Can linking Jung’s psychological insights of the shadow and of the archetypes heal wounds caused by the culture’s refusal to grow emotionally and spiritually?
After a broad overview of Western culture’s rejection of, and dawning reclamation of both animism and the archetypes, Maya suggests ways that psychology and the Neo-Platonic tradition might work together to help reclaim the lost art of eldership. Maya says, “Back in 1998, as a twenty-seven year old, I had been invited to a select gathering of intellectuals and academics I admired. I loved it, but there was something missing. At the end of the four day conference, I stood up in the middle of our circle and cried out ‘Where are the elders? I need elders!’ I didn’t quite know what I meant, but somehow, all the gathering knew an important truth had been spoken. There was a sense that even these esteemed people did not feel free or entitled to step into such a role. – What had caused such a crisis?