Courses & Events

Upcoming Courses for Fall Term 2025

Tools and Topics for Thriving in Tumultuous Times

Wednesdays, 9/3,10,17,24; 10/1,8,15,22,29; 11/5,12,19; 7-9PM (EDT/EST after 11/2); via Zoom;
Tools and Topics in a Jungian Context for Thriving in Tumultuous Times is a response to the challenges in contemporary reality. A team of Jungian Center faculty has created a dynamic 12-week program drawing on Jung’s wisdom, practices and advice to his students as they faced the fears and tensions of the Cold War. In this workshop, which offers our three different perspectives (shamanic, therapeutic and scholarly) you will learn how to: identify your type and leverage it to thrive; assess your daily preferences for work and play; work effectively and efficiently with your dreams; partner with your self/Self to enjoy the support of your inner wisdom; gain access to your right brain and its timeless insights, using a method developed by a major Fortune 50 corporation; work with the various mantic arts, using those that resonate with you personally; hone your critical thinking by skillful use of media and your personal mind map; recognize social media as a “threat multiplier” and shift your use of media to be a force multiplier; leverage your values, your attitudes and live out your unique vocation by internalizing the three loci of control, authority and security; and develop your personal kitbag of preferences and networks. This program comes with a free copy of a guide to working with dreams, along with a one-to-one Zoom session focused on your personal opportunities and cosmic intentions. Led by Sue Mehrtens, Sonja Plaschka, and Kimia Maleki.

$120 (via PayPal or check in $US); to register, email us:
Register Here

The Planets as Allies: Shamanic Archetypes for Personal Transformation

A Three-Session Experiential Series

Tuesdays: 9/23, 9/30, 10/7 | 7:00–9:00 PM (EST) via Zoom

In this three-session experiential series, we will explore the planets as powerful shamanic archetypes—living symbols that embody unique energies and wisdom. Drawing from both astrological and Jungian perspectives, we’ll learn how these celestial forces mirror the deeper layers of our psyche, serving as guides and allies on the path of personal and spiritual transformation.
Each planet represents a distinct archetypal essence. For example, the Sun illuminates our sense of self, while Pluto dives into the unconscious to uncover hidden truths. Throughout the series, you’ll gain practical tools to harness these planetary energies in your daily life and understand their cyclical influence from a broader perspective.
This series is designed to be accessible to beginners while offering depth and nuance for more experienced practitioners. In our first session, we’ll lay the foundational concepts, followed by in-depth explorations of key planetary influences such as Saturn (structure and discipline), Jupiter (growth and wisdom), and Venus (beauty and relationship) and how to be mindful and co-create and wield power through your relationship with the luminaries and planets.
By consciously engaging with these planetary archetypes, you’ll gain valuable insight into the patterns, challenges, and opportunities they present, empowering you to navigate life with more clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Prerequisite: This series is foundational for those interested in exploring future astrological and shamanic classes that delve into the Cosmos, our connection to the astral plane and how to balance these energies within and without. Facilitated by Kimia

$55 (via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo or check in $US); to register email Kimia:

Planning Meeting for the Formation of Small Dream Groups

Wednesday, September 24, 2025; 4-6 pm (EDT); via Zoom; $15.
Ongoing Small Dream Groups will meet every two weeks. Sign up for one of the Small Dream Groups will be at the end of the Planning Meeting on 9/24. Depending on the level of interest, 2 and possibly 3 Small Dream Groups will be offered. Dream Group A: Wednesdays, from 4-6pm (EDT) 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12; Dream Group B: Thursdays, from 4-6pm (EDT) 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13; $60. The Small Dream Groups will be facilitated by Jennifer Bess. Payment for Small Dream Groups can be made after the Planning Meeting.

This Planning Meeting is for people interested in delving into their dreams by participating in a small group (3-4 people/group) in a safe, confidential and relaxed environment. Jennifer will talk about the purpose of small dream groups, the structure, and general expectations. Discussion is encouraged as we will talk about some of Jung’s basic concepts that help guide our work with dreams. The intention of forming small dream groups is to facilitate communicating with the unknown parts of ourselves that reside in the unconscious in order to form a more complete whole, thus furthering the process of Individuation. Often, we are not able to understand our dreams by ourselves. The small group setting offers a safe container in which to gently un-layer the images we meet in dreamtime. This is not to be considered group psychotherapy. Jennifer is not acting in the role of a psychotherapist, simply as a guide/facilitator. We will not be working with any dreams at the Planning Meeting on September 24.

At the end of this introductory Planning Meeting, those interested in working with their dreams may sign up for a Small Dream Group. Each Small Dream Group will meet for two hours, every other week, for a total of 4 sessions. At the end of the 4 sessions each individual in the small group will decide whether to continue meeting. If so desired, small groups will continue meeting with Jennifer as facilitator, with future dates to be decided at that time.

Recognizing the sacred nature of our dream space, we will be using Jung’s concepts to begin to understand the messages coming from the deep essence of ourselves while allowing the images to reveal their symbolic meaning within the safety of our dream groups. All levels of life experience are welcome and no previous experience doing dreamwork or psychotherapy is necessary. This and future meetings will not be recorded in the interest of privacy. Facilitated by Jennifer Bess, who worked as a psychotherapist, LCSW, for 20 years, and is now retired. Jennifer has been interested in dreams and spirituality for several years has been studying Carl Jung and has completed several courses on facilitating dream work, including several classes from Sue Mehrtens at the Jungian Center for the Spiritual Sciences.

