Philosophy Now

**Event posted on our website too so number of people responding here does not show actual numbers attending.** Let’s have fun exploring the worlds of angels & nature spirits. You might find you garden suddenly blooming or your pockets full of gold! These evenings are open to anyone that wishes to come along; and at which we will be exploring, in a hands-on fashion (in other words, you get to do some of the conjuration – if you wish – or you can just watch) the invocation and evocation of angels, planetary spirits, elementals, daemons, etc. You don’t need to wear magical robes or bring magical tools or weapons but are welcome to do so if you wish. ***Warning for those with sensitive noses. We will be burning incense.*** **Cost:** $20 **When:** Tuesday 16th June - arrive between 6.30 & 7pm if you can. If you're running late, come anyway. We go to at least 9pm. **Where:** 130 Boronia Road, Vermont, Melbourne, 3133 **Contact:** David 03 9873 3736 or [esoteric666@optusnet.com.au](mailto:esoteric666@optusnet.com.au) ***For more details click this link:*** https://esotericbookshop.org/invocation-evocation-magic-workshop/ ***How to find us click this link:*** [https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/](https://esotericbookshop.org/contact-us/) For more background information see our website blog on[ ](https://esotericbookshop.org/high-ritual-ceremonial-magick/)***[ceremonial magic](https://esotericbookshop.org/high-ritual-ceremonial-magick/)***

**Welcome to our Linguas Tuesday Social + Language Exchange Meetup 🌍** We meet weekly at **Fathers Office QV, 249 Little Lonsdale st (Melbourne CBD).** We ask that you **purchase a drink at the bar** or **pay $3.5 at entry**. *** ### 💬 Find your people (New!) Looking to practice a specific language? Post in the discussion using: * **#LearnSpanish** * **#LearnEnglish** * **#TeachEnglish** * **#LearnJapanese** * etc. 👉 This helps others find you faster and makes it easier to connect. *** ### 📲 Join our WhatsApp Community Stay connected before and after the event, meet people, and find language partners: 👉 **Join here:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bi7FlhHP91e0eP7MfdeWcZ) *** ### ⏰ What to expect We consistently have **100–120 attendees** every Thursday (across multiple Meetup groups). People arrive at different times — **best time to come is between 6PM and 9PM.** Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and join conversations naturally. *** ### 🌏 Who attends? A mix of: * Native & non-native English speakers * International students * Backpackers & working holiday travellers * Professionals & expats * Local Australians You’ll meet people from: Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and more. *** ### 🗣️ Why join? 👉 A relaxed, social way to practice English 👉 Meet people from around the world 👉 No pressure, no structure — just conversations *** ### 🍕 FREE DRINKS & FOOD FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! We’re looking for **friendly volunteers** to help welcome newcomers and keep the vibe social. 👉 You’ll get: * Free drinks (beer/soft drink) * Food (pizza, wedges, etc.) * A fun team to hang out with No experience needed — many of our volunteers are **first-timers too**. Interested? 👉 [www.Linguas.au/Volunteer](www.Linguas.au/Volunteer) *** 📲 **More info:** [https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU](https://instagram.com/Linguas.AU) or **@Linguas.AU**

Just a quick bit of admin. Once we complete this Booker we will have covered every winner from 1978-2023. I purposely wanted to cover that range to then expand the list to International Bookers (so we're not stuck doing some 70s books that didn't stand the test of time). This book is challenging, but this is the reward! Ben Okri was the first black and youngest writer to win the Booker. When he was first published his father gathered the elders of his town so they could buy a pen and he could continue writing. This book is an allegory for the transformation of Nigeria from a British colony to an independent nation. Written as magic realism inspired by *One Hundred Years of Solitude,* the novel follows a spirit child of native myths who is repeatably reborn taking multiple journeys through different realities creating a wise and terrifying character. The time scale is simultaneously a present-day ghetto and a primitive village. So the challenging part? The Guardian describes it as a 574 page dream sequence that is really a nightmare where "hardly anything of note occurs" and "pretty much everything you need to know is expressed in the first paragraph." I hope people are up for the challenge and that this is indeed a "Marmite" book where you either love it or hate it. Since starting this book club a few years ago we have formed a nice core membership. If you haven't come yet, please look out for the books on the table, pull up a chair, order a wine and join us. We like to hear what everyone has to say and enjoy the conversation, we're not cliquey at all! Oh, and to defray the Meetup monthly bill I will accept gold coin contributions or wine if you want to pay for multiple in one hit. I hope to see everyone again at this one with some new faces.

