The Sphinx Salon
Speakers
November 1st 2026 - Benjamin Turale | Alchemist & Instructor
The Solar Work: The Philospher's Stone of Hermetic Alchemy
“Herein have I completely explained the Operation of the Sun”. So speaks Hermes Trismegistus, the prophet-sage of alchemy in the Emerald Tablet. The living wisdom tradition of Western Alchemy has always held the Sun to be central to the completion of the Magnum Opus (Great Work), manifested in the production of the Lapis Philosophorum (Philosopher’s Stone), a mysterious object both spiritual and physical at the same time that is itself, a concentration of Solar energy.
This presentation will illuminate the correspondence between the sun in the above and the Hermetic laboratory below; as Sol manifests through the materials, operations, symbols & consciousness of the alchemist throughout the process of confecting the Stone. With photos shared by a practitioner & teacher opening his laboratory to attendees.
Benjamin Turale is a practising alchemist & instructor. He works to preserve and pass on the Hermetic tradition.
December 6th 2026 - Travis Trinca | Author
A Rosicrucian Adventure: Entering the Vault of Christian Rosenkreuz
What if the greatest minds in history belonged to a school you could never see?
According to one of the original Rosicrucian source works, the announcement of the Rosicrucian brotherhood coincided with the discovery of a mysterious tomb of the Order’s allegorical founder, Christian Rosenkreuz.
However, far from being a morbid place of death and decay, this vault is described as a meticulously designed repository of Rosicrucian knowledge intended to preserve the Brotherhood’s teachings as well as guide future generations. Where is this mysterious tomb today, and how might we locate it? More importantly, how can we translate the cryptic lessons of this sacred space to come to a deeper understanding of our Self, Nature, and the Universe?
Come on down to the Sphinx Club, located at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute, as we explore the sacred architecture and symbolism of the Tomb of Christian Rosenkreuz. This event will conclude with a practical exercise to help guide you into an attunement with the living Rosicrucian tradition.
travistrinca.com | instagram.com/travis.trinca.author
January 3rd 2027: TBC.
February 7th 2027 - Shu Yap | Traditional Astrologer & Jyotish
Almuten Figuris
Finding the Almuten Figuris of a chart was a popular Medieval Astrological technique, used to identify one planet that acts as a kind of guardian angel or guide for the overall life. It uses a series of calculations to determine which planet holds the greatest level of essential and accidental dignity in a natal chart. In this workshop, prepared to get nerdy as we take you through the steps to identify your Almuten Figuris. Once we know your Almuten, we'll discuss various ways in which you can work operatively with it. Bring along a copy of your natal chart (www.astro-seek.com is a free online tool). Accurate birth times matter so if you don't have one, work on a chart of someone you know.
interpsycle.com | instagram.com/interpsycle_astrology
March 7th: TBC.
April 4th: TBC.
Restarting again after the conference in May 2027.