Canberra Jung Society Inc.

Friday 5th September 2025
Eve Warren: "A Dream in a Teacup"
at MacKillop Conference Centre, 50 Archibald St, Lyneham, ACT

Could …being totally consumed in the writing of a fictional novel for more than three years, while at the same time, journaling, attending to one’s night time dreams and day-time active imaginations… possibly be akin to spending a comparative amount of time engaged in a dialectical relationship with a Jungian, Dream Work Analyst?

Probably not - you say? Well, all I know is that: during the writing process, on a conscious level, I mostly had no idea where the next chapter was coming from nor where it would take me. Images began to take on a life of their own, as did the characters. To me the story-lines were akin to dream images and I often wondered, if in fact I had developed, deep within my psyche, my own nurturing analyst.

I also believe the writing of my novel A Dream in a Teacup became my redemption, my coming out of darkness, and provided me with not only momentary glimpses of self-actualization, but also a number of what I would call, peak experiences.

Jung on Dreams:
* Dreams are a spontaneous self-portrayal, in symbolic forms.
* Dream images are the best possible expression of still unconscious facts.

Jung on Active Imagination:
* This is where the unconscious content might be exposed in the waking state.
* And where the drama that is enacted appears to want to compel the viewer’s participation.

As I see it, first and foremost, A Dream in a Teacup is a self-portrayal of me and my life. But it is also very much a social commentary of a time and place. What you might call ‘a glimpse into Canberra’s psyche during the 1940’s.’ The microcosm population consisting of politicians, public servants, a few journalists, Duntroon military personal, and other than that…it was mostly working-class people like my parents.

Eva Warren has been a member of Canberra Jung Society for thirty years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from Charles Sturt University and a Masters in Theology, Ageing and Pastoral Care from the Australian Catholic University.

For a long time, Eve worked with people who were ageing. People with dementia and their carers. Eve is a highly skilled, Carer Support Group Facilitator. It was within this role, that she deemed her primary role was to instil into her carers, a sense of selfishness. Likening the primary and fundamental rule of First aid to their role of carer: firstly, make sure you secure your own safety before attempting to minister to others.

Tapping into mediums such as the labyrinth, music, dance, drawing, clay work and dreams, Eve designed reflection days for her Carers. Eve’s primary purpose for these workshops being to provide a space where her carers might explore and find that place within, the place where wisdom, intuition and inner strength resides. A place where they might draw strength and consolation.

Eve was the Canberra Jung Soc Guest Speaker in November 2020!

See Eva's website: www.adreaminateacup.com,
where you can read chapter one of her novel (Menu option "Preview")!