BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241107T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241128T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240121T232752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T015142Z UID:50317-1731000600-1732833000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-nov-24/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241110T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240917T235139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211325Z UID:58801-1731247200-1731254400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jackson Dahlenburg: Album Launch: With Love | Debut Solo Piano Album DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jackson-dahlenburg/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/jackson-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240723T042221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211640Z UID:57552-1731348000-1731355200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Tea Cooper DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/tea-cooper/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tea-cooper-promo-squre-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T204500 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240923T022643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211627Z UID:58911-1731353400-1731357900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Jack Rutter | Live at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/jack-rutter/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-jack-rutter.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241113T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241113T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240815T031557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T015154Z UID:58387-1731524400-1731529800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-13-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241114T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241114T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240130T011936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211643Z UID:50641-1731612600-1731618000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | EO DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-eo/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eo-e1706577696477.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240822T060115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211634Z UID:58493-1731751200-1731772800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser/ LOCATION:Errard Hall\, Errard Street North\, Ballarat Central\, City of Ballarat\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Urban Agriculture Month ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/square-promo-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240801T232909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211637Z UID:57891-1731762000-1731765600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat: Writing about the Future | Kate Mildenhall in conversation with Van Badham DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-1/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/stella-square-mildenhall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241116T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20241002T020132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211624Z UID:59146-1731769200-1731772800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Stella Day Out Ballarat: Travel Writing | Adriane Howell and Favel Parrett in conversation with Fiona Sweet. DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stella-day-out-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Important Dates,Library,Stella Day Out ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/stella-square-travel2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240924T024501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211058Z UID:58970-1732123800-1732127400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: How James became King DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-brian-omalley.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240815T032033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032134Z UID:58393-1732129200-1732134600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-20-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T153000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240815T010540Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T191545Z UID:58347-1732275000-1732289400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Golf Day Fundraiser | Join Us at Snake Valley Golf Club DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/golf-day-2024/ LOCATION:Snake Valley Golf Club\, 341 Chepstowe Road\, Snake Valley\, Victoria\, 3351\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/golf-day-square-promo-FINAL.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241122T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240910T030313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211629Z UID:58645-1732305600-1732312800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Get Rhythm: The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/johnny-cash-june-carter-show/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/johnny-cash-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20241006T223241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211621Z UID:59334-1732390200-1732393800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20241006T223455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211619Z UID:59336-1732397400-1732401000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 4 DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240924T031552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211055Z UID:58976-1732728600-1732732200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2024\, Season 4 | Uncovering the Past: Johnny Alloo... of Ballarat Notoriety DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-uncovering-the-past-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/square-promo-john-smyth.