SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Alchemical Inner Work:
Transforming the Prima Materia of the Psyche
with ALYSSA POLIZZI
5 sessions
beginning Thursday September 24
The ancient art of alchemy sought to uncover the mysteries of nature through the transmutation of matter. Yet the alchemists were not confined to material reality alone. Their work blurred the boundaries between inner and outer, physical and psychic, giving rise to a symbolic and imaginal framework that offers profound insight into the processes of psychological transformation.
In this course, we will explore Alchemical Inner Work, a technique developed by Alyssa Polizzi that reimagines inner dynamics through the metaphorical language and concrete practices of alchemy. Grounded in Jungian and Archetypal psychology traditions, this approach helps move us beyond literal interpretations of our experiences and into a symbolic, imaginal relationship with the psyche.
Participants will learn to identify their prima materia—the raw psychological material at the heart of a situation—and engage it through key alchemical operations, drawing out insight that can be applied to daily life. Together, we will explore the alchemical mysteries and discover how its archetypal richness can be used as a tool for transformation and integration.
Week 1: Introduction to Alchemical Inner Work
Introduction to alchemy
A psychological perspective of alchemy via Jung and Hillman
The prima materia, operations and the vessel
Introduction to the 3-step technique
Week 2: The Alchemy of Fire and Water — Calcinatio & Solutio
Calcinatio: purification, intensity and psychic heat
Solutio: dissolution, surrender and emotional flow
Exploring the operations in alchemical emblems, myths, and daily life
Practicing the technique and applying either operation to your prima materia
Week 3: The Alchemy of Air and Earth — Sublimatio & Coagulatio
Sublimatio: ascent, perspective and abstraction
Coagulatio: descent, grounding and embodiment
Exploring the operations in alchemical emblems, myths, and daily life
Practicing the technique and applying either operation to your prima materia
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Alchemical Inner Work:
Transforming the Prima Materia of the Psyche
with ALYSSA POLIZZI
•
5 Sessions
Thursdays beginning September 24
4-6pm pacific / 7-9pm eastern
Live via Zoom + Video recording will be available to all guests
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Live-Video Seminar Series - 5 Sessions - Thursdays beginning September 24 - 4-6pm pacific / 7-9pm eastern
Live via Zoom + Video recording will be available to all guests
Week 4: The Alchemy of Death — Mortificatio & Separatio
Mortificatio: symbolic death, endings and transformative loss
Separatio: discernment, differentiation and psychic clarity
Exploring the operations in alchemical emblems, myths, and daily life
Practicing the technique and applying either operation to your prima materia
Week 5: The Living Opus — Bringing It All Together
Alchemical Inner Work as an ongoing practice
Tracking symbolic shifts and transformation over time
Daily life applications and continued imaginal engagement
Revisiting the 3-step technique with all 6 operations
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Alyssa Polizzi
Alyssa Polizzi is a scholar, educator, and writer specializing in Jungian psychology and archetypal studies. She is the founder of The Artemisian, a best-selling educational platform and community, and co-host of The Golden Shadow podcast. Drawing from over a decade of scholarship in dreams, mythology, tarot, and alchemy, she guides students in cultivating a meaningful relationship with the unconscious and deepening their inner work through archetypal awareness.
For more, visit: alyssapolizzi.com