Tag: individuation

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Mythologium 2023 welcomes Rick Alexander

Rick’s presentation is called “Tantra and the Erotic Heart of Individuation”

For Carl Jung, the chakra system represents a symbolic theory of the psyche, displaying its evolution as it moves through various levels of consciousness. While the west tends to associate psyche solely with the intellect or mind, Kundalini presents an image of psyche that is not only spread throughout the body, but even reaches beyond it. This puts the western-minded person in a precarious situation. “We are confronted with a paradox; for us consciousness is located high up, in the ajna chakra, so to speak, and yet muladhara, our reality, lies in the lowest chakra” (Jung, Psychology of Kundalini Yoga, 60). To further complicate the matter, Jung understood the level of consciousness most associated with individuation, the goal of his analytical psychology, as occurring at the anahata (heart) chakra. Within each person then, lies an inherent division that must be reconciled in order to “become whole.” This requires Eros—an embodied relational capacity wherein our own longing can be seen as the driving force toward individuation—bringing disparate elements of the psyche together in a sacred marriage.

The Vijñāna-Bhairava Tantra, a collection of sutras that originate in Kashmir, India circa 800 CE, offers additional Tantric images by which one can imagine the work of psychic development. It is a conversation between lovers, Shiva and Shakti, who have been separated since creation and who long for reconciliation in the human heart. Here, the body itself is imagined as a container where the original cosmogonic romance is recapitulated. This presentation dreams forward the dialogue between Tantra and Jungian psychology, exploring its implications on the body, the development of the personality, and ultimately, one’s place within the cosmic order itself.

About Rick

Rick Alexander is an author, speaker, and coach. He is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Pacifica Graduate Institute where he studies comparative mythology and depth psychology, following the path of thinkers like Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung. His written material, lectures, and personal client work draw heavily from contemplative spiritual traditions of the east and west and are centered in depth and archetypal psychology. He speaks and writes predominantly on psychological wellness, the Hero’s Journey, and the quest to find meaning in life. Recently, he taught workshops and lectured for organizations around the world including the United States Air Force and Bell Canada, as well as for specialized retreats, private events, and academic conferences.

2023 Mythologium program
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Mythologium 2021 welcomes Rev. Pamela Dawn Hancock

Pamela’s talk is called “Mythic Mapping: A New Way to Use Myth in the Individuation Journey”

Trauma affects over 50% of the population. From sexual abuse to domestic violence, a terrifying number of people will go through some sort of turning point that changes their lives forever. Being a rape survivor and having suffered debilitating postpartum depression, I know this to be true. C. G. Jung himself experienced his own life-altering experience when he split from Freud; after which he went down his own unique individuation path. In my presentation I will share my research on how a traumatic turning-point can open the gateway to a conscious individuation path. My depth psychology dissertation, entitled Mythic Mapping, combines game-design, storytelling, active imagination, and dreamwork into a life-long Self-discovery adventure. Utilizing stories of eight Goddesses of the world as mythic examples of individuation after trauma, Mythic Mapping can be used by individuals who may not have access to therapy. With this revolutionary system that includes a workbook, map, spinner, dice and more, self-discovery is at one’s fingertips. My offering will share how I developed this system, by way of my own active imagination work and paying attention to the synchronicities that have deeply connected me with Myth and Self!

About Pamela

I was raised in the Southern California Mountains (the land of the Serrano People) where I currently reside with my husband and son. I am the Assistant Professor of Spiritual Practice & Care for the Soul at Starr King School for the Ministry, and the Priestess of the Sacred Outpost in Crestline, CA. As a child I found the Divine at the lake near my parents’ cabin. The big pine trees surrounding it were my sacred space—my church. It was there that I began to understand that we are all part of the Divine Web of All Creation. At the age of twelve I sought comprehension of that Web by starting my study of the World’s Religions. While obtaining my B.A. from the University of Redlands, Johnston Center, I delved into Feminist Spirituality, Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism. I moved in and out of different spiritual practices after College, weaving together the energies of all of the Archetypal-Forces with whom I entwine. In 2011 in ritual with the group I led, I heard the call: Nourish others’ understanding of their connection to the Sacred in all things! So off I went to Starr King School for the Ministry (a Unitarian Universalist Seminary) where I received my Master of Divinity, and the Chaplaincy Institute for Ordination as an Interfaith Minister. Having battled a long-time kidney illness, I almost died of an infection after completing Seminary, but found solace in finding my true path of Alchemy and Depth Psychology during this difficult ordeal. After a full recovery I began the adventure to obtain my PhD. in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Jungian & Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I am now dedicating my dissertation work towards designing a program for Trauma Survivors to embark on an individuation quest.

2021 Mythologium program