Occult and Esoteric

🚀What if feeling stuck isn’t a problem—but a powerful form of self-protection? Feeling stuck is often seen as a failure or weakness, yet stuckness can actually serve as a powerful form of protection. In this MOTIVATE Community Sunday webinar, Stuckness as Protection, you’ll explore how feeling immobilized or uncertain can prevent impulsive decisions, emotional overwhelm, and unhealthy situations. Led by Harald Bartisch, Coach/Consultant and NLP Master Practitioner, this session reframes stuckness as a meaningful pause—one that invites reflection, clarity, and balance. You’ll learn how stuckness can arise from fear, self-doubt, low self-esteem, or external constraints, and how recognizing its protective role can reduce frustration and self-judgment. Through practical insights and NLP-informed strategies such as setting boundaries, gaining clarity, and seeking support, this webinar will help you move from stuckness to empowered, intentional action. 🗓️Join us on **February 8, 2025**, for the MOTIVATE Community Sunday webinar “**Stuckness as Protection**” with **Harald Bartisch**, Coach/Consultant and NLP Master Practitioner, as we explore how feeling stuck can guide meaningful change. 🎯 **Key Points / Takeaways for the Audience** ✅Stuckness is not always negative—it can be a form of protection that prevents rash decisions and supports reflection and healing. ✅Getting unstuck begins with identifying the true source of stuckness, whether it’s fear, self-doubt, protection, or external factors, and applying intentional strategies to address it. 🎯 **Additional Key Points / Takeaways / Benefits** ✅Stuckness as a signal: Learn to see stuckness as useful information rather than resistance or failure. ✅Boundaries restore balance: Discover how healthy boundaries reduce burnout and support forward movement. ✅Clarity creates momentum: Gain tools to clarify values and goals, reducing indecision and fear. ✅Small steps matter: Break overwhelm into manageable actions that rebuild confidence. ✅Support accelerates growth: Understand the role of coaches, mentors, and community in navigating stuckness effectively. **ABOUT THE SPEAKER**🎤 Harald Bartisch has more than 30+ years of experience in engineering, industrial plant construction projects, thereof 20+ years in managing production companies, leading staff members in China. Lately he decided to change his profession and work with people and touch people’s hearts, supporting them to move to the next level. He is a Coach/Consultant/Advisor, NLP Master Practitioner and Elite Mentorship Trainer. **CONTACT DETAILS** **Email**: harald.bartisch@bbasci.com **Wechat ID**: message3334 **Facebook**: https://www.facebook.com/harald.bartisch **Website**: https://www.bbasci.com ⏰February 08, 2026 (Sunday), 1.5 Hour 5:00 PM GMT+8 China/Indo/PH 7:00 PM GMT+10 Brisbane 8:00 PM GMT+11 Sydney/Canberra 4:00 AM GMT-4 New York 10:00 AM GMT+1 Barcelona 📌For first-time attendees please scan the QR code on the flyer or click the following link to register and become part of our enriching live discussion, all at no cost: https://adriancahill.agilecrm.com/forms/6002900926529536 📌Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/86301571361 Log-in: 86301571361 Password: #motivate 🔗 Secure your spot and register now!

This is a group for anyone interested in learning Chinese, including oral Chinese ,business Chinese ,HSK. And on every Friday night we do Chinese Corner,greetings,learning part, language exchange, free talk,games etc. Btw, coffee,drinks are on the side. all skill levels are Welcome!! It’s a great chance to make international friends ,and learn about other cultures . Looking forward to seeing you:-) WeChat : ZoeMandarinClass 喜欢外语的朋友欢迎加入我们！既能练习第二语言，又能结交一些新朋友，感受不同国家的文化和习惯！欢迎大家!

Wonderful tea tasting journey which professional tea artist.you will experience traditional Chinese Kungfu tea to feel aroma of fine tea and Etiquette

