Carl G. Jung

"The sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being." - Carl G. Jung, MDR p326. 

 

Cinderella and tales of the persecuted heroine

A presentation by Suzanne Davidson

 

 

 

Thursday 4 June 2009, 7:30 – 9:30 pm

St Mary’s Parish House, Cn Merviale and Peel Sts,

South Brisbane

Members and concession $5; Non-members $10

  

 

 

 
Mythical and fairytale figures can be wise and experienced teachers of inner and sacred realms if we are open to receiving their guidance. Jung was guided by Philemon, a wise old man of superior insight who appeared to him in a dream. In a meditation to meet her own wise guide, Suzanne Davidson was rather taken aback when Cinderella appeared! Long forgotten since childhood, what lessons could this fairytale figure possibly have for a modern day woman or man?

 

The story of Cinderella is one of the most recognised stories around the world, with an estimated 1500 versions appearing in the folklore of countries for over a thousand years. What is it about this story that continues to intrigue us so? What are the origins of the well-known motifs of the hearth/ ashes, the glass slipper, the fairygodmother, the animal helpers, the marriage to the prince - and what do these motifs symbolise in Jungian terms? This presentation will explore different variations of the tale and locate it within the larger genre of ‘persecuted heroines’; examine a few approaches (including psychoanalytical approaches) to interpreting the tale; and conclude with some Jungian-influenced observations about the story’s insights into the psychology of envy and the challenge of female individuation in a patriarchal society.

 

Paricipants will also be invited to experience a meditation to meet their own wise guide.

 

Suzanne Davidson, BA, LLB, AACC, is currently undertaking post-graduate studies in depth psychology and mythology at the Pacifica Graduate Institute, California. A former practising lawyer, communications professional and conference producer, Suzanne founded a career consultancy for adults in mid-life called Life Artistry. She lives in Maleny with her husband James, where they are the founders and principals of an academic and scholarly publishing house, eContent Management (www.e-contentmanagement.com).