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241127T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240815T032149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032253Z UID:58395-1732734000-1732739400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-27-november-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241130T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241201T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240827T045027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T012154Z UID:58515-1732960800-1733061600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Summer Book Sale | Stockpile for the holidays DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/summer-book-sale-2024/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:BMI Produced Event,Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/book-sale-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241204T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241204T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240815T032259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032446Z UID:58397-1733338800-1733344200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-4-december-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241205T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240121T233015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240520T015210Z UID:50320-1733419800-1734042600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-dec-24/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20240815T032420Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T032555Z UID:58398-1733943600-1733949000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Daily Rituals for Inner Peace DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-11-december-24/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Daily-Rituals-for-Inner-Peace-Class.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241211T211500 DTSTAMP:20260508T233012 CREATED:20241111T035654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192738Z UID:59851-1733943600-1733951700@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'Don't Look Back' 1967 DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/dont-look-back-1967/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/humanitix-dob-e1731297748218.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241126T013229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241126T030544Z UID:60175-1734024600-1734042600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Chess Club DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-chess-club-dec-24-12-dec/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Chess Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ballarat-chess-club-square-with-boarder.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20240130T012706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T121224Z UID:50650-1734031800-1734037200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-smiley/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/smiley-2-e1706578579617.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241214T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241214T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241204T221030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151210Z UID:60511-1734168600-1734192000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241215T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241215T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241205T032559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151204Z UID:60546-1734255000-1734278400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-15/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241219T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241219T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241205T032921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151201Z UID:60549-1734602400-1734620400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-19/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241220T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241220T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241205T040517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151158Z UID:60566-1734688800-1734710400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-20/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241221T093000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241221T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241205T040653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T151154Z UID:60568-1734773400-1734796800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vintage-christmas-21/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Christmas,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-square-promo-v6.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250115T204500 DTSTAMP:20260508T233013 CREATED:20241113T003024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T192558Z UID:59922-1736967600-1736973900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Medieval to Metal Rockumentary Film Series: 'This is Spinal Tap' 1984 DESCRIPTION:Victorian Occult Conference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 16\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n8:30 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n6:00 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$140 – $150 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Victorian Occult Conference: ‘Mercurialia’ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A day of finely curated lectures on Western Esotericism also featuring an occult market\, speaker panel and door prizes. This year’s theme is “Mercurialia”; celebrating and exploring all things Hermetic in Western esotericism. The Victorian Occult Conference was created in 2025 to help bridge the gaps in Victoria\, Australia that exist between communities in different branches of the Western Occult Tradition\, also called the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Western Mystery Schools. These branches can include but are not limited to: Freemasonry\, Hermeticism\, Kabbalah\, Paganism\, Rosicrucianism & Theosophy; encompassing traditional practices like alchemy\, traditional witchcraft\, ceremonial magic\, astrology\, theurgy\, tarot\, divination & more. ​​ The conference brings together people from all these communities\, facilitating the spread of ancient spiritual techniques\, illumination and networking. Our hope is that this encourages comradeship\, eclecticism in occult practice and a holistic appreciation of the rich and varied esoteric knowledge held in these communities. New friendships and learning opportunities can be made.​​ We aim to offer a safe and inclusive space for like minded folk of all genders\, races\, ethnicities and ages to come together to learn with these shared values and visions. \n \n Lectures this year include \n \n Josephine Winter – “The Other Underworld: Witchcraft and Occultism in Australia\, 1970s-Present”. \n \n Setken – “A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne”. \n \n Benjamin Turale – “The Enigma of the Mercury Archetype in Alchemy”. \n \n Dr. David Waldron – “The Almanac of a Cunning Man”. \n \n Shu Yap – “Secrets of the Mercury Cycle”. \n \n Peregrin Wildoak – “Go Gentle into that Good Night: the Esoteric Dimension of Death”. