2012 Summer Seminar with Lara Newton (2 of 2 weeks)

Maria Prophetissa and the World of Alchemy

Maria the Jewess (or Maria Prophetissa) is credited with establishing the theoretical and practical foundations of alchemy in the Western World, and is in fact considered to be the first non-fictitious alchemist in the Western World. She is estimated to have lived anywhere between the first and third centuries AD, and Zosimos of Panopolis sites her as his teacher. Maria is a fascinating figure, and this class will explore some of the stories and inventions that are attributed to her, including the Axiom of Maria which Jung quoted as a statement of the mystery beneath the individuation process. As we examine Maria and her work, we will translate it into psychological language, and thus gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world.

Lara Newton, M.A., L.P.C., is a Diplomate Jungian Analyst in private practice in Denver. She is president of the C.G. Jung Society of Colorado and Director of Training for the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado. Over the past several years, the topics of her study and teaching have included interpretation of dreams, fairy tales and myth, the psychology of the brother-sister relationship, and Jung’s work with alchemy.