C.G. Jung: “For those whom the mystery has faded…”
I am not, however, addressing myself to the happy possessors of faith, but to those many people for whom the light has gone out, the mystery has faded, and God is dead.
C.G. Jung
Psychology and Religion: West and East
Paragraph 148
After the heart attack 20 years ago, a cardiac psychologist I consulted with suggested that, among other things, I needed to find a spiritual direction. I had no experiential idea of what she meant; I was raised in a family that gave lip service to Christianity, but not at a feeling or deep level. Among other things, the kneeling was painful, and I learned if I hid my shoes I could avoid church.
As much as anything working with stones has connected me most to matters of the spirit. There was no rational reason to spend twenty years moving stones that has resulted in the manifestation of the spiral labyrinth, yet some strong force beyond my conscious understanding directed me to do the necessary work.
About the image:
Painted by Jung around 1917-19. The celebrant holds a serpent in one hand, and a dove in the other, both apparently emitting fire. Above is the equal armed cross, encircled in serpent forms. To the right Philemon is represented holding the Septem Sermones, and to the left is Ka. (The Art of C. G. Jung, Cat. 54, p 126)
One Comment
Thanks, Steve for this post. It resonates at a deep level.
The comments “a lapsed Catholic”, or ” lost one’s faith” have disappeared from my lexicon, thankfully/mostly long ago. Or perhaps they are hidden away “in my left toe” – a thought that resonates when I am occasionally curious. Faith, a la Catholic, has moved aside in favour of the experience of ’embodiment’ rather than ‘believing.’ A quiet force, beyond words, seems to prod me on the search. Certainly doubt about so much has replaced certainty – most of the time. 🙂
At our ages, Pete and I have decided that a traditional religious funeral is not for us. And yet the symbols of candle light, incense etc resonate powerfully. These continue to be challenging times for us – and friends who have also ‘left the fold’!
Your labyrinth seems to me to be a strong, solid ‘holding place’. I’m grateful for the images you have shared.
P.S.We have yet to watch Ralph Fiennes in Conclave and are looking forward to the experience and more so the chat with friends afterwards.
Thanks, Steve for this post. It resonates at a deep level.
The comments “a lapsed Catholic”, or ” lost one’s faith” have disappeared from my lexicon, thankfully/mostly long ago. Or perhaps they are hidden away “in my left toe” – a thought that resonates when I am occasionally curious. Faith, a la Catholic, has moved aside in favour of the experience of ’embodiment’ rather than ‘believing.’ A quiet force, beyond words, seems to prod me on the search. Certainly doubt about so much has replaced certainty – most of the time. 🙂
At our ages, Pete and I have decided that a traditional religious funeral is not for us. And yet the symbols of candle light, incense etc resonate powerfully. These continue to be challenging times for us – and friends who have also ‘left the fold’!
Your labyrinth seems to me to be a strong, solid ‘holding place’. I’m grateful for the images you have shared.
P.S.We have yet to watch Ralph Fiennes in Conclave and are looking forward to the experience and more so the chat with friends afterwards.