Spirituality The story of Freud and Jung that made me believe in magick

[leanbo]

Used AI to summarize the story but this is basically what went down:

The Context​

• Freud (the father of psychoanalysis) was Jung’s mentor early on, but they later split over fundamental differences.
• Freud viewed the unconscious as a repository of repressed desires (mostly sexual), while Jung believed it held archetypes, spirituality, and mystical experiences.

The Paranormal Incident​

During a 1909 meeting in Vienna, Jung pressed Freud on his dismissal of the supernatural. When Freud rejected the idea outright, Jung recounts in his memoirs (Memories, Dreams, Reflections) that he felt a strange sensation:

"I had a curious sensation. It was as if my diaphragm were made of iron and were becoming red-hot—a glowing vault. And at that moment there was such a loud report in the bookcase, which stood right next to us, that we both started up in alarm."

Jung declared, "There, that is an example of a so-called catalytic exteriorization phenomenon." (Essentially, a poltergeist-like event caused by unconscious energy.)

Freud dismissed it, saying, "That is sheer bosh." Jung predicted another loud noise—and it happened again. Freud was visibly shaken.

The Aftermath​

• This moment deepened the rift between them. Freud feared Jung’s interest in the occult would discredit psychoanalysis.
• Jung saw it as proof that the psyche could influence reality—a core idea in his later work on synchronicity and the collective unconscious.
• Their relationship deteriorated, leading to Jung’s eventual break from Freudian theory.

Why It Matters​

• This story symbolizes the clash between materialist psychology (Freud) and transcendent/spiritual psychology (Jung).
• Jung’s openness to the supernatural shaped his theories on archetypes, synchronicity, and alchemy.

Freud later admitted in a letter that he wished he could believe in the occult—but his rationalism wouldn’t allow it. Jung, meanwhile, spent his life exploring the mystical dimensions of the psyche.

funny story innit

 

[EYES_OF_THE_WORLD]

Is magick actually spelled like that? I know in some JP games they have it like that but I thought the correct term for it was "magic"?

 

[Budan]

virgin freud vs chad jung

 

[somethingtobelievein]

Is magick actually spelled like that? I know in some JP games they have it like that but I thought the correct term for it was "magic"?

They do it to seem mysterious and cool.


So, basically, Jung made a prediction, which then came true, you know, like a scientific hypothesis. I think that's a great way to determine if someone knows what they're talking about or is full of it. They should be able to show the thing they claim actually happening. If they can't, or refuse, they should be totally dismissed. Good post.

So if someone is telling you about spirits but can't show you them, or tells you about spells but can't display them working, or tells you about reincarnation/soul trap theories but has nothing but conjecture to go on, or anything like that, you should not take anything they say as more than a fun fan theory about the world. Great insight.

 

[somethingtobelievein]

Used AI to summarize the story but this is basically what went down:

The Context​

• Freud (the father of psychoanalysis) was Jung’s mentor early on, but they later split over fundamental differences.
• Freud viewed the unconscious as a repository of repressed desires (mostly sexual), while Jung believed it held archetypes, spirituality, and mystical experiences.

The Paranormal Incident​

During a 1909 meeting in Vienna, Jung pressed Freud on his dismissal of the supernatural. When Freud rejected the idea outright, Jung recounts in his memoirs (Memories, Dreams, Reflections) that he felt a strange sensation:


Jung declared, "There, that is an example of a so-called catalytic exteriorization phenomenon." (Essentially, a poltergeist-like event caused by unconscious energy.)

Freud dismissed it, saying, "That is sheer bosh." Jung predicted another loud noise—and it happened again. Freud was visibly shaken.

The Aftermath​

• This moment deepened the rift between them. Freud feared Jung’s interest in the occult would discredit psychoanalysis.
• Jung saw it as proof that the psyche could influence reality—a core idea in his later work on synchronicity and the collective unconscious.
• Their relationship deteriorated, leading to Jung’s eventual break from Freudian theory.

Why It Matters​

• This story symbolizes the clash between materialist psychology (Freud) and transcendent/spiritual psychology (Jung).
• Jung’s openness to the supernatural shaped his theories on archetypes, synchronicity, and alchemy.

Freud later admitted in a letter that he wished he could believe in the occult—but his rationalism wouldn’t allow it. Jung, meanwhile, spent his life exploring the mystical dimensions of the psyche.

funny story innit

Although it's only Jung's account of things. There's no witness beside Jung. He should've gotten some more people together to witness it rather than just waiting years to put it in a memoir with a "trust me bro". But, I do like that he seems to admit you should wait to see evidence.