an expert on this week?” It was actually a good-natured jab, and I took it in that spirit. It highlighted the fact that I cover a wide range of topics across the body-mind-spirit spectrum, with a particular emphasis on spirit, which I regard as the most important aspect of all.
So yes, I’m very comfortable being called a spiritual teacher, because the spiritual—and perhaps more specifically, the mystical—is at the heart of my work. That’s where my true focus lies. I also have a deep and enduring love for Eastern wisdom, yoga philosophy, Advaita, and various esoteric traditions. These influences strongly shape my approach, especially when it comes to topics like psychic development.
What sets my work apart from many others in the field—particularly in the realm of mediumship and psychic ability—is the emphasis on discipline and self-control that yoga philosophy brings. And by yoga, I don’t mean just hatha or physical postures. I’m referring to mantra yoga, pranayama, kundalini, and the inner, energetic disciplines. Dr. George King, whom I had the privilege of working closely with, exemplified this in his own extraordinary mediumship. I’ve co-written a book about my own mediumistic experiences as well—though I wouldn’t compare myself to him—but I share his view on the value of inner control.
In workshops such as Unlock Your Psychic Powers, I always stress the importance of being able to consciously switch on and switch off. It might take a little longer for students to develop this ability, but it’s essential. I’ve encountered many gifted mediums over the years—some of whom appeared regularly on a radio show I co-hosted on LBC, The Phenomena Files, with the late Mike Allen. These were genuine, talented individuals who could demonstrate real psychic ability live on air—but not all of them could control it.
And that’s the difference. Without the ability to close down the channel, so to speak, you run the risk of burnout or even serious mental health issues. So for me, the disciplines of yoga—spiritual disciplines—are not optional; they are vital. Whatever area of psychic or spiritual development you pursue, these practices lay the foundation for a balanced and sustainable path.
Your work spans media—from TV appearances to podcasts and live retreats. How do you decide which platform is best for a particular message or engagement with your community?
I believe there’s something uniquely powerful about live retreats, workshops, and events where you’re physically present, and so are the participants. It’s the most effective way to facilitate experiential results—not the only way, of course, but arguably the most impactful. People can have profound experiences through reading a book, listening to a podcast, or even over the airwaves.
In fact, when I was on LBC radio, we once did a positive thinking exercise with a listener who had dystonia. They later told us they were completely cured. On another occasion, during a radio appearance in Manchester on the topic of karma, a viewer claimed they were freed from suicidal thoughts as a result of the show. Now, I’m the first to acknowledge that these are anecdotes—not scientific proof—but they are still striking and meaningful.
That said, there is something deeply special about live events. Whether it’s a full retreat, a one-day workshop, or even just a morning or afternoon session, people consistently report having real, tangible experiences. For me, that’s the core of what these gatherings are about—experiencing the energy, not just discussing it in theory.
One of the most powerful outcomes is the direct, shared recognition of spiritual healing energy—not as an abstract concept, and certainly not as something based purely on faith—but as a palpable force. People feel it. They sense it. They often describe physical sensations. And sometimes, they report complete healings from long-term conditions—healings that they say have eluded them despite years of medical help. To be clear, we always encourage people to seek and maintain conventional medical treatment. Spiritual healing work is not a substitute, but it can be a valuable complement.
Similarly, on the psychic level, live settings provide the perfect space for real-time validation. I remember one event where someone, having just practised psychometry (psychic touch) on a pebble, was able to identify the name of the exact beach where it had come from hundreds of miles away. I mean, the odds of guessing something like that are astronomically low. When things like this happen—and they do—it not only amazes the room, it gives people real confidence in their own intuitive abilities.
That’s the beauty of the live experience: people witness each other’s breakthroughs, and that shared energy creates an empowering environment for growth.
I’ve already spoken a bit about media and broadcasting. And podcasts, in particular, are a wonderful format. I host my own and also appear on others frequently. What makes them so valuable is the depth you’re able to reach. You know the audience is already aligned in some way—perhaps they’re interested in mysticism, UFOs, Eastern philosophy, or spiritual development—so you’re not restricted the way you often are in mainstream media. You can go far deeper into teachings, ideas, and personal stories, which makes it a more intimate and meaningful platform for connection.
You’ve bridged roles as Executive Secretary, Bishop, author, and speaker across four continents. How do you manage these varied responsibilities while maintaining a cohesive mission and personal spiritual practice?
That’s a fantastic question, because I’ve seen it happen many times—teachers, spiritual leaders, figureheads of organizations, even workshop facilitators, who lose their way. And often, it happens because they stop going within. They stop doing their own spiritual practices. They’re still teaching others, and their motivation might still be service, but something essential is missing.
I’m sorry to go a little off-topic here, but it’s something I’ve reflected on a lot. I once explored the role of monasteries within Christianity because I couldn’t understand how monastic life fit with a religion that emphasizes living among others and helping your community. What I discovered was quite revealing.
In early medieval times, monasteries were relatively withdrawn. They didn’t interact much with the wider community. But as we move into the later Middle Ages, they evolved into more active welfare centers—caring for the poor, offering basic healthcare, and supporting the community. However, during that same period, the behavior of the monks reportedly deteriorated.
What can we learn from that? Perhaps that even a life dedicated to service, as noble as that is, needs to be rooted in continued spiritual practice. I firmly believe that service is the most important—and most logical—thing anyone can do. If you’ve meditated deeply and experienced the oneness of all life, the only rational conclusion is to serve all. But without inner devotion, without maintaining spiritual practices, even service can drift off course.
There’s a quote I hold dear from a Master named Aetherius—after whom our organization is named—who spoke through Dr. George King at the beginning of his mission in the mid-fifties, and for many years thereafter. He said:
“…reach outward, reach upward—but do not ever, my brothers, please, forget to reach inward.”
I believe that’s one of the greatest aphorisms. Maintaining both a cohesive mission and personal spiritual practice is absolutely essential.
This very morning, I spent time on my practices, as I do every day. My wife, who is also fully committed to this work—and herself a Bishop within the Aetherius Churches—does the same. It’s a way of life for us.
In terms of my roles, I’ve only physically travelled to four continents, but through media, books, and outreach, the work spans across six. Whether I’m speaking, writing, or functioning as a Bishop, these are roles that serve one unified purpose.
Becoming a Bishop was a profound turning point for me. I actually didn’t feel I deserved the title at first. I told that to Dr. King, who wasn’t too pleased—because, from his perspective, he was trying to appoint someone to carry out a crucial role, not to question the decision. He only ever appointed two Bishops: his wife, and me. We were very close friends.
To make the decision, he even consulted a higher intelligence—one you may have heard of, the Master known as the Lord Babaji—who gave his approval. That was the end of the discussion. I said to Dr. King, “Then it’s up to me to go out of my way to deserve it,” and he said, “That’s the right attitude.” That experience remains extremely mystical and powerful for me. The lineage passed through Dr. King is deeply potent and very real. It’s not a symbolic or ceremonial bishopric—it’s a lived, energetic responsibility. Living up to it is a full-time job in itself…!
If you would like to find out more about Richard Lawrence, please visit https://www.richardlawrence.co.uk/ and the Aetherius Society, https://www.aetherius.org
