About the School of Images®
Founded by Dr. Catherine Shainberg in 1982, The School of Images® (SOI) is a New York-based institute and global network of study centers that guide us in using power of dream images and imagination for transformational purposes. Grounded in the ancient Kabbalah of Light, SOI integrates ancient wisdom and teachings with modern Western knowledge and techniques to catalyze creative manifestation in all areas of life, including personal, professional, communal, and global.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Practices
The techniques taught at SOI are based upon teachings and practices transmitted down through an 800-year long lineage dating back to Rabbis Isaac the Blind of Provence, France, and Jacob Ben Sheshet of Gerona, Spain in the 13th century.
Known as the Kabbalah of Light, its last lineage holder was revered kabbalist and teacher, Colette Sheshet Aboulker-Muscat. Following the completion of their decades-long studies together, Colette named Catherine as her successor.
Drawing upon these 30+ years of study and collaboration in Jerusalem with her spiritual mother Colette, as well as her own lifelong scholarship, Catherine melded this ancient knowledge into accessible and transformational techniques to answer the needs of our contemporary world. From this extensive development work, The School of Images® (SOI) formed.
Through her time leading SOI, Catherine has added (and continues to add) to this lineage by developing new Saphire® Imagery techniques and visualization exercises for modern-day issues and afflictions. She also created DreamOpeining® to help students directly access what the images of their subconscious mean. Part of SOI’s mission is to offer unique, powerful methods for creating transformational dialogue between the conscious and the subconscious. This work has helped thousands of students and private clients over the years in the US and at SOI’s international locations.
How SOI Works
The techniques used by SOI are quick, and their impact, instantaneous. But like all profound traditions, the work takes practice. SOI works with students who wish to become teachers, and with those interested in self-development, to practice these techniques meaningfully, effectively, respectfully and responsibly.
SOI offers programs in:
- Saphire® Imagery for the teaching and practice of guided visualization;
- DreamBirth® certification programs for birthing professionals;
- DreamOpening® to decipher the messages of your dreams for self-development;
- Morphology for the study of forms to develop deep inner knowing;
- Tarot for its imaginal content and its role as a portal to the subconscious.
Educational formats include: full- and half-year courses; classes; workshops; special events; private sessions; and consultations with groups and organizations. SOI’s offerings are presented by practitioners in NYC and many other parts of the world, both in-person and online. All offerings are presented in English and translated into the local language of the hosting SOI international school.
How Saphire® Imagery Works
Saphire® Imagery, the unique form of visualization exercises developed by Catherine Shainberg, uses short, quick and distinctive imaginal prompts that push aside the chattering mind to allow us to plunge into the subconscious.
This inner gazing permits us to access our inner truth, which is revelatory and transformative, and opens up the dialogue of our conscious mind with the subconscious. One uses words to prompt and describe the inner images, and then answer their need.
Our images reveal truths about ourselves to ourselves. Exploring life through images frees us to see and live in the truth of who we are, because it quiets the static of our egos.
Saphire® Imagery creates a dialogue between the conscious and the subconscious that changes the way we experience ourselves, our lives, and how we engage with others.
Becoming Co-Creators With the World
In the tradition of Kabbalah of Light teachings, this work is experiential. There is no direct study or analysis of ancient text. This work is pure Kabbalah, which means “We Receive”
We receive through inner gazing, and we explore the imaginal field using a universally understood language – the language of dreams and images. This reveals to us our own inner light of creation and how we can be co-creators with the world.
To learn and experience the benefits of this work, you do not have to be Jewish, know Hebrew, or abide by any specific dogma. It is a technology accessible to everyone and is as powerful and clear as any scientific technique one might draw upon.
The School of Images is a unique setting to explore the power of imagery, dreams and the deep use of imagination for manifestation and transformation. Through classes, workshops, events, private sessions, practitioner referrals, and other resources, SOI integrates ancient wisdom and modern practices, techniques and tools for all to use in creating the life of our dreams.
