This Jungian Life Podcast SUBLIMATIO: Jung’s Alchemical Method of Turning Problems into Archetypes
Oct 16, 2025
Discover the alchemical concept of sublimatio as a metaphor for transforming old problems into fresh perspectives. Explore how naming symptoms can alleviate suffering, and learn how myth and amplification in therapy can provide psychological distance. The discussion includes the roles of astrology and tarot in understanding personal issues. Delve into the dynamics of dreams and precise emotional language as tools for insight, and uncover the shadow side of spiritual bypassing. Finally, engage with mythic associations and the importance of returning insights to everyday life.
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Naming Lifts Suffering
- Naming a symptom lifts it into a universal frame and creates immediate relief.
- Joseph Lee says this lifts suffering above the person and enables objective perspective.
Use Symbols To Gain Perspective
- Use symbolic tools like tarot or astrology to take a 40,000-foot view when stuck.
- Lisa Marciano recommends these tools briefly to relieve anxiety when action is impossible.
Metaphor Extracts Essence
- Language and metaphor act as psychological sublimatio by extracting essence into symbol.
- Joseph Lee illustrates this with the "moon is waning" image that changed a breakup conversation.
