The Mexican Day of the Dead: Honoring the Ancestors & Giving Image to Death

The Mexican Day of the Dead: Honoring the Ancestors and Giving Image to Death with Sandra del Castillo, PhD

The Mexican Day of the Dead is a unique, and ever-unfolding tradition venerating the ancestors. Celebrated on November first and second, this tradition has its earliest roots in Mesoamerica and 16th century Spanish Catholicism. In this lecture, a Jungian lens is applied to the Mexican Day of the Dead to examine concepts of death, the afterlife of the soul, and the crucial role the ancestors play in the world of the living.

The presentation begins with the Day of the Dead as it is celebrated in Mexico today and emphasizes the tradition’s Mesoamerican roots. The presentation is based both on research and Sandra's own personal experience living in Michoacán, a region of the country where the tradition is renowned, and her ancestral heritage.

Each year, Sandra creates a special PRS Ofrenda in the auditorium lobby which will be on view. The ofrenda is the Mexican family shrine venerating the ancestors; its key symbols, and elements will also be introduced. Participants can add to an ofrenda by placing objects honoring those who are no longer with us; this can include the beloved philosophers, poets, teachers, Jungian scholars, family members and dear pets. Feel free to bring a favorite quote, anecdote, or poem for, or about the person to add to the ofrenda.

Sandra del Castillo, PhD is a Jungian mentor, ritual artist, and dreamer. She received her doctorate degree in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she teaches adjunct. Born in California, Sandra is of Mexican Indigenous descent, and lived in Mexico for 15 years with her children, where she studied mythology, Indigenous medicine, dance, and taught. She also acted as interpreter for a Liberation Theology retreat center in Cuervavaca, Morelos. Through scholarship and ritual art, it is her aim to share the wisdom of Mesoamerica and “give birth to the ancient in a new time,” as Jung proposed.

Her podcast, Blue Medicine Journal: A Jungian Podcast, explores dreams, myth, and ritual art as the language of the soul, and “soul medicine” for these dramatic and changing times. Sandra is dedicated to the re-enchantment of our ensouled world and imagining a new world into being.

Tickets: $10 (in-person only event)

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you. 

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Parking is available in both front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as ample street parking on Griffith Park Blvd.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

* We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

* Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.

* We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.

* Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.

* No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.

* There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.

* We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

* PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.

* Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.

* Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society