From Shamanism to Jung: Understanding 'Loss of Soul'

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As Jung’s anthropological studies expanded and his international travel exposed him to new cultures and ideas, he was taken by the concept of ‘loss of soul.’

A collapse of energy, a strange sudden alteration of personality, or episodes of blinding rage could signify a loss of soul from a shamanic perspective. The soul carries the animating and regulating forces as well as memory. In most traditions, it was expected to fly away upon death, much like the Egyptian Ba, depicted as a bird with a human head. Because the soul had an independent life, it might flee suddenly, leaving a listless body behind. The shaman’s task was to retrieve and escort the wandering soul into the body again.

In Michael Harner’s book The Way of the Shaman, he cataloged various ancient practices and distilled a small set of universal techniques. Soul retrieval involves tying a red string on the patient’s wrist and, with the help of one’s spiritual power animal, traveling to the inner worlds, identifying the lost soul by the red string also on its wrist, bringing it back to the waking world and blow it into the patient’s body. Loss of soul in this contemporary system is often associated with trauma, and the imagery is congruent with modern conceptualizations of dissociation.

Jung linked shamanic descriptions with the work of psychiatrist Janet and called “abaissement du niveau mental.” Jung described this as “a slackening of the tensity of consciousness, which might be compared to a low barometric reading, presaging bad weather. The tonus has given way, and this is felt subjectively as listlessness, moroseness, and depression. One no longer has any wish or courage to face the tasks of the day. One feels like lead because no part of one’s body seems willing to move, and this is due to the fact that one no longer has any disposable energy.”

In modern psychiatry, several clinical descriptions might be assigned to such despair and collapse, but those may not capture the psychospiritual depth of ‘loss of soul.’ For Jung, the soul carries creativity and grants meaning; it links us to the divine and represents all we could be if wholeness were possible. Whatever the cause, to be abandoned by one’s soul is devastating, and to be reunited, the greatest gift.

[cefrench]

I studied/trained in the Harner method for several years. Soul retrieval was part of that training. I see my self and the world at large, in such deep psychic pain and sheer exhaustion from the constant stress of coping with daily shocking events. It has created a deep abyss in our collective psyche, fragmented, numb, a splitting off of the most tender parts of our hearts, our soul. Daily life has become arduous, and shutting off the feeling parts of self makes it a little easier to cope. However, that shutting off is destroying our very humanity, tolerance, joy. My question is can we as a thinking feeling human beings, as a collective, a community, retrieve our souls from the brink of madness? What needs to happen to bring back that tender part of us, not forgotten but put in a sheltered space, by us, to protect that kernel of light we loved so much.

[cathyallen]

I was abused as a child and struggled with low grade depression for decades. Loss of life force is a good way to describe it. But one day l was reading a book about Job and l found myself saying out loud "l am sorry God l ever doubted your love." Suddenly l fel a young woman spirit by my side hug me with delight. I had no belief system to understand this experience, but somehow l knew she was a part of me that l had become separated from and that she was my soul self. After that l never again felt that emptiness inside my heart space. I went into therapy, after l learned l had dissociated as a child and still did under certain circumstances, and l was able to heal the split. After I did I went on to have many positive spiritual experiences. Another woman l knew told me she had the same experience of being hugged during a low period in her life.

[Magik]

The "loss of Soul" is epidemic in today's world. We are basically shamed and treated like objects in society. In order to "adjust" and fit in with society, we must wear a persona and act as an adapted self. Our instincts, emotions, and feelings are not welcome in society. So we learn to repressed them and reject ourselves in the process. This sets up primal repression. People outwardly identify with objects and base their self esteem on society's sick system and false ranking of being and value. Outwardly looking for Being and Value is characteristic of narcissism, codependency, and the depression that accompanies these deep wounds. Being and Value can only come from the Self or Soul. Most people are wounded by shame and this wound and its psychic structures are deeply repressed in the unconscious and form a big part of the shadow. The wound diminishes and restricts the ego-Self axis and reduces consciousness. The wounds prevents the positive and fertile healing energies of the Self from coming to consciousness. Getting at this core wound takes years...even decades. As the wound is purged and integrated, the Soul gradually becomes healed and whole. Peace. Love this channel.

