Decoding the Language of Symbolism: Astronomy & Physiology

Name: Decoding the Language of Symbolism: Astronomy & Physiology
Start: 2026-09-30
End: 2026-09-30
Location: Embassy of the Free Mind

'Anatomical Man (Zodiac Man)', from the book 'Très Riches Heures', c. 1412–1416.

Black-and-white abstract graphic of the letter "i".

Long before modern marketing shaped our visual landscape, ancient traditions mapped the universe through the human body and the cosmos.

From the Emerald Tablet's timeless proverb "As above, so below" to the medical astrology of the Renaissance, symbols anchored the microcosm of man to the macrocosm of the stars. In this session, Brand Strategist, Designer, and Author Ronald Bos reveals how these hidden codes still resonate beneath the surface of today's visual culture.

Astrology and Physiology anchor this exploration, tracing how celestial patterns and bodily systems converge in modern brand design. Discover how planetary influences, astrological archetypes, and occult physiological knowledge, from the caduceus to the spine and pineal gland, quietly shape our everyday visual life. Seasonal cycles, bodily systems, and everyday language shape the way we perceive brands, often without our knowledge. By uniting classical Hermetic philosophy, physical anatomy, and corporate identity, this exploration reveals how modern logos act as contemporary talismans, quietly communicating with our subconscious.

Join us at the Embassy of the Free Mind for a fascinating exploration into the secret anatomy of modern brands, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary visual strategy.

About the Speaker

Ronald Bos is a brand strategist, graphic designer, and author working at the intersection of brand positioning and visual communication. Captivated since youth by philosophy, semiotics, astrology, and ancient symbolism, he weaves timeless wisdom into modern design practice.

After ten years shaping campaigns at Amsterdam's leading advertising agencies, Ronald founded his own design practice in 2007, converting strategic insight into distinct visual systems. He guides organizations to uncover their core identity and engineers strategic foundations into distinct, memorable visual systems.

He is the author of The Dance of the King (Dansen als een edelman), an extensive exploration of the hidden origins and symbolic meanings behind iconic logos, imagery, and cultural signs. Guided by the belief that unveiling is the only way to bring truth to light, Ronald reconnects contemporary visual culture with the ancient traditions that quietly shape it.

Format

Talk | Discussion | Q &A |

Date & Time

Thursday, September 30 from 19:30 - 21:00

Language

The workshop will be conducted in English, with Dutch verbal translation available upon request.

Price & Admission

€30,- in-person

Buy Tickets

Getting There

Address

House with the Heads
Keizersgracht 123, 1015 CJ Amsterdam

Public Transport

A fifteen-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Prefer public transport? Take trams 13 or 17, or bus 170, 172, or 174 to the Westermarkt stop. From there, walk back a short distance, turn left onto Keizersgracht, and you will find us on your right after 300 meters.

Bike

Amsterdam is best explored on two wheels, and the EFM is no exception. Ample bike parking is available along the Keizersgracht.

Car

Parking in the area is paid (~ €8,05 per hour), and spaces can be difficult to find. The nearest parking garages are Q-park Nieuwendijk at Nieuwezijds Kolk 18 (650 meters), Q-park Bijenkorf at Beursstraat 15 (950 meters), and Q-park Europarking at Marnixstraat 250 (1,300 meters). You can also park at a P+R location and travel into the centre by public transport.

Upcoming Events

From immersive cultural experiences to distinguished academic gatherings, the Embassy of the Free Mind offers a diverse agenda open to all curious minds.