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Josephine Winter | Witch\, Teacher\, Author\, High Priestess Josephine Winter has been a Pagan or witch of some flavour for most of her life\, beginning as a daggy teen witch in the 1990s before joining Norse-inspired Heathenry and later the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca. She holds degrees in education\, literature\, and the arts. She lives in country Victoria\, in Australia’s leafy southeast. Over the last few decades\, Josephine has been a regular volunteer and organiser at various Pagan and Witchy events around Australia\, including the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering\, the Australian Wiccan Conference (AWC) and countless meetups and public rituals. She co-founded the Pagan Collective of Victoria in 2014\, organising several Pagan Pride Days and the 2019 AWC under the Collective’s auspices. Josephine is a cofounder of Lepus Lumen\, a teaching collective of covens\, outercourts\, and solo practitioners founded in 2019 with Jason Tremain. The Lepus Lumen course is now taught across multiple Australian states and is offered free of charge. Josephine has written several books on witchcraft\, all available from good booksellers everywhere. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Setken | Artist & Researcher Setken is an accomplished artist and researcher whose work explores themes of mythology\, history\, and spirituality\, especially Kemetic (i.e. Ancient Egyptian) spirituality. With a background as an actor and another in visual arts\, and years dedicated to uncovering hidden stories from Australia’s past\, Setken brings a unique perspective to historical narratives. Passionate about preserving cultural heritage\, Setken combines meticulous research with creative expression to shed light on forgotten histories. His documentaries have won awards on the alternative film festival circuit. His paintings have been featured in academic Egyptology books\, including on the cover of one\, and most recently in the Complete Encyclopedia Of Egyptian Deities. His book The King Of Melbourne: the spiritual life of David Syme\, his newspaper The Age\, and the legacy of his monumental tomb is being published in 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Benjamin Turale | Lab Alchemist & Teacher Benjamin Turale is a practicing laboratory alchemist whose work spans the three kingdoms of nature\, specifically the vegetable\, animal and mineral/metallic kingdoms\, with a focus on metallic alchemy and the antimonial path to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). His creative output also focuses on the manufacturing of spagyric products and teaching traditional Hermetic alchemy through his enterprise the Temple of Mercury\, for which he received the prestigious Paracelsus Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to alchemy. Benjamin has been a teacher in one form or another since 2007. A former psychotherapist and university lecturer\, now full-time Hermetic alchemist\, he has a diploma in Hermetic Science from the International Alchemy Guild (IAG). Having also studied at the now closed Paracelsus College in Australia\, he completed his training in the Frater Albertus alchemical lineage under Robert Allen Bartlett in the USA. Benjamin has spoken at many occult conferences internationally. He currently serves the IAG as Director of Education and on the executive board. Benjamin’s focus is to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. David Waldron | Associate Professor Dr. David Waldron is an Associate Professor of History at Federation University Australia\, specialising in folklore and community heritage. He is the author of Sign of the Witch: Modernity and the Pagan Revival (2008)\, Shock! The Black Dog of Bungay – A Case Study in Local Folklore (2010)\, Snarls from the Tea-Tree: Victoria’s Big Cat Folklore (2013)\, editor of Goldfields and the Gothic: A Hidden Heritage and Folklore (2016)\, and author of Aradale: The Making of a Haunted Asylum (2020). Dr Waldron is widely involved in public history through festivals\, tours\, and multimedia\, including the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the award-winning podcast Tales from Rat City (winner of the 2019 National Trust People’s Choice Award & the 2023 Victorian Community History Award). In the tabletop role-playing community\, he is an award-winning writer whose scenario William Bailey’s Haunted Mansion received a Silver ENNIE and a Victorian Community History Award\, and The Last Dance of Lola Montez was nominated for an ENNIE. He is also a TEDx speaker and dramaturg. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shu Yap | Teacher & Consultant Shu Yap is a globally recognised consulting astrologer\, writer\, and teacher\, based in Central Victoria\, Australia\, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Certified through the Melbourne School of Astrology and the School of Traditional Astrology in London\, with a passion for Medieval Astrology throughout the Persian\, Arabic and Latin periods\, Shu maintains an international consulting practice and lectures to professional audiences worldwide. Shu leads the Medieval Astrology Certificate program at Kepler College\, mentors foundational to advanced students\, and contributes monthly planetary forecasts for The Interpsycle Observator. Shu is also a dedicated practitioner of Jyotish under the lineage of Śrī Achyutānanda Dāsa of Orissa\, India\, bringing an integrated Eastern and Western perspective to her research\, teaching\, and practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Peregrin Wildoak | Esotericist Author of By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life\, Peregrin was born in Warwickshire\, UK and emigrated to Perth\, Western Australia at age 12\, where he has lived ever since. In his youth he came into contact with the western mystery traditions and was initiated into the Golden Dawn\, eventually running an Order based in Perth. He holds a Masters of Divinity and has received initiation and training in several other traditions including Wicca\, Vajrayana Buddhism and an Isis Mystery School. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More about The Victorian Occult Conference  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $140 – earlybird\, until 31 January 2026 \n \n Cost: $150 – Thereafter Speakers and stallholders will be donating door prizes\, all ticket holders are automatically eligible.   \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/this-is-spinal-tap-1984/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art Gallery of Ballarat,BMI Produced Event,Film,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/spinal-tap-square.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR