Day 1 of 7
CARL JUNG'S GUIDED MEDITATION: CREATING YOUR SACRED INNER SPACE
"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
— Carl Jung
Introduction to Sacred Space
In Jungian psychology, the concept of a sacred inner space represents a psychological sanctuary within your psyche—a place where conscious and unconscious elements can meet safely. This meditation establishes this foundational space, which will serve as your base for all future exploration and shadow work.
By creating this space, you're establishing a bridge between your conscious mind and the deeper realms of your unconscious. This practice draws from Jung's techniques of active imagination, providing structure to your inner explorations while allowing the spontaneous emergence of unconscious content.
Guided Meditation Video
Find a quiet, comfortable place before beginning this meditation.
We recommend using headphones for the best experience.
Meditation Instructions
- 1. Beginning the JourneyStart by finding a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, allowing your body to relax with each exhale. Feel yourself becoming heavier and more grounded as tension releases.
- 2. Visualizing Your EntranceImagine yourself standing before an entrance of your choosing—perhaps a door, archway, or natural formation like a cave or clearing in the woods. This entrance represents the threshold between your conscious mind and deeper psyche.
- 3. Crossing the ThresholdWhen ready, step through this entrance and find yourself in your personal sacred space. This area should feel safe, private, and somehow resonant with your true nature. Notice what appears—the environment will reflect elements of your psyche.
- 4. Exploring and ShapingTake time to explore this space, allowing details to emerge spontaneously. You may consciously shape certain aspects that feel important—perhaps adding a seat, a source of water, or symbols that hold meaning for you.
- 5. Establishing a CenterCreate or identify a central point in your sacred space—a place where future encounters and dialogues can occur. This could be a clearing, altar, fire pit, or any form that resonates with you.
- 6. Sealing the SpaceWhen your sacred space feels complete for now, create a gesture, word, or symbol that will allow you to easily return to this exact place in future meditations. This "key" establishes continuity between sessions.
- 7. ReturningGradually become aware of your physical surroundings, knowing you can return to your sacred space whenever you wish. Wiggle your fingers and toes, take a deep breath, and when ready, open your eyes.
Reflection Questions
After completing the meditation, consider these questions:
- What form did your sacred inner space take? What might this reveal about your psyche?
- Were there any unexpected elements that appeared? What might these symbolize?
- How did it feel to be in this space? Did you feel resistance or welcome?
- What aspects of the space felt most important or meaningful to you?
- What does your "key" or method of return consist of? Why might you have chosen this?
Jungian Context
Carl Jung viewed the psyche as having multiple layers, from the conscious ego to the personal and collective unconscious. Creating a sacred inner space establishes what Jung might call a "temenos"—a protected psychological container where conscious and unconscious elements can safely interact.
This practice draws on Jung's method of active imagination, which he developed as a way to engage with unconscious content in a structured yet open manner. By establishing this foundational space, you're preparing for deeper encounters with the archetypes and shadow aspects that will emerge in the coming days of this series.