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Core Jungian Concepts
Jung and Gnosticism: Discover a Universe of Whole-Making

Jung and Gnosticism: Discover a Universe of Whole-Making

Oct 24, 2024

Jung’s exploration of Gnosticism significantly shaped his understanding of the Self as the totality of the psyche, a concept central to analytical psychology. In Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self, he draws a direct parallel between the Gnostic figure of the Anthropos and the psychological Self. In Gnostic mythology, the Anthropos represents the primordial, unified human being—symbolizing a state of wholeness that encompasses both the divine and human, the spiritual and the material. Jung saw this figure as an archetype of the Self, which, in his psychology, is the integration of both conscious and unconscious elements of the psyche.

Jungian Alchemy: The Secret of Inner Transformation

Jungian Alchemy: The Secret of Inner Transformation

Oct 3, 2024

Jungian alchemy is the art of turning inner lead into gold, a transformation not of metals but of the human soul. Jung thought of alchemy as the projection of a drama, both cosmic and spiritual in laboratory terms, seeing in it a profound symbol for the individuation process—a journey toward psychic wholeness and the realization of the Self. Deeply fascinated by its symbols and enigmatic language, Jung found in alchemy a rich parallel to the transformation of the psyche, a symbolic system mapping out the struggles, dissolutions, and integrations faced by himself and his patients. The esoteric texts and cryptic imagery of alchemists—long misunderstood as primitive science—contained the hidden wisdom of the unconscious, unfolding the stages of inner purification, death, rebirth, and spiritual awakening. For Jung, alchemy became a key to understanding the universal process of self-discovery, drawing together myth, dreams, and the sacred art of psychological transformation.

Loyalty to Self and the Death of Illusion

Loyalty to Self and the Death of Illusion

Aug 22, 2024

Loyalty is often seen as a virtue, something to be revered and upheld. It is deeply connected to our identity, attachment, and sense of fairness. Loyalty is not always a conscious choice; it is a force that evolves as we grow, shaping our relationships and our expectations of the world. The evolution of loyalty is influenced by our attachment styles, which dictate how we connect with others and how we remain steadfast in our commitments. In political contexts, loyalty can be manipulated, often distorting our sense of fairness and justice. Understanding our own loyalty patterns is crucial to navigating the complexities of life and relationships.

UNLOCK THE POWER OF SYMBOLS

UNLOCK THE POWER OF SYMBOLS

Aug 8, 2024

The distinction between signs and symbols is essential to understanding the unconscious. Signs convey familiar information or directions, such as a stop sign indicating the need to halt. Symbols, however, represent something unknown or unconscious, carrying a deeper, often mysterious meaning that transcends ordinary understanding. They play a crucial role in human development, providing a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind. Symbols should not be reduced to something already known; instead, they should be experienced and lived with, allowing their deeper messages to unfold over time.

Personal Shadow Work: Where is Your Dark Twin Hiding?

Personal Shadow Work: Where is Your Dark Twin Hiding?

Jul 11, 2024

Understanding our personal darkness is a journey of self-discovery. PERSONAL SHADOW WORK: Where is your dark twin hiding? involves delving into parts of ourselves that have been pushed into the unconscious due to discomfort or societal expectations. When brought to light, these hidden aspects offer us a richer existence.

Can Art Heal Us? The Role of Imagery in Jungian Analysis

Can Art Heal Us? The Role of Imagery in Jungian Analysis

Jul 4, 2024

Jungian Art Therapy explores the connection between art and psychological growth. The spontaneous act of creating images, whether through drawing, painting, or other forms of artistic expression, helps us to tap into our unconscious mind, providing insights into our inner world. Imagery, metaphors, and symbols are central to this process, bridging our conscious and unconscious levels. This approach can promote emotional healing and self-discovery, fostering a deeper understanding of psyche.

Encounters with Light: Jung’s near-death experiences

Encounters with Light: Jung’s near-death experiences

May 2, 2024

Carl Jung’s near-death experience (NDE) during a heart attack profoundly influenced his psychological theories and personal philosophy. While unconscious, Jung perceived himself leaving his body and observing Earth from afar, enveloped in a glorious blue light. He encountered a temple-like structure within a meteoric stone and a mystical figure, experiences that resonated with his concepts of the collective unconscious and archetypal imagery. This transformative journey intensified his understanding of the psyche’s connection to universal consciousness and solidified his belief in life beyond physical existence. Upon reluctantly returning to his body, Jung felt constrained by the material world, reinforcing his dedication to exploring the depths of the human spirit and the continuity of consciousness after death. This profound experience deeply enriched his work and theories, leaving a lasting impact on both his professional contributions and personal worldview.

Why We Make Others Feel Bad: understanding projective identification

Why We Make Others Feel Bad: understanding projective identification

Apr 4, 2024

Projective identification, first highlighted by Melanie Klein through observations of infant-mother interactions, is a cornerstone of psychoanalytic theory. It describes the process where an individual unconsciously projects disowned feelings, desires, or self-aspects onto another, manipulating the relational context to evoke these projected feelings or behaviors in the other, thus creating a validating feedback loop.

THE VITAL SPARK: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire

THE VITAL SPARK: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire

Feb 22, 2024

The Vital Spark represents the true essence of an individual’s authentic self. It encompasses the dynamic qualities that drive personal growth, creativity, and self-assertion. It embodies the deep-seated energies and potentials within us that, when acknowledged and embraced, lead to a life of fuller expression, resilience, and purpose.

NIGHTMARES: How can I stop awful dreams?

NIGHTMARES: How can I stop awful dreams?

Nov 30, 2023

Our dreams are always trying to correct our waking personality. They are a kind of psychospiritual medicine tailored just for us. When we avoid healing advice from the dream maker, pressure builds in our unconscious. Gentle suggestions become urgent pleas, which over time become fierce demands that insist on recognition. Once we recognize we are running away from essential insights, we can turn around and embrace them.

Why Do We Push People Away? Understanding our Defenses

Why Do We Push People Away? Understanding our Defenses

Sep 28, 2023

Defense mechanisms function as unconscious psychological strategies we deploy to navigate reality and sustain a consistent self-image. They act as a shield, guarding against feelings of anxiety, shame, and vulnerability. They are feeling states that prompt us to avoid contact and trick us into thinking they protect us against emotional harm.