A Journey into Maya Mythology
Presented by
Nancy C. Romig, RN, DNSc
Sunday, 4 PM – 6 PM, September 11th, 2016
“The collective unconscious – so far as we can say anything about it at all – appears to consist of mythological motifs or primordial images, for which reason the myths of all nations are its real exponents. In fact, the whole of mythology could be taken as a sort of projection of the collective unconscious.”~ C.G. Jung, (CW-8:325, On The Nature of the Psyche)
Through his travels, Jung’s observations and experiences in Africa, India and in the American Southwest affirmed his belief in the existence of the collective unconscious and the importance of studying mythology as a source of knowledge of the primordial psyche. The structural elements of inner psychic events, situational patterns and experiences are expressed in myths which can lead to a deepening of the individuation process. Symbols in dreams, art and cultural myths provide a window into the personal and collective unconscious.
This presentation is an exploration of the manifestations of the archetypes of collective unconscious in religious and mythological images found in the Maya culture. A brief overview of Maya culture and selected archetypal images will be explored.
Course objectives:
Discuss the role of the psychological interpretation of myths in understanding the collective and cultural unconscious.
Describe the Maya cosmology and purpose of religious practices from a Jungian perspective.
Examine the archetypal meaning of selected Maya mythological images and relevance to the individuation process.
Nancy C. Romig, RN, DNSc, is a certified Jungian Analyst and analyst member of the C.G. Jung Study Center of Southern California. She has a private practice in San Diego and works with individuals in Jungian analysis. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at CSU San Marcos where she teaches Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing to undergraduate and graduate students. Her research focuses on the Maya culture and mythological motifs from a Jungian perspective.