Certificate program in:
THE ART OF FAIRY TALE ANALYSIS
The fairy tale itself is its own best explanation; that is, its meaning is contained in the totality of its motifs connected by the thread of the story.
~Marie Louise Von Franz, Interpretation of Fairy Tales~
Marie Louise von Franz, a pioneer in depth psychology, collaborator and colleague of C. G. Jung for nearly thirty years was often heard to say that fairy tales were all the psychology the common folk needed to live. Understanding archetypes as "Natures Constants" and that archetypal patterns were familiar and understandable to professionals and laypersons. She would often chide her students if they could not explain their grand theories to the green grocer or the wait staff at the Küsnacht cafe. Her study of fairy tales occupied much of her life, secured her legacy, and grounded her teachings in the language and sensibilities of the common folk. Recognizing fairy tales as the skeleton and blueprint of the psyche, von Franz analyzed thousands of fairy tales to explore and map the archetypal dimensions of the psyche.
At The Assisi Institute, the study of archetypal patterns is our passion and we are dedicated to offering and practicing the art of pattern analysis. Nowhere can we do that with more flare, fun, and affection than with Marie Louise von Franz guiding the vessel as we enter the depths of fairy tales and encounter the unfathomable call of soul.
At The Assisi Institute, the study of archetypal patterns is our passion and we are dedicated to offering and practicing the art of pattern analysis. Nowhere can we do that with more flare, fun, and affection than with Marie Louise von Franz guiding the vessel as we enter the depths of fairy tales and encounter the unfathomable call of soul.

Muriel McMahon, M.Ed. CANADA is a Zurich trained Jungian Analyst, and Chair of the Fairy Tale Certification program, and maintains an international praxis. She is a Training analyst and Faculty member of the C.G. Jung Institute, Zurich, the Managing Editor of the Assisi Journal, and the Director of Studies for The Assisi Institute’s Archetypal Pattern Analyst program. Muriel has a passion for story and the ways in which our wounds and our wonders are expressed in the narrative of our lives
This Certificate Program in The Art of Fairy Tale Analysis invites students into the practice of reading the patterns and translating the archetypal meaning in the tales.
Each class will address an important aspect of fairy tale analysis organized into the following modules:
• Once Upon a Time: In this module we explore the title, opening sentence and initial paragraph of the fairy tale as the beginning of the tale often reveals the unique archetypal nature of the story.
Including guest presenter: Michael Conforti, Ph.D.
• Dramatis Personae and Symbols: In this module we explore how each of the characters and symbols express both the archetypal energies and the complexes inherent within the story. We will learn to identify the objective nature of archetypal images, and follow the characters within the story as they lead us through the portal into the archetypal dimensions of Psyche.
Including guest presenter: Bonnie Pfeiffer, M.A.
• Archetypal Motifs: In this module we trace the patterns, practice translating the tales, and seek to understand the archetypal aspects of life’s journey revealed in the fairy tale.
Including guest presenter: T.B.D
• The Structure of Psyche: In this module, Jung’s map of the soul and the overarching task of individuation will be addressed through our study of the tales. The following archetypal themes will be highlighted in this module; Persona, Ego, Shadow, Anima/Animus, and the Self.
Including guest presenter: Rozan Christian, Ph.D.
• Tasks/Knots/Twists/Turns: In this module, the action, dramatic arc, and the narrative tension will be traced and translated. An emphasis on the trickster (i.e. Joker, clown, Ekeko) as change agents will be discussed.
Including guest presenter: Patricia Llosa, MFA
• Endings: In this final module of the course, we will emphasize the resolution presented in the fairy tale, what Jung and von Franz defined as lysis. We will pay special attention to the complications to the hero or heroine and make note of the function of repetition in the tales. The resolution that is hinted at in the beginning of the take will be discussed.
Including guest presenter: Riccardo Mondo, Ph.D.
This seven (7) month training seminar The Art of Fairy Tale Analysis Program consists of the following teaching methods:
* 14 seminars
* We will begin with our first seminar as part of the Assisi Institute’s on-going Vision Lecture series because of the relevance of this presentation to the unfolding archetypal story of our times. All Fairy Tale participants will be registered for this presentation.
Each class will address an important aspect of fairy tale analysis organized into the following modules:
• Once Upon a Time: In this module we explore the title, opening sentence and initial paragraph of the fairy tale as the beginning of the tale often reveals the unique archetypal nature of the story.
Including guest presenter: Michael Conforti, Ph.D.
• Dramatis Personae and Symbols: In this module we explore how each of the characters and symbols express both the archetypal energies and the complexes inherent within the story. We will learn to identify the objective nature of archetypal images, and follow the characters within the story as they lead us through the portal into the archetypal dimensions of Psyche.
Including guest presenter: Bonnie Pfeiffer, M.A.
• Archetypal Motifs: In this module we trace the patterns, practice translating the tales, and seek to understand the archetypal aspects of life’s journey revealed in the fairy tale.
Including guest presenter: T.B.D
• The Structure of Psyche: In this module, Jung’s map of the soul and the overarching task of individuation will be addressed through our study of the tales. The following archetypal themes will be highlighted in this module; Persona, Ego, Shadow, Anima/Animus, and the Self.
Including guest presenter: Rozan Christian, Ph.D.
• Tasks/Knots/Twists/Turns: In this module, the action, dramatic arc, and the narrative tension will be traced and translated. An emphasis on the trickster (i.e. Joker, clown, Ekeko) as change agents will be discussed.
Including guest presenter: Patricia Llosa, MFA
• Endings: In this final module of the course, we will emphasize the resolution presented in the fairy tale, what Jung and von Franz defined as lysis. We will pay special attention to the complications to the hero or heroine and make note of the function of repetition in the tales. The resolution that is hinted at in the beginning of the take will be discussed.
Including guest presenter: Riccardo Mondo, Ph.D.
This seven (7) month training seminar The Art of Fairy Tale Analysis Program consists of the following teaching methods:
* 14 seminars
* We will begin with our first seminar as part of the Assisi Institute’s on-going Vision Lecture series because of the relevance of this presentation to the unfolding archetypal story of our times. All Fairy Tale participants will be registered for this presentation.

