What is Archetypal Psychology?
Analytical Psychology began with the work of Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) a Swiss psychiatrist. He developed the word association test (later the basis for the lie detector test), a psychological typology (basis for the Myers-Briggs assessment), and a general theory of psychoanalysis. He is best known for his method of dream analysis, his understanding of alchemy as a metaphoric language for human transformation, and his study of world mythologies as archetypal expressions. His "Collected Works" comprise 20 volumes, yet constitute less than half his writings. The Philemon Foundation, (see "Links") recently established to translate, edit, and publish Jung's "Complete Works", estimates 30 additional volumes. Sonu Shamdasani, a noted Freudian/Jungian scholar, is directing this monumental project.
Analytical psychology is represented world-wide by James Hillman, James Hollis, David Miller, Paul Kugler, Stanton Marlan, David Rosen, June Singer, Ginette Paris, and Murray Stein in the U.S.; Wolfgang Giegerich, in Germany, Luigi Zoya in Italy, Guy Corneau, Greg Mogenson, Marion Woodman, and Jan Bauer in Canada; Peter Bishop and Robert Bosnak in Australia, and Raphael Lopez-Pedraza in Venezuela. These and many others continue to develop and expand the thought and practice of Analytical Psychology.
Detail
1. Dreams: Expressions of Eternal Wisdom
Lecture by Michael Conforti, Jungian Analyst
Friday, October 1st, 8:00 PM at 408 Franklin Street
Non-Members, $15; Members and Students, $12
Dreams are the language of the soul. Abiding in a domain that transcends conscious perception, dreams provide an objective and meaningful portrayal of our lives. Rather than simply retelling our past, dreams offer an intimation of a life waiting to be lived, and orientation into this new world, and a way to traverse its waters. In working with dreams, we embark on a journey to discover the wisdom residing in the psyche. The universal themes of redemption, birth, death, love, career, and destiny are clearly expressed in our dreams through the same archetypal images found in the world’s wisdom tales and sacred stories.
Using illustrations from actual dreams and emphasizing their archetypal dimension, Dr. Conforti will discuss ways to understand the images and symbols found in our our dreams. Examples include finding objective meaning and discovering universal images, leading toward the development of a truly spiritual approach to life.
“New York Council for the Humanities” provided funding assistance for this program. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.”
Michael Conforti, Ph.D., is a Jungian analyst, author, and founder/director of the Assisi Institute. Dr. Conforti’s work has resulted not only in a training institute based on his discoveries, but also the development of a new discipline, Archetypal Pattern Analysis. He lectures nationally and internationally, and applies his insights as a sought-after consultant to businesses, government institutions, and the film industry. Dr. Conforti served as a script consultant on the recently released film, Pride and Glory, and is the author of Field, Form and Fate: Patterns in Mind, Nature & Psyche;Threshold Experiences: The Archetype of Beginnings and the forthcoming Dream Patterning: From Archetype to Living Reality.