Zoom Only: Loving our Brokenness: The Human Dimension of the Archetype of the Black Madonna

TICKET SALES END AT 4PM (PST) NOVEMBER 1st.

Presented by Judy D. Zappacosta, M.A., L.M.F.T.

Brokenness, imperfection, and failure are intrinsic qualities of being human. Just as lead was turned into gold in alchemy, so, too, can sorrow, shame, or trauma be “prima materia” for transformation. This program explores the archetype of the Black Madonna as an example of redemption, an iconic figure often shrouded in mystery, miracles, and darkness, who is recognized as both a holy and embodied image. Sandplay casework will amplify ways that new energies can begin to consciously transform parts of the personality that have previously been cast off, hidden, or unlived. Black Madonna images often show up at these moments, offering redemption and rediscovery of other loving aspects that might otherwise have remained repressed, cut off, or lived out as grief, shame, and doubt.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the symbolic meaning of Black Madonna Figures and how they are found throught diverse cultures in the world
• Describe how Black Madonna symbolism is analogous to aspects of the personality that are denied, rejected, or repressed into the unconscious.
• Interpret and explain the meaning of Black Madonna symbolism as it appears in sandplay casework.
• Explain how the appearance of Black Madonna symbolism in sandplay therapy indicates the possibility of redemption and integration of rejected aspects of self.

Judy D. Zappacosta, M.A., L.M.F.T., is an emerita member of the Sandplay Therapists of America Board of Trustees (STA) and past member of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy Board of Trustees (ISST). She serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Sandplay Therapy (JST). Her publications include Pearls: Defining Moments in Our Lives, J. Zappacosta, Ed. (2014); “Widening Circles” in Into the Heart of Sandplay (Dyane N. Sherwood & Betty Jackson, Eds., 2018);); “Sandplay Therapy: A Way of Rediscovering Inner Wisdom in Body & Psyche” in Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues, S. Loue, Ed, (2013); Developing Therapeutic Language, in Supervision of Sandplay Therapy, (Harriet. Friedman & Rie R. Mitchell, Eds (2008) as well as numerous articles in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy and other publications. She completed the BodySoul Rhythms® Leadership Training Program with the Marion Woodman Foundation. Judy Zappacosta was a founder of Caring for the Soul conferences and offered programs in Sandplay Therapy and Pilgrimages to Black Madonna sites. She consults and supervises therapists using sandplay in Monterey, California. Her practice includes Jungian psychotherapy, sandplay, dreams, and the integration of psyche and soma.

Refund requests must be sent by email at administration@junginla.org before noon (12:00 pm) prior to the program being paid for. No refund will be issued otherwise.