Join the Melbourne TED Talk Community for an engaging session and meet people who like being an ideator, who want to bring their voice to a larger community. In contrast to a typical public speaking training event, where you receive feedback on your amms and aas and the way you present, this goes beyond that. **The objective of this community is to get inspired by some of the best ideas serving humanity, find your own calling and voice, be an ideator, and share your ideas clearly and persuasively.** The talk we will play is one of the amazing talks from the TED Library. In this session, we will delve deeper into the topic and gain perspective, and learn from each other. Be prepared to network, engage in meaningful conversations, and embark on a journey of professional development and leadership growth. **Mark your calendars and don't miss this opportunity to refine your public speaking abilities with the Melbourne TED Talk Community!** **TED Talk link to watch together:** **The Science behind dramatically better conversations. Charles Duhigg** https://www.ted.com/talks/charles_duhigg_the_science_behind_dramatically_better_conversations_sep_2025 **Agenda (as a guide)** 6.00 PM Registration 6.10 PM Introduction by Attendees 6.20 PM 10 min talk on screen (optional) 6.30 PM Breakout session (Group / Individual) based on topic 6.45 PM Individual / Group shares their takeaways 7.00 PM Practice the Art of Public Speaking - 2-3 talks of 2.5 minutes 7.10 PM Feedback to the Presenters and overall session 7.20 PM Event Concludes & floor opens for Networking **Fees: The event has a $5 contribution towards hiring the hall and Audiovisual. This can be paid through PayPal at the time of registration.** Looking forward to seeing you there. The Organizers Raj

We are a multi-disciplinary group of PhDs and academic staff who write together regularly and help one another to achieve our writing goals through supportive community, focus and a structure that works. We welcome anyone who wants to get some writing done in a collegial, supportive, encouraging environment. You don’t have to be from University of Melbourne (you don’t have to be from university at all!). We use the Pomodoro method, which means we write in timed intervals of silence, then chat and catch up for 5 mins and repeat the cycle. Arrive when you like, leave when you like. The goal is to keep our writing projects progressing and reduce the isolation that can be part of the academic and/or writing life. **Session Outline:** Welcome: 9.00-9.05 (5 mins) Pomodoro 1: 9.05-9.30 (25 mins). Break: 9.30-9.35 (5 mins) Pomodoro 2: 9.35-10.00 (25 mins) Break: 10.00-10.05 (25 mins) Pomodoro 3: 10.05-10.55 (50 mins) Break: 10.55-11.05 (10 mins) Pomodoro 4: 11.05-11.30 (25 mins) **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: There is free public wifi available at the Melbourne Connect Superfloor (speak to the concierge for details). University of Melbourne staff and students can connect to the university wifi; staff and students from other universities can join Eduroam using their home institution's log in credentials. Travel / Parking info: Public bike parking along Swanston and Grattan Streets. Tram routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 16. 16, 64, 67, 72 along Swanston Street (Stop 1) and 19 along Royal Parade (Stop 10). The nearest train station is Parkville Metro Station. Bus routes include 200, 207, 250, 251, 401, 402, 403, 505, 546. There is no public parking available at Melbourne Connect, however the area is well serviced by nearby public carparks, including Cardigan House Parking at 96 Grattan Street and the University of Melbourne Eastern Precinct Car Park at 375 Grattan Street. A taxi rank is located on Grattan Street.

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Buddhism and meditation? Come and join us for our regular Buddhist meditation sessions every Tuesday. Every session will start with a short introductory and will be followed by a guided, 20 - 30 minute meditation. Feel free to join us after the session for some social time and questions and answers. The evening is free of charge, but donations are always welcome. More info can be found here: https://diamondway.org.au/centres/melbourne

"Stoa in the Pub" We get together once a month for an informal chat about random Stoic topics and their application to our lives Every One is welcome! Location: Vapiano, 334 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

