This talk explores the shifting image of the Virgin Mary, how She became the focus of art and prayer and how the humanity of motherhood set the standard, for better or worse, for women throughout Europe.
Project Category: Traditions and Beliefs Events
Imagination and Creativity in Japan: from erotic art (shunga) to anime
Japanese erotic art, Shunga, offered unashamed, non-violent, liberating and sometimes humorous approach to sexual pleasure. Despite technological advances, the popularity of the original Shunga artworks has never changed. In fact, this genre had a significant impact on Japanese video games and especially inspired anime and manga.
Glimpses of Utopia in Contemporary Conspiracy Theories
In this talk, we will examine how the conspiracy theory narrative provides us with a platform to explore notions of freedom and power, but often ultimately ends up in reinforcing the very power structures it claims to critique.
Celebration of the Year of Rabbit: Chinese New Year and Chinese Perspective on Success
In this talk, we will explore fun facts about Chinese New Year of the Rabbit and will share some insights from Chinese language and history on the concept of success and how nowadays, success is defined by Chinese youth.
The History of Caribbean Carnival in Britain
Join us to explore the celebratory history and purpose of a Caribbean Carnival to understand its combination of Trinidadian roots, African traditions and Jamaican sound system culture and how it came to symbolise freedom in the face of oppression for the Afro Caribbean community in West London's Notting Hill carnival.
The Devil in The World Today
In the last of his talks on the Devil, author and occult historian Gavin Baddeley brings us bang up to date, detailing the part played by the Prince of Darkness in the crises we currently face. From the Second World War to Satanic Panic to September 11th and war in Ukraine - we will explore the role of Devil in 20th century.
What Can We Learn from Greek Mythology?
Classic Greek tragedy, comedy and epic poetry has so many lessons on psychology, sexual desire, activism and gender equality that resonate powerfully today. This will be a fun session on storytelling, morality and consequence.
Tantra: Art, Science & Sexual Rituals
In Tantric thought the human body is visualised as a microcosm of the universe. The whole body with its biological and psychological processes becomes an instrument through which the cosmic power reveals itself. Tantra is both an experience of life and a scientific method by which man can bring out his inherent spiritual power. In this talk we will explore myths and facts connected to Tantra.
The Dark Side of the Enlightenment
In our third talk on the history of the Devil, we examine the role the outwardly demonic played in this Age of Empire, with a particular focus on the English. Empire is now synonymous in many minds with Evil. So too, increasingly, is the intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment...
Witchcraft and the Early Modern Satan
In the second of his talks on the Devil, Gavin Baddeley discusses the post-medieval period. Europe was convulsed with barbaric violence. Countless people were brutalised and often burnt alive during ‘the Witch Craze’. In our talk, Gavin focuses on the oft overlooked Satanic aspect of the phenomenon, before examining some of the other colourful individuals accused of being in league with Lucifer.