Guides Imaginary And Real
Philemon and other figures of my fantasies brought home to me the crucial insight that there are things in the psyche which I do not produce, but which produce themselves and have their own life. Philemon represented a force which was not myself. In my fantasies I held conversations with him, and he said things which I had not consciously thought. For I observed clearly that it was he who spoke, not I. . . Psychologically, Philemon represented superior insight. He was a mysterious figure to me. At times he seemed to me quite real, as if he were a living personality. I went walking up and down the garden with him, and to me he was what the Indians call a guru.
- Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams Reflections
I can generally see close friends’ lives and the decisions they make more clearly than they can, just as they can better see mine, see my fears, my motivations and biases for what they really are. Detached perspective can be invaluable at major turning points, times of major decision in our lives. Similarly, imaginary guides can be consulted. You may find, as I have, that the advice they offer is often surprising and uncomfortable. You might also find that the most uncomfortable advice, if followed, ultimately turns out to be the most insightful and valuable.
If you could meet and get advice from one person, real or imaginary, historic or contemporary, who would that be? What characteristics in terms of lifestyle, integrity, courage, creativity, accomplishment and life experience would they possess? Imagine entities that can offer new ways of seeing your life, new approaches to the recurring themes of your life. It is important that whatever entity you imagine be one that knows and cares deeply about you, an entity who holds your best interests and greatest potential in mind. That person can be yourself twenty or thirty years from now, after having lived a life of meaning and deep satisfaction. You can also imagine your quiet center as a person. From time to time, depending on the question or situation I’m thinking over, I have consulted a variety of entities.
Your inner world works in mysterious, often roundabout ways. Using an imaginary guide as an intermediary can be surprisingly effective.