Jungian Odyssey Prelude – May 2025

The Prelude offers a space between the closing of the Spring Semester and the start of the Jungian Odyssey. A special time for Odyssey guests to experience time at ISAP in Zurich before leaving for the Jungian Odyssey.

Event Schedule

Tuesday, 13 May

10:00–11:45 | Paul Brutsche | Color Symbolism in Paintings [Part 1 of 2]

In this course we will be studying color symbolism through the paintings of various analysands.

13:00–14:45 | Diane Cousineau Brutsche | Lady Soul [Part 1 of 2]

“Soul” is a familiar word for Jungians. In spite of this, the notion tends to remain somewhat vague. Using a mythological figure as its archetypal foundation, this lecture aims to contribute to our understanding of soul as a specific psychological entity.

15:00–16:45 | Gábor Majdán | The Alchemy of Winemaking

We will explore the steps of winemaking; examining the psychological symbolism of the steps, we shine light on the origins of wine’s religious significance. By treating the steps of winemaking as alchemical images, winemaking becomes a metaphor and guide to the coniunctio. The aim of this lecture is to present the nature of various alchemical states and operations and to reflect on their relationship to individuation.

Wednesday, 14 May

9:30–18:50 | Spring Excursion: Visit the Black Madonna & Monastery Church

Excursion leader: Galina Angelova, MTheol.
Registration required by 30 April, 2025
Meet at 9:30 at Zürich main station under the figure of the blue angel.

Thursday, 15 May

10:00–11:45 | Paul Brutsche | Color Symbolism in Paintings [Part 2 of 2]

In this course we will be studying color symbolism through the paintings of various analysands.

13:00–14:45 | Diane Cousineau Brutsche | Lady Soul [Part 2 of 2]

“Soul” is a familiar word for Jungians. In spite of this, the notion tends to remain somewhat vague. Using a mythological figure as its archetypal foundation, this lecture aims to contribute to our understanding of soul as a specific psychological entity.

15:00–16:45 | Susanna Bucher | Facing the Ecological Abyss: A Collective Search for Transformation

In E.A. Poe’s short story “A Descent into the Maelström” (1841) three fishermen are trapped in a gigantic ocean whirlpool that is threatening to destroy them. This strikes me as a suitable image for our ecological crisis. According to Jung, modern materialistic collective consciousness has lost its spiritual foundation. Building on Erich Neumann and Dorothee Sölle, I examine approaches toward a more mystical relationship with nature. Symbolically, Poe’s story tells us that psychic transformation of the collective can be achieved by letting go of the old and embracing the new and unknown.

Friday, 16 May

10:00–11:45 | Jakob Lusensky | "The Undiscovered Self": Individuation and Participation in Times of Turmoil

Jung’s essay “The Undiscovered Self” (“Gegenwart und Zukunft”), written in the late 1950s, holds insights about the purpose and role of cultivating interiority and a religious attitude in times of political and social turmoil. In this lecture I analyze the text and engage in a discussion of what we can learn about ways of navigating individuation and collective participation in today’s turbulent world.

13:00–14:45 | Peter Ammann | Rock Art and Psyche: Rock Paintings, Hunting and the Emergence of Directed Consciousness
How did early humans experience the origin of consciousness – or at least the prerequisites for it? I propose to explore this issue by having a closer look at rock art in connection with hunters and hunting. By using slides and videos as well as stories and myths, I will try to shed some light on the crucial importance of rock art regarding that extraordinary turning point in the evolution of the hominids: the origin of consciousness and the emergence of humans as the “symbolic species”.

17:00 | Graduation & Apéro

Cost & Registration

The Complete Lecture Series
General Entry – CHF 400
Students & Over 65 on-site – CHF 320

Per Lecture
General Entry – CHF 50
Students & Over 65 on-site – CHF 40
Refugees attending on-site – CHF 10
Confirmation of Attendance on-site – CHF 10

Gratis for ISAP Students and Analysts