Jung reminds us that although alchemists did not have our modern psychiatric classification system, they did invent their own terminology, applicable to all levels of their work. but also to the processes of personal and spiritual transformation. And, without a doubt, the phases of traditional alchemy - black, white and red - propose an interesting description of the stages we go through when we are subject to change and crisis:
THE BLACK PHASE
It marks the beginning of a process of psychological change.
What are the symptoms of this phase? Depression and melancholy, which indicate that something is wrong and invite us to slow down and examine our lives more closely.
What is the black phase for? To invite us to let go of old habits, unhealthy relationships and dependencies, and not to continue with projections in which we blame others for our problems.
What am I going to feel? Guilt, feeling of being worthless, feeling mortified ...
What am I facing? The dragon, which in alchemy symbolizes a concentration of unconscious energy that drags and controls you.
What I can do? Be more objective, take responsibility for your problems, face some painful memory, do not take refuge in distractions, constant work, addictions ...
In the words of the alchemists: In this phase of change it is necessary to "calcine" and "dissolve", that is, to undo the parts of our personality that complicate our lives: the ego, low self-esteem, destructive behavior, pride, arrogance ... For alchemists, when the shadow recedes, the white phase can already begin.
THE WHITE PHASE
What are the symptoms of this phase? You feel better, more optimistic.
What is the white phase for? So you can integrate your new wisdom into daily life.
How am I going to feel? Lighter, because you have plucked repressed and rejected parts of yourself from your unconscious "shadow" and are integrating them into your consciousness.
What am I facing? To the need to reconcile your contradictions, to take life in your hands and to live in peace with yourself.
What I can do? Since you no longer want to hide "the dirty rags" now, keep on discovering yourself, understanding yourself and, if you can, talk to a therapist to continue with your work in the inner laboratory.
The alchemists' message:In this phase of change we seek to reconcile our contradictions and to be honest and consistent with our strengths and vulnerabilities, without the need to repress or ignore a problem. This is called achieving a conjunction of opposites that is integrated into our consciousness. If you successfully complete the white phase, you can enter the red phase.
THE RED PHASE
What are the symptoms of the red phase? Now new contradictions emerge, and you have the feeling that things can still improve.
What is it for?To continue refining your psyche.
How am I going to feel? Little by little, you will feel uncomfortable and somewhat uneasy again, and you will return to the symptoms of the black phase.
What am I facing? To reality: there is always more psychic work to do, we never finish the process! But he thinks that, deep down, it is fortunate to be able to carry it out. It means that you are alive and that you are advancing in the adventure of knowing yourself and managing yourself better.
What I can do? Arm yourself with patience and curiosity ... And plunge back into your inner laboratory!
«There is no light without shadows, and no psychic totality without blemishes. Life, to be fulfilled, does not need to be perfect, but complete, and for that a "thorn in the flesh" is necessary. Pain and imperfection are also necessary to advance and progress.»
Carl G. Jung