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.

The Treasure Hunt for the Black Swan

In Big Dreams: The Science of Dreaming & The Origins of Religion, Kelly Bulkeley explores the profound impact of “Big Dreams”—those rare, unforgettable dreams that reshape our perspective on life. As a psychologist of religion and former president of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, Bulkeley offers a new approach to dream research by focusing on the most meaningful dreams, which have long been overlooked. Divided into four parts, the book investigates the science of sleep, the content of dreams, the significance of Big Dreams, and their connection to religious experiences. A highly readable and insightful exploration of dreams, neuroscience, and spirituality, this book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the deeper meaning of our nightly visions.

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Mother’s Day: A Tribute to all the Mothers

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor all mothers worldwide, including those without biological children, who embody the nurturing spirit of the mother archetype. In this heartfelt blog post, I reflect on my own journey into motherhood, from overcoming fears surrounding childbirth to understanding the deeper connection I share with my children. Motherhood is not just about giving birth—it’s about the love, sacrifices, and life lessons passed down through generations. Whether you have children or not, if you provide love, support, and warmth to others, you are a mother in your own right.

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Albert Einstein and the Theory that Explains Everyting

In What is Relativity? An Intuitive Introduction to Einstein’s Ideas, and Why They Matter by Jeffrey Bennet, readers are introduced to the fundamental concepts behind Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking theories. Bennett’s engaging approach makes complex ideas like the theory of relativity accessible without requiring advanced math. Through thought experiments and simple explanations, Bennett explains the two major theories of relativity, and their implications on space, time, and gravity. This has led me to reflect on the potential for a unified theory of the human psyche—could psychological laws mirror those of the physical universe? In this blog, I explore the intersection of Einstein’s ideas and human nature, particularly in the context of mutual dreaming and collective consciousness.

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Prince Rogers Nelson, his Royal Badness

Today, I pay tribute to Prince Rogers Nelson—His Royal Badness—a genius who profoundly influenced my life. On Earth Day, I reflect on how his music, style, and boldness shaped not just my teenage years, but also my views on self-expression and identity. In the 80s, you were either a Michael Jackson fan or a Prince fan. For me, Prince was more than just a musician; he was an icon who defied norms, explored sexuality, and offered a deep connection to the Earth through his music. Songs like Sign of the Times captured the struggles of life, while his fearless exploration of love and identity broke boundaries. Prince’s legacy lives on, reminding us all that it’s okay to be different and embrace our uniqueness.

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Nightmare and Dreams: a presentation for Rivas

Nightmares, though often seen as unsettling, can be blessings in disguise. Research suggests that 6% of the population regularly experiences nightmares, but these dreams carry profound messages. They urge us to make changes, both symbolically and literally. During my presentation for the Dutch Rivas Organisation, I shared insights on the power of dreams and nightmares, and how they connect with waking life.

Nightmares, as unsettling as they can be, often carry a transformative power. They prompt us to confront inner fears or unresolved emotions. My own experiences, as well as those of others, show how dreams—especially nightmares—can serve as catalysts for self-reflection and change. From Kenneth Parks’ tragic case of sleepwalking to the symbolic imagery found in films like Nightmare on Elm Street, nightmares explore the boundary between the waking and dreaming worlds.

Through mindfulness and creative visualization, we can gain control over our nightmares, giving them a better ending and harnessing their power for personal growth. If you’re curious about the deeper connections between dreams, psychology, and the brain, I invite you to explore my online courses on Mindfunda. Together, we can delve into the mysteries of the dream world and transform our nightmares into powerful allies.

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Conversion as a way of thinking

Strange Gods: A Secular History of Conversion by Susan Jacoby explores how conversion has been shaped by culture, history, and society. Jacoby reflects on her personal journey of questioning religious beliefs, much like many do when faced with tough concepts, like the sacrifice of a child in religious texts. The book argues that conversion is often more about cultural forces than personal choice, and highlights how modern “conversions” also happen in science, with figures like Richard Dawkins serving as new high priests. Jacoby’s work reminds us of the power of belief systems and the importance of freedom in choosing—or rejecting—faith.

