Dancing the Wild Divine: Drums, Drugs, and Individuation
Journal of Jungian Scholarly Studies – March 23, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling re-evaluation challenges Carl Jung's apprehension towards ecstatic rites, including dance, and psychedelics like mescaline. Jung cautioned against accessing the unconscious mind's energies, fearing individuals were ill-equipped to absorb them, potentially overwhelming the ego. However, extensive recent work in shamanism and the burgeoning field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals significant value. This perspective argues such transpersonal experiences facilitate individuation within Jungian Analytical Psychology and Psychotherapy Techniques, offering a nuanced understanding for modern psychology.
Abstract
For complex reasons, Carl Jung was apprehensive of ecstatic rites in which participants dance to hypnotic drumming and transcend normal states of ego. He was also strongly opposed to the use of LSD, mescaline, and other psychotropic agents often used in such rites, cautioning that psychedelics facilitate access to unconscious energies one is ill-equipped to absorb. This paper represents a challenge to Jung's thinking on both issues. Drawing upon recent research in shamanic studies and the once-again blossoming field of psychedelic research, D. J. Moores demonstrates the limitations of Jung's caution and argues for the value of ecstatic rites in depth work.