That is what we usually neglect to do. We allow the images to rise up, and maybe we wonder about them, but that is all. We do not take the trouble to understand them, let alone draw ethical conclusions from them. This stopping-short conjures up the negative effects of the unconscious.
It is equally a grave mistake to think that it is enough to gain some understanding of the images and that knowledge can here make a halt. Insight into them must be converted into an ethical obligation. Not to do so it to fall prey to the power principle and this produces dangerous effects which are destructive not only to others but even to the knower.
The images of the unconscious place a great responsibility upon a man. Failure to understand them, or a shirking of ethical responsibility, deprives him of his wholeness and imposes a painful fragmentariness of his life.
C.G. Jung: Memories, Dreams, Reflections, Confrontations with the Unconscious Pg. 192-193.
I have worked with the above image for thirteen years. Along with the quote by Jung, I have tried to creatively work with this image… It came twice to me and in different forms.
The one to view as part of this essay is the first one. I have researched the image and have a great amount of insight into it. The image is a female presence and is holding something. What my focus is on is the cauldron.
A cauldron takes on many mythological meanings. It is not until today that I sense that a name possible can be placed upon this whole figure.
Both times I viewed this image I saw it in an in-between place. While looking outside a window in my apartment, and seeing it reflected in the window. There was nothing in the apartment or outside to create such an image. This is the place of the void or unknown or the unconscious projecting as an image. The second time I saw a similar female figure, but she was holding a smaller caldron and also a large staff.
I viewed this image upon the ceiling while visiting a chiropractor for my health. The image was above me and transparently formed as she transfixed my view. From both of these images I created a stencil and printed them on paper.
My goal is to listen to the teaching and advice of Jung on this matter. I hold true to the ethical obligation to this image and share it as well. I feel an overwhelming creativity happening now. Is it the full moon or the eclipse of Venus that is on my horizon?
I think it might be something of Black Moon Lilith. Is she offering this caldron of the archaic feminine to me in understanding the depth within my shadow? My shadow is in the form of this image. Acknowledging the shadow in me and in others is something that I hope to understand more deeply… and this image is whispering the way. Now…what a creative time it is!!
This spoke to me—all of it. And it gives more insight into who you are as a writer and otherwise. Your blog is full of beautiful stories and spiritual growth that I and many more should find a kindred spirit within. I know I do. All you do matters. Thank you.
I have not read this post in some time. I edited it today and thought about how much has changed in my life since I first posted this.
Thanks for your insight… and kind words.