Dancing Between Two Worlds: Jung and the Native American Soul

by Fred R. Gustafson

In this thought-provoking and sensitive book, a noted Jungian scholar explores the deepest elements in the American psyche that need healing to bring forth the best in both of the worlds we walk the highly differentiated and technologically developed Western civilization and the indigenous native "soul" that is the essence of each human being. The author demonstrates that this soul is forcefully represented in America in the experience of the Native American peoples and their relationship to the land and to the ancient "indigenous one" at the heart of our human rights. The author explores not only the best of Native American spiritual thought to rediscover that soul, but also the terrible psychic damage done to later settlers by five hundred years of violence against the original peoples. He sketches positive directions that will create a partnership between the two worlds of our past and bring them together in a "dance" that will encourage a more redemptive spiritual order.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1997

Reviews

[Preston]

An interesting novel which attempts to discuss the challenge our modern society faces when attempting to reconcile our belief in a causal system and empirical evidence with our innate desire or lack thereof to have a spiritual connection to our planet. According to the author, this "dance between two worlds" is not only a salient challenge among Native Americans, but also among most Westerners.

[Kathie Lindman]

When the craziness and greed of today gets you down, this book brings everything into perspective,.Thank you, Fred Gustafson, for sharing your insight.