The New Golden Age: Individuation in Old Age and Preparation for Death

AbstractThis article explores preparation for death from a depth psychological perspective, drawing deeply on Jung’s concept of individuation, and circumambulates the question of whether there is life after death. Preparing for death when one is advanced in years demands a recognition that the role of the Self has been to ultimately become a vehicle that carries us over the threshold into the afterlife. As part of this process, the unconscious attempts to present material relevant to an understanding of death via dreams and synchronistic events. In addition to relating my own dreams that are relevant to the matter, I draw upon the writings of Jung, von Franz, and Edinger, among others, to support my hypothesis. Some mythological and religious sources are also included, such as the myth of Philemon and Baucis, leading me to the conclusion that in order to be prepared for life after death, the ego must strengthen its relationship with the unconscious. Additional informationNotes on contributorsJames BrandenburgA graduate of the Center for Research and Training in Depth Psychology according to C. G. Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz, James Brandenburg was a Jungian analyst in private practice in Denver, Colorado, and a member of the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado. His book about women’s individuation, using material that was included in this article, is forthcoming from Chiron in 2023. His chapter, “Redeeming Mary Magdalene: Feminine Side of the Death and Resurrection Archetype,” appears in Wisdom has Built her House: Psychological Aspects of the Feminine. His book is War of the Ancient Dragon: Transformation of Violence in Sandplay.