Get ready creative writers! Inkwell is proud to announce Sunday Scribbles, our latest event for the Shanghai writing community. Sunday Scribbles is a low stress gathering for your Sunday afternoon creative writing. Join us to work, chat, and write to your heart's content. (Mostly write, though). Add Ryan (WechatID: texaswriter) to figure out where we are meeting this week and to ask any questions. I don't keep Meetup very up to date and everything Inkwell does is organized through wechat groups, so even if the number of attendees is low, there's likely an event still going on. Add Ryan, and you can join the wechat group where everything is happening. Some Frequently Asked Questions: What do we do here?: Mostly write and work quietly with some chatting What to bring?: Something to work on What we don't do?: Edit things for you, serve as writing consultants What does it cost?: Free, but please order something to support the venue. What is Inkwell?: There's a lot of information about the workshop located on the website: www.inkwell.asia. Meet Writing Workshop veterans and other Workshoppers for the latest info on writing prompts and activities. It's also the perfect chance to make the Sunday night deadline for that week's Writing Workshop. Sunday Scribbles is organized by Paula Willis who has been in Shanghai since early 2018 and a member of the writing group since fall 2019. Bring something to write with and we'll see you there!

I will organize a go meeting on every sunday night near nanjing east road. The cafe is nice and i will bring one board with me at the first meeting. Beginners are welcome. I will show the basic rules. Do suggest you add my wechat 864324659 and I can know your levels to find opponents.

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

what is the best way to spend your weekend ? come to join us for badminton to have fun! please prepare racket by yourself , shuttlecock will be provided , add my WeChat : ellenliu12345 to sign up by our WeChat group . 60 RMB for 2 hours , we play double for fun game , 6 people share one court

Hi There, 60+ Expats, Tourists, and locals join us to make new friends, have fun and learn new things, stay in company and share views and opinions on different topics. Don't worry about your language level or being new, Hosts will welcome you warmly at the venue and introduce you to a few other attendees so long as you come early. You'll soon feel at home!! **We have our area booked for Meetup. Please ask the cafe staff for language Exchangers Shanghai, they will help you find us.** → **Special thanks to our partners** **HSBC,** a British [universal bank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_bank) and [financial services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services) group headquartered in [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London), England, with historical and business links to [East Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asia) and a [multinational](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multinational_corporation) footprint. It is the [largest Europe-based bank by total assets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_banks_in_Europe), ahead of [BNP Paribas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNP_Paribas), with US$2.953 trillion as of December 2021. **italki**, the global language learning platform offering 1-on-1 online lessons with qualified native-speaking teachers → **How does it work：** A. Done RSVP on meetup & payment before coming over B. Show hosts ticket you bought to check in & get a wristband C. Get your first free welcome drink, or order something else you’d love to have D. Grab seats, make a self-introduction, start topics discussion, and at 4:15 PM stand-up free networking chat → **Costs & Payment methods :** **Online on WeChat mini-program (Get ￥10 Refund on-site** if you RSVP on meetup) **Female** ￥40 / person ( Only 15 Early bird Spots ) ￥50 / person **Male** ￥50 / person ( Only 15 Early bird Spots ) ￥60 / person \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **At Door** ￥70/ person(all genders) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Add **Eric's WeChat: 15026652832 to score tickets via WeChat Mini Program. Registration is valid after payment is made.** \*\***All tickets include one free drink**.\*\* Refunds only if the event is canceled. Your credit will be switched to the very next event on the same day of next week once only if couldn't make the one which u already paid for → **Check-in Time:** **3:00-3:30 pm,** (@Eric with a word of I’ll be late on group chat if u arrive during 3:30-4:00 pm, **Do Not accept any check-in after** 4:00 **pm**) Plz don’t forget to update your RSVP to free up space if you can’t make it anymore, thanks. **l Venue:** **TsingTao 1903 Beer Bar（Jing An Temple Branch）** → **l Address:** No. 315 Yuyuan Rd, Jing’An District, Shanghai → **l Subway:** **Exit 1 of Jing An Temple station of Line 2，7，14** → **l Event Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM** Every Sunday（Plz arrive on time or a bit early， leave anytime) → We’d also love to know what you expect from this group, and what types of activities you’d be into. open to all propositions for the meet-ups activities By participating in our events, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed. The photos and videos will be shared on our social networks You may be removed from the group if rude, aggressive, harassing, or coming only to date Any questions Just add **Eric's WeChat: 15026652832** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* If you would miss Saturday’s event, feel free to join our Friday (Link below) https://www.meetup.com/language-exchangers-shanghai/events/ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Disclaimer： Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct, and well-being; recognizes that possibly attend activities, and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. The hosts shall not be held liable for any inconvenience, accidents, rescues, injuries, etc. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 感谢了解我们活动，如果你的英语已经达到能进行基本日常生活、工作交流水平，并希望持续保持活跃度，你就来对地方了。 \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 若想获得活动最新照片，或其他疑问欢迎加 管理员微信入群: **Eric - WeChat:15026652832 或** **小红书 搜 language Exchangers Shanghai** 周日活动： @活动地点： TsingTao 1903 (愚园路店) @活动地址： 上海市静安区愚园路315号1楼103室 @活动时间： 每周日下午3:00-6:00（可提前5-10分钟到场，随时离场） @交通方式： **2，7，14 号地铁 到 静安寺 地铁站下 从1号口出 步行5分钟** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 免责声明： 本活动本着自愿参与的原则，参加活动者视为具有完全民事行为能力的人（18岁以上公民），对于任何原因造成的人身财产等一切伤害和损失完全自行负责，活动主办方不承担任何责任。所有现场参加者默认同意并接受本声明！ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 欢迎参加周五晚场次（链接如下） https://www.meetup.com/language-exchangers-shanghai/events/

