Nature - An extension of the Archetype of the Self as embodied in the image of the White Lion.
Join me as I examine Nature as a dynamic extension of our psyche in terms of Jung’s Archetype of the Self. I believes that Nature as an archetypal pattern of the soul, interwoven with humankind’s ancient lived experiences and evolutionary leaps, constitutes the bedrock of our consciousness. My hypothesis is grounded in the Ecological Perspective, which demands a fundamental interconnectedness—as is implicit in the South African concept of Ubuntu. I draws a comparison between lions, in their role of apex predator and an “ordering principle” in nature, with the concept of the Self as the regulating center in the human psyche. Lions’ deep-rooted symbolic and mythological significance is considered, with specific emphasis on the importance of white animals in spiritual traditions, elucidating the proper relationship required between humans and Nature.
The body is often neglected as a source of wisdom, but in fact it is the only channel for our intuition. Anchoring our consciousness in the body in an embodied manner allows for greater present moment awareness. Breathwork teaches us to connect and align more deeply with ourselves and what Jung would call the archetype of the Self, or the god-image within. We have all been alienated from our true selves - our true nature, which forms part of all Nature in a beautiful interconnected, interdimensional matrix. How do we move from fragmentation to integration and wholeness, from inauthenticity to authenticity and integrity, from pretence into presence?
We live in troubled times. How can one remain grounded while fully engaging with the world around you. There is magic and mystery, but we have closed ourselves off in self-protection and have become isolated bubbles or islands in the sea of existence. However, we are deeply embedded in creation, interwoven with the elements and the air that we breath. It is our birth right to step into this embodiment of our true nature. How can we breathe more of Life, nourishing ourselves with an abundance of energy and curious delight at our marvellous life force energy? How can we surrender old patterns that keep us from living life to our fullest enjoyment and infinite potential? Our psychological and physiological states are intertwined with our habitual breathing patterns. Join me for this exploration into breathwork as an invaluable tool in the individuation journey.
Joseph Campbell’s description of the hero’s journey as a monomyth has been equated with Carl Jung’s process of individuation. The journey as a metaphor for the archetypal pattern of the transformation of consciousness - the maturing of the human being through tests, trials and ordeals - is a deeply human narrative reflected in mythologies around the world.
Campbell suggested that The Hero’s Journey as depicted in the outer journeys of life and mythology is indeed a deep inner journey of transformation and growth. Jung suggests that ‘the treasure hard to attain’ lies hidden in the deep waters of the unconscious. The hero’s Journey begins with the individual’s departure from their conscious personality, descending into the unknown uncharted regions of their psyche in search of the ‘ultimate boon’, while being confronted by their shadow aspects along the way. Campbell suggests that consciously or unconsciously, we are in search of the innermost Self, what Jung called the Archetype of the Self, or the God image within.
Join us as we journey through the three phases of the Hero’s journey as mapped by Joseph Campbell: Departure, Initiation, and Return. The hero’s journey always begins with ‘a call to adventure’ – an illness, a catastrophe or other life event that disturbs our everyday reality - and involves crossing important thresholds, meeting mentors and allies, and facing tests.