“Since life cannot tolerate a standstill, a damming up of vital energy results, and this would lead to an insupportable condition did not the tension of opposites produce a new, uniting function that transcends them. This function arises quite naturally from the regression of libido caused by the blockage”

(Jung, C., G., CW 6, par. 824)

“Dreaming is a form of communicating or communing with oneself (…) Dreaming is a special case of reflexive mental activity, in which the self becomes twofold, one part observing, arguing with, reflecting upon, resisting the implications of, assenting to, ideas, thoughts, situations imaginatively presented to it by the other” (Rycroft, C., The Innocence of Dreams, 1979, p. 45, shortened, emphasis mine)

 

In this paper I’d like to show two dreams of my client where – I believe - a transcendent function emerged. Symbols brought by dreams opened door to forgotten emotions and helped him realize quality of attitude which was shown beneficial when dealing with current difficulties. First, briefly, Jung’s take on the transcendent function. (more…)

“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. And God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." And God made the firmament and separated the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament. And it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven”.[1] (more…)

1. Addendum: Psychological parallels of Odysseus’ Mythical Journey

 

Jung (1916/1957) in his essay The Transcendent Function described a process of psychological change, i.e. self-regulation of the Psyche. His findings have great psychological implications with respect to clinical work. Follows I present his model and add comments pertaining to the archetypal process described in the myth of Odysseus and Calypso. (more…)

“Aren't we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know the birth of Santa!”

[Bart Simpson]

 

When in 1989 Matt Groening introduced on America’s televisions the cartoon The Simpsons, he probably had not dreamt that it would become the longest played cartoon show and longest played sitcom of all times in the  history of the United States. The Simpsons, shortly after its rocket take-off, pushed aside the “perfect” family of Bill Cosby and assumed the position amongst the 30 most popular TV shows ever. Since its debut, the show has broadcasted over 400 episodes and reached its nineteenth season. The season’s 18 finale was the show’s 400th episode, and year 2007 marked the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons franchise. (more…)

Dear Mr. Shamdasani,

My name is Vlado Solc; I work for Psychology Today (Psychologie Dnes) – Portal Publishing Co., Prague, Czech Republic. I would like you to answer my question for the magazine on the occasion of introducing the translation of The Red Book to Czech and Slovak audiences.

1)      The publication of the Liber Novus, or The Red Book has been long awaited by Jungians, clinical psychologists, historians, but also by the general public. Was it difficult to persuade Jung’s heirs to agree to the publishing of this book AND what moved them to finally agree? (more…)