Social Reflections
Asynchronous Session
Architecture of the Soul: Castle and Cathedral Imagery in Western Spiritual Practices
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Rebecca Barham
This study examines the use of castle and cathedral imagery in spiritual practices in St. Teresa of Avila’s The Interior Castle (1577), Jean Dubuis’ The Experience of Eternity (2007), and the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis’ (AMORC) Cathedral of the Soul/Celestial Sanctum (1932). The objective is to discover how this imagery is used and depicted, what results are attributed, how these change over time, and what ideas this reflects. While there is a tradition beginning in Antiquity of using architecture as a memory aid (Method Loci), and in the Middle Ages of using castles and cathedrals as metaphors in moral teachings, their use in spiritual practices that are said to grant spiritual experiences and attainment has not been fully explored. The interpretative work of this study contributes to the fields of iconography, comparative religion, and psychology. The methods include a comprehensive literature review and textual analysis, with additional research on Jewish and Christian Mysticism, Method Loci, and architectural elements in Western spiritual literature. Results reveal that castles and cathedrals serve as representations of the soul’s body or spaces of refuge and protection where the work of the soul takes place. The tradition of using castles and cathedrals in spiritual practices continues to flourish today, now reflecting a modern mindset of personal creative power through more active imaginative involvement, group practices, and expanded results, including a meeting place for members, connecting with past masters and the higher self, and creating continuity in spiritual realms during life and after death.
Featured Picture This: How Images Shape Teaching and Learning
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Katherine Horlock, Cindy Melton
In a world where K12 students are surrounded by images, visuals have become essential tools for teaching and learning. This study explores how the thoughtful use of images can deepen comprehension, sustain attention, support memory, and promote inclusivity across learning environments. Drawing from cognitive learning theories, visual literacy, and classroom practice, this presentation will highlight how images help translate abstract concepts into accessible, engaging content. Whether through infographics, visual storytelling, or interactive simulations, images offer learners new entry points to understanding and remembering key ideas. Also, images serve to widen access to learning for students with varied language proficiencies and reading abilities. By shifting the focus from text-heavy content to multi-modal instruction, educators can create more equitable learning experiences for the eyes, minds, and imaginations of all learners.
