Sandplay therapist, Judy Zappacosta, MFT, first became interested in the Black Madonna at a suggestion from Dora Kalff, founder of Sandplay therapy, to visit one of the mysterious iconic figures in Einsiedeln, Switzerland. Zappacosta was immediately drawn into the “silence and dark interiority of the Black Madonna, and has made an extensive exploration of the history and symbolism associated with her.
In this interview for Depth Insights™, Zappacosta reveals the powerful and evocative significance of Black Madonna figure from a Jungian and depth psychological perspective, and shares how she can impact us both individually and collectively. Zappacosta is co-leading a 14-day pilgrimage to Black Madonna sites in Northern Spain in May, 2018.
Judy Zappacosta, MFT, is a Certified Sandplay Teacher and Sandplay Therapist of America, (also known as STA) and the International Society for Sandplay Therapy, the ISST. She has maintained a private practice for adults, children, and families on the Monterey, California, coast for over 30 years. The focus of her practice is Jungian Psychotherapy, Sandplay, Dreams, and the integration of Psyche and Soma. She consults and supervises therapists using Sandplay and publishes and teaches both nationally and internationally. Judy was trained in Sandplay by Dora Kalff, the founder of Sandplay, and she completed the Body, Soul. Rhythms Leadership Training Program with Marion Woodman Foundation. She teaches summer programs for caring for the soul offering two-week intensive for Sandplay training in Switzerland and pilgrimage trips to Black Madonna sites in Northern Spain and soon Southern France. Learn more about Judy Zappacosta and the 14-day Black Madonna Pilgrimage at CaringForTheSoul.org
Get more details and links to LISTEN or read the full TRANSCRIPT at http://www.depthinsights.com/blog/symbolism-of-the-black-madonna-a-jungian-perspective-interview-with-judy-zappacosta/
ABOUT THE HOSTS/PRESENTERS
BONNIE BRIGHT, Ph.D.,(Founder of Depth Psychology Alliance), is a Transpersonal Soul-Centered Coach certified via Alef Trust/Middlesex University, and a certified Archetypal Pattern Analyst®, and has trained extensively in Holotropic Breathwork™ and the Enneagram. She has trained with African elder, Malidoma Some'; with Transpersonal Pioneer Stan Grof; and with Jungian analyst, Jerome Bernstein, among others.Her dissertation focused on a symbolic look at Colony Collapse Disorder and what the mass vanishing of honeybees means to us both personally and as a collective. Bonnie’s path to soul began with a spontaneous mystical experience in 2006, and she continues her quest for awakening each day with a sense of joy, freedom, and gratitude at the magic afoot in the world.
DR. CHRISTOPHE MORIN holds a Ph.D. in Media Psychology with a focus on Neuropsychology, pioneering the integration of brain science with emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and personal transformation. As adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University, he teaches neuroscience and AI, making cutting-edge research practical and empowering. He’s the author of OPEN: The Neurospiritual Guide to the Self-Healing Power of your Brain; OPEN UP: The Neurospiritual Guide to Your Enneagram Type (2025), and The Serenity Code (2021).
In OPEN and OPEN UP, Christophe explores how neuroplasticity, personality, and spirituality intersect to rewire consciousness and foster joy. With decades of experience leading transformative retreats across 40+ countries, Christophe blends neuroscience with spiritual traditions to guide others in releasing limiting beliefs and embodying change. His mission: to help people unlock their highest potential and live with balance, purpose, and flow.
