“Death is not an end but a goal, and life’s inclination towards death begins as soon as the meridian is passed.” C.G. Jung Commentary on The Secret of the Golden Flower (1929) CW 13, par. 68.
Death – whether physical or psychological – it is the ultimate transformer.This presentation will consist of two parts. Part one will discuss symbolism connected with death. Alchemical language regarding death as transformation and several mythological tales related to descent to the underworld – along with representations in art – will be shared.The second part will present a series of dreams of a woman in her 90’s as she is approaching death. This material will illustrate how the individual psyche undergoes the processes discussed in part one.
Learning objectives:
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Identify and define three terms from alchemy related to symbolic death.
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Name two mythological figures who descend into the underworld and explain the symbolic meaning of the descent.
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Explain the concept of death as transformation.