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&amp;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.<br />https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass<br /><br />SYMBOLISM MASTERCLASS<br />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.<br />🗓 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<br />⏰ Class Length: 3 hours each session<br />💰 Cost: $175 (Patrons at the Involved tier or higher qualify for 10% off)<br /><br />Join us for the ORTHODOX ARTS FESTIVAL, learn more here: https://www.orthodoxartsfestivaldfw.com/<br /><br />YouTube version: https://youtu.be/YArpxigY5xY?si=QrMqUuJixHQ3DnXy<br />Original video published by Jordan Peterson: https://youtu.be/ZQ43i5nKuZk?si=XB-bgj9VMc0NxBdT<br /><br />Timestamps: <br />00:00 - Introduction<br />02:01 - Intro  music<br />02:26 - Observing the observer<br />08:06 - Ritual and a return to ancient thinking<br />13:58 - Ritual in groups<br />21:34 - The argument<br />27:49 - The start of Genesis<br />36:39 - And God said<br />42:06 - Vegetation<br />44:30 - The sun, moon, and stars<br />45:49 - Creatures of the sea<br />49:32 - Animals<br />51:57 - The creation of man<br />56:28 - Genesis 2<br />59:43 - The center of the world<br />06:42 - Iconographic examples<br />12:39 - Questions from JBP<br />18:22 - Q: Elaborate on what you mean with "above" and "below"<br />20:15 - Q: Are people who try to tame wild animals violating the pattern you pointed out?<br />21:51 - Q: How sure are you of the heaven and earth distinction?<br />25:36 - Q: What's the meaning of when God says man is very good and everything else good?<br />30:03 - Comment about Jung<br />31:24 - Q: How did Darwin bring Plato back?<br />37:03 - Q: How would you work with exclusion / inclusion patterns in these times?<br />48:51 - Q: What's the intelligence of dreams?<br />51:45 - Q: If the teleological patterns of being constitute heaven, what is the abode of the human soul?<br /><br />💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com<br />🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau <br />🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe \<br />Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ <br />My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/