The Three Births

In life, we often seek to understand the deeper layers of our existence, the unseen that shape our identities, and the transformations that define our path. One of the frameworks that can shed light on this journey of our growth comes from the mind of Carl Jung. Jung’s concept with the idea of the "three births" provides a roadmap that some choose to follow to connect an understanding to their own evolution and growth, as well as the collective.

The First Birth: Physical Existence

The first birth is the one we all recognize—the physical emergence into the world. It’s the first breath, the first cry, the entry into a tangible reality. This birth is all about survival. We learn to interact with our environment, it comes with our instinctual information. It is biological with genetic expression and body function.

It’s the foundation of who we are, but not the entirety. It's easy to get stuck here, believing that our worth is defined by external achievements, relationships, and the roles we play. Yet, Jung reminds us that this is just the surface. There’s a deeper, richer journey waiting to unfold.

The Second Birth: Psychological Awakening

The second birth is where the real adventure begins. This is the birth of the psyche and the ego. The moment we start explore “self” and “I” to turn inward and explore the vast, uncharted territories of our inner world. Jung described this as the process of individuation, a journey towards becoming our perceived selves.

Individuation is messy, chaotic, and often uncomfortable. It requires us to confront our shadows—the parts of ourselves we’ve repressed, denied, or deemed unacceptable. This is where we meet our inner demons, but also where we discover our inner gold. The second birth is about integrating these aspects of ourselves, recognizing that we are complex, multifaceted beings with both light and dark sides.

The Third Birth: Spiritual Rebirth

The journey through the second and third birth in Carl Jung's framework is holds a lot of challenges for most people. It’s during this phase that we might experience a crisis, a breakdown, or a dark night of the soul. But as Jung said, “The gold is in the dark.” So as we begin to peel away the layers of conditioning we will begin to hear the whispers of our soul and to connect with our authentic self. Spiritual awakenings and dark nights of the soul (read more here) can cause many people to lose their grasp on who they are. This critical and impressionable phase often requires the guidance of a true teacher, someone who isn't there to impose their own beliefs or create a “mini-me” but who will hold space and support you as you shed the identity that no longer serve you. They see beyond your ego and help you connect with your true self, free from any external agenda or religious dogma.

This stage is incredibly vulnerable. This is a moment where it is so easy to latch onto any idea or ideals that give even a moment or promise of clarity. But, the true answer will always lay within. True spiritual birth is an internal process. It requires looking inward and engaging deeply with our psyche, and asking, "Who am I?" It's a process of becoming consciously aware of our internal world, untangling the knots created during the first and second births, releasing untrue stories we collected along the way, and integrating the fragmented parts of our identity.

In this stage, we come to realize that our individual journey is intertwined with the collective journey of humanity. We tap into archetypal energies, the universal symbols and themes that have shaped human experience across time and space. We see the interconnections within all things.

Understanding Jung’s concept of the three births can be profoundly transformative. It’s a reminder that our journey is not linear, but cyclical—a series of deaths and rebirths, each one bringing us closer to our true self. It encourages us to embrace the discomfort, the unknown, and the mysteries of our inner world. It’s important to honor each stage of our development, and to trust in the process. Remember, the journey of the soul is not about perfection, but about wholeness. It’s about integrating all parts of ourselves and recognizing the sacredness of our existence. To live from a place of love, compassion, and unity; embodying the wisdom and contributing to the evolution of the consciousness.

So, whether you find yourself in the throes of a dark night, basking in the light of self-discovery, or awakening to the divine within, know that you are exactly where you need to be. Embrace the journey, trust in the wisdom of your soul, and remember that each birth brings you closer to the essence of who you truly are.

I am honoured to support your journey home to yourself. You don't need to have all of the answers before you find your truth, just the desire to look within. I offer connection & clarity calls if you are guided to share your story, seek resources, ask questions, or see what looking together may look like.