Projection

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/26/01 12:16:50 PM Mountain Daylight Time,

deva writes:

 

<< But so far as I know, we are not sending something to the other person that

will stick to them like a burr or lodge in a chakra >>

 

Hmm, I'm not so sure about this. Think of how seductive it feels to be

idealized and adored or how poisonous it feels to be judged when you actually

represent an inner part of someone's psyche. Keeping oneself free of

unwanted energy requires awareness and discipline. But, yes, orthodox

psychoanalysis would deny the actual transfer of energy. The modern analysts

are more open-minded. Holly

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

When C.G. Jung wanted to explore the contents of his own unconscious, he

used projection as a technique. Projection is what we do when we see

something in the interior of our minds _as if_ it is in the outer world.

So he allowed himself to see mental contents in his own study. Very early

in the process, a wise old man named Philemon appeared, sat on the corner

of his desk, and began to give him advice. Jung recognized Philemon as his

own Wise Old Man, his interior guide, and always followed his guidance.

Later at a party Jung mentioned this to some people, and a man from India

said yes, that was the spiritual guru, and many people in India have

spiritual gurus.

 

Sometimes we do project onto other people... as for instance, in young

love, when we think the other person is perfect and are later dismayed and

bewildered to find out that he/she isn't what we thought at all. What we

really fell in love with was our own ideal man or woman, the animus/anima.

But so far as I know, we are not sending something to the other person that

will stick to them like a burr or lodge in a chakra. The problem is that

to the extent we are projecting and seeing what is within us, we are not

seeing what the other person really is.

 

Holly, maybe you can explain better or say more... you're the professional.

 

Love,

Dharma