Lecture: Jung and Alchemy
Alchemical imagery provides us with the invaluable source of archetypal symbolism amounting to an illustrated “map” of the individuation process. This lecture will provide an overview of C.G. Jung’s “Psychology and Alchemy,” and will offer an introduction to his insights about alchemy and how it aligns with his work in advancing the relationship between alchemy and psychology. C.G. Jung’s fundamental insight was that the alchemists were projecting unconscious psychic processes onto the transformation of matter in the laboratory. He saw a bridge between analytical psychology and early forms of thought. While alchemy operated secretly in the background of collective consciousness for centuries it didn't reach the goal of transforming lead into gold, however, it did inspire C.G. Jung.
Thoughts from other Jungian’s on this topic will include the work of Marie Louise von Franz, Edward Edinger and Wolfgang Giegerich to name a few. Join us in this fascinating journey into the depth of psychology and symbolism, exploring C.G. Jung and his profound connection to the world of alchemy. We’ll discover the hidden treasures of the human psyche, decode ancient symbols, and learn how these timeless insights can revolutionize your understanding of human behaviour.
Workshop: Unveiling the Mysteries: Exploring Alchemy Through Dreams
“Alchemy is the mother of psychology for the reason that it teaches how the ‘object,’ I.e., the ‘thing,’ comes to be united with the ‘subject,’ or how ‘matter’ becomes ‘spirit’” - Carl Jung, “Psychology and Alchemy”
“Alchemy is the art of soul, the way in which we forge a living connection between the heart and the world, between spirit and matter. It is grounded in the conviction that there is a secret purpose concealed within all of creation, and that our work is to discover that hidden purpose and make it out own.” - James Hillman
The Seminar is divided into four sessions: Alchemical Symbolism, Stageds of Alchemy and Individuation, Dream Interpretation and Alchemy, and Case Studies and Practical Applications
Lecture Details:
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024; 7-9 PM
Location: St. Laurence Anglican Church
About the speaker, Elvira Miletic:
Elvira Miletic is a Registered Psychotherapist and Jungian Analyst. She is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and has been practicing since 2014.
She completed her training as a Jungian Analyst in June, 2017 at the Ontario Association of Jungian Analysts (OAJA). elvira places an emphasis on assisting in the process of recognizing an individual’s desire for growth. By giving attention to the quest for wholeness through the exploration of archetypes, symbolic language, synchronicities and other transformative contents, the analytic process can help to understand existing behaviour and what was formerly unconscious.
Elvira also has a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Sociology and Equity Studies from the Ontario Institue of Studies in Education (OISE) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology and Fine Art History from the University of Toronto.
