Caves of Painted Dreams

Dreams, Symbolism and ART in the Painted Caves of France

 

Carol Aalbers, PhD &  Kirah VanSickle, Artist 

& Magen O’Farrell, Anthropologist

September 10-19, 2025

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“What gives this art its power is that it makes us dream” 

Jean Clottes

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We will explore archetypal images in the caves, in our dreams, and in the beautiful landscape of the Dordogne Valley, France, with instruction from a gifted  artist and teacher who helps each person, novice or advanced,  express their inner landscape.

 

“I’m no longer afraid of art” 

2019 Workshop participant

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The painted caves of southwestern France are the perfect metaphor for the internal journey to the unconscious that we experience each night in dreams.  Art is a visual language of symbol and metaphor which has been the language of humankind since the first dawning of human consciousness. 

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Nowhere is that more evident than in these beautifully painted caves which likely functioned as sacred spaces for early humans. C. G. Jung and Jungian Analyst Marion Woodman believe that by learning to remember and attend to our dreams, we can discover more about ourselves and our relationships to others.  Utilizing active imagination and recording our own dream images with various art mediums, will enhance our experience and aid in our inner journey.

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On a typical day we will have a dream workshop/art session after breakfast to connect to/elucidate our own images. We will then visit one of the painted caves in the area. Lunch together provides time for discussion with some afternoons free to hike, kayak, bike, rest, or visit some of the other wonderful sights in this area including castles of all sorts, and wineries. We will reconvene in the evening to experience ways to further amplify dreams with art-making, mixed-media techniques, music, movement, and guided imagery.

 

Workshop is suitable for professionals as well as lay persons, anyone, man or woman who are interested in dreams symbolism and archetype

 

Topics: 

Dreams in History and Pre-history 

Importance of Honoring and Working with One’s Dreams

The Nature of Symbol

Common and Archetypal Imagery in Dreams and Art

Dream Amplification with Music, Art, Movement, Imagery

Active Imagination and its Historical Context in Art

Historical Context of the Cave Art and its Influence

 

Dates:  

Wednesday Sept 10, 2025, 4:00 pm, to Friday, Sept 19, 2025, 11:00 am

 

Accommodations:  

We will stay at La Tour de Cause and at Auberge du Pont de Cause which are adjacent to one another.  Both properties are renovated stone houses with lovely grounds that are near the tiny hamlet of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, France. Please visit the La Tour de Cause website www.latourdecause.com  to see pictures of the B&B.

 

 

Fees:  

$4999 per person, double occupancy, $5999 Single Occupancy.  Fees include accommodations, most meals and site entrance fees and guide fees. (Airfare and Ground Transportation is not included)   Enrollment is limited to 10 so apply as soon as possible.

 

CE’s: 

26 CE’s are available for Nevada MFT’s and Psychologists.   I can supply documents for you to request your state’s acceptance of the CE’s

 

More Information:

 

Contact  Carol Aalbers, Ph.D. at 775-690-3247 or www.westcenter205@att.net or carol.aalbers@gmail.com for a full brochure

 

Venue: 

La Tour de Cause B&B Dordogne Valley