[greencare]

I get a dopamine rush everytime I see that a new episode of This Jungian Life has appeared, feels like smelling cookies baking in the oven 🙏💚

[annahunter]

I ironically came across this video at 3am and chose it to help me go back to sleep but I actually learnt quite alot. I did fall asleep at one point and woke up when you were discussing the dog and the boy in hospital. My Dad spent a month in hospital at 20 months old. His parents were asked not to come see him as they didn't want him to upset him and the other kids when it was time to go. He remembers turning his back on the world in his crib (physically; intellectually and spiritually) Hes never been the same since and has lived his life in a bubble or with a wall around him that doesn't allow him to ever get closer to people that he moves towards. A self made prison of sorts. He now has Parkinsons which makes me wonder if his physical self is reflecting what goes on inside.

I also thought of a time as a very young child (2-3) when I was walking up to the shop/Dairy with my Mum. I thought the world was a loving place and everyone my friend or family. I said a happy 'Hello' to a lady walking past and she completely ignored me and did not say hello back or even look at me. I remember my view of the world changed in that instant. Something so simple felt quite damaging.

[amandadetour]

Reflecting on my trauma by recognizing what capacity for expression have I lost? My children used to remark when I opened gifts at Christmas that I never seemed surprised (they did work wonderfully at the perfect gift) Always grateful but peacefully receptive. Never demonstrative. I now remember how my mother used to take our presents away as children- after my visiting father left the house- they were gifts of need; brand new snowsuits and boots. Whether it was because it was practical and not playful or whether it was that his girlfriend had picked the gifts, she would throw them away or Give them to Salvation Army for someone needier. (Where we ourselves shopped lol) This is a very heavy memory and connecting the dots while listening to this podcast is quite a powerful thing. Sincerely it was the steady and centered tender sharing story about losing the family dog and as a boy to be open armed as the dog was bounding forward which struck that memory for me. I cannot thank you enough for the simple yet striking connection. I felt that small girl’s excitement about a dad coming for Christmas and huge wrapped boxes. The anger of a mom. And later the very careful and measured approach I have had towards all gifts which are wrapped and have my name on it. There’s some anxiety about having it taken away I think with the unwrapping and it expresses itself with cautious gratitude. Next time I receive a gift from my adult children I promise to make quite the fun ordeal of it. 🥹❤️

[EarInn]

Thumbs up for Lisa's endless collection of glasses frames.

[cateinnish]

When we lose a piece of our soul, it leaves a vacuum. Thus we have an empty space where we can pick up other energy that's looking for a warm, empty space to take up residence. Soul Retrieval is only one of the ancient healing methods called "Shamanism". Another is Extraction - a removal of these energies that do not belong. Once these energies are removed (exorcised), soul retrieval can more easily happen.

[googlyboogly]

As an indigenous person very embedded in my culture and ways of healing and knowing, its important to obtain insight directly from therapists to learn more. Most of these newer therapies, and also Jungs perspectives came from awareness of consciousness and the embodiment of cultures that have not been disconnected. Calling your spirit back is what created a lot of modern therapy approaches. Recovering ones spirit. Too look at the chemistry only and take the chemicals from the plant medicines and synthesize them into something else takes the spirit out of the relationship with that plant or that food or that element

[PopRocks_xo]

LOVE that you said, ‘it’s not depression, it’s much more profound.’. Yes!! Exactly!! Thank you for that! I’ve had several people who’ve known me for years offer up their opinion that I’m depressed and you’ve given me a way to respond because it IS MUCH more profound💖

[gilliani.]

In the early 1980’s I did a psychodrama program at the University leading by Dr. Ferdinand Knobloch. It transformed my life like no other therapy had, nor has since. That man was brilliant and so tender hearted.

