This program WILL BE RECORDED.

Carl Jung described death as the “fulfillment of life’s meaning and as its goal in the truest sense” (CW 8). In contrast to a view of death as a meaningless cessation, Jung presents it as integral to the individuation process — the deep work of becoming one’s whole self.

This discussion invites participants to explore the profound question of how one might consciously prepare for death through the creation of a personal myth. Drawing upon Jung’s psychology, Native American traditions, and broader mythological frameworks, the program will provide participants with perspectives that reframe death not as an end but as the culmination and fulfillment of life’s meaning.

To bring this vision into focus, we will discuss two contrasting frameworks:

• Opus Divinum (Christian framework):

-- Death approached through the lens of judgment and the afterlife

-- Heaven or hell as ultimate destinations

-- The meaning of suffering within this paradigm

• Opus Alchymicum (Transformative framework):

-- Death as a process of personal transformation

-- Incorporation of Taoist perspectives on consciousness after death

-- The role of soul work and individuation as preparation

-- Death viewed as the final challenge and fulfillment of life’s journey

The Native American tradition we consider most especially is the practice of preparing for death through song as a model for courage and surrender in facing the end of life.

PRICES

Non-Members:  $40/ticket

Individual Members:  $30/ticket

Senior 65+ Members:  $20/ticket

Student Members:  $15/ticket

Robert Mannis, Ph.D., is a practicing clinical psychologist in Frederick, MD. He earned his doctorate from the University of Maryland under the guidance of Professor Jake Goering, a Zürich-trained Jungian analyst. His dissertation was on a Jungian interpretation of the fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. His book, The Tao of Alchemy: A Path of Individuation, will be released by Chiron Publishers in October. Robert’s connections to the Jung Society reach back 50 years to 1976, when the Society was formed as the Jung Working Group of Washington, D.C. He served as treasurer of the group for 10 years.

DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM

RECORDINGS:  The recording will be sent out 24-48 hours after the session has concluded. You will have 14 days to watch the recording.  

ZOOM LINK: The Zoom link can be found in your registration confirmation email. They will also be shared about 24 hours before the program start time and one hour before the program starts. Registration closes before Zoom links are shared. If you do not receive your link 24 hours in advance, please reach out asap directly to support@jung.org.

CANCELLATION: You may cancel your registration up to 1 week prior to the program.

By agreeing to enroll in an online program offered by the Jung Society of Washington, you are also agreeing to comply with our terms. This means that you cannot record (through internal or external devices) the audio, visuals (photos), or any videos of the program. The intellectual property belongs to the presenter, and we ask you not to violate this policy. Also, we highly value the anonymity of the content of the program, of the presenters, and of individuals present in the program, and hope that everyone can contribute to a respectful and trust-building online environment. Thank you!