Description
Edward Tick
(Online Lecture)
The Origins of Democracy and
Awakening of the Soul
Friday, October 23, 2026
7:00 – 9:00 pm PST
The political organization called democracy and the concept of soul were both born in ancient Athens. We will trace the growth of democracy through successive generations and rulers, and the discovery and development of soul through the philosophers. The radical new form of inclusive political organization called democracy could not have been grown without significant spiritual advances – political work and soul work corresponded.
What were the birth pangs of democracy? How did the spiritual and political interact, support, challenge each other? How are these issues being replicated today?
Together we will explore both the origins of democracy and the awakening of soul to trace its early evolution and development in both its promise and shadow. We will consider the steps ancient Athens took to develop democracy in parallel with human spiritual and social evolution. By tending our roots, we work toward the renewal of democracy in our times.
Edward Tick, Ph.D. is an archetypal psychotherapist, author, educator, international pilgrimage guide, and peace activist. He is on the board of the Western Massachusetts Jung Association. An expert on ancient Greece, the origins of medicine and psychotherapy, and healing the invisible wounds of war, his books The Practice of Dream Healing and War and the Soul are modern classics. His latest book is Soul Medicine: Healing Through Dream Incubation, Oracles, Visions, and Pilgrimage. Ed has pioneered archetypal and culturally based healing for over forty years. In addition to his private practice, Ed works in Greece, Viet Nam, Russia, Ukraine, and elsewhere, on holistic and spiritually based healing, the restoration of ancient practices, and soul-healing after war and violent trauma. He has guided 23 healing pilgrimages to Greece and 19 to Viet Nam. Author of eight previous books translated into several languages, Ed uses Greek and other ancient traditions extensively in healing, writing, and teaching.
