Happy Monday, Gothic friends! On the 7th of April, I was bitten by a tick and now I have Lyme disease, an old monster we know very well in my family because of my sister. After much thought, I decided it was time to talk about this openly, so I made a video for my YouTube channel. I’ve got Lyme Disease – now what? - Welcome to Gothic Land #13: Alice in Gothic Land,https://youtu.be/G8TTrOkNAtk?si=zPAL1B8t4ZEax6jC My question for you today is: Are you currently suffering from an illness that you feel takes control of you at times? How do you cope with it? Can you find the similarities between this illness and any Gothic character? Let's talk.

A place to talk about self-development through the analysis of daily representations of the Gothic under the Jungian lens. In Search of the Gothic. Image created with Wix AI by the author Welcome to In Search of the Gothic Forum, a unique space dedicated to exploring the depths of self-development through the intriguing and often mysterious lens of Gothic elements in our daily lives. Here, we delve mainly into the shadows, not with fear, but with curiosity and a desire for understanding, guided by the principles of Jungian psychology. Discovering the Gothic in Everyday Life The Gothic is all around and even within us—not just in literature, film, or art, but also in the subtle, often overlooked details of our everyday experiences and thoughts. It manifests in the architecture of an old building, the melancholic melody of a song, or the eerie quietness of a foggy morning. What do your dreams tell you? Have you thought of the power of the unconscious? These representations and experiences, whether grand or minute, can evoke powerful emotions and provoke deep introspection. But we don't always feel safe sharing these thoughts publically with others, or our voices get lost in the middle of the noisy and vast Social Media sea. The Jungian Approach Psychiatrist and psychologist Carl Jung introduced, among others, concepts such as the Shadow, the Anima and Animus, and the Collective Unconscious. These are great tools to help us understand the Gothic not merely as a genre but as a rich tapestry of symbols and archetypes reflecting our inner worlds. By examining Gothic elements through a Jungian lens, we uncover the hidden aspects of ourselves—our fears, desires, and the unknown parts of our psyche. Self-Development Through Gothic Analysis Engaging with Gothic representations allows us to confront our own shadows and integrate them into our conscious selves. This process of integration leads to greater self-awareness and personal growth. By discussing and analysing Gothic elements, we can identify recurring themes and symbols in our lives, uncovering the underlying psychological dynamics at play. Topics for Exploration In this forum, we invite you to explore a variety of topics, including: • Gothic Literature and Films: Analyse how classic and contemporary works reflect our psychological landscapes. • Daily Gothic Encounters: Share and discuss personal experiences that evoke Gothic imagery or feelings. • Jungian Concepts: Apply Jungian theories to understand the deeper meanings behind Gothic symbols. • Creative Expressions: Showcase your own Gothic-inspired art, writing, or music and discuss the psychological insights they reveal. Community and Conversation Our goal is to foster a supportive, respectful and engaging community where members can share their insights, experiences, and creative expressions. Whether you are a seasoned Gothic enthusiast or new to the world of Jungian psychology, your contributions are highly valuable. Through respectful and thoughtful dialogue, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other. Join the Journey We are excited to embark on this journey of self-discovery and Gothic exploration with you. Dive into the discussions, share your thoughts, and let’s uncover the profound connections between the Gothic and our inner worlds. Welcome to the forum, and let’s begin our search for the Gothic within. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments and share what draws you to this fascinating intersection of Gothic elements and Jungian psychology. We look forward to your contributions and to building a vibrant, insightful community together. See you very soon Alice in Gothic Land

We'd love to get to know you better. Take a moment to say hi to the group in the comments. Is this your Gothic Self? - Image created with Wix AI by the author First of all, we’re thrilled to have you here! This space is designed for those who are curious about the darker, mysterious elements of the human psyche and how different Gothic elements manifest in our everyday lives. Why Introduce Yourself? Connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the Gothic and self-discovery can be incredibly enriching. By introducing yourself, you not only become a part of our forum and group of like-minded people but also help others get to know you better. How to Introduce Yourself Your introduction doesn't need to be lengthy or overly detailed—just share what feels right for you. Here are some questions and prompts to get you started: 1. Who Are You? • Share a bit about your background. Where are you from? What do you do? What are your hobbies and interests? 3. Your Gothic Journey • What drew you to the Gothic? Was it a particular book, movie, artwork, or life experience? • How do you see the Gothic reflected in your daily life? 6. Jungian Psychology & You • Have you explored Jungian psychology before? If so, how has it impacted your understanding of yourself and the world around you? • Are there specific aspects of Jung's theories that resonate with you? 9. What You Hope to Gain • What are you looking to learn or achieve by being part of this community? • Are there any specific topics or themes you're particularly interested in discussing? 12. Fun Facts • Share something unique or fun about yourself. It could be a favorite Gothic novel, a piece of art that moves you, or an interesting hobby you have. Use my Introduction as an example My name is Alicia (Alice in Gothic Land) and I am from Spain. I am an English philologist with a passion for Gothic literature, neuroscience and Jungian psychology. I am also a full-time mom, and carer which I juggle with being an entrepreneur. I've always been drawn to the Gothic, but I kept it secret for many years, due to the fear of being otherised by my circle of family and friends. The first time I saw Francis Ford Coppola's version of Dracula by Bram Stoker, something very profound was touched in me. It was probably an archetypal Shadow call wrapped up in a romantic animus ideal of true love. I was a very young Gothic soul at the very beginning of a very colourful journey. For me, the Gothic is everywhere. This is so much so that I even created a magazine called You Are Gothic But You Don't Know It. Jungian psychology started to pop up at different moments in my life while being a teacher of English as a second language, but I never really paid attention to it, until it became unavoidable. I have been studying Jung more seriously and in-depth for the last two years. But I am only taking baby steps at a time. As an avid dreamer, what most resonates with me is how dreams are the paths that lead directly to our unconscious minds. Studying Jung has helped me embrace my dream world from a different point of view and given me tools to explain why we connect with others through Gothic art and representations. Running this group means a lot to me, as I see it as a safe place to connect with like-minded people who are on a journey of self-discovery, and would like to do it through their passion for the Gothic. I love investigating the Shadow, but you will also find me writing essays on the negative side of the archetype of the Great Mother. I have recently retaken crochet and knitting, old hobbies of mine that help me connect with my inner self when life becomes overwhelming. But as a creative mind, I also make learning material and play around with different ways of turning my gothic passions into wearables and other things. I can't wait to get to know you all better! Now it's your turn!

