The Archetype of Creation and Destruction: Lessons from Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcano

Myths and cultural stories are pregnant with archetypal energies, often emerging in times of individual or collective crisis to help people      connect with one another, process trauma, and build resilience.

Central to Hawaiian culture is the mythology of Pele, the revered goddess of fire and volcanic activity. Embodying the dynamic forces of creation and destruction, Pele is alive in the ʻāina (land) and its people–shaping both the physical and spiritual landscapes.

In this workshop, participants will explore how the goddess Pele manifests in the psyche and sandplay therapy to promote psychological healing and growth. With vivid images and storytelling Dr. Lorraine Freedle will share insights from her experience with disaster resilience during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, research from her newly released book, When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women, and case material from sandplay therapy with children and adults to illustrate this transformative process. Participants will also engage in with their own creative work to enhance learning.

 Learning objectives

1. Define archetype (Jung) and describe three ways to activate archetypal energy.
2. Assess how myth and cultural stories influence psychological well-being, particularly during times of crisis.
3. Identify three themes from the Pele myth that may appear during sandplay therapy.