susanne van doorn

Susanne van Doorn, MSc, is a Dutch therapist and author who writes for her blog Mindfunda. Here she gives courses in dreams and their symbology based on mythological themes. She is the author of A Dreamer’s Guide through the Land of the Deceased and co-author of Mutual Dreaming: A Psiber Experiment with Maria Cernuto, published in DreamTime in 2014. She also translated Theory of Dreams by Vasily Kasatkin in 2014. Susanne earned her degree in psychology from Tilburg University in 1994, completed coursework in dreamwork at the Jungian Institute in Nijmegen in 2009, and graduated cum laude from the Orthomolecular Therapy program in 2010, following additional training in basic medical sciences. Since 2013, she has been a regular presenter at IASD conferences and frequently gives presentations on dreams in the Netherlands. From 2016 to 2019, Susanne served as Regional Representatives Chair on the board of the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD), where she helped foster a global community of dream researchers and enthusiasts. You can connect with her on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram.

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Yggdrasil: Tree of Life, Portal to Nine Worlds

Explore the profound symbolism of Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life in Norse mythology, through Maria Kvilhaug’s illuminating book The Seed of Yggdrasil. From Odin’s universal spirit to the serpent gnawing at the roots, this book offers a deep dive into Old Norse myths, their parables, and their connection to the human experience. Discover Yggdrasil as a metaphor for the human body, psyche, and collective unconscious, interwoven with comparative mythology and Goddess traditions. Ideal for mythology enthusiasts, this book unlocks the rich wisdom of ancient Norse tales.

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Four Smart Questions and Answers About Dreams You had not Thought of Yourself

Most people want to know what their dream means. They assume a psychologist or a dream dictionary will give them instant access to deeper meaning. They even assume a dream might give them a prediction about their future. Mindfunda sets the record straight. It is up to you. Here are 4 smart questions and answers that will instantly help you make much more sense of your own dreams.

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What are the best Spirituality Quotes?

Spirituality Quotes can really inspire you to face problems. Just a simple sentence can give you goosebumps because it reaches a core of authentic knowledge in your heart. This is the first time that someone finds the right words to capture that wisdom. Why do these quotes give you goosebumps? Because they give an intuitively correct answer to a question.

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Is a Dream A Story? Philosophy, Dreaming and Literary Imagination

People are story tellers. I have always had that romantic notion of Homo sapiens siting around the campfire in ancient times listening to stories. Like we, in this day and age sit around our television set and watch story after story. In the night we follow the stories of our dreaming mind.

But why hasn’t there been any book that explores the intersection of dreaming and literary imagination. A book that draws together neurocognitive, empirical, philosophical and literary sources. Until Michaela Schrage Früh stepped up the plate and wrote this juicy, well written book.

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The Amazing Animal: The Animal in Mythology

Myths are about the human struggle to deal with the great passages of time and life – birth, death, marriage, the transitions from childhood to adulthood to old age. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine. Do you want to understand more about yourself, your dreams and the struggles of your life? Join our online course now.

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Nutrition, Neurons, and the Brain: Your Brain on Food Book Review

Gary L. Wenk’s Your Brain on Food: How Chemicals Control Your Thoughts and Feelings delves into the fascinating relationship between food, the brain, and our emotions. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding how nutrition can become addictive and impact mental health, Wenk, a Professor at Ohio State University, explains how food and drugs affect brain chemistry. From the effects of fat on taste to the role of antioxidants in brain health, this book uncovers essential insights about how our brain responds to the foods we eat and why food is so much more than just sustenance. Learn about neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and more, and discover why eating less is beneficial for both your body and brain.

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From Genesis to Big Bang: a Mythological View on Creation Myths

“Myths are about the human struggle to deal with the great passages of time and life – birth, death, marriage, the transitions from childhood to adulthood to old age” Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine. Do you want to understand more about yourself, your dreams and the struggles of your life? Join our online course now.

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Translating Myth: Re-wording the unseen knowledge

In Translating Myth, a collection edited by Ben Pestell, Pietra Palazzolo, and Leon Burnett, the authors tackle the intricate task of defining and exploring the concept of myth from various angles. The book dives deep into how myths are translated across languages, media, and cultures. It examines how myth has been created, interpreted, and re-established in modern contexts, including its connections to politics and poetry. With insights into the works of visionary artists like William Blake and a thoughtful exploration of myth in American literature, this book is an invaluable resource for those fascinated by the intersection of mythology, psychology, and culture. Although the language is scholarly, the book’s content provides a unique perspective on how myths shape and reflect our collective unconscious. Highly recommended for those interested in deepening their understanding of mythology’s role in shaping identity and society.