We want everyone to get the most out of this group, so we ask that you please read and follow these guidelines: Rules for a safe environment. Image created with Wix AI by the author The following rules are designed to create a respectful, insightful, and supportive environment where members can explore Gothic themes and their self-development under the Jungian lens. 1. Respectful Communication • Be Respectful: Treat all members with respect and kindness. Personal attacks, hate speech, and discriminatory language will not be tolerated. • Constructive Criticism: Offer constructive feedback and ensure your comments are aimed at fostering discussion and understanding. 2. Stay On Topic • Relevant Content: Ensure your posts and discussions are relevant to the analysis of the Gothic under a Jungian lens or related self-development topics. • Specific Threads: Use specific threads for distinct topics to keep discussions organized and focused. 3. Quality of Posts • Thoughtful Contributions: Provide thoughtful, well-articulated posts that contribute meaningfully to the discussion. • Support Arguments: Where applicable, support your arguments and perspectives with references to texts, theories, or personal experiences. 4. Respect for Different Opinions • Diverse Perspectives: Embrace and respect diverse perspectives. The analysis of Gothic elements can be subjective, and different interpretations enrich the discussion. • Disagree Agreeably: It's okay to disagree, but do so in a respectful and polite manner. 5. Privacy and Confidentiality • Personal Information: Do not share personal information about yourself or others. Respect the privacy of all members. • Confidentiality: If sharing personal experiences as part of your self-development journey, be mindful of your own and others' confidentiality. 6. No Spam or Self-Promotion • No Advertising: Refrain from posting spam, advertisements, or self-promotion without prior approval from the moderators. • Relevant Links: Only share links to external sites if they are directly relevant to the discussion and enhance the topic at hand. 7. Respect for Intellectual Property • Cite Sources: When referencing works by others, properly cite the sources to respect intellectual property rights. • Original Content: Ensure that the content you post is your own or that you have permission to share it. 8. Moderator Authority • Moderator Role: Understand that moderators are here to maintain a healthy discussion environment. Their decisions are final. • Reporting Issues: If you encounter any issues or rule violations, report them to the moderators rather than engaging directly. 9. Community Engagement • Positive Engagement: Encourage and support fellow members in their self-development journeys. • Participation: Regular participation helps build a vibrant, supportive community. 10. Compliance with Laws • Legal Compliance: Ensure all posts and interactions comply with applicable laws and regulations. Let's make sure this is a joyful experience for all the members and contribute to the harmony of a respectful learning space.

Hello Gothic friends! I'm well excited to announce my new forum subscription plan where you can make the most of your self-development journey. Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth? For those of you who want to dive deep into the mystical realms of the Gothic and the profound insights of Jungian psychology our specialised forum services will provide you with you all you need. Whether you're just beginning your exploration or seeking advanced guidance, we have a tier tailored just for you. Shadow Seeker is thought for newcomers who are beginning their journey into the depths of self-discovery. For only €5 a month, you will have access to community resources, introductory content and will be notified of any new content on my YouTube channel. The Alchemist Archetype is thought for more committed members who are actively working on integrating and transforming their inner archetypes. For only €10 a month, you will have access to everything from the Shadow Seeker tier, monthly advanced explorations for self-development and exclusive discounts on our products and services. Eternal Sage is thought for dedicated members who have attained a deep understanding and mastery of Gothic-Jungian principles. For only €20 a month, you will have access to everything from the Shadow Seeker and Alchemist Archetype tiers, a monthly analysis of a Gothic artistic production and a monthly virtual meeting to discuss a selected analysis. Join a group of curious Gothic researchers, writers and professionals from different fields, in this unique blend of Gothic mysticism and Jungian psychology, and transform your shadows into a source of profound insight and power to discover your personal myth. No matter where you are on your path, this forum services provide the tools and community you need to thrive wherever you are in your life. Ready to start your journey? Click here to explore our forum tiers and begin your transformation today! See you inside, friends! Thanks for reading, Alice