the person behind this project
My name is Alicia Domínguez, and I am the creator of The Gothic Descent. This is more than just a platform; it is the culmination of my lifelong exploration into the mysteries of language, literature, communication, dreams, the unconscious, and the human psyche.
When I can't find what I am looking for I create it myself.
Dreams have always been my guiding light, offering glimpses into an unseen world where symbols and synchronicities speak to a deeper reality. My personal journey has been shaped by an unshakable connection to what Carl Jung described as the "Unus Mundus"; the interconnected web of all existence.
From an early age, I sensed that my dreams were more than just nighttime wanderings; they were portals, mediums that bridged the inner and outer worlds, connecting me with something profoundly meaningful. These experiences, combined with my studies in Gothic literature and Jungian psychology, led me to peel back the social layers we all carry to uncover what lies beneath. I believe reconnecting with the essence of who we are, beyond expectations, labels, and fears, is a universal need.
This understanding deepened through the challenges of daily life as I am a carer for my husband, supporting him as he navigates a chronic heart condition and the aftermath of a near-death experience. His journey has included surviving an ictus, battling life-threatening arrhythmias, and undergoing complex heart surgery to postpone a heart transplant. I am also a mother to two wonderful boys, aged 14 and 10, who are growing and changing, needing their own guidance and care as they face life’s transitions.
My journey has not been without profound personal struggles. I live with Lyme disease, a condition that has affected both my physical and mental well-being, adding another layer of complexity to the dynamics of my life. Prior to Lyme, my body underwent significant changes, including an ectopic pregnancy and a subsequent termination, each marking a distinct loss. These experiences, in their own right, stirred deep inner questioning, but it was the discovery of Lyme disease in April that revealed other underlying health issues, further complicating my journey.
The existential crisis I faced was not only triggered, and gradually compiling by these physical challenges, but was deepened when my husband and I were forced to close our language school due to the pandemic and market shifts. This professional loss, in turn, set the stage for my need to move into the online business world.
These losses, both personal and professional, were the initial catalysts, propelling me into the depths of self-inquiry. They are not merely experiences that have shaped me, but forces that have been driving me to investigate the unconscious terrain I have always felt drawn to. The Gothic and Jungian dimensions of these struggles reveal a journey through the shadow, confronting death, loss, and transformation in order to embrace the deeper truths hidden within.
As a carer, mother, and seeker, I have acquired new tools through my studies and personal exploration, which ripple outward, creating positive change for those around me. I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the unconscious, embracing symbols, and transforming fear into growth can inspire self-development, not only in myself but also in my family.
Through all of this, my work as an English philologist, researcher, and holder of a Master’s degree in Jungian psychology has remained a cornerstone of my mission. I’ve combined these experiences with my academic insights to create a space for others to embark on their own transformative journeys.
The Gothic Descent is where my academic pursuits, personal revelations, and creative passions converge. It’s a space for those ready to embrace their shadows, explore the cycles of life and death, and find their authentic selves.
So, I ask you: Are you ready to descend into the depths, to confront your own shadows, and uncover the truths that lie hidden within?
