Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

A Healing Journey through Gothic Literature and Artistic productions with Gothic elements

Who is this Self-Development
Course for?

This mentoring course is designed for a diverse audience, appealing to those interested in personal growth, psychological exploration, and creative expression.

This mentoring course is for:

Individuals Seeking Personal Growth and Healing

Self-Explorers: Those who are on a journey of self-discovery and want to explore the depths of their psyche, particularly through the lens of feminine archetypes.
People Facing Life Transitions: Individuals experiencing significant life changes (e.g., motherhood, career shifts, relationship changes) who want to explore and integrate new aspects of their identity.
Those Healing from Emotional Wounds: Participants who have unresolved emotional issues related to femininity, motherhood, or their relationship with the feminine will find healing and empowerment through the course.

Women and Those Exploring Feminine Identity

Women of All Ages: Women interested in understanding and embracing the different facets of their feminine identity, including nurturing, assertiveness, and creativity.
Those Questioning Gender Roles: Individuals interested in exploring and challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes through the study of feminine archetypes.
People Exploring Feminine Archetypes: Anyone interested in understanding the influence of feminine archetypes in their personal or professional lives, regardless of gender.

Professionals in the Fields of Psychology and Therapy

Therapists and Counselors: Mental health professionals who want to integrate archetypal psychology into their practice, using literature and art as therapeutic tools.
Life Coaches: Coaches who focus on personal development and want to offer their clients new perspectives and methods for self-exploration.
Art Therapists: Practitioners who use creative processes in therapy and wish to incorporate gothic themes and archetypal exploration into their sessions.

Students and Scholars of Literature, Psychology, and Art

Literature Students and Enthusiasts: Those interested in gothic literature and its exploration of feminine archetypes will deepen their understanding of these themes in a psychological context.
Psychology Students: Individuals studying psychology, particularly Jungian psychology, who want to explore the practical application of archetypes in literature and art.
Art and Cultural Studies Students: Those studying art, culture, or feminist theory who wish to examine how gothic art and literature represent feminine archetypes.

Creatives and Artists

Writers and Storytellers: Authors and storytellers interested in incorporating gothic themes and archetypal characters into their work, exploring new depths of character development and narrative.
Visual Artists: Artists who draw inspiration from gothic themes and wish to explore the psychological and symbolic aspects of feminine archetypes in their art.
Performers: Actors, dancers, and other performers who want to embody and explore archetypal roles, particularly those rooted in Gothic traditions.

Spiritual Seekers and Those Interested in Symbolism

Spiritual Practitioners: Individuals exploring spiritual practices related to archetypes, rituals, and the divine feminine, seeking a deeper connection to these themes.
Symbolism Enthusiasts: Those interested in the symbolic and mythical aspects of the feminine archetypes, as represented in literature, art, and cultural traditions.

Groups Interested in Community and Shared Learning

Support Groups: Women’s groups, book clubs, or other community organisations interested in the collective exploration of feminine identity and archetypes.
Workshop Facilitators: Leaders and facilitators looking to incorporate archetypal themes into their own workshops or group sessions, using this course as a model or inspiration.

Those Interested in Interdisciplinary Learning

Lifelong Learners: Individuals with a passion for learning across disciplines who are interested in a course that integrates psychology, literature, art, and cultural studies.
Cultural Enthusiasts: Those with an interest in gothic culture and how it intersects with psychology and feminist theory.

Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

A Healing Journey through Gothic Literature and Artistic productions with Gothic elements

This course explores the evolution of feminine archetypes in Gothic literature and art from a Jungian perspective, using these archetypes as tools for personal development and healing.

Module 1: Introduction to the Great Mother Archetype

Session 1

Concept of the Great Mother in Jungian Psychology
Definition and positive/negative aspects (nurturing and devouring).
Relevance in psychic development.

The Great Mother in Myths and Cultures
Examples of archetypal representations (Demeter, Isis, etc.)
Relationship with the collective unconscious.

Session 2

The Great Mother in the Gothic Context
Introduction to Gothic aesthetics and its relationship with the feminine.
Exercise: Great Mother Journal to explore how we experience the Great Mother archetype in our daily lives. Identification of experiences and emotions that relate to the characteristics of this archetype.

Module 2: The Dark Lady and the Shadow Femininity in Gothic Literature

Session 3

The Jungian Shadow: definition and its relation to femininity.
Integration of the shadow as a process of individuation.

Session 4

The Dark Lady in Gothic Literature and in artistic productions with Gothic elements.
Analysis of iconic Gothic female characters.
Exercise: Designing a literary or artistic character that embodies your own shadow femininity. This character will be explored through a narrative or drawing, emphasizing the integration of this aspect into your psyche.

