This one. Yes this one. This one makes me sick. Sick to my stomach. Blue balls. Bulging asshole. Hole in the heart. Toothache. Kink in the neck. Thorn in the side. Stone in the belly. Bug in the head.
The analyzed wounds affect the wounds of the analyst.
In Greek mythology, the centaur Chiron was a “Wounded Healer”, after being poisoned with an incurable wound by one of Hercules arrows.
Jung mentioned the Chiron myth “wounding by one’s own arrow means, first of all, the state of introversion”
It is his own hurt that gives a measure of his power to heal.
Jung’s closest colleague, Marie Louise Von Franz, said “the wounded healer IS the archetype of the Self, our wholeness, the God within, and is at the bottom of all genuine healing procedures.
The concept of the wounded healer is a profound and captivating one, encompassing layers of symbolism and psychological depth. It is an artistic representation that resonates with the essence of human suffering and transformation, offering a unique perspective on the healing process.
Imagine, if you will, a bizarre and twisted artwork that beckons you with its dark nature. It emanates a certain disquiet, yet its allure is undeniable. This masterpiece, like an intoxicating elixir, stirs a whirlwind of emotions within you. It evokes a sensation that transcends the realm of the physical, infiltrating the depths of your soul.
As you stand before this creation, its visual elements confront you with a visceral impact. The vibrant yellow, a sickly hue that coils like bile, a colour that disturbs, makes the stomach churn, Its vivid presence a maddening guile, an assault on the eyes, a twist and a turn. The yellowed sun, a searing, blinding sight, its rays scorch the skin, a blistering pain, uncomfortable warmth, a relentless fight, a sickening heat that leaves no refrain.
The artwork’s form seems to contort and twist, in parts resembling the tormented image of a bulging, wounded anus—a metaphorical representation of the hidden pain we carry within.
Yet, amidst this discomfort, a peculiar beauty emerges—a beauty that stems from acknowledging our own wounds, no matter how deep or unhealed they may be. This transformative process is symbolized by the presence of a hole in the heart, a reminder of the vulnerability that lies at the core of our being. It echoes the sensation of a persistent toothache, an ache that cannot be ignored, forcing us to confront our own fragility.
Within this tapestry of pain and affliction, a surreal imagery unfolds. Like a thorn embedded in our side, it provokes a constant awareness of our own limitations and the obstacles we must overcome. It represents the weight of a stone in our belly, an ever-present burden that pushes us to explore the depths of our psyche.
In delving deeper into the concept of the wounded healer, we encounter the mythological figure, a centaur from Greek mythology. Chiron, known as the “Wounded Healer,” suffered an incurable wound inflicted by Hercules’ arrow [1]. This mythological tale symbolizes the wounded healer’s journey—a transformative process born out of personal suffering.
Drawing from the wisdom of renowned psychologist Carl Jung, we unravel the significance of the wounded healer archetype. Jung described the state of introversion as being wounded by one’s own arrow, implying that our inner wounds hold a profound transformative power [2]. It is through our own experiences of pain and suffering that we gain insight and empathy, allowing us to become healers ourselves.
Marie Louise Von Franz, a close colleague of Jung, further expands on this concept by describing the wounded healer as the archetype of the Self, our inherent wholeness, and the divine essence within us [3]. This archetype lies at the core of genuine healing procedures, guiding us towards self-discovery and profound transformation.
Returning to your personal encounter with the artwork, it becomes evident why it occupies such a significant place in your life. It acts as a mirror, reflecting your own wounds and insecurities back to you. It confronts you with uncomfortable questions, delving into the depths of your relationships, fears, and neurotic nature. Like a brazen interlocutor, it dares you to face your vulnerabilities head-on.
This dialogue with the wounded healer artwork is an intimate and challenging process. It pushes you beyond your comfort zone, instilling a sense of fear and unease. Yet, within that discomfort lies the seed of profound growth and healing. It is no wonder that after engaging with this masterpiece, you find yourself in need of respite—a well-deserved rest to integrate the emotions and insights it has stirred within you.
Note:
This it one of my most important pieces. It is the loudest work, speaking to me without initiation. As soon as I sit beside it a dialogue begins. It is the only work that asks questions of me directly. Usually I’m the one to enquire. It asks difficult questions, about my relationships, about my fears and about my neurotic nature. It is rude and blunt and forward. It often scares the shit out of me and after working on it I need a nap.