A group aged 20-45 with more foreigners

小红书RedBook: TomEvents. 微信公众号wechat offical account: TomEvents. wechat:lzy9138 First i should let you know That our Time and location could be changing from Time to time,sometimes we don’t update the information here in meetup, so pls add my wechat:Lzy9138 to confirm before you come, I’ll also add you in our wechat group where you ‘ll get the latest notifications Hi There, Welcome to our language exchange party Our Event is devided into 3 parts. 1.Get your drink, grab a seat, and free talk 2.Hosting Part.(Ice-breaking Game,Lucky Draw etc.). Within half an hour. 3.Networking, Board Games, Industry Exchanges and mingling.different areas will be set, everyone Stand up, hold your drink and move freely~ About 1.5 hour **How does it work：** A. Done RSVP on meetup & payment before coming over B. Use wechat to scan our QR code to check in & get a bracelet C. Get your first free drink. D. Grab a seats and follow the flow. **Costs & Payment methods :** **Online on WeChat mini-program 快团团** Ticket Price Varies from ￥39.9-78 若想获得活动通知 最新照片，或其他疑问欢迎加 管理员微信入群: **Tom-WeChat:lzy9138** **小红书/微信公众号：上海英语角TomEvents** 周六活动： @活动时间Time： 每周六下午Every Saturday afternoon 3-6pm \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 免责声明： 本活动本着自愿参与的原则，参加活动者视为具有完全民事行为能力的人（18岁以上公民），对于任何原因造成的人身财产等一切伤害和损失完全自行负责，活动主办方不承担任何责任。所有现场参加者默认同意并接受本声明！ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

dear all, We will move to Bailian Zhongshan BEFORE jing’an opens. Welcome to join us Please confirm with me first before you signed up My WeChat is ellenliu12345 60rmb for 2 hours , 6 people share a court 小伙伴们， 所以我们在静安开放之前将会在百联中环打，欢迎加入我们

Add wechat ellenliu12345 if you want to join the event! sign up in advance is necessary.Welcome join us 50rmb for 2 hours , prepare racket by yourself

**\*\*About Activity\*\*** Unlock the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine in our exclusive Private Cooking Class! Learn to create irresistible dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Shepherd's Purse Wonton using traditional techniques that bring bold, fresh flavors to life. **\*\*Highlights\*\*** **\*Kung Pao Chicken\*** highlights the bold and exciting flavors of Sichuan cuisine, where tender chicken is stir-fried with a medley of crunchy peanuts, fresh vegetables, and fiery Sichuan peppercorns. With its origins in Sichuan province, Kung Pao Chicken showcases the art of combining bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine. **\*Shepherd's Purse Wonton\*** presents a delicate yet flavorful blend of traditional Chinese ingredients, with plump wontons filled with fragrant Shepherd’s Purse leaves, minced meat, and seasonings. The wontons are gently steamed or boiled to perfection, it highlights the harmony between fresh herbs and tender fillings, making it a cherished comfort food with a timeless appeal. **\*\*About Chef\*\*** \- Chef Tony Jiang Founder & Director of Chinese Famous Media Chef Michelin\-Star Restaurant Associator Principle DIrector of Zwilling Gourmet SchoolVice President of Disciples Escoffier China Awards: \- 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand Hong Kong \- 2021 Outstanding Chef of the Year\, The Best Restaurant Awards \- 2019 Authoritative Chef of the Year The Best Restaurant Awards\- 2017 Best Contributor Discuples Escoffier China Delegation \- 2015 French Gastronomic Spirit \- Sopexa **\*\*Itinerary\*\*** \- 4:30pm: Gathering & Introduction \- 5:30pm: Chef's Demostration \- 6:30pm: 3\-4pax/station\, each team to prepare \- 7:00pm: Food appreciation & Photo Taking **\*\*Detailed info\*\*** **Time&Date:** 16:30 - 19:00 Sunday, **Every Wednesday & Sunday, 2026** **Meet up Location:** Jing An Temple Metro Station (Line 2), Exit 1 **Activity Duration:** 2 - 3 Hours **Price:** 499 RMB / Pax **Group size:** 4-20 People **What's included in the price:** · Food Ingredients · Cooking Utensils · Apron · Tableware · Chef instruction service · Complimentary Water + Soft Drinks · First-Aid Kit **What's not included in the price:** · Your own expenses **\*\*Trip Inquiry\*\*** Telephone/WhatsAPP:0086 15001791355 Wechat: OKDealTravel Email: [contact@okdealtravelchina.com](mailto:contact@okdealtravelchina.com) \*Full payment is required when signing up for this activity. If cancel above 3 days prior to departure, full refund will be offered; if cancel 0-3 days prior to departure, 100rmb cancellation fee will be charged.

