
Digital Jung
Living a Symbolic Life in a Technological Age. Our digital age presents unique challenges for the practice of the inner life. What can the insights of Jungian Psychology offer for dealing with these challenges? In this series, we explore Carl Jung's idea of "the symbolic life" through the lenses of depth psychology, mythology, fairy tales, poetry, religion, and more. We focus on three core questions: 1. What is the symbolic life? 2. Why do we need a symbolic life? and 3. How can we cultivate and live a symbolic life? This is a companion podcast to the book 'Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life' by Jungian analyst Jason E. Smith.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jun 30, 2023 • 36min
The Goal of the Symbolic Life
Send us a textIn this episode:I conclude this series on the fairytale The Iron Stove with a discussion of just what constitutes the goal of the symbolic life.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram(@digital.jung), Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter(@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:The Aims of Psychotherapy in ‘Modern Man in Search of a Soul’ by C.G. JungThe Iron Stove, Grimm's Fairy Tales S3, Ep. 14: The Life of the Spirit -- The Iron Stove, pt. 1S3, Ep. 15: Resisting Change -- The Iron Stove, pt. 2S3, Ep. 16: Embodying the Spirit -- The Iron Stove, pt. 3‘Encountering God’ by Diana Eck‘A Little Course in Dreams’ by Robert Bosnak'Tao Te Ching' by Lao Tsu, translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane EnglishFrontiers of Knowledge in 'C.G. Jung Speaking' (edited by William McGuire)'The Fifth Gospel: The Gospel of Thomas Comes of Age' by Stephen J. PattersonFor text and narration of The Iron Stove, visit: https://digitaljung.substack.com/p/the-iron-stoveLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are aSupport the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

Jun 16, 2023 • 26min
Embodying the Spirit
Send us a textIn this episode:In this third part of my series on the fairytale The Iron Stove, I explore the importance of bringing together the mind and the body in the work of the symbolic life.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:Man and His Environment in ‘C.G. Jung Speaking’ (William McGuire, ed.) Just as the Winged Energy of Delight by Rainer Maria Rilke in ‘Selected Poems of Rainer Maria Rilke’ (trans. by Robert Bly)The Iron Stove, Grimm's Fairy Tales S3, Ep. 14: The Life of the Spirit -- The Iron Stove, pt. 1S3, Ep. 15: Resisting Change -- The Iron Stove, pt. 2'Selected Letters' by C.G. JungMichael Maier, Symbola aureae mensae (quoted in Mysterium Coniunctionis in 'Collected Works, vol. 14' by C.G. Jung)'Crossing the Unknown Sea' by David Whyte'Redemption Motifs in Fairytales' by Marie-Louise von Franz'God in Search of Man' by Abraham Joshua HeschelFor text and narration of The Iron Stove, visit: https://digitaljung.substack.com/p/the-iron-stoveLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaSupport the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

7 snips
Jun 8, 2023 • 33min
Resisting Change
Send us a textIn this episode:I continue to explore the riches of the fairytale The Iron Stove, this time looking at the ways we resist the necessity of change in our lives.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:Mysterium Coniunctionis in ‘Collected Works, vol. 14 by C.G. Jung'Heraclitus' by Philip WheelwrightThe Iron Stove, Grimm's Fairy Tales S3, Ep. 14: The Life of the Spirit: The Iron Stove, pt. 1 The Relations Between the Ego and the Unconscious in ‘Collected Works, vol. 7’ by C.G. Jung'Creation Myths' by Marie-Louise von Franz Answer to Job in ‘Collected Works, vol. 11’ by C.G. JungFor text and narration of The Iron Stove, visit: https://digitaljung.substack.com/p/the-iron-stoveLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," and "Support the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

Jun 1, 2023 • 27min
The Life of the Spirit
Send us a textIn this episode:I begin an exploration of the fairytale 'The Iron Stove' and explore what it means to be called beyond the limitations of the ego to an experience of the spirit.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:Spirit and Life in ‘Collected Works, vol. 8’ by C.G. JungThe Iron Stove, Grimm's Fairy Tales 'Rites and Symbols of Initiation' by Mircea Eliade'Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life' by Jason E. Smith 'The Grail Legend' by Emma Jung & Marie-Louise von FranzCircles in ‘Essays: First Series’ by Ralph Waldo EmersonSong of a Man Who Has Come Through, poem by D. H. LawrenceFor text and narration of The Iron Stove, visit: https://digitaljung.substack.com/p/the-iron-stoveEnjoy the birdsong in the background!Like this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," and "Support the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

May 11, 2023 • 30min
When the Soul Retreats
Send us a textIn this episode:I look at one of the more difficult experiences of the symbolic life, an experience best known by its religious name: the "dark night of the soul."Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:'Selected Letters' by C.G. Jung'Concerning the Inner Life' by Evelyn Underhill Concerning Rebirth in 'Collected Works, vol. 9i' by C.G. Jung'Ego and Archetype' by Edward Edinger 'The Masks of God: Creative Mythology' by Joseph CampbellThe Romance of Tristan and Iseult, retold by Joseph Bédier (translated by Hilaire Belloc)Luke 17:33, NKJV Tao Te Ching, translated by Man-Ho Kwok, Martin Palmer, and Jay Ramsay'Mysticism' by Evelyn UnderhillThe Psychology of the Transference in 'Collected Works, vol. 16' by C.G. Jung'The Life of Prayer' by Baron Friedrich von Hügel 'Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology' by Marie-Louise von FranzLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," andSupport the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

