“And know that there is in thee somewhat of his nature, which will never be corrupted…” C.G. Jung
This presentation will explore the archetypal experience of forgiveness from psychological, spiritual, and religious perspectives, with the Jungian approach of forgiveness as the central paradigm of contemplation, circumambulating whether or not forgiveness is possible and, if so, how. Utilizing alchemy and myth the presenter will discuss, define and amplify the process of the soul’s development. When completed, the participant will be able to understand why forgiveness is an archetypal experience unique to the person(s) involved, transforming both the forgiver and the sinner, and in therapy, both the analyst and analysand. The participant will come to understand the development of soul as one’s relationship to the self and other (both inner and outer “other”) emerges in the process.
Participants will observe film, art, and alchemical plates from the Rosarium Philosophorum in the definition and discussion of forgiveness. Jung’s concepts of ego, shadow, complex, archetype and soul will be discussed, defined and amplified as they apply to the archetypal experience of forgiveness.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe forgiveness as an archetypal experience that is central to the individuation process.
2. Define forgiveness and describe the difference between redemption, reconciliation, and atonement, as these concepts apply to forgiveness.
3. Demonstrate the Jungian approach to forgiveness by presenting and contemplating several alchemical plates in the Rosarium Philosophorum.
4. Describe the fundamental relationship between the ego/S(s)elf and how this relationship may affect one’s capacity to forgive.