❄️All-inclusive snow day trips from Melbourne to Mt Buller — no car, no gear, no planning needed. Just show up and enjoy the mountain. 👉 [Book your spot](https://vibetours.com.au/snow-tour) We run trips every weekend from June through September, plus selected weekdays. This listing shows our next departure (Saturday 20 June), but you can book any date that suits you. **✅Every trip includes:** * Round-trip premium van transport (TV, blankets, small groups) * Full snow gear — jacket, pants, boots, goggles and gloves * Fresh bakery snacks and drinks on board * A welcome drink in Fitzroy * Mt Buller entry 🎁Bonus : Automatic entry into our end-of-season raffle to win a trip to Bali **📍Pickup points**: • St Kilda — 82 Acland St • Melbourne CBD — 282 Queen St Departure around 6:30–7:00 AM, returning around 9:00 PM. We’re a fully registered and insured tour company. *Spots are limited to small groups, so book early.* **Check available dates and** [ Book your spot](https://vibetours.com.au/snow-tour)

Presented By Wendy Dixon of the Sydney Blavatsky Lodge **ONLINE COURSE:** Introduction to Theosophy runs yearly for 10 months from 5th February to 19th November on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month. Our core text is Theosophy: An Introductory Study Course, 4th Edition by John Algeo. It can be downloaded for free from the URL: [https://theosophy.world/sites/default/files/studyguides/[theosophyintro.pdf](http://theosophyintro.pdf)](https://theosophy.world/sites/default/files/studyguides/[theosophyintro.pdf](http://theosophyintro.pdf)) Additional material is provided with slides that are shared after each class via Mailchimp emails. The sessions are all run with questions answered throughout. While it is preferable to attend the whole year, participants are welcome to join at any time - everything is run in monthly modules. **PROGRAM** **February:** What is Theosophy - Fundamental Concepts of Theosophy **March:** Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World/Universal Brotherhood - History of TS/Brotherhood and the Path **April:** Human Beings and Our Bodies (Etheric, Astral, Mental, Causal) **May:** Life after Death - Withdrawal from the Bodies and Devachan **June:** Reincarnation **July:** Karma **August:** The Power of Thought/The Question of Evil - Understanding how we continue to create the world around us **September:** The Plan and Purpose of Life Part One - Evolution, 3 waves of Evolution, Individualisation **October:** The Plan and Purpose of Life Part Two - Human Evolution, Seven Rays **November:** The Rise and Fall of Civilisations - Root Races **COURSE LINK** Please click on this link to join: [https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88329727054](https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88329727054) Meeting ID: 883 2972 7054 Passcode: 840346 Admission by Donation: A suggested donation of $5 or more per session assists Blavatsky Lodge to offer online Theosophical courses. Please donate via PayPal here: [https://tinyurl.com/lodgeonlinecourses](https://tinyurl.com/lodgeonlinecourses) or email [info@tssydney.org.au](mailto:info@tssydney.org.au) for other payment options.

Join us every first and third Saturday of the month to learn about Theosophical principles and how we may apply them to our lives. From its inception in 1875, the Theosophical Society encouraged study of the Ageless Wisdom to discover enduring religious Truth and to make Brotherhood a living reality in the world. *“For real Theosophy IS ALTRUISM, and we cannot repeat it too often. It is brotherly love, mutual help, unswerving devotion to Truth.”* HP Blavatsky, Our Cycle and The Next, 1889. *The mission of the Theosophical Society is to serve humanity by cultivating an ever-deepening understanding and realization of the Ageless Wisdom, spiritual Self-transformation and the Unity of all life.* Resolution passed by the General Council of The Theosophical Society in 1924. According to these principles, a theosophic life is not just theoretical, but must also be practical, indeed must be a life of service. Amid the noise and conflict of the modern world, what might be our role, as individuals and as a Theosophical Society? Through a range of books and Theosophical pamphlets, we will look to both exoteric, widespread social principles and to more esoteric, spiritual principles for discussion and guidance.

