Goddesses in Every Woman over 50 – A Lecture in Sofia

The “Goddesses in Every Woman over 50” lecture in Sofia invites you to set aside four hours for yourself and the questions that come with a new stage of life. Through female archetypes, conversation and personal reflection, you will explore maturity as an opportunity for greater freedom, inspiration and inner strength. Choose an Adventico voucher for yourself, or give this time for self-discovery to a woman who would find it meaningful.

Life after 50: more room to live on your own terms

Life after 50 can open up a different horizon, with meaning and possibilities you may not have had space to consider before. Familiar roles and other people's expectations can gradually make way for greater independence. There may be more room for inner maturity and for decisions that reflect your own way of living.

In this gathering, ancient goddesses provide a starting point for understanding that transition. Within the archetypal approach, they are explored not only as symbols, but also as inner resources through which you can make sense of a changing sense of self. The wisdom, intuition and strength associated with them offer a language for accepting your evolving identity and shaping a life with greater depth.

Archetypes through the work of Jean Shinoda Bolen

The gathering draws on the goddesses explored by Jean Shinoda Bolen in her book “Goddesses in Everywoman”. Rather than remaining characters from mythology, they become a way to recognise and discuss inner processes that can unfold after 50. Each figure offers possibilities, as well as shadow aspects worth paying attention to.

Hecate: finding your bearings at a crossroads

Hecate is associated with crossroads and the passage from one stage of life to another. Her image points towards the intuition and accumulated wisdom you can draw on when facing inevitable changes. Alongside that support comes a challenge: recognising when a difficult or painful transition is leading you to distance yourself from others and become isolated.

Sophia: wisdom that stays connected to life

Sophia represents divine wisdom and the possibility of deep understanding and inner peace. Through this archetype, you will consider changes in the way you see yourself and the world. There will also be room to explore its other side: when understanding remains purely intellectual rather than finding expression in lived experience, it can be accompanied by passivity and a retreat from active involvement in life.

Metis: mature judgement, resourcefulness and flexibility

Metis brings together strategic thinking, mature judgement and adaptability. These qualities can help you plan your next steps, find inventive solutions and adjust your approach to changing circumstances. The discussion also considers the point at which the desire to plan everything turns into control or manipulation and begins to crowd out freedom.

Hestia: calm and security from within

Hestia represents an inner centre where you can find harmony, steadiness and calm. She is associated with spiritual maturity and the ability to find balance and a sense of security within yourself. You will also consider the risk of inward reflection becoming withdrawal from the world: avoiding challenges can narrow opportunities for growth and development rather than supporting them.

Demeter reconsidered: caring without losing yourself

This renewed interpretation of Demeter focuses on generosity, care and relationships with others. Her image is connected with the ability to offer support and create a sense of connection and community. At the same time, giving too much of yourself can disrupt your own balance and restrict your personal freedom. The tension between closeness and the space you need for yourself is also part of the conversation.

Change as the beginning of new possibilities

Alongside inner experiences, the lecture will explore outward changes: a different appearance, a changing place within the family and evolving social roles. The question is how to understand them not only as circumstances you need to adapt to, but also as potential sources of fresh meaning and direction. The gathering offers time to seek your own paths towards a deeper connection with yourself and to see maturity as a space for inspiration and freedom.

Your speaker: Verzhiniya Petkova

Verzhiniya Petkova is a psychologist and a Jungian psychotherapist practising under supervision. She has 15 years of experience in depth psychology and in supporting women as they discover and develop their own strength. With her guidance, you will explore the world of archetypes and have the opportunity to connect these images with your personal understanding of maturity.

What the experience includes

• Participation in a lecture and discussion.
• Refreshments.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Location: Sofia.

Participation and advance booking

The lecture's theme is intended for women over 50. A separate minimum participation age of 18 is also stated. This is a group experience with other participants whom you may not know beforehand. A minimum of 5 participants is required for the event to take place.

Advance booking is required for a date on the organiser's schedule, at least 24 hours before the start. The advertised date is 21 February 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00. This date has already passed and does not confirm an upcoming event; a current date must be agreed when arranging to use your voucher.

Cancellation and gift vouchers

Under the organiser's stated condition, cancellation is free up to 48 hours before the booked start time. This applies to participation in the event and should not be treated as a general Adventico voucher refund policy.

Give yourself this time for self-discovery, or choose an Adventico voucher for a woman who wants to explore the possibilities of this stage of life. Purchasing a voucher does not automatically confirm a booking: the specific date of participation must be arranged in advance.