Carl Jung’s psychology reaches the deepest layers of the psyche. Ken James keeps us grounded, humble and good-humored as we go there.
Ken starts the first lecture by offering concise definitions of basic Jungian terms. These include complex, ego-complex, Self, personal unconscious, collective unconscious, archetypes, persona, and shadow. Then he moves in deeper to discuss the transcendent function.
The transcendent function is what makes us aware of what’s moving us. Complexes move us without our being aware of them consciously. The conversation between the ego complex and the Self is vital to individuation. The transcendent function is where that core conversation takes place.
Ken frankly reminds us that our complexes will never go away. It doesn’t matter how many workshops or courses we attend. Complexes can always be triggered. The purpose of analysis is to know where your complexes are. Knowing that can make us humbler and more compassionate.
Ken begins the second lecture discussing luck, fate, hazard and consciousness. Individuation is pulling together what’s divided in the psyche. That requires focusing on both the inner and outer world at the same time. That, in turn, makes luck, fate and hazard our companions rather than our enemies.
Archetypal roots organize our experience more than personal history. This means we control much less than we think we do. Thinking you know is the biggest barrier to true knowing. Ken shares examples we can all relate to of these human defenses.
Since each lecture stands alone, some themes are revisited. As with great music, the second hearing moves it deeper. Down to earth and sublime, Ken James brings it all together. Listen in with him and learn to turn toward wholeness.
These warm, scholarly and fun lectures will deepen your vision and lighten your load.
Enjoy a bonus Q&A section between Ken and the audience about what archetypes are and are not.
These lectures were originally presented at the C.G. Jung Society of St. Louis and have been remastered by Jung Platform. The lectures are available now.