Module 3 : Language as a Gateway to the Unconscious

Session 5

The Virgin and the Mother in the Gothic, the ideal of purity and its opposition.
The Witch as a Transgressive Archetype. Analysis of how this archetype challenges patriarchal norms.

Session 6

Transmutation of Archetypes in Modernity.
Comparison between classical and modern representations of these archetypes in popular culture.
Exercise: Creation of a visual collage depicting the personal evolution of feminine archetypes in your life.

Module 4 : The Interior Castle and Psychic Spaces in Gothic Literature

Session 7

The Castle as a Symbol of the Psyche
Interpretation of the castle in Gothic works. Comparison with the concept of “dwellings.”
Exploration of Psychic Spaces. Relationship between the rooms of the castle and different aspects of the self. Processes of exploration and confrontation within these spaces.

Session 8

The Initiatory Journey in Gothic Literature. The journey through the castle as a symbol of initiation and transformation.
Exercise: Mapping your inner castle. Drawing a symbolic map where you identify and describe the different spaces that represent aspects of your psyche.

Module 5 : Integration of Feminine Archetypes and Healing

Session 9

Archetypal Integration. Review of the archetypes worked on: Great Mother, Dark Lady, Virgin, Mother and Crone. How these archetypes manifest in daily life and in personal development.
The Complete Woman: Synthesis and Transformation
The process of becoming the “complete woman” according to Jungian psychology. Reflection on the influence of literature and art in this process.

Session 10

Reflection on the influence of literature and art in the process of transformation.
Exercise: Designing and performing a personal ritual that symbolises the integration of all archetypes worked on. This ritual can include writing, art, movement, or meditation.

Obtention of your Certificate

Requirements for Obtaining the Final Certificate:

Attendance of 80% of the course sessions.
Participants are expected to attend and actively participate in most classes to ensure their understanding and application of the concepts.
Contribution to group discussions and practical exercises.
Participation in group and individual exercises will be evaluated, as well as the willingness to share experiences and reflections during the sessions.
Submission of all exercises and tasks required in each unit.
Participants must complete and submit on time the practical exercises, such as the "Diary of the Great Mother", the "Collage of Archetypes" and the "Map of the Inner Castle".
Design and execution of the Integration Ritual.
The final project will consist of the creation and presentation of a symbolic ritual that reflects the integration of the archetypes worked on during the course. This ritual must be documented and presented to the group.
Submission of a written reflection on the process of learning and personal transformation throughout the course.
Participants are required to write a short essay (2-3 pages) reflecting on how the feminine archetypes explored have influenced their personal development and what changes or learnings have emerged.
Participation in an evaluation session at the end of the course.
Participants are expected to attend a final session where their progress will be discussed and personalized feedback will be provided.

Engagement and Participation: 30%
Quality of Exercises and Assignments: 30%
Final Project: 30%
Final Written Reflection: 10%

"Having worked with Alicia, she is an excellent, warm, intuitive mentor who genuinely interacts with students and makes learning a joyful experience. As an interviewer, she has an extensive knowledge of literature and is a joy to work with; she understands the writing process and asks intuitive, interesting questions. I warmly recommend her classes to anyone who wants to improve their criticality through the study of writing."

Tracy Fahey, Irish writer, academic and researcher

Meet your Mentor

Alicia Domínguez

Philologist, Independent Researcher, Writer, Introspective Mentor

Alicia Domínguez is a graduate of English philology and has a Master in Jungian psychology. She has a deep passion for Gothic Literature, Neuroscience and the workings of the mind.

As an independent researcher, she has been working on the different manifestations of the archetype of the Great Mother in texts and productions with Gothic elements since 2022 to bring light to the mental process of the characters, authors, and readers.

She is the owner, writer and editor of the online magazine You Are Gothic But You Don't Know It and creates digital content in her blog The Jungian Gothicist, on the online writing platform Medium and on her YouTube channel: Alice In Gothic Land.

She is a wife, mother of two boys and stepmom of two lovely tabby cats, roles she combines with being an entrepreneur, teacher, guide and mentor.

For the first half of her life, she helped her students of different ages and backgrounds achieve their linguistic and professional goals for more than 20 years.

Since 2020 she has been developing courses and programmes to help people in the middle of a crisis find their way home by analysing Gothic productions through the Jungian lens.

Alicia has a short story in a Spanish fiction anthology called Crónicas Microvampíricas, concurso de microrelatos sobre vampiros and a collaborative book called Diario de Madres Escritoras II, un nuevo comienzo, both edited and published by Diversidad Literaria.

She has written a critical essay that will be part of the collection Women in Supernatural, Critical Essays organised by Susan Nylander and Amanda Taylor to be published by McFarland Publishing, a critical essay called "Dones d'aigua", Folklore and Archetypes of the Female Representation in Mercè Rodoreda's "Mirall Trencat" as a result of her participation in FOGO.

