[Announcing] The Heroine's Quest: Myths & Fairy Tales of Individuation
A 3-part summer series at The Artemisian
The Heroine’s Quest:
Myths and Fairy Tales of Individuation
The heroine is a symbol of the individuating impulse within us all — a psychic force that seeks wholeness through descent, remembrance, reclamation, and conscious participation in life. She wears many faces across myth and fairy tale, journeying into dark forests, falling into enchanted sleep, contending with great sorceresses, and eating poisoned fruit.
Over the next three months in The Artemisian membership, we will explore the archetypal heroine as a symbolic guide for the individuation process through a Jungian lens.
We will draw upon the stories of Psyche and Eros, Bluebeard, and Rapunzel, tracing patterns of awakening, initiation, and transformation that appear across their tales. Our studies will be anchored by a monthly workshop and further supported by discussion threads, and the Oracle (a divination offering blending tarot and inner work practices).
The Heroine’s Quest is a members-exclusive workshop series and guided inner work experience. Upgrade your subscription to join us!
Psyche & Eros
Sisterhood & Trials of Initiation
In July, we will explore the myth of Psyche and Eros as an initiation into the mysteries of life and death through sisterhood and confrontation with the Great Mother archetype. Following Psyche’s story, we’ll consider how the soul awakens through relationship, impossible trials, and descent to the underworld. Her journeying will inspire our inner work and reveal distinct pathways for navigating the challenges of individuation and the transformations they require.
Our focus includes:
Understanding sisterhood and relationship as catalysts for initiation and psychological development
Exploring Psyche’s trials as symbolic stages of soul-development and the individuation process
Contemplating the Great Mother, descent to the underworld, and the awakening from psychic sleep
Workshop Info.
Date: Saturday, July 18th
Time: 11:00 AM PST | 2:00 PM EST | 7:00pm BST
Length: ~90 mins
Where: Live stream on Substack
Bluebeard
Revelation & the Forbidden Psyche
In August, we will explore the fairy tale of Bluebeard as a confrontation with the dark aspects of the psyche and the destructive forces hidden within it. Through the symbol of the forbidden chamber, the tale reveals how we unconsciously participate in self-annihilating and dismembering psychic patterns. As a path towards transformation, we will contemplate the key and the heroine’s curiosity as a force of revelation, helping us to identify the inner resources that will support the establishment of psychic authority in our own lives.
Our focus includes:
Exploring the forbidden chamber as a symbol of shadow and psychic darkness
Following the key and the heroine’s curiosity as pathways to revelation and inner knowing
Developing the discernment and psychic authority needed to confront and transform destructive patterns
Workshop Info.
Date: Saturday, August 15th
Time: 11:00 AM PST | 2:00 PM EST | 7:00pm BST
Length: ~90 mins
Where: Live stream on Substack
Rapunzel
Psychic Captivity & the Return to Life
In September, we will explore the fairy tale of Rapunzel as a story of psychic captivity and the longing for liberation. Drawing from Jungian analyst Donald Kalsched’s work on the archetypal self-care system, we will consider how the soul retreats into protective structures that, overtime, become limiting and persecutory. Through the symbolism of Rapunzel’s song, we will uncover how to work with the psyche’s enduring creative spirit and the return to life.
Our focus includes:
Exploring the tower as a symbol of psychic defense, isolation, and captivity
Understanding the sorceress as both protector and persecutor within the psyche
Following Rapunzel’s song as a pathway to creative expression, embodiment, and participation in life
Workshop Info.
Date: Saturday, September 12th
Time: 11:00 AM PST | 2:00 PM EST | 7:00pm BST
Length: ~90 mins
Where: Live stream on Substack
If you have any questions or thoughts on The Heroine’s Quest series, feel free to drop it in the comments below!
Wahoo! This sounds wonderful, Alyssa. I love deep dives through a series format and have been wanting to focus more on the heroine's journey. Can't wait.
Sounds amazing ...I'm very excited 🧝♀️