3rd New Eleusis Symposion | Re-Enchanting the World

The 3rd New Eleusis Symposion returns with the support of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, from 25 to 27 September, to the land of the celebrated Mysteries—where, for over 1,500 years, the ideas of inner transformation and initiatory knowledge were cultivated—for three days of reflection, inspired dialogue, and visionary action. Τhe World Human Forum welcomes pioneering speakers of diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and corners of the world to the Old Oil Mill Factory of Elefsina, creating a space for a contemporary narrative of unity and personal and social transformation. The symposion is organised by the World Human Forum, with the support of the Region of Attica and 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, and in collaboration with the Municipality of Elefsina and the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica.

With the theme “Re-Enchanting the World”, this year’s symposion focuses on how we can restore our relationship with life, nature, others, and ourselves, paving the way towards a new eco-civilisation. It is a call to action, urging a transformation of our daily experiences—from an anthropocentric worldview to a planetary consciousness—through choices that nourish rather than deplete, connect rather than isolate, and honour rather than exploit.

The working language of the symposion is English. Simultaneous translation into Greek will be available.

An Initiative with Roots and Vision

The New Eleusis Symposia offer a unique platform to explore and redefine the intersection between ancient wisdom and the modern quest for meaning. Through interdisciplinary approaches, they bring together science, art, archaeology, spirituality, and social innovation. Over the course of three days, the public is invited to engage in a vibrant narrative of reconnection through experiential workshops, artistic performances, and live discussions.

Themes and Speakers

• Topics to be explored at the 3rd New Eleusis Symposion include:
• The arts for healing
• Re-enchanting the economy, work, and neighbourhoods
• Our relationship with food
• Democracy as a shared vision
• Children as humanity’s dream tank
• The role of psychedelics in consciousness and healing

The speaker and participant line-up includes, among others: Gina Belafonte, Franz X. Vollenweider, Christina Merkouri, Christina Dalla, Ornella Corazza, Nicholas Yatromanolakis, Nikos Tsouchlos, Phil Cousineau, Kostis Tselenis, Maria Loizidou, Ruth DeFries, Emmanuel I. Stratakis, Stefanos Gandolfo, Daniel A. Barber, Anis Barnat, Antonia Trichopoulou, Jehangir Mehta, Maria Loi, Hélène Landemore, Lex Paulson, Spyros Doukakis, Gary Bolles, Marlis Petersen, Pavlos Kavouras, and others.

Artistic Events

Each day of the symposion concludes with a unique artistic experience:

• 25/9 (21:00) | Cine Eleusis: Screening of Mystery 14: Human Requiem in Eleusis by Stephan Talneau
• 26/9 (20:30) | Old Oil Mill Factory: Musical performance Psychelectronica by Superwave (Leonidas Danezos & Tasos Sotiriou)
• 27/9 (20:00) | Eleusis Archaeological Site
  &
  29/9 (20:30) | Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall (Christos Lambrakis Hall)

Performance Sacred Paths – From the Mysteries of Eleusis to Byzantine Chant and the Mevlevi Dervish tradition. The Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, the Association of the Constantinopolitan Friends of Music in Athens, Sokratis Sinopoulos, and Michail Marmarinos create a mystical experience at the iconic archaeological site of Elefsina and at Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall.

About the World Human Forum

The World Human Forum is a think-and-do tank, a knowledge and action hub that seeks to contribute to the creation of a genuine ecological civilisation. With Delphi as its anchor and symbolic point of reference, it draws inspiration from iconic locations (Eleusis, Delos, Ancient Olympia, Aristotle’s Lyceum) and connects pioneering forces around the world, working towards a new narrative for humanity. Its methodology is embodied in the Delphic Cube, a holistic approach grounded in the values of sustainability and regeneration, democracy, education, inner transformation, science and technology, and art.