Apr 27, 2023 • 28min
Healing and the Unconscious
Send us a textIn this episode:I explore Jung’s concept of the unconscious — what it is, how it is experienced, and what it suggests about the idea of healing in analysis.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:The State of Psychotherapy Today in 'Collected Works, vol. 10 by C.G. JungJoseph Ledoux, quoted in 'The Neurobiology of the Gods' by Erik Goodwyn A Review of the Complex Theory in 'Collected Works, vol. 8' by C.G. JungThe Meaning of Psychology for Modern Man in 'Collected Works, vol. 10' by C.G. Jung I Am Not I, poem by Juan Ramón Jiménez 'The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga' by C.G. JungPsychology and a Philosophy of Life in 'Collected Works, vol. 16' by C.G. JungThe State of Psychotherapy Today in 'Collected Works, vol. 10' by C.G. Jung'This Is It' by Alan WattsTransformation Symbolism in the Mass in 'Collected Works, vol. 11' by C.G. JungThe Philosophical Tree in 'Collected Works, vol. 13' by C.G. Jung'The Integration of the Personality' by C.G. Jung (Trans. by Stanley Dell)Like this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Support the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

4 snips
Mar 2, 2023 • 28min
The Philosophers' Stone: Solid Ground of Wisdom
Send us a textIn this episode:I conclude this series on the symbolism of alchemy by looking at the all-important image of the goal of the alchemical opus: The Philosophers’ Stone.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:Psychology and Religion in'Collected Works, vol.11' by C.G. JungAlchemical Studies in 'Collected Works, vol. 13 by C.G. Jung'Ego and Archetype' by Edward EdingerAion in 'Collected Works, vol. 9ii' by C.G. Jung Mysterium Coniunctionis in 'Collected Works, vol. 14' by C.G. Jung 'Parzival' by Wolfram von Eschenbacch (translated by Helen Mustard and Charles Passage) 'Romance of the Grail' by Joseph Campbell'The Ox-Herder and the Good Shepherd: Finding Christ on the Buddha’s Path' by Addison Hodges Hart 'The Gnostic Scriptures' translated by Bentley LaytonS3, Ep. 8: Alchemy: Mirror of the SoulS3, Ep. 9: The Heart of the Matter: Alchemy and the Prima MateriaS3, Ep. 10: The Stages of the Alchemical OpusLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if yoSupport the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

Feb 9, 2023 • 29min
The Stages of the Alchemical Opus
Send us a textIn this episode:I continue with the third part of a four-part series on alchemy, this time looking at the stages of the alchemical opus and their meaning for the work of the symbolic life.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:Psychology and Alchemy in 'Collected Works, vol. 12' by C.G. Jung'Alchemy' by Marie-Louise von FranzAion in 'Collected Works, vol. 9ii' by C.G. JungS3, Ep. 8: Alchemy: Mirror of the Soul'C.G. Jung Speaking' edited by William McGuire & R.F.C. HullThe Psychology of the Transference in 'Collected Works, vol. 16' by C.G. JungLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," and "The Return" by Ketsa are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0Support the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

Jan 26, 2023 • 31min
The Heart of the Matter: Alchemy and the Prima Materia
Send us a textIn this episode:I continue with the second part of a four-part series on alchemy, looking at the symbol and the psychological meaning of what the alchemists called the prima materia.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook(facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:Psychology and Alchemy in 'Collected Works, vol. 12' by C.G. Jung'Anatomy of the Psyche' by Edward EdingerThe Golden Tract in 'The Hermetic Museum' edited by A.E. WaiteAion in 'Collected Works, vol. 9ii' by C.G. JungThe Gnome in 'Grimms' Tales for Young and Old' translated by Ralph ManheimMysterium Coniunctionis in 'Collected Works, vol. 14' by C.G. JungWho Does the Work: Cultivating an Alchemical Attitude'New Seeds of Contemplation' by Thomas MertonLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," and "The Return" by Support the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.

Jan 12, 2023 • 28min
Alchemy: Mirror of the Soul
Send us a textIn this episode:I begin a series on the strange world of alchemy — exploring what it is and how it is relevant to the practice of the symbolic life.Let's make this a conversation:Do you have a comment or question about this episode, or about something you would like me to address in a future episode? Please contact me on Instagram (@digital.jung), Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst), or Twitter (@Jason_E_Smith)Or: Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life, available from Chiron Publications.Sources for quotes and more:'Memories, Dreams, Reflections' by C.G. Jung'Alchemical Active Imagination' by Marie-Louise von Franz'Anatomy of the Psyche' by Edward EdingerRosarium Philosophorum, 16th-century alchemical text (English translation)The Practical Use of Dream-Analysis in 'Collected Works, vol. 16' by C.G. JungLike this podcast?Please consider leaving a review at one of the following sites:Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodchaserOr, if you are able, support the show with a donation at Buy Me a Coffee (link below)Music:"Dreaming Days," "Slow Vibing," and "The Return" by Ketsa are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0Support the showConnect with me:Instagram (@digital.jung)Facebook (facebook.com/jungiananalyst) Bluesky (@digitaljung.bsky.social)Subscribe to the Digital Jung Newsletter (https://digitaljung.substack.com/)For more on living a symbolic life:Please check out my book, Religious but Not Religious: Living a Symbolic Life.