Left-Hand Path in Tantric Traditions – Lecture & Soirée

The right-hand and left-hand paths of the occult may not be as diametrically opposed as we think.

In this in-person lecture at Treadwell's, Phil Hine explains how the supposed dichotomy between the two paths crumbles once we take a closer look at tantric traditions in South Asia. Beginning by examining the ascetic traditions from which the tantric movement emerged, Phil then explores mainstream Tantra and its numerous offshoots. The evolving history of these practices is complex, contradictory and riveting. Expect tales of drunken ascetics, shocking orgies, sorcerers and fierce goddesses, to come away with a nuanced appreciation of Indian tantra. After the lecture, everyone is invited to take part in an audience Q&A, and a soirée on the shopfloor with complimentary drinks follows.

Please note: the first lecture in the series – Left-Hand Path and Western Occultism – will be held on 25 July.

Phil Hine is a magician and researcher with a strong interest in occultism as a cultural formation. While his earlier well-known works are on chaos magic, his work of the last decade focuses on South Asian philosophies in the West, from Tantra to chakras to Theosophy. This longstanding friend of Treadwell's is a popular speaker whose talks always sell out.