Paganicon 2025

Asclepius, the great-grandfather of medicine and very possibly the first psychotherapist, had a unique and effective approach to healing, offered in the over 300 asclepieia (healing centres) which flourished in Greece for an astounding 1,000 years between the 6th century BCE and the 6th century CE: recognizing the power of the liminal to offer healing wisdom. So important and respected was his approach that asclepian healers were a significant part of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The fourth day of the Mysteries were marked by the Festival of Asclepius during which initiates undergo “dream incubation” in preparation of the march to Eleusis. This presentation is an introduction to Asclepius, asclepian dream healing, and the power of the liminal spaces to transform.