Seeing the 2020 Election Through the Lens of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jennifer Selig
United States
Tuesday November 10th
8pm - 9:30pm US Eastern Time
This seminar takes place a week after the elections in the United States, and Dr. Selig will use this kairos opportunity to reflect upon the results of this much anticipated presidential election from the perspective of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the past, Jennifer has spoken on the connection between King and current events by drawing on Jungian concepts such as; shadow, projection, hope, despair and the archetype of transformation.
Jennifer Selig, PhD, earned her Bachelor's degree in English from the University of California at Davis a Master's degree in Multicultural Literature from California State University in Sacramento, and a PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California, where she poured her creative energy and passion for education into her work as the designer and the founding chair of the innovative Master's degree program in Engaged Humanities and the Creative Life, and a PhD program in Jungian and Archetypal Studies. She co-authored the book, Deep Creativity: Seven Ways to Spark Your Creative Spirit. She also began her own boutique publishing company, Mandorla Books, which now has 22 titles in print.
Faculty:

Michael Conforti
USA
Dr. Michael Conforti is a Jungian analyst and the Founder and Director of The Assisi Institute. He is a faculty member at the C.G. Jung Institute, New York, Jung Institute, Boston, and for many years served as a Senior Associate faculty member in the Doctoral and Master's Programs in Clinical Psychology at Antioch New England.
A pioneer in the field of matter-psyche studies, Dr. Conforti is actively investigating the workings of archetypal fields and the relationship between Jungian psychology and the New Sciences. He has presented his work to a wide range of national and international audiences, including the C.G. Jung Institute - Zurich and Jungian organizations in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Italy, Russia, and Venezuela.
He is the author of Threshold Experiences: The Archetype of Beginnings (2007) and Field, Form and Fate: Patterns in Mind, Nature and Psyche (2002), which have been translated into Italian, Russian and a soon to be released Spanish edition. His articles have appeared in Psychological Perspectives, San Francisco Jung Library Journal, Roundtable Press, World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution, and Spring Journal.
USA
Dr. Michael Conforti is a Jungian analyst and the Founder and Director of The Assisi Institute. He is a faculty member at the C.G. Jung Institute, New York, Jung Institute, Boston, and for many years served as a Senior Associate faculty member in the Doctoral and Master's Programs in Clinical Psychology at Antioch New England.
A pioneer in the field of matter-psyche studies, Dr. Conforti is actively investigating the workings of archetypal fields and the relationship between Jungian psychology and the New Sciences. He has presented his work to a wide range of national and international audiences, including the C.G. Jung Institute - Zurich and Jungian organizations in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Italy, Russia, and Venezuela.
He is the author of Threshold Experiences: The Archetype of Beginnings (2007) and Field, Form and Fate: Patterns in Mind, Nature and Psyche (2002), which have been translated into Italian, Russian and a soon to be released Spanish edition. His articles have appeared in Psychological Perspectives, San Francisco Jung Library Journal, Roundtable Press, World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution, and Spring Journal.
TBD

