SEPTEMBER 2023

The Symbolic Language of the Unconscious:

VISIONS FROM BELOW

with artist and educator Chantal Powell, Ph.D.

Humanity’s “ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically because symbolic language alone is able to express the ultimate.”
– Paul Tillich

 

Night Journey (2020) by Chantal Powell

 
 

Le Seize Septembre, by René Magritte, oil on canvas, 1956

Wisdom, according to Carl Jung, is a return to the symbols which are inborn in us from the earliest times. He was referring to the unique language of the unconscious and how essential it is that we live a sacred life in harmony with it. In this four-week course we will be diving into the watery depths of archetypal symbols and motifs.

We will visit ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology, immerse ourselves in mysterious alchemical imagery and familiar fairytales, reflect on what dreams and daily ritual can offer us and explore our psychic imagination. We will also look at contemporary visual art as a powerful tool for experiencing the transformative energy of the unconscious and how it can give visible form to mystery.

This course is for anyone looking for a greater understanding of symbolic language and is particularly suited to creatives and those new to Jungian thinking.

Serpent Study (2020) by Chantal Powell

THE SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE OF THE UNCONSCIOUS

WITH CHANTAL POWELL, PH.D.

SUNDAYS
SEPTEMBER 10, 17, 24 & OCTOBER 1
Noon-2pm Pacific / 3-5 pm Eastern
/ 8-10pm GMT

Live Via Zoom +
Video Recording will be available
to all guests


Course Outline

Week 1 - Introduction to Understanding the Language of Unconscious

Week 2 - Symbols in Myths, Fairytales and Alchemy

Week 3 - Art as a Vehicle for the Symbolic Unconscious

Week 4 - Tools for Speaking the Symbolic Language in our Daily Lives (working with ritual, dreams, nature and the psychic imagination).


CHANTAL POWELL, PH. D.

Chantal Powell is an UK-based artist, educator and curator. Her art practice explores the symbolic language of the unconscious and is informed by a PhD in social psychology and an ongoing study of Jungian theory and inner alchemy.

Over recent years she has been researching first-hand the imagery in alchemical manuscripts and notebooks from the 15th and 16th century. Combining archetypal symbols from these sources alongside those from mythology and personal inner work, she makes art that brings awareness to the importance of energy-filled symbols to connect us to a world beyond that of the rational conscious.

Chantal is also the founder of the artist residency program Hogchester Arts in West Dorset and hosts the speaker program "The Red Book Club". She presents illustrated talks and workshops on psychological alchemy from an artist’s perspective and has co-curated exhibitions with a focus on archetypally symbolic art. 

Alchemical illustration (The Hermetic Museum)