390 - Genesis: Symbolism in the Creation Story

This is a talk I did a few years ago for the Jung Society of Montreal. In it I explore the creation story in Genesis not just as myth, but as a fractal map of how identity, being, and purpose function. In breaking down the symbolism I also make a case for why intelligence isn’t an accident, why rituals matter, and why participation of intelligent beings is foundational to reality. In the Q&A section we touch on group identity, exclusion, dreams, and the meaning of the Last Judgment among other topics. I hope this lecture gives you a sense of the tone and depth of our upcoming Symbolism Masterclass. If you want to learn more, register today.
https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass

SYMBOLISM MASTERCLASS
Join me this April for the Symbolism Masterclass, a 6-week deep dive into the essentials of symbolic thinking. Over 18 immersive hours, I'll guide you through the framework behind everything I've explored in 500+ videos—from heaven and earth to dragons, fairies, kings, conspiracies, Darwin, the Bible, and beyond.
🗓 Dates: Live classes every Wednesday at 1-4 PM Central / 2-5 PM Eastern time: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session
💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)

Join us for the ORTHODOX ARTS FESTIVAL, learn more here: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/

YouTube version: https://youtu.be/YArpxigY5xY?si=QrMqUuJixHQ3DnXy
Original video published by Jordan Peterson: https://youtu.be/ZQ43i5nKuZk?si=XB-bgj9VMc0NxBdT

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:01 - Intro music
02:26 - Observing the observer
08:06 - Ritual and a return to ancient thinking
13:58 - Ritual in groups
21:34 - The argument
27:49 - The start of Genesis
36:39 - And God said
42:06 - Vegetation
44:30 - The sun, moon, and stars
45:49 - Creatures of the sea
49:32 - Animals
51:57 - The creation of man
56:28 - Genesis 2
59:43 - The center of the world
06:42 - Iconographic examples
12:39 - Questions from JBP
18:22 - Q: Elaborate on what you mean with "above" and "below"
20:15 - Q: Are people who try to tame wild animals violating the pattern you pointed out?
21:51 - Q: How sure are you of the heaven and earth distinction?
25:36 - Q: What's the meaning of when God says man is very good and everything else good?
30:03 - Comment about Jung
31:24 - Q: How did Darwin bring Plato back?
37:03 - Q: How would you work with exclusion / inclusion patterns in these times?
48:51 - Q: What's the intelligence of dreams?
51:45 - Q: If the teleological patterns of being constitute heaven, what is the abode of the human soul?

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My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/