Yesterday,
and I tested out Substack’s new live streaming feature in a conversation that explored the psychological and philosophical dynamics of the Fall myth. Inspired by the recent article in his Shadowlands series, we consider how the development of consciousness is reflected in the myth and how the Fall symbolizes humanity’s movement from a state of unconscious unity with nature to the painful, yet necessary, growth of self-awareness and individuation. We also touch on topics such as the bridging of spirit and matter, alchemical symbolism, Jungian typology, and related mythic figures like Prometheus.Read Arran’s article:
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How do you interpret the Fall myth? Do you see it as relating to the growth and expansion of consciousness? How do you like the format of live video, should I do more of these in the future?
What struck me most about the Fall myth is that some belief systems don't have one. I believe I was listening to Joseph Campbell and he said the Taoists never fell, so they live in Paradise now! That blew my mind. If we aren't in a fallen state then we don't need redemption, we aren't indebted to a religious system that preys on our shameful states.
I wonder how not being in Tao is viewed then? It's not a Fall in the western sense, but there's a kind of disharmony that must be worked at to be re-established. I referenced a Taoist story Jung would tell often in another comment, I think that offers some interesting considerations for the ways in which we misalign with Tao, but can find our way back.
What a GREAT new future! I’m so glad to see you and Aaron together again after the Golden Shadow Podcast and what a treat that it’s on this very fun topic🪄
Thanks, Brittany!
I liked the image of the bridge between the inner and outer, between the conscious and the unconscious. IMHO boths sides should be on speaking terms with each other. I'm no psychologist--just my take on it.
Agreed!
I am not a Taoist, but I resonate strongly with many Taoist beliefs. Their paradise as I see it, does not have the fairytale like quality of some of the other belief systems. I have a responsibility in the manifestation of that paradise. I can follow the way of the Tao, or I can not follow and not be in sync with the flow.
This reminds me of the story Jung told often of the Taoist rainmaker and how it's possible for people/a whole country to be out alignment with the way (which in the story led to a severe drought). He was able to bring about the rain by finding his way back to the Tao in that land. In essence, as you're saying, there's a responsibility for the individual to mediate the forces of life so that harmony can be established. Paradise/equilibrium is not easily handed over, but something we are in constant connection with, that must be maintained and tended to with care.
I don believe we know enough about the story of humanity’s time on Earth to decide if myths are to be interpreted literally or psychologically. The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Gobekli Tepi, Younger Dryas impact theories , megalithic stone works, all suggest holes in our understanding.
Did an advanced civilization exist in the remote past and the fall myth an account of the catastrophe that destroyed it?
Are other myths an attempt by the ancients to remind us of the possibility of our ascent back to an Eden state?
Carlo Suares believed the Bible was a manual for the soul to achieve higher consciousness. He spent 40 years trying to decode it.
There is so much we don’t know.