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James Joyce: Juicy, Jaunty and Jaded

James Joyce’s work, particularly Ulysses, has deep connections with mythology, as explored in Mythic Worlds, Modern Words: On the Art of James Joyce, edited by Edmund Epstein. The book reflects on how Joseph Campbell’s interpretations of Joyce’s work shaped his understanding of myth and the human psyche. Joyce’s writing often portrays an artist grappling with feelings of being lost in the world, using internal images to create meaning. This duality of inner conflict versus external reality is a recurring theme in his work, especially in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, which illustrates how pain and self-doubt fuel creativity.

Joyce’s writing also draws on Dante’s Inferno, with Ulysses being likened to Dante’s hell, creating a framework for self-discovery through mythic archetypes. For Joyce, as for Campbell and Dante, the “holy spirit” is often represented by a woman, symbolizing the transformative force of creativity and inspiration. However, while the book focuses on male archetypes, it offers powerful insights into human psychology, mythology, and the artistic journey, helping readers better understand their place in society and their personal quest for meaning.

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st. Patrick’s day, three reasons to join the fun

St. Patrick’s Day: History, Snakes, and Shamrocks

St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 celebrates St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. Born in Britain, St. Patrick was captured by pirates and spent six years as a slave in Ireland, which led to his spiritual awakening. He used the shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity, and the symbol has become central to the holiday.

Legend says he drove all the snakes out of Ireland, representing the triumph of good over evil. While the snake story is symbolic, it highlights his role in transforming Ireland. On St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate with shamrocks, wearing green, and reflecting on this fascinating history.

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International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women who have uplifted me through creativity, dreams, and friendship. From dream experts like Laura Atkinson and Jean Campbell to inspiring artists like Brenda Ferrimani, and writers like Jean Raffa and Elaine Mansfield, these women have contributed wisdom, support, and love to my life and Mindfunda. Together, we create a circle of connection, healing, and inspiration through our hearts and dreams.

Read on to meet the incredible women who’ve shaped my journey.

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The Mentalist: the New Hero

The Mentalist: The New Hero? Tragic Past, Unavailability, and a Sherlock Archetype

Patrick Jane in The Mentalist reflects a new archetype of hero—a brilliant yet anti-social man with a tragic past. This pattern echoes other beloved characters like Gregory House and Sherlock Holmes (Elementary), where genius comes with personal struggles and emotional unavailability. Supported by strong women, these heroes remain extraordinary, battling their inner demons while solving external mysteries.

Why do we love this archetype, and what makes The Mentalist stand out? Dive into the parallels between these iconic series and uncover the secrets of the modern hero.

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Full Moon Dreaming

3 Facts about Full Moon Dreaming that Will Improve Your Sleep

Discover how the full moon influences your dreams and body in surprising ways. From ancient myths to modern science, this blog reveals 3 fascinating facts about full moon dreaming, including its role as an initiation deity, its effect on your body clock, and why dreams get so weird during this lunar phase.

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Life is a Balance Act

Explore the power of dreams and balance in life with Mindfunda’s latest blog about a recent presentation at the Kenniscafe in Haarlem. Discover how balancing emotions, rational thinking, and intuition can unlock creativity and personal growth. Learn practical tips for using dream incubation, lucid dreaming, and emotional integration to restore your inner harmony and achieve a more balanced life. Find out how dream journaling and paying attention to your emotions can bring clarity and insight.

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Neurologic: understanding more of you and your world

In NeuroLogic: The Brain’s Hidden Rationale Behind Our Irrational Behavior, Eliezer Sternberg delves into the fascinating ways the brain shapes our actions, from irrational behavior to the complexities of dreams. This book offers insights into the neurological underpinnings of perception, memory, learning, and identity. Sternberg explores how dreams emerge from neurological processes, examining sleepwalking, syndromes, and the intricate ways our brain creates stories during sleep. While Sternberg doesn’t attribute dreams to a deeper spiritual or mystical realm, his exploration of brain activity offers a compelling look at the science behind our nightly narratives.

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Valentine Dream – Love Connections

Valentine’s Day may feel commercialized, but it remains a special time to celebrate love. While many see it as cliché, we secretly crave that extra effort from our partners. Love, rooted in poetry and vulnerability, has evolved over time but still holds deep meaning.