Rozan Christian
USA
Dr. Rozan Christian is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. She holds a doctoral degree in counseling from the University of North Texas as well as a master's degree in education from Southern Methodist University (SMU). She is also certified as an Archetypal Pattern Analyst. Rozan maintains a private practice in Dallas, Texas, focusing on the identification of unconscious processes in her clients’ lives. She specializes in understanding the archetypal meaning of fairy tales and their application today.
For the past several years, she has led fairy tale discussion groups for individuals who want to know more about the human psyche. She has also translated fairy tales as a conference and webinar presenter for the Assisi Institute.
Rozan serves as an adjunct professor in the Master of Science in Counseling Program at SMU and supervises post-graduate interns seeking professional counseling licensure. In addition, she has published in professional journals, co-authored chapters in books, and presented at national conferences about the effects of life-changing events, including near-death experiences.
USA
Dr. Rozan Christian is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. She holds a doctoral degree in counseling from the University of North Texas as well as a master's degree in education from Southern Methodist University (SMU). She is also certified as an Archetypal Pattern Analyst. Rozan maintains a private practice in Dallas, Texas, focusing on the identification of unconscious processes in her clients’ lives. She specializes in understanding the archetypal meaning of fairy tales and their application today.
For the past several years, she has led fairy tale discussion groups for individuals who want to know more about the human psyche. She has also translated fairy tales as a conference and webinar presenter for the Assisi Institute.
Rozan serves as an adjunct professor in the Master of Science in Counseling Program at SMU and supervises post-graduate interns seeking professional counseling licensure. In addition, she has published in professional journals, co-authored chapters in books, and presented at national conferences about the effects of life-changing events, including near-death experiences.

Patricia Llosa
Peru / USA
Patricia Llosa, MFA, LP, is a Jungian analyst in private practice based in New York City. A native of Peru, she earned her undergraduate degree in archaeology and art history from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and did graduate work at The School of Visual Arts. For more than 20 years she worked as an administrator and educator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
She did her analytic training at the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association in New York where she now teaches. A graduate of Marion Woodman’s BodySoul Rhythms® Leadership Training Program she has served on the Foundation board and as faculty has taught workshops in Japan, Mexico, Peru and Spain.
Peru / USA
Patricia Llosa, MFA, LP, is a Jungian analyst in private practice based in New York City. A native of Peru, she earned her undergraduate degree in archaeology and art history from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and did graduate work at The School of Visual Arts. For more than 20 years she worked as an administrator and educator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
She did her analytic training at the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association in New York where she now teaches. A graduate of Marion Woodman’s BodySoul Rhythms® Leadership Training Program she has served on the Foundation board and as faculty has taught workshops in Japan, Mexico, Peru and Spain.

