DATE: Saturday, November 17, 2012
TIME: 1:00 p.m
PLACE: Studio, Lambert Road campus
CANDIDATE: Eugenio Ordonez
DISSERTATION TITLE: "Ancestry: The Deep Field of Reality"
PROGRAM-TRACK/YEAR: PhD-K; 2007
CHAIR: Dr. Alan Kilpatrick
READER: Dr. Harry Polkinhorn
EXTERNAL READER: Dr. Ingala Robl

Ordonez, E. (2012). Ancestry: The Deep Field of Reality (Doctoral dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2012)

ABSTRACT

The chief intention of this work is to bring attention to the importance, influence, and impact of the ancestors in one’s existence. In order to achieve this objective, this dissertation undertakes a hermeneutic revision of ancestry which is largely based on the work of four major contributors to the field: Carl G. Jung and James Hillman, two depth psychologists; Bert Hellinger, the developer of the Family Constellations method; and Malidoma Somé, an African elder, diviner, and shaman whose purpose has been to share ancient indigenous spiritual technologies with the western world. My approach is not purely hermeneutic and interpretative, but rather experiential, anecdotal, and inquisitive. Thus, I incorporate ideas and theoretical contributions from old Greek philosophy, phenomenology, Homeopathic medicine, Native American traditions, as well as insights from poetry. Hence, the goal of this literature review is not merely to develop a psychological view of ancestry, but to awaken an awareness of those deep hidden influences that can shift the perspectives upon which many practices are based, from psychotherapy and social work, to medicine and the healing arts. Rather than establishing fixed and clear conclusions, this weaving of theoretical arguments, therapeutic observations, lived experiences, and practical ideas aims to open a field of studies that can contribute directly on the ways and methods of practicing the healing arts (therapies), the different ways of knowing (epistemologies), and the studies of being (ontologies).