Dreams play a powerful role in love. Sharing intimate dreams can strengthen bonds, as seen in stories from Dreams and Premonitions by Amy Newmark and Kelly Sullivan Walden. One story tells of a woman who dreamt of dancing with an old friend, and they later rekindled their romance. Another dream featured a voice-over predicting a future husband, leading to an unexpected yet perfect match.

Personally, my own love story was mirrored in a dream before my first date, symbolizing how my husband brings warmth and calm into my life.

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Brene Brown: 3 Keys to Dare Greatly

Learn how Brene Brown’s teachings on vulnerability can help you dare greatly and transform your life. In her book Daring Greatly, Brown explores the power of entering the arena, overcoming perfectionism, and adjusting our approach to education and work. Vulnerability can lead to incredible results, and embracing imperfections is key to personal growth. Discover how to unlock your full potential by embracing these life-changing concepts.

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Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year begins today, February 8th, 2016, marking the Year of the Monkey according to the lunar calendar. This celebration is based on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice. The tradition stems from a myth where Buddha invited 12 animals to visit him, and those animals were assigned a year. The number 12 is significant, symbolizing unity and harmony, as seen in various cultures. In addition, Chinese dream traditions, like the T’ung Shu almanac, provide insight into how dreams are interpreted in Chinese culture. Learn more about the fascinating myths and traditions surrounding Chinese New Year and its influence on dreams.

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Creative Dreaming #Dream Classic: 3 Ways to get Creative in Your Dreaming

Discover how Creative Dreaming by Patricia Garfield, a timeless classic, can help you unlock the power of your dreams. Learn three transformative tips to get creative with your dreams, solve problems, and develop deeper connections. This book has inspired dreamers for decades—find out how it can inspire you too.

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Dream ESP, the secret of prophetic causal dreaming

Unlock the power of Prophetic Causal Dreaming with Dream ESP—a unique blend of the I Ching and Golden Dawn techniques. This insightful guide bridges dream journaling, symbols, and higher practical magic to bring about desired life changes. Discover how to partner your subconscious and conscious self for transformative insights. Learn structured techniques to decode your dreams and take actionable steps toward clarity and growth.

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David Bowie, living the myth

David Bowie, who passed away on January 10, 2016, was more than a musician—he was a mythological hero, a shaman, and a creative pioneer. From Ziggy Stardust’s escape from Plato’s Cave to his Berlin rebirth and his final masterpiece Blackstar, Bowie lived through transformations that mirrored Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. This blog explores three powerful mythological aspects of David Bowie’s life: his role as a visionary hero, a shaman of love, and a shaman of death. Discover how Bowie embraced creativity, change, and even mortality to inspire us all to express our true selves.

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Eleventh Holy Night: Jan 04 – 05

Tonight the moon is in the sign of Scorpio. A sign associated with transformation, death and rebirth. This night we focus on the month of November 2016. Preparation for winter. Dreaming with the Moon in Scorpio is associated with the deceased, so tonight we will incubate an a beloved deceased ancestor to guide us in 2016. Use the day to meditate on the incubation and make it your own. (accessible exclusively for logged-in MoreMindfunda members!)

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Holda and the winter

Frau Holda, the Winter Queen of the 12 Holy Nights, symbolizes judgment, renewal, and transformation. As told in the Grimm fairy tale, two sisters visit her magical realm through a well—one rewarded for diligence, the other punished for laziness. Holda’s tale teaches us about winter’s hidden gifts, the importance of hard work, and diving deep within to discover spiritual treasures. Journey into Holda’s myth and learn how this ancient goddess bridges the mundane and the mystical, offering us the wisdom to harvest both earthly and spiritual abundance.

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Fifth Holy Night: Dec 29 – 30

Tonight the moon is in the sign of Virgo. A sign associated with rules and regulations, but also with intestines and food. The incubation tonight is focused on how to nurture our soul this new year. This night we focus on the month of May 2016. The beginning of spring, new opportunities, new changes. We will use our dreaming mind to incubate a dream about how you can nurture your soul next year. Use the day to meditate on the incubation and make it your own. (accessible exclusively for logged-in MoreMindfunda members!)