Riccardo Mondo
Italy
Riccardo Mondo, psychotherapist, psychologist, Junghian analyst at the Italian Center of Analytical Psychology, and Director of the magazine of Mediterranean Analytical Psychology, Enkelados. He is a founding member of the Study Center of the Mediterranean Institute of Archetypal Psychology. Riccardo also serves as the scientific manager of Ars Hillmaniana.
Essayist and lecturer, among his publications we mention the collaboration with James Hillman, Dear Hillman. Twenty-five correspondence with James Hillman. ed. Bollati Boringhieri, In Places of Making Soul ed. Magi, and the recent publication on The Wounded Healer ed. Magi.
He lives and works in Catania ( Italy) as an analyst and he teaches in various psychotherapy training institutes.
Italy
Riccardo Mondo, psychotherapist, psychologist, Junghian analyst at the Italian Center of Analytical Psychology, and Director of the magazine of Mediterranean Analytical Psychology, Enkelados. He is a founding member of the Study Center of the Mediterranean Institute of Archetypal Psychology. Riccardo also serves as the scientific manager of Ars Hillmaniana.
Essayist and lecturer, among his publications we mention the collaboration with James Hillman, Dear Hillman. Twenty-five correspondence with James Hillman. ed. Bollati Boringhieri, In Places of Making Soul ed. Magi, and the recent publication on The Wounded Healer ed. Magi.
He lives and works in Catania ( Italy) as an analyst and he teaches in various psychotherapy training institutes.

Bonnie L. Pfeiffer
USA
Bonnie is an Archetypal Dream Pattern Analyst and Senior Voice Dialogue Teacher & Facilitator. She began her studies with Dr. Michael Conforti and The Assisi Institute in 2009 and is currently a Senior Advisor/Mentor for the Beginning, Advanced & Master Archetypal Dream Patterning Training Programs.
Bonnie trained extensively with Drs. Hal & Sidra Stone, creators of Voice Dialogue, The Psychology of Selves & The Aware Ego Process, and began incorporating their work into her private practice in 2002. It was through Voice Dialogue that she was first trained in Dream Analysis, recognizing dreams as an expression of the “inner selves” constellated within an individual’s psyche, and their contribution to the patterns expressed in one’s life and relationships.
In her early career beginning in 1985, Bonnie was a Senior Teacher, Trainer & Counselor at The Autism Treatment Center of America. She worked with parents, families and individuals from all over the world, taught and supervised staff in training, and served as executive director. In 1993 she moved to the West Coast and went into private practice.
Working with clients for over 30 years now, Bonnie maintains a private practice in Ashland, Oregon, as well as offering private sessions by phone & Skype/Zoom.
USA
Bonnie is an Archetypal Dream Pattern Analyst and Senior Voice Dialogue Teacher & Facilitator. She began her studies with Dr. Michael Conforti and The Assisi Institute in 2009 and is currently a Senior Advisor/Mentor for the Beginning, Advanced & Master Archetypal Dream Patterning Training Programs.
Bonnie trained extensively with Drs. Hal & Sidra Stone, creators of Voice Dialogue, The Psychology of Selves & The Aware Ego Process, and began incorporating their work into her private practice in 2002. It was through Voice Dialogue that she was first trained in Dream Analysis, recognizing dreams as an expression of the “inner selves” constellated within an individual’s psyche, and their contribution to the patterns expressed in one’s life and relationships.
In her early career beginning in 1985, Bonnie was a Senior Teacher, Trainer & Counselor at The Autism Treatment Center of America. She worked with parents, families and individuals from all over the world, taught and supervised staff in training, and served as executive director. In 1993 she moved to the West Coast and went into private practice.
Working with clients for over 30 years now, Bonnie maintains a private practice in Ashland, Oregon, as well as offering private sessions by phone & Skype/Zoom.
Program Design:
Dates
November 10, 24
December 8, 22
January 5, 19
February 2, 16
March 2, 16
April 13, 27
May 11, 25
Tuition
$350
- Each module’s content will be taught by Muriel McMahon and include a guest faculty presentation.
- Each student will be encouraged to select a tale for interpretation, artistic rendering, or retelling.
- An individual mentoring session by Assisi Faculty will be offered.
- The concluding seminar will be open to the International Community and feature simultaneous translation.
- A publication of an electronic Journal of student fairy tale Interpretations, artistic renderings, and/or the contemporary retelling of a fairy tale will be explored.
- All sessions are held on the Zoom online format which allows all participants to see one another during the live classes. In addition, each session will be recorded and stored in our archives, so that if you have to miss a session, you can access the archives and watch the session at a later time.
- Seminars are held on alternate Tuesday evenings from 8 - 9:30 PM US Eastern Time.
Dates
November 10, 24
December 8, 22
January 5, 19
February 2, 16
March 2, 16
April 13, 27
May 11, 25
Tuition
$350

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