Rethinking Archetypes: Evolving Universal Symbols for Humanity

Full Description

Rethinking Archetypes:
Evolving Universal Symbols for Humanity
Live Online Workshop

Time: Thursday at 11:00am -12:00pm Mountain Daylight Time (UTC -6)
Dates: June 8 – July 19, 2023
Online Platform: Zoom 
Class Size: 8 Students
Prerequisite: None

Want to understand more about human nature? Curious how archetypal studies can be evolutionary, healing, and adaptive? For students new to archetypes and those engaged in lifelong archetypal study, this workshop will change the way you view these important human symbols. Join Spiritual Director Stacey Couch and up to 7 other spiritual seekers for a live online six-week workshop.

In this workshop, Stacey facilitates weekly discussions that encourage you to think for yourself about that which is common to us all. Stacey presents questions, challenges assumptions, and presents an experimental atmosphere for thinking about archetypes in an inclusive and groundbreaking way.

Rather than be told what to think about archetypes and told which archetypes are yours, this workshop is all about forming an archetypal lens that aligns with your values. Your doubt and questions are welcome in these sessions. You are encouraged to bring your own theories, do your own research, and develop your own definitions.

Stacey facilitates this workshop from a place of non-judgment. Participants are asked to share feedback with her and their fellow students in a kind and respectful way. Authenticity is celebrated along with diversity. This workshop is not about learning and adopting a system, but instead about unlearning old conditioning and rethinking current systems. It is about disruption and adaptation, openness and reimagining. The freedom to explore allows for creativity and fun along the way.

To view the first meeting in your time zone visit here:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html?iso=20230608T170000&p1=75&p2=179&p3=137&p4=136&p5=195&p6=240
For those of you outside the U.S. please keep any time changes you have in mind.
AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS – This class is at 3:00am Sydney time on Fridays. 

Workshop Topics

Discussion topics for the workshop are listed below. Topics and the order of topics are subject to change based on the flow of discussion and energy of the group:

Session 1 – Archetypes as Shields

An exploration of the ways we use archetypes to protect ourselves and avoid connection. We look at how archetypes can cause us to put ourselves and others in boxes, providing obstacles to growth. Archetypes can be used as masks to protect us from vulnerability. Archetypes can become tools for exclusion and cruelty rather than vessels of belonging.

Session 2 – Lineage of Archetypes

When wielding the powerful language of archetypes, it’s imperative to know the history of the archetype, its labels, its use, and its connotations. Knowing the history, helps us understand the energetic baggage carried by the archetype. Viewing archetypes over time allows us to discover hidden gifts and challenges of the symbol.

Session 3 – Archetype Classification

Who gets to decide what is an archetype? Which groupings of archetypes are the right ones? We explore different archetype classification systems and how playing with archetype categories reveals new sides to the definitions and assumptions about the archetypes. Each student has a chance to experiment with their own taxonomic system.

Session 4 – Culture, Race and Gender in Archetypes

Different cultures approach different archetypes differently bringing their own bias into the definitions. We discuss what our own limitations might be and how to open up to different perspectives on universal symbols. Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts with archetypes are important because archetypes have to do with how we define human nature, the pronouns we use or don’t use, and the images we attach to different archetypes.

Session 5 – Cosmic Purpose of Archetypes

In this session, we question the idea that we made contracts on a soul level with archetypes before we incarnated into this life. This is the belief that we “signed up” for the experiences in this life. Is this true? And is it okay to assume that others should believe the same? Is it necessary or even possible to define archetypes that are “ours”? We discuss our connection to certain archetypes and how this might change over time.

Session 6 – What’s in a Name?

Making room for archetypes to adapt, we evaluate when to use new names or revise current definitions. A dialogue around archetype names and definitions helps us collectively explore who we are and who we wish to be. Rather than use set names and definitions to tell people how they need to look at themselves, we explore the creation of these categories and definitions as a way to explore who we are.

Workshop Dates:

• June 8
• June 15
• June 22
• NO CLASS June 29
• July 6
• July 13
• July 20

This workshop is right for you if you:

• Are drawn to work with archetypes to know yourself better
• Have a background in archetypal studies and want to refine your unique perspective
• Don’t have a background in archetypes and would like to learn in an open atmosphere
• Appreciate the direction of a facilitator who creates a safe container for sharing
• Consider yourself a spiritual seeker 
• Are looking to connect with others from around the world on the spiritual path

This workshop guided by Stacey provides a community for you and other seekers involved in deep transformation. Here you have an opportunity to talk, think, listen and feel through what you are experiencing. Stacey has over 15 years of experience leading groups in spiritual discussion. 

Talking with others about your interior life can be scary, especially when your experiences are different than those of the people around you. That’s the value of the being in a workshop with Stacey Couch. She provides a safe place to reveal conversations with your soul. Stacey holds a sacred space for you to share, for different ideas to arise, and for kinship and compassion beyond tolerance to grow. Her work is that of guiding you to the knowing that resides in your divinity.

In this workshop, we share our questions and consider possibilities. There is no doctrine, no right answer, and no one person smarter or wiser than the other. We all bring our own life experience and wisdom. In this space it is okay to not have the answers. In fact, that is the gentlest position. Rather than try to answer all of each other’s questions, we explore ideas and sit in wonder, wondering what is and sharing the little glimpses we each have the privilege to know.

Attendance is Required

** NO RECORDINGS of this workshop will be made **

Please check your calendars carefully and be sure that you are available to attend each session. Since this workshop is for a small amount of people, your attendance is REQUIRED once you register.

Your participation is key to make this work.

In this digital era people tend to be more casual about online activities. That works really well for the mass presentations with one teacher speaking to hundreds of students online, but for small, intimate discussion groups like we are forming, live attendance is necessary to make this work.

Your fellow seekers need your voice and questions to enrich the experience. Out of respect for your fellow seekers, please don’t fail to show and take up the spot of someone who would have been able to attend and benefit from the discussion.

Please be sure to check your calendars and make sure that the times and dates work for you in your time zone. And be sure to reserve the time in your schedule. The fee for this small group workshop must be paid in advance and is non-refundable.

One week prior to the event, you will receive an email with details on how to attend the event via your computer, mobile device or phone. It is preferred that you attend the event via video conference, but you can also call in by phone.

Cancellation Policy

There are no refunds for this workshop once you register unless your space can be filled. If you need to cancel and your spot in the workshop is able to be filled, you may receive the option of a refund minus a 5% processing fee. 

Full enrollment is required for Stacey to hold this class. If the workshop does not fill, Stacey reserves the right to cancel the workshop and refund your full payment.