New Thinking Allowed Audio Podcast Fractal Mathematics and Jungian Archetypes with Harry Shirley
Oct 13, 2025
Harry Shirley, a chemist turned Jungian psychology enthusiast and author, delves into the intriguing intersection of fractal mathematics and archetypal symbols. He explains how fractals like the Mandelbrot set reveal deep symbolic insights into our psyche, connecting mathematics, alchemy, and spirituality. Shirley relates the Buddhabrot to archetypal mandalas, explores the Unus Mundus as a unified realm of mind and matter, and discusses the symbolic significance of numbers in our understanding of the self and reality.
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Fractals As Nature's Geometry
- Fractals are not merely abstract math but the way nature creates geometry and order.
- Harry Shirley sees spirals, coastlines and plant shapes as evidence of ubiquitous fractal dynamics.
Mandelbrot's Symbolic Richness
- The Mandelbrot set is a simple complex iterative formula that generates infinite, self-similar mandala-like borders.
- Shirley notes the set contains familiar constants (pi, e, Fibonacci) and echoes patterns reported in psychedelic visioning.
Buddhabrot As Visualization Shift
- The Buddhabrot is not a different equation but an alternative visualization of the Mandelbrot that traces escaping paths.
- Melinda Green's visualization revealed images evocative of Eastern deity forms like Buddha and Ganesh.
