The Stage and the Stone: Psychodrama, Alchemy, and Jung

Abstract

Research bridging psychodrama and Jungian psychology has not looked at the role of the sacred, numinous, and the unitary nature of reality in the theory and practice of Jung and Moreno. This qualitative hermeneutic inquiry utilized imaginal and depth psychological approaches to explore psychodrama and Jungian psychology. Alchemy provided the sacred and transformational framework in which to explore their work and methods for transforming the prima materia into the philosopher’s stone. This study utilized an imaginal approach to engage the symbols of stage and stone as representations of Moreno’s and Jung’s work respectively, inviting the unconscious into the hermeneutic dialogue in service to the soul. Of particular interest was Moreno’s theory of the encounter and his method of role reversal, Jung’s theory of the transcendent function, and, subsequently, the symbol of the mandorla. The findings are the result of identifying and examining the worldview implicit in Moreno’s psychodrama and Jung’s psychology, identifying the similarities and differences in their life experience, their theories and their practices, and engaging imaginally with the psyche in an alchemical process. This research demonstrated and revealed the interconnection of all things and the role of the divine as a numinous thread in the work of both men. The value of surrendering to psyche and trusting depth psychological process, fundamental to the theory and practice of both Jung and Moreno, was integral to this research process.