She is currently working on an essay for a collection run by Simon Bacon called Rewilding Horror and an essay for the collection Mothers, Mothering, Horror and Terror in Television, Film, and Literature by Demeter Press, both around the archetype of the Great Mother.

She has attended language, literature and psychology conferences such as Besarilia and FOGO and participated in conferences and online groups such as Romancing the Gothic and Haunted Shores.

Benefits of doing
this unique
Personal-Development
Course

1. Deep Personal Insight and Growth

Self-Discovery: The course encourages you to explore and understand your inner world through the lens of archetypes. This will lead to profound self-awareness and insights into personal behaviours, patterns, and emotions.
Personal Development: By working with powerful feminine archetypes, you will access different aspects of your personality, promoting psychological growth and a more integrated sense of self.

2. Emotional Healing and Empowerment

Healing Past Wounds: Exploring the archetype of the Great Mother and her different representations will allow you to confront and heal unresolved emotional issues, particularly those related to femininity, motherhood, and identity.
Empowerment: The course will help you reclaim and empower different aspects of your feminine identity, whether through nurturing, assertiveness, or creative expression.

3. Creative Expression and Artistic Exploration

Enhanced Creativity: Engaging with literature and art in this type of context fosters creativity. You will be encouraged to explore your artistic side through exercises like creating collages, writing narratives, or designing symbolic rituals.
Connection to Cultural Heritage: By studying gothic literature and art, you will gain a deeper appreciation for cultural history and the evolution of feminine symbols in art, enriching your creative toolkit.

4. Understanding Archetypal Patterns

Psychological Insight: The course provides a framework for understanding how archetypal patterns influence behaviour, relationships, and personal growth, which can be applied in various aspects of life.
Application in Therapy: For those in therapeutic professions, this course offers tools and techniques to work with clients using archetypal symbolism and literature, enhancing therapeutic practices.

5. Community and Shared Learning

Group Support: This format creates a supportive community where you will be able to share experiences and learn from others, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Shared Experiences: Discussing and exploring these deep topics with others will help normalise and validate personal experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing collective wisdom.

6. Integration of Knowledge and Practical Skills

Holistic Approach: This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, allowing you to apply what you learn in a personal context, leading to lasting change.
Practical Tools for Everyday Life: Through exercises like journaling, creative expression, and ritual creation, you will gain practical tools that can be used for ongoing personal development and emotional regulation.

7. Spiritual and Symbolic Exploration

Spiritual Connection: The exploration of archetypes, particularly through the gothic lens, will deepen your spiritual awareness and connection to universal themes and symbols.
Ritual and Ceremony: The course provides an opportunity to engage in ritualistic practices that can enhance personal spirituality and provide a sense of meaning and connection.

8. Enrichment of Cultural and Literary Appreciation

Cultural Literacy: You will develop a richer understanding of gothic literature and its historical context, which can enhance your appreciation of cultural and literary works.
Interdisciplinary Learning: This course integrates psychology, literature, art, and mythology, offering a broad and multidisciplinary learning experience.

The female unconscious archetypal mind.jpg

Archetype of the Great Mother Tier 1

€64

Every month

Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

Valid for 10 months

Sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours

Monthly recordings to work at your own pace

Downloadable presentations

Exercises at the end of each module

Monthly Newsletter

Archetype of the Great Mother Tier 2

€576

576

Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

Valid for 10 months

Sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours

Monthly recordings to work at your own pace

Downloadable presentations

Exercises at the end of each module

Written feedback on your exercises

Monthly Newsletter

Archetype of the Great Mother tier 3

€1,176

1,176

Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

Valid for 12 months

Sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours

Live sessions with Q&As

Recordings of all the sessions

Downloadable presentations

Correction of exercises at the end of each module

Direct access to your mentor

Monthly Newsletter

Choose your pricing plan

Find one that works for you

Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

A Healing Journey through Gothic Literature and Artistic productions with Gothic elements

Who is this Self-Development Course for?

This mentoring course is designed for a diverse audience, appealing to those interested in personal growth, psychological exploration, and creative expression.

​This mentoring course is for:

​​

Individuals Seeking Personal Growth and Healing

Women and Those Exploring Feminine Identity

Embracing the Archetype of the Great Mother as the Origin of all her Symbolic Representations

Meet your Mentor

Benefits of doing this unique Personal-Development Course

​1. Deep Personal Insight and Growth​​

7. Spiritual and Symbolic Exploration

Archetype of the Great Mother Tier 1

Archetype of the Great Mother Tier 2

Archetype of the Great Mother tier 3

Choose your pricing plan

Who is this Self-Development
Course for?

This mentoring course is for:

Benefits of doing
this unique
Personal-Development
Course

1. Deep Personal Insight and Growth