Writing Your Personal Symbols

In this 5-week remote class, students will use class time to develop a series of creative nonfiction pieces connected to classic Jungian archetypes such as the Hero, Lover, Outlaw, Trickster, Orphan and more! Taken as a whole, the 12 pieces you develop in class will comprise a written "mandala" -- the Sanskrit word for circle or completion. Jung thought of personal mandalas as cosmic diagrams, and advocated the making of mandalas for insight, healing and self-expression. Written mandalas allow students to connect disparate aspects of the self, and learn to trust the intuitive voice.

In the final stretch of the class, students will be invited to develop a short project, such as a draft of a personal essay or prose poem, a multi-media work that combines written text with visual art (such as collage, mosaic, drawings, photography, etc.), or even a small chapbook of writing generated in class. The final day of class will be devoted in part to sharing and celebrating student work, and reflecting on the journey taken.

“The emphasis in this class will be on generating new material in a spirit of joyous experimentation, adventure and discovery,” says instructor Kerry Muir. “Bring plenty of pens and paper, and come prepared to write.”

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon is running all classes in a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.