A Paradoxical Introduction to the Wise Old Sage and their Shadow: A Workshop With Henry Abramovitch

The nature of the Wise Old Sage will be discussed from the perspective of Jungian psychology. Such sages are able to hold the opposites of being both old and childlike, wise and not knowing, as well as predictably unpredictable. Such great individuals use riddles, questions, and humor in helping a person transcend his or her dilemma and suffering, especially by being open to synchronicity. Examples are given from Buddha, Jung, and others.

The importance of encouraging the inner wise old sage via dreams and active imagination is emphasized. The shadow of guru, in the form of the "god complex," will be discussed in terms of the danger of inflation, hypersexuality, and a power complex.

Henry Abramovitch is a teaching analyst and the founding president of the Israel Institute of Jungian Analysis in honor of Erich Neumann. He is Professor Emeritus at Tel Aviv University and past president of the Israel Anthropology Association. He is author of Brothers & Sisters: Myth & Reality, Why Odysseus Came Home as a Stranger, and Panic Attacks in Pistachio, a detective story. He has contributed numerous essays and has co-authored a series of plays with Murray Stein, including The Analyst and the Rabbi, Speaking of Friendship, and Eranos, all available on YouTube. A native of Montreal, he lives and practices in Jerusalem.