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Treadwells Programme update
23 May (Tuesday)
Voudou-Gnostic Teachings of Michael Bertiaux
Emir Salihovic - 7.15 for 7.30 start £5.00
Michael Bertiaux is one of the most intriguing living occultists. Now an old man living in the USA, he has had a lifelong career in the more oblique alleys of magical practice. His work has been issued in numerous oeuvres under different programmes, including: La Couleuvre Noire, Ordo Templi Orientis Antiqua, Monastery of the Seven Rays, and Technicians of the Sacred. What characterises him is an idiosyncratic intertwining of elements of Haitian voodoo with Crowley’s Thelema and Kenneth Grant’s typhonian approach. In the 1970s he was persuaded to publish some of his teaching papers: these appeared as The Voudon Gnostic Workbook, now out of print and highly collectible. Bertiaux’s occultism is discerned only with difficulty from the Workbook, sought after though it is. Elucidation is forthcoming from those who have worked systematically with the man and his group. Tonight’s speaker is one such.
24 May (Wednesday)
A Short History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft
Christina Oakley Harrington - 7.15 for 7.30 start £5.00
This talk aims to give a lively, well-grounded history of modern pagan witchcraft in the twentieth century -- for those who don't have the inclination to read all of Hutton, Gardner, Heselton and the rest. Or who do, but want to hash out some of the debates with one of the historians. It introduces key developments in the twentieth century and outlines main beliefs and practices. Overheads and photos illustrate the characters places and documents involved. Some of the historical figures are placed in context, including Gerald Gardner, Charles Leland, Alex Sanders and Doreen Valiente. Wicca also takes inspiration from the ancient mystery religions of the Graeco-Roman and Graeco-Egyptian world, and the talk looks at how these influences are expressed and understood in today’s practices. A nod will be given to the emergence of hereditary traditional witchcraft and sorcery claims, touching upon the careers of George Pickingill, Robert Cochrane, Austin Osman Spare and Andrew Chumbley. Drinks follow, as per usual at Treadwell’s.
28 May (Sunday)
Kundalini Tantra and the Goddess Rising – Day Course Intensive
Matthew Wiley - 11.00 am to 7.00 pm. £50.00
This day is an intensive working of kundalini and of devotion to the Goddess Lalita. Following on from Matthew Wiley’s sold out intensive day course on Indian tantra, this second full day has been expanded to last eight full hours. The topics covered and experienced are: mad monks and saints; insanity and bliss; alchemical references o kunkalini; serpents as symbols; sun, moon and ifre’ yohic techniques for awakening. The Lalita workings will include the goddess’ symbols; her mantra; the sri yantra; the base mantra (mula) for meditation and invocation; the descriptive verse (dyana sloka). At the climax of the day Lalita will be invoked using her mantras and forms. Red wine, juice and cakes will be served during the ritual.
For registration please contact Treadwell’s as soon as possible, as places are limited.
Please book in advance on 0207 240 8906 or visit Treadwells website for more info. |
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