In the Japanese mythic world, the Sake-drinking Oni (demon) Shuten-Dōji, had ever growing transgressions, such as capturing and torturing young maidens, and so Minamoto no Raikō, the heroic warrior, was tasked with slaying the demon. Shuten’s alcohol addiction was exploited by Raikō and thus it was the reason for his defeat. In this webinar series, we will examine the struggles, the psycho-socio-cultural consequences of alcoholism-addiction and the journey to recovery: transformative integration through the symbolic anthropomorphizing mythic lens. The functional truths of psychic disintegration, confrontation and the resilience of the Self will be explored in this rediscovery and reclaiming path to wholeness. Unmasking aspects of the recovery-healing journey, such as tackling relapses and destructive temptations. In the course of the four weeks, Shuten-Raikō battle’s mythic iconography will be reimagined as the embodiment of fighting the spirit of alienation (alcohol) for the evolution of socio-cultural consciousness.

Participants will examine the sacred and/or shadow dimensions of the Self through world cultural practices, rituals and ceremonies related to alcohol, such as the Omiki Shinto ceremony or the sacred liquor offering to the Lord Kaal Bhairava. Guided active imagination, reflective writing and embodied visualization activities will be conducted to discover new ways in the process of the Alchemized Self.