Saturday
14Nov2009

A CASE OF INDIE-VIDUATION

Perhaps as a result of listening to the outstanding Jungian Podcast, generously and skillfully produced by Jungian Analyst John Betts, I have finally understood several confusing aspects of my psychological configuration and related dynamics.

Based on what I'm learning, it appears that I have been INDIVIDUATING, a term describing a psychological process we all would do well to engage in, according to Dr. Jung, since we cannot be at peace, with ourselves and/or others, until we do.

I had suspected that my psyche was up to something, once again, as it is of a restless kind, one that can even turn mischievious, should I attempt to put a wrench in its wheels ( and yes, they are all there, thank you).

But this? This was an unexpected turn of events, even for an inveterate INFP such as myself (and if you don't know your Jungian typology .... what are you waiting for?).

I know, I know. I don't buy into the idea of labeling people either. However, when I read the description of my type I really liked it, since it said many great things about me, which are all true, so I decided there must be something to this test after all.

Besides, I needed a bit of lightheartedness, given how strenuous the Individuation business can be.

I hope these links will keep you entertained until I get another break (my mind tends to operate in turbo-gear when occupied with self-discovery expeditions, especially when it reaches a previously uncharted vista of my unconscious landscape).

For now, have fun with your archetypes, complexes and unconscious and remember, if things gets too intense at any point, hit your transcendent function and all will be well.

(Just kidding! Did I need to say that?)

Saturday
31Oct2009

THIS POST IS A PROLOGUE 

to A Fool's Journey, which is my other, more specific and goal oriented Journal. I have decided to post this Prologue here in response to readers' requests, quite justified, for a user-friendlier website navigation system.

I am also a dedicated believer in not wasting anyone's time, a commodity in severe shortage these days, so I am providing my readers with a hint, as to what this other blog of mine is about.

That way, at least I hope, no one will feel like I tricked them into reading apocryphal literature that could challenge every belief they've managed to hold on to.

Should you decide to hop over to the other side, my dear Friend, please don't say I didn't warn you.

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Why are we here?

What are we doing on earth?

What is our purpose?

Why do we have so much more power than any other creature on the planet, if what we do with it leads to trouble?

What are humans, really? Are we animals? Demi-gods?

Or something else?

If you are like me, these are questions you cannot stop asking yourself. They are on your mind when you wake up in the morning and as you fall asleep at night. They show up independently of your other thoughts, as if they had supreme jurisdiction over your mind, and you can't stop them from occupying it.

And yet, it seems as though there will never be a definite answer for any of them. Only suppositions. Right?

Well, take heart. If you can identify with this existential predicament, read on. You might find some relief in the writing that follows.

If, on the other hand, you don't question such things, for it would be a waste of time, or believe you have already found your own answers to the riddle of existence, you might not enjoy my writing at all and I suggest you do not proceed any further than this.

For those who feel compelled to venture forth, here is an important bit of information: I have chosen to use the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck as a starting point, not because I believe that life's answers can be found in fortune-telling, but as a way to facilitate our task.

I should clarify, in case you are not familiar with them, that these images have nothing to do with card games or fortune telling. They were around when Alchemists were searching for the Philospher's Stone. They inspired  Kabalah students and Hebrew mystics to draw the Tree of Life. They were well known in Ancient Egypt, where the High Priests used them to communicate with the Gods.

I realize that they can arouse suspicion in those who have not become acquainted with their history, but I am confident this is not an unsurmountable obstacle. If you are uncertain about their historical validity, just remember that they have been around for thousands of years and have inspired countless wise men and women from every culture and background, as they searched for the answers to the same existential questions I started this prologue with.

(I'm ready. Proceed to A Fool's Journey.)

( Get me out of here!)