The Alchemical Healing Function of Persona

This thesis take a heuristic approach in examining the role of the persona as a tool for healing beyond the diagnostic function that it is typically assigned. In this work, persona is viewed as a concretized form of the archetypal dance. The psyche is considered an alchemical instrument, and the persona is understood to be an integral part of the process of alchemy. In a relatively psychologically healthy individual, the personality is understood to be composed of multiple archetypes in communication and integrated with one another. The Buddhist practice of Chod is explored as a means to reintegrate disowned archetypal aspects of the persona, which can lead to psychological growth in the individual. The concepts and principles upon which this thesis is based are explored both through existing theory and with an artistic-creative methodology that illustrates personal psychological growth.