The Cosmic Mind and the Esoteric Wisdom Beyond Science, Dr. Tom Cheetham | Mind Meld 400
Jul 25, 2024
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Dr. Tom Cheetham, philosopher, scientist, and author, discusses his journey to understanding the visionary and imaginal realms influenced by authors like James Hillman and Henry Corbin. Topics include exploring esoteric wisdom, encounters with altered states through Iboga, embracing analogies in different realities, the relationship between individuation and spiritual evolution, Gnostic wisdom in Jung's works, and the interplay of psychology and theology in understanding spirituality.
Analogies bridge inner and outer realms in Neoplatonic and Islamo-Christian worldviews.
Personal diamond and angelologies guide individuation and spiritual growth.
Analogical thinking deepens understanding of reality and interconnected realms.
Encountering personal diamonds signifies inner growth beyond collective consciousness.
Deep dives
Analogies Everywhere: Uncovering the Mundus Imaginalis
In the discussion, the importance of analogies and correspondences from Hillman's Neoplatonic worldview to Corbin's Islamo-Christian Judeo worldview was highlighted. These analogies are found extensively, bridging different realms of reality, connecting the inner and outer worlds, including the perception of angels and diamonds.
Exploring Personal Angelologies: Hillman's Diamond and Corbin's Angels
Examining the relationship between Hillman's concept of the personal diamond and Corbin's angelologies revealed significant similarities. Both concepts emphasize individual connections to higher realities beyond a solely psychological understanding, guiding individuals on paths of individuation and psycho-spiritual growth.
Bringing Analogy to Life: Kaia Silverman and the Power of Correspondences
The significance of analogies and correspondences in deepening the understanding of reality was illuminated through Kaia Silverman's work, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different realms of existence. This exploration delved into the realms of alchemy, Neoplatonism, and highlighted the profound impact of analogical thinking on our perception of the world.
From Myth to Reality: Jung's Encounter with the Personal Diamond
Drawing from Jung's profound experiences, particularly his encounter with the personal diamond, the essence of his work was revealed to stem from those primordial encounters beyond collective consciousness. This journey of encountering one's personal God or diamond signifying a unique struggle with emotions and creative inspirations embodies a path of inner realization and growth.
Gnostic Pathways: Unveiling the Psycho-Spiritual Becoming
The evolving understanding of the Gnostic aspects within Jung, Corbin, and Hillman's works unraveled the intricate nature of individuation and psycho-spiritual transformation. Through grappling with personal angelologies and analogical connections, these thinkers delved into realms where psychological and spiritual dimensions intricately intertwine.
Corbin's Approach to Religion and Mysticism
Corbin, a monotheist converted to Islam, emphasized the common core intuitions shared by major monotheistic religions. His interest in mystical fringes of religions stemmed from the understanding that organized religion tends to become legalized. Contrary to following rules to reach a spiritual experience, Corbin believed in the freedom from constraints, highlighting the endless process of individuating and the presence of an 'angel out ahead'.
Challenges in Reshaping Reality and Ontological Perspectives
The discussion delved into the challenges of reshaping reality and ontological perspectives. It highlighted the need to transcend individual reality tunnels, acknowledging the limitations of language and finite experiences in understanding broader ontological questions. The evolving global conversation, influenced by anthropological insights and philosophical inquiries, confronts the transition from conventional perceptions to embracing diverse human potentials and questioning dated ontologies.
Like nearly all of my favorite thinkers, Tom holds multiple kinds of wisdom. He has a rigorous academic background in philosophy and science. He even spent years as a biology and environmental studies professor. But, even with all of that technical expertise, Tom still thirsted for something more, something beyond the material. That something more arrived in the form of mythopoetic geniuses like author and psychologist, James Hillman, Carl Jung and, especially, philosopher and author Henry Corbin. The above wizarding triad led Tom to a decades-long on-going obsession with understanding the visionary, and the imaginal. The realm Corbin called the "mundus imaginalis."