Chinese Corner in Jing an(Line 7 Changping Lu station) Please free free to join us. All levels are welcome! Don’t worry about your Chinese level, we have mandarin teachers here to help you, any questions free to ask. More informations Welcome to add WeChat : ZoeMandarinClass

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** Woodley Gardens Park in the brick building (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm. Additionally, space is limited to the first 35 attendees. Your RSVP here does not guarantee you a spot and tickets are available first come, first served. \*\*\* Donations are appreciated, and the average donation is generally $20, but all are welcome regardless of means! A portion of all proceeds will help fund the Crystal Ashram non-profit project where the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. A unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath" Sound bath! What's that? According to sonic specialist Monte Hansen from Annapolis MD, "A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleans your soul." Leave your rubber ducky at home. Bring your blankey instead, for this super relaxing immersion! According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency. That's old news though. A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows us that Buddha and his entourage knew this before Christ walked the earth. The stone relief depicts the Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls. A sound frequency specialist from the [Human Activation School](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=d6674b4603&e=465ba11f44), will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old. A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment. Even modern doctors are using these old metal bowls for healing, and they are not practicing Buddhists! As a matter of fact, modern Buddhists no longer use the bowls in their practice. Come experience these gifts from the past in this NON-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated or just captivated by this unique musical performance. Bring your pillows, blankeys, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! ***Did You Know?*** Singing bowls invite the mind and body into a tranquil state of being in which remarkable healing can occur, events that are unexplainable from a conventional biomedical perspective” *Music and the Meditative Mind: Toward the Science of the Ineffable*[Source](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=9222616fc4&e=465ba11f44) "The sound bath meditation provides a nurturing space to connect and grow spiritually. The group atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the meditation work is soothing and enriching. Loved it!"**-Cara** 7:00 pm - Meditation Reception\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm.\*\*\* 7:15 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins 8:15 - Meditation Ends, Followed by Community Reflection \*Please be respectful of Sticks and Stones employees and their instructions upon entering and exiting the space for the meditation\* A portion of all proceeds will help fund the [Crystal Ashram](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=11664c3011&e=465ba11f44) non-profit project where the [Human Activation](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=41699e76d8&e=465ba11f44) School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. Community sharing and engagement following after the meditation Questions? Please email [robert@humanactivation.com](mailto:robert@humanactivation.com) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44)\. \|

Let's chat! The purpose of this event is to meet and connect with like-minded investors and to grow our network. Great opportunity to network with investors, lenders, brokers, operators and business leaders. We can all share what we want and need as well as help and bring value to the rest of the community. We will meet at the Ono Brewing Company, 4520 Daly Dr. Ste 102 Chantilly, VA 20151

