AustLit

Described as a 'woman before her time', Rix Weaver holds the distinction of being the first Australian to study with the analytical psychologist Carl G. Jung. Attending the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich, she was also the first Australian to be accepted as a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology. After completing her studies Weaver returned from Europe, practising as a Jungian analyst she subsequently established the 'Analytical Psychology Club of Perth' which convened its first meeting in July 1954.

Weaver 'refused to be bound by convention or her sex', believing that a woman should have a life and interests which lay beyond the role of motherhood. To this end, she pursued a life that was rich and varied as she embraced a diverse assortment of activities. The author of six novels, she also made furniture, hats and clothes, painted, and designed gardens. A 'recognised graphologist (handwriting analyst)', Weaver has been defined as 'a traveller, adventurer, historical researcher, teacher,' and 'student of micro-physics'. She even showed an interest in water divining.

In the course of her career she lectured in the USA and in 1966 accepted an invitation to return to Zurich and speak on the Aboriginal myths of Uluru which 'she had studied at Ayer's Rock under the tutelage of Bill Harney'. Noted for thoroughly researching the historical content of her novels, Weaver also published an examination of Jungian psychology, The Old Wise Woman: A Study of Active Imagination (1964) and a biography, Spinning on a Dream Thread: Hermann Hesse, His Life and Work, and His Contact with C. G. Jung (1977).

According to Helen Crompton, Weaver's first three novels, Behold, New Holland! (1940), New Holland Heritage (1941) and Beyond Cooralong [1945] 'were serialised and broadcast by ABC radio'.

(Sources: Helen Crompton 'A Leading Spirit' The West Australian 31 July 1999; Rix Weaver The Gingko Tree 1984)