About this episode

The episode explores the intersection of magic and Jungian psychology, emphasizing the importance of inner work and the unconscious in both ritual magic and therapy.

Magic can be viewed as intentional engagement with what Jung called synchronicity. It is closely related to a mythological worldview, which recognizes a grand narrative supraordinate to everyday life. Although we cannot know it in its entirety, it opens the possibility of encountering a deeper reality and quality of knowing. We experience it as magic. In this week’s episode we explore esoteric ritual with Jungian analyst and academic JOHN WHITE. Responsible practitioners of ritual magic understand that it demands deep inner work that comes at a cost. Magic involves alignment with the subtle but substantial energies the ancients called gods. Approached without respect, humility, and guidance the encounter can be wounding. There is a kind of magic in the psychoanalytic consulting room. A client may come to an analyst with a fundamental desire they’ve been unable to attain or even define. The work of the therapy can uncover unconscious ambivalence and resistance. When engaged, it can vanish - by magic. We can also understand magic as something to practice every day by relating to the unconscious and the Self. Those who do this with devotion and intention are consummate magicians…

People in this episode

Hosts: Joseph Lee, Deborah Stewart, Lisa Marchiano

Guest: JOHN WHITE

Topics covered

• magic
• Jungian psychology
• synchronicity
• ritual
• therapy
• unconscious
• wholeness

Keywords

• magic
• Jungian analysis
• synchronicity
• ritual
• therapy
• unconscious
• wholeness
• inner work
• mythology
• esoteric

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: This Jungian Life Dream School

More episodes of This Jungian Life Podcast

• Lindsay Clancy & Maternal Infanticide: An Archetypal Perspective · September 3, 2026 · 1h 31m
• Goblins, Demons and Goddesses: A Conversation at the Edge of AI · August 27, 2026 · 1h 34m
• In Search of the Wild Man: Befriending Bigfoot · August 13, 2026 · 1h 28m
• Jung vs. Borg: Staying Human in the Age of AI · August 6, 2026 · 1h 42m
• Ritual: Finding the Center in a Turning World · July 30, 2026 · 1h 11m
• Carl Jung in Basel: A Walking Tour · July 26, 2026 · 1h 43m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Jungian Life Podcast podcast page.