Enduring the Fundamental Paradox of the Self and Repairing the Shattered God-image

Abstract

This research explores the shadow side of the human psyche and its relationship to the archetype of the dark God image. This study adds to the understanding that the psyche cannot operate from wholeness if paradox is left unintegrated. Utilizing an imaginal approach, an alchemical-hermeneutic methodology is applied to answer the research question: how can understanding of antinomy of the Self-God image assist in the evolution of human consciousness and in the creation of a more evolved myth for humankind? The Self/God image is explored through texts from analytic psychology, mythology and the Bible. Exploration of the Self in the human psyche is sought through the imagery of dreams, active imagination, and lived experience. In particular, the role of the body, the soma, in the integration experience is highlighted. This research examines the personal complex that is both protective and persecutory and the ways personal shadow figures relate to the collective God-Satan archetype. Through the techniques of active imagination and the ancient Tibetan Chᴕd practice, embodied imagery was found to reintegrate the body/psyche from dissociation; dissociation became less frequent and of less duration. This study adds to the literature about the relationship between the shadow and body. In addition, this study contributes to the field of analytic psychology in an effort to further understand the shadow and the Self.