The Individuated Bookshelf: Books for the Inner Journey – Details, episodes & analysis

Uncover the Journey of the Feminine Archetype through Time

In this episode, Jay and Béa discuss the myth of Inanna, the two Venuses, and the evolution of the feminine archetype across various cultures and eras. They initiate the conversation with an in-depth exploration of Inanna's myth, drawing parallels with the movie Barbie while emphasizing the continual relevance and transformative power of this ancient archetype. They also explore how Venus, a symbol of beauty and love, has transformed from an androgynous warrior to an emblem of love and connection. Finally, they discuss the need to shift from the binary perception of such themes towards viewing them as ongoing, transformative stories that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of gender. Book Discussed: Descent to the Goddess, Sylvia Brinton Perera

 

In this episode, Jay and Béa explore the many dimensions healing can take. There seems to be a lot of attention placed on the notion of healing in the public sphere but what does this look like? Is it possible to ever fully heal? And if so, what modalities can help us on this journey?  Authors and books mentioned: Dr. Gabor Maté [The Myth of Normal]; Marion Woodman "Addiction to Perfection". Books we recommend: "Waking the Tiger", Peter Levine: "The Body Keeps the Score", Bessel van der Kolk. 

 

Song: "The Gathering" Jay Redelsperger

 

Books discussed in this episode: The Gnostic Gospels, Elaine Pagels; The Gnostic Jung, Stephan Hoeller; Answer to Job, CG Jung. Music: Sigur Rós, Björk, Radiohead. Béa laments the burning of the library at Alexandria and Jay explores the notion of mystery and how it applies to music. Song: This 'Ol World from Jay's album, Harvesting James. You can find Jay's music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and all other music distribution services.

 

 

 

 

In this episode, Béa and Jay explore the concept of the descent through the book recommended: The Descent of the Goddess by Sylvia Brinton Perera. Is the descent necessary? What does it entail? What does a descent look like when you choose to go willingly? 

In this episode, Béa and Jay discuss what they love the most--books and music. Both make recommendations for books/music you must read/listen to and why; books/music they are currently reading and listening to; and how this is all translating creatively. Themes that come up are: shadow work, the Apollonian and the Dionysian in music and how a book can change the course of your life. ​The song used in this episode is  "The Gathering" from  Jay's new [as yet untitled] album.   Links from the Episode abebooks.com [used books] Books Recommendations: Meeting the Shadow, Connie Zweig Pedro Páramo, Juan Rulfo   Music Recommendations: Beatles, Revolver The Doors , Albums: The Doors, Strange Days   Other books/music mentioned: The Call of Destiny, J. Gary Sparks One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez Gabriel García Márquez – A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings | Genius Music: Interpol Angel Olsen the Moth and the Flame   Link to Jay's GOFUNDME campaign: Fundraiser by Jay Redelsperger : Fund my 2nd album. (gofundme.com)   Link to Béa's new novel on Amazon.com: Invocation: Gonzalez, Béa: 9781738762309: Amazon.com: Books on Barnes and Noble: Invocation by Béa Gonzalez, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

In this episode, Jay interviews Béa about the SophiaCycles project --- the group that has been running for fifteen years. They discuss how it was formed and why, the importance of dream interpretation to the group, the public program that will launch in April, and how to set up a similar group for those who may be interested.  We also discuss something that has troubled us for some time---who "owns" Jung? Is it all about the theory, or do our inner worlds matter most? The song used in this episode is "Feels like Green" from Jay's album, "Harvesting James."

In this episode, Béa and Jay explore the "anxiety of influence" by looking at those writers and musicians who have inspired them. They also discuss what works survive the test of time and why. Finally, they also explain how their own artistic work has changed over time and what recurring themes they see appearing there.  The song featured in this episode is "And the Angels now are Singing" from Jay's album "Harvesting James." Jay has a GOFUNDME campaign running to fund new music. If you like his work, please consider donating at Fundraiser by Jay Redelsperger : Fund my 2nd album. (gofundme.com).  Béa's new novel is called Invocation and you can find information about it here: Bea Gonzalez Sophiacycles

Béa and Jay explore the individuation process using the film “The King of California” and the novel “Don Quijote” as examples of what this journey looks like. They also discuss Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey and how misunderstandings have been created around what that means. Other works mentioned include: “Searching for Sugarman”  “Star Wars” and “The Matrix.”

Song: Hippie with a Cellphone from Jay's album, “Harvesting James”.

If you like Jay’s music, please visit his GoFundMe page where he is raising money to go back into the studio and make more of it. Here is the link: Fundraiser by Jay Redelsperger : Fund my 2nd album. (gofundme.com)

Béa has a new novel out and if you like what is discussed here, you might find it of interest. All the information can be found here: Bea Gonzalez Sophiacycles

Béa and Jay explore the concept of the shadow and how it appears in our lives. They examine the difficulties encountered by people living in a culture that does not match their orientation as extraverts/introverts. They also discuss how the shadow shows up during the mid-life transition. Other subjects: the body in exile, music as a form of catharsis and how to approach the third act. Works mentioned: The Stages of Life, CG Jung; Once Upon a Mid-life, Allan B. Chinen; Owning your own Shadow, Robert A. Johnson; A Little Book on the Human Shadow, Robert Bly; The Moonlit Path: Reflections on the Dark Feminine, Fred Gustafson. Song: I Never Asked, Jay Redelsperger from the album "Harvesting James".

In this episode, Jay and Béa tackle the thorny issue of romantic love and its many facets. Works mentioned include: He, She, We by Robert A Johnson and The Eden Project, James Hollis. They weave their way through notions of love as they emerged during the Middle Ages through the Celtic myths--in particular, Tristan and Isolde, and in the tradition of courtly love. Did romantic love play a role in the development of the individual in the West as Joseph Campbell argued? How do we transform these feelings of longing so relationships are not burdened with unrealistic expectations? They then explore the many shapes the anima and animus take and explore how these figures have appeared and matured in their own work.