Lecture 4: The Conception and Mysterium Encounter

Introduction

• Climax of Liber Novus (Red Book) by Carl Jung.
• New consciousness striving for wholeness is to be born, giving rise to the 'Divine Child'.

Eastern vs. Western Way

• Eastern Way: Spirituality, mind, self, collective (denial of ego).
• Western Way: Science, body, ego, individual (focus on ego).
• Jung’s journey: Starts with a strong ego (Western) and moves towards an Eastern path of enlightenment.
• Supreme Meaning: Integration of opposites post-ego death leading to a strong and humble new ego.

The Murder of the Hero

• December 18th, 1913: Jung experiences torment and visions leading to the symbolic murder of the hero within him (ego death).
• Jung’s dream: Transition from frightful vision to a moment of renewal.
• Key insights: Highest truth equates to the absurd, leading to release and mental peace.
• Tragic Guilt: First step in individuation involving the expiation of accumulated guilt.

The Vision and Its Significance

• Jung’s vision: Describes the new world of undetermined possibilities and colorful twilight (in-between state).
• Guilt and Rebirth: Through guilt and expiation, a new man is born in Jung.
• Inner Journey: Journey through the depths and the desert, integrating the good and bad, leading to a new consciousness.

Symbolism and Metaphors in Jung's Journey

• Concepts of God, hero, and anti-hero (Christ and Antichrist) interwoven in Jung's visions.
• Integration of Opposites: Day and night, meaning and absurdity, heaven and hell as interconnected realities.
• Sacrifice and Renewal: Death and rebirth, concept of self-sacrifice for greater truth and wholeness.

Jung's New Consciousness

• Birth of the Divine Child: Symbolizes new awareness born out of a union of opposites.
• Ambiguity and Wholeness: New god will reside in the realm of the relative, embracing both good and bad, light and dark.
• Descent into Hell: Jung’s journey mirrors Christ’s descent into hell, necessary for true ascent to higher consciousness.

Practical Insights from Jung

• Fear and Depths: Acknowledging and facing one's inner fears and depths is crucial for individuation.
• Shadow Work: Activating and integrating hidden traumas and limiting beliefs to achieve healing and wholeness.
• Cleverness over Heroism: Encouragement to avoid heroic attitudes and approach inner work cautiously and wisely.

Conception and Birth of New God (Divine Child)

• Psychic Pregnancy: Metaphor for carrying and birthing new consciousness within oneself.
• Eruption of the Depths: Jung’s soul and the spirit of the depths erupt to reveal the birth of the new god.

Active Imagination and Union Mentalis

• Elijah and Salome: Represent Jung’s inner archetypes—logos (thinking) and eros (feeling), respectively.
• Serpent: Represents the unifying principle between thought and feeling, an essential part of Jung's psyche.
• Union Mentalis: Integrating thought and feeling to achieve a balanced and whole consciousness.

Interpretation of Jung's Visions

• Understanding Forethinking and Pleasure: Need for balance between thinking (logos) and feeling (eros) to achieve wholeness.
• Role of the Serpent: Symbolizing the unity and interplay of opposites within the psyche.
• Importance of Acceptance: Accepting both principles within oneself to achieve individuation and inner harmony.

Conclusion

• Mystery Play: Jung’s visions and archetypal encounters are unique to his journey but provide insights into the process of individuation.
• Paradox and Ambiguity: Embracing life's paradoxes and ambiguities as part of the journey to wholeness.
• Future Lectures: The journey continues with further instructions and deeper exploration into the mysteries of the psyche.