Reading Fairy Tales

A Jungian analysis

DESTINATION
Walters Falls, Ontario, Canada

DATES
October 18–21, 2009 (3 nights)

READINGS
A selection of fairy tales, well known and obscure and The Interpretation of Fairy Tales, Marie Louise von Franz

Description/Itinerary
“Of the various types of mythological literature, fairy tales are the simplest and purest expressions of the collective unconscious and thus offer the clearest understanding of the basic patterns of the human psyche. Every people or nation has its own way of experiencing this psychic reality, and so a study of the world’s fairy tales yields a wealth of insights into the archetypal experiences of humankind.”
-- Marie Louise von Franz in her classic book, The Interpretation of Fairy Tales.

Fairy tales represent truths so far from human consciousness that the psychologist Carl Jung believed that if you interpreted a fairy tale thoroughly, you would need a full week to recover from the process. The deceptively simple nature of these tales belies their power to reveal the inner workings of our emotions.

Join us for four days at the new and beautiful Falls Inn on the site of Walter’s Falls historic sawmill on the spectacular Bruce Trail. In exquisite natural surroundings, we will discuss The Interpretation of Fairy Tales by Marie Louise von Franz, one of the world’s foremost authorities on the psychological interpretation of these mythological gems. We will apply the theories explored in this book to a number of fairy tales from different cultures and from all stages of life. Some of the fairy tales – like “The Three Feathers” and “Briar Rose” will be known to many. Others, especially tales dealing with the second half of life, will be less familiar.

All will be read and discussed with a view to determining how we navigate our way through life’s transitions.

We will walk along the scenic Bruce Trail during the peak of fall colour and admire the many waterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment. Leader Béa Gonzalez will give several talks to enlarge on our understanding of the power of fairy tales.

Leader
Béa Gonzalez is a writer and a lecturer with a keen interest in all things Jungian. She has led a number of trips and seminars for Classical Pursuits and currently working on her third novel, a modern fairy tale set in a redwood forest.

Accommodatiation
The Falls Inn, 3 nights

Fees
Price: $1250 Cdn
Single Supplement: $300 Cdn

Fee includes books, accommodation, two meals a day, discussions, walking tours, talks and excursions.

Non Refundable Deposit:
$500 CDN due at registration