The Psychology of Fairy Tales

I run small online groups that meet to explore the archetypal and personal meaning of fairy tales through the lens of Jungian psychology.

Fairy tales take us into the enchanting world of ‘once upon a time’, a world where anything is possible, nothing is as it seems, and events are unpredictable.  Unexpected transformations can occur.

Reading and interpreting a fairy tale with care can be rewarding.  Its hidden messages and symbols can connect us with the wisdom and healing potential of the archetypal realm.

The next fairy tale is “Iron John” (or “Iron Hans”) from the Brothers Grimm.

Iron John, the wild man, is a powerful symbol of a primal force rooted deep in the psyche that we all need to recognise and integrate.

A wild man locked in a cage. A key hidden under a mother’s pillow. A mysterious

well that turns things to gold. These are among the many striking symbols that we

will explore.

Iron John is an ancient alchemical tale, and we will consider how its imagery and

wisdom might speak to the challenges of our modern lives.

The next groups will take place on:

Thursdays 4.00-6.00: 12th, 26th November and 10 December

Saturdays 10.00-12.00: 14th, 28th November and 12th December

It is possible by arrangement to mix days.

The fee for the 3 sessions is £120.

If you are interested in joining the group or have any questions, please contact me:

tricia@triciaharragin.co.uk

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FAIRY TALES

I run small online groups exploring the archetypal and personal meaning of fairy tales through Jungian psychology.

Fairy tales enchant us—drawing us into the timeless realm of “once upon a time,” where anything is possible. Interpreting them respectfully can reveal profound insights and connect us with the wisdom and healing potential of the archetypal world.

Our next tale is The Goose Girl from the Brothers Grimm: a rich, layered story with rare motifs. A servant usurps a princess, who becomes the goose girl—reflecting the development of eros, the feminine principle in us all. Across three sessions, we will explore the emergence of the feminine and look at the feminine shadow. As with many tales, challenges and turning points open the way to renewal. 

Would you be interested in joining?

Dates:

Thursdays: 4th, 18th June & 2nd July 2026 — 4:00–6:00pm

Saturdays: 6th, 20th June & 4th July 2026 — 10:00am–12:00pm

(Mixing days is possible by arrangement.)

Fee:

£120 for three sessions

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FAIRY TALES

Fairy tales often present the challenges that we face in life and show ways of overcoming struggles and uncertainties.  Working on a fairy tale is rewarding because, like a dream, it lifts a veil on what is not immediately obvious to the rational mind.  

The next fairy tale for the group is Brothers Grimm “THE WHITE SNAKE”.  This is a significant and satisfying tale.  Overcome with curiosity the ‘trusted servant’ lifts the lid of a hidden dish served daily to the wise King.  On the platter he finds and tastes the white snake; this gives him the ability to understand the language of animals.  With courage he sets out on an adventure and overcomes tasks along his path.   This story can be likened to following an inner imperative to move on. 

This fairy tale is packed with valuable images, symbols and meaning that we will carefully explore.   We will listen, like the ‘trusted servant’ to the promptings of the instincts, to the creative unconscious and the language of archetypes.

We will look at how the story maps the process of individuation, the urge toward psychological wholeness.  We will also look at our separation from the natural world.  During the three sessions, we will draw on the writings of C G Jung and Marie Louise von Franz.

There are two options to participate, either:

Thursdays: 5^th, 19^th February and 5^th March 2026 – 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Saturdays:  7^th, 21^st February and 7^th March 2026 – 10.00am to 12.00pm

If you would like to participate but are unable to attend a session it is possible by arrangement to mix Thursdays and Saturdays. 

The fee for the 3 sessions is £120.00.