With Michael Gove and the coalition approving new Steiner Schools to open under the Free School Programme, it is timely to look closely at the origins and beliefs of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the occult movement of Anthroposophy.

Steiner was a mystic who believed he had direct clairvoyant access to cosmic knowledge. As such he developed an esoteric belief system based on karma, reincarnation, astrology, homeopathy and gnomes. His visions gave insights into architecture, art, dance, agriculture, medicine, education, science and diet. His racial hierarchy of spiritual developmental resonated in Germany in the early 20th Century turning a personal belief into a worldwide movement. Today we find hundreds of anthroposophically inspired organisations in the UK alone: everything from Steiner Schools, Biodynamic farms to banks, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies, charities and cheese makers.

Andy Lewis is perhaps better known as his super alter ego, le Canard Noir and creator of the skeptical exocet that is www.quackometer.net

Andy has been trying to lift the veil on the inner secrets of the movement and will discuss how it has a direct impact on public life.

IMPORTANT NOTE: this event is on a Tuesday rather than our regular Thursday. We wouldn't want to create relationship difficulties by having a talk on Valentines Day