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Third Holy Night: Dec 27 – 28

Tonight the moon is in the sign of Leo. A sign associated with the animus. The incubation tonight is focused on meeting our animus. This night we focus on the month of March 2016. The beginning of spring, new opportunities, new changes. We are going to need animus energy in this month to achieve new goals. The question to concentrate on is: “How can I connect with my animus energy in the best way possible?” The incubation I share below (accessible exclusively for logged-in MoreMindfunda members!)

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First Holy Night: Dec 25 – Dec 26

Tonight the moon is in the sign of Cancer. Dreams during the moon in Cancer have a tendency to be about light-dark issues. “Is there light to be found in the dark, or does the light come from heaven above” might be a question to meditate on tonight. Or you could ask a dream about how to embrace and accept your own shadow in the next year. The incubations I share below (MoreMindfunda members only), is focussed on the month of January 2016. Use the day to meditate on the incubation and make it your own. Register or login first.

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The Redeeming Dark

In this guest blog on Mindfunda, Elaine Mansfield explores the ancient myth of Inanna’s descent—a profound journey into darkness, grief, and rebirth. Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of Heaven and Earth, listens to the call of the Great Below, symbolizing the necessity of facing life’s darkness to find wisdom, compassion, and renewal. Drawing on her own experiences of loss and grief after her husband’s death, Elaine shares how the descent mirrors the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that we all endure.

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Solstice: the perfect time for dreaming

The winter solstice on December 21 marks a powerful time when darkness deepens, and the veil between worlds grows thin, inviting us to dream and reflect. As the longest night of the year unfolds, it’s an ideal moment to engage in dreaming rituals, guided by ancient wisdom and practices. Through intentional dream incubations, you can gather insights about the months ahead, transforming dreams into a map of possible futures. Discover how the Holy Nights tradition, inspired by Rudolf Steiner, can illuminate your path and provide guidance for the coming year.

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Sleeping beauty as modern day Inanna

Sleeping Beauty and Inanna’s Descent: Parallels of Darkness, Fertility, and Renewal

In the month of December, Mindfunda continues its exploration of descent myths with a deep dive into the striking parallels between the myth of Inanna and the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. Both stories portray a journey through darkness—whether symbolized by death, sleep, or infertility—and emphasize rebirth and renewal as key themes.

In the Sumerian myth, Inanna, the Great Goddess of Heaven and Earth, descends into the Underworld, stripping herself of power and identity as she confronts her dark sister, Ereshkigal. Similarly, Sleeping Beauty succumbs to a curse cast by the “uninvited” dark goddess-like fairy, symbolizing the waning moon or the shadow side of feminine creation. With the kingdom suspended in sleep, the land reflects the mythic Waste Land, echoing themes of stagnation and infertility seen in Arthurian Grail legends.

Both heroines experience a form of paralysis—Inanna, hung on a meat hook in the Underworld, and Sleeping Beauty, pricked by a spindle and put into a century-long slumber. The resolution comes with help from the animus—the masculine aspect of the self. Inanna is saved by the compassionate beings created by Enki, the God of Wisdom, while Sleeping Beauty is awakened by the kiss of the prince. These acts represent the integration of inner masculine energy—empowering creativity, healing, and reawakening fertility in life.

The myth of Inanna and the tale of Sleeping Beauty remind us that descent is a necessary step in transformation. Whether it’s through creative blocks, emotional wounds, or life’s trials, descending into darkness holds the potential for growth and renewal. By embracing both our shadow and our strength, we can awaken our “Sleeping Beauty” and reclaim our power to create, love, and thrive.

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Inanna: myth of descent

In today’s guest blog, Dr. Jean Raffa explores the myth of Inanna’s descent as a powerful metaphor for psychological and spiritual transformation. Life’s descents—whether caused by grief, existential crises, or personal conflict—mirror Inanna’s journey to the underworld, where she is stripped of her illusions and reborn with wisdom and balance. Discover how descent myths like Inanna’s offer guidance, healing, and renewal in times of darkness.

