Lecture: Human consciousness, the scientific understanding of our world, and our material world itself are in a state of rapid change. By synthesizing the highly symbolic, esoteric systems of the Tarot, Kabbala and Alchemy, not as an academic study but rather as a way of experiencing our daily life, we can understand more clearly the nature of this change. The most sacred text of the alchemist, the Emerald Tablet of Hermes, is no less than an alchemist’s opus, a recipe for the second creation of the world. It begins:
“True, without falsehood, certain and most true,
that which is above is as that which is below
and that which is below is as that which is above
for the performance of the miracles of the One Thing…”
When we truly know the meaning of this text we can fully comprehend the unity of mind, body and spirit in the souls of human beings.
The lecture will discuss the fundamental basis of Alchemy as interpereted by Carl Jung, and the principles of the Tarot and the Hermetic Kabbala. The by looking at the images presented by men and women from thier dreams, body experiences and synchronistic events, we will see how these esoteric mysteries are present in everyday life.
Workshop: Metaphor and symbols are the great transformers, the bridge between the levels of mind, body, and spirit. This psychological understanding of the Alchemical opus will provide the container and the integrity to lead into the Saturday workshop, which will be directly experiential and allow individuals to have an opportunity to experience the working of the alchemical process within their own bodies.
The Eugene program will lead directly into the program presented in Portland the following weekend. The final work of the opus is the conjunctio, the union of opposites. The social manifestation of this final alchemical process is the changing images in the relationships between men and women. We hope that this program will offer individuals a greater understanding of themselves and their parts in changing consciousness.
Eleanora m. Woloy, M.D., is a psychiatrist, Jungian Analyst and Associate Professor of psychitry at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is a graduat of the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts and a training analyst. She received her medical and psychiatric training, including child psychiatry, at the University of Michigan and for the past 20 years she has conducted a private practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She has written a book entitled Psyche and Dog, and was a contributing writer to the book, Closeness in Personal and Professional Relationships.
Joseph Lee. B.A. Drama, is a certified Alexander Technique teacher. He has led workshops with educational and arts organizations throughout the southeast United States, and conducted numerous master classes for theater, music, and performing arts groups.
Spiritual Alchemy-The Mystery of Change