[trumpettalktechton]

All of this is resonating so much with me. I just don’t have the strength anymore. I’m trying I’m trying.

[michaeledan]

WOW! I find so much value in the podcasts the three of you provide. This particular one I find especially significant. The topic explored obviously considering the traumatized world we live in, but the quality, depth, and personal expressions of insight offered were noteworthy Joseph, you are always amazingly articulate and I was especially moved with the vulnerable sharing of your experience and process with the tragic loss of your dog and the recovery of what you had been previous to a similar painful experience at age three. So raw, so human, and so deeply healing. Also the shring of the man's process and retreaval of such an important aspect of his soul in the group. It reminded me of 'family constalation' work which I have had personal experience with. It's these types of shares and examples that nurture as well as inform our own process and journey of self discovery ... and yes healing. And let us remember that in our willingness to experience the agony comes the possibility and availability to experience the ecstasy. Two extremes in the spectrum of human experience. And when this quality of depth healing occurs it's as if we have a visitation of grace. A visitation that enlivens us yes, but also grounds us to be more present to the moment whatever it may bring.

[johnebert]

Im only about a half hour in, but I just want to say that you are hitting all the checkmarks for my experience so far. "Where did I go?" Is a question I ask myself daily. Also there is a numinous quality to my experience, as if some magic spell took my soul. Im gonna keep watching now, thanks.

[BunnyLang]

Regarding dissociation; childhood trauma of an extreme kind can cause one to section off that trauma in order to survive. It's an amazing defense mechanism.

[chalinofalcone]

"This, then, is to be our first distinction between the mythologies of hunters and those of planters. The accent of the planting rites is on the group; that of the hunters, rather, on the individual-among the hunters we have the people-the dear people-who bow to one another politely, like brothers-in-law, but have comparatively little personal power."
[The Masks of God: Primitive Mythology, Joseph Campbell, 1991, Part 3: Ch. 5- "Shamanism"]

"We don't use the motive of domination, because we are always thinking of the whole group."
[Walden Two, B.F. Skinner, 1948, Ch. 14]

[caiohaeming]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve had a psychotic break while experimenting with LSD and following my intuition, and ended up entering an abyss of never ending darkness. Since then I don’t feel like myself anymore, I can’t see beauty, feel the music or connect with people or life. I’ve lost the part of me that I loved most, my essence. So far I have been under psychiatric treatment but I know the problem I am facing is spiritual. I need to get in touch with a Shaman or Curioso to help me with this. I must find a way to retrieve my soul, because living life like this is the same as not living. Thank you again.

[medicscout]

I've gone through all the spiritual practices, Buddhism, New Age, I'm tired. I used to be able to manifest effortlessly, from Holy Imagination, but after a cascade of incidents that caused me severe distress and trauma, my imagination began to backfire and quite literally attacked me. I've also suffered so much recently but have tried to fight the shadows in my mind back, only to find out, it wants me to be safe.

To be safe, was to be hidden, and the most extreme, to die. I'm lucky to be alive but I honestly don't know what to do. Each spiritual teaching hasn't helped me, but a heartfelt validation I received the other day made me feel alive.

A simple one, an honest "you've been through a lot". That was it. That gave me enough strength to power through the week. Turns out I was surrounded by "friends" who actually didn't quite care. It's one thing to be busy, it's another to actually neglect a person. This video came to my feed after I came to that realization.

[casandrakat]

“the flatness” - working through this .. part of it was my career, in teaching . I fully sourced and served my purpose to the point my cup was empty. I gave and gave, and I do not regret . Though, I felt like a vessel and the universe pushed me to seek that something was wrong . The environment I was in didn’t align with me, I was continuity getting sick, just down.. I resigned last May. I transferred to a new district, my heart is slowly becoming lighter . Though, I learned my lessons to give also .. to myself .

[sabrinaszabo]

If you’re going to look at this from a mythological perspective, we can compare to Osiris and the gathering of his parts, of course, the feminine played a vital role.