Jung Society Melbourne Podcast Robert Johnson: Dionysus the Forgotten God
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Feb 7, 2024 Robert Johnson, a popular author and Episcopal priest with roots in Jungian analysis, dives into the complexities of Dionysus, the fragile god of ecstasy. He connects ancient myths to modern psychology, discussing the balance of joy and responsibility in our lives. Johnson explores themes like repressed impulses, the cultural dichotomy between East and West, and the significance of integrating ecstatic experiences with discipline. He also touches on the blend of Christian traditions with Dionysian celebration and the intricate legacies of cultural appropriation in spiritual practices.
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Cultural Hole in Sensation and Feeling
- Western culture has a gap between sensation and feeling functions, making feeling and sensation difficult to embrace fully.
- This hole causes cultural discomfort, with sensation often suppressed as virtuous, limiting the full human experience.
Embarrassed Peace Gesture Anecdote
- At a cathedral peace ceremony, an embarrassed woman offered only a small finger for a handshake due to cultural discomfort.
- Robert Johnson responded by embracing a man strongly, highlighting Western repression of physical sensation.
Dionysus' Thrice-Born Myth
- Dionysus was born thrice: from his mother, father, and the underworld, symbolizing fragility and rebirth.
- His birth myth reflects the delicate balance required to sustain this archetype in human consciousness.