In the first of four talks on the Devil and his disciples, author and journalist Gavin Baddeley traces the evolution of Evil, from the dawn of civilisation, to the Middle Ages. Gavin’s unusually qualified, as an ordained Reverend in the Church of Satan, so this event promises to offer a fresh perspective on the matter. ‘The Problem of Evil’ – why there is cruelty and suffering in the world – is a question that’s exercised generations of theologians and philosophers.
Project Category: Traditions and Beliefs Events
Folklore, Myth and Romance
In this talk, just in time for Valentine's Day, we delve into romantic tropes of folklore and myth to derive a rich symbolic and cultural meaning from tales beloved and unknown. We will explore common story patterns and symbols to see what the tales we were told as children can tell us about the world we have come to inhabit.
Celebrating Chinese New Year and Culture
Each culture has its unique expressions through symbols. What are the must-know symbols when it comes to understanding Chinese culture? In this talk, you will be introduced to a number of Chinese symbols, their history and meaning and how they still influence Chinese life and art.
I’m Dreaming of a Weird Christmas: a Festive Feast of Fracked Up Films
Join cult film expert and trash movie aficionado Gavin Baddeley, as he beckons us to venture past the tinsel of Tinseltown, to investigate the dark underbelly of Hollywood’s obsession with Christmas, unwrapping the forgotten films that put the X-Rated into Xmas and the ho ho ho into horror?
The Art of Making – the Secret Behind the Japanese Quality
When it comes to Japanese products, they are known all over the world for their quality, precision, and reliability. Japanese quality of products and services gained an outstanding reputation for local producers. What is the secret to achieving such quality? What stands behind this fascinating approach to quality of products and service and customer care?
Beware The Moon: The Unholy History of Lycanthropy
A baleful presence on the primal fringes of Western culture, the werewolf remains one of the most intriguing of the world's mythical monsters. In a sister talk to his previous investigation into the lineage of Halloween's best loved creatures of the night, we will focus on werewolves.
Japanese Calligraphy: The Art of Stillness
Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through a calligraphy practice. During the short meditation you will be invited to a moment of alignment between your body and soul, to find a channel through which you can listen to your inner voice. This approach helps to concentrate and sense the power of now. This time we will focus on character JAKU and explore The art of Stillness.
Japanese Calligraphy: The Art of Harmony
Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through a calligraphy practice.
During the short meditation you will be invited to a moment of alignment between your body and soul, to find a channel through which you can listen to your inner voice. This approach helps to concentrate and sense the power of now.
This time we will focus on character WA and explore The art of Harmony.
Japanese Calligraphy: The Art of Respect
Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through a calligraphy practice. During the short meditation you will be invited to a moment of alignment between your body and soul, to find a channel through which you can listen to your inner voice. This approach helps to concentrate and sense the power of now. This time we will focus on character KEI and explore The art of Respect.
Creatures of the Night: An Unnatural History of Monsters
We will dissect some of our most iconic creatures of the night - vampires, zombies, the Frankenstein Monster etc. - showing how they evolved, from arcane folklore to Hollywood pop culture, and beyond.