BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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: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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250728T055539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T233614Z UID:66413-1764178200-1764181800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 5\, Recent Years | Ballarat Arts Foundation: 25 Years Old\, Presented by Paula Nicholson 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-arts-foundation/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-2025-ballarat-arts-foundation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250917T031231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031337Z UID:67356-1764183600-1764187200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space 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-26-nov-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251128T213000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250408T004608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T031528Z UID:64310-1764360000-1764365400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Akmal | Live Comedy 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/akmal/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/promo-square-akmal.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251129T213000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250714T024250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250813T025904Z UID:66208-1764446400-1764451800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Daniel Muggleton: You Might Be White\, I May Be Crazy 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/daniel-muggleton/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/square-promo-daniel-muggleton.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251202T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20251113T001614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T003410Z UID:68682-1764698400-1764703800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with William McInnes 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/william-mcinnes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/william-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251203T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250917T031355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031513Z UID:67359-1764788400-1764792000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space 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-3-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251206T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20251110T024632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T005707Z UID:68436-1765015200-1765029600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Book Sale 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/bmi-christmas-book-sale/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/book-sale-square-promo-christmas-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T090000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251207T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20251110T010546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T043313Z UID:68424-1765098000-1765116000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:BMI Christmas Market 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/bmi-christmas-market/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-christmas-market-calling-for-stallholders-v5-final-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251210T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250917T031528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T031619Z UID:67361-1765393200-1765396800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Meditations on the Mind: How to Create Mental Space 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-10-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Med_on_mind_Sq.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135420 CREATED:20250212T034546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110602Z UID:62004-1765481400-1765486800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Little Richard: I am Everything 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-little-richard/ 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/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs5.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20250923T045702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051149Z UID:67545-1765566000-1765569600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 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-12-dec-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,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:20251213T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251213T213000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251021T225043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T032321Z UID:68162-1765656000-1765661400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Christmas Comedy Gala at 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/christmas-comedy-gala/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sq-promo-comedy-gala.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260110T160000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251209T021738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T041541Z UID:69434-1768050000-1768060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp 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/art-istanbul-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Christmas,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Market ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-art-instanbul.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260112T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20241217T012501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T010209Z UID:60743-1768240800-1768244400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Festival of Organ and Fine Music | Darkness & Delight - Jerry Wong (solo piano) 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/jerry-wong/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,organs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jerry-wong.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260123T213000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251203T003308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T010553Z UID:69281-1769196600-1769203800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Billy Hinde's Big Band presents: A Night of Big Band 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/a-night-of-big-band/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-billy-hinde.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251120T065224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T040410Z UID:68764-1769623200-1769628600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Geoff Parkes and Susi Fox 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/in-conversation-with-geoff-parks-susi-fox/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sq-promo-geoff.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260128T201500 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251124T043242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T032638Z UID:68875-1769626800-1769631300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Living From a Place of Inner Peace - Ballarat Public Talk 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/living-from-a-place-of-inner-peace/ LOCATION:VIC CATEGORIES:kadampa,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo2-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KMC Australia & Melbourne":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260204T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260119T040646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235306Z UID:70116-1770231600-1770235200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260211T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260119T041205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235116Z UID:70121-1770836400-1770840000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260128T030546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T033730Z UID:70313-1770924600-1770930000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Flow 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-film-society-flow/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/flow-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260112T012814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T060448Z UID:69779-1771070400-1771077600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In conversation with Tori Baxter | Book Launch 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/in-conversation-with-tori-baxter/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T170000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260215T183000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260112T034344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T000304Z UID:69818-1771174800-1771180200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joseph Tawadros | Solo Oud 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/joseph-tawadros-solo-oud/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-joseph-tawadros.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260218T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260119T041316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T234924Z UID:70123-1771441200-1771444800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-18-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251008T011020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T030310Z UID:67900-1772044200-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Paula McLean 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/paula-mclean/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sp-promo-paula-mclean.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260119T041447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T235607Z UID:70125-1772046000-1772049600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Fresh Start: Discover the Power of Meditation 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-25-feb-26/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Square-A_Fresh_Start.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260228T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260228T230000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251202T061155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T225623Z UID:69260-1772308800-1772319600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whispers of Shadows 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/whispers-of-shadows/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/square-promo-wos.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260302T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260302T210000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260112T025228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T022511Z UID:69804-1772478000-1772485200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Pub Cinemas Presents: 'In The Shadow of the Gallows' & short film 'Vendetta 19' 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/pub-cinemas-in-the-shadow-of-the-gallows/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-shadow-of-the-gallows.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260304T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260304T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260226T225959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T230259Z UID:70943-1772650800-1772654400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Solve Our Human Problems: Managing Anger & Difficult Relationships 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-4mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-HTSHP-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20251110T032113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T233337Z UID:68454-1773165600-1773171000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kate Mildenhall & Josh Pomare 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/in-conversation-with-christian-white-josh-pomare/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/square-promo-kate-josh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260311T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260311T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T135421 CREATED:20260226T230339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T230419Z UID:70950-1773255600-1773259200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | How to Solve Our Human Problems: Managing Anger & Difficult Relationships 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-mar/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-HTSHP-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR