Menu
Log in


a container for the psyche in an uncertain world

Log in

MYSTIC HEART, SACRED EARTH

  • Monday, September 21, 2015
  • 7:30 PM
  • Monday, November 16, 2015
  • 9:30 PM
  • Jung Society Library, 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016
  • 17

Registration

  • Members who are Seniors over 65 and Students with ID

Registration is closed

5 Alternate Mondays, Beginning September 21

(9/21, 10/5, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23)


Reading Course

Melanie Starr Costello


Reading works authored by three spiritually gifted writers of the twentieth century, we will investigate diverse mystical spiritualities in their relations with the non-human world. We begin with a work of fiction: Platonist theologian and novelist Charles William's The Place of the Lion, a mystery featuring a sudden melding of spiritual and natural realms. The work will facilitate a discussion of the influence of Platonic philosophy upon the Western psyche as we compare Jung's concept of the archetype to Plato's theory of Forms.


Then moving to a nature-based perspective, we will read the stunningly beautiful "mystical nature diary" of Opal Whiteley, a spiritually gifted child raised in a logging community in early 20th century Oregon. We finish with essays by eco-theologian Thomas Berry, calling us to re-envision humanity's place in evolution -- the process through which the Divine reveals itself. Relevant passages from Jung will be assigned as our inquiry unfolds. For questions regarding course content you may contact Dr. Costello at drmscostello@gmail.com.


Readings: Charles Williams, The Place of the Lion, Regent College Publishing, 2003. Opal Whiteley and Benjamin Hoff, The Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow: The Mystical Nature Diary of Opal Whiteley, Penguin Books, 1986. Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community, Orbis Books, 2014


Melanie Starr Costello, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist, historian, and Zurich-trained Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. She earned her doctorate in the History and Literature of Religions from Northwestern University. A former Assistant Professor of History at St. Mary's College of Maryland, Dr. Costello has taught and published on the topics of psychology and religion, mystical spirituality, aging, and clinical practice. Her study of the link between illness and insight, entitled Imagination, Illness and Injury: Jungian Psychology and the Somatic Dimensions of Perception, is published by Routledge press.

KEEP IN TOUCH

5200 Cathedral Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016

support@jung.org
202-237-8109


OFFICE HOURS

Our offices are closed due to COVID-19.

You can reach us with any questions regarding programs at support@jung.org

LIBRARY

Our library is currently closed due to COVD-19. Please email junglibrary@jung.org to checkout a book. 

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

SUBSCRIBE

CONNECT


The Jung Society of Washington is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, a nonprofit educational institution. Our IRS form 990 is available upon request. Although many of the Jung Society's programs involve analytical psychology and allied subjects, these offerings are intended, and should be viewed, as a source of information and education, and not as therapy. The Jung Society does not offer psychoanalytical or other mental health services.
Images of mandalas throughout this site were created by Carl Jung's patients between the years 1926 and 1945.
Privacy Policy
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software