RITUAL AND MAGIC
AND THE AWAKENING OF THE NUMINOUS
“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Are Siri and Alexa the new oracles of Delphi? Who needs bone pointing wizard to curse your enemy when you can use a drone? It is as if the enchanted broom of Goethe’s sorcerer’s apprentice has exploited the development of technologies so they surpass even science fiction. In this presentation, we will explore how the ancient arts of ritual and magic and modern science can be adapted to awaken numinous subtle energies and activate mind body self-healing that can help us survive and thrive in this tumultuous and amazing world.
Both white and black “magic” can be found in the addictive, profit-driven, indispensable internet and electronics that can hijack a two year old’s brain before they learn to speak. The latest pharmacology offers remedies for countless illnesses, along with endless lists of side effects. On the other hand, when modern physiological research is combined with yogic pranayama and the Tibetan meditation practice of inner fire, initiates can rev up their immune system, run up Mount Everest in their shorts and free divers can hold their breath for 24 minutes.
The adept use of meditation and rituals can empower such depth psychology tools as active imagination, dream incubation, divination and lucid dreaming to enhance consciousness in order to mine the paradoxical treasures of the unconscious. But, Jung points out, “insight into them must be converted into an ethical obligation” to not “fall prey to the power principle.” Learning about these ancient and modern tools, discussing both their destructive and numinous transformative qualities, will be the subject of tonight’s dialogue.
Timothy Lyons, LCSW, is a Jungian-oriented psychotherapist in private practice for individuals, couples and families in Capitol Hill, D.C. and Takoma Park, Maryland. He has a certificate for postgraduate studies from the Philadelphia Jung Institute and is a frequent presenter at the Jung Society of Washington. His postgraduate studies also include infant observation and art therapy. Tim’s work is further enhanced by his studies of Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, Hatha yoga, and yoga philosophies. He has also completed teacher training in Trul Khor (Tibetan yoga). His earlier career as architect and editor includes writing for the Washington Post, and lecturing at the Smithsonian Institution.
When: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Jung Society Library, 5200 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Register at: https://www.jung.org/programs
Timothy Lyons 