**How To Live From Higher Love Master Class** A Free Live Zoom Experience \| February 14 **This Valentine’s Day, go beyond romance…** and step into the remembrance of love as God intended. We lovingly invite you into a sacred experience devoted to **Living from Higher Love** - the love of God Almighty - embodied and aligned within a relationship. Higher Love is not about fixing your partner, perfecting yourself, or performing love “the right way.It is about **anchoring into God’s love within you** and allowing that love to become the foundation from which you relate, communicate, and choose one another — day by day, moment by moment. In this free **LIVE MASTER CLASS,** we will share from our lens how to live in a relationship from Higher Love. A way of loving that is rooted in presence, devotion, truth, safety, and divine alignment — rather than fear, ego, or unconscious patterns. Whether you are: • In a committed relationship • Calling in a sacred partnership • Or desiring to elevate the love you already share This experience is designed to **open your heart, expand your awareness, and reconnect you to love as a living truth**. A return to love as **presence, devotion, and choice**. Come as you are. Come with your partner or on your own. Come if you feel the call to love more consciously, more deeply, and more divinely.  **To RSVP for this FREE Master Class, please email:** **info@ascensionalchemists.com** We look forward to sharing this sacred Valentine’s Day with you. With the Joy of God ALMighty's Pure Love, Rev. HoniB & Michael of Ascension Alchemists™ Podcast 🎧 FOLLOW & LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ascension-alchemists-podcast-assisting-individuals/id1838325380

**Welcome to Men's Circle, hosted at Sticks and Stones!** This is a group oriented towards fostering connection between men in our local community, while also accomplishing magickal working and intentional discussion around metaphysical topics. Please read the following code of conduct for our group, and message the facilitator or call the shop and ask for Merlin for any questions. Code of Conduct 1. We are all, in good faith, men. Whichever way that manifests, we take it on good faith that all attendees are male identifying. 2. We respect all walks of life and spiritual practice. We honor and respect men from every walk of life and spiritual practice. Freedom ends where it infringes on the practice of another. We do not evangelize, prostelitize, or talk down on others. There is no initiation, or universal code of spiritual conduct here. 3. What happens in Men's Circle stays in Men's Circle By attending, you accept a sacred duty to keep the trust and faith of the other attendees, do not share or discuss anything we share in circle. *(The secret answer to the question is "Salt on the Wind")* 4. Respect the circle Once the circle is cast, we are focusing our energy on magickal topics, and making the best use of everyone's time. With great love, we may ask you to redirect or keep a line of thought shorter or more intentional. 5. Arbitration is immediate and help-oriented If you run into a pain point or offense in our group, please speak up immediately and let your thoughts be heard. We are here to respect and grow and support each other as a community, let us help and grow together. **The next few weeks, we will be focusing discussion and practices around the following topic:** What does self-love and esteem mean for men?

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Hidden Cleopatra,”** an excavation through myth and slander to uncover the real Egyptian queen, with Jacquelyn Williamson, an Egyptologist and associate professor of archaeology and ancient art at George Mason University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/hidden-cleopatra) .] Depictions of Cleopatra are abundant in popular culture. A long list of painters have depicted her, Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian have posed as her, and Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor famously portrayed her in Hollywood films. At the end of the day, however, what most of us think we know about Cleopatra is wrong, the product of the ancient Rome’s “fake news” and anti-Egypt propaganda. Learn about the real Cleopatra—and how our understanding of her came to be so distorted—with Professor Jacquelyn Williamson, scholar of women and power in ancient Egypt, teacher of courses on ancient Egyptian art and archaeology, and author of *Nefertiti’s Sun Temple: A New Cult Complex at Tell el-Amarna.* Dr. Williamson will walk us through how the first Roman emperor, Octavian, created the distorted image of Cleopatra as seductress that we know today as part of his political scheming to defeat his rival Antony and end the Roman Republic once and for all. Cleopatra has been the subject of debate and controversy ever since. William Shakespeare later relied on ancient Roman sources such as Horace and Plutarch in writing *Antony and Cleopatra*, and his play helped give rise to countless other works offering a distorted picture of her. Professor Williamson argues that “Cleopatra was a human being, like you and I,” and “deserves the dignity of being represented as accurately as possible.” Her efforts to set the record straight have met frustration, however—after being extensively interviewed for the recent Netflix historical docuseries Queen Cleopatra, she concluded that it, too, had missed the mark. You’ll gain a much deeper appreciation of the challenges of researching and accurately depicting the ancient past from Dr. Williamson, who also has taught at Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California at Berkeley and is involved with an ongoing archaeological investigation of Queen Nefertiti’s sun temple. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Layla Taj portrays Cleopatra VII as part of an Egyptian Cultural Performing Arts Society production. (Photo by Amos Gvili / Wikimedia Commons.)