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Holiday Heaven: 5 destinations

n this blog, I share my top 5 magical holiday destinations that have deeply influenced my understanding of sacred places and mythology. From the sacred lake at Karnak in Egypt, where I felt honored to witness a site once reserved for high priests, to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s vision intertwines nature and spirituality, these experiences have shaped my connection to the world. I also recount my time in Prague, enjoying the stunning view of seven bridges over the Vitava River, and the hidden, mystical Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, where I encountered ancient rituals. Finally, Land’s End in Cornwall offers breathtaking views and timeless beauty. These trips have enriched my understanding of mythology and sacred spaces, which I explore in more depth in Mindfunda’s online course, Mythology, designed to help you explore the mythological themes in your life and dreams.

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Arthur

n this blog, I explore how mythology can illuminate our lives and help us understand the struggles we face, using the Arthurian myth as a central theme. I reflect on how mythology isn’t just a collection of ancient stories but a tool for personal growth, transformation, and healing. One of the most profound moments came when I had a dream where I was told, “You belong to the court of King Arthur,” which changed my perception of myth forever. Through exploring the lessons of King Arthur and the Grail, we learn that mythology is not only about understanding stories, but about solving life’s problems and re-interpreting our own narratives.

In the Mindfunda Mythology course, the lesson “Mythology of the Grail: Pulling Out the Sword” dives into this deeper spiritual meaning. The Grail symbolizes a soul-deep love that helps you navigate life’s trials, such as depression and despair, guiding you back to your true self. By asking the right questions at the right time, as the Arthurian myth suggests, you can find the healing and transformation you need. The course is designed to help you reconnect with mythological themes, such as the Trickster, and integrate them into your personal growth journey. Discover the power of archetypes and mythology, and how these ancient symbols can help you better understand your dreams and life’s challenges.

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Problem Solving using the Committee of Sleep

Dreams have long been seen as windows into our unconscious minds, offering insight and inspiration for solving life’s problems. Deirdre Barrett, Ph.D., explores this fascinating connection in her book The Committee of Sleep: How Artists, Scientists, and Athletes Use Dreams for Creative Problem Solving—and How You Can Too. Barrett delves into how creative minds in various fields have harnessed the power of dreams to solve complex problems, make groundbreaking discoveries, and fuel their art.

Through real-life stories, such as Paul McCartney’s famous Yesterday melody, which he dreamed before turning it into one of the most iconic songs of all time, Barrett shows how dreams can provide the keys to creativity. Whether it’s an artist receiving visual inspiration or a scientist stumbling upon the solution to a problem, dreams have the ability to unlock new perspectives and solutions. However, Barrett also acknowledges the lack of a practical guide in the book, leaving readers without concrete steps on how to tap into dreams for problem-solving directly.

If you’re fascinated by the role dreams play in human creativity, The Committee of Sleep offers a compelling collection of dream-inspired stories. But if you’re looking for actionable advice on using dreams to solve your own problems, this may not be the book for you.

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Imagery in Dreaming

Dreaming is more than just a nightly escape; it’s a way for our brains to process and solve problems, often in creative and unexpected ways. In this blog, I explore the fascinating world of dream research, including the three major models: the Activation Input Modulation (AIM) model, the Psychodynamic model, and the Neurocognitive model. Through stories, science, and personal experiences, I delve into topics such as perception, hallucinations in dreams, the role of imagery, and the function of dreaming. Plus, I highlight Carl Jung’s archetypes and their universal presence in dreams, including themes like marriage, ancestors, and losing teeth. Join me on a journey into the dream world and discover how understanding these models can unlock deeper insights into your dreams and waking life.

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Ariadne’s Clue, a guide to the symbols of humankind

Ariadne’s Clue by Anthony Stevens is a fascinating guide to the rich world of symbols, mythology, and their psychological significance. In this blog, we explore how symbols, such as Ariadne’s thread, appear in dreams and mythological tales, providing insights into how these images shape human consciousness. Stevens delves into the connection between symbols and the unconscious, drawing from both mythology and evolutionary psychology to make sense of these ancient symbols. Whether you’re interested in dream analysis, mythological symbols, or the collective unconscious, this book is a valuable resource that structures and explains complex ideas in an accessible way.

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Shaman – Magic: The Goddess and the Shaman book review

In The Goddess and The Shaman, J.A. Kent offers a deeply personal account of her journey into the spiritual realm of the Elphame, exploring her transformation through Out of Body Experiences and shamanic rituals. This book blends ancient shamanic practices with modern ecopsychology, shedding light on the goddess revival and the sacred feminine energy in a predominantly male-oriented society. While it doesn’t serve as a practical workbook on connecting with your inner goddess, it offers invaluable insights into shamanism, rituals, and how dreams act as a doorway to spiritual realms. A compelling read for those interested in shamanism, paganism, and feminine spirituality.

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