Dissertation Title:

Grounded Virtuality: Restoring Hestia in the Digital Age of Hermes Connectivity

Candidate:

Debra Jean Sherk

Date, Time & Place:

April 19, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Studio, Lambert Road campus


Abstract

This archetypal-mythopoetic hermeneutic study explores the relationship between the historically underrepresented, ancient Greek goddess Hestia—the goddess of the hearth, the home, and the center—and the ubiquitous, modern phenomenon of digital connectivity, closely associated with Hermes—the ancient Greek god of communication, commerce, and exchange. Hermes is the connection-maker, the trickster, and psychopomp notorious for his cunning thievery, his libidinous cravings, and his ability to guide the psyche in and out of territories unknown. The study begins with a review of relevant Greek myths, classical and modern interpretations, as well as psychoanalytic, Jungian, and archetypal perspectives as they pertain to Hestia and Hermes—both as mythic figures and as archetypal principles underpinning modes of being and relating. It proceeds with a psychological seeing through of problematic symptoms and afflictions manifesting within industrialized cultures in the Digital Age, with a particular focus on the themes of Hermetic excess, inflation, intoxication, and possession, as posited by C. G. Jung, James Hillman, and other prominent depth psychological thinkers. The significance of Hestian values, sensibilities, and themes are then explored, including the idea of home as psychological center, a centered focus on and tending of the internal images and inner processes of psyche, as well as the need for psychological grounding, containment, and integration. The pairing of Hestia and Hermes as a complementary, “archetypal royal couple” is emphasized, as is the value of restoring to modern consciousness a more nuanced, polytheistic, and soul-based sensibility.

Note

All Oral Defense attendees must shuttle from the Best Western Hotel in Carpinteria
Because of Pacifica’s conditional use permit, which restricts campus parking, all guests of Pacifica must use our complimentary shuttle service to and from campus. Please call 896-1887 or 896-1888 for a shuttle pickup from the Best Western. A driver will pick you shortly and deliver you to the campus.

Thank you for your kind consideration of our grounds!

Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian & Archetypal Studies, Track N, 2012
  • Chair: Dr. Glen Slater
  • Reader: Dr. Sukey Fontelieu
  • External Reader: Dr. Drew Foley
  • Keywords: Digital Connectivity, Hestia, Hermes, Hillman, Soul