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. She embodies the archetype of destruction and creation and shapes our inner and outer landscapes.

This lecture reveals how Pele manifests in the psyche and sandplay therapy to bring forth psychological healing and new perspectives during troubled times. With vivid images, case material, and storytelling Dr. Lorraine Freedle will share insights from her newly released book, When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women.  Join us to discover how the fierce energies of creation, destruction, and rebirth mirror your own untold story- and how honoring inner eruptions can lead to renewal.

 Learning objectives:

1. Describe how myth and cultural narratives support psychological and community resilience in times of crisis.
2. Identify three core themes in the Pele myth that reflect inner psychological processes and collective experiences.
3. Evaluate how the archetype of creation and destruction may be activated in sandplay and psychotherapy to foster transformative change.