Cody Peterson, author of "The Shadow of a Figure of Light," dives into the intersection of C.G. Jung's theories and addiction recovery. He uncovers the historical ties between Jung and Alcoholics Anonymous, revealing how spirituality plays a critical role in overcoming addiction. Peterson explores the Alcoholic archetype as a guide to enlightenment and critiques traditional notions of good versus evil. Additionally, he discusses the significance of community support and the transformative journey through the 12-step program.
01:14:01
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Jung and Addiction
Carl Jung's work on the psychology of addiction began with Jaime de Angulo.
De Angulo, a scholar and alcoholic, helped Jung understand the spiritual quest within addiction.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Roland Hazard's Influence
Jung treated Roland Hazard, a wealthy alcoholic, but eventually told him he needed a spiritual experience.
Hazard's experience, shared through Ebby Thatcher, led to Bill Wilson's spiritual awakening and the founding of AA.
insights INSIGHT
12 Steps as Myth
The 12 steps, while seemingly simple, are a modern myth with rich symbolism.
Bill Wilson's use of "we" creates an anonymous human character interacting with a higher power.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this book, Dr. Gabor Maté presents a comprehensive and compassionate look at addiction. He argues that addiction is not a moral failure or a genetic disease but rather a result of human development gone awry, often due to childhood trauma. The book includes first-person accounts, case studies, and scientific research to illustrate how addictive behaviors are attempts to self-soothe deep-seated fears and discomforts.
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
Jung, C. G.
Carl Gustav Jung
This book features many of Jung's most important essays on archetypes and the collective unconscious. It explores the idea that there is a deeper, universal level of the unconscious that contains archetypes, which are preexistent thought forms common to all humans. These archetypes manifest in dreams, myths, and fairytales, and play a crucial role in the psychological process of individuation. The essays discuss various archetypes such as the persona, the shadow, the anima or animus, and the self, and how they influence human psychology and behavior. The book also includes a pictorial section with examples of archetypal images drawn by Jung's patients, illustrating the universal nature of these symbols[1][2][5].
Psychology and Religion
Psychology and Religion
Carl Jung
The War Of The Gods In Addiction
David Schoen
Aeon
Aeon
Carl Jung
The Shadow of a Figure of Light: the Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment
The Shadow of a Figure of Light: the Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment
Cody Peterson
Writing the Big Book
Writing the Big Book
William Shabird
Symbols of Transformation
Michael Fordham
Sir Herbert Read
Carl Jung
Gerhard Adler
Alcoholics Anonymous
Bill Wilson
Written primarily by Bill Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, this book outlines the 12-step program for recovering from alcoholism. It includes personal stories of recovery, explanations of the steps, and chapters targeted at specific audiences such as agnostics, wives, and employers. The book emphasizes the importance of admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking help from a higher power, and community support. It has been highly influential and has sold over 37 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling books of all time.
Ready to sober up? Cure yourself of sanity? Cody Peterson joins us to discuss his new book on psychospiritual transformation, The Shadow of a Figure of Light: the Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment. Discover the unexpected historical connections between C.G. Jung and Bill Wilson, revealing their shared roots in ancient shamanistic traditions. Understand how the Alcoholic archetype serves as a paradoxical guide towards enlightenment within our modern spiritual crisis. We’ll illuminate the Twelve Steps as a contemporary myth, enriching our understanding of addiction through a blend of analytical psychology and personal experience.