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Jung, C G - The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious - Lightning symbolism
Identifier
004476
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious – C G Jung
The liberating flash of lightning is a symbol also used by Paracelsus and the alchemists for the same thing. Moses’ rock- splitting staff, which struck forth the living water and afterwards changed into a serpent, may have been an unconscious echo in the background.
Lightning signifies a sudden, unexpected, and overpowering change of psychic condition.
"In this Spirit of the Fire-flash consists the Great Almighty Life," says Jakob Bohme. "For when you strike upon the sharp part of the stone, the bitter sting of Nature sharpens itself, and is stirred in the highest degree. For Nature is dissipated or broken asunder in the sharpness, so that the Liberty shines forth as a Flash." The flash is the "Birth of the light" and has transformative power: "For if I could in my Flesh comprehend the Flash, which I very well see and know how it is, I could clarify or transfigure my Body therewith, so that it would shine with a bright light and glory. And then it would no more resemble or conform to the bestial Body, but to the angels of God."