Our Ancient Souls
Symbol and Meaning in Creation Myths
of the Maya and Aztec Cultures
A weeklong full-immersion Jungian seminar in the historic heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico ● March 2 – 8, 2026
Presented by the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado
The C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado announces a seminar to be held in Mérida, in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Our institute is committed to sharing our rich cultural connections with all of you. Among our members are those who are living, researching, and studying the powerful alchemy of prehispánic Mexican myths, and this seminar brings together their experience and understanding of that psychological world. Set in Yucatán, the seminar will include excursions to the ancient sacred sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. We hope that you can join us in this journey back in time!
Our keynote speaker/seminar leader is Nancy Swift Furlotti, whose book on Mayan mythology, The Splendor of the Maya: A Journey into the Shadows at the Dawn of Creation, is forthcoming this fall. Co-presenters are Lourdes Albarran and John Todd. Lara Newton will lead morning meditations during the seminar.
In her introductory lecture, Nancy Furlotti will explore with us the history of the emerging cultures in early Mesoamerica and their relationships with each other. We are so lucky to take this journey in the heart of Mesoamerica, which encompasses many different cultures that developed over 3000 years. Their history was almost lost after the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500’s but thankfully, the original world wasn’t forgotten completely. It is time for all of us to remember what was and remains here, still flourishing.
The next day, we will delve into the preclassic K'iche Maya creation myth called The Popol Vuh. It takes us through the four creations and three destructions of this world, finally arriving at the creation of humans. We will examine and play with the symbolism, the mythic themes, the gods, heroes and demons who take part. This myth had an influence across all of Mesoamerica.
Finally, a wonderful contrast, we will explore a much later Aztec creation myth of the five suns. Each god has certain characteristics that are important in the Aztec cosmology. The symbolic movement incorporates the four elements, four directions, and forces of the gods that clash, creating a cycle of time that shows life to be constantly renewed. It is an interplay with heaven, earth, and hell. In this multi-faceted myth, there are many layers of psyche to discover.
Lourdes Albarran will lead us through an in-depth look at the story of Huitzilopochtli, an Aztec God who is an embodiment of war, sun and life, as well as the struggle between light and darkness. Huitzilopochtli brings us to recognize the process of individuation and the integration of consciousness. The myth is an inspiration that motivates individuals to reach their full potential.
John Todd will present on Camazotz, a bat spirit within the Mayan mythology of The Popol Vuh, who was in service to the gods of the Underworld. This lecture will explore the dualities present in the image of Camazotz as well as bats within mythology and folklore.
Morning reflections and meditations on all days other than excursion days will be led by Lara Newton. Excursions to Chichén Itzá and Uxmal will be two full day trips, including an evening light show at Uxmal.
Mérida is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, and is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making it a popular destination to experience the spirit of Yucatán.
Uxmal is a prominent and well-preserved example of Mayan architecture and culture, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a testament to the advanced knowledge and skills of the Mayan architecture, astronomy and mathematics. Uxmal's establishment began around 700 AD becoming a major city with 25,000 people before its decline.
Chichén Itzá is a sacred city and one of the most important archeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula. It was a major center in Mayan civilization, a blend of Mayan and Toltec tradition. Founded in the 5th century AD, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. It is one of the most important and well-preserved Mayan archeological sites, offering a glimpse into the civilization's history, mythology and daily life.
PRESENTERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:NANCY SWIFT FURLOTTI, PhD is a senior Jungian Analyst living in Aspen, Colorado. She is a past president of the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles, where she trained, and a founding member and past president of the Philemon Foundation, which published C.G. Jung’s Red Book. She is a member of the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado and on the board of Pacifica Graduate Institute. She lectures internationally on Jungian topics such as working with dreams, mythology— especially from Mesoamerica— trauma, and creativity. Her books include: The Dream and its Amplification; Eternal Echoes: Erich Neumann’s Timeless Relevance to Consciousness, Creativity, and Evil; and forthcoming, The Splendor of the Maya: A Journey into the Shadows at the Dawn of Creation.
LOURDES ALBARRAN is a Mexican senior Jungian Analyst with a private practice in Mexico City. She completed her training at the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado in 2010 and is a member, instructor and supervisor with the Institute. Lourdes is a passionate explorer of the symbolic richness of myths and dreams and how to apply their teachings in her analytical practice. Lourdes is excited to share this material with others who are interested in Jungian Psychology and Mexican myths.
JOHN TODD, PhD is a senior Jungian Analyst and Director of Training at the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado. He is a graduate of the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts and C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado. He received his doctorate in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where he is currently an adjunct professor of Alchemy and Dream Interpretation.
LARA NEWTON is a senior Jungian Analyst in private practice in Denver, Colorado. She is the president of the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado, and served as its Director of Training for many years. She has been president of the C.G. Jung Society of Colorado for over 25 years. Lara has been deeply involved in Jungian psychology since the early 1970's,and has published one book, Brothers and Sisters: Discovering the Psychology of Companionship, and has written several essays, some of which have been published as well, on various aspects of symbolic literature and experience.
Hotel Mérida is a quaint, colonial-style hotel in the center of Mérida. We will be its sole occupants during our seminar. www.hotelmeridayucatan.com.mx/
Meals will be at the hotel and local restaurants. TO REGISTER, CONTACT:
LARA NEWTON. lmnewton@mac.com
After contacting Lara Newton by email, print the REGISTRATION FORM, scan it, then email it back to Lara; or alternatively mail it with a check to the institute.
Program cost in U.S. Dollars:
$2,750 per person for single room
$2,450 per person sharing a double room
$500 deposit due by October 1, 2025 ($250 of this deposit is non-refundable)
Final payment due by January 15, 2026
(please note: there is a $47 surcharge for final payments made through PayPal)
Program cost includes:
• 6 nights in Hotel Mérida
• all presentations, discussions, reflective activities and readings
• all breakfasts and lunches, five dinners, coffee, tea
• transportation, including two excursions, within the program
What is not included:
Flight or other transportation to Mérida; Transportation to and from Mérida and airport (assistance in scheduling this transportation is available); entrance fees to archaeological sites of excursions; transportation to restaurants other than at the hotel; any activities during free time.