Register by email: ;
Send payment to: By check payable to The Jungian Center: The Jungian Center, 55 Clover Lane, Waterbury, VT 05676,
or 
Register Here

Crafting a Spirit Doll

Saturdays, 10/4,11,18; 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT); at 495 Patch Rd, Morrisville;
Learn the basics of wool needle felting, while crafting your personal spirit doll. We will explore the origins, meaning and uses of spirit dolls. Using reflection, intuition and intention, you will create a personal doll that can bring you harmony, healing, balance, comfort or protection. This process will help you connect with your inner soul wisdom and be a reminder of your inner sacredness, your essence, your life force. The doll will become a friend, ally, confidant, as you embrace and honor your inner spirit. No experience needed. The craft of needle felting is very easy to do. As you poke the needle in the wool to shape your doll, you will be in a relaxed state of mind where you can tap into your intuition and imagination. Taught by Sara Waskuch, entrepreneur, amateur artist, avid crafter, spiritual explorer, and lover of all ways to create beauty in our lives.
$95; includes most supplies ( you may want to use some of your own artifacts to create your personal spirit doll). Class size limit: 6; register directly with Sara: email or call 802-279-9055 for more info; payment can be made by check or Venmo.@Sara-Waskuch

Around the Medicine Wheel: A Holistic Approach to Inner Guidance & Healing

Introductory Class : Saturday 10/18 | 3:00–5:30 PM (EST) via Zoom | $25
Join us for a two-hour introductory journey into Around the Medicine Wheel—a cyclical, symbolic map for healing, transformation, and alignment with the deeper Self.
Inspired by the sacred structure of the medicine wheel and grounded in Jungian and archetypal psychology, this model offers a path of wholeness that honors the rhythms of nature and the psyche. The wheel invites us to orient ourselves in the evolving landscape of our inner life—emotionally, spiritually, physically and psychologically.
Each direction holds a distinct archetypal energy:
• East: The realm of vision, inspiration, and new beginnings
• South: The emotional body, inner child, and relational patterns
• West: Shadow, transformation, endings, and descent
• North: Integration, wisdom, purpose, and sacred maturity
In this introductory class, we will explore:
• How the medicine wheel mirrors the individuation process
• The archetypal significance of each direction
• How to recognize where you are in your personal cycle
• Practices for working with the wheel as a tool for conscious evolution
This session will weave together teaching, guided reflection, and embodied practice. It offers a meaningful introduction for those on a path of inner work, seeking to align with the symbolic language of the soul and the cycles of deep transformation.

This is an introductory class to a more in-depth series called Around the Medicine Wheel: A Holistic Approach to Inner Guidance & Healing. Led by Kimia
(Register via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or check in USD)
To register, email Kimia at: 

The Body as Our Greatest Ally: Nervous System Wisdom, Defense Physiology & Symbolic Healing

Introductory Class : Saturday 11/15 | 3:00–5:30 PM (EST) via Zoom | $25
In a time of collective uncertainty and personal overwhelm, learning to regulate our inner world is not just healing—it’s revolutionary.
This introductory class explores the nervous system as a gateway to growth, resilience, and inner peace. We’ll explore how the body is not just reacting to stress, but offering messages, patterns, and possibilities for healing—if we learn how to listen.
Through a Jungian and psychospiritual lens, we will look at the body as a symbolic map—a mirror of unconscious material, ancestral patterns, and untapped potential.
You will learn:
• The basics of nervous system regulation and defense physiology (fight, flight, freeze, fawn)
• How trauma and stress are stored in the body—and how to begin releasing them
• How to use the body as an ally to cultivate calm, presence, and inner safety
• Ways to recognize the symbolic messages of the body as part of your healing and individuation journey
This session includes guided practices to support embodied regulation, insight-oriented reflection, and practical tools you can use right away to rewire your system toward greater peace, clarity, and grounded presence.
Whether you’re new to somatic work or deepening your practice, this class will help you attune to the intelligence of your body as a source of deep healing and self-trust. One on one support sessions also available. Led by Kimia.
(Register via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or check in USD)
To register, email Kimia at: 

“On and Off the Mat”: Yoga for the Body and Mind

A 5 Week Introductory Course in Yoga and Yoga Philosophy for Beginners,
Saturdays, 11/22; 11/29; 12/6; 12/13; 12/20; 12 Noon EST, 11AM CST, 10AM MST, 9AM PST, 5PM GMT; via Zoom;
In this course we will look at different types of Yoga systems, discuss fundamental principles of Yoga Philosophy according to the 8 Limbs of Yoga by Patanjali, and how to work with them in your daily life, we will explore breathing practices (Pranayama)  and engage in basic Yoga flows (Asana practice) to strengthen the body and to calm the nervous system.

We will discuss the Yogic understanding of mental suffering in comparison with Jung’s view; we will also look at different nervous system states based on polyvagal theory and think together about ways to up-or down-regulate your nervous system in challenging times.

For the asana practice it would be good to have a Yoga mat, a couple of Yoga blocks and a strap ready; however, a rug or large bath towel, a belt from a bath robe and a couple of big books will do as well!

You will receive a description of the Yoga flows and the pranayama exercises with the handouts, so you will be able to continue practicing at home.

Each session will last between 75-90 minutes, with a blend of theory, pranayama and asana practice.

I am a certified Yoga teacher (RYT-200) with additional trainings in Therapeutic Yoga for Mental Health and Trauma Recovery, Ashtanga Yoga and Restorative Yoga, and I have a longstanding background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychology
$75 (payments through PayPal; to register please email Sonja:

Note: the continuing courses on reading Jung and crone memoirs will occur on their usual days/times; participants in these courses will receive details via their personal email addresses

Our blog essay for August is “Jung on Honing Our Discernment”