## **SEA OF FAITH IN AUSTRALIA (SoFiA)** \- Melbourne\. In-Person Lecture/Discussion. ***"The Physics of Spirituality."*** Speaker: **[Dr. Kim Sawyer](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Findependentaustralia.net%2Fprofile-on%2Fkim-sawyer%2C628%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWGk4N0ZDVnZmd3NjMFpNZHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68MS2W6igTE1I4Y7Xh9V4uCluwuykX2lF5a6vM2vnRMYLRsaikT8tz0dtKig_aem_OY2dKBcfgrIf8ujZ5yqhWg&h=AUB8tK_kJDEaXi2Ie1rmwE_zIDXEYvFSSPd6au_7V6wXiV1NT1u4d-08Sq1mfOozX0MiBycY1_p4dOpr3OMOM_hsKhcbfW7IJVjlOse8gy8yTaHDFL4SmXBYUR_VE5gTa1dDSYdhxJAKzA&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AUBGVZoA7kb0gkt-rRu34rQKnZbM0tA5VLLch4k_4co5-HnsDc0BGgYbNZX4qD20r19piXZ0PqkiPy8uk4-Ac-kANW3RkUtzjqiWRW3hb-4rBKxJob6B4tRFS2MHNiLldSVKmT_r1dNSIlhJw4BDEywHuXLuwzRsC5f6556H&c[1]=AUBGVZoA7kb0gkt-rRu34rQKnZbM0tA5VLLch4k_4co5-HnsDc0BGgYbNZX4qD20r19piXZ0PqkiPy8uk4-Ac-kANW3RkUtzjqiWRW3hb-4rBKxJob6B4tRFS2MHNiLldSVKmT_r1dNSIlhJw4BDEywHuXLuwzRsC5f6556H)** \- \(Melbourne University\)\. *\~ SoFiA promotes the open exploration of religion, spirituality and the search for meaning. They welcome ALL viewpoints, including Atheism.\~* Enquiries: sofmelbourne@gmail.com **[SOFiA Website](http://www.sof-in-australia.org/).** **[Facebook: 'Sofiatalk'](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sofiatalk/)** \- Please join their ongoing discussions\.

Connect with a supportive community dedicated to continuous growth. Together, we’ll dive into meaningful topics that help us become a little better every single day.

Freya India - Dating, Loneliness and Faith in Gen Z Women **1\. Is the internet creating a new battle of the sexes?** Watch the following sections of the video: **[https://youtu.be/VDsihdJGiq0?si=xh3yHRhkQkvXlV8l&t=4454](https://youtu.be/VDsihdJGiq0?si=xh3yHRhkQkvXlV8l&t=4454)** \*\*[01:14:15 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDsihdJGiq0&t=4455s)\*\*Is the Internet Teaching Women to Hate Men? \*\*[01:17:40 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDsihdJGiq0&t=4660s)\*\*How Social Media Is Straining Relationships \*\*[01:23:27 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDsihdJGiq0&t=5007s)\*\*Are Women Actually Empathetic to Global Conflicts? 1. Why do you think internet “wisdom” “advice” and “sharing” is creating distrust between men and women? 2. How much of today’s dating morals and norms are influencing this movement? 3. Look at the Reddit Relationship Advice Graph (Unable to post here due to Meetup formating, but we'll include it on the paper sheet.) Why do you think so much has changes over the last 15 years? Is it Reddit in general, or does Reddit reflect the changes in people's opinions about relationship values? **2: Freya India’s Book “Girls” - Loneliness, the Internet and Culture** Read the Book Review by Rebecca McLaughlin **- [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/freya-indias-girls/](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/freya-indias-girls/)** As girls spent more time online and less time with friends, they were driven to depression and anxiety. At the same time, they were used to market mental health products. “Opening up about our mental health was not only good for us,” India recalls, “but some sort of moral duty” Girls shared their struggles to fight stigma and were told to stay online for the solutions. “As my generation opened up, algorithms were advancing, learning about us, logging our vulnerabilities, dragging us deeper into them,” India observes. “We were funneled further into our own insecurities, served more signs, symptoms, advice, and—of course—ads” **(62).** 1. How has being encouraged to share their insecurities online been like “arson” for young women? 2. Has social media or the internet accelerated your own anxieties or fears? 3. How would society claw its way back from this crisis? **3: Faith and God for Gen Z Women in an Automated Age** **Justin Briarly and Freya India** **[https://youtu.be/3vKFCQfevb4?si=Pa_c-Khke-iOAb7W&t=313](https://youtu.be/3vKFCQfevb4?si=Pa_c-Khke-iOAb7W&t=313)** 1. Do you think Christian Morality would help women who are affected by hookup culture? Why? Why not? 2. Is the therapy culture and wellbeing language we see daily a kind of worldview? 3. Do you think faith in God is enough to resolve the myriad social and relationship issues between men and women?

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

We're planning a hands-on technical session focused on building AI solutions in ServiceNow - think skills, agents, and real-world use cases. If you’re curious about AI on the platform, RSVP now and stay tuned for more details. Let's build together!

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.