2020 as an Alchemical Year
led by Karen Harper, PhD., LCSW

Jung considered alchemy to be an ancient psycho-spiritual process with the Philosopher’s Stone as its goal, which according to Jung, parallels the individuation process of becoming whole. The transformation process occurs in an alchemical vessel: “The vessel is a symbol for the attitude which prevents anything from escaping into the outside world” (van Franz, 1980, p. 87), and it can be argued that 2020 was such a vessel, both collectively and individually.

This experiential presentation will link significant alchemical processes and symbols in a review of 2020 including coronavirus, death, quarantine, and working with the opposites such as political and racial divisions.

Karen Harper PhD., LCSW is a Jungian therapist in private practice in East Nashville. A depth psychology graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute and current President of the Nashville Jung Circle, Karen has presented in the U.S. and Canada at Jungian conferences. Her areas of interest are the natural world, Artemis, the archetypal Feminine, and in general, all things Jungian.