Ken Clayton, M.A. Communication, video engineer presented some very interesting background information on John Ford, Director of the movie “Stagecoach” which was shown and discussed. He also presented archetype images in many of John Ford’s films as well as many Western films. A delicious variety of dishes were provided by the attendees and greatly enjoyed along with lively discussions during the supper. The Free event was well attended and many positive comments were expressed appreciating the program.
Past Events
Sheldon Culver: How the Red Book Challenges and Changes Jungian Work
Sheldon Culver, D.D., M.Div, and Jungian Analyst gave a noteworthy presentation to a sold out event Friday, June 9. Her topic was “The Heart of Jung: How the Red Book Challenges and Changes Jungian Work.” She gave the audience a handout of historical dates and events along with presenting more details of relationships and events that effected Dr. Carl Jung’s work including the Red Book. The audience became more conscious of their own work with Sheldon Culver’s thoroughly researched presentation which was demonstrated further with the many questions and reflections offered following the lecture. It was obvious our community greatly enjoyed the lecture and sharing time together
May 2017 Jung Society Friends’ Night
The May 20th Jung Society Friends’ Night was very meaningful for those attending. Julie Schulte led the group by speaking about the book that drew her to Jung at a critical period in her life, and others followed, sharing their books and the times in their lives when they experienced crucial stepping stones toward Jungian consciousness and the St. Louis Jung Society. Everyone seemed to appreciate the open hearted evening of shared stories and delicious refreshments. Rose Holt was recognized for her many years of service as analyst advisor to the Jung Society board of directors and for all that she has contributed and generated. She was honored with a perennial scholarship in her name to the Jung in the Heartland Conference and a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant. It had to be a surprise, as Rose does not like to be the focus on attention! Many people expressed the profound effects they have experienced in knowing Rose and being encouraged by her belief in them. Be sure to become a Friend or keep your Friend’s subscription current to be included in next year’s festive gathering!
Mary Dougherty on the Creative Process
Mary Dougherty, Jungian Analyst, and faculty member at the Chicago Jung Institute presented a lecture Friday, April 7 and a workshop Saturday, April 8. Her lecture focused on the impetus for creativity. She used “Universal Hotel,” a film created by her late husband, Peter Thompson, to illustrate how dreams, images, active imagination, synchronicity, and the process of individuation operate consciously and unconsciously in the creative process. She presented a short lecture, showed the film and then led a discussion.
In her workshop, she led participants through an experiential exercise using journal writing, active imagination and artwork. She provided art paper and pastels to everyone. She then gave writing prompts, asked everyone to journal and then instructed participants to draw with eyes closed. Finally, she led the group through an active imagination exercise. Many found it to be very self illuminating.
Ruth Meyer on AA
March 10, 2017 – Ruth Meyer, LCSW, former Jung Board Member and longtime Jung Society member gave an impressive presentation to a full house on the history of AA and the development of the 12 Steps along with the contribution of Dr. Carl Jung. She presented the history with many details of names and dates adding the ‘synchronicity’ instrumental in the development of AA and the twelve steps. She spoke of the significant contribution of Dr. Carl Jung who was in communication with the people developing the program and his adding a crucial part to the recovery process. The lecture was taped and will be available for sale. The taping was careful to keep confidentiality of questions and audience participation. Photos were only taken of board members and staff for the event keeping this confidentiality of audience in mind.
Carol Haake’s Play “Casting Shadows”
February 17-19, 2017 – The St. Louis Jung Society was proud to sponsor the sold out premier performances of the play “Casting Shadows”, Feb. 17-19, 2017, written by former Board member and longtime Society member, Carol Haake. Many people worked diligently to accomplish this success. Rose Holt, Jungian Analyst and former Board Advisor was a dedicated mentor to Carol Haake and the Premier performance of the Play.
The following quote from Rose, included in a report to the Board, beautifully conveys the importance of this project:
“This whole play production project, from vague idea to accomplished reality, is itself an example of a fundamental principle of Jungian Psychology. That principle: There are forces at work in us and in the world beyond those of simple cause and effect. Plentiful evidence suggests that when something is to be fulfilled in the future, a gathering of forces—particular people, talents, materials, resources, places, events—converge to insure that fulfillment. Human intention and discernment are critical to insuring any fulfillment is of a benign nature.”
February 17, 2017- Opening night for Casting Shadows. All three performances were sold out!
February 13, 2017 – Cast and crew for Casting Shadows prep and rehearse for this weekend’s performances!
Avis Clendenen on Hildegard and Jung
Avis Clendenen, Ph.D. gave impressive media presentions and lectures at her events Friday and Saturday Oct. 14 & 15, 2016. She overviewed her extensive research and ideas from her book on Hildegard of Bingen and Dr. Carl Jung. Although their lives were centuries apart, she outlined interesting parallels in their lives and experiences. Dr. Clendenen is well known for her multisensory media presentations of her research along with her lectures inspiring thought provoking ideas and discussions. Part of our St. Louis Jung Society mission is to promote and offer experiences that enlarge ‘consciousness’ as this is an important part of the ‘individuation’ lifelong journey toward ‘wholeness’. We are grateful to Avis for creating enlarging consciousness experiences at her events.
Deborah Stutsman Graduation
September 10, 2016: Celebrating Deborah Stutsman’s graduation from the Chicago Jung Institute Analyst Training Program. Deborah was President of the C.G. Jung Society of St. Louis from 2003 until 2009.
Deborah Stutsman receives her Diploma from Steve Martz, President of the Chicago Association of Jungian Analysts, and Arlo Compaan, Director of the Analyst Training Program.
Pam Behnen: Atticus Finch from an Archetypal Perspective
September 9, 2016: Through film clips, photos, and a bit of music, Pam Behnen gave a well attended and appreciated lecture on our relationships with the Atticus Finch of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, looking at him as an archetypal image in the collective consciousness, and how that image served to motivate change. She gave us questions to ponder on what the shattering of Atticus’ image in the 2015 book ‘Go Set a Watchman’ might mean to us as readers, as students of Jung, and as members of a society struggling to look squarely at the shadow of racism as it continues today. She asked “What might it mean to Go Set A Watchman in the 21st century?”
Gary Sparks: “Where does your Flower Grow?”
On July 15-16, 2016, Gary Sparks, Jungian Analyst presented a thought provoking Friday lecture and Saturday workshop further illuminating his research including involving attendees analyzing dreams and discussing with whole group. His programs’ title: “Where does your Flower Grow?” presented his research on the patterns in History profiled in Toynbee and Jung works with timely questions to examine.