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Descent

Every December, I slip into a quiet depression, longing for solitude to reflect on the year and my vivid dreams. Through mythology and James Hillman’s teachings on the descent to the underworld, I realized it wasn’t Christmas I resented—it was the fear of my own journey into the depths of my soul. Like Persephone and Eve, I discovered that descending into darkness is a path to greater self-awareness, balance, and light. Embracing solitude and self-care has been my healing thread, weaving connections across my life like the Spider Goddess herself.

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3 ways to detect cancer in an early stage

Discover three powerful ways to detect cancer in its early stages through dreamwork, intuition, and visualization. In She Who Dreams, Wanda Burch shares her personal story of healing breast cancer by listening to her dreams, using mental imagery for physical restoration, and acting on her dreams to bring their guidance into reality. Learn how dreams can provide premonitions, healing metaphors, and life-saving insights, as emphasized by dream experts like Robert Moss and Larry Burk. Explore the healing power of dreams and take actionable steps to enhance your health and well-being.

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The Journey of the Heroine: embracing the Goddess in 5 steps

The Journey of the Heroine is a call to reclaim the feminine, to embrace the Goddess within, and to reconnect with our spiritual essence. Inspired by authors like Sara Avant Stover (The Book of SHE) and Maureen Murdock, this journey mirrors life’s cycles—spiraling through descent, initiation, and ultimate ascent. Unlike the linear hero’s journey, the heroine’s path brings us deep into the shadow self, embracing imperfections, healing the mother wound, and rediscovering our innate power.

The Goddess—tied to the Earth, the moon, and our emotional rhythms—guides this sacred journey. Whether it’s accepting our natural cycles, honoring rituals of initiation, or igniting our sensual spark, we transform through shadow work and emerge anew. We return home not as who we were, but as heroines—empowered, healed, and whole.

Key Points:

The feminine journey: cyclical, soulful, and transformative.
Healing through shadow work, reclaiming sexuality, and embracing natural rhythms.
The role of the Dark Goddess and balancing inner masculine and feminine energies.
The Goddess as a vessel for love, wisdom, and Earth connection.

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Mother Earth as Goddess

Awaken the Goddess within and reconnect with the sacred essence of the earth. In this week’s Mindfunda, discover how dreaming with the Goddess, aligned with the phases of the moon, can transform your life. Explore the powerful connections between women and Mother Earth in this guest blog by Trista Hendren, author of The Girl God. Hendren shares her journey of honoring the Goddess by embracing sustainable living, challenging societal norms, and creating a better world for future generations. Learn how to embody the divine feminine, nurture the planet, and inspire transformative change.

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Meet Magic in Everyday Life: Book Review Sidewalk Oracles by Robert Moss

Unlock the magic in your everyday life with Robert Moss’s Sidewalk Oracles: Playing with Signs, Symbols, and Synchronicities in Everyday Life. This captivating guide reveals how to rediscover wonder, break free from monotonous routines, and tap into the hidden synchronicities shaping your path. Inspired by dreamwork, mythology, and timeless wisdom, Moss invites readers to embrace Kairos moments, play with the Trickster, and engage with the world through 17 enchanting games like bibliomancy and sidewalk tarot. Rediscover the extraordinary within the ordinary and follow your heart’s compass to a more vibrant, connected existence.

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Eve as Goddess

Eve Reimagined: Unlocking the Goddess Within

Do you consider yourself a Goddess? You should—because the Goddess is within us all. Today, Mindfunda delves into a revolutionary view of Eve, the woman often blamed for humanity’s “fall.” In this powerful guest blog by Susan Scott, author of In Praise of Lilith, Eve & the Serpent in the Garden of Eden, we uncover Eve not as a sinner but as a conscious pioneer of growth and transformation.

Explore the symbolism of Eve’s choice, the serpent as a force for change, and the hidden matriarchal wisdom that predates patriarchal narratives. Discover how reclaiming the Goddess can help you reconnect with your inner balance, healing the wounds of repression, and restoring harmony between the feminine and masculine principles.

Join us for this insightful journey through myth, psyche, and spirituality. Together, let’s honor Eve as a catalyst for awakening and rediscover the Divine Feminine within us all.

Read more on the Goddess series and reconnect with your inner Goddess today.

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