Halloween: A Jungian Perspective

"Jung believed that we could integrate the shadow using dreams, creativity or active imagination (Stutz & Michels, 2012). What more active form of imagination could be found than Halloween? We examine, create and adorn ourselves in our Shadow Selves, and for one night alone we live free, are praised or feared, and as children, rewarded with candy." (from Shadowdancing: Jung's Halloween, by Keith Karabin)

Yesterday, I shared a blog post from a priest explaining how Halloween need not be dressed up in such innocuous terms as "Fall Festival". Indeed, taken within the context of the liturgical cycle, the holiday can be celebrated without fear of sanctioning evil forces.

Today, continuing with the subject of Halloween, I am sharing another blog post, this one by Keith Karabin. He explains from a counselor's perspective how Halloween can help us get in touch with our own shadow side in a healthy way. You can read his post, "Shadowdancing: Jung's Halloween" here.

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Halloween: A Liturgical Perspective

There are some people today, particularly within the Evangelical community, who steer away from Halloween celebrations, fearing that the holiday glorifies satanic forces. That is why we see so many "Fall Festivals" at churches that do not want to use the word, "Halloween." 

Rev. Peter Cary has shared on his blog, Santos Woodcarving Popsicles, an article by Bishop Shannon Johnston, "Yes! Halloween Is Christian - Wonderfully so!" explaining how the holiday fits within the liturgical cycle of the church. Many Protestants, especially in the South, are so far removed from the liturgical calendar of the historic Christian church that they may not grasp some of their own faith heritage. Having some liturgical perspective can be helpful. You can read The Rt. Rev. Johnston's article here.

Tomorrow, tune in for a Jungian perspective of Halloween.

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