Ego and Self Archetype

Thom, hi:

I was unable to access your video link. Can you post it again?

In any event, you pose an important question. I think of the ego Self relationship in terms of what Erich Neumann called the “ego-Self axis” (Neumann, 1976). According to both Neumann and Edward Edinger (1992), when this axis, or stable connection to the Self, is in place, the ego is enlivened and full of zest for life. When it is broken or unstable, the ego tends to become inflated, and ultimately fragmented. In his book on child development, The Child, Neumann describes the ego-Self relationship as it develops in the infant stage in relation to the mother. He traces this same development through mythological stages in his book The Origins and History of Consciousness (1973). Edinger, in his book Ego and Archetype, presents what I think is one of the most accessible descriptions of the ego-Self axis. He traces the ego-Self relationship as described in a number of religious narratives as well as in the dreams of some of his patients. According Edinger, as with Jung before him, the ego Self relationship can be traced throughout history in the sacred writings of humankind. This relationship is no picnic, though, it is fraught with dangers. Identification with the Self can lead to outbreaks of violence; and alienation from the Self can lead to deep depression and self destructive behaviors such as addictions and suicide.

It seems clear that one of the functions of religious and spiritual practice in human history has been to maintain this vital ego-Self relationship. It seems equally clear to me that the loss of a living spiritual connection experienced by many modern people is a major factor in the modern experience of alienation and depression. Jung recognized this a hundred years ago, and the symptoms have become increasingly problematic ever since.

Thanks for bringing up this important topic!

All the best,
James

Edinger, E. (1992). Ego and Archetype. Boston: Shambhala.

Neumann, E. (1976). The Origins and History of Consciousness. Princeton: Bollingen.

Neumann, E. (1976). The Child. New York: Harper.

Replies

James R. Newell January 7, 2013 at 3:06pm

Thom, hi:

I was unable to access your video link. Can you post it again?

In any event, you pose an important question. I think of the ego Self relationship in terms of what Erich Neumann called the “ego-Self axis” (Neumann, 1976). According to both Neumann and Edward Edinger (1992), when this axis, or stable connection to the Self, is in place, the ego is enlivened and full of zest for life. When it is broken or unstable, the ego tends to become inflated, and ultimately fragmented. In his book on child development, The Child, Neumann describes the ego-Self relationship as it develops in the infant stage in relation to the mother. He traces this same development through mythological stages in his book The Origins and History of Consciousness (1973). Edinger, in his book Ego and Archetype, presents what I think is one of the most accessible descriptions of the ego-Self axis. He traces the ego-Self relationship as described in a number of religious narratives as well as in the dreams of some of his patients. According Edinger, as with Jung before him, the ego Self relationship can be traced throughout history in the sacred writings of humankind. This relationship is no picnic, though, it is fraught with dangers. Identification with the Self can lead to outbreaks of violence; and alienation from the Self can lead to deep depression and self destructive behaviors such as addictions and suicide.

It seems clear that one of the functions of religious and spiritual practice in human history has been to maintain this vital ego-Self relationship. It seems equally clear to me that the loss of a living spiritual connection experienced by many modern people is a major factor in the modern experience of alienation and depression. Jung recognized this a hundred years ago, and the symptoms have become increasingly problematic ever since.

Thanks for bringing up this important topic!

All the best,
James

Edinger, E. (1992). Ego and Archetype. Boston: Shambhala.

Neumann, E. (1976). The Origins and History of Consciousness. Princeton: Bollingen.

Neumann, E. (1976). The Child. New York: Harper.
- Thom F. Cavalli, Ph.D. > James R. Newell January 7, 2013 at 9:15pm
  
  Thank you for your response. Yes, it is a difficult and perhaps paradoxical relationship. I don't like the idea of an axis where each seems to occupy opposite position; rather, they are separate at times, aligned at others just as the sun and earth are variously positioned. Here's the link https://www.youtube.com/user/roads2bliss
  
  You can otherwise go directly to YouTube and put in Roads to Bliss. Enjoy!
  
  Thom
  - James R. Newell > Thom F. Cavalli, Ph.D. January 8, 2013 at 9:23am
    
    Hi, Thom,
    
    Thanks for the link, and for your insights!
    
    All the best,
    James

This reply was deleted.