The theme of descent in the Jungian field has a dominant reference to the myth of Persephone. But how would the myth of Persephone align with postcolonial worlds where a large body of myths exist, distinct from the Greek myths? The myth of descent or the experience of darkness, death and rebirth, is represented distinctly across cultures. This seminar will present an ancient Indian myth that describes feminine foresight and wisdom in encountering darkness, transforming the experience of death not for the protagonist alone, but also for Yama, the god of death himself. The myth of Savitri and Yama will be examined in relation to an initiation dream in which the alchemical Black Sun is prefigured. We will discuss how myths across cultures appear in synchronistic ways, deepening our understanding of unconscious descents and initiation.
The seminar will be followed by an experiential workshop where journeys of descent will be deliberated on – through art, imagination and storytelling. These would form the ground for reflecting on psyche’s descent and what myths of descent signify for us personally and as a collective. We will reflect on psychological descents and their role in healing, in a world clouded by war, violence and environmental devastation.
