In the late 1980s I often visited Perth to facilitate workshops for the local astrological group sponsored by Barbara Brackley (Rix’s Daughter) – and sometimes I would also speak to the Jung Society – I remember those days fondly. I was blessed to stay with Barbara and spend many hours discussing our mutual appreciation of the art of astrology.
This is when I first met Rix Weaver and we also spent many hours together when I was in Perth. I would visit her each morning in her flat behind Barb’s house and we would have a ritual exchange – I would discuss her chart with her, and she would discuss my dreams with me.
Like many others at the CG Jung Institute in Zurich, Rix would often have her chart read by Carl Jung’s daughter Gret Baumann-Jung, who was an astrologer. I was fascinated to know how Gret approached charts, as well as Rix’s experience of this; given her daughter too was an astrologer. My times with Rix were memorable, as the spectrum of psychological and spiritual traditions were open for discussion. I was introduced to new ways of thinking about many psychological theories and sacred practices. I was blessed to be invited into Rix’s group where she would discuss Sufism and its philosophy. She introduced me to Rumi – I look back and recognize how blessed I was to have sat with her. My fondness for the poetry of Rumi has matured, but I still remember the impact of the sweet introduction to the mystic that she gave to me.
There was always a twinkle in her eye – a mischievous spirit I happily colluded with. We laughed. I was always entranced by her stories of studying in Zurich and of her experience of her teacher C.G. Jung. Sometimes I wondered about her amplification of the story (she was a Sagittarian!) but it was all part of the wonderful exchange we found ourselves in – one story I will never forget is...
One day Rix was talking about Jung’s aversion to being put on pedestal and how he often would do something to sever the spell of the projection. This day when Rix was in the auditorium with many of his followers and students, Carl Jung stood on the stage behind the lectern. The room was still; everyone was silent with all eyes on him. The atmosphere was expectant and reverent. Then Carl Jung reached down and picked something up, and threw it into the audience. It was a brightly coloured beach ball! Like the audience that day I was shocked and then I broke into a gale of laughter. Rix had taught me an important lesson, one she must have learnt that day the beach ball went into the audience, and that was to not be inflated nor caught up in becoming the projection of others - and to value the trickster whenever he shows up.
I can still see your bright eyes and your smile that lights your face. Thank you Rix From Brian