The Mysteries of Europe I

Name: The Mysteries of Europe I
Start: 2026-06-10
End: 2026-06-10
Location: Embassy of the Free Mind

Bacchus and Ariadne by Henry Bone, 1811.

Explore Europe’s hidden wisdom traditions through myth, ritual, and conscious breathwork.

The Mysteries of Europe did not die in ancient times: they went underground and are enjoying a revival on the fringes of contemporary society. With this workshop, you can approach revelation and transformation through direct experience.

We will delve into the ancient Mystery traditions that formed the spiritual foundation of European civilization, from the Eleusinian mysteries to mystical Christianity. The Greek concept of "mystērion", the hidden knowledge revealed through direct experience—evolved from shamanic roots into sophisticated ritual practices. We will also look at how early Christianity adopted the language and imagery of the Mystery religions, particularly in the shared symbolism of rebirth and holy sacraments found in both Dionysian and Christic traditions. In both spiritual paths, the directive to "die before you die" embodied the core practice of spiritual transformation.

Conscious Breathwork

To integrate the theory, we will practice a conscious breathwork technique that can induce a trance and opens the way for divine inspiration and connection.

Conscious Breathwork induces an altered state of consciousness, which opens us to healing, inspiration, and divine awareness. Sustained breathwork, in the safety of a held space, changes the brain chemistry and thus our relationship to ourselves and the world.

As a transformative process, it restores balance between the Five Elements, the fundamental forces of nature and the human system, supporting integration on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. When you change how you breathe, you change your life.

Format

Presentation | Breathwork Practice | Q & A

The breathwork session is conducted while seated and is open to everyone, from curious beginners to experienced practitioners.

In collaboration with the Embassy of the Free Mind, this workshop is part of a deeper inquiry into Europe’s spiritual roots, including an online programme, a pilgrimage to Rome (12 days), and a weekend workshop, The Mysteries of Rebirth, held in a monastery in the Netherlands: https://ap.lc/toPte.

For more information, feel free to contact us at: jeroenberndsen@proton.me or academy@efm.amsterdam.

Date & Time

Wednesday June 10, 2026 from 7 to 9.30 pm

Language

The workshop will be conducted in English, with Dutch translation available if necessary.

Price & Admission

€65,-

About Jacques Theron

Jacques (Australia, 1971) is a breathwork practitioner, teacher, and artist based in São Paulo, Brazil. He leads regular pilgrimages and retreats worldwide. For over 25 years, he has guided individuals and groups through processes of transformation using mythology, ritual, and conscious breathwork.

His work integrates shamanic traditions and lived spiritual practice. His quest for authentic spiritual connection has led him to train extensively with Peruvian and Brazilian shamans, practice rituals in the temples of Nepal, Bali, and Japan, as well as walk the pilgrim paths of Italy’s Via Francigena and Spain’s Camino de Santiago several times.

Jacques is the creator of the Classical Mythology Deck and author of Living Mythology and The Building Blocks of Tarot. His work bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary practice, inviting seekers to explore the divine forces that continue to shape our inner and outer worlds.

More info about Jacques’ work: Jacques Theron (website) and Jacques Theron - YouTube

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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.