The Alchemy of Menopause: A Free Introductory Talk

The Alchemy of Menopause:

What if menopause, as much as a biological transition in the life of adult women, is also a psycho-spiritual initiation, an opening into the inner planes of the psyche. What if menopause, the blackening, or the dark night of the soul is in fact the beginning of the alchemical work, (your personal alchemical work), and that it has the potential to midwife the woman you were always meant to be.

This introductory talk broadly introduces the concept of alchemy, inner alchemy and its psychological parallels with particular reference to the work of C.G. Jung. From there I propose the idea that menopause, beyond a biological threshold in the life of women, may also be considered an alchemical initiation. From this perspective, menopause, when engaged with symbolically and creatively as well as psychologically and physically offers layers of rich exploration into your inner world at this transformative time.

If this resonates with you, and you feel drawn to working more with this material, I am offering a 8-part series of workshops where we incorporate mythology, astrology, archetypes, creative practice, shamanic journeying, journalling, dream work, Nature connection and breath work.

It is not necessary to sign up for all workshops,however I do ask that you sign up for at least two, to receive the benefit of completing one full section. The workshops will take place on-line every second Thursday, roughly aligning with the new and full moon. The introductory talk happens on 7th October, and we begin the workshops on 21st October.

The first section, the Nigerdo is a deep dive into what the alchemists refer to as the “blackening”, a necessary, though often uncomfortable stage at the beginning of the “Great Work”. The great work need not be anything grand, it is the bringing forth of your unique essence into the world, and the creating a life that you call your own.

In the Nigredo phase the shadow comes calling, and the need to integrate shadow aspects becomes increasingly apparent- this can be challenging to varying degrees. If when reflecting on the life you have lived so far, you feel remorse, regret, shame, pain, or an inability to accept or admit certain things, leaning into the discomfort and accepting that our lives have unfolded in the way that they have- warts and all- for a reason is the beginning of self-acceptance. From there, we might begin to nurture reverence and gratitude for all that we have lived, even the most difficult of circumstances.

The centaur Chiron, known as the wounded healer is at this time of a woman’s journey also helping to facilitate a deep soul healing.

There is no obligation to sign up for the workshops, your presence at the introductory talk is welcome.

If you would like to read more about The Alchemy of Menopause, and the Nigredo stage, you can use this link to a recent blog posted on my website.

https://gnosticwoman.com/2025/09/the-alchemy-of-menopause-nigredo/