Workshops and Seminars

The C.G. Jung Foundation presents

Jung, Myth, and the prima materia — a black, blacker than black:
Using Myth to Extract the Gold Inherent in Urban Male Adolescents

an evening workshop led by
G. Kwame Scruggs, PhD

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

My work will be continued by those who suffer — C. G. Jung

Through the metaphorical language of alchemy, this workshop will re-introduce participants to how the use of myth engages urban adolescent males to become conscious of their ability to shape their own lives. Youth come to imagine how, by incorporating the character traits of the hero and understanding the archetypal rhythms of nature, they will themselves become the hero within their own stories.

Similar to the hero, urban adolescent males must overcome a number of obstacles. They are viewed as one of America’s shadow images and also carry the traits of the prima materia. In alchemy, the prima materia was considered a substance of little or no value, one that could be discarded. However, this substance was also considered to be of immense value if allotted the attention it so rightfully deserved.

African American urban adolescent males feel themselves of a color — blacker than black. This color carries with it a charged shadow image of negativity, causing a color complex which leads many to an inferiority complex. Added to this lack of ego formation are youth living in an urban environment not conducive to exposure or learning. Their environment results in a victimization mentality, leading to a cultural mindset reminiscent of the prisoners in Plato’s allegory of the cave.

Through anecdotal stories, this workshop examines how the work of C.G. Jung assisted in the birth of our Alchemical approach. Additional topics of discussion include the basis of our theoretical foundation, our view of Black urban youth, and the creation of our temenos, our sacred circle.

Participants will experience how Alchemy, Inc.’s theory is put into practice through the telling of a myth to the beat of an African drum. The participants will analyze this myth—while the myth analyzes them. Participants will be introduced to how Alchemy, Inc. creates a sense of community to assist in the development of urban adolescent males through the telling, discussion, and interpretation of mythological stories and fairy tales—and how this method can be replicated in their respective communities.

G. Kwame Scruggs, PhD, is founder and executive director of Alchemy, Inc., a non-profit organization created in Akron, Ohio. The concept of Alchemy, Inc. is to create a safe environment and sense of community to assist in the development of urban males through the telling and analysis of mythological stories and fairy tales. Kwame holds an MA and a PhD in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.

For more information about Alchemy, Inc. visit their website: www.alchemyinc.net

---

Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
To be held at the C.G. Jung Foundation
28 East 39th Street, New York City

Workshop Fee: Foundation Members/Students: $20; General Public: $25. Tickets can be purchased online, by mail, by telephone, or in person at the Foundation office.

Space in this workshop is limited. Please register early.

Purchase Tickets Online:

This workshop has taken place. No tickets are available.

Purchase Tickets by Telephone:

To purchase tickets by telephone with a credit card, call 212-697-6430 Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Purchase Tickets by Mail:

To purchase tickets by mail, complete the following PDF form and mail it to to the Foundation with your payment.

›› Workshop Reservation Form (PDF format)‹‹

 

For further information, please call 212-697-6430 or FAX 212-953-3989.
You can also email